cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Expression in Human Epithelial Cells

FEBRUARY 2015 AB80 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 256 Characteristics of Inner City Children with Life-Threatening Asthma Mary E. Bollinger, DO, Arlene Butz, ScD, CRNP, Cassie LewisLand, MS, Francesca DiPaula, BS, Shawna Mudd, DNP, CRNP; Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD. RATIONALE: Prior intensive care unit (ICU) admission is a risk factor for fatal asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics of underserved children with a history of ICU admissions for asthma. METHODS: Baseline survey data, salivary cotinine and allergen specific IgE serology were obtained from underserved children with uncontrolled asthma enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of a multifaceted Emergency Department/ home-based asthma intervention. Baseline characteristics of children with and without a prior history of ICU admission were compared using chi-square and ANOVA. RESULTS: Subjects included 100 primarily African American (95%), Medicaid insured (97%) children (Mean age56.25 yrs; 56% male) with uncontrolled asthma. Atopy was high with 80.2% sensitized to > 1 environmental allergen. Most (54.1%) had detectable cotinine levels. Almost one-third (31%) had prior ICU admissions. ICU subjects were more likely to be sensitized to dustmite (p50.009) and ragweed (p50.002) and trended toward higher cockroach sensitization (p50.09) than non-ICU subjects. Allergen sensitization between the two groups did not differ for mouse, cat, dog, alternaria, aspergillus, grass or tree. Cotinine levels were similar. Albuterol overuse was prevalent (>70%); appropriate controller medication use was poor (32%). Although ICU subjects were more likely to have seen their PCP for asthma in prior 3 months, only 31% had seen an asthma specialist in the previous 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Children at risk for fatal asthma should undergo asthma specialty evaluation to optimize controller medication use, assess environmental sensitivities/exposures and implement individualized trigger avoidance procedures to improve morbidity and mortality in this high risk population.
Factorization of soft and collinear divergences in QCD in the Feynman gauge via a background field gauge.

We prove Ward-type identities which are needed in the proof of factorization of the Drell-Yan process. Previous treatments prove them only for an axial gauge, and the proofs are diagrammatic in nature. We, on the other hand, establish the identities for the Feynman gauge and through symmetry considerations at the Lagrangian level. Our strategy is to first derive exact results in a background field gauge and then to show that to leading order in the mass divergences the background-field-gauge results can be used in the Feynman gauge.
Urge-specific and lifestyle coping strategies of alcoholics: relationships of specific strategies to treatment outcome.

a b s t r a c t Background: The present study examined the efficacy of various specific lifestyle and situation-specific coping skills by determining the relationship of each of these strategies to drinking outcomes. Methods: Patients with alcohol dependence in intensive day treatment (n = 165) were participating in a randomized trial of naltrexone versus placebo and adjunctive communication and coping skills train- ing or a control treatment. The alcohol version of the Urge-Specific Strategies (USS) questionnaire and the General Strategies for Alcoholics (GSA) were administered early in treatment. The USS assesses 16 situation-specific strategies taught in cue exposure treatment, communication skills training, or relax- ation/meditation training to cope with experiencing an urge to drink (e.g., think of positive and negative consequences of drinking, use mastery messages, engage in an alternative behavior); the 21-item GSA assesses lifestyle change strategies taught in communication skills training and in the general treatment program (e.g., keep busy, exercise regularly, attend 12-Step meetings, avoid high-risk situations). Alcohol use and frequency of use of the skills were assessed 6 and 12 months following treatment. Results: Many specific behavioral and cognitive coping strategies were significantly related to drinking outcomes, including 13 urge-specific and 18 general lifestyle strategies, while other strategies were unrelated.
An analog computer for the generalized multi-compartment model of transport in biological systems.

A technique for the determination of transfer rates and other parameters of biological systems is outlined. The technique is designed for the presentation of solutions to the generalized equations in order to: determine an appropriate model that produces the same results as observed experimentally; determine the parameters of a specific model that best fit the data; vary the boundary conditions easily for matching or predicting what a particular model will do under other experimental circumstances; use and observe transient effects between compartments (assuming, however, instantaneous mixing in any compartment); and use, in a limited manner, of timevarying coefficients. It is also pointed out that such a computer will allow the choice of different flow rates in different directions across the same boundary. The model is designed to aid in determining what parameters are measurable or even controllable.
Neurotrophins: New roles for a seasoned cast

Abstract Recent studies suggest that endogenous neurotrophins play a central role in the patterning of cortical connections and in cortical synaptic physiology. Do these effects of neurotrophins reflect independent cellular events, or are they manifestations of a single cellular mechanism central to developmental plasticity?
Hemiplegia and amputation: rehabilitation in the dual disability.

Abstract About 10% of all elderly dysvascular amputees have had cerebrovascular accidents at some time. This is an often overlooked but important fact which significantly impacts the outcomes of their rehabilitation, especially where prosthetic ambulation is attempted. This study reviews the rehabilitation outcomes of 46 patients with the dual disability of hemiplegia and amputation. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (range 49 to 84). Forty-one (89%) could participate in a trial of physical therapy, and 25 (54%) in a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Seventeen (37%) were fitted with a prosthesis, and 12 (26%) became independent ambulators. Eighteen (39%) achieved independence in their activities of daily living (ADL) and transfers. Patients were reviewed to establish those features predictive of a good outcome. The following factors were associated with regaining independent ambulation: the presence of a mild hemiparesis with residual hand function ( p p p p p p
Polyphosphazenes with Novel Architectures: Influence on Physical Properties and Behavior as Solid Polymer Electrolytes

Three types of polyphosphazenes with different architectures have been synthesized and characterized. The influence of the polymer architecture on solid ionic conductivity was of particular interest. The first type includes linear oligo- and polyphosphazenes with the general formula [NP(OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH3)2]n (MEEP) with different chain lengths. The second type consists of a series of triarmed star-branched polyphosphazenes with the general formula N{CH2CH2NH(CF3CH2O)2P[NP(OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH3)2]n}3 with different arm lengths. These were synthesized via the reaction of the tridentate initiator [N{CH2CH2NH(CF3CH2O)2PN−PCl3+}3][PCl6-]3 with the phosphoranimine Cl3PNSiMe3 in CH2Cl2 followed by halogen replacement with sodium (methoxyethoxy)ethoxide. The molecular weights in this system were carefully controlled by variation of the monomer-to-initiator ratios, and the effect of polymer molecular weight on solid ionic conductivity was examined. The third polymer system was designed to examine the effect of compl...
Phonemic paraphasias and psycholinguistic production models for neologistic jargon

Abstract Neologistic jargon aphasia has resisted clear and unambiguous treatment since the syndrome has been recognized. The puzzles that remain in the analysis of this syndrome are due in large measure to the elusive native of the neologism itself. Where does it come from? Or better yet, where could it come from? The present paper attempts to demonstrate that several sources for the production of neologisms are plausible, but focuses upon two possibilities only. The first possible source is some sort of random generator, which is capable of producing syllable strings to serve as surrogate lexical items when the patient cannot access target lexical representations. The second possible source is the mechanism of phonemic paraphasia, which operates on an accessed lexical representation in such a way that it transforms its segmental structure variously. Two types of neologism are distinguished: the ‘target-related’ neologism, where the target has not been rendered unrecognizable, and the ‘abstruse’ neologism...
Spectral editing in MAS NMR of aprotic solids 31P113Cd cross-polarization and heteronuclear double-quantum filtering studies in II-IV-V2 semiconductor alloys

Abstract Magic-angle-spinning NMR spectra of aprotic solids, ceramics and glasses frequently suffer from poor site resolution due to wide chemical shift distribution effects. In such cases, cross-polarization and heteronuclear double-quantum filtering experiments involving nuclei other than 1H offer unique spectral editing capabilities. The utility of such assignment techniques for examining site populations in semiconductor alloys is demonstrated for the chalcopyrite systems CdGeAs2−xPx, CdSiAs2−xPx and ZnxCd1−xGeP2. The results permit a distinction between local and non-local effects on experimental chemical shift trends and reveal that compositional dependences observed in these alloys are dominated by non-local chemical shift contributions.
Chemical evolution 40. Clay-mediated oxidation of diaminomaleonitrile.

The previously reported inhibition of the oligomerization of HCN by montmorillonite clays was investigated. The inhibition is due to the oxidation of diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) by the Fe3+ in the clay lattice. Fe2+ and oxalic acid were shown to be the reaction products. From these reaction products and the previous report that two equivalents of HCN are formed per equivalent ofDAMN, it was established that diiminosuccinonitrile (DISN) is the initial reaction product, which is rapidly hydrolyzed to oxalic acid and HCN. The same oxidative transformations are effected by Fe3+ bound to Dowex 50, Fe3+ in solution and Ni(NH3)62+. The rate of reaction of DAMN decreased in the order Fe3+ > Fe3+-Dowex > montmorillonite, indicating no catalytic role for the clay in the oxidation of DAMN. Little reaction of DAMN was observed with montmorillonite in which the bulk of the iron was in the Fe2+ oxidation state. The possible significance of these redox reactions to chemical evolution is discussed.
Profiling terminal N-acetyllactosamines of glycans on mammalian cells by an immuno-enzymatic assay.

Profiling of carbohydrate structures on cell membranes has been difficult to perform because of the complexity and the variations of such structures on cell surface glycans. This study presents a novel method for rapid profiling of cell surface glycans for terminal N-acetyllactosamines (Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R) that are uncapped, capped with sialic acid as SA-Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R, or with α1,3galactosyls as the α-gal epitope- Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R. This method includes two enzymatic reactions: (1) Terminal sialic acid is removed by neuraminidase, and (2) α-gal epitopes are synthesized on the exposed N-acetyllactosamines by α1,3galactosyltransferase. Existing and de novo synthesized α-gal epitopes on cells are quantified by a modification of radioimmunoassay designated as “ELISA inhibition assay,” which measures binding of the monoclonal anti-Gal antibody M86 to α-gal epitopes. This binding is proportional to the number of cell surface α-gal epitopes. The amount of free M86 antibody molecules remaining in the solution is determined by ELISA using synthetic α-gal epitopes linked to albumin as solid phase antigen. The number of α-gal epitopes on cells is estimated by comparing binding curves of M86 incubated with the assayed cells, at various concentrations of the cells, with the binding of M86 to rabbit red cells expressing 2 × 106 α-gal epitopes/cell. We could demonstrate large variations in the number of sialic acid capped N-acetyllactosamines, α-gal epitopes and uncapped N-acetyllactosamines on different mammalian red blood cells, and on nucleated cells originating from a given tissue in various species. This method may be useful for rapid identification of changes in glycosylation patterns in cells subjected to various treatments, or in various states of differentiation.
Comparative rewarding properties of morphine and butorphanol

Abstract Because butorphanol (Stadol), a synthetic morphinan compound, has been demonstrated in our laboratories to produce physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms in rats, we have hypothesized that butorphanol has rewarding properties indicative of abuse potential. To test this hypothesis, the effects of equimolar doses of butorphanol tartrate (0.5-5.0 μg) and morphine sulfate (0.8-8.0 μg) were assessed in inbred Lewis male rats using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Unilateral microinjections (1 μl/inj) of saline or opioids were made into the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Microinjections of saline to controls were associated with both sides of modified Skinner boxes, whereas opioid injections were associated only with the white chambers (less preferred side to the naive animals). Opioids were administered alternating with saline in the drug-treated animals on alternating days. During eight conditioning sessions the rats learned to associate light and dark sides of the Skinner boxes with microinjections of opioids or saline, respectively. Although all doses of morphine induced significant preference over saline, only the higher doses of butorphanol (2.0–5.0 μg) produced significant conditioned place preference for the sides of the chambers associated with the drugs. These results suggest that, like morphine which is widely abused, butorphanol also has rewarding properties, and, therefore, further investigations regarding its abuse potential are necessary.
Sintering kinetics of silica- and alumina-supported nickel in hydrogen atmosphere

Abstract The sintering kinetics of Ni SiO 2 and Ni γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts in H2 atmosphere were studied in the temperature range between 923 and 1023 K. Metal surface areas were measured as a function of time using H2 chemisorption. BET surface areas, pore size distributions, and metal crystallite size distributions were determined for fresh and sintered catalysts using Argon adsorption and transmission electron microscopy. Loss of nickel surface area occurs as a result of metal crystallite growth and support collapse. The latter is more significant at low temperatures and in the Ni Al 2 O 3 system. Growth of metal crystallites is predominant at high temperatures. Ni SiO 2 sinters more rapidly than Ni Al 2 O 3 at temperatures above 923 K but less rapidly in H2 atmosphere compared to He atmosphere (the latter comparison based on data obtained in He from a previous study). Orders of sintering decrease with increasing temperature and time of sintering. The kinetic and TEM data are consistent with a shift in mechanism from crystallite migration to atomic migration with increasing temperature and time of sintering.
Vascular homeostasis and the concept of mechanobiological stability.

Vascular mechanics has been studied in depth since the early 1970s mainly following classical concepts from continuum mechanics. Yet, an important distinction of blood vessels, in contrast to typical engineering materials, is the continuous degradation and deposition of material in these living tissues. In this paper we examine mechanical consequences of such mass turnover. Motivated by Lyapunov’s stability theory, we introduce the new concepts of mechanobiological equilibrium and stability and demonstrate that blood vessels can maintain their structure and function under physiological conditions only if new material is deposited at a certain prestress and the vessels are both mechanically and mechanobiologically stable. Moreover, we introduce the concept of mechanobiological adaptivity as a third corner stone to understand vascular behavior on a continuum level. We demonstrate that adaptivity represents a key difference between the stability of mechanobiological and typical human-made systems. Based on these ideas, we suggest a change of paradigm that can be illustrated by considering a common arterial pathology. We suggest that aneurysms can be interpreted as mechanobiological instabilities and that predictions of their rupture risk should not only consider the maximal diameter or wall stress, but also the mechanobiological stability. A mathematical analysis of the impact of the different model parameters on the so-called mechanobiological stability margin, a single scalar used to characterize mechanobiological stability, reveals that this stability increases with the characteristic time constant of mass turnover, material stiffness, and capacity for stress-dependent changes in mass production. As each of these parameters may be modified by appropriate drugs, the theory developed in this paper may guide both prognosis and the development of new therapies for arterial pathologies such as aneurysms.
A Note on the Comparison of Inductances, or of an Inductance and a capacity by an Electrometer Method

A method of comparing inductances is described. This method makes use of an electrometer whose quadrants are connected across a condenser in series with the inductance and whose needle is connected to the middle of a high resistance shunting the condenser and inductance. An equation connecting the deflection of the electrometer with the inductance, capacity and current in the circuit is developed. This equation states that the deflection of the electrometer is proportional to the inductance, to the square of the current and inversely proportional to the capacity. This equation is checked experimentally. By this method several inductances are measured and the results found to be in agreement with those obtained with an A. C. bridge.
Residues Arg283, Arg285, and Ile287 in the Nucleotide Binding Pocket of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus NS5B RNA Polymerase Affect Catalysis and Fidelity

Residues Arg283, Arg285, and Ile287 are highly conserved amino acids in bovine viral diarrhea virus RNA polymerase (BVDV RdRp) and RdRps from related positive-strand RNA viruses. This motif is an important part of the binding pocket for the nascent RNA base pair during initiation and elongation. We found that replacement of the arginines with alanines or more conserved lysines or replacement of isoleucine with alanine or valine alters the ability of the mutant RdRps to incorporate ribonucleotides efficiently. The reduced RdRp activity stems from both decreased ribonucleotide binding and decreased catalytic efficiency in both primer-dependent and de novo initiation, as shown by kinetic studies. In line with other studies on flaviviral RdRps, our data suggest that Arg283 and Ile287 may be implicated in ribonucleotide binding and positioning of the template base in the active site. Arg285 appears to be involved directly in the selection of cognate nucleotide. The findings for Arg285 and Ile287 mutants also agree with similar data from picornavirus RdRps.
The training in epoxy-impregnated superconducting coils

We have investigated the training of epoxy-impregnated superconducting coils. It has been observed that the boundary conditions at the coil ends have a crucial effect on shear-stress-induced epoxy cracks in the winding and consequently on the coil training. The results were quatified using acoustic emission data.
Trophic ecology and vertical patterns of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in zooplankton from oxygen minimum zone regions

Abstract The unique physical and biogeochemical characteristics of oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) influence plankton ecology, including zooplankton trophic webs. Using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, this study examined zooplankton trophic webs in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP) OMZ. δ 13 C values were used to indicate zooplankton food sources, and δ 15 N values were used to indicate zooplankton trophic position and nitrogen cycle pathways. Vertically stratified MOCNESS net tows collected zooplankton from 0 to 1000 m at two stations along a north-south transect in the ETNP during 2007 and 2008, the Tehuantepec Bowl and the Costa Rica Dome. Zooplankton samples were separated into four size fractions for stable isotope analyses. Particulate organic matter (POM), assumed to represent a primary food source for zooplankton, was collected with McLane large volume in situ pumps. The isotopic composition and trophic ecology of the ETNP zooplankton community had distinct spatial and vertical patterns influenced by OMZ structure. The most pronounced vertical isotope gradients occurred near the upper and lower OMZ oxyclines. Material with lower δ 13 C values was apparently produced in the upper oxycline, possibly by chemoautotrophic microbes, and was subsequently consumed by zooplankton. Between-station differences in δ 15 N values suggested that different nitrogen cycle processes were dominant at the two locations, which influenced the isotopic characteristics of the zooplankton community. A strong depth gradient in zooplankton δ 15 N values in the lower oxycline suggested an increase in trophic cycling just below the core of the OMZ. Shallow POM (0–110 m) was likely the most important food source for mixed layer, upper oxycline, and OMZ core zooplankton, while deep POM was an important food source for most lower oxycline zooplankton (except for samples dominated by the seasonally migrating copepod Eucalanus inermis ). There was no consistent isotopic progression among the four zooplankton size classes for these bulk mixed assemblage samples, implying overlapping trophic webs within the total size range considered.
Outflows near an Accreting Black Hole: Ionization and Temperature Structures

We calculate the temperature and ionization balance in an outflow from an accreting black hole under illumination by hard radiation from the central object. Electron scattering of the Fe Kα photons within the highly ionized expanding flow leads to a decrease of their energy (redshift), which is of first order in v/c, when v is the outflow velocity and v is much less than the speed of light c. This photon redshift is an intrinsic property of any outflow for which divergence is positive. We also find that the equivalent widths of red-skewed Fe Kα that originated in the wind is on the order of keV. We conclude that redshifted lines are intrinsic properties of the powerful outflows that are observed in many compact objects. Downscattering of the primary line photons generated in the outflow (a more natural and probable mechanism than the general relativistic effects in the innermost part of the accretion flow) leads to the formation of red-skewed lines.
The NLRP3 inflammasome functions as a negative regulator of tumorigenesis during colitis-associated cancer

Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a major complication of inflammatory bowel diseases. We show that components of the inflammasome are protective during acute and recurring colitis and CAC in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and azoxymethane + DSS models. Mice lacking the inflammasome adaptor protein PYCARD (ASC) and caspase-1 demonstrate increased disease outcome, morbidity, histopathology, and polyp formation. The increased tumor burden is correlated with attenuated levels of IL-1β and IL-18 at the tumor site. To decipher the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat-containing (NLR) component that is involved in colitis and CAC, we assessed Nlrp3 and Nlrc4 deficient mice. Nlrp3−/− mice showed an increase in acute and recurring colitis and CAC, although the disease outcome was less severe in Nlrp3−/− mice than in Pycard−/− or Casp1−/− animals. No significant differences were observed in disease progression or outcome in Nlrc4−/− mice compared with similarly treated wild-type animals. Bone marrow reconstitution experiments show that Nlrp3 gene expression and function in hematopoietic cells, rather than intestinal epithelial cells or stromal cells, is responsible for protection against increased tumorigenesis. These data suggest that the inflammasome functions as an attenuator of colitis and CAC.
Potential applicability of CNT and CNT/composites to implement ASEC concept: A review article

It is believed that the successful implementation of the Antenna Solar Energy Conversion (ASEC) to the commercial level would revolutionize the solar energy utilization. Screening suitable materials and technologies by analyzing potential pros and cones all the way to commercial level would conserve much time and resources. Here carbon nanotube (CNT) known as the material of the 21st century is evaluated concerning many aspects to implement ASEC concept. Thermomechanical and electrical properties of CNT as regards to ASEC, interaction of CNT and CNT arrays with optical spectrum and existing and future CNT technologies that have the potential to overcome possible future obstacles are discussed. The economic aspects which govern the future of ASEC concept, with CNT as a basic material are also discussed.
Enhanced carbohydrate structural selectivity in ion mobility-mass spectrometry analyses by boronic acid derivatization

The boronic acid derivatization of carbohydrates is demonstrated as an ion mobility shift strategy to improve confidence in the identification and characterization of carbohydrate assignments using ion mobility-mass spectrometry.
Assessing the reliability and validity of the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire among U.S. Anglo and U.S. Hispanic samples☆

Abstract Objective The aim of this paper is to assess the psychometric properties of the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) in U.S. Anglo and U.S. Hispanic samples of college students. Method One hundred ninety-four U.S. Hispanics and 304 U.S. Anglos participated in the study. In addition to completing the BVAQ, participants completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Eysenck Neuroticism Scale (ENS). Results BVAQ and TAS-20 subscales were correlated across groups. While the identifying and verbalizing composites of the BVAQ subscales were predictive of neuroticism and depression across groups in the expected direction, the fantasizing subscale of the BVAQ was negatively predictive of depression and neuroticism across groups. Conclusion Given the unexpected findings associated with some of the BVAQ subscales, future research should explore the dimensionality of alexithymia.
Rhythm of detached and dissected bean leaf

Abstract The rhythm of detached leaves was approximately that found in leaves of intact plants, and found to be endogenous. Petiole-pulvinus-midrib parts exhibited a rhythm ranging from 10° to 20° amplitude which approximated that of the angles of detached leaves. Detached leaves and dissected petiole-pulvinus-midrib parts show that the pulvinus area exhibits a continuous undulating movement of the extremities, without the rest of the plant and the latter also without the whole blade.
Correction of energy shift during RBS data analysis: application to study of solute segregation in MoRe alloys

Abstract Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) is often used to measure the elemental composition of the near-surface region of a specimen. During data acquisition, small shifts in energy calibration can occur, introducing errors in the data. Such shifts were experienced during measurements of radiation-induced solute segregation in molybdenum-rhenium alloys where segregation of Re atoms toward the external surface was measured during irradiation by in situ RBS. The resulting edge shifts in the spectra produced spurious contributions near the elemental leading edges significantly affecting the measured segregation. A simple method is proposed for correcting errors due to energy shift, and applied to these segregation measurements.
A semi-empirical formula for the viscosity of liquid mixtures

Abstract A semi-empirical procedure is proposed for the prediction and correlation of viscosity of liquid mixtures as a function of composition at a given temperature. The scheme is found to be substantiated by experimental data and has the merits of extrapolation for predicting viscosities of multicomponent mixtures and extension to higher temperatures on the basis of data at a lower temperature.
One year later: reflections and work activities of accelerated second-degree bachelor of science in nursing graduates.

Purpose This article shares the reflections and work activities of a cohort of graduates from an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program. This survey was conducted following the 1-year anniversary of the students' graduation. Source of Information Information for this study came from a mailed survey completed by program graduates. Conclusions These graduates perceived that they had been effectively prepared through their program of study. Graduates' perception that they had a knowledge base for management of patient care is further evidence that accelerated programs can be successful in conveying an understanding of discipline-specific concepts and professional judgment. An important finding for the nursing workforce is that retention of these graduates is better than the norm. In addition, if the finding of the percentage of students planning to remain at the bedside is a consistent finding in future studies, this population of nurses may provide stability of the nurses practicing in the acute care setting.
Interferonγ Activation of Raf-1 Is Jak1-dependent and p21ras-independent

Abstract Signal transduction through the interferonγ (IFNγ) receptor involves the formation of a ligand-dependent multimolecular association of receptor chains (α and β), Janus tyrosine kinases (Jak1 and Jak2), and the transcription factor (signal transducers and activators of transcription 1α (STAT1α)) in addition to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Interactions between components of the Jak/STAT cascade and the p21ras/Raf-1/MAPK cascade are unexplored. Treatment of HeLa cells with IFNγ resulted in the rapid and transient activation of Raf-1 and MAPK. Parallel activation of cells resulted in essentially no enhancement of p21ras activation despite marked enhancement after treatment with epidermal growth factor. In HeLa (E1C3) and fibrosarcoma (U4A) cell lines, both of which are deficient in Jak1 kinase, Raf-1 activation by IFNγ was absent. Reconstitution of Raf-1 activity was observed only with kinase active Jak1 in both cell lines. In COS cells, transient expression of wild type or kinase-inactive Jak1 coimmunoprecipitated with Raf-1, but activation of Raf-1 activity was only observed in cells expressing kinase-active Jak1. These observations suggest that a kinase-active Jak1 is required for IFNγ activation of Raf-1 that is p21ras-independent.
Aluminum abundances in stony meteorites

Aluminum abundances in stony meteorites measured using nondestructive instrumental neutron activation analysis
Fixed poles in Compton scattering - Light-cone approach

Author(s): Bander, M | Abstract: The algebra of currents on the light cone is extended to the covariant retarded product of these currents. This extension is applied to the study of fixed poles in elastic Compton scattering and in inelastic Compton scattering. © 1972 The American Physical Society.
Delayed epidural hematoma after evacuation of a subdural hematoma

CT easily diagnoses epidural hematomas. The appearance of an epidural hematoma may be delayed by compression from a contralateral lesion. The possibility of a delayed epidural hematoma should be kept in mind in the presence of additional findings such as a skull fracture contralateral to the original lesion or decompression of the epidural hematoma into either the subgaleal or the subarachnoid space. We present a case in which an epidural hematoma declared itself after the evacuation of a contralateral subdural hematoma.
Speeded Vibrotactile Navigation with Gestural Control in a Multiple Choice Environment

Vibrotactile communication technologies are viable candidates for the replacement of more traditional radio communication technologies, particularly in domains where visual and auditory resources are either inconvenient or in high demand. Of particular interest is the potential for improved speeded communications, to allow those directing to directly steer their target rather than describing their intentions. This study evaluated the potential performance of a simple vibrotactile gesture system versus a radio communication control condition, continuing the research paradigm of a previous study by expanding potential response options. However, results indicate faster responses for the control condition, suggesting the need for further modification of the research paradigm to reduce participant awareness of evaluation points and improve communication feedback.
Thermal integration of homogeneous azeotropic distillation sequences

Existing methods for synthesizing thermally-integrated distillation sequences fail frequently when applied to nonideal and azeotropic systems, because increasing the column pressures often introduces new azeotropes and distillation boundaries into the mixture, which make some separation tasks infeasible. A new thermal integration procedure is presented that combines a bifurcation and residue-curve map analysis with the methods of Andrecovich and Westerberg. The procedure is demonstrated with two commercially important separations: ethanol-water-ethylene glycol and methanol-acetone-water. Energy savings of 65% and 40%, respectively, over the optimized nonintegrated sequences are possible.
Drug delivery to the retina: challenges and opportunities.

Retinal drug delivery is a challenging area in the field of ophthalmic drug delivery. An ideal drug delivery system for the retina and vitreous humor has not yet been found, despite extensive research. Drug delivery to retinal tissue and vitreous via systemic administration is constrained due to the presence of a blood–retinal barrier (BRB) which regulates permeation of substances from blood to the retina. Although intravitreal administration overcomes this barrier, it is associated with several other problems. In recent years, transporter targeted drug delivery has become a clinically significant drug delivery approach for enhancing the bioavailabilities of drug molecules with poor membrane permeability characteristics. Various nutrient transporters, which include peptide, amino acid, folate, monocarboxylic acid transporters and so on, have been reported to be expressed on the retina and BRB. Prodrug derivatisation of drug molecules which target these transporters could result in enhanced ocular bioavail...
PMOD: a flexible model of oil and gas generation, cracking, and expulsion

A new computer program, PMOD, is used to develop and test a wide variety of global models of varied complexity for the generation and destruction of hydrocarbons from petroleum source rocks. Chemical reaction models are constructed interactively by supplying the empirical formula of the reactants and products, desired reactions, and reaction constraints. PMOD calculates stoichiometric coefficients that conserve elemental balance. The chemical reactions are integrated into two compaction and bulk-flow expulsion models in order to predict the amounts and compositions of products expelled from the source rock under geological conditions. A variety of published and unpublished experiments are used to show when various model types are required and to derive the parameters for the various models. This exercise provides a good means to compare the strengths and weaknesses of the various models and provides guidance on the types of information needed to calibrate them. Chemical properties calculated by PMOD for all models include apparent Rock-Eval parameters and other common geochemical measurements.
A numerical approach to study the properties of solutions of the diffusive wave approximation of the shallow water equations

In this paper, we study the properties of approximate solutions to a doubly nonlinear and degenerate diffusion equation, known in the literature as the diffusive wave approximation of the shallow water equations (DSW), using a numerical approach based on the Galerkin finite element method. This equation arises in shallow water flow models when special assumptions are used to simplify the shallow water equations and contains as particular cases the porous medium equation and the p-Laplacian. Diverse numerical schemes have been implemented to approximately solve the DSW equation and have been successfully applied as suitable models to simulate overland flow and water flow in vegetated areas such as wetlands; yet, no formal mathematical analysis has been carried out in order to study the properties of approximate solutions. In this study, we propose a numerical approach as a means to understand some properties of solutions to the DSW equation and, thus, to provide conditions for which the use of the DSW equation may be inappropriate from both the physical and the mathematical points of view, within the context of shallow water modeling. For analysis purposes, we propose a numerical method based on the Galerkin method and we obtain a priori error estimates between the approximate solutions and weak solutions to the DSW equation under physically consistent assumptions. We also present some numerical experiments that provide relevant information about the accuracy of the proposed numerical method to solve the DSW equation and the applicability of the DSW equation as a model to simulate observed quantities in an experimental setting.
The roles of atomic-scale dynamics and structure in the brittle fracture of silica

We modeled the initiation of fracture in vitreous silica at various strain rates using molecular dynamics simulations. We avoided biasing the location for fracture initiation within the sample so that we could study the effects of dynamics and structure on determining the path to fracture, defined as the particular bonds that break during the course of fracture. We sought to show that the path to fracture would be primarily determined by the local variations in the structure of the vitreous phase at low strain rates, with diminished sensitivity on structural variations at higher strain rates. However, the results of our model indicate that the path to fracture is dependent not only on the initial structure of the system and the applied strain rate, but also on the initial phase of the thermal vibrations. This underscores the importance of atomic dynamics in determining the path to fracture in brittle materials and provides a justification for extending the analysis of fracture surfaces to the near-atomic scale.
Present State of Piers Plowman Studies

From Elizabethan times up to recent date, it was assumed that one man, Robert or William Langland, or even Piers Plowman himself,' had written the poem which is known as Piers Plowman. Although Moore2 has contended that until 1802 only the B-text was known, variations in the poem were early recognized.3 Whitaker, in 1787, and Ritson, in 1802, mention two distinct versions, but they did not doubt that they were both by the same author. It is true that, as Moore has pointed out, the former believed the C-text was the original version, yet that is not a serious objection to the validity of his opinion. Richard Price, who was the first to recognize the existence of the A-text in 1824,4 believed that the three versions were the work of one man. Thomas Wright, however, unaware of Price's discovery, contended in his edition of the poem that the two versions were the work of two men. George Marsh, the American scholar, in his Lectures on the English Language (1860) also maintained a theory of dual authorship. His views are probably based upon Wright's. In any case, it can be definitely stated that tradition, with one or two exceptions, has favored the assumption of a single author. Too much weight cannot be put upon eighteenthand nineteenth-century evidence, however, as it is far too late to represent anything but the individual opinion of the critics. Skeat, in his great edition, has confirmed this view. In his preface to the edition of the A-text (1866-67), he briefly sketched his reasons for believing in single authorship, and his opinion is entitled to the highest respect. In the years that followed, the weight of Skeat's authority fixed this opinion so firmly in the world of scholarship that Hopkins in 1898 could write, 'his [Langland's] style and method are so distinct, that there is scarcely an opportunity to question the authorship of any part of it as the work of others is so often questioned.'" In January, 1906, Manly, of Chicago, published a short article in Modern
CREATING MAMI WATA: An Interactive, Sensory Exhibition

In Africa and its diasporas, call and response is an enduring and widespread interactive performance tradition. To encourage such interactive, dialogic activity between audiences and objects in a museum, as guest curator of Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas I devised a number of exhibition strategies to create an exhibition as interactive and multisensorial as possible, using a theoretical and methodological approach I term sensiotics. This essay details various interactive dimensions and the importance of sensory experience, including notions of “re-creation,” “re-membering,” and “re-presentation,” and the challenges and objectives of this effort to engage and enlighten audiences.
Concentrations of cephalexin in mandibular alveolar bone, blood, and oral fluids.

Concentrations of cephalexin were compared with minimal inhibitory concentrations of six organisms commonly found in dental infections. Quantitative assays of cephalexin present in mandibular alveolar bone, blood, and oral fluids were performed on 16 patients undergoing extractions and alveoloplasty. Average bone concentrations of the drug were compared with the minimal inhibitory concentrations for six organisms commonly encountered in dental infections.
IPO Placement Risk and the Number of Co‐Managers

Previous studies show that co-managers mainly affect initial public offering (IPO) aftermarket activities. We investigate the role of co-managers in IPO pre-market activities. We argue that co-managers help reduce IPO placement risk and hypothesize that IPO issuers hire more co-managers when placement risk is higher. We find the number of co-managers is positively associated with three proxies for placement risk. IPOs with more price uncertainty and high-tech IPOs hire more co-managers, while IPOs in regulated industries hire fewer co-managers. We also find larger IPOs, recent IPOs, and IPOs with more reputable lead underwriters hire more co-managers.
Feedback Mechanisms of Thymic Lymphocyte Production.

SummaryThymidine-H3 uptake of thymocytes from rats injected with antilymphocyte serum was increased when the blood lymphocyte count was low whereas it was decreased when the count returned to normal. Thymocytes from rats injected with antithymus serum showed increased RNA metabolism despite lowered thymidine-H3 uptake and sustained lymphopenia. The increased RNA metabolism may indicate a compensatory increase in the production of a thymic humoral factor which was inactivated by antithymus serum in the blood resulting in sustained lymphopenia.
Genetics and Regulation of Nitrogen Fixation

The genetics and regulation of N2 fixation has only recently begun to be understood. Breakthroughs from a variety of laboratories have yielded both techniques and ideas that will be useful for understanding genetic and regulatory mechanisms of microbial N2 fixation. Furthermore, the potential for using this knowledge for practical applications of N2 fixation is very great.
A Method for Assessing the Relative Abrasion of Prophylaxis Materials

A method for assessing the relative abrasion of prophylaxis materials is described. The method utilizes irradiated human enamel and dentin specimens, and treatments are performed using a simulated prophylaxis procedure. Results obtained with this method indicate that variations in treatment time, load, and cup speed may influence the relative abrasion.
Efficiency Analysis of Waveform Shape for Electrical Excitation of Nerve Fibers

Stimulation efficiency is an important consideration in the stimulation parameters of implantable neural stimulators. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of waveform shape and duration on the charge, power, and energy efficiency of neural stimulation. Using a population model of mammalian axons and in vivo experiments on cat sciatic nerve, we analyzed the stimulation efficiency of four waveform shapes: square, rising exponential, decaying exponential, and rising ramp. No waveform was simultaneously energy-, charge-, and power-optimal, and differences in efficiency among waveform shapes varied with pulse width (PW). For short PWs (≤0.1 ms), square waveforms were no less energy-efficient than exponential waveforms, and the most charge-efficient shape was the ramp. For long PW s (≥ 0.5 ms), the square was the least energy-efficient and charge-efficient shape, but across most PW s, the square was the most power-efficient shape. Rising exponentials provided no practical gains in efficiency over the other shapes, and our results refute previous claims that the rising exponential is the energy-optimal shape. An improved understanding of how stimulation parameters affect stimulation efficiency will help improve the design and programming of implantable stimulators to minimize tissue damage and extend battery life.
Particle motion near a nuclear detonation in halite

abstract Strong motion parameters from the Project gnome operation were measured in the region extending 60 to 480 meters from the center of detonation or working point along both vertical and horizontal radii. Travel time data from the horizontal radius reveals three distinct arrivals. First arrivals are propagated through a polyhalite layer with a velocity of 4.839 km/sec. This is followed by the direct elastic wave arrival in the salt horizon (4.318 km/sec) and the plastic wave which decreases in velocity as the stress level diminishes. Vertically, the velocity varies from 5.1 km/sec at about 60 meters above the shot to 0.785 km/sec a few meters below the surface. Peak accelerations in the salt are best fitted by the relations A = 890 R −5.3 from 60 to 122 meters and A = 560 R −2.7 from 122 to 480 meters. ( R in hundreds of meters and A in units of gravity.) Peak particle velocity in the salt is given by U = 13 R −3.56 from 60 to 100 meters and U = 13 R −1.36 from 100 to 480 meters. Motion of the ground above the shot reveals that spalling occurred at several horizons. The deepest spall separation was below 92 meters. These effects were most pronounced at the surface where the initial acceleration, velocity and displacement peak values were A = 25 g , U = 5.6 m/s , and D = 168 centimeters. Residual upward displacement at surface zero at +5 minutes was 79 centimeters.