cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 on graphene supported transition metals - towards single atom catalysts

In this study, we have investigated the use of single metal atoms supported on defective graphene as catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 using the first-principles approach and the computational hydrogen electrode model. Reaction pathways to produce a variety of C1 products CO, HCOOH, HCHO, CH3OH and CH4 have been studied in detail for five representative transition metals Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt, and Co. Different pathways were revealed in contrast to those found for metallic crystalline surfaces and nanoparticles. These single atom catalysts have demonstrated a general improvement in rate limiting potentials to generate C1 hydrocarbons. They also show distinct differences in terms of their efficiency and selectivity in CO2 reduction, which can be correlated with their elemental properties as a function of their group number in the periodic table. Six best candidates for CH4 production are identified by conducting computational screening of 28 d-block transition metals. Ag has the lowest overpotential (0.73 V), and is followed by Zn, Ni, Pd, Pt and Ru with overpotentials all below 1 V. Cu in the supported single atom form shows a strong preference towards producing CH3OH with an overpotential of 0.68 V well below the value of 1.04 V for producing CH4.
Increase Online Student Retention with Universal Design for Learning

Adopting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in order to create online course content allows higher education faculty members to reach out, not only to learners with disabilities, but also to learners who are increasingly using mobile devices to connect to campus and to each other. This article outlines 5 key strategies for creating and converting online course content to be more accessible to today’s Web 2.0 learners. One challenge of creating content according to UDL principles is the large scope of a full-on UDL treatment. This article shares specific time-based milestones to help readers to work through the UDL process in a realistic, step-by-step fashion.
Historical Awareness of Biodiversity

This article discusses how we have come to know and understand the subject of this encyclopedia. The term “biodiversity” was coined in 1986 by biologists who wished to express a complicated, scientific understanding of the natural world, and who wished to inspire a rapid, widespread effort to conserve the natural world. This article traces how biologists understand “biodiversity” and how they have attempted to raise awareness on its behalf.
Reduction in delay discounting due to nicotine and its attenuation by cholinergic antagonists in Lewis and Fischer 344 rats

Nicotine acts as an agonist for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and mecamylamine, a nonselective nAChR antagonist, attenuates effects of nicotine on delay discounting in some rat strains; whether nicotine’s attenuation is specific to nAChR antagonism is unknown. During experiment 1, we evaluated dose-dependent effects of nicotine on delay discounting of pair-housed Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats. During experiment 2, we examined the sensitivity of nicotine’s effects on delay discounting to pharmacological antagonism of nAChRs or muscarinic AChRs (mAChRs). Male LEW and F344 were trained to choose between one food pellet delivered immediately and three food pellets delivered after an increasing delay. During experiment 1, saline and nicotine (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) were tested acutely. During experiment 2, mecamylamine (0.25–1.0 mg/kg) or a nonselective mAChR antagonist, scopolamine (0.01–0.056 mg/kg), was administered prior to nicotine administration. Nicotine dose dependently reduced delay discounting for both rat strains, and no strain differences were observed (ΔAUC = + 107% for 1.0 mg/kg and + 69.6% for 0.3 mg/kg relative to saline). At some doses, pretreatment with mecamylamine (range ΔAUC = − 27.6 to − 7.3%) or scopolamine (range ΔAUC = − 0.74 to − 51.6%) significantly attenuated the nicotine-induced reduction in some measures of delay discounting for both strains. Results from experiment 1 suggest that when LEW and F344 are pair housed, there are no strain differences in delay discounting in response to nicotine. Results from experiment 2 suggest that attenuation of nicotine’s effects on delay discounting may not be specific to nAChR antagonism.
Improving inference through conceptual clustering

Conceptual clustering is an important way to sununarize data in an understandable manner. However, the recency of the conceptual clustering paradigm has allowed little exploration of conceptual clustering as a means of improving performance. This paper presents COBWEB, a conceptual clustering system that organizes data to maximize inference abilities. It does this by capturing attribute inter-correlations at classification tree nodes and generating inferences as a by-product of classification. Results from the domains of soybean and thyroid disease diagnosis support the success of this approach.
Design, monitoring and evaluation of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy to reduce illegal hunting and trade of wildlife in Lao PDR.

