cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular orientation and conductivity in highly drawn poly(p-phenylene vinylene)

Abstract Films of poly( p -phenylene vinylene), PPV, have been prepared with various degrees of uniaxial orientation by thermal conversion and drawing of cast films of a precursor polymer. Molecular orientation was determined by X-ray diffraction and infrared dichroism as a function of the draw ratio. The crystallite size transverse to the stretch direction was also estimated by X-ray line broadening. Electrical conductivities of the PPV films, doped with AsF 5 , show a substantial enhancement in conductivity in the orientation. Conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction decreases with increased orientation. These data may be understood in terms of the relative contributions of intrachain and interchain transport of the electronic charge carriers.
The great leveler: The library budget

The theme of this conference, “The more things change, the more they are the same,” implies a certain steadiness of change, a quality of “on-going-ness” [l], which has applied to library materials budgets and the challenges inflicted upon them by economic factors for over a decade now. However, two major events having immense cost implications for library budgets have recently emerged and colluded with such force so as to threaten this steadiness and halt the unfolding of planned budgets early in their cycles. These events are, of course, extraordinarily high serials price increases and the high cost of technology, currently exemplified by CD-ROM products. For budget officers to accommodate both factors in traditional ways is to endanger the integrity of our collections and to deplete our budgets. Runaway serials costs are sufficient basis for pausing to engage in a total reassessment of current budgets, having fiscal, political, instructional, and philosophical implications for the budget process. The result of this reassessment should be to identify and clarify problems, rationalize current allocations and budget processes, dictate a more informed and active role for budget managers, and point toward a plan to accommodate change beyond the current fiscal year. Several overall issues or themes emerge as threads running through the following discussion. The first involves the short-term versus the long-term nature of budgeting. We usually think of individual budget cycles as discrete entities. While events occurring in a single budget cycle form the basis for the next, the immediate concern of how to get to the end of the current f=cal year with a minimum of damage usually prevails over long-term considerations. A number of us probably identify with an onset of budget problem amnesia once the red ink of a particularly troublesome fiscal year has been replaced with the comforting black ink of a new year. Another issue is anticipating change and the budgetary mechanisms we develop to meet it. Most budgets are designed to accommodate minor change without seriously compromising fiscal or collection integrity. This is planned change. However, strategies have usually not been developed to deal with major, or unplanned, change. Planning needs to be extended beyond
Nationalisms of and Against Zainichi Koreans in Japan

The North Korean association in Japan, Chongryun, which lacks independence from the North Korean regime, has preoccupied itself with political activities in its “home” country. It has created and intensified long-distance nationalism among its members. Conservative Japanese government officials view North Korean long-distance nationalists as a threat to Japan's national security and regional peace on the Korean peninsula. Meanwhile, certain Japanese have reacted with acts of violence and intimidation against them. For these Japanese reactive nationalists, the perceived enemy or threat from North Korea is located inside Japan itself, in the form of Chongryun. These North Korean long-distance nationalists and Japanese reactive nationalists are creating an uncomfortable environment for North Koreans in Japan, who increasingly embrace an ideology of diasporic nationalism, or an independent existence from both their homeland and host society.
Myocardial ischemia and infarction due to multiple coronary‐cameral fistulae: Two case reports and review of the literature

The functional significance of coronary-cameral fistulae, and the effect of these arterial anomalies upon effective coronary blood flow, continue to be debated. Two cases of coronary cameral fistulae, each of which illustrates the likelihood of an ischemic substrate, are herein presented, along with a review of the relevant literature regarding this disorder.
Comparison and evaluation of joint histogram estimation methods for mutual information based image registration

Joint histogram is the only quantity required to calculate the mutual information (MI) between two images. For MI based image registration, joint histograms are often estimated through linear interpolation or partial volume interpolation (PVI). It has been pointed out that both methods may result in a phenomenon known as interpolation induced artifacts. In this paper, we implemented a wide range of interpolation/approximation kernels for joint histogram estimation. Some kernels are nonnegative. In this case, these kernels are applied in two ways as the linear kernel is applied in linear interpolation and PVI. In addition, we implemented two other joint histogram estimation methods devised to overcome the interpolation artifact problem. They are nearest neighbor interpolation with jittered sampling with/without histogram blurring and data resampling. We used the clinical data obtained from Vanderbilt University for all of the experiments. The objective of this study is to perform a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of different joint histogram estimation methods for MI based image registration in terms of artifacts reduction and registration accuracy.
Apert syndrome and palatal mucopolysaccharides.

By means of histochemical techniques, six of seven patients with Apert syndrome were found to have a heavy deposit of acid mucopolysaccharides in the soft tissue of their characteristic palatal deformity, whereas only six of 15 patients with other palatal deformities (unassociated with the Apert syndrome) were found to have some acid mucopolysaccharide deposited in their palatal soft tissue. The mucopolysaccharides found in both groups were predominantly hyaluronic acid and to a lesser degree sulfated mucopolysaccharides. Examination of sections of skin from both groups of patients and the internal organs, postmortem, from one of the Apert patients failed to reveal the presence of mucopolysaccharides in these tissues.
Economic Sustainability of DBO Water Based on Wastewater Projects in the U.S.: Three Case Studies

AbstractAs public utility owners face increased budget constraints and greater expectations, alternative project delivery methods will increasingly be used to fast track projects, reduce costs, promote innovation, and ensure proper performance for water and wastewater facilities. The goals of public utility owners and U.S. federal tax regulations suggest why design-build-operate (DBO) projects have been selected over other procurement processes. The research reported in this paper contributes to the body of knowledge and benefits industry practitioners, by identifying tax regulations and best practices that when jointly considered improve the project delivery selection process, while enhancing risk-mitigation efforts on DBO water and wastewater projects. A procurement selection process using multiple-criteria decision and financial risk analyses is presented to select the most economically sustainable delivery method given each project’s characteristics. A present value analysis establishes a range of val...
Molecular correlates of repolarization alternans in cardiac myocytes

Abstract Arrhythmogenic action potential alternans (APD-ALT) is thought to arise from beat to beat alteration in cellular Ca 2+ cycling. Previously, we found that spatial heterogeneity in APD-ALT between ventricular myocytes is key to the mechanism linking APD-ALT to cardiac arrhythmogenesis. However, the cellular and molecular basis for APD-ALT is poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that spatial heterogeneities in expression and function of calcium cycling proteins underlies heterogeneities in APD-ALT, endocardial and epicardial myocytes were isolated from left ventricular free wall of 20 guinea pig hearts. APD-ALT and Ca 2+ transient alternans (Ca-ALT) were measured simultaneously as stimulus rate was increased progressively. Endocardial myocytes exhibited greater susceptibility to cellular alternans than epicardial myocytes as evidenced by a significantly lower pacing rate threshold for APD-ALT (113 ± 9 bpm vs. 151 ± 8 bpm, respectively, P P 2+ cycling between endocardial and epicardial myocytes as evidenced by weaker Ca 2+ release (32% lower Ca 2+ amplitude, and 16% longer rise time), and slower Ca 2+ reuptake (24% larger Ca 2+ decay time constant, and 9% longer Ca 2+ transient duration) in endocardial compared to epicardial myocytes. Taken together these data indicate that myocytes that are most susceptible to APD-ALT exhibit impaired Ca 2+ release and reuptake. Moreover, transmural differences in Ca 2+ cycling function was associated with significantly reduced endocardial expression of ryanodine release channel (by 22%) and SERCA2 (by 40%), suggesting a potential molecular basis for spatially heterogeneous APD-ALT. Moreover, transmural differences in expression and function of key SR Ca 2+ cycling proteins may underlie spatial heterogeneity of APD-ALT that has been closely linked to cardiac arrhythmogenesis.
Feeding habits of the dungeness crab Cancer magister as determined by the index of relative importance

Specimens of the Dungeness crab Cancer magister, were collected subtidally and intertidally from an estuary in Washington State, USA in June and September 1980, and January, April, May and July, 1981. Gut contens of freshly collected crabs were analyzed by the Index of Relative Importance; for each prey taxon, this method measured frequency of occurrence, percentage of total biomass, and percentage of total numbers consumed. The most important higher taxon eaten was fish; however, the most important prey genus was the shrimp Crangon spp. There was greater predation on Crangon spp. at night at the intertidal site, and during winter and spring when the shrimp were most abundant there. Feeding activity, as indicated by a weight-specific gut-fullness index, showed no consistent diel pattern. There were significant ontogenetic changes in feeding patterns: first-year crabs preyed primarily on very small bivalves or small crustaceans including their conspecifics; second-year crabs preferred Crangon spp. and fish, and third-year crabs preyed less on Crangon spp. and more on fish. Such changes in feeding habits with ege could be purely due to mechanics of food handling, but might also reduce competition among age groups of crabs, possibly partitioning resources within the estuary. Findings are discussed in terms of optimal foraging and compared to other similar studies.
Statistical verification of optimality conditions for stochastic programs with recourse

Statistically motivated algorithms for the solution of stochastic programming problems typically suffer from their inability to recognize optimality of a given solution algorithmically. Thus, the quality of solutions provided by such methods is difficult to ascertain. In this paper, we develop methods for verification of optimality conditions within the framework of Stochastic Decomposition (SD) algorithms for two stage linear programs with recourse. Consistent with the stochastic nature of an SD algorithm, we provide termination criteria that are based on statistical verification of traditional (deterministic) optimality conditions. We propose the use of “bootstrap methods” to confirm the satisfaction of generalized Kuhn-Tucker conditions and conditions based on Lagrange duality. These methods are illustrated in the context of a power generation planning model, and the results are encouraging.
Automatic Creation of Massive Virtual Cities

This research effort focuses on the historically-difficult problem of creating large-scale (city size) scene models from sensor data, including rapid extraction and modeling of geometry models. The solution to this problem is sought in the development of a novel modeling system with a fully automatic technique for the extraction of polygonal 3D models from LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data. The result is an accurate 3D model representation of the real-world as shown in Figure 1. We present and evaluate experimental results of our approach for the automatic reconstruction of large U. S. cities.
New computational strategies for electromagnetic modeling of multiscale heterogeneous composites

Multiscale or multi-physics modeling play a major role in many important problems today. In the past few years, there have been increasingly growing research activities aiming at developing novel multiscale computational methods. In this work, we focus on one challenge multiscale heterogeneous problem, modeling electromagnetic wave scattering from a composite unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Two new computational electromagnetic methods have been developed. One is based on homogenization theory and considers the microscopically heterogeneous system to be a macroscopically homogeneous system by averaging our the fine scales. The other method is to model the full system with complex scale interactions using a novel finite element based multilevel domain decomposition method. Numerical results calculated from these two methods agree very well with each other, which verify the effectiveness and accuracy of both of the two methods.
First report of Soybean vein necrosis virus on Soybeans in Michigan

Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) is associated with an emerging disease in soybean producing regions of the United States. Soybean leaves with necrotic vein symptoms were initially noted in 2008 or 2009 in fields across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky and SVNV was determined to be the causal agent (2). In 2012, widespread reports of SVNV were made across most soybean (Glycine max) producing states including the recent confirmation of SVNV in Iowa and Wisconsin (1). Foliar symptoms similar to those reported for SVNV were observed at approximately 1 to 10% incidence in soybean fields across Michigan in late August and September of 2012, including fields located in Cass, Ingham, Midland, Saginaw, and Van Buren counties. Symptoms included chlorosis and necrosis which initiated on the veins with subsequent spread across the leaf. An initial sample collected from the East Lansing Agricultural Research Station was confirmed to have SVNV with a polyclonal antibody using double antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA at AC Diagnostics, Inc. (Fayetteville, AR) and with reverse transcription PCR by Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Additional samples from five fields were subsequently collected from Cass, Ingham, and Van Buren counties. Duplicate leaf tissue samples were tested with DAS-ELISA using the SVNV test kit (AC Diagnostics). All symptomatic leaf samples exhibited a strong positive reaction based on the optical density reading at 405 nm. Absorbance reading that exceeded the healthy soybean tissue by a standard deviation of +3× were considered positive. Total RNA was also extracted from each sample using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germantown, MD). Complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated using virus-specific LdetR and SdetR primers (2) with the High Capacity RT cDNA kit (Life Technologies; Carlsbad, CA). The cDNA was used as template for PCR with the SVNV-specific primers that amplify regions of the L (LdetF/LdetR) and the S (SdetF/SdetR) RNAs (1). Amplification products of the expected 297 and 861 bp size, respectively, were detected in all symptomatic samples while no amplification products were generated from healthy soybean plant tissues grown under greenhouse conditions. Significantly, this is the first documentation and confirmation of the widespread prevalence of SVNV across the state of Michigan in 2012. References: (1) D. L. Smith et al. Plant Dis. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-12-1096-PDN . (2) J. Zhou et al. Virus Genes 43:289, 2011.
Adaptive output feedback control of nonlinear systems using neural networks

A direct adaptive output feedback control design procedure is developed for highly uncertain nonlinear systems, that does not rely on state estimation. The approach is also applicable to systems of unknown, but bounded dimension. In particular, we consider single-input/single-output nonlinear systems, whose output has known, but otherwise arbitrary relative degree. This includes systems with both parameter uncertainty and unmodeled dynamics. The result is achieved by extending the universal function approximation property of linearly parameterized neural networks to model unknown system dynamics from input/output data. The network weight adaptation rule is derived from Lyapunov stability analysis, and guarantees that the adapted weight errors and the tracking error are bounded. Numerical simulations of an output feedback controlled van der Pol oscillator, coupled with a linear oscillator, is used to illustrate the practical potential of the theoretical results.
Emissions and Encapsulation of Cadmium in CdTe PV Modules During Fires

Fires in residential and commercial properties are not uncommon. If such fires involve the roof, photovoltaic arrays mounted on the roof will be exposed to the flames. The amount of cadmium that can be released in fires involving CdTe PV and the magnitude of associated health risks has been debated. The current study aims in delineating this issue. Previous thermogravimetric studies of CdTe, involved pure CdTe and single-glass PV modules. The current study is based on glass–glass CdTe PV modules which are the only ones in the market. Pieces of commercial CdTe photovoltaic (PV) modules, sizes 25 � 3 cm, were heated to temperatures up to 1100 � C to simulate exposure to residential and commercial building fires. The temperature rate and duration in these experiments were defined according to standard protocols. Four different types of analysis were performed to investigate emissions and redistribution of elements in the matrix of heated CdTe PV modules: (1) measurements of sample weight loss as a function of temperature; (2) analyses of Cd and Te in the gaseous emissions; (3) Cd distribution in the heated glass using synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobe analysis; and (4) chemical analysis for Cd and Te in the acid-digested glass. These experiments showed that almost all (i.e., 99� 5%) of the cadmium content of CdTe PV modules was encapsulated in the molten glass matrix; a small amount of Cd escaped from the perimeter of the samples before the two sheets of glass melted together. Adjusting for this loss in full-size modules, results in 99� 96% retention of Cd. Multiplying this with the probability of occurrence for residential fires in wood-frame houses in the US (e.g., 10 � 4 ), results in emissions of 0� 06 mg/GWh; the probability of sustained fires and subsequent emissions in adequately designed and maintained utility systems appears to be zero. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ponds and Pools

Ponds are small bodies of water, usually much wider than they are deep, and usually containing self-organizing ecosystems. Ponds have been called microcosms by many writers in literature, such as Thoreau in his description of Walden pond in Massachusetts. Forbes (1887) and Hutchinson (1964) called ponds microcosms in the scientific sense of being a miniature demonstration of the processes occurring on a larger scale in lakes and oceans. In our terminology, most ponds are actually mesocosms, being larger than the small experimental laboratory microcosms.
Natural terrain classification using three-dimensional ladar data for ground robot mobility

In recent years, much progress has been made in outdoor autonomous navigation. However, safe navigation is still a daunting challenge in terrain containing vegetation. In this paper, we f ocus on the segmentation of ladar data into three classes using local three-dimensional point cloud statistics. The classes are: ”scatter” to represent porous volumes such as grass and tree canopy, ”linear” to capture thin objects like wires or tree branches, and finally ”surface” to capture solid objects like ground surface, rocks or large trunks. We present the details of the proposed method, and the modifications we made to implement it on-board an autonom ous ground vehicle for real-time data processing. Finally, we present results produced from different sta tionary laser sensors and from field tests using an unmanned ground vehicle.
Complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has recently become a feasible option in the management of morbid obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the morbidity and mortality arising from LSG as a primary procedure for weight loss. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 164 patients who underwent LSG from 2004 to 2007. Patients underwent LSG as a primary procedure or as revisional bariatric surgery. The short-term morbidity and mortality were examined. Results One-stage LSG was performed in 148 patients. The major complication rate was 2.9% (4 of 149), including 1 leak (0.7%) and 1 case of hemorrhage (0.7%)—each requiring reoperation—1 case of postoperative abscess (0.7%), and 1 case of sleeve stricture that required endoscopic dilation (0.7%). One late complication of choledocholithiasis and bile duct stricture required a Whipple procedure. LSG was used as revisional surgery in 16 patients (9%); of these, 13 underwent LSG after complications related to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 1 underwent LSG after aborted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 2 underwent LSG after failed jejunoileal bypass. One of these patients developed a leak and an abscess (7.1%) requiring reoperation. One case was aborted, and 2 cases were converted to an open procedure secondary to dense adhesions. No patient died in either group. All but 3 cases were completed laparoscopically (98%). Conclusion LSG is a relatively safe surgical option for weight loss as a primary procedure and as a primary step before a secondary nonbariatric procedure in high-risk patients.
Defect-controlled electronic properties in AZn2Sb2 Zintl phases

Experimentally, AZn_2Sb_2 samples (A=Ca, Sr, Eu, Yb) are found to have large charge carrier concentrations that increase with increasing electronegativity of A. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that this trend can be explained by stable cation vacancies and the corresponding finite phase width in A1−xZn_2Sb_2 compounds.
Guest Editors' Introduction : The Demise of Neoliberalism in Argentina

(2001). Guest Editors' Introduction : The Demise of Neoliberalism in Argentina. International Journal of Political Economy: Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 3-10.
Role of renal microcirculation in experimental renovascular disease

Background. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) causes renal injury partly via microvascular (MV) endothelial dysfunction and damage. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for preservation of microvasculature and promotes vascular proliferation and endothelial repair. We have previously shown that MV rarefaction is associated with decreased VEGF in the kidney exposed to chronic RAS, accompanied by deteriorated renal function and fibrosis. We hypothesized that preserving the renal microcirculation in the stenotic kidney will halt the progression of renal damage. Methods. Unilateral RAS was induced in 16 pigs. In eight, VEGF (0.05 micrograms/kg) was infused intra-renally at the onset of RAS. After 6 weeks, single-kidney haemodynamics and function were assessed using in vivo multi-detector computed tomography (CT). Renal microvessels, angiogenic pathways and morphology were investigated ex vivo using micro-CT, real-time PCR and histology. Results. Blood pressure and degree of RAS was similar in RAS and RAS + VEGF pigs. Single-kidney renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were reduced in RAS compared to Normal (221.1 ± 46.5 and 29.9 ± 3.8 vs. 522.5 ± 60.9 and 49.3 ± 3.4 mL/min, respectively, P < 0.05), accompanied by decreased cortical MV density and increased renal fibrosis. Pre-emptive administration of VEGF preserved MV architecture, attenuated fibrosis and normalized RBF and GFR (510.8 ± 50.9 and 39.9.1 ± 4.1 mL/min, P = not significant vs. Normal). Conclusions. This study underscores the importance of the renal microcirculation in renovascular disease. Intra-renal administration of VEGF preserved renal MV architecture and function of the stenotic kidney, which in turn preserved renal haemodynamics and function and decreased renal fibrosis. These observations suggest that preventing renal MV loss may be a potential target for therapeutic approaches for patients with chronic renovascular disease.
Human immunogenicity studies on group A streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCPA) as a potential vaccine against group A streptococcal infections.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Group A streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCPA) is a major virulence surface factor. Its highly conserved nature among all tested serotypes of group A streptococci (GAS) as well as animal protection studies make SCPA a prime vaccine candidate. The present study was undertaken to explore the human immunogenicity to SCPA using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. METHODS Children (n=72) who had signs and symptoms of acute pharyngitis and had GAS isolated from the throat at initial visit were included. Acute and convalescent sera were collected 4 weeks apart. ELISA was performed using recombinant SCPA peptide as antigen. RESULTS The mean convalescent anti-SCPA level was twice the level of mean acute anti-SCPA and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There was a rise in convalescent anti-SCPA in all children aged 2-12 yr. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Our observations confirmed that SCPA was highly immunogenic in children infected with group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Further studies need to be done to characterize the immune response including antibody subclass.
Histone deacetylase inhibition reveals a tumor-suppressive function of MYC-regulated miRNA in breast and lung carcinoma

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition leads to dynamic changes in the epigenetic landscape that is postulated to alter the expression of critical mediators of cellular proliferation and death. While current HDAC inhibitors have shown to be efficacious in the treatment of specific hematologic malignancies, their therapeutic utility in epithelial-based cancers warrants further evaluation. Moreover, the mechanisms of HDAC inhibition-induced cancer cell death are not completely understood. Therefore, elucidation of the underlying pathways engaged by HDAC inhibition may enable the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we report that HDAC inhibition in human breast and lung carcinoma cells activates an apoptotic mechanism mediated by microRNA (miRNA) and induced by the oncogene MYC. Specifically, following HDAC inhibition, MYC, which normally represses miR-15 and let-7 families, transcriptionally activated their expression and MYC was required for this miRNA upregulation. As a result, transcript levels of the tumor-suppressive miR-15 and let-7 families increased, which targeted and decreased the expression of the crucial prosurvival genes BCL-2 and BCL-XL, respectively. MYC was also required for the downregulation of BCL-2 and BCL-XL following HDAC inhibition. Blocking the binding sites of the miR-15 and let-7 families in the 3'-untranslated regions of BCL-2 and BCL-XL protected against HDAC inhibition-induced apoptosis. These results provide important insight into the molecular underpinnings of HDAC inhibition-induced cell death in breast and lung cancer and reveal a tumor-suppressive role for MYC-regulated miRNA that is activated with HDAC inhibition.
A Foucauldian analysis of power relations in an action research study

This article utilizes Foucault’s views of power to analyze the role of power in an action research dissertation titled “Grassroots Community Leaders as a Community of Practice: Utilizing Learning a...
Development of Allpurpose Software for Designing Jet Drilling Hydraulics

In the light of present problems in programming jet drilling hydraulics ,an allpurpose software for designing jet drilling hydraulics is developed with a developing tool,Power Builder This software includes five general methods used now in drilling site with the advantages of convenient daily data manipulation, simple operation, friendly user interface and graphical display It can be run on personal computers or network ones After use of the software and its comparison with drilling site design results, it is also validated in feasibility and reliability, and is expected to be a powerful tool for drilling engineering design and hydraulic parameter calculation
The relationship between planned change and successful implementation of computer assisted instruction.

The purpose of this study was to examine planning for the implementation of computer assisted instruction (CAI). The sample consisted of 77 nursing programs representing 35 states. A mail survey method was used to collect the data from 278 nurse faculty employed by the nursing programs in the sample. The first hypothesis predicted a relationship between planned change and successful implementation of CAI and was supported (r = .86, p less than .001). Testing of the second hypothesis with multiple regression analysis revealed that continued faculty support, continued adequate resources, and administrative support (R = .68, p less than .0001), account for 46.5% of the variance within successful implementation of CAI. The findings of this study have the potential to assist nurse educators and those who award grant money for CAI use to better predict success with the implementation of CAI.
An Investigation of the Locomotor Function of Therian Forearm Pronation Provides Renewed Support for an Arboreal, Chameleon-like Evolutionary Stage

Although investigations of forelimb characteristics are central to therian evolutionary studies, the functional origins of forearm pronation are neglected. However, recent research based on bipedal manipulations strongly suggests that proximal radioulnar joint mobility is highly conserved in tetrapods. This new information calls for a replication of previously published physical simulations of forearm bone movements, to investigate whether active therian pronation/supination evolved from the plesiomorphic mechanism via which locomotor-induced torsion is passively alleviated during forelimb retraction. Preliminary results using representative extant and extinct tetrapod forelimb elements are supportive, and also offer insight into why another overlooked forearm trait, osteological full pronation (mechanically aligned elbow and wrist/finger joints), evolved only in therians and chameleons. During forelimb retraction in tetrapods with unfused radii/ulnae, the radius unexpectedly remains fixed in place as a functional complex with the firmly planted manus/carpus, which the ulnar complex (ulna/humerus) displaces relative to. Therefore, the highly conserved functional morphology of the tetrapod forearm indicates that enhanced therian manual dexterity, which emphasizes isolated radial movements bipedally, was preceded by the locomotor evolution of ulnar supination relative to the radius quadrupedally. This counterintuitive information indicates that the traditional hypothesis, that therian pronation/supination evolved arboreally to amplify radial mobility, requires modification. The authors propose that proximal long-axis rotations of the therian ulnar complex co-evolved with osteological full pronation during a period of arboreal, chameleon-like locomotion, to continue allowing torsion at a reinforced proximal radioulnar joint. These adaptations were later or simultaneously co-opted for object manipulation using active radioulnar pronation/supination.
Endoscopic Ligation of the Sphenopalatine Artery as a Primary Management of Severe Posterior Epistaxis in Patients with Coagulopathy

We describe our experience with endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery in the treatment of severe posterior epistaxis in 2 patients with coagulopathy. Conservative treatment had failed in both cases. The key elements of this procedure are the identification of the branches of the sphenopalatine artery via an endoscopic endonasal approach and the application of two titanium clips under direct vision. This procedure was successful in both patients, and we recommend it in selected cases.
Elevated serum progesterone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration do not predict outcome in assisted reproduction cycles

Objective To determine if the level of serum P drawn on the day of hCG administration predicts assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome in patients undergoing stimulation with hMG under GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) suppression. Design Retrospective P assay of stored serum. Patients One hundred seventy-one patients (189cycles) who had undergone GnRH-a suppression (leuprolide acetate or nafarelin) and stimulation with hMG for an ART procedure. Main Outcome Measures Progesterone RIA of serum obtained on the day of hCG administration. Measurement of sequential serum LH values by RIA in those patients with the highest P levels. Results Pregnancy rates per oocyte retrieval were not correlated with the P level before hCG administration. There were 18 of 54 (33.3%) clinical pregnancies in those cycles with P 2 levels and numbers of follicles and oocytes obtained were observed in the high P cycles. There were no differences in the number of oocytes fertilized, the number of embryos transferred, or the implantation rate. However, a significantly higher percentage of mature oocytes were fertilized in the low P cycles (73%), as compared with the high P cycles (60%). Conclusions Serum P levels before hCG administration do not predict the outcome of ART cycles in patients suppressed with GnRH-a before hMG stimulation. Lower fertilization rates observed in the high P cycles did not have an effect on clinical outcome.
The European Union and Defense Industry Policy

Defense industrial policy is not an area that normally comes to mind when one thinks of European Union (EU) policies. As will be evident from the following discussion, the EU’s involvement in defense industry matters remains limited. Yet some EU policies do have an effect on European defense firms, and significantly more of an effect today than in 1958 or even 1978. An explanation of why the EU has become involved in this policy area will be the focus of this chapter. EU policies in this sector did not just appear from out of nowhere. In fact, few of these policies were explicitly created with Europe’s defense industry in mind. Most policies were developed for other reasons, but now have a direct effect on the armaments sector. This chapter attempts to answer two questions: ‘What are the EU policies that affect European defense firms?’ and ‘What roles have the three primary institutions within the EU — Council of Ministers, Commission, Parliament — played in bringing defense industry issues onto the EU agenda?’
Dynamic resonance in the high-Q and near-monochromatic regime

This communication investigates the sensitive behavior of dynamic resonant scattering when an extended system is weakly coupled to a resonator (high-Q) and the source field is nearly monochromatic but of finite energy. We analyze a specific model that incorporates certain universal features of resonance. It is a resonant modification of the Lamb model for the interaction between an oscillator and a continuum. This resonant Lamb model incorporates a two-part scatterer attached to an infinite string with continuous spectrum. The non-resonant part of the scatterer is associated with direct scattering; and the resonant part—an oscillator coupled weakly to the string— is associated with field amplification and delayed scattering. A sharp anomaly in the transmission coefficient occurs when the source frequency is within γ2 of the resonant frequency (where γ is the coupling constant and the Q-factor is of order γ−2); this anomaly is mollified as the source spreads spectrally. Resonant amplification occurs when the source frequency is within γ of the resonant frequency. The amount of amplification depends on the relationships between the spectral width γ2 of the transmission resonance, the spectral width σ of the source field, and the difference between the source frequency and the resonant frequency.
Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution Is Associated With Endothelial Injury and Systemic Inflammation.

Rationale:Epidemiological evidence indicates that exposures to fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) contribute to global burden of disease, primarily as a result of increased risk of cardi...
Are earthquakes, fractals, and 1/f noise self-organized critical phenomena

Spatially extended dynamical systems can evolve towards a “self-organized” critical state. We suggest that several phenomena which are known to have temporal or spatial power law correlations are manifestations of this state. The Gutenberg-Richter law for the distribution of earthquakes indicates that the occurrence of earthquakes is a critical phenomenon.
Wavelet Based Structure Damage Detection

In structural health monitoring (SHM), the Fourier transform (FT) is a classical tool for spectrum estimation. Because of the low sensitivity of the FT to local structural damages, the wavelet packet transform (WPT) is used. The WPT describes the signal in a localized time (or space) and frequency (or scale) domain and a level-by-level decomposition of the signal is obtained. Then, the energy distribution of the signals at the bottom of the WPT decomposition tree can be used to identify changes in energy between frequency bands, a behavior that can be associated with damage in the structure. The validation of this theory is obtained with a finite element model (FEM) of a simply supported beam implemented in Matlabreg.
Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Dynamics of p53 Tumor Suppressor Protein

In carrying out its tumor suppressor function, p53 binds to cognate DNA regulatory sites throughout the genome. While many of the binding sites contain a recognizable consensus, other binding sites...
Size and Shape Optimization of Space Trusses Considering Geometrical Imperfection-Sensitivity in Buckling Constraints

Optimal design considering buckling of compressive members is an important subject in structural engineering. The strength of compressive members can be compensated by initial geometrical imperfection due to the manufacturing process; therefore, geometrical imperfection can affect the optimal design of structures. In this study, the metaheuristic teaching-learning-based-optimization (TLBO) algorithm is applied to study the geometrical imperfection-sensitivity of members’ buckling in the optimal design of space trusses. Three benchmark trusses and a real-life bridge with continuous and discrete design variables are considered, and the results of optimization are compared for different degrees of imperfection, namely 0.001, 0.002, and 0.003. The design variables are the cross-sectional areas, and the objective is to minimize the total weight of the structures under the following constraints: tensile and compressive yielding stress, Euler buckling stress considering imperfection, nodal displacement, and available cross-sectional areas. The results reveal that higher geometrical imperfection degrees significantly change the critical buckling load of compressive members, and consequently, increase the weight of the optimal design. This increase varies from 0.4 to 119% for different degrees of imperfection in the studied trusses.
An Analysis of the Impact of Supplier Strategies and Relationships on Small Retailer Actions, Perceptions, and Performance:

Relationships between small hardware retailers and their wholesalers were examined. Retailers (n = 320) reported that closer relationships with wholesalers, characterized by greater formality and m...
Association between Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain in Treatment-Seeking African Americans

Abstract Introduction Research has shown that African Americans gain more than average weight after smoking cessation. However, African Americans have been underrepresented in post-cessation weight gain research. The current study examined 1) the pattern of weight gain and 2) the association between smoking status and weight gain in a sample of African Americans seeking smoking cessation treatment. Methods Data were drawn from a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a 4-week culturally specific smoking cessation cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention among African American smokers (N = 342). Weight was measured and self-reported smoking status was biochemically verified at baseline, end of counseling, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Random effects multilevel modeling was used to examine weight gain over twelve months post CBT, and a fully unconditional model tested the pattern of weight gain over time. Smoking status was included as a time-varying factor to examine its effect on weight gain, controlling for potential confounding variables. Results Weight significantly increased among those who remained abstinent over 12 months post CBT [average gain of seven lbs. (three kg)]. Controlling for covariates, abstinence was predictive of the rate of weight gain for those with high weight concern. Conclusions Weight gain among African American abstainers was comparable to the average post-cessation weight gain observed among the general population. It is possible that exposure to CBT (culturally specific or standard) may have mitigated excessive weight gain. Future research should assess predictors of weight gain in African American smokers to inform future smoking cessation interventions and help elucidate factors that contribute to tobacco- and obesity-related health disparities.
Activation of AMPK in Human Placental Explants Impairs Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Metabolism.

Adenosine monophosphate—activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor whose phosphorylation increases energy production. We sought to evaluate the placenta-specific effect of AMPK activation on the handling of nutrients required for fetal development. Explants were isolated from term placenta of 29 women (pregravid body mass index: 29.1 ± 9.9 kg/m2) and incubated for 24 hours with 0 to 100 µmol/L resveratrol or 0 to 1 mmol/L of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR). Following treatment, uptake and metabolism of radiolabeled fatty acids and glucose were measured. Phosphorylation of AMPK was measured by Western blotting. Adenosine diphosphate (ATP) production was assessed using the mitochondrial ToxGlo assay kit. P <.05 was considered statistically significant. Resveratrol and AICAR increased AMPK phosphorylation in human placental explants. Exposure to resveratrol decreased the uptake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid at 100 µmol/L (P <.0001). Fatty acid oxidation was decreased by 100 µmol/L (P <.05) resveratrol, while esterification was unchanged. Resveratrol decreased glucose uptake at the 50 and 100 µmol/L doses (P <.05). Glycolysis was not significantly affected. AICAR had similar effects, decreasing fatty acid uptake and glycolysis (P <.05). Production of ATP declined at doses found to decrease nutrient metabolism (P <.05). Activation of AMPK in the human placenta leads to global downregulation of metabolism, with mitotoxicity induced at the doses of resveratrol and AICAR used to activate AMPK. Although activation of this pathway has positive metabolic effects on other tissues, in the placenta there is potential for harm, as inadequate placental delivery of critical nutrients may compromise fetal development.
Abstract 18269: Regional Longitudinal Deformation Improves Prediction of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction - A MADIT-CRT Sub-Study

Background: Abnormalities of regional function are known predictors of ventricular arrhythmia. We assessed whether measures of regional longitudinal deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography improve prediction of ventricular tachyarrhythmias over clinical, echocardiography parameters, or biomarkers. Methods: We studied 1064 patients enrolled in MADIT-CRT with speckle-tracking data available. Peak longitudinal strain was obtained for the septal, lateral, anterior and inferior myocardial walls. The endpoint was the first event of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF). Results: During the median follow-up of 2.9 years, 254 (24%) patients developed VT/VF. Patients with VT/VF had significantly lower LVEF (28.3% vs 29.5%, p Conclusion: In MADIT-CRT, assessment of regional longitudinal myocardial deformation in the inferior myocardial wall provided incremental prognostic information over clinical, conventional echocardiographic risk factors, or biomarkers in predicting ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Environmental Effects on Cell Physiology and Metabolism: Response to Elevated pC02

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major by-product of mammalian cell metabolism. Approximately 1 mole of CO2 is released for every mole of O2 consumed (Aunins and Henzler, 1993). An early goal in optimizing bioprocesses was to deliver sufficient oxygen to support a large cell density. Due to the need to balance oxygen delivery with minimal cell damage, strategies employing enriched oxygen, microbubbles, and slower volumetric flow rates were developed. However, under these conditions, CO2 can build up to high levels. pCO2 values near 170 mm Hg have been reported for a 200 L culture with small amounts of pure O2 sparged through a stainless steel frit (Aunins et al,, 1993) and a 2500 L production bioreactor (Aunins and Henzler, 1993; data from Drapeau et al., 1990). Other studies have shown that the growth of a variety of industrially relevant cell Unes, including CHO and BHK cells, is reduced under elevated CO2 partial pressure (pCO2; Kimura and Miller, 1996; Taticek et al., 1998). Elevated pCO2 decreases CHO cell specific protein production (qp; Drapeau et al., 1990; Kimura and Miller, 1996), while antibody production by hybridoma and NS/0 cells remains unaltered (deZengotita et al., 1998). The glycosylation of EPO and tPA are robust up to 250 mm Hg pCO2 (Grampp et al, 1994; Kimura and Miller, 1997), while the polysialylation of NCAM is much more sensitive to elevated pCO2 — decreasing to 20% of control levels at 170 mm Hg pCO2, pH 7.5 (Zanghi et al., 1999).
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The theories of motivation discussed thus far, particularly those evolving from the observation of human behavior, have stressed the importance of intrapersonal dynamics. Motivators labelled libido, drive, tension, or need activate the organism, with pleasure attained when the goal is reached. Goal attainment often involves the re-establishment of internal equilibrium. Furthermore, there are inhibitors to goal attainment, such as defense mechanisms, barriers in the environment, or fear of failing, that create conflict and frustration. The individual thus is portrayed as in a constant state of battle, attempting to attain happiness in the face of repeated, and often unattainable, internal commands and wishes.