cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prehypertension: a literature-documented public health concern.

Purpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with an overview of prehypertension identification and management. Additionally, the article serves to highlight the prevalence and impact of prehypertension in the United States. Data sources: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and SAGE Health Sciences databases. The review was not limited by discipline, year of publication, or type of research. Key words used to obtain relevant articles included prehypertension, nurse practitioner, health promotion, disease prevention, hypertension, and chronic disease. Conclusions: Approximately 70 million individuals have been recognized as prehypertensive in the United States, placing them at increased risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Identifying and managing prehypertension has been recognized in national health policy as a priority to improve public health. Prehypertension is managed primarily by eliminating risk factors and implementing lifestyle modification. Implications for practice: Health promotion and disease prevention form the cornerstone of the NP role. The designation of prehypertension serves as an opportunity for NPs to assist in decreasing the burden on the health system from chronic disease and improve patient quality of life.
Distribution of Stresses Within the Lung

The sections in this article are: 1 Why is Stress Distribution Nonuniform? 2 Why is it Important to Know Stress Distribution? 3 Simplifications Introduced to Analysis of Stress Distribution 4 Relationship Between Microscopic Structure and Macroscopic Properties 5 Material Properties of Lung Parenchyma 6 Meaning of Other Elastic Constants 7 Implications of Relative Magnitudes of Bulk and Shear Moduli 8 Macroscopic Lung Stress Distribution 9 Local Stress Distribution
Special Interests, Regulatory Quality, and the Pesticides Overload

Pesticides overuse is a serious threat to ecosystems and wildlife, human health, and agricultural sustainability. So far, however, social scientists have not produced systematic evidence on the political–economic determinants of pesticides overuse. We argue that the agrochemical industry, as a profit-motivated interest group, will only mobilize politically to avoid reductions in pesticides use when regulatory institutions are potentially capable of correcting a market failure. If regulatory institutions are weakened by corruption or other factors, pesticides overuse occurs with or without the influence of the agrochemical industry. We test this interactive theory systematically against quantitative data on pesticides use in 24 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, 1991–2003. Using corruption and other indicators to capture bureaucratic quality, we find substantively large and statistically robust interactive effects. The agrochemical industry is a crucial determinant of pesticides use in nations with low corruption, whereas the agrochemical industry has no effect on pesticides use under corrupt regulatory institutions. Troublingly, these results imply that reduced corruption may not improve actual regulatory effectiveness unless political institutions can somehow constrain the influence of special interests.
A Concise Text on Advanced Linear Algebra

This engaging textbook for advanced undergraduate students and beginning graduates covers the core subjects in linear algebra. The author motivates the concepts by drawing clear links to applications and other important areas, such as differential topology and quantum mechanics. The book places particular emphasis on integrating ideas from analysis wherever appropriate. For example, the notion of determinant is shown to appear from calculating the index of a vector field which leads to a self-contained proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, and the Cayley–Hamilton theorem is established by recognizing the fact that the set of complex matrices of distinct eigenvalues is dense. The material is supplemented by a rich collection of over 350 mostly proof-oriented exercises, suitable for students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Selected solutions are provided at the back of the book, making it suitable for self-study as well as for use as a course text.
CM lifts for Isogeny Classes of Shimura F-crystals over Finite Fields

We extend to large contexts pertaining to Shimura varieties of Hodge type a result of Zink on the existence of CM lifts to characteristic 0 of suitable representatives of certain isogeny classes of abelian varieties endowed with endomorphisms over finite fields. These contexts are general enough in order to apply to the Langlands-Rapoport conjecture for all special fibres of characteristic at least 5 of integral canonical models of Shimura varieties of Hodge type.
Estrogenic substitution therapy with estradiol pellet implantation

Abstract A study is presented on the use of subcutaneously implanted estradiol pellets for the prevention of menopausal symptoms at the time of castrating operation in premenopausal women and for the treatment of such symptoms in menopausal or previously castrated patients. The series under study consists of 342 implants of two 25 mg. estradiol dihydroxyestrin pellets in 287 patients done within the last 5 years. Two hundred and seventeen were done prophylactically at the time of castrating operation on premenopausal women, and in 125 instances they were used therapeutically in the presence of menopausal symptoms. Over 90 per cent were free of flushes after 18 months; approximately 75 per cent between 24 and 48 months; and approximately 50 per cent between 48 and 60 months. All patients with intact uteri bled following pellet implants, and use of pellets in women with uteri in situ was found to be definitely contraindicated. On theoretical grounds, pellets are not recommended for patients with carcinoma of the endometrium and with breast neoplasms.
Strategies Aimed at Mitigating Liquidity Risk in the Aftermath of the Recent Financial Crisis

