cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of lovastatin on expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells

Effects of lovastatin on expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells. Background The sequential appearance of cyclins D and E is thought to initiate subsequent DNA synthesis in proliferating cells. Previous studies have reported that DNA synthesis in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was suppressed by the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin. The effects of lovastatin on cell cycle regulatory proteins in proliferating VSMCs, however, are largely unknown. Thus, we investigated the sequential expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, CDK2, and p27Kip1 in cultured rat VSMCs stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB in the presence or absence of lovastatin. Methods Quiescent VSMCs, with and without lovastatin (20 μ M) pretreatment for nine hours, were stimulated by PDGF-BB (25 ng/ml). The incorporation of tritiated thymidine was done to assess DNA synthesis. VSMC lysates were obtained every 6 hours for up to 36 hours after stimulation and were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis using relevant polyclonal antibodies. Autoradiograms were analyzed using a densitometer. Results The peak expression of cyclins D1 and E occurred at 18 and 30 hours of PDGF stimulation, respectively. Concomitant expression of CDK4 and CDK2 was also observed. The expression of p27Kip1, by contrast, was reduced in association with DNA synthesis. Lovastatin suppressed DNA synthesis and reduced the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E, whereas p27Kip1 expression was strongly induced by lovastatin pretreatment. CDK4 and CDK2 expression was unaffected by lovastatin treatment. Conclusions PDGF-BB induces cyclins D1 and E prior to the onset of DNA synthesis in VSMCs. Lovastatin may suppress DNA synthesis in VSMCs by inducing p27Kip1 and reducing expression of cyclins D1 and E.
Interhospital transfer for early revascularization in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock—a report from the SHould we revascularize Occluded Coronaries for cardiogenic shocK? (SHOCK) trial and registry

Background Early revascularization (ERV) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) reduces mortality rates. Patients admitted to hospitals without revascularization capability have high mortality rates and are not often transferred for ERV. Methods Transfer and direct-admit patients with STEMI from the SHOCK Trial and Registry with left ventricular failure (N = 969) were analyzed to determine benefit of ERV in transfer patients. Results Transfer patients (46%) were younger and less likely to have prior hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. They received more aggressive treatment, were revascularized later after CS (median 7.3 vs 3.9 hours, P = .0002), and had similar adjusted inhospital mortality compared with direct-admit patients (55% vs 56%). Inhospital mortality was lower in ERV than no/late revascularization (41% vs 53%, P = .017 for transfer patients; 55% vs 71%, P = .0003 for direct-admit patients). Multiple logistic regression showed that inhospital mortality was associated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.50 per decade increase, 95% CI 1.31-1.73, P P P = .040), and ERV (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.96, P = .028), but not transfer admission (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.86-1.74, P = .26). Conclusions Despite longer time to treatment, transfer patients are a selected population with similar adjusted inhospital mortality and ERV benefit as direct-admit patients. Selected patients with STEMI and CS admitted to hospitals without revascularization capability should be transferred to centers with revascularization capability for immediate angiography.
Contextual Cueing Effects Across the Lifespan

The authors evaluated age-related variations in contextual cueing, which reflects the extent to which visuospatial regularities can facilitate search for a target. Previous research produced inconsistent results regarding contextual cueing effects in young children and in older adults, and no study has investigated the phenomenon across the life span. Three groups (6, 20, and 70 years old) were compared. Participants located a designated target stimulus embedded in a context of distractor stimuli. During exposure, the location of the target could be predicted from the location of the distracters in each display. During test, these predictable displays were intermixed with new displays that did not predict the target location. Response times to locating predictable relative to unpredictable targets were compared. All groups exhibited facilitation effects greater than 0 (95% CIs [.02, .11], d = .4; [.01, .12], d = .4; and [.01, .10], d = .4, for the children, young adults, and older adults, respectively) indicating that contextual cueing is robust across a wide age range. The relative magnitude of contextual cueing effects was essentially identical across the age range tested, F(2, 103) = 1.71, eta rho2 = .02. The authors argue that a mechanism that uses environmental covariation is available to all age ranges, but the expression of the contextual cueing may depend on the way it is measured.
Measurement of condensate- and smoke-causing emissions from automotive paints and sealers

Two major problems that periodically arise during the surface coating of automobiles are oven plume opacity (smoke that violates local opacity ordinances) and oven condensate that can drip on cars and leave an oily residue. Both of these problems are caused by the evaporation of semi-volatile organic compounds in bake ovens. A new test procedure has been developed to standardize the analysis and reporting of condensate/smoke-causing compounds that are emitted from paint, sealer, and coating materials when they are baked. Use of this test will allow identification and quantification of potential sources of condensate, smoke, and opacity in the laboratory. The information is essential to material suppliers and formulators, and to users who prescreen materials in order to avoid costly problems in production.
Calculation of the point source effective collimator aperture for collimated x-ray and γ-ray telescopes