Ecotourism as a strategy for achieving biodiversity conservation often results in limited conservation impact relative to its investment and revenue return. In cases where an ecotourism strategy has been used, projects are frequently criticized for not providing sufficient evidence on how the strategy has reduced threats or improved the status of the biodiversity it purports to protect. In Lao PDR, revenue from ecotourism has not been directly linked to or dependent on improvements in biodiversity and there is no evidence that ecotourism enterprises have contributed to conservation. In other developing countries, direct payments through explicit contracts in return for ecosystem services have been proposed as a more cost-effective means for achieving conservation, although further research is needed to evaluate the impact of this approach. To address this need, a new model was tested in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA) in Lao PDR using a direct payments approach to create ecotourism incentives for villagers to increase wildlife populations. Over a four-year period, we monitored along a theory of change to evaluate assumptions about the linkages between intermediate results and biological outcomes. Preliminary results show a negative correlation between ecotourism benefits and hunting infractions in target villages; no increase in hunting sign in the ecotourism sector of the NPA relative to a three-fold increase in hunting sign across the NPA’s non-tourism sectors; and an overall increase in wildlife sightings. This case provides key lessons on the design of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy, including how to combine threat monitoring and data on wildlife sightings to evaluate strategy effectiveness, on setting rates for wildlife sightings and village fees, and the utility of the approach for protecting very rare species.
Higher tumor mass and lower adipose mass are associated with colon‑26 adenocarcinoma‑induced cachexia in male, female and ovariectomized mice

Cachexia is responsible for nearly 20% of all cancer‑related deaths, yet effective therapies to prevent or treat the disease are lacking. Clinical studies have shown that male patients lose weight at a faster rate than females. Additionally, an 'obesity paradox' may exist where excess adiposity may confer survival to patients with cancer cachexia. To further explore these phenomena, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of changes of adipose tissue mass, sex status, and tumor mass on outcomes of male, female and ovariectomized (OVX) mice with C‑26 adenocarcinoma‑induced cachexia. We used EchoMRI to assess body composition and grip strength to measure muscle function. Body weights and food intake were measured daily. Mice were euthanized 19 days post‑-inoculation. Post‑necropsy, muscle fiber cross‑sectional areas were quantified and real‑time PCR was performed for genes relating to proteolysis. Survival curve, correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of cachexia. Female and OVX tumor mice developed cachexia similarly to males, as evidenced by loss of skeletal and adipose masses, decreased grip strength, and increased proteolytic gene expression. Notably, female and OVX tumor mice had earlier onset of cachexia (≥5% weight loss) than male tumor mice. Larger tumor mass and lower adipose mass were the strongest predicting factors for increased severity of cachexia, regardless of sex or ovariectomy status. These results indicated that the impact of sex status may be subtle in comparison to the predictive effect of tumor and adipose mass in mice with C‑26‑induced cachexia.
By the Light of Day: Quality, Safety, and Education During the Overnight Admission Handoff.

Background Current duty hour restrictions have led to increased patient handoffs as well as increased use of faculty in the nocturnist role. Nocturnists typically supervise residents and perform direct patient care leading to a diversity of provider experience level during morning handoffs. In this study, we explored how the presence of nocturnists impacts perceptions patient safety, quality, and educational value of morning care transitions. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey examining the housestaff and attending perceptions of the morning sign-out of overnight admissions from both night float residents and nocturnists in July of 2016. Survey responses were Likert-style format, querying respondents’ level of agreement (1-5, strongly disagree to strongly agree) with statements. 108 providers responded (41% response rate) Results Relative to attendings, residents reported feeling like they had less time to ask questions (4.0 vs. 5.0, p < 0.001) and felt less comfortable asking questions of the nocturnist during handoff (4.0 vs. 5.0, p < 0.001). Residents were also less comfortable than attendings in changing a nocturnist’s plan of care (4.0 vs. 5.0, p < 0.001). Housestaff reported that receiving signout from the overnight resident was more likely to improve their confidence managing similar conditions (4.0 vs. 3.0, p < 0.001). Conclusion The benefits of nocturnist supervision may come at an educational cost as trainees feel less comfortable asking questions or changing the plan of care. With increasingly prevalent night float systems and nocturnist providers, academic programs have to negotiate the balancing safe and high-quality patient care with creating positive learning environments and clear expectations.
Abstract 155: Lipopolysaccharide Selectively Decreases Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Female Mice via Superoxide Production

Background: Gender differences exist in cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease. Differences also exist between males and females in regard to oxidative stress, which is considered a...
ISOTOPIC MIXING IN THE OXIDATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE ON PALLADIUM

The room temperature reaction between carbon monoxide and oxygen-18 on palladium films produces nearly equal amounts of CO216 and CO16O18 in the early stages of the reaction, with CO218 being produced at a much lower rate. The evolution of carbon dioxide is initially slow when a surface which has been saturated with carbon monoxide is exposed to oxygen, but the rate of evolution increases with time. These results are shown to restrict the possible reaction mechanisms to those for which 2CO(gas/ads)+O*(ads)→CO2(gas)+CO*(ads) and 2CO(gas/ads)+O* (ads)→COO* (gas) +CO (ads), both take place with equal probability.
The associations among illness perceptions, resilient coping, and medication adherence in young adult hypertensive black women