In this study the key strategies of managing liquidity risk in the aftermath of the financial crisis are examined and it’s concluded that the key strategies that could be implemented to mitigate liquidity risk include need to consolidate smaller banks, increase capitalization to banks and increase banks supervision per Basel III requirements. An additional conclusion is that results from studies conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the reforms and policies to manage liquidity risk after the financial crisis appear to indicate that the strategies have had positive impacts. Finally it may be difficult for developing countries to implement Basel III requirements.
The State-in-Society Approach to Democratization with Examples from Japan

How does an undemocratic country create democratic institutions and transform its polity in such a way that democratic values and practices become integral parts of its political culture? This article uses the case of Japan to advocate for a new theoretical approach to the study of democratization. In particular, it examines how theoretical models based on the European and North American experiences have difficulty explaining the process of democratization in Japan, and argues that a state-in-society approach is better suited to explaining the democratization process' diverse cultural contexts. Taking a bottom-up view of recent developments in Japanese civil society through the close examination of two cases – one traditional organization dating from the pre-war era (neighbourhood associations) and one new-style group formed in 2000 (Association of New Elder Citizens) – this article illustrates how Japanese citizens have democratized their political culture at the grassroots. The state-in-society approach...
Short-term outcomes of splenectomy avoidance in trauma patients

BACKGROUND: Strategies for splenic preservation for trauma patients have gained acceptance; however, meaningful outcome evaluations have not been performed. To better understand the consequences of managing patients with splenic injuries, the short-term outcomes of different types of management strategies were examined. We defined splenic preservation as observation of splenic injury, splenic embolization, and splenorrhaphy. We defined splenic salvage as splenic embolization and splenorrhaphy. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study examining splenic injury management of adult patients at an urban level 1 trauma center. RESULTS: During 31 months, 170 splenic injuries were captured by the trauma registry. Average age was 31.7 years, and the average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 22.7; patients had multiple associated injuries. The average length of stay was 15.7 days, and mortality that was not associated with splenic injury was 10%. Fifty-eight patients underwent immediate splenectomy, with 3 patients requiring percutaneous drainage for pancreatic leaks and 1 patient requiring reoperation for a gastrocutaneous fistula (overall morbidity 6.9%). Eighty five patients were managed nonoperatively, with 10 patients (11.9%) failing expectant management; they underwent subsequent splenectomies. Eleven patients were managed by splenic artery embolization. Three patients (27.2%) required further intervention; 1 required re-embolization; and 2 required splenectomy. Sixteen patients underwent surgical splenorrhaphy, with 2 patients failing (12.5%), thus requiring eventual splenectomies. Morbidity for splenic preservation (observation, splenic embolization, and splenorrhaphy) was 13.4%, whereas morbidity for splenic salvage (embolization and splenorrhaphy) was 18.5%. CONCLUSIONS: In the adult population, splenic preservation has 2-fold and splenic salvage close to 3-fold morbidity compared with immediate splenectomy in management of patients with blunt and penetrating splenic injuries.
Central nervous system action of TRH to stimulate gastric emptying in rats.

Abstract The effects of intracisternal injection of TRH on gastric emptying of a liquid meal was investigated in 24 h fasted rats using the phenol red method. Intracisternal injection of TRH, RX 77368, or [ N- Val 2 ]- TRH , an analog devoid of TSH-releasing activity, 5 min prior to a meal, stimulated gastric emptying measured 20 min later. TRH action was dose dependent (1–100 ng), and rapid in onset. The calculated time for emptying half of the meal was decreased from 16 ± 3 min (control group) to 4 ± 1 min (TRH 30 ng). The stable analog, RX 77368, unlike TRH, stimulated gastric emptying when the meal was given 60 min after peptide injection. Intravenous injection of atropine (2.5 μg) inhibited and that of carbachol (1 μg) stimulated gastric emptying whereas i.v. injection of TRH (0.1–1 μg) had no effect. Vagotomy but not adrenalectomy reversed the increase in gastric emptying induced by intracisternal TRH. Atropine blocked the stimulatory effect of TRH and carbachol. These results demonstrate that TRH acts within the brain to stimulate gastric emptying through vagus-dependent and cholinergic pathways whereas alterations of adrenal and pituitary-thyroid secretion do not play an important role.
Iterative deconvolution of time-of-flight mass peaks for the determination of translational energy of ions

An iterative method of deconvolution is applied to mass peaks recorded on a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. This enables one to remove the effects of gate width and electron energy spread on the spectra, thereby recovering a more accurate profile of the mass peak. From this, energy distributions and also average translational energies of the ions are calculated. The ions considered are O− from NO, CO, CO2 and SO2, as well as F− from CF4.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) in tumor-bearing nude mice

Purpose AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) (AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK) is a novel small molecule MEK1/2 inhibitor that is currently being tested in Phase II trials. With the recent publication of human pharmacokinetic data from clinical studies, we now know the achievable levels and range of AZD6244 exposure in humans. This study aimed to describe the pharmacokinetic profile of AZD6244 in mice in order to design preclinical studies that recapitulate exposure levels in humans.
Review of flashback reported in prevaporizing/premixing combustors☆

Abstract Flame flashback into the fuel preparation tube of advanced prevaporizing/premixing gas turbine combustors is considered. Evidence in the literature indicates that classical flashback, which results from the flame velocity exceeding the fuel/air velocity in either the tube boundary layer or in the free stream, has not been observed in noncatalytic combustion systems burning hydrocarbon fuels. Instead, autoignition of the air stream, flame propagation through reversed flow fields, and preignition of the fuel/air mixture in separated flow regions of the mixing tube are responsible for the reported phenomena. The latter two mechanisms may be caused by either small details in the geometry of the premixing tube such as steps, diverging sections, or surface discontinuities, or by methods of fuel injection, such as contraflow injection. Only catalytic combustors operating at very low reference velocities appear capable of experiencing classical flashback; however, flashback and autoignition must be differentiated even under these conditions.
Constitutive activation of prosurvival signaling in alveolar mesenchymal cells isolated from patients with nonresolving acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by stereotypic host inflammatory and repair cellular responses; however, mechanisms regulating the resolution of ARDS...
G‐protein‐coupled receptors and melanoma

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are the largest family of receptors with over 500 members. Evaluation of GPCR gene expression in primary human tumors identified over-expression of GPCR in several tumor types. Analysis of cancer samples in different disease stages also suggests that some GPCR may be involved in early tumor progression and others may play a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Currently, >50% of drug targets to various human diseases are based on GPCR. In this review, the relationships between several GPCR and melanoma development and/or progression will be discussed. Finally, the possibility of using one or more of these GPCR as therapeutic targets in melanoma will be summarized.
Dental evidence for dietary differences in Australopithecus and Paranthropus: a quantitative analysis of permanent molar microwear

A quantitative analysis of occlusal microwear on the protoconal facets of maxillary permanent second molars of southern African specimens of Australopithecus and Paranthropus reveals that the latter display significantly greater numbers of microwear features as well as significantly higher percentage incidences of pitting on both Phase I and Phase II facets. Wear scratches also tend to display significantly greater degrees of directional heterogeneity on Paranthropus crowns; this increased variability of jaw movement through both Phase I and especially Phase II of mastication may reflect differences in the mechanical properties of the food items triturated by these two taxa. Wear scratches are, on average, significantly shorter but wider, and pits are significantly larger on the occlusal surfaces of Paranthropus molars. Comparisons with microwear feature dimensions recorded for extant primates suggest that the diet of Paranthropus entailed the mastication of harder items than composed the dietary staples of Australopithecus. Taken in conjunction with the differences in dental proportions and craniofacial morphology exhibited by Australopithecus and Paranthropus, the details of occlusal microwear indicate that the diets of these taxa were qualitatively different. The inferred dietary differences and the differences in trophic adaptations do not appear to be related solely to purported differences in estimated body sizes.
Isoelectric focusing of human granulocyte lysosomal elastase in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract A technique is described which allows isoelectric focusing of human granulocyte elastase in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels, with retention of between 70 and 90% of the elastolytic activity. Digestion of elastin was observed to occur between pH 8.13 and 8.3 as well as between pH 8.77 and 9.15. Detection of elastolytic activity and visualization of protein bands following staining of the gels, has been successfully attempted with as little as 20 μg of lysosomal extract (about 2 to 3 μg of elastase).
The Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000: a closer look at employment and retirement issues

Faced with the variability of labor supply, some organizations considered older workers as a viable, untapped resource that can easily be used more effectively or reincorporated in the workplace. This practice would alleviate the labor shortage for quality people for all levels of jobs. In addition, the federal government recently made it more attractive for retirees to return to the workforce with the passage of the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000, which repealed the Social Security earnings limit.
Photo developing defect and developing-like defect on DUV process

Three types of photo developing and developing-like defect on DUV process were presented in this paper. Scumming of photoresist on nitride film during developing process which was resulted from interaction between by-product of nitride film deposition process and resists that could not be removed by developer and water rinse. Those scumming developing defect would lead to bamboo shoots-like residue after etching that could cause microscratch during STI CMP. Either film treatment with HF vapor clean before photoprocess or adding extra rinse after hard baking can effectively eliminate those scumming defect. Splash from developer cup during water rinse process which appearance on non- resist area were crown-like on hydrophobic film could be reduced by extra rinse process after hard baking. Also owing to high contact angle between surfactant type developer and resist, discolor appearance on resist are would be formed after developing. Method to solve this issue was to apply developer as pre-wet before developing process.
Camera placement in simulated laparoscopic surgery influences performance

Laparoscopic surgery requires surgeons to view rotated visual feedback of the surgical field. However, systematic assessments of the effects of visuomotor rotations on performance have been controversial. Forty novice undergraduates performed a pointing task in a laparoscopic trainer box while experiencing one of five different visuomotor rotations: 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. Performance was measured using root mean squared error (RMSE). When initially exposed to the visuomotor rotations, participants’ performance was superior in the 0° condition when compared to the 45°, 90°, and 135° conditions. The pattern of results observed in the present study were consistent with basic research by Cunningham (1989) that showed the most severe performance decrements for rotations between 90° and 135°. With prolonged exposure to the visuomotor rotations, participants adapted to the distortions. The results of the present study are relevant to the design of laparoscopic training currilicula.
Training rats to search and alert on contraband odors

Abstract This paper describes a series of behavioral experiments that were conducted to test a new concept using rats to detect contraband odors, such as explosives, drugs, or prohibited foodstuffs. Under this concept, the trained alerting behavior of rats is remotely monitored by humans and/or computers to determine when the animals detect a scent of interest (e.g. contraband) during their search behavior. The rats alert on a scent by rearing on their hind legs, which is detected by computer. Our experimental measures include performance (hit rate and false alarm rate) and search effectiveness (number of cups visited and number of unique cups visited) for three to six rats, detecting a variety of odors including explosive, cocaine, and bleach scents. Their performance was measured both with and without distractor scents (almond extract and motor oil) present. Results of the experiments showed good olfactory performance in the laboratory setting.
Human vision noise model validation for the U.S. Army sensor performance metric

Image noise originating from a sensor system is often the limiting factor in target acquisition perfor- mance, especially when limited by atmospheric transmission or low-light conditions. To accurately predict target acquisition range performance for a wide variety of imaging systems, image degradation introduced by the sen- sor must be properly combined with the limitations of the human visual system (HVS). This crucial step of incor- porating the HVS has been improved and updated within NVESD's latest imaging system performance model. The new noise model discussed here shows how an imaging system's noise and blur are combined with the contrast threshold function (CTF) to form the system CTF. Model calibration constants were found by presenting low-contrast sine gratings with additive noise in a two alternative forced choice experiment. One of the principal improvements comes from adding an eye photon noise term allowing the noise CTF to be accurate over a wide range of luminance. The latest HVS noise model is then applied to the targeting task performance metric respon- sible for predicting system performance from the system CTF. To validate this model, human target acquisition performance was measured from a series of infrared and visible-band noise-limited imaging systems. © 2014
Development of highly regenerable callus lines and biolistic transformation of turf-type common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.].

Common bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon, is a widely used warm-season turf and forage species in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. Improvement of bermudagrass via biotechnology depends on improved tissue culture responses, especially in plant regeneration, and a successful scheme to introduce useful transgenes. When the concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine was adjusted in the culture medium, yellowish, compact calluses were observed from young inflorescence tissue culture of var. J1224. Nine long-term, highly regenerable callus lines (including a suspension-cultured line) were subsequently established, of which six were used for biolistic transformation. Five independent transgenic events, with four producing green plants, were obtained following hygromycin B selection from one callus line. Three transgenic events displayed resistance to the herbicide glufosinate, and one of these showed β-glucuronidase activity since the co-transformation vector used in the experiments contained both the gusA and bar genes.
Predation and Dislodgment of Schizaphis graminum (Homoptera: Aphididae), by Adult Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Adult Coecinella septempunetata L. were placed on grain sorghum plants, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, at four growth stages with one of three greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), densities under laboratory and field conditions. Greenbug predation and dislodgment rates for adults and nymphs were recorded during a 1-h observation period or until ∼75% of the greenbugs were either consumed or dislodged. Greenbug nymphs were consumed at 4 and 1.3 times the rate of adults in laboratory and field tests, respectively. Adult greenbugs were 1.8 times and nymphs were 1.3 times more likely to be dislodged than consumed under laboratory conditions. In field tests, adults and nymphs were dislodged 5 and 4 times more often, respectively, than they were consumed. The number of greenbugs consumed/min in laboratory and field tests increased with plant stage and density with the exception of the bloom plant stage. The number of greenbugs dislodged for each consumed was directly related to prey density and plant stage. Evaluation of predator efficacy using only the number consumed may underestimate the effect of predation on greenbugs due to the dislodgment behavior. Dislodgment allows greenbugs to escape immediate predation, but may expose them to increased risk from other biotic and abiotic mortality factors.
Evaluation and improvement of the resolution of voltammetric measurements

Abstract Two approaches for estimating and improving resolution in chromatography analyses can be applied successfully to voltammetric measurements. It is shown that the resolution of voltammetric procedures yielding symmetric (or nearly symmetric) current peaks can be described by R = 2Δ E p 1.699 (b1,2,1 + b1,2,1) where ΔEp is the difference between the peak potentials of the two analytes, and b1,2,1 and b1,2,2 are the peak half-widths. The window diagram approach is used to improve the resolution between neighbouring voltammetric peaks by optimization of the supporting electrolyte composition. The applicability of these approaches to differential-pulse anodic-stripping measurements at the mercury film electrode is demonstrated.
Induction of replication of Epstein-Barr virus DNA by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate. II. Inhibition by retinoic acid and 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) guanine.

Abstract An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-producing cell line (P3HR-1) is readily inducible for EBV DNA replication by the tumor promoter, 12- O -tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The effects of an antiherpesvirus drug, Acyclovir (ACV) [9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)-guanine], and a tumor promoter antagonist, retinoic acid (RA), were tested on EBV DNA replication in P3HR-1 cells. The activation of P3HR-1 cells by TPA greatly stimulates [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into the viral DNA as determined by analysis on cesium chloride gradients. This effect is completely inhibited by RA. However, RA has no inhibitory effect on the spontaneously induced viral DNA replication that occurs in P3HR-1 cells not treated with TPA. In contrast, ACV inhibits both the spontaneously induced and TPA-induced EBV DNA replication. The discriminatory effect of ACV and RA on viral DNA replication in P3HR-1 cells is further demonstrated by cRNA-DNA hybridization with EBV-specific cRNA.
Semiconductor Nanocluster Growth within Polymer Films

Models for semiconductor nanocluster growth within polymer films are presented. The models assume a diffusion−aggregation mechanism of nanocluster growth, where the semiconductor molecules aggregat...
C10-Oe-N-(4-azido-5-125iodo salicyloyl)-β-alanyl-β alanyl ryanodine (Az-βAR), a novel photo-affinity ligand for the ryanodine binding site

A high affinity, photoactivatable, radio-iodinated ligand for the ryanodine binding site(s) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release-channel, C10-Oeq-N-(4-azido-5-125iodo salicyloyl)-β-alanyl-β-alanyl ryanodine (Az-βAR), was synthesized at a specific activity of 1400mCi/mmol. Prepared by condensing the versatile synthon, N-(4-azido-5125iodo salicyloyl)-β-alanine with C10-Oeq-β-alanyl ryanodine, Az-βAR, like [3H] ryanodine, does not demonstrate saturation binding kinetics. 127Az-βAR exhibits an IC50 of 27.2 ± 2 × 10−9 M (mean ± SD) compared to ryanodine's 6.2 ± 0.4 × 10−9 M for the ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle.
Surgical pathology of subaortic septal myectomy associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background: No large surgical series have qualitatively examined all histopathologic features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: Medical records and microscopic slides were reviewed from 204 patients undergoing septal myectomy for HCM at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Results: The 108 females and 96 males (1–86 years old; mean, 48) included 133 patients P =.003), aortic valve disease (31% vs. 12%; P =.01) and severe coronary atherosclerosis (43% vs. 9%; P =.001). Overall, microscopic abnormalities included myocyte hypertrophy (100%), endocardial (96%) and myocardial (93%) fibrosis, myocyte disarray (79%) and vacuolization (60%), endocardial inflammation (48%), arterial thickening (46%), dilated venules (28%), arterial dysplasia (16%), left bundle branch tissue (12%), infarction (2%), endocardial (1%) and myocardial ( P =.002), disarray (87% vs. 65%; P =.0003) and dilated venules (33% vs. 18%; P =.02). In contrast, lesions more frequent in Group 2 than in Group 1 included left bundle branch (20% vs. 8%; P =.02) and amyloid and endocardial calcium (4% vs. 0%; P =.04, each). Conclusions: Among patients undergoing septal myectomy for HCM, 53% were women and 35% were ≥60 years old. The most common microscopic features were hypertrophy, disarray, fibrosis, inflammation and vascular alterations. Disarray cannot be used as a morphologic hallmark for HCM in small surgical myectomy specimens because it was absent in 21% of the patients. Because amyloid unexpectedly affected three elderly patients, routine amyloid staining is recommended for patients ≥65 years old.
Why do U.S. and Chinese students think differently in mathematical problem solving? Impact of early algebra learning and teachers' beliefs

This paper reports two studies that examined the impact of early algebra learning and teachers’ beliefs on U.S. and Chinese students’ thinking. The first study examined the extent to which U.S. and Chinese students’ selection of solution strategies and representations is related to their opportunity to learn algebra. The second study examined the impact of teachers’ beliefs on their students’ thinking through analyzing U.S. and Chinese teachers’ scoring of student responses. The results of the first study showed that, for the U.S. sample, students who have formally learned algebraic concepts are as likely to use visual representations as those who have not formally learned algebraic concepts in their problem solving. For the Chinese sample, students rarely used visual representations whether or not they had formally learned algebraic concepts. The findings of the second study clearly showed that U.S. and Chinese teachers view students’ responses involving concrete strategies and visual representations differently. Moreover, although both U.S. and Chinese teachers value responses involving more generalized strategies and symbolic representations equally high, Chinese teachers expect 6th graders to use the generalized strategies to solve problems while U.S. teachers do not. The research reported in this paper contributed to our understanding of the differences between U.S. and Chinese students’ mathematical thinking. This research also established the feasibility of using teachers’ scoring of student responses as an alternative and effective way of examining teachers’ beliefs.
Pioneer growth cone behavior at a differentiating limb segment boundary in the grasshopper embryo

Abstract The first neurons to extend axons through embryonic grasshopper limbs are a pair of sibling pioneer neurons. After migrating proximally along the limb axis, the pioneer growth cones normally make an abrupt ventral turn. In some cases ( 80%) the pioneer growth cones make a more acute ventral turn along a single circumferential line which lies distal to the Cx1 neurons. Growth cones from other afferent neurons orient along the same line. Growth cones can extend along this line around more than half of the circumference of the limb and can grow in either direction along it. The circumferential line appears to be the prospective trochanter-coxa segment boundary. Afferent axons on the segment boundary leave it and contact the proximo-ventrally located Cx1 neurons. The site at which pioneer growth cones leave the boundary is variable and appears to be the point from which filopodial contact with Cx1 cells is first established. In addition to the trochanter-coxa segment boundary, the pioneer growth cones and axons also respond to the tibia-femur and femur-trochanter segment boundaries. The role of segment boundaries as barriers to growth cone movement and the effect of such harriers on the timing and placement of differentiation of pioneer neurons are discussed.
Interpreting event-related brain potential (ERP) distributions: Implications of baseline potentials and variability with application to amplitude normalization by vector scaling

Recent proposals regarding the purpose and validity of amplitude normalization by vector scaling including mitigation of baseline and noise problems in between-condition difference analyses are critically evaluated. In so doing, we elaborate on some of the points raised in Urbach and Kutas (2002) regarding baselines and noise, especially as these impact amplitude normalization by vector scaling and discuss the motivation for measuring event-related brain potential (ERP) amplitudes relative to a pre-stimulus baseline and the implications of this for certain (but not all) inferences. Throughout, our focus is on the logic of interpreting ERP measurements with an emphasis on the importance of specific assumptions and consideration of what conclusions are and are not supported.
Selection for early flowering results in simultaneous selection for reduced nuclear DNA content in maize

Several studies have indicated a possible link between genome size and earliness in maize. In this study, an original maize population, South African photo-period insensitive maize composite II (C0) and several selected generations were analyzed for days to flowering, plant height, ear height, and yield. The selection criterion was earliness. Over six cycles of selection a 14-day decrease in days to flowering was obtained with no significant reduction in grain yield. In the initial population (C0) and the most advanced selection (C6) 101 plants were analyzed for nuclear DNA content. A significant decrease in the mean nuclear DNA content of the C0 population (102 AU) was observed with respect to the C0 population (105 AU). This reduction was the result of a decrease in frequency of plants in the C6 population with large genome sizes. Therefore it was concluded that selection for earliness resulted in selection against plants with large genome sizes. Hence, the nucleotype of a maize plant can be modified by selection such as early flowering time.
Role of extrinsic and intrinsic nerves in hormonal induction of the migrating motor complex in the jejunum

The mechanism of induction of the migrating motor complex (MMC) by neural or humoral agents and their role in the control of fasting motility are not well understood. Our aim was to determine the role of extrinsic und intrinsic nerves in mediating the induction of the MMC by motilin. Three groups of dogs were studied. Group I consisted of neurally intact control dogs. In group II, intrinsic neural continuity between the duodenum and the jejunum was interrupted by transection and reanastomosis of the distal duodenum. Dogs in group III underwent disruption of all intrinsic and extrinsic neural input to the entire jejunoileum. Serosal electrodes were sewn to duodenum and jejunum in all dogs. After a 2-week recovery, fasting myoelectric activity was recorded on four or more occasions. Motilin (0.1 µg/kg iv) was given 30 min after a spontaneous duodenal phase III. In group I (controls), motilin induced a premature MMC, which originated in the duodenum and migrated along the small intestine. In group II (intrin...
Asymmetric behavior of beta″-alumina

Abstract In contrast to beta-alumina, many polycrystalline samples of beta″-alumina display an asymmetric behavior with regard to dc current flow. The voltage, measured between liquid sodium in contact with beta″-alumina on one side and a probe inside a suitable molten salt on the other side, is noticeably larger during discharge (anodic sodium dissolution) than during charge (cathodic sodium deposition). Experimental results, obtained for beta″-alumina tubes of different compositions in sodium nitrate melts and laboratory type sodium—sulfur cells, are discussed. The asymmetric behavior is attributed to a thin, passivating film of Na2O at the interface between beta″-alumina and liquid sodium.
Decreased alcohol consumption by verapamil in alcohol preferring rats.

1. Calcium channel blockers have been proposed, in addition to inhibiting the influx of Ca++ into the cells, to possess a wide variety of pharmacological effects, including interference with certain neurotransmitters involved in mood, mental disorders and alcohol craving. Further, it has been documented that certain neurotransmitters are involved in alcohol craving both in animals and humans. 2. To investigate the effects of Ca(++)-channel antagonist on alcohol preference, verapamil in three doses (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg) was injected (S.C.) twice daily over a period of one day in alcohol-preferring (P) and alcohol non-preferring (NP) rats at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 3. Water, alcohol and food intake were monitored. 4. Our results show that verapamil in doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg significantly (p less than 0.02 and 0.01, respectively) reduced the intake of ethanol and increased the intake of water by P rats. However, injection of an equal volume of saline did not change the pattern of alcohol intake. 5. These results suggest that a (++(+)-channel blocker such as verapamil, could, at least partially, attenuate alcohol preference in alcohol preferring rats. It is possible that verapamil exerts an inhibitory effect on alcohol preference by interfering with Ca++ channels, blocking serotonin uptake or through another mechanism(s).
Raman spectroscopy of Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface

A new approach for the acquisition of Raman spectra of Langmuir layers at the air-water interface is presented. Colloidal Ag is grown electrochemically under layers of the anionic surfactants stearic acid and dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid sodium salt (DPPA) on an aqueous AgNO 3 subphase. The Ag colloid layer supports surface-enhanced Raman scattering (sERs) of the Langmuir layers with minimal interference from the subphase. Spectra of good signal-to-noise ratio have been acquired. These spectra are interpreted in terms of the headgroup chemistry and the degree of alkane chain order as a function of surface pressure.
The learning curve: a new perspective

Despite the popularity of the “learning” curve, it should be called the “forecasting” curve. Given an industrial process, the traditional learning curve forecasts how costs are expected to decline (or other performance measures improve) in the future. Forecasting is certainly very useful. Nevertheless, the previous literature is notably mute on how the improvement or learning occurs. Without that information about how the process operates, the traditional learning curve cannot improve the rate of learning. This paper transforms the curve so that it not merely forecasts but rather actively creates the learning and knowledge. By extending work of the authors (Zangwill and Kantor, 1998), this paper constructs a new theoretical framework for learning and making improvements based upon learning cycles. This approach allows what is learned in one period to be intelligently applied to the next, improving the rate of learning right as production is occurring. Previous approaches could not do this. Because it should quickly increase the rate of learning, this approach might have important industrial applications.
Sex and the scholarly girl: Plugging the feminist generation gap

(1996). Sex and the scholarly girl: Plugging the feminist generation gap. Women's Studies: Vol. 25, No. 6, pp. 619-635.
Computational complexity of nonlinear transforms applied to optical communications systems with normal dispersion fibers

We show that nonlinear transforms based on the Zakharov-Shabat scattering problem are not practical to encode/decode QPSK signals in communication systems with normal dispersion fibers operating with average powers above that of the quasi-linear regime.
Faculty Productivity in Supervising Doctoral Students' Dissertations at Cornell University.

Abstract Most research on faculty productivity focuses on the research ability of faculty members. This paper provides a new means of looking at faculty productivity by analyzing a second responsibility of faculty members: producing new Ph.D.'s. The authors first utilize a Lorenz curve analysis to establish that graduate student supervision is most equally distributed among faculty members in the physical sciences and least equally distributed among social science faculty. The second part of the paper uses a negative binomial regression model to investigate what faculty attributes affect how many graduate students a faculty member will supervise in a six-year period. The results suggest that, on average, a faculty member's prestige and her length of time at the institution are significant factors in predicting productivity.
The x-space formulation of magnetic particle imaging including non-negligible relaxation effects

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging medical imaging modality that is predicted to have improved sensitivity and contrast as compared to existing technologies. MPI uses a strong magnetic field gradient (6.5 T/m) to spatially localize the induction response of ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIOs), which are currently approved as a contrast agent for MRI. This new imaging modality has excellent contrast and will be safe for human use. MPI relies on USPIO dipole moments aligning quickly with the applied magnetic field, but Neel and Brownian relaxation mechanisms can significantly retard this alignment. By causing this lag in magnetization alignment, relaxation ultimately degrades the resolution and accuracy of the MPI method. Our early simulation results indicate that relaxation effects in larger USPIOs could degrade spatial resolution by a factor of two or more. Our goal here is to develop a rigorous and predictive mathematical model for the imaging process including relaxation effects. The x-space formulation of MPI previously developed by our group details the theoretical signal, bandwidth, resolution, SNR, and SAR of MPI; however this theory was formulated assuming negligible relaxation times. Here we updated the x-space analysis of MPI to include relaxation effects and have demonstrated that this inclusion is essential for excellent agreement with experimental MPI data. We have also shown that relaxation degrades image resolution and accuracy, necessitating an improved understanding of relaxation for future mitigation of these consequences through careful USPIO and MPI system optimization.
Velocity of sound in superconducting lead for ql > 1

Abstract The change in velocity of sound at the superconducting transition temperature due to the dynamic interaction of the sound waves with the conduction electrons has been measured for compressional waves in a lead single crystal.
Minority studies and women's studies: Do we want to kill a dream?

Abstract When we engage in integration of new subject matter into the existing university curriculum, or when we speak of mainstreaming into the existing curriculum, we are engaging in the proliferation of the sickness of the dream deferred. The mainstream is very sick, and rightfully near death. We must be about ultimately replacing it through transformation. Yet neither Women's Studies nor Minority Studies has been transformed; we must be involved in a pluralistic, generative, interactive process that transforms Women's Studies, Minority Studies and the traditional disciplines.
Engineering the Composition of L-Type (Cav1.2) Channels in Heart Cells using Split Intein-Mediated Protein Trans-Splicing

Ca2+ influx through L-type (CaV1.2) channels in heart regulates excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, action potential duration, and gene expression. This versatility of L-type channels in heart is hypothesized to be mediated in part by differential sub-cellular compartmentalization and hormonal modulation of distinct CaV1.2 channel pools in cardiac myocytes. Such prevailing hypotheses are best tested directly in cardiac myocytes, since their unique cyto-architecture and signaling environment cannot be replicated in heterologous cells. There are two major hurdles: first, the large size of pore-forming α1C subunits exceeds the packaging capacity of viral vectors, necessary to express exogenous CaV1.2 channels in adult cardiac myocytes; second, endogenous channels are a source of confounding contaminating signals. To overcome these limitations, we focused on functionally reconstituting two separately expressed moieties of the channel using a novel split-intein-mediated protein splicing approach. In HEK 293 cells, split-intein fragments were trans spliced to generate full-length α1C as determined by Western blot. When co-expressed with auxiliary β subunits, trans-spliced α1C trafficked normally to the cell surface and yielded robust whole-cell currents (ICa). The split-intein fragments were readily incorporated into adenoviral vectors which when used to infect adult myocytes yielded trans-spliced α1C that was detected at the cell surface. To isolate exogenous ICa, we introduced mutations that reduced dihydropyridine sensitivity of trans-spliced α1C (α1CDHP-). In the presence of 10 μM nifedipine, myocytes expressing trans-spliced α1CDHP- yielded significantly larger currents than controls expressing trans-spliced α1C. The results demonstrate a novel approach to robustly engineer the pore-forming α1C subunit composition of CaV1.2 channels in cardiac myocytes, removing a longstanding technical obstacle to L-type channel structure-function studies in heart.
Lower Macromer Concentration Enhances Nucleus Pulposus-Like Differentiation and Functional Extracellular Matrix Assembly by Human Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells Encapsulated in Photocrosslinked Carboxymethylcellulose Hydrogels

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with dehydration and loss of integrity of the nucleus pulposus (NP) region of the disc. The NP is a tissue comprised mainly of proteoglycans and type II collagen (COL II) [1]. Tissue engineering therapies could provide viable NP replacements as an alternative to current surgical procedures. Recently, photocrosslinked carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogels were shown to support cell viability and the assembly of functional extracellular matrix (ECM) by encapsulated human marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) when cultured in serum-free, chemically defined medium with TGF-β3 [2]. Previous studies have shown that scaffold macromer density can influence functional mechanical properties and chondrogenic differentiation of several cells types in various hydrogel systems [3,4,5]. However, the impact of macromer concentration on hMSC differentiation in CMC hydrogels has not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of CMC macromer concentration on NP-like differentiation and the elaboration of functional ECM in hMSC-laden CMC constructs.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Assessing ICU quality of care in 1997: a North American perspective

Outcome assessment in the intensive care unit (ICU) has moved beyond traditional internal morbidity and mortality review. External agencies are now requesting information on the outcome of medical care, especially in the high-cost area of critical care. Traditional measures such as immediate morbidity and mortality rates remain important, but cost-effectiveness, patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes such as return to functional status must also be considered. There is no current consensus as to what data elements are necessary and sufficient to evaluate critical care outcome. The demands of the healthcare market-place require access to clinical, resource utilisation and cost data. ICU databases are becoming an essential tool to survey ICU performance, to adjust outcomes for patient severity, and to integrate outcomes with administrative and financial information.
Lower tails of self-similar stable processes

For a self-similar α-stable process with stationary increments {X(t), 0 ≤t ≤1} we study the asymptotic behaviour of the probability that the process stays within the interval [-e,e], as e becomes small. This behaviour turns out to be only partially determined by the index of stability α and parameter of self-similarity H.