Abstract Techniques for calculating the energy dependent near and distant point source effective collimator aperture of a collimated detector have been developed. The results are found to be in good agreement with the experimentally determined values from a shielded γ-ray telescope.
Budget Deficits and Interest Rates: Reply to Spiro

IN THIS issue, Spiro (1990) finds evidence that supports the hypothesis that "higher government debt contributes to higher interest rates." He also suggests that I concluded (Findlay (1990)) that the effects of deficits on interest rates remain, as Spiro (1987, p. 403) himself noted, as "elusive as ever." He further suggests that the situation is "not as bleak as my assessment appears [emphasis added] to make it." Apparently I was not as clear as I should have been. The purpose of this reply is to clarify my earlier conclusions and to offer several additional observations.
Long-term fluctuation of relative afferent pupillary defect in subjects with normal visual function.

Purpose To determine whether the relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) remains constant over time in normal subjects. Methods Seventeen normal subjects were tested with infrared pupillography and automated perimetry in four sessions over 3 years. The changes in RAPD and visual field asymmetry between testing sessions were compared. Results The range of RAPD was 0.0 to 0.3 log unit, and the difference in the mean deviation between the eyes on automated static perimetry was 0 to 3 dB. Eight subjects repeatedly had an RAPD in the same eye. There was no correlation between the RAPD and the visual field asymmetry at the same visit. Changes in the magnitude of the RAPD between any two sessions were typically small (median, 0.08 log unit; 25th percentile, 0.04 log unit; 75th percentile, 0.15 log unit). Conclusions Some normal subjects may show a persistent but small RAPD in the absence of detectable pathologic disease. Therefore, an isolated RAPD in the range of 0.3 log unit that is not associated with any other significant historical or clinical finding should probably be considered benign.
Affinity-based release of glial-derived neurotrophic factor from fibrin matrices enhances sciatic nerve regeneration☆

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes both sensory and motor neuron survival. The delivery of GDNF to the peripheral nervous system has been shown to enhance regeneration following injury. In this study, we evaluated the effect of affinity-based delivery of GDNF from a fibrin matrix in a nerve guidance conduit on nerve regeneration in a 13 mm rat sciatic nerve defect. Seven experimental groups were evaluated which received GDNF or nerve growth factor (NGF) with the delivery system within the conduit, control groups excluding one or more components of the delivery system, and nerve isografts. Nerves were harvested 6 weeks after treatment for analysis by histomorphometry and electron microscopy. The use of the delivery system (DS) with either GDNF or NGF resulted in a higher frequency of nerve regeneration vs. control groups, as evidenced by a neural structure spanning the 13 mm gap. The GDNF DS and NGF DS groups were also similar to the nerve isograft group in measures of nerve fiber density, percent neural tissue and myelinated area measurements, but not in terms of total fiber counts. In addition, both groups contained a significantly greater percentage of larger diameter fibers, with GDNF DS having the largest in comparison to all groups, suggesting more mature neural content. The delivery of GDNF via the affinity-based delivery system can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration through a silicone conduit across a critical nerve gap and offers insight into potential future alternatives to the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
Software Accuracy-Based Sensor Network Design and Upgrade in Process Plants

In this paper we present a new method for linear and nonlinear sensor network design with applications to variable estimation based on the use of accuracy and residual accuracy. Accuracy has been shown recently to be a better substitute for existing data-reconciliation network properties, such as precision, residual precision, gross error detectability and resilience as pointed out in our previous works (the first two references). We explore the numerical difficulties associated to different ways of calculating accuracy and different methods used to optimize the cost.
Water-melt interaction in hydrous magmatic systems at high temperature and pressure

Experimental data on the structure and properties of melts and fluids relevant to water-melt interaction in hydrous magmatic systems in the Earth's interior have been reviewed. Complex relationships between water solubility in melts and their bulk composition [Al/Si-ratio, metal oxide/(Al + Si) and electron properties of metal cations] explain why water solubility in felsic magmas such as those of rhyolite and andesite composition is significantly greater than the water solubility in basalt melts. The silicate solubility in aqueous fluid is also significantly dependent on composition with metal oxide/(Al + Si) and electron properties of the metal cations, the dominant variables. Hydrogen bonding is not important in hydrous fluids and melts at temperatures above 500°C to 550°C and does not, therefore, play a role in hydrous magmatic systems. The properties of hydrous melts and aqueous solutions are governed by how the silicate speciation (Q n species, where n is the number of bridging oxygen in an individual species) varies with bulk composition, silicate composition, temperature, and pressure. The reactions that describe the interactions are similar in melts, fluids, and supercritical fluids. The degree of melt polymerization caused by dissolved water varies with melt composition and total water content. Silicate- and alkali-rich felsic magmatic melts are more sensitive to water content than more mafic magmas. Transport and configurational properties of hydrous magmatic melts can be modeled with the aid of the Q n speciation variations. Liquidus and melting phase relations of hydrous systems also can be described in such terms, as can minor and trace element partition coefficients. Stable isotope fractionation (e.g., D/H) can also be rationalized in this manner. Critical to these latter observations is the high silicate concentration in aqueous fluids. These components can enhance solubility of minor and trace elements by orders of magnitude and change the speciation of H and D complexes so that their fractionation factors change quite significantly. Data from pure silicate-H2O systems cannot be employed for these purposes.
Transmit beamforming for MIMO radar systems using partial signal correlation

Proposed next-generation radar systems have multiple transmit apertures with complete flexibility in the choice of the signals transmitted at each aperture. Here we propose the use of multiple signals with arbitrary cross-correlation matrix R and show that R can be chosen to achieve or approximate a desired spatial transmit beampattern. This leads to the constrained optimization problem of the finding the value of the R, which causes the true transmit beampattern to be close in some sense to a desired beam-pattern. This is approached using a gradient search in the space of Cholesky factors of R.
Incremental Rehearsal: A Flashcard Drill Technique for Increasing Retention of Reading Words

This article describes the incremental rehearsal technique, a flashcard procedure that builds word reading fluency and retention skills for struggling readers. The technique consists of interspersing a 10% to 90% ratio of unknown to known words. The repeated presentation of unknown words with known words likely motivates struggling readers to practice reading unknown words when they are interspersed with words they can read. The repeated exposures of unknown words provide students with ample opportunities to acquire, become fluent in, and to retain these words. This article illustrates the use of this technique with 10 second graders who were receiving special reading services at school. The article concludes with advantages and various suggestions for implementing the incremental rehearsal technique in the classroom.
Is More Fairness Always Preferred? Self-Esteem Moderates Reactions to Procedural Justice

Organizational justice researchers have demonstrated that employees are more committed to organizations they believe treat them fairly. Drawing on self-verification theory, five studies showed that...
Correlations of life-history and distributional-range variation with salamander diversification rates: evidence for species selection.

Evolutionary biologists have long debated the relative influence of species selection on evolutionary patterns. As a test, we apply a statistical phylogenetic approach to evaluate the influence of traits related to species distribution and life-history characteristics on patterns of diversification in salamanders. We use independent contrasts to test trait- mediated diversification while accommodating phylogenetic uncertainty in relationships among all salamander families. Using a neontological data set, we find several species-level traits to be variable, heritable, and associated with differential success (i.e., higher diversification rates) at higher taxonomic categories. Specifically, the macroecological trait of small geographic-range size is strongly correlated with a higher rate of net diversification. We further consider the role that plasticity in life-history traits appears to fulfill in macroevolutionary processes of lineage divergence and durability. We find that pedotypy—wherein some, but not all, organisms of a species mature in the gilled form without metamorphosing—is also associated with higher net diversification rate than is the absence of developmental plasticity. Often dismissed as an insignificant process in evolution, we provide direct evidence for the role of species selection in lineage diversification of salamanders. (Geographic range; heterochrony; pedomorphosis; pedomorphy; phylogenetic heritability; species sorting.)
Genealogical trees, coalescent theory and the analysis of genetic polymorphisms

Improvements in genotyping technologies have led to the increased use of genetic polymorphism for inference about population phenomena, such as migration and selection. Such inference presents a challenge, because polymorphism data reflect a unique, complex, non-repeatable evolutionary history. Traditional analysis methods do not take this into account. A stochastic process known as the 'coalescent' presents a coherent statistical framework for analysis of genetic polymorphisms.
Static Analysis of Random Telegraph Noise in a 45-nm Channel Length Conventional MOSFET Device: Threshold Voltage and ON-Current Fluctuations

In this paper, we investigate the threshold voltage and ON-current fluctuations due to the presence of charged traps located in the middle portion of the channel when the trap is moved from the source end to the drain end of the channel in a 45-nm technology node device with an effective channel length of 35 nm. Our thorough investigations suggest that the threshold voltage fluctuation and its standard deviation are much larger than the ON-current fluctuation since in the ON-state screening effectively reduces the strength of the trap Coulomb potential, which is not the case in the OFF-state. We believe that this is a first study that simultaneously investigates the effects of random dopant and random telegraph noise fluctuations that utilizes particle-based device simulators that correctly account for the long-range and the short-range Coulomb interaction. Unique feature of the approach is the proper incorporation, in a self-consistent manner, of the short-range Coulomb interaction via the real-space molecular dynamics routine. Indeed, Vasileska has pioneered this technique back in 1996. We also find that studies that do not account for the short-range Coulomb interaction correctly miss important feature that the threshold voltage standard deviations are not independent upon the position of the trap in the channel but are strongly correlated with it when the trap is located in the middle section of the source end of the channel. This suggests that an approach that correctly accounts for the short-range Coulomb interaction is a must when modeling either random dopant or random trap fluctuations in both the threshold voltage and the ON-current.
The Succinyl and Acetyl Modifications of Succinoglycan Influence Susceptibility of Succinoglycan to Cleavage by the Rhizobium meliloti Glycanases ExoK and ExsH

In Rhizobium meliloti (Sinorhizobium meliloti) cultures, the endo-1,3-1,4-β-glycanases ExoK and ExsH depolymerize nascent high-molecular-weight (HMW) succinoglycan to yield low-molecular-weight (LMW) succinoglycan. We report here that the succinyl and acetyl modifications of succinoglycan influence the susceptibility of succinoglycan to cleavage by these glycanases. It was previously shown that exoH mutants, which are blocked in the succinylation of succinoglycan, exhibit a defect in the production of LMW succinoglycan. We have determined that exoZ mutants, which are blocked in the acetylation of succinoglycan, exhibit an increase in production of LMW succinoglycan. For both wild-type and exoZ mutant strains, production of LMW succinoglycan is dependent on the exoK+ and exsH+ genes, implying that the ExoK and ExsH glycanases cleave HMW succinoglycan to yield LMW succinoglycan. By supplementing cultures of glycanase-deficient strains with exogenously added ExoK or ExsH, we have demonstrated directly that the absence of the acetyl group increases the susceptibility of succinoglycan to cleavage by ExoK and ExsH, that the absence of the succinyl group decreases the susceptibility of succinoglycan to cleavage, and that the succinyl effect outweighs the acetyl effect for succinoglycan lacking both modifications. Strikingly, nonsuccinylated succinoglycan actually can be cleaved by ExoK and ExsH to yield LMW succinoglycan, but only when the glycanases are added to cultures at greater than physiologically relevant concentrations. Thus, we conclude that the molecular weight distribution of succinoglycan in R. meliloti cultures is determined by both the levels of ExoK and ExsH glycanase expression and the susceptibility of succinoglycan to cleavage.
Inflation Targeting in Practice: A Survey

Since its first introduction in New Zealand in 1990, inflation targeting has been successfully adopted in several industrialized countries-Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Australia in the early 1990s; and Iceland and Norway a decade later. More recently, several emerging market economies (Mexico, Israel, Chile, and Brazil among them) have tried to move in the same direction. I have performed a cross-country comparison of the application of inflation targeting framework. Reviewing case studies and empirical evidence from the past twenty years, I present and summarize the most recent results and practical issues experienced by the emerging market economies, as well as the necessary steps that should be considered to ensure a successful implementation.
Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for analysis of conductance correlations involved in recovery of bursting after neuromodulator deprivation in lobster stomatogastric neuron models

Neurons in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion (STG) receive neuromodulatory inputs from higher centers through the stomatogastric nerve (stn). After the stn is cut or blocked, the stereotypical bursting activity of the system ceases, as STG neurons initially lose their activity pattern. Interestingly, however, the neurons typically recover their function within 24 to 96 hours and again exhibit activity similar to that in intact STGs [1]. This phenomenon is seen across different species (e.g., lobsters, crabs, etc.) and various neuron types (e.g., intrinsically bursting and spiking neurons). One possible explanation for its occurrence is coregulation of ionic current levels, and specifically the changes that appear to take place in such relationships in response to deafferentation (i.e., neuromodulator deprivation) [2]. Although the interaction between deafferentation, function recovery, and coregulation of ionic currents is under active research, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we propose a computational approach to study these phenomena in two very important STG neurons: the anterior burster (AB) and pyloric dilator (PD), which together form the pacemaking kernel in the pyloric central pattern generator (CPG), which drives the tri-phasic rhythmic activity of the pyloric network. As the starting point in our study, we use the hand-tuned AB and PD Hodgkin-Huxley-type conductance-based models proposed in [3]. We define a parameter search space centered around those models by extending the ranges of the values for each of the parameters (12 for AB and 11 for PD) to -100% and +400% of the original hand-tuned values. We then utilize multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEA) to explore the parameter space in search of models that exhibit electrical activity resembling that of neurons in presence of neuromodulation, despite being simulated without it (which is achieved by the removal of the modulatory proctolin current in the AB model, and a decrease in the maximum membrane conductance of the calcium currents in the PD model, as described in [3]). Specifically, we look at the period, burst duration, spike and slow wave amplitude, number of spikes per burst, spike frequency, and after-hyperpolarization potential, etc., which all constitute separate objectives in the MOEA, and must be within limits determined in physiological experiments for a model to be deemed acceptable. We consider such models to represent "recovered" neurons, as they function despite neuromodulation deprivation [4]. We then explore the model parameter search space for relationships between the parameter values (i.e., maximum membrane conductances) for the AB and PD neurons in isolation, as well as the entire pacemaker.
The Evaluation of the Subtle Effects of Image Pre-Processing Levels and View Angles for Image Classification

This research examines the influence of pre-processing (gross-geometric correction) levels on the products derived from satellite based remotely sensed data. Methods developed to correct satellite track and view angle have been ignored as a component of the classification process. Consequently, classification methods typically followed obscure the variation possible within the data and may ultimately fail to meet the potential utility of the data. Data acquisition from the SPOT HRV sensor follows specific collection requirements including view angle and geographic location. After pre-processing to Level 1A and Level 1B products, the influences of processing level and view angle on classification results are statistically evaluated. The goals of the research are (1); to show that pre-processing level has a direct impact on the results obtained through traditional classification and modeling techniques; (2) develop statistical tests for modeling the results of very similar data; and (3) improve awareness of the ramifications of pre-processing level selection. By recreating the series of tests historically used to justify ignoring image preprocessing and basic image characteristics, this paper demonstrates that traditional image based statistical methods for classification mask the result modifying effects of view angle and preprocessing on classification results. The author then proposes and demonstrates alternative statistical tests to prove that traditional unsupervised classification methods are directly impacted by these basic image characteristics.
Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1, a Novel Secreted Protein in Injured and Diseased Arteries, Inhibits Collagen Expression and Promotes Cell Migration

Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (Cthrc1) was identified in a screen for differentially expressed sequences in balloon-injured versus normal arteries. Cthrc1 expression was not detectable in normal arteries. However, on injury it was transiently expressed by fibroblasts of the remodeling adventitia and by smooth muscle cells of the neointima. It was also found in the matrix of calcifying human atherosclerotic plaques. CTHRC1 is a secreted 28-kDa protein that is glycosylated and highly conserved from lower chordates to mammals. A short collagen motif with 12 Gly-X-Y repeats appears to be responsible for trimerization of the protein and this renders the molecule susceptible to cleavage by collagenase. Cthrc1 mRNA expression levels are increased in response to transforming growth factor-β and bone morphogenetic protein-4. Cell migration assays performed with CTHRC1-overexpressing fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells demonstrate that increased CTHRC1 levels are associated with enhanced migratory abili...
An Antarctic oceanographic section along 170°E☆

Abstract The circulation pattern of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters is strongly influenced by the complex marine topography south of New Zealand. The distribution of water characteristics indicates that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current undergoes intense wave-like migrations, which may be transient in nature, apparently associated with the Macquarie Ridge and Campbell Plateau. The bulk of the circumpolar current transport flows eastward over the northern flank of the mid-ocean ridge, but a strong, apparently jet-like, current exists around the periphery of the Campbell Plateau. The water column of the upper 1000 m possesses much thermohaline complex structure on vertical scales of 20–200 m in the Polar Front zone along 170°E from 56 to 62°S. South of 62°S the water column is well stratified with a strong temperature minimum at 100 m, while north of 56°S is the well-mixed, thick, Sub-Antarctic Surface Water. The geostrophic volume transport relative to the deepest common depth of station pairs, is 135 × 10 6 m 3 s −1 . The bottom velocities are not zero and the actual transport is quite different from the baroclinic transport. Bottom current (100 m above the sea floor) at 56°S average, for a three-day period, is 29 cm s −1 towards 065° T. Using this for geostrophic reference suggests that the current around the Campbell Plateau periphery has a surface zonal velocity of 1·5 knots.
Ultrasound for Prostate Biopsy

The evaluation of prostatic conditions prior to the advent of sonographic techniques relied on palpation of the gland and “blind” sampling techniques via needle aspiration and biopsy. With the development of B-mode ultrasound in the 1950s, and probes capable of providing images to the clinician in real-time gray-scale ultrasound became the standard method of prostate imaging for most prostate conditions. The position of the prostate in the pelvis, tucked as it were beneath the pubis and anterior to the rectum, lends itself to the application of a transrectal approach. The transrectal approach to imaging the gland has become the standard of care for diagnostic evaluation of prostatic conditions, prostate biopsy, and therapeutic approaches to prostate cancer.
Effect of CCL2 on survival of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells via inhibition of apoptosis

e22176 Background: The cytokine CCL2 (Chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2 or monocyte chemo attractant protein-1 MCP-1) has been shown to play an important role in breast cancer progression by promoting...
The Commitment Dimension

With the end of hostility between sociology and organized religion came a new, perhaps equally serious, obstacle to a thorough analysis of the institution of religion. As they left their polemics behind, sociologists tended to limit their study to the quantifiable aspects of religion rather than the "meaning" of it, to description rather than to understanding and explanation. We must move on from the analytic levels of religious identification and participation to that of commitment, for it is here that the religious factor becomes most relevant to social behavior; and in so doing, we must structure our research to cope with this difficult dimension.
MBE Grown InN: A Novel THz Emitter

Strong optically excited terahertz emission has been observed from InN thin films. The emission mechanism has been determined to be photocarrier acceleration. This observation implies that InN has a bandgap smaller than 1.5 eV.
Evaluation: it makes a difference.

This case study relates how evaluation was important in the evolution of the Teen Services Program at Grady Memorial Hospital Atlanta Georgia a program set up in conjunction with Emory University. As part of a conference address it is directed to efforts focusing on low income black youth. The teen program approach uses case management with counselors trained in youth social work in the delivery of family planning services tailored to the special needs of adolescents. Services usually begin when the young person is pregnant. A description of features which distinguish the programs is provided for the family planning component the initial outreach program in the public schools for human sexuality education the redesigned outreach education program and the development of new curriculum materials based on evaluation reports which emphasize postponing sexual involvement and using older youth to positively influence younger youth in making responsible decisions. The Teen Services Program for example provides 3-month followup until the student is finished school which originally was a 1-year followup. During the 1970s the expansion of the program into public health and sex education occurred; all 8th graders received instructional resources and much attention was devoted to correcting misinformation. Evaluation in the early 1980s found higher levels of knowledge and risks of sexual involvement among students compared with neighboring school systems of higher socioeconomic status. The knowledge behavior connection had not been bridged yet however. Another evaluation was conducted on patient satisfaction with in-hospital services and in smoking prevention among youth. The most frequent need revealed in the survey was how to say no without hurting someones feelings. The need became apparent that those not desiring sexual intercourse were without services. A revised program was instituted and the findings showed that after 1 1/2 years there was a 33% reduction in sexual involvement for boys and girls and a greater likelihood of using contraceptives. Hospitals records also revealed a reduction by 33% of births among low income youth. 1 in 10 children before the 8th grade had had intercourse and those sexually involved were also more likely to be smoking and drinking. A new effort is underway to involve parents in communicating important messages. Evaluation helped to distinguish between those features of the program that worked from those that did not. It increased cooperation and commitment and innovative and multiple approaches. Commitment or staying power was increased as well as understanding the breadth and depth of the issues and the need for total community involvement.
Intrinsic nanotwin effect on thermal boundary conductance in bulk and single-nanowire twinning superlattices

Coherent twin boundaries form periodic lamellar twinning in a wide variety of semiconductor nanowires, and they are often viewed as near-perfect interfaces with reduced phonon and electron scattering behaviors. Such unique characteristics are of practical interest for high-performance thermoelectrics and optoelectronics; however, insufficient understanding of twin-size effects on thermal boundary resistance poses significant limitations for potential applications. Here, using atomistic simulations and ab initio calculations, we report direct computational observations showing a crossover from diffuse interface scattering to superlatticelike behavior for thermal transport across nanoscale twin boundaries present in prototypical bulk and nanowire Si examples. Intrinsic interface scattering is identified for twin periods $\ensuremath{\ge}22.6$ nm, but it also vanishes below this size to be replaced by ultrahigh Kapitza thermal conductances. Detailed analysis of vibrational modes shows that modeling twin boundaries as atomically thin $6H\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}$ layers, rather than phonon scattering interfaces, provides an accurate description of effective cross-plane and in-plane thermal conductivities in twinning superlattices, as a function of the twin period thickness.
SYNTHESIS OF A NOVEL GEMINI SURFACTANT

Gemini surfactant is a new type of surfactant, which is made up of two identical amphiphilic moieties covalently connected to the level of the head group by a spacer group. As a result, the separation between the polar head groups within Gemini surfactants is strongly decreased when they aggregate and furthermore the surface activity is greatly enhanced. Compared with general surfactants, introduction of Gemini surfactants is a breakthrough in concept. Therefore Gemini surfactants were reputed as a new generation of surfactants. An easy synthesis method of a novel Gemini surfactant is reviewed by the alkanization of tertiary amine and the proton transfer reaction between multiple isocyanate and reagent containing active hydrogen. The structure is analyzed by IR test and surface-active property is determined. Results show that the surfactant has unique structure and possess excellent surface-active properties.
Surface spectroscopy: Between a rock and a soft place

The critical step in water splitting is the formation of a peroxo bond; the mechanism, thought to involve oxyl radical formation, remains elusive. Now, experiments reveal a distinct bond vibration directly connected to an oxyl radical that is simultaneously coupled to both the semiconductor electronic states and the motion of the surrounding water.
Progress in the control of acute and delayed emesis induced by cisplatin

Ondansetron, a new 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, has been compared with high-dose metoclopramide in the control of acute emesis (24 h) induced by cisplatin (greater than or equal to 100 mg/m2). Ondansetron, given as three intravenous doses (0.15 mg/kg) 4-hourly, was superior to six intravenous doses of metoclopramide (2.0 mg/kg) in the control of acute emesis. Complete control of emesis was achieved in 40% of patients receiving ondansetron compared to 30% of patients receiving metoclopramide (P = 0.07); complete or major control (0-2 emetic episodes) was achieved in 65% and 51% of the patients receiving the two treatments respectively (P = 0.016). Patients entered in the acute emesis study who experienced no emesis or up to two episodes were randomised between placebo and ondansetron on day 2 to evaluate the control of delayed emesis up to day 5. Complete control of persistent or delayed emesis over days 2-5 was achieved in 59-78% of patients with oral ondansetron (16 mg t.d.s.) compared to 39-50% of patients receiving oral placebo. These differences failed to reach statistical significance except on day 4. Some patients with complete or major control of emesis on their first course of chemotherapy subsequently received further courses of ondansetron (median 3 courses; range 2-10) on a non-comparative basis. Similar control was achieved in 85% of courses. There may be some reduction in the degree of control with subsequent courses. Of 44 patients with complete control at cycle 1, 19 (44%) were emesis free and 3 (7%) experienced 1-2 episodes with cycle 3, though patients were sometimes withdrawn before cycle 3 for reasons other than inadequate anti-emetic control. Efficacy with successive courses can only be established in a prospective comparative trial. Both treatments were well tolerated but ondansetron caused significantly greater transient asymptomatic elevations in ALT/AST (P = 0.003/0.005). Acute dystonic reactions (2 patients) and akathisia (10 patients) occurred with metoclopramide only (P = 0.002). The role of ondansetron in the control of delayed emesis requires further study.
Aspect under (and out of) control in Mandarin Chinese

This paper proposes a restructuring analysis of the phenomenon of aspect marking in controlled complements in Mandarin (e.g., wo qing ta [chi-guo fan] ‘I invite him [eat-PRF food]’). This approach explains why only suffixal aspect markers participate in the construction, and explains the effect noted by Xu (1985-1986) and Hu et al. (2001) that such constructions sometimes entail realization of the subordinate event. It furthermore supports the view that aspect markers in controlled complements are (when grammatical at all) interpreted at the matrix level (Huang 1982, 1989; Li 1985, 1990), and hence the view that Mandarin has a finite/nonfinite distinction.
Correlation between Solid-State and Solution Conformational Ratios in a Series of N-(o-Tolyl)Succinimide Molecular Rotors

The syn-anti conformational equilibrium of a library of 30 N-(o-tolyl)succinimide molecular rotors was measured in solution via 1H NMR and in the solid-state via X-ray crystallography. A strong correlation was observed between the solution and solid-state mole fractions of syn-conformers (χsyn). All rotors, even those with a small conformational preference in solution (±0.15 kcal/mol), displayed the same conformation in their crystal structures. The conformational preferences in the crystals tended to be more pronounced with a predominance of all syn- or anti-structures. However, when the rotors had no conformational preference in solution, the conformational preferences in the crystal structures varied widely.
Performance enhancement of two-switch forward converter using GaN FETs

In this paper, a Two-Switch forward converter using enhancement mode Gallium Nitride transistors (GaN FETs) operating in CCM is designed for low power and high frequency applications. This topology provides a galvanic isolated, simple and efficient approach which will be suitable to use in battery charge circuits. The performance of the converter is evaluated using Si MOSFETs and GaN FETs. Comparison of the switching characteristics performance and the overall efficiency of the converter using Si MOSFTEs and GaN FETs are presented and discussed. The results are presented for a 100W, 200-24 V converter operating at two switching frequencies 100KHz and 500KHz.
Transformational Leadership: A Model for Advanced Practice Holistic Nurses:

Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse (APHN) leaders could provide a model of leadership to advance value based health care systems in the United States. The American Nurses Association has recognized Holistic Nursing as a specialty because of the emphasis placed on patient-centered care, the development of therapeutic relationships, interconnection, and holism. Transformational leadership is a framework that uses vision, inspiration and intellectual stimulation to motivate people toward needed change. The APHN is well positioned to use transformational leadership methods to lead teams placing the patient at the center of health care decision making and bring the essence of holism to the forefront of health care. Highlighted are methods for positive communication, inspiration, negotiation, and conflict resolution as tools the APHN could use to become a transformational leader. The purpose of this article is to discuss a framework for transformational leadership development and implementation to establish the holistic ideals of APHNs in the health care system.
Molecular Scale Imaging with A Smooth Superlens

Recent theory[1] suggested a novel approach of optical imaging with resolution far beyond the diffraction limit. Resolution as high as 60 nanometers or 1/6 of wavelength has been achieved experimentally[2]. This unique optical superlens will enable parallel imaging and nanofabrication in a single snapshot, a feat that are not yet available with other nanoscale imaging techniques such as atomic force microscope or scanning electron microscope.
Effects of Above-Ground Pot-in-Pot (PIP) Placement and Humic Acid Extract on Growth of Crape Myrtle

Abstract Rooted cuttings of crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica L. × L. fauriei Koehne ‘Muskogee’) were potted into 3.8 liter (1 gal) black polyethylene containers and subjected for two months to one of three above-ground shielding treatments; containers placed pot-in-pot (PIP) for two months, containers exposed to direct sunlight for two months, or containers placed PIP for one month and then exposed to sunlight for one month (PIP/exposed). Mean daily maximum temperatures in rooting substrate of containers exposed to sunlight were as much as 16C (29F) higher than PIP containers. Plants in containers exposed to sunlight for two months had less total root and shoot length and higher concentrations of leaf nitrogen compared with the other two treatments. Plants were next transplanted into 27-liter (7-gal) polybags filled with a landscape substrate and fertigated with a humic acid extract at 0, 50, 150, or 300 μL/L for two additional months. The change in shoot and root length of plants previously placed PIP ...
Ranking Hospitals Based on Colon Surgery and Abdominal Hysterectomy Surgical Site Infection Outcomes: Impact of Limiting Surveillance to the Operative Hospital.

Background Hospital-specific surgical site infection (SSI) performance following colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomies can impact hospitals' relative rankings around quality metrics used to determine financial penalties. Current SSI surveillance largely focuses on SSI detected at the operative hospital. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess the impact on hospitals' relative SSI performance rankings when SSI detected at nonoperative hospitals are included. We used data from a California statewide hospital registry to assess for evidence of SSI following colon surgery or abdominal hysterectomies performed 1 March 2011 through 30 November 2013 using previously validated claims-based SSI surveillance methods. Risk-adjusted hospital-specific rankings based on SSI detected at operative hospitals versus any California hospital were generated. Results Among 60059 colon surgeries at 285 hospitals and 64918 abdominal hysterectomies at 270 hospitals, 5921 (9.9%) colon surgeries and 1481 (2.3%) abdominal hysterectomies received a diagnosis code for SSI within the 30 days following surgery. Operative hospital surveillance alone would have missed 7.2% of colon surgery and 13.4% of abdominal hysterectomy SSIs. The proportion of an individual hospital's SSIs detected during hospitalizations at other hospitals varied widely. Including nonoperative hospital SSIs resulted in improved relative ranking of 11 (3.9%) colon surgery and 13 (4.8%) hysterectomy hospitals so that they were no longer in the worst performing quartile, mainly among hospitals with relatively high surgical volumes. Conclusions Standard SSI surveillance that mainly focuses on infections detected at the operative hospital causes varying degrees of SSI underestimation, leading to inaccurate assignment or avoidance of financial penalties for approximately 1 in 11-16 hospitals.
Using Digital Portfolios: Reflection, Assessment & Employment

Many programs utilize digital portfolios for students to archive assignments. This manuscript highlights how one counselor education program implemented digital portfolios as a means for fostering student reflection, and subsequently evolved the portfolios towards satisfying both comprehensive exam and student employment goals. The author introduced a digital portfolio component to a core curriculum course in hopes of fostering students’ reflection. Simultaneously, counselor education program faculty were addressing inadequacies of norm-referenced testing employed for students’ comprehensive exam. Together faculty pursued building assessment components within the reflection blogs, utilizing the platform as digital portfolios. This effort was aimed at meeting three goals: (1) fostering student reflection; (2) satisfying program comprehensive exam/assessment requirements; and (3) serving as a professional website for students’ post-program employment searches/interviews. Students receiving formative feedback on their digital reflections demonstrated significantly higher mean reflection scores than students only utilizing portfolios as a “digital journal”. This manuscript presents an overview of the initiative in its first year of implementation, resources and obstacles experienced, and preliminary findings from data collected. Technology platform information and student work samples are highlighted.
Fostering Private Equity Using a Law-First Approach: Lessons from South Korea

In 2004, South Korean lawmakers introduced sweeping legislation to regulate Korean private equity funds. I describe this Korean regulatory initiative as a ‘law-first’ approach to financial regulation: the laws first clearly outline the terms of an ideal private equity structure, and private equity funds and their managers are required to comply with such terms to gain entry into the Korean private equity market. Elsewhere, private equity funds are referred to as shadow banks, with the descriptor ‘shadow’ referring to the funds’ ability to remain outside of the regulatory purview. Attempts to regulate private equity funds and other shadow banks more extensively have been resisted with claims that such regulation will go either too far and regulate shadow banks out of existence, or not nearly far enough as shadow banks expediently exploit loopholes to navigate around new regulation. This article presents the Korean private equity regulatory regime as a counterexample to the existing discourse by showing that private equity funds can survive, and in some cases thrive, under a law-first regulatory approach.