Hypertension, a modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease, is largely responsible for the disproportionate morbidity and mortality in black women. Black women 20 years of age and older have a higher prevalence of HTN compared to white women (44% vs 28%). Poor adherence and non-adherence to hypertensive medications have been strongly indicated as a primary contributor to the early onset of disparity in cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality experienced by black people. The purpose of this study was to examine medication adherence in black women relative to sociodemographic, clinical, cultural context, psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioral factors. This was a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study of N = 85, hypertensive black women, with mean age of 39 ± 5.4 years, 18-45 years of age. Variables and measures included: sociodemographic characteristics, clinical, adverse social stressors, psychosocial, cognitive-behavioral factors, and medication adherence. Descriptive statistics, correlations, multivariate logistic regressions, and moderation analysis were tested. 81.2% (n = 69) of the sample was categorized as non-adherent. SBP was the only clinical covariate associated with HTN medication adherence. HTN illness perceptions, composite score, resilient coping, depressive symptoms, exposure to lifetime gender, and racial stressors, were not associated with HTN medication adherence. Using multivariate logistic regression, decreased SBP and lower scores on the "Consequence" dimension of the HTN illness perception scale were associated with medication adherence (χ2 = 10.53, P = .001). Adherence was associated with both the "Consequence" and "Identity" dimensions of the HTN illness perception scale indicating the need and importance for clinicians to have open and honest communication regarding HTN and its treatment in facilitating adherence.
Drug Targeting of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Inhibits Metabolic Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Objective: Enhanced expression of PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) has been implicated in atherosclerosis formation in humans with obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known ...
Modeling a contraflow evacuation method for tropical cyclone evacuations in Nueces County, Texas

Each year in the USA, hurricanes threaten millions of coastal residents. These storms have the potential to devastate areas with heavy rain, damaging winds, severe flooding and strong storm surge. These geophysical phenomena are particularly dangerous along the low-lying coastal zones of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast. The threat of these storms prompts many coastal areas to create disaster plans which often include evacuation strategies to help guide area residents to safety before a storm makes landfall. This research examined the prescribed contraflow evacuation plan for Nueces County, Texas in an effort to model what an evacuation may look like during a major tropical cyclone landfall like the near miss of Hurricane Harvey during the 2017 hurricane season. ArcGIS was used to route thirteen potential evacuation routes out of Nueces County. These routes were then used to simulate evacuations under “optimal,” “expected” and “worst-case” scenarios. It was determined that, while contraflow evacuations can cause severe traffic congestion and lead to long evacuation times, they have the potential to effectively evacuate an area under both “optimal” and “expected” conditions. The results of this analysis add to the growing body of research focused on leveraging geographic information systems to improve local-scale evacuation planning.
Maltodextrin-induced intestinal injury in a neonatal mouse model

Prematurity and enteral feedings are major risk factors for intestinal injury leading to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). An immature digestive system can lead to maldigestion of macronutrients and increased vulnerability to intestinal injury. The aim of this study was to test in neonatal mice the effect of maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate, on the risk of intestinal injury. The goal was to develop a robust and highly reproducible murine model of intestinal injury that allows insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions of nutrient driven intestinal injury. Five to 6-day old C57BL/6 mice were assigned to the following groups: dam fed (D); D+hypoxia+Klebsiella pneumoniae; maltodextrin-dominant human infant formula (M) only; M+hypoxia; and M+hypoxia+Klebsiella pneumoniae. The mice in all M groups were gavage fed five times a day for 4 days. Mice were exposed to hypoxia twice a day for 10 min prior to the first and last feedings and Klebsiella pneumoniae was added to feedings per group assignment. Mice in all M groups demonstrated reduced body weight, increased small intestinal dilatation, and increased intestinal injury scores. Maltodextrin-dominant infant formula with hypoxia led to intestinal injury in neonatal mice accompanied by loss of villi, increased MUC2 production, altered expression of tight junction proteins, enhanced intestinal permeability, increased cell death, and higher levels of intestinal inflammatory mediators. This robust and highly reproducible model allows for further interrogation of the role of nutrients on pathogenic factors leading to intestinal injury and NEC in preterm infants.
Multiconfigurational study of the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond

Deep defects in wide band gap semiconductors have emerged as leading qubit candidates for realizing quantum sensing and information applications. Due to the spatial localization of the defect states, these deep defects can be considered as artificial atoms/molecules in a solid state matrix. Here we show that unlike single-particle treatments, the multiconfigurational quantum chemistry methods, traditionally reserved for atoms/molecules, accurately describe the many-body characteristics of the electronic states of these defect centers and correctly predict properties that single-particle treatments fail to obtain. We choose the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) center in diamond as the prototype defect to study with these techniques due to its importance for quantum information applications and because its properties are well known, which makes it an ideal benchmark system. By properly accounting for electron correlations and including spin-orbit coupling and dipolar spin-spin coupling in the quantum chemistry calculations, for the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ center in diamond clusters, we are able to: (i) show the correct splitting of the ground (first-excited) spin-triplet state into two levels (four levels), (ii) calculate zero-field splitting values of the ground and excited spin-triplet states, in good agreement with experiment, (iii) determine many-body configurations of the spin-singlet states, and (iv) calculate the energy differences between the ground and exited spin-triplet and spin-singlet states, as well as their ordering, which are also found to be in good agreement with recent experimental data. The numerical procedure we have developed is general, and it can screen other color centers whose properties are not well known but promising for applications.
Optical Coherence Tomography Neuro-Toolbox for the Diagnosis and Management of Papilledema, Optic Disc Edema, and Pseudopapilledema.

Background Distinguishing optic disc edema from pseudopapilledema is a common, sometimes challenging clinical problem. Advances in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the optic nerve head (ONH) has proven to be a cost effective, noninvasive, outpatient procedure that may help. At its core are tools that quantify the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL). The SD-OCT also provides a set of tools that may be qualitatively interpreted in the same way that we read an MRI. They include the transverse axial, en face, and circular tomogram. Our goal is to describe a practical office-based set of tools using SD-OCT in the diagnosis and monitoring of papilledema, optic disc edema, and pseudopapilledema. Evidence acquisition Searches on PubMed were performed using combinations of the following key words: OCT, papilledema, pseudopapilledema, optic disc drusen, retinal folds (RF), and choroidal folds (CF). Results The principal elements of SD-OCT analysis of the ONH are the RNFL and GC-IPL thickness; however, these metrics have limitations when swelling is severe. Qualitative interpretation of the transverse axial SD-OCT aids in assessing peripapillary shape that may help distinguish papilledema from pseudopapilledema, evaluate atypical optic neuropathies, diagnose shunt failures, and identify outer RF and CF. There is a consensus that the SD-OCT is the most sensitive way of identifying buried optic disc drusen. En face SD-OCT is especially effective at detecting peripapillary wrinkles and outer retinal creases, both of which are common and distinctive signs of optic disc edema that rule out pseudopapilledema. Mechanically stressing the ONH in the adducted eye position, in patients with papilledema, may expose folds and peripapillary deformations that may not be evident in primary position. We also discuss how to optimize the acquisition and registration of SD-OCT images. Conclusions The SD-OCT is not a substitute for a complete history and a careful examination. It is, however, a convenient ancillary test that aids in the diagnosis and management of papilledema, optic disc edema, and pseudopapilledema. It is particularly helpful in monitoring changes over the course of time and distinguishing low-grade papilledema from buried drusen. The application of the SD-OCT toolbox depends on optimizing the acquisition of images, understanding its limitations, recognizing common artifacts, and accurately interpreting images in the context of both history and clinical findings.
Tillage intensity and plant rhizosphere selection shape bacterial-archaeal assemblage diversity and nitrogen cycling genes

Abstract In agriculture, adoption of reduced tillage practices is a widespread adaptation to global change. The cessation of plowing reduces erosion, slows soil organic matter oxidation, and promotes soil carbon accrual, but it can also result in the development of potential N2O spots from denitrification activity. In this study, we hypothesized that 16S rRNA-based composition of bacterial-archaeal assemblages would differ in agricultural soils subjected for forty years to a range of disturbance intensities, with annual moldboard plowing (MP) being the most intensive. No-till planting (NT) represented tillage management with the least amount of disturbance, while chisel-disking (CD), a type of conservation tillage, was intermediate. All long-term tillage plots had been planted with the same crops grown in a three-year crop rotation (corn-soybean-small grain+cover crop), and both bulk and rhizosphere soils were analyzed from the corn and soybean years. We also evaluated denitrification gene markers by quantitative PCR at multiple points (three growth stages of corn and soybean). Tillage intensity, soil compartment (bulk or rhizosphere), crop year, growth stage, and interactions all exerted effects on community diversity and composition. Compared to MP and CD, NT soils had lower abundances of denitrification genes, higher abundances of nitrate ammonification genes, and higher abundances of taxa at the family level associated with the inorganic N cycle processes of archaeal nitrification and anammox. Soybean rhizospheres exerted stronger selection on community composition and diversity relative to corn rhizospheres. Interactions between crop year, management, and soil compartment had differential impacts on N gene abundances related to denitrification and nitrate ammonification. Opportunities for managing hot spots or hot moments for N losses from agricultural soils may be discernible through improved understanding of tillage intensity effects, although weather and crop type are also important factors influencing how tillage influences microbial assemblages and N use.
A UNIQUE CASE OF REGIONAL ODONTODYSPLASIA

BACKGROUND Regional odontodysplasia is a rare condition involving defective enamel and dentin in a group of adjacent teeth. It may also include calcifications within the dental pulp and/or dental follicle.1,2 First described by Hitchin in 1934,3 regional odontodysplasia affects dental mesodermal and ectodermal tissues along particular segments of the maxilla and/or mandible in the primary and/or permanent dentitions. There is a sex predilection, affecting women more than men.4 The current case is of a 6-year-old girl who presented with asymmetry of the face at a children's hospital in the eastern United States. CASE REPORT A 6-year-old female patient presented with a history of extractions of abscessed teeth #H and #I. Tooth #I was extracted because of abscess and facial cellulitis. The patient was admitted for intravenous antibiotics. Medical history was noncontributory. Dental history was positive for a drooping upper left lip and expansion of the upper left alveolar ridge. Panoramic and multiple periapical radiographs were acquired. Radiographically, the permanent maxillary left first and second molars and primary second molar had defective enamel and dentin along with taurodontism. The pulp chamber and canal were elongated. These features had the appearance of “ghost teeth.” The bone around the maxillary left posterior aspect was also affected. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The presented tooth specimen exhibited irregular, abnormally distributed dentinal tubules. Globular calcified masses within the pulp were seen. Based on clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic findings, the case was diagnosed as regional odontodysplasia. Treatment included comprehensive dental care including endodontic, prosthodontic, orthodontic, and surgical intervention. Regional odontodysplasia is a rare developmental anomaly. It presents with a slight female predilection in a bimodal age distribution, most commonly affecting a single quadrant, with the maxilla more commonly involved. Clinical manifestations may include hyperplastic gingiva, failure of tooth eruption, periapical inflammation, bony changes, alterations of the dentition, and cutaneous nevi in the affected area.5
The novice nurse and clinical decision-making: how to avoid errors.

saintsing d., gibson l.m.&pennington a.w. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management 19, 354–359 The novice nurse and clinical decision-making: how to avoid errors Aim The purpose of this integrative review is to present the evidence in relation to novice nurses’ errors when faced with clinical decision-making in the first years of a nursing career. Background Recent studies identify a need for nursing schools to produce 30 000 new graduates each year to keep up with the nursing shortage. Novice nurses may be at greater risk for errors than experienced nurses. As the novice nurse moves into practice, it is imperative to recognize potential mistakes in order to prevent errors. Evaluation Articles selected included information regarding types of errors, causes of errors and potential interventions for the novice nurse. Key issues The primary types of errors committed by the novice nurses include medication errors, patient falls and delay in treatment. The causes of such errors are complex. Implications for nursing management Improved patient outcomes, reduced liability and higher retention/satisfaction are all potential benefits of reducing the errors made by novice nurses. Simply being aware of the type of problems may be an important first step in improving the care by novice nurses.
The Reality of Real-Time Business Intelligence

Real-time Business Intelligence has emerged as a new technology solution to provide timely data-driven analysis of enterprise wide data and information. Such type of data analysis is needed for both tactical as well as strategic decision making tasks within an enterprise. Unfortunately, there is no clarity about the critical technology components that distinguish a real-time business intelligence system from traditional data warehousing and business intelligence solutions. In this paper, we take an evolutionary approach to obtain a better understanding of the role of real-time business intelligence in the context of enterprise-wide information infrastructures. We then propose a reference architecture for building a real-time business intelligence system. By using this reference architecture we identify the key research and development challenges in the areas of data-stream analysis, complex event processing, and real-time data integration that must be overcome for making real-time business intelligence a reality.
A test of sexual cannibalism models, using a sit‐and‐wait predator

Sexual cannibalism, the capture and consumption of one sex by the other resulting from sexual interactions, provides an intriguing set of conditional fitness payoffs. Usually these payoffs will only benefit the cannibal, but under certain circumstances advantages might accrue to the cannibalized individual as well. Here I test three models of sexual cannibalism with data from a sit-and-wait predator, the crab spider Misumena vatia, whose lifestyle differs from the species for which these models were generated. The models include both precopulatory mechanisms (no gametes exchanged) and postcopulatory ones (gametes exchanged) perceived to generate adult fitness payoffs and situations in which cannibalism is not adaptive in the adult stage (aggressive spillover). In M. vatia, females sometimes cannibalize males before mating can occur. Precopulatory cannibalism is unlikely to reward female M. vatia significantly because of the diminutive size of the males, but it could be part of a broader syndrome that provides the females with large food payoffs earlier in the life cycle. Although the frequency of cannibalism is low (3.8–7.6%), this level suffices to be an important selective factor, a point accentuated by the extremely cautious behaviour of the males toward the females. I then compare the traits associated with these models to the species for which they were designed and certain others for which adequate data also exist. None of the sets of responses to these traits closely resembles each other in the different species. These results suggest that sexual cannibalism has developed in response to a heterogeneous collection of lifestyles and phylogenetic constraints. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 81, 427–437.
Women's Correctional Recreation Services

(1981). Women's Correctional Recreation Services. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 52, No. 4, pp. 55-58.
Itinerant Ferromagnetism in the As 4 p Conduction Band of Ba 0.6 K 0.4 Mn 2 As 2 Identified by X-Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements on single-crystal and powder samples of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{0.6}{\mathrm{K}}_{0.4}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ show that the ferromagnetism below ${T}_{\mathrm{C}}\ensuremath{\approx}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$ arises in the As $4p$ conduction band. No XMCD signal is observed at the Mn x-ray absorption edges. Below ${T}_{\mathrm{C}}$, however, a clear XMCD signal is found at the As $K$ edge which increases with decreasing temperature. The XMCD signal is absent in data taken with the beam directed parallel to the crystallographic $\mathbf{c}$ axis indicating that the orbital magnetic moment lies in the basal plane of the tetragonal lattice. These results show that the previously reported itinerant ferromagnetism is associated with the As $4p$ conduction band and that distinct local-moment antiferromagnetism and itinerant ferromagnetism with perpendicular easy axes coexist in this compound at low temperature.
Economic Issues and Genomic Medicine

The era of genomic and personalized medicine offers significant promise for the development of novel healthcare approaches and technologies that will ultimately improve patients’ quality of life and life expectancy. As with any new healthcare technology, questions arise as to their potential budgetary impact and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, questions have arisen in regard to the economic incentives to develop these technologies. In this chapter, we discuss economic evaluation of genomic medicine, particularly in light of next-generation technologies that promise to drastically reduce whole-genome sequencing costs. We examine the challenges in pharmacogenomics of economic incentives for developing diagnostics linked to therapeutics. The content of this chapter will help readers understand the multidisciplinary nature of the factors that will influence the value of genomic medicine, provide a framework for assessing these factors in a systematic, quantitative fashion, and highlight the importance of value-based reimbursement for genomic technologies for the future of genomic and personalized medicine.
Rapid in vivo monitoring of chemotherapeutic response using weighted sodium magnetic resonance imaging.

A novel pulse sequence strategy uses sodium magnetic resonance imaging to monitor the response to chemotherapy of mouse xenograft tumors propagated from human prostate cancer cell lines. An inversion pulse suppresses sodium with long longitudinal relaxation times, weighting the image toward intracellular sodium nuclei. Comparing these weighted sodium images before and 24 h after administration of antineoplastics, we measured a 36 ± 4% ( P < 0.001; n = 16) increase in signal intensity. Experiments with these same drugs and cells, treated in culture, detected a significant intracellular sodium elevation (10–20 mm) using a ratiometric fluorescent dye. Flow cytometry studies showed that this elevation preceded cell death by apoptosis, as determined by fluorescent end-labeling of apoptotic nuclei or Annexin V binding. Histopathology on formalin-fixed sections of explanted tumors confirmed that drug administration reduces proliferation (2.2 versus 8.6 mitotic figures per high power field; P < 0.0001), an effect that inversely correlates with the sodium magnetic resonance image response on a tumor-to-tumor basis ( P n = 10). Morphological features, such as central zones of nonviable cells, rims of active apoptosis, and areas of viable tumor, could be distinguished by comparing weighted and unweighted images. Advantages of this sodium imaging technique include rapid determination of drug efficacy, improved diagnosis of lesions, ease of coregistration with high resolution proton magnetic resonance imaging, and absence of costly or toxic reagents.
Interdisciplinary cognitive task analysis: a strategy to develop a comprehensive endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography protocol for use in fellowship training

Abstract Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a challenging procedure performed by surgeons and gastroenterologists. We employed cognitive task analysis to identify steps and decision points for this procedure. Methods Standardized interviews were conducted with expert gastroenterologists (7) and surgeons (4) from 4 institutions. A procedural step and cognitive decision point protocol was created from audio-taped transcriptions and was refined by 5 additional surgeons. Results Conceptual elements, sequential actions, and decision points were iterated for 5 tasks: patient preparation, duodenal intubation, selective cannulation, imaging interpretation with related therapeutic intervention, and complication management. A total of 180 steps were identified. Gastroenterologists identified 34 steps not identified by surgeons, and surgeons identified 20 steps not identified by gastroenterologists. Conclusion The findings suggest that for complex procedures performed by diverse practitioners, more experts may help delineate distinctive emphases differentiated by training background and type of practice.
The F-Pilus of Escherichia coli

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with F-pilus—sex hair, sex pilus, F-fimbria, and sex firnbria— of Escherichia coli . It essentially describes methods of assay and synthesis of F-pili, their functions and properties, and the mutant approach to the F-pilus problem. F-pili first observed, differed from common pili by the random adsorption of small RNA viruses along their sides. F-pili are both longer and wider than Type I or common pili. Frequent appearance of knobs or enlargements at their distal extremities is also used to distinguish F-pili in micrographs. Free F-pili from the supernatant of a culture of male cells can be treated with ultrasonic vibrations to yield smaller fragments, which are capable of adsorbing phage, largely confirm that the filaments are made of number of repeating structural units, each of which can bind the RNA phage. Knowledge of the structure of F-pili can essentially shed light on various functions, which these filaments perform in phage injection and mating. F-pili also play an important role in the mating process of E .coli and also serve the function of adsorption organelles for male phages.
SUDS: The seismic unified data system

Our ability to collect high-quality digital data is increasing much more rapidly than our ability to process it. This is partly due to the revolution in digital technology and partly to increased teamwork in building equipment and carrying out major projects such as those fostered in seismology by the IRIS Consortium (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology). The need is now great for a similar level of teamwork in data processing. The Seismic Unified Data System (SUDS) is a foundation suitable for such teamwork in all types of seismic processing, from studies of earthquakes to discrimination of explosions to reflection and refraction studies.
Sociodemographic and maternal behaviors in younger and older pregnant adolescents

Sociodemographic and maternal behaviors were examined in a group of 295 (59%) younger adolescents 10–17 years of age, and compared to a group of older adolescents over 18 (n=203, 41%). Younger adolescents were more likely to be single, of minority group status, family dependent, and poor users of contraceptives. Older adolescents had higher rates of substance abuse, treated psychiatric problems, and abortion histories. Both groups reported parental drinking problems, parental divorce, and poverty. Health indicators did not show differences between groups, although older adolescents had higher than national average low birth weight babies. The age of first pregnancy was markedly lower for the younger than older teen. These findings support the need for prevention strategies in treatment programs.
An Analysis of the Syntactic Complexity in Service Corporation Brand Slogans

Research indicates that compared with syntactically simple slogans, moderately complex slogans stimulate deeper processing improving brand recall and interpretation. This may be particularly useful for services marketers in the design of brand slogans for managing the mental intangibility of their offerings. This study involved an analysis of syntactic complexity of contemporary service company brand slogans used by companies listed in the 2011 Fortune 500. Despite the potential benefits of moderately complex slogans, results indicate that most service slogans are simple, containing no syntactic transformations. Few instances of most types of transformations were found except for the imperative form.
Two alternative derivations of the static contribution to the radiation-induced intermolecular energy shift

Two contrasting physical viewpoints and calculational approaches are adopted within the framework of molecular quantum electrodynamics for the evaluation of the static contribution to the change in mutual interaction energy between a pair of electric dipole polarizable molecules in an intense radiation field. This term arises when a real photon is scattered by the same molecular center with coupling between the two bodies occurring via exchange of a single virtual photon. In one method it is found that utilization of an effective three-photon interaction operator enables the energy shift to be obtained using second order perturbation theory with summation over only four time-ordered diagrams, each of which contain collapsed interaction vertices. The result is then shown to be obtained even more easily in a second approach that involves calculating the expectation values for both molecules in the ground electronic state and the field containing $N$ photons of mode $(\stackrel{P\vec}{k},\ensuremath{\lambda})$ of the electric dipole moments induced at each molecule by the incident field, which are coupled to the resonant dipole-dipole interaction tensor. The static contribution in question is shown to arise from the interaction of a permanent electric dipole moment in one species with the first hyperpolarizability of the other. Both methods are compared and contrasted with a previous computation in which contributions to the energy shift arising from 48 time-ordered diagrams were summed using fourth order perturbation theory.
Asymmetry, stem cells and the emergence of function

Abstract How do cells become different from one another? A series of startling observations suggest that muscle, liver and blood may be obtained from the same stem cells. The nervous system also provides good evidence for the importance of stem cells. Recent discoveries open up the possibility of replacement of tissue in neurology and psychiatry and in understanding and even altering basic aspects of the developmental process.
The Use of Fluorescent Probes to Characterize Conformational Changes in the Interaction between Vitronectin and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1

Abstract Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the primary inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator and urokinase, is known to convert readily to a latent form by insertion of the reactive center loop into a central β-sheet. Interaction with vitronectin stabilizes PAI-1 and decreases the rate of conversion to the latent form, but conformational effects of vitronectin on the reactive center loop of PAI-1 have not been documented. Mutant forms of PAI-1 were designed with a cysteine substitution at either position P1′ or P9 of the reactive center loop. Labeling of the unique cysteine with a sulfhydryl-reactive fluorophore provides a probe that is sensitive to vitronectin binding. Results indicate that the scissile P1-P1′ bond of PAI-1 is more solvent exposed upon interaction with vitronectin, whereas the N-terminal portion of the reactive loop does not experience a significant change in its environment. These results were complemented by labeling vitronectin with an arginine-specific coumarin probe which compromises heparin binding but does not interfere with PAI-1 binding to the protein. Dissociation constants of approximately 100 nM are calculated for the vitronectin/PAI-1 interaction from titrations using both fluorescent probes. Furthermore, experiments in which PAI-1 failed to compete with heparin for binding to vitronectin argue for separate binding sites for the two ligands on vitronectin.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(dimethyl siloxane)−Poly[alkyl (meth)acrylic acid] Block Copolymers

Block copolymers containing dimethyl siloxane and carboxylic acid sequences were synthesized by group transfer polymerization (GTP) of various methacrylates and acrylates using silyl ketene acetal terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as initiator, followed by hydrolysis of the ester sequences to the free acid. The block copolymers were obtained with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA) and trimethyl silyl methacrylate (TMSMA) polymerized more slowly than corresponding acrylates. tert-Butyl and trimethyl silyl ester groups in the poly(meth)acrylate block could be quantitatively hydrolyzed. Most copolymers were contaminated by unincorporated homo-PDMS, which was efficiently removed by hexane or supercritical CO2 extraction. The solubility and thermal properties (DSC, TGA) were investigated for the hydrolyzed amphiphilic polymers.
Regional Repositioning of Empty Containers: Case for Inland Depots

Regional repositioning of empty containers involves empty container movement between regional importers, marine terminals, depots, and export customers. This chain movement generates unproductive empty vehicle miles in the region. The problem of empty vehicle miles becomes more prominent because empty container depots are located close to the port and customers are inland. Considering the double-digit increase in containerized trade volumes and the persistent trade imbalance that strain existing depot capacities in major import areas, this paper focuses on the optimal location of new container depots and the repositioning of empty containers in a region. It proposes a system of inland depots for empty containers (IDEC) in which new depots would be built closer to customer clusters. An IDEC system can minimize the total system costs (cost of opening new depots plus repositioning cost of empties) and provide additional required capacity. The paper presents a mathematical model of such a system and discusses...
An Adaptive and Predictive Security Model for Mobile Ad hoc Networks

Mobile ad hoc networks are infrastructure-free, pervasive and ubiquitous in nature, without any centralized authority. These unique characteristics coupled with the growing concerns for security attacks demand an immediate solution for securing the ad hoc network, prior to its full-fledged deployment in commercial and military applications. So far, most of the research in mobile ad hoc networks has been primarily focused on routing and mobility aspects rather than securing the ad hoc networks themselves. Due to ever increasing security threats, there is a need to develop schemes, algorithms, and protocols for a secured ad hoc network infrastructure. To realize this objective, we have proposed a practical and effective security model for mobile ad hoc networks. The proposed predictive security model is designed using a fuzzy feedback control approach. The model is based on identifying critical network parameters that are affected by various types of attacks and it continuously monitors those parameters. Once we measure the relative change in these parameter values, we could detect the type of attack accurately and protect the system, without compromising its effectiveness. Experimental results of the model simulated for selected packet mistreatment attacks and routing attacks are very promising.
Experiments on the amplification of optical activity

Chemical mechanisms for the amplification of small, abiotically produced enantiomeric excesses leading to the complete stereo specificity of all biochemical reactions observed in the present-day biosphere are investigated quantitatively. Partial copolymerization of a mixture of R- and S-leucine or R- and S-valine N-carboxy anhydrides containing a known excess of one enantiomer was induced and the enantiomeric composition of the resulting oligomer was analyzed by gas chromatography. It is found that the 50% polymerization of leucine mixtures having excesses of 8 to 70% of either enantiomer leads to a significant enhancement of the enantiomeric excess of the polymer, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the enantiomeric excess of the unpolymerized residue. On the other hand, 25-50% polymerization of valine mixtures is observed to result in polymers showing a decreased enantiomeric excess relative to the starting mixture and corresponding increases in those of the residue. Results of the leucine polymerization are interpreted as supporting the theory of steric interactions between the monomer and the helical structure of the polymer leading to the enrichment of one enantiomer, and possible mechanisms for the reverse stereospecificity observed in valine are discussed.
Nuclear ground-state correlations in the relativistic random-phase approximation

We calculate ground-state correlation quantities implied by the relativistic random-phase approximation. The present work is based on our previous mean-field-based work which excludes expilict vacuum polarization effects. Summing over the positive-energy excitation spectrum up to 80 MeV, we find small correlation effects which modestly improve agreement with experiment and which are consistent with earlier nonrelativistic calculations. We calculate energy shifts, density correlations, and spectroscopic factors for {sup 16}O and {sup 40}Ca.