cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International and Citizen Faculty in the United States: An Examination of Their Productivity at Research Universities.

The study examined the differences between international and U.S. citizen faculty members’ productivity in the areas of research, graduate and undergraduate teaching, and service at research universities in the United States. Utilizing the 2004 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF:04) data set, we used a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to address the primary research questions in the study. The results indicated that international faculty members were significantly more productive in research, but less productive in teaching and service than their U.S. citizen colleagues. The study can potentially aid policymakers and university administrators to not only better serve and support international faculty members but also to fully utilize them as a resource that benefits the institution and the students in all functions of their work and not just in research.
Knowledge management in deductive object bases

Abstract A deductive object base is a deductive database that is constructed based of an object data model. Using mathematical logic as formal representation, it can be constructed to support classification, aggregation, generalization, and association. It further extends existing databases with procedural semantics. In this paper we extended the framework of deductive object base with the constructs for meta-knowledge. To enhance the quality of knowledge, we also present a knowledge assimilation scheme based on the resolutional scheme.
Dual radiotracer analysis of cholinergic neuronal changes in prediabetic mouse pancreas.

Abstract Background: Pancreatic neuronal changes associated with beta cell loss in type 1 diabetes mellitus are complex, involving, in part, parasympathetic mechanisms to compensate for preclinical hyperglycemia. The parasympathetic neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) mediates insulin release via M3 muscarinic receptors on islet beta cells. The vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT) receptor has been shown to be a useful marker of cholinergic activity in vivo. The positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer (+)-4-[18F]fluorobenzyltrozamicol ([18F]FBT) binds to the VAChT receptor on presynaptic cholinergic neurons and can be quantified by PET. The compound 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP), available in a tritiated form, binds to M3 muscarinic receptors on beta cells and is a potential target for assessing pancreatic beta cell mass. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of dual radiotracer analysis in identifying neurofunctional changes that may signify type 1 diabetes mellitus in its ea...
Pivotal Role of Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Working Memory after Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth

In this fMRI study, the functions of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were studied in a group of adolescents who had sustained a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). A spatial working memory task with varying working memory loads, representing experimental conditions of increasing difficulty, was administered. In a cross-sectional comparison between the patients and a matched control group, patients performed worse than Controls, showing longer reaction times and lower response accuracy on the spatial working memory task. Brain imaging findings suggest a possible double-dissociation: activity of the ACC in the TBI group, but not in the Control group, was associated with task difficulty; conversely, activity of the left sensorimotor cortex (lSMC) in the Control group, but not in the TBI group, was correlated with task difficulty. In addition to the main cross-sectional study, a longitudinal study of a group of adolescent patients with moderate to severe TBI was done using fMRI and the same spatial working memory task. The patient group was studied at two time-points: one time-point during the post-acute phase and one time-point 12 months later, during the chronic phase. Results indicated that patients’ behavioral performance improved over time, suggesting cognitive recovery. Brain imaging findings suggest that, over this 12-month period, patients recruited less of the ACC and more of the lSMC in response to increasing task difficulty. The role of ACC in executive functions following a moderate to severe brain injury in adolescence is discussed within the context of conflicting models of the ACC functions in the existing literature.
Advances in Avian Clinical Therapeutics

This article reviews advances in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents used in avian medicine. There has been a significant body of work published within the last 5 years that has helped provide a scientific basis for drug treatment in avian patients. This concise article of different studies on antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, sedative and anesthetic, hormone (e.g., deslorelin), psychotropic, antiepileptic, and cardiovascular drugs provides evidence of the advancements in this area of companion exotic animal medicine.
Decentralized adaptive control of nonholonomic mechanical systems

This paper considers the problem of controlling the motion of nonholonomic mechanical systems in the presence of incomplete information concerning the system model and state, and presents a class of decentralized adaptive controllers as a solution to this problem. The proposed control strategies provide simple and robust solutions to a number of important nonholonomic system control problems, including stabilization to an equilibrium manifold, motion control to an equilibrium point, and trajectory tracking control. All of the schemes are computationally efficient, are implementable without system dynamic model or rate information, and ensure uniform boundedness of all signals and accurate motion control. Computer simulation results are provided to complement the theoretical developments.
Coarse particulate organic matter transport in low-gradient streams of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

AbstractSmall forested streams typically are dominated by heterotrophic processes and rely on retained allochthonous material, including coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), to support stream food webs. Within the Ottawa National Forest (ONF), Michigan, 3 small streams of similar size (discharge <130 L/s) were used to measure the retention (e.g., particle travel distance) of various allochthonous particles. Allochthonous CPOM consisted of natural (Ginkgo biloba leaves, white pine needles, and sugar maple sticks) and analog (wood dowels of 3 lengths, paper triangles, and paper rectangles) particles to test if particle type affected travel distance and if analog particles would be a good surrogate for natural particles. Travel distances of the particles were measured monthly from June to November 2003. Physical parameters, such as velocity, depth, wood density and volume, and substrate size, were measured in each reach to determine if instream characteristics affected coarse particle travel distances. ...
Can the Subaltern Shop? The Commodification of Difference in the Bratz Dolls

This essay examines the recent shift in children's market popularity away from Barbie towards the hip alterity of the Bratz doll line. Tracing how race, class, and notions of “the other” have transformed the manner in which American girls are reimagining what it means to be stylish, empowered, and womanly, the essay focuses on four spaces of critical inquiry. It first considers the paradoxical investment in racial identities on which the line of Bratz dolls rely. Secondly, it interrogates the gender and sexual politics of the line. The third point of examination is the influence of materialism and commodity culture on the look, feel, and appeal of the line. Finally, it discusses the exoticization within the doll line. The “streetcred” culture with which the line exploits creates a tourist opportunity of the urban imaginary space, as well as racial identities within that space, without the messiness of the urban reality.
Food webs in space: On the interplay of dynamic instability and spatial processes

Ecologists increasingly recognize that a consideration of spatial dynamics is essential for resolving many classical problems in community ecology. In the present paper, I argue that understanding how trophic interactions influence population stability can have important implications for the expression of spatial processes. I use two examples to illustrate this point. The first example has to do with spatial determinants of food chain length. Prior theoretical and empirical work has suggested that colonization–extinction dynamics can influence food chain length, at least for specialist consumers. I briefly review evidence and prior theory that food chain length is sensitive to area. A metacommunity scenario, in which each of various patches can have a food chain varying in length (but in which a consumer is not present on a patch unless its required resource is also present), shows that alternative landscape states are possible. This possibility arises if top predators moderate unstable interactions between intermediate predators and basal resources. The second example has to do with the impact of recurrent immigration on the stability of persistent populations. Immigration can either stabilize or destabilize local population dynamics. Moreover, an increase in immigration can decrease average population size for unstable populations with direct density-dependence, or in predator–prey systems with saturating functional responses. These theoretical models suggest that the interplay of temporal variation and spatial fluxes can lead to novel qualitative phenomena.
Metabolomics An Essential Tool to Understand the Function of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor Alpha

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family of nuclear hormone transcription factors (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ) is regulated by a wide array of ligands including natural and synthetic chemicals. PPARs have important roles in control of energy metabolism and are known to influence inflammation, differentiation, carcinogenesis, and chemical toxicity. As such, PPARs have been targeted as therapy for common disorders such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. The recent application of metabolomics, or the global, unbiased measurement of small molecules found in biofluids, or extracts from cells, tissues, or organisms, has advanced our understanding of the varied and important roles that the PPARs have in normal physiology as well as in pathophysiological processes. Continued development and refinement of analytical platforms, and the application of new bioinformatics strategies, have accelerated the widespread use of metabolomics and have allowed further integration of small molecules into systems biology. Recent studies using metabolomics to understand PPARα function, as well as to identify PPARα biomarkers associated with drug efficacy/toxicity and drug-induced liver injury, will be discussed.
Effects of Instructional Model on Student Attitude in an Introductory Biology Laboratory

This study assessed student attitude towards reformed laboratories featuring a factorial design of inquiry (IN) and explicit / reflective (ER) pedagogy to foster nature of science understanding. Students in thirty-one lab sections responded to pre and post semester assessments of their confidence, perception of usefulness, and effectance motivation toward the laboratories. Relative change in attitude (RCA) was not significantly different (p>0.05) among the treatments or their interaction for confidence, usefulness, or effectance motivation. Student self-reports (n = 137) of factors that affected their attitude suggested that grades and TAs played a larger role in determining student attitude than the laboratory treatments. This hints at the complex interactions that impact student attitude, and which should be considered when implementing course reforms.
Meta‐analysis of endoscopic versus sublabial pituitary surgery

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine whether the endoscopic or sublabial transseptal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary surgery has superior outcomes or decreased complication rates. Study Design: Retrospective meta-analysis of literature. Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted identifying all relevant literature in the English language from 1998 through 2010. Studies explicitly identifying pure sublabial or completely endoscopic approaches were included. Meta-analysis comparing the two techniques was performed for multiple outcome measures utilizing a random effects approach. Results: A total of 21 endoscopic studies (n = 2,335) and 17 sublabial studies (n = 2,565) met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed significantly superior rates of gross tumor resection (79% vs. 65%, P < .0001), as well as lower rates of cerebral spinal fluid leak (5% vs. 7%, P < .01), septal perforation (0% vs. 5%), and postoperative epistaxis (1% vs. 4%, P < .0001) for the endoscopic approach compared to the sublabial approach. There was no difference between the two techniques in the incidence of meningitis, diabetes insipidus, or resolution of hormonal abnormality. Hospital stay (P = .01) was shorter for endoscopic surgery compared to sublabial surgery, and there was no significant difference in terms of length of operation. Conclusions: The sublabial transsphenoidal approach has been the gold standard for pituitary surgery for many years. However, meta-analysis of the recent literature demonstrates superior outcomes and decreased postoperative complications with the endoscopic approach, potentially justifying a shift toward endoscopic pituitary surgery.
A practical protocol to address barriers and slow acceptance for use of continuous ischemia monitoring in US hospitals

Background: In 2004, a Scientific Statement of practice standards for inhospital cardiac monitoring was published by the American Heart Association and endorsed by the International Society of Computerized Electrocardiology (ISCE), including recommendations for continuous ischemia (cST-seg) monitoring. In 2007, the author sent an electronic survey nationally to a random sample of 915 cardiologists from a pool of 4985 certified cardiologists registered with the electronic vendor, Epocrates. Of hospitals where respondents admitted patients, 49% had a standard of practice for using cSTseg monitoring for cardiac patients. Most responding cardiologists selected early identification of potential ischemia (83.5%) and early identification of reocclusion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (74%) as benefits of cST-segmonitoring. Regarding barriers, false-positive alarms for ischemia had the highest level of agreement as a barrier to cST-seg monitoring (61.5%), followed by lack of understanding for use of this technology by nursing staff (56.5%), extra telephone calls to you or your partners that you felt were based on inaccurate monitoring (48%), lack of understanding of this technology by other physicians (47%), and extra cost or treatment due to false-positive alarms (43%). More positive perceptions of benefit and clinical usefulness of cST-seg monitoring were reported by cardiologists who practice in hospitals that were implementing cST-seg monitoring guidelines. Conclusion: For practice standards to be incorporated into routine practice nationally, successful interdisciplinary protocols need to be shared. Thus, we are sharing our 572-bed hospital's protocol for cST-seg monitoring in effort to address specific barriers. An interdisciplinary team created the cST monitoring protocol, which stipulates that the ST alarm default is in the “on” setting for all patients. Thus, nursesmust manually turn ST alarms to “off” for patients who meet exclusion criteria (intraventricular conduction defect, paced rhythm, known pericarditis or myocardial contusion, ST-segment “sagging” due to digoxin). Before notifying the physician about an ST alarm, the nurse first verifies that the patient's patches are correctly placed and that the alarms are not due to artifact, particularly from patient movement. Next, for any 2-mm ST change sustained for 15 minutes (with or without symptoms), the nurse obtains a prn 12-lead ECG to confirm ST changes are present. The resident is paged to confirm suspected ischemia on the 12-lead before the attending physician is called. By following this protocol, we are able to reduce unnecessary telephone calls for false alarms and have interdisciplinary, hospital-wide cooperation for cST-seg monitoring.
How similar are they? rethinking electoral congruence

Electoral continuity and discontinuity have been a staple of voting research for decades. Most researchers have employed Pearson’s r as a measure of congruence between two electoral outcomes across a set of geographic units. This paper argues that that practice should be abandoned. The correlation coefficient is a measure of linearity, not similarity, and is almost always the wrong measure. The paper recommends other quantities that better accord with what researchers usually mean by electoral persistence. Replications of prior studies in American and comparative politics demonstrate that the consequences of using r when it is inappropriate can be stark. In some cases what we think are continuities are actually discontinuities.
Association of canine splenic hemangiosarcomas and hematomas with nodular lymphoid hyperplasia or siderotic nodules

Hemorrhagic splenic masses diagnosed as hemangioma or hemangiosarcoma were reviewed. Lymphoid hyperplasia was present in none of the hemangiosarcoma cases and in 27% of the hematoma cases. Siderotic nodules in the capsule or trabeculae were present in 25% of hemangiosarcoma cases and in 36% of hematoma cases. Hemoabdomen was noted in the clinical history of 54% of hemangiosarcoma cases and in 22% of hematoma cases. The average age (10.3 and 9.6 years, respectively), sex ratios (slightly more males), and most common breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog) were similar for the hemangiosarcoma and hematoma cases. Since lymphoid hyperplasia is much more common in cases of hematoma, the presence of this feature lends support to a diagnosis of hematoma rather than hemangiosarcoma. Signalment, history of hemoabdomen, and presence of siderotic nodules do not point to one diagnosis over the other.
Onset of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a rigid channel

A two-dimensional Galerkin formulation of the three-dimensional Oberbeck-Boussinesq equations is used to describe the onset of convection in an infinite rigid horizontal channel uniformly heated from below. The dependence of the critical Rayleigh number on the channel aspect ratio is determined and results are compared with those of an idealized model studied by Davies-Jones (1970). Asymptotic results are derived for both narrow and wide channels, corresponding to limits of small and large aspect ratios respectively. In the latter case the main core flow, consisting of two-dimensional rolls with axes perpendicular to the vertical walls of the channel, can be represented by the solution of an amplitude equation. Close to the walls, however, the motion remains fully three-dimensional and a reversal of the vertical flow is associated with a local subdivision of each main roll into a pair of co-rotating rolls.
Creating Masterpieces How Course Structures and Routines Enable Student Performance

Over a five-year period, we made a persistent observation: Course structures and routines, such as assignment parameters, student group process rules, and grading schemes were being consistently ig...
Insights on the Use of Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment for Environmental Footprinting A Case Study of an Inland Marine Freight Transportation Company

Summary Establishing a comprehensive environmental footprint that indicates resource use and environmental release hotspots in both direct and indirect operations can help companies formulate impact reduction strategies as part of overall sustainability efforts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a useful approach for achieving these objectives. For most companies, financial data are more readily available than material and energy quantities, which suggests a hybrid LCA approach that emphasizes use of economic input-output (EIO) LCA and process-based energy and material flow models to frame and develop life cycle emission inventories resulting from company activities. We apply a hybrid LCA framework to an inland marine transportation company that transports bulk commodities within the United States. The analysis focuses on global warming potential, acidification, particulate matter emissions, eutrophication, ozone depletion, and water use. The results show that emissions of greenhouse gases, sulfur, and particulate matter are mainly from direct activities but that supply chain impacts are also significant, particularly in terms of water use. Hotspots were identified in the production, distribution, and use of fuel; the manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of boats and barges; food production; personnel air transport; and solid waste disposal. Results from the case study demonstrate that the aforementioned footprinting framework can provide a sufficiently reliable and comprehensive baseline for a company to formulate, measure, and monitor its efforts to reduce environmental impacts from internal and supply chain operations.
Effects of Irradiation on Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): Emergence, Survivorship, Lure Attraction, and Mating Competition

Irradiation of puparia in Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), sterile insect release programs can negatively affect adult fly performance. Emergence, survivorship, lure attraction, and mating competition tests were performed on irradiated and unirradiated Mediterranean fruit flies in Hawaii. Unirradiated flies of the Vienna-7 (tsl) strain had higher emergence, flight ability, and survivorship compared with irradiated flies. In general, unirradiated flies were more responsive to trimedlure, but this effect was not consistent for all strains at every age. Laboratory strains, of both unirradiated and irradiated flies, responded to trimedlure at a younger age than wild flies, which may be a result of inadvertent selection for decreased development time in laboratory-reared flies. Mating competition tests with irradiated and unirradiated flies showed no significant differences. Costs associated with the irradiation process and the development of alternative control techniques are discussed.
Feasibility study of first-year medical students identifying cardiac anatomy using ultrasound in rural Panama.

BACKGROUND: There are over 15 million children who have cardiac anomalies around the world, resulting in a significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment can improve the outcomes and lengthen life-expectancy of these patients. The NIH and WHO have promoted guidelines for screening for congenital cardiac anomalies using ultrasound in rural environments. METHODS: Our study took place in Bocas Del Toro, Panama where a mobile clinic was established for community healthcare screening and ultrasonographic evaluation by medical student volunteers and volunteer clinical faculty. This was a non-blinded, investigational study utilizing a convenience sample of pediatric patients presenting for voluntary evaluation. Seven first-year medical students were recruited for the study. These students underwent a training program for advanced cardiac ultrasound instruction, termed Pediatric Echocardiography Cardiac Screening (PECS) . RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled in the study. Nine patients had adequate images as defined by the PECS criteria and were all classified as normal cardiac pathology by the medical students, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. A single patient was identified by medical students as having a pathologic pulmonic stenosis. This was confirmed as correct by a blinded ultrasonographer. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the first-year medical students were able to correctly identify pediatric cardiac anatomy and pathology in rural Panama after undergoing a 12-hour ultrasound PECS training session. We believe that with this knowledge, minimally trained practitioners can be used to screen for cardiac anomalies in rural Panama using ultrasound.
Temporal variation in copepod abundance and composition in a strong, persistent coastal upwelling zone

Abstract Zooplankton abundance and species composition provide information on environmental variability in the ocean. While zooplankton time series span the west coast of North America, less data exist off north-central California. Here, we investigated a zooplankton time series, focusing specifically on copepods, collected within the Gulf of the Farallones–Cordell Bank area (37.5° to 38.5°N) from 2004 to 2009. Impacted by seasonally strong, persistent upwelling, this study area is located downstream of a major upwelling center (Point Arena). We found copepod abundance and species composition differed significantly, particularly between the first three years (2004–2006) and the latter three years (2007–2009) of the study. These changes were mainly observed as changes in abundance of boreal copepod species, Pseudocalanus mimus and Acartia longiremis. These taxa showed increasing abundances for the latter three years of the study (2007–2009). During the first three years of the time series, environmental measurements in the region showed lower alongshore wind stress, weaker upwelling, minimal surface alongshore flow, and warmer surface ocean temperatures. Temporal variations in copepod abundance and species composition correlated with several of these environmental measurements (e.g., surface cross-shore and alongshore flows, upwelling, and alongshore wind stress), indicating environmental forcing of primary consumers and ecosystem productivity in this strong, persistent upwelling zone.
Investigating Russian Political Culture

On a bitter November evening in 1993 in the far north of Russia, members of the Syktyvkar chapter of the political movement Democratic Russia met at a local union hall to discuss strategy. Talk was heated and ultimately inconclusive. The group later would split into three factions. As an observer of these events I had the opportunity to see the political grassroots of a former communist superpower that could be taking the first unsteady steps toward democracy.
Hazards of interpretation of dissipation-factor tip-up determinations

Several contributions to the study of empirical correlation between tip-up and insulation life are reviewed, In addition to the published literature some previously unpublished field measurements made by the authors' Company are cited. Some investigators report favorable correlation while others report the contrary. Our own experience on two different insulation systems indicates that the extent and the kind of correlation is dependent on the kind of insulation system which is being evaluated.
Melanin Relevant Gene Research Progress in Domestic Animal

The melanin plays an important role on animal black bone and body color formation.The research of recent years shows many genes are relevant to melanin.In this paper,we summarized the major genes influencing melanin and its research progress in domestic animal.
Vascular ultrasound in the intensive care unit.

Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic technique to assess the vascular system of the ICU patient. It is noninvasive and portable. Clotting is reliably diagnosed in the lower extremity venous system or upper extremity veins. Similarly, arterial pathology, such as pseudoaneurysm or aneurysm is easily evaluated. The wide availability of pulsed and color Doppler ultrasound will increase the use of this tool in the ICU.
The Economic-Liberty Approach of the First Amendment: A Story of American Booksellers V. Hudnut

What role did the pornography wars play in shifting First Amendment jurisprudence toward an economic liberty justification? In the 1980s, feminists split on the issue of pornography. Culminating in the case American Booksellers Association v. Hudnut, radical feminists defended an anti-pornography statute while an opposing faction, called pro-sex feminists, denounced the regulation. Despite their split, both factions argued on grounds of equality. Radicals argued pornography undermined sex equality while pro-sex feminists argued that pornography enhanced equality. Though both sides were committed to the value of sex equality, the Seventh Circuit ultimately disregarded these concerns altogether. Instead, Judge Easterbrook, writing for the court, used pro-sex feminists’ additional theory of autonomy to push a similar yet distinct idea of liberty. Invoking the lionized “marketplace of ideas” rhetoric to promote the liberty notion, Judge Easterbrook helped to expand the First Amendment and, ultimately, to undermine its egalitarian notions. Judge Easterbrook’s opinion has since been used in a way that pro-sex feminists did not intend: to shift the “marketplace of ideas” towards an economic liberty approach, eventually resulting in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
Heterogeneity of inelastic strain during creep of Carrara marble: Microscale strain measurement technique

We combined the split cylinder technique with microfabrication technology to observe strain heterogeneities that were produced during high-pressure transient creep of Carrara marble. Samples were patterned with a custom-designed grid of markers spaced 10 µm apart and containing an embedded coordinate system. The microscale strain measurement (MSSM) technique described here allowed us to analyze the local strain distribution with unprecedented detail over large regions. The description of the strain field is a function of the area over which strain is being computed. The scale at which the strain field can be considered homogeneous can provide insight into the deformation processes taking place. At 400–500°C, when twinning production is prolific, we observe highly strained bands that span several grains. One possible cause for the multigrain bands is the need to relieve strain incompatibilities that result when twins impinge on neighboring grains. At 600–700°C, the strain fields are still quite heterogeneous, and local strain varies substantially within grains and near grain boundaries, but the multigrain slip bands are not present. Deformation is concentrated in much smaller areas within grains and along some grain boundaries. The disappearance of the multigrain slip bands occurs when the deformation conditions allow additional slip systems to be activated. At 600°C, when the total strain is varied from 0.11 to 0.36, the spatial scale of the heterogeneity does not vary, but there are increases in the standard deviation of the distribution of local strains normalized by the total strain; thus, we conclude that the microstructure does not achieve a steady state in this strain interval.
Running the distance: A call to perseverance

Jeremiah 1:17–19 brings to a conclusion the call narrative of the prophet Jeremiah and contains the residual memory of the words of Yahweh by which the prophet lived across a lifetime of ministry. ...
Impact of an Alert System on Quality Indicators in Patients With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), once the most lethal form of adult acute leukemia, has become the most curable. The goal of early and well-managed treatment induction is to reduce the malignant burden of promyelocytes to below the cytologically detectable level. OBJECTIVES Oncology nurses who care for patients with APL need to be acutely aware of the basic differences in this disease from other forms of leukemia, including the two main complications for the newly diagnosed patient. METHODS This article will briefly review APL and its associated presenting symptoms, prognosis, treatment, and complications. FINDINGS These complications require immediate activation of expert staff and resources to protect critically ill patients with APL from associated morbidity and mortality.
The CubeSat Radiometer Radio Frequency Interference Technology Validation (CubeRRT) mission

The CubeSat Radiometer Radio Frequency Interference Technology Validation (CubeRRT) mission is developing a 6U CubeSat system to demonstrate radio frequency interference (RFI) detection and mitigation technologies for future microwave radiometer remote sensing missions. CubeRRT will perform observations of Earth brightness temperatures from 6–40 GHz using a 1 GHz bandwidth tuned channel, and will demonstrate on-board real-time RFI processing. The system is currently under development, with launch readiness expected in 2018 followed by a one year period of on-orbit operations. Project plans and status are reported in this paper.
Cause for pause before leaping to conclusions about stepping

Many neurons in parietal and prefrontal association cortex undergo gradual changes in firing rate during the formation of some perceptual decisions. These dynamics are often ramp-like increases or decreases depending on the sign and strength of the sensory evidence and are thus hypothesized to represent the accumulation of noisy samples of evidence, analogous to biased diffusion. This idea was challenged recently. An analysis of sequences of action potentials recorded from neurons in the lateral intraparietal cortex (area LIP) suggests that the spikes on single trials are explained by rates that undergo a discrete step from an intermediate rate to either a low or high rate at a random time during deliberation. The average of such steps, like the average of biased diffusion, is consistent with the ramp-like firing rates observed in LIP, but a Bayesian model comparison deemed stepping superior. Here we show that a shortcoming in the mathematical depiction of drift-diffusion led to a severe bias in the model comparison. We conclude that at present there is no compelling evidence that favors the stepping account.
Interaction of platelets with the endothelium in normal and von Willebrand pigs.

In order to evaluate the possible role of platelets in the development of atherosclerosis, the aortas of 11 control pigs and 11 homozygous von Willebrand (vWD) pigs were examined for spontaneous atherosclerosis. Of the 11 normal pigs, six showed multiple atherosclerotic plaques with an intimal thickening of 63 to 130 µm. In contrast, none of the von Willebrand pigs had multiple plaques and only one showed a single lesion of more than 2 mm in diameter.
Sustainable Manufacturing Performance Evaluation: