cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Before and After Joining the European Union: The Impact of Investments in Telecoms on the Visegrád Group of Countries and Baltic States

The limited resources of transition economies accentuate the need for formulating effective and efficient policies for investments in information and communication technologies. However, the empirical evidence required for sound decision making is scarce, thus prompting a call for studies in the area of macroeconomic impact of investments in information and communication technologies. Using two-time series data sets, one for the period from 1993 to 2003 and another for the period from 2004 to 2010, the impact of investments in telecoms on total factor productivity in the context of transition economies was investigated. Specifically, the focus was on a group of seven transition economies that is comprised of the Visegrad Group of countries (e.g., Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) and the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Results suggest that all the members of the Visegrad Group of countries and the Baltic States group exhibited overall growth in productivity. Further, a compari...
SEARCHING FOR THE HEART OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS WITH 20/20 VISION

How relatively painless it was to agree 18 months ago to be nominated for the position of President-Elect of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA). Preparing for this address, the most daunting task faced by holders of this office, has been anything but painless. At the same time I can say unequivocally that it has been a productive exercise for me. I hope that something I say will make your time spent listening worthwhile as well.
Biologic differences between peripheral and transition zone prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer arises in the transition zone (TZ) in approximately 20–25% of cases. Modern biopsy and surveillance protocols, and advances in prostate cancer imaging, have renewed interest in TZ prostate cancers. We compared TZ and PZ prostate cancer to determine if cancer location is independently associated with better outcomes. METHODS We evaluated an expanded cohort of 1354 men who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1983 and 2003 with updated long-term clinical follow-up. Regression models were used to compare the volume of high-grade (Gleason 4 or 5) cancer and total cancer volume by location. Uni- and multi-variable logistic regression models tested the associations between cancer location and adverse pathologic features. Multivariable proportional hazard models were fit to examine cancer recurrence. RESULTS Patients with TZ cancer presented with higher pre-operative serum PSA values (11.07 vs. 7.86 ng/ml) and larger total cancer volume (7.1 vs. 3.8 cc). Patients with TZ cancer had decreased odds of seminal vesicle invasion (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03, 0.21), extra-capsular extension (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35, 0.92), and lymphovascular invasion (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27, 0.87) in multivariable models. TZ cancers were independently associated with decreased hazard of tumor recurrence (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43, 0.90). CONCLUSIONS TZ cancer prostate is associated with favorable pathologic features and better recurrence-free survival despite being diagnosed with larger cancers and higher PSA values. Tumor location should be taken into account when stratifying patient risk before and after prostatectomy, particularly with the evolving role of imaging in prostate cancer management. Prostate 75:183–190, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fucosylation of Cripto Is Required for Its Ability to Facilitate Nodal Signaling

O-linked fucose modification is rare and has been shown to occur almost exclusively within epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like modules. We have found that the EGF-CFC family member human Cripto-1 (CR) is modified with fucose and through a combination of peptide mapping, mass spectrometry, and sequence analysis localized the site of attachment to Thr-88. The identification of a fucose modification on human CR within its EGF-like domain and the presence of a consensus fucosylation site within all EGF-CFC family members suggest that this is a biologically important modification in CR, which functionally distinguishes it from the EGF ligands that bind the type 1 erbB growth factor receptors. A single CR point mutation, Thr-88 --> Ala, results in a form of the protein that is not fucosylated and has substantially weaker activity in cell-based CR/Nodal signaling assays, indicating that fucosylation is functionally important for CR to facilitate Nodal signaling.
Abstract IA20: Targeting AMPK signaling in melanoma

Biguanides, such as the diabetes therapeutics metformin and phenformin, have demonstrated anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. The energy-sensing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to be a major cellular target of biguanides. We have previously reported that AMPK signalling is attenuated by BRAFV600E in melanoma through phosphorylation of LKB1, a major upstream kinase of AMPK. More recently, we have also discovered that BRAF is directly phosphorylated by AMPK, leading to impaired BRAF-KSR1 association and MEK-ERK signalling (Mol Cell, 2013, 52:161). Based on this crosstalk between the AMPK and BRAF signaling pathways, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of combining phenformin with a BRAF inhibitor PLX4720 on the proliferation of BRAF mutated melanoma cells in vitro and on BRAF-driven tumor growth in vivo. Co-treatment of BRAF mutated melanoma cell lines with phenformin and PLX4720 resulted in synergistic inhibition of cell viability, compared to the effects of the single agent alone. Moreover, treatment with phenformin significantly delayed the development of resistance to PLX4720 in cultured melanoma cells. Biochemical analyses showed that phenformin and PLX4720 exerted cooperative effects on inhibiting mTOR signaling and inducing apoptosis. Noticeably, phenformin selectively targeted subpopulations of cells expressing JARID1B, a marker for slow cycling melanoma cells. In contrast, PLX4720 selectively targeted JARID1B negative cells, which represents the majority of cells in the tumors, and spared the JAR1D1B-positive slowing cycling population. Finally, in contrast to their use as single agents, the combination of phenformin and PLX4720 induced tumor regression in both nude mice bearing melanoma xenografts and in a genetically engineered BRAFV600E/PTENnull-driven mouse model of melanoma. These results strongly suggest that significant therapeutic advantage may be achieved by combining AMPK activators such as phenformin with BRAF inhbitors for the treatment of melanoma. Citation Format: Bin Zheng. Targeting AMPK signaling in melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Melanoma: From Biology to Therapy; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(14 Suppl):Abstract nr IA20.
Cyborgs @ Cyberspace?: An Ethnographer Looks to the Future

Cyborgs. Cyberspace?: An Ethnographer Looks to the Future. David Hakken. New York: Routledge, 1999. 264 pp.
A Novel Outreach To High School Students By Teaching Them The Engineering Skills In A Project-Based Approach

In this paper a novel outreach approach to high school students to familiarize them with engineering functions and methods are explained. In this approach students participated in a seven days research camp and learned many engineering skills and tools such as CAD solid modeling, finite element analysis, rapid prototyping, mechanical tests, team working, and communication skills under a project-based bridge design research project. End of the program survey results showed a good understanding about the engineering skills and functions and a high degree of satisfaction among participants.
Augustana women in computer science (AWCS): a program to encourage women in the pursuit of technical education and careers

There is acute demand for information technology workers in the United States. This demand is likely to continue for many years. To meet this escalating demand, it is imperative for computer science departments to recruit and retain female students who are currently under represented. Female students should have the same opportunity as male students to occupy the rewarding and highly compensated jobs in information technology fields. However, the number of female students entering and completing undergraduate study in computer science is significantly lower than expected given the percentages of female students enrolled in higher education. Although almost all other scientific fields have been successful in increasing the number of female majors, the number of female computer science majors has declined. The Augustana Women in Computer Science (AWCS) student organization originated in March 2000 to address this inequality. The purpose of the organization is to assist women in their pursuit of education and careers in computer science and to remove any perceived or real barriers to their success in technicalcareers. Highlights of the program include a student-to-student mentoring program and an outreach program aimed at area elementary students. The mentoring program assigns upper class computer science majors to incoming first year students who have declared a major in computer science. The outreach program gives college students the opportunity to speak with elementary age students about careers in technology.
The influence of tumor size and environment on gene expression in commonly used human tumor lines

The expression profiles of solid tumor models in rodents have been only minimally studied despite their extensive use to develop anticancer agents. We have applied RNA expression profiling using Affymetrix U95A GeneChips to address fundamental biological questions about human tumor lines. To determine whether gene expression changed significantly as a tumor increased in size, we analyzed samples from two human colon carcinoma lines (Colo205 and HCT-116) at three different sizes (200 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg). To investigate whether gene expression was influenced by the strain of mouse, tumor samples isolated from C.B-17 SCID and Nu/Nu mice were also compared. Finally, the gene expression differences between tissue culture and in vivo samples were investigated by comparing profiles from lines grown in both environments. Multidimensional scaling and analysis of variance demonstrated that the tumor lines were dramatically different from each other and that gene expression remained constant as the tumors increased in size. Statistical analysis revealed that 63 genes were differentially expressed due to the strain of mouse the tumor was grown in but the function of the encoded proteins did not link to any distinct biological pathways. Hierarchical clustering of tissue culture and xenograft samples demonstrated that for each individual tumor line, the in vivo and in vitro profiles were more similar to each other than any other profile. We identified 36 genes with a pattern of high expression in xenograft samples that encoded proteins involved in extracellular matrix, cell surface receptors and transcription factors. An additional 17 genes were identified with a pattern of high expression in tissue culture samples and encoded proteins involved in cell division, cell cycle and RNA production. The environment a tumor line is grown in can have a significant effect on gene expression but tumor size has little or no effect for subcutaneously grown solid tumors. Furthermore, an individual tumor line has an RNA expression pattern that clearly defines it from other lines even when grown in different environments. This could be used as a quality control tool for preclinical oncology studies.
Reconciliation of net income to cash flow from operations: an accounting equation approach

Abstract This paper demonstrates the use of the basic accounting equation to provide the logic behind the steps commonly described in current accounting textbooks to reconcile net income to cash flow from operating activities. Such a framework provides students a better understanding of the indirect method of calculating cash flow from operating activities. A step-by-step analysis is provided to demonstrate how cash flow can be obtained using the basic accounting equation. The analysis provided in this paper also highlights the articulation of financial statements.
Levels of social behaviors and genetic structure in a population of round-tailed ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus)

Ground-dwelling sciurids exhibit a continuum of sociality and several models predict levels of sociality within this taxon. Models of ground squirrel sociality predict round-tailed ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) to be solitary; however, previous behavioral studies suggest round-tailed ground squirrels have a matrilineal social structure. To resolve this discrepancy, we combined behavioral observations with genetic analyses of population structure. We assessed levels of agonistic and amicable behaviors combined with fine-scale population genetic structure of round-tailed ground squirrels in a multi-year study in AZ. Only 45 agonistic and 40 amicable interactions were observed between adults in over 137 h of observations. Overall rates of agonistic or amicable interactions between adults were low (≤0.69/h), with no relationship between relatedness of individuals and rates of either amicable or agonistic interactions. Interactions between juvenile littermates were predominantly amicable. Population substructure was not evident with Bayesian analyses, global or pairwise F ST values; average relatedness among females was not different from males. However, in 2006, the year after a population reduction through targeted animal elimination, a population bottleneck was detected within at least five of seven loci. Contrary to previous behavioral studies, this population of round-tailed ground squirrels, although aggregated spatially, did not exhibit high levels of social behavior nor subpopulation genetic structure. Analyses of the genetic relationships and sociality along a continuum, particularly within aggregates of individuals, may lead to insights into the origin and maintenance of social behaviors by elucidating the mechanisms by which aggregates with intermediate social levels are formed and maintained.
Formation and localization of internal polymer columnar structures in liquid crystal cells

Internal polymer columnar structures in liquid crystal (LC) cells have been produced using the method of thermally-induced phase separation of LC/prepolymer solution and solidified by photopolymerization. These polymer columns adhere to both substrates and enhance control of the LC cell spacing and mechanical stability. The existence and profile of the polymer columns were investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Supertwisted nematic LC cells with polymer columnar structures have been constructed using this method and their electro-optical characteristics measured.
Average-case analysis of greedy pursuit

Recent work on sparse approximation has focused on the theoretical performance of algorithms for random inputs. This average-case behavior is typically far better than the behavior for the worst inputs. Moreover, an average-case analysis fits naturally with the type of signals that arise in certain applications, such as wireless communications. This paper describes what is currently known about the performance of greedy prusuit algorithms with random inputs. In particular, it gives a new result for the performance of Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) for sparse signals contaminated with random noise, and it explains recent work on recovering sparse signals from random measurements via OMP. The paper also provides a list of open problems to stimulate further research.
A lattice model of the nuclear pore complex.

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is one of the largest protein machines in the cell and forms the sole conduit for nucleocytoplasmic transport in eukaryotes. The NPC is composed of an eightfold radially symmetric scaffold of architectural proteins that anchor a set of phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeat proteins that form the transport barrier. As a step toward elucidating the molecular architecture of the NPC, we solved the structure of nucleoporin 85 (Nup85) in complex with Seh1, a module in the heptameric Nup84 subcomplex. We define a new tripartite protein element, the ancestral coatomer element ACE1, which Nup85 specifically shares with several other nucleoporins and vesicle coat proteins. We predicted and verified functional sites on nucleoporin ACE1 members based on analogy to ACE1 interactions that propagate the COPII vesicle coat. Thus, we provide the first experimental evidence for evolution of the NPC and vesicle coats from a common ancestor. We propose that the NPC structural scaffold, like vesicl...
A method for measuring methane oxidation rates using low levels of 14C-labeled methane and accelerator mass spectrometry

We report a new method for methane oxidation rate measurements that uses 103-105times less 14C-CH4 than existing measurements by taking advantage of the high sensitivity of accelerator mass spectrometry. Methane oxidation in the marine environment is a microbial process of global importance because it prevents methane released from underlying reservoirs from reaching the ocean and atmosphere. Rate measurements provide a crucial tool for assessing the efficacy of this process across a range of environments, but the current methods use high amounts of radioactive elements (3H- or 14C-CH4), tend to increase methane concentrations in a sample markedly over in situ levels, and are limited by strict health and safety regulations. The low-level method presented here uses levels of 14C-CH4 that are below transportation regulations, produce samples that do not require treatment as radioactive waste, and allow for tracer level rate measurements in low methane environments. Moreover, the low-level method lays the analytical foundation for a below-regulation rate measurement that could be used broadly and in-situ. Parallel rate measurements with the low-level 14C-CH4 and existing 3H-CH4 methods are generally consistent with a correlation coefficient of 0.77. However, the low-level method in most cases yields slower rates than the 3H method possibly due to temperature, priming, and detection limit effects.
Genetically modified foods: why the public frenzy? Role of mainstream news media.

When someone brings up the term “genetic modification,” it brings a negative feeling in most of us. It brings some sort of nasty connotation with it. Even though most of the Americans have no clue about the technology, they are generally distrustful of the biotechnology that has fostered ‘genetically modified foods.’ Why does the public distrust this new technology? Is it because the public does not trust the industry? Is it because the public does not have confidence in the governmental regulatory agencies entrusted with the task of protecting the public? Or is it due to sensationalized and often conflicting coverage of the potential, but unproven risks of the emerging technology in the mainstream news media? The controversy about the genetically modified (GM) foods was generated by a brief report published in 1999 in Nature stating that a popular variety of transgenic corn produces pollen that was toxic to Monarch butterfly larvae. The article noted that the Monarch larvae “grew more slowly and suffered higher mortality than larvae exposed to pollen from conventional corn.” The report was immediately given prominent play in mainstream media, and became a rallying point for opponents of biotechnology. However, six follow-up studies published in October 2001 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggested that varieties of Bt corn most commonly planted in the United States were not a threat to the Monarch butterflies and that the only variety that appeared to pose a threat was not popular with the farmers. That strain was later taken off the market. These findings never made the front pages of mainstream media. Why were the stories about subsequent research showing that the “Monarch butterflies were not threatened after all” not on
Surgical spectrum of aortic stenosis in children: A thirty-year experience with 257 children

Abstract Aortic stenosis accounts for 5 to 6% of infants and children seen for surgical repair of congenital heart disease. The clinical presentation and reported results of operation for aortic stenosis are highly variable. This retrospective review was undertaken to assess our operative mortality and the degree of gradient reduction afforded by each of several surgical techniques used to treat aortic stenosis in children over a 30-year period. Two hundred fifty-seven patients ranging in age from 1 day to 19 years were operated on between 1957 and 1986. The indication for operation included asymptomatic patients with gradients greater than 50 mm Hg to patients in profound cardiogenic shock. The operative mortality for children older than 6 months was 4%, whereas neonates seen with critical aortic stenosis had a 60% mortality. The late mortality was 2%. Eighty percent of surviving patients to date have undergone cardiac catheterization after repair. This shows an overall reduction of 57 mm Hg in the left ventricular-aortic gradient. Patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis and discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis as well as patients undergoing aortic valve replacement showed a reduction in or elimination of associated aortic insufficiency, whereas patients undergoing aortic valvotomy or neonates having valvotomy had a significant increase in demonstrable aortic insufficiency. The incidence of third-degree heart block or cerebral emboli following operation for aortic stenosis was less than 1%. However, the incidence of late bacterial endocarditis following repair was nearly 5%; six of eleven cases occurred in the group with discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis. Twenty-nine (13%) of the 223 long-term survivors have undergone a subsequent procedure for relief of residual or recurrent obstruction; 12 have had insertion of an aortic valve prosthesis, 12 have had insertion of an apicoaortic conduit, and 6 have required repeat aortic valvotomy. These data demonstrate the low operative mortality and excellent hemodynamic benefit of surgical relief of single-level aortic stenosis in children older than neonates. Conduits placed for complex obstructions or operative procedures in neonates have acceptable hemodynamics benefits, but operative mortality remains high.
The longitudinal course of PTSD among disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center following the attacks of September 11th

This study examined the long-term mental health outcomes of 2,960 nonrescue disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center site in New York City following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Semistructured interviews and standardized self-report measures were used to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychopathology 4 and 6 years after the attacks. Clinician-measured rates of PTSD and partial PTSD 4-years posttrauma were 8.4% and 8.9%, respectively, in a subsample of 727 individuals. Rates decreased to 5.8% and 7.7% for full and partial PTSD 6 years posttrauma. For the larger sample, self-report scores revealed probable PTSD and partial PTSD prevalence to be 4.8% and 3.6% at 4 years, and 2.4% and 1.8% at 6 years. Approximately 70% of workers never met criteria for PTSD. Although PTSD rates decreased significantly over time, many workers remained symptomatic, with others showing delayed-onset PTSD. The strongest predictors of ongoing PTSD 6 years following 9/11 were trauma history (odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.06, 4.85]); the presence of major depressive disorder 1-2 years following the trauma (OR = 2.80, 95% CI [1.17, 6.71]); and extent of occupational exposure (OR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.13, 1.51]). The implications of the findings for both screening and treatment of disaster workers are discussed.
Nanocrystalline LiCrTiO4 as anode for asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor

Abstract Lithiated spinel, LiCrTiO 4 is synthesized by sonochemical method followed by calcination at 923 K for 2 h. The prepared material is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Cubic phase LiCrTiO 4 with Fd 3 m space group is evident from the XRD. Particles of 60–70 nm in size are observed from the microscopic images. The presence of respective elements is confirmed from EDX analysis. The electrochemical characteristics of LiCrTiO 4 electrode were evaluated in a lithium battery cell. It has been found that the intercalation of lithium ions into LiCrTiO 4 lattice occurs at 1.5 and 1.65 V vs. Li/Li + with ionic conduction behavior. A reversible specific capacity of ∼ 160 mAh/g was obtained. Nanocrystalline LiCrTiO 4 is exploited as anode for asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor and the electrochemical performance is investigated. The cell exhibited a specific capacity of 59 mAh/g at 1 mA/cm 2 in a non-aqueous electrolyte. It also showed good cycling performance for 1000 cycles with 96% retention in capacity.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in infants and children

For physicians to admit that a group of patients remain for whom no cure is available in modern medicine is intellectually unsatisfying. Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare condition, with an estimated prevalence of 1 2 per million people. Because the symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension are non-specific, and the physical findings can be subtle, the disease is often diagnosed in its later stages. The natural history of primary pulmonary hypertension is usually progressive and fatal. At the 1998 Primary Pulmonary Hypertension World Symposium, clinical scientists from around the world gathered to review and discuss the features of pulmonary arterial hypertension, including primary pulmonary hypertension. Ž During this meeting on the 25th anniversary of the first international meeting on primary pulmonary hypertension sponsored by the World Health Organiza. tion in 1973 , a proposal was made to categorize pulmonary hypertension by common clinical features reflecting recent advances in the understanding of pulmonary hypertensive diseases, as well as recognizing the similarity between primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension of certain other causes. Thus, in addition to primary pulmonary hyperŽ . tension both sporadic and familial , pulmonary arte-
Solubility of Gallic Acid, Catechin, and Protocatechuic Acid in Subcritical Water from (298.75 to 415.85) K

The solubility of gallic acid hydrate, protocatechuic acid, and (+)-catechin hydrate was measured between 298.75 K and 415.85 K using a dynamic flow apparatus. The aqueous solubility of gallic acid hydrate was found to vary between 12.6 g·L−1 at 298.75 K and 2870 g·L−1 at 415.85 K. The aqueous solubility of protocatechuic acid at the same temperatures varied between 29.4 g·L−1 and 1180 g·L−1, respectively, while that of (+)-catechin hydrate varied between 2.26 g·L−1 and 576 g·L−1, respectively. The aqueous solubility of the phenolic compounds was found to increase exponentially with temperature. The temperature dependence of the aqueous solubility of the phenolic compounds was estimated using empirical correlations based on the data presented in this work. The thermodynamic properties such as standard molar enthalpy, standard molar entropy, and standard molar Gibbs energy of solution were also calculated from the solubility data.
Establishing Causality between Population Genetic Alterations and Environmental Contamination in Aquatic Organisms

Contaminant-induced alterations in genetic diversity or allele/genotype frequencies can occur via genetic bottlenecks, selection, or increased mutation rate, and may affect population growth, sustainability, and adaptability. Determination of causality of genetic effects requires demonstration of some or all of the following criteria: (1) Strength of association: use of multiple reference and contaminated populations, and demonstration of effects that cannot otherwise be explained by evolutionary theory; (2) Consistency of association: effects corroborated by other studies, in other species, or with multiple genetic markers; (3) Specificity of association: concordance of genetic effects with exposure/effect bioindicators, genotypedependant fitness and biomarkers, and consideration of confounding factors; (4) Temporality of effects: use of phylogenetics and analysis of genetic diversity using different methodologies to differentiate historical vs. recent events; (5) Biological gradients: sampling sites tha...
Passive mode-locking using multi-mode fiber

The mode-locking of dissipative soliton fiber lasers using large mode area fiber supporting multiple transverse modes is studied experimentally and theoretically. Experiments using large core step-index fiber, photonic crystal fiber, and chirally-coupled core fiber show that when the higher order mode content exceeds -27 dB, the maximum stable single-pulse energy is significantly reduced. The averaged mode-locking dynamics in a multi-mode fiber are studied using a distributed model. The co-propagation of multiple transverse modes is governed by a system of coupled Ginzburg-Landau equations (CGLEs). Simulations show that stable and robust mode-locked pulses can be produced. The maximum stable single pulse energy is found to increase with higher order mode filtering. This work demonstrates that mode-locking performance is very sensitive to the presence of multiple waveguide modes when compared to systems such as amplifiers and continuous-wave lasers, and gives a quantitative estimate of what constitutes effectively single-mode operation. Robust, distributed higher order mode filtering is necessary to maximize single-pulsing energy.
Beta-Spectra of Forbidden Transitions

The beta-spectra of the forbidden transitions of ${\mathrm{Y}}^{91}$, ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{89}$, ${\mathrm{Y}}^{90}$, ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{137}$, RaE, ${\mathrm{Au}}^{198}$, ${\mathrm{Re}}^{186}$, and ${\mathrm{P}}^{32}$ have been measured with thin sources and high resolution. Forbidden type spectra are found for the first five. ${\mathrm{Au}}^{198}$, ${\mathrm{Re}}^{186}$, and ${\mathrm{P}}^{32}$ yield spectra with the allowed shape. Evidence is advanced for the reliability of the nuclear shell structure model and for the validity of G.-T. selection rules. End points found are: ${\mathrm{Y}}^{91}$, 1.537\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007 Mev; ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{89}$, 1.463\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev; ${\mathrm{Y}}^{90}$, 2.180\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007 Mev; ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{137}$, 0.51\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev; ${\mathrm{Au}}^{198}$, 0.956\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev; ${\mathrm{Re}}^{186}$, 1.063\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.006; and ${\mathrm{P}}^{32}$, 1.689\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev.
The Vocational Interests of Nurses and Nursing Students

AT THE PRESENT TIME the demand for professionally trained nurses far exceeds the supply and indications are that this situation is not likely to improve for some time to come. In view of this fact, it becomes apparent that the lack of numbers must be compensated for by better quality, and that limited training facilities must be used as efficiently as possible. To accomplish these objectives it is neces sary to discover factors related to success in nursing and utilize ob jective devices for determining their presence or absence in the pro spective student. The failure of achievement tests in student selec tion shows that success in nursing is not synonymous with ability to complete the requirements of the curriculum in a school of nursing. Success in the nursing school is a necessary but not sufficient require ment for success in the practice of nursing. Acceptance of this fact has led to attempts to discover non-academic factors related to suc cess in the field.
Emergence of a social inquiry group: A story of fractals and networks

This article relates the emergence of a group of faculty researchers utilizing complexity science approaches. The narrative emerges from three projects combining research into complexity, communities, and technologies. Details of how the research was initiated, and the nature and quality of the conversational method, are provided. In addition, theoretical concepts that were consciously applied and others that arose through insights from the data as it was collected are discussed. Although this is like most real narratives, a never-ending story, it concludes with a presentation of some of the ideas that separate complexity-informed research from other paradigms.
Ethyl 4-(2-bromomethyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-2-yl)-5-methylisoxazole-3-carboxylate

In the structure of the title compound, C14H20BrNO5, at 90 (2) K, the isoxazole is an axial substituent of the chair conformation dimethyl­dioxanyl ring. There is an anti­parallel arrangement of the isoxazole rings with an oxygen to ring centroid distance of 3.402 (6) A.
Aeroelastic Energy Harvesting Using a Nonlinear Electromagnetic Oscillator

Results are presented from the design, fabrication, and testing of an electromagneticinductor device to convert aeroelastic-induced oscillations of an airfoil into electricity. The energy harvester consists of three magnets configured such that the force-displacement relationship can be described by a fifth-order polynomial. The integration of the harvester into a two-degree-of-freedom, pitch/plunge airfoil system introduces nonlinear stiffness into the plunge direction. This nonlinearity gives rise to limit cycle oscillations which, in-turn, are converted into electric power by the harvester. Experimental measurements from wind tunnel tests are compared to predictions of limit cycle response and resulting power generation using a two-degree-of-freedom theoretical model of the airfoil system. Once the limit cycle response has been initiated, pitch/plunge response amplitudes and the resulting power generation increases with airspeed
Origin of the matching effect in a superconducting film with a hole array

We investigate the origin of the matching effect observed in superconducting Nb films containing regular arrays of holes near the zero-field critical temperature. We find ``dips'' in the resistance vs magnetic field curves at matching fields where the magnitude of the magnetic flux threading each unit cell is an integer number of the flux quantum. By comparing the magnetic field dependences of the resistance and critical temperature in perpendicular and parallel magnetic field directions, we find that the matching effect in Nb films containing triangular hole arrays originates from hole-induced suppression of the critical temperature rather than the widely assumed flux pinning enhancement.
Local infusion of the (±)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione does not block d1 dopamine receptor-mediated increases in immediate early gene expression in the dopamine-depleted striatum

Administration of selective agonists of D1 dopamine receptors increases immediate early gene expression in striatal neurons, a response which is particularly robust in the dopamine-depleted striatum. Although interactions between dopamine and glutamate receptor-mediated responses in striatal neurons have been demonstrated in a number of experimental paradigms, our previous findings indicate that N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists do not block D1 receptor-mediated induction of immediate early genes in the dopamine-depleted striatum. In the present study, we therefore examined interactions between D1 dopamine receptors and the (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate subtypes of glutamate receptor by determining whether striatal infusion of the (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione would block D1 receptor-mediated induction of the immediate early genes c-fos and zif268 in the dopamine-depleted striatum. Striatal infusion of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (1 mM) completely blocked (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate-induced c-fos and zif268 expression. However, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (1 microM-1 mM) did not significantly affect induction of c-fos and zif268 by D1 receptor stimulation (SKF 38393, 2 mg/kg, i.p.) in the dopamine-depleted striatum. To more generally block excitatory input, tetrodotoxin (10 microM) was infused into the striatum of rats receiving a D1 agonist. Local infusion of tetrodotoxin had minimal effect on induction of c-fos and zif268 in the dopamine-depleted striatum. In contrast, tetrodotoxin abolished induction of c-fos and zif268 messenger RNAs by the D2 antagonist eticlopride (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in both intact rats and dopamine-depleted rats receiving continuous D2 agonist treatment (quinpirole, 0.5 mg/kg/day). The results indicate that D1 receptor-mediated induction of immediate early genes in the dopamine-depleted striatum occurs by mechanisms that are independent of excitatory input through (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate receptors.
Enhanced Replication of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Human Cells

The effects of DNA-damaging agents on the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were assessed in vitro. Monolayers of human lung fibroblast cell lines were exposed to DNA-damaging agents (methyl methanesulfonate [MMS], methyl methanethiosulfonate [MMTS], ultraviolet light [UV], or gamma radiation [GR]) at specific intervals, before or after inoculation with low levels of HSV-1. The ability of cell monolayers to support HSV-1 replication was measured by direct plaque assay and was compared with that of untreated control samples. In this system, monolayers of different cell lines infected with identical HSV-1 strains demonstrated dissimilar levels of recovery of the infectious virus. Exposure of DNA-repair-competent cell cultures to DNA-damaging agents produced time-dependent enhanced virus replication. Treatment with agent before virus inoculation significantly (p less than 0.025) increased the number of plaques by 10 to 68%, compared with untreated control cultures, while treatment with agent after virus adsorption significantly increased (p less than 0.025) the number of plaques by 7 to 15%. In a parallel series of experiments, cells deficient in DNA repair (xeroderma pigmentosum) failed to support enhanced virus replication. These results suggest that after exposure to DNA-damaging agents, fibroblasts competent in DNA repair amplify the replication of HSV-1, and that DNA-repair mechanisms that act on a variety of chromosomal lesions may be involved in the repair and biological activation of HSV-1 genomes.
Quality of life and functional status in patients surviving 12 months after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Background As left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support duration increases, quality of life (QoL) becomes a concern. We reviewed the QoL in patients on LVAD support for ≥1 year. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our prospective database for patients supported ≥1 year by HeartMate pulsatile- (HM1) or continuous-flow (HM2) LVADs from 2000 to 2009. Transplant or death before 1 year merited exclusion. Metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs), the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class were reviewed. Complications and re-admissions were assessed. Results Thirty patients were supported for ≥1 year (7 HM1s, 23 HM2s). Mean support duration was 594 ± 173 days. Mean QoL metrics/functional status indicators at 12 months were: 6MWD, 393 ± 290 m; MET tolerance, 3.3 ± 1; MLHFQ, 35 ± 31; and NYHA, 1.4 ± 0.6. Mean re-admissions/year was 2.9 ± 2, with a duration of 13.8 ± 21 days. Three patients were never re-admitted. Mean out-of-hospital time was 471 ± 172 days (87.3% of days). Infectious complications led to 43% of re-admissions and occurred in the: drive-line (47%) at 442 ± 236 days; blood (37%) at 472 ± 257 days; and LVAD pocket (20%) at 550 ± 202 days. Twenty-three patients (77%) required additional operations (1.7 ± 1.8/year). The most common indication was drive-line infection, but ranged from ischemic bowel to defibrillator exchange. Eight required LVAD exchanges for mechanical ( n = 4), electrical ( n = 3), and thrombotic ( n = 1) issues. Conclusions Although LVAD support is not without complications, patients spend the majority of time outside the hospital enjoying a good quality of life.
Differential effects of bromocriptine treatment on LH release and copulatory behavior in hyperprolactinemic male rats.

Abstract Hyperprolactinemia (hyperPRL) induced by grafting four pituitary glands under the kidney capsule suppresses copulatory behavior in male rats and sexually naive male mice. In mice sexual experience attenuates the suppressive effects of hyperPRL on mating behavior, thus a comparison of the behavioral consequences of inducing hyperPRL in sexually naive and experienced male rats was undertaken. Hyperprolactinemia had a significant suppressive effect on mating behavior in both groups of animals. Experienced animals showed deficits in all parameters studied except mount frequency and postejaculatory interval, while naive animals differed from respective controls only in mount latency, intromission latency, and intromission frequency. To determine if the inhibition of chronically elevated prolactin (PRL) levels would reverse the suppression of gonadotropin secretion and copulatory behavior in hyperprolactinemic animals, the effects of bromocriptine (CB-154) administration on plasma hormone levels and mating behavior were examined in pituitary-grafted and control rats. Bromocriptine treatment (1 mg/day for 14 days) led to increases in sexual activity in both the sham-operated and grafted animals. In the grafted animals, plasma PRL was reduced and plasma LH significantly increased in the CB-154-treated animals when compared to oil-treated controls. In sham-operated animals, CB-154 produced no significant changes in plasma LH or FSH despite the suppressed PRL levels. These results indicate that (1) hyperPRL induced by pituitary grafts can cause deficits in mating behavior in male rats despite previous sexual experience, and (2) while CB-154 may be acting through other mechanisms to stimulate copulatory behavior, the reduction of chronically elevated PRL levels due to CB-154 treatment is responsible for reversal of the suppressive effects of hyperPRL on LH secretion.
L-theory and graphs of free abelian groups

Exact sequences of Mayer-Vietoris types are the principal tools in K- and L-theoretic computations for groups admitting graph of groups structures. A mild extension of Cappell's results on Mayer-Vietoris sequences in L-theory is used here to prove that if π is the fundamental group of a locally finite graph of f.g. free abelian groups, then I∗(K(π, 1)) = 0. Here ¢I∗(X) is the ‘unitary Whitehead group’, which agrees with ITOP(X) if X is a manifold. Group actions motivate this work: many aspherical manifolds possessing effective total actions have fundamental groups of this type.
Huddling Preferences among Albino Rats

The effects of kinship and familiarity upon huddling preferences were examined in 30 albino rat pups. Examined were preferences among familiar siblings, nonfamiliar siblings, familiar nonsiblings, and nonfamiliar agemates. Analysis indicated initial preferences among both related and familiar subjects, but preferences were less obvious on the second day of testing. Familiarity may be a primary influence affecting interactions among rat pup siblings.
Angiogenic microenvironment augments impaired endothelial responses under diabetic conditions.

Diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction, with no treatment options currently available. Hyperglycemic memory by endothelial cel...
MEASUREMENT OF THE THERMAL PROPERTIES OF HUMAN SKIN. A REVIEW

The effective use of techniques to detect and interpret surface and subsurface temperature patterns depends upon the thermal and electromagnetic properties of the tissues under examination. A review is made of the existent data concerned with the thermal characteristics of skin. The thermal conductivity, k, and thermal inertia, kρc, as measured as a function of local temperature are presented. The radiation properties of the skin are presented as a function of wavelength. It is concluded that the information currently available about the thermal properties and their normal variation with body site, skin color, and age is quite limited.
Alternative Conformations of Yeast Iso-1-Cytochrome C: Effects of a Gatekeeping Residue on Heme Crevice Dynamics

We have solved a novel crystal structure of yeast iso-1-cytochrome c to 1.45 A displaying water coordinated to the iron of the heme. This conformation of cytochrome c (Cytc) is capable of the peroxidase activity required for oxidation of cardiolipin by Cytc in the beginning stages of apoptosis. The native Met80 ligand from Ω-loop D has swung away from the heme coordination site with very little backbone rearrangement. Local sterics have been relaxed in Ω-loop D facilitating access to this conformation by replacement of trimethyllysine 72 with alanine. Trimethyllysine lies across the surface of Ω-loop D contacting Thr78, Met80 and Ala81. Ordered waters within the heme crevice form a buried water channel providing an accessible pathway from the exterior of Cytc to the heme which peroxide and protons can move through. Alternate conformations of Arg38, observed in the crystal structure, control access of the water channel to bulk water at the protein surface. Although peroxidase activity is similar near pH 6 for Cytc with trimethyllisine and alanine at position 72, between pH 7 and 8 peroxidase activity is increased 1.5 to 2-fold in the Lys72Ala variant. Loop dynamics from pH jump stopped-flow experiments demonstrate a 2-fold faster rate of opening for Ω-loop D when alanine is present at position 72. Increased Ω-loop D dynamics and peroxidase activity of the Lys72Ala variant suggests that residue 72 acts as a gatekeeper for the opening of Ω-loop D, regulating the ease with which Met80 can swing outwards providing access to the heme coordination site. The Lys72Ala mutation has allowed visualization of a conformer of yeast iso-1-Cytc competent for the peroxidase activity which occurs in the early stages of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
Pointwise Linear Regression Analysis for Detection of Visual Field Progression with Absolute versus Corrected Threshold Sensitivities

PURPOSE. To compare the performance of point-wise linear regression analysis (PLR) with total deviation (TD) versus corrected or pattern deviation (PD) threshold sensitivities for detection of visual field progression. METHODS. Four hundred two eyes (402 patients) enrolled in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) were selected. Criteria for progression according to PLR were a slope ≤ -1 dB/year with P ≤ 0.01 with ≥2 worsening points within the same Glaucoma Hemifield Test cluster. PLR was performed on TD and PD threshold sensitivities and compared to clinical evaluation. Eyes were classified into three groups based on mean deviation (MD): mild (MD ≥ -6 dB), moderately advanced (-6 dB > MD ≥ -12 dB), and advanced (MD < -12 dB) glaucoma. RESULTS. Visual field progression was observed in 154 (38%), 85 (21%), and 175 (44%) eyes, according to PLR(TD) and PLR(PD), and clinical evaluation. The pair-wise agreement between clinicians and PLR(TD) was significantly greater than that of clinicians and PLR(PD) (κ = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.44-0.52 vs. K = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.27-0.35). Agreement between PLR(TD) and PLR(PD) decreased with increasing glaucoma severity: K (95% CI) = 0.60 (0.52-0.67), 0.41 (0.35-0.47), and 0.33 (0.27-0.40) for mild, moderately advanced, and advanced glaucoma, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Point-wise linear regression analysis on TD threshold sensitivities performed better than the same analysis on PD when clinical evaluation was used as a reference. Agreement between the two methods was less in moderately advanced and advanced glaucoma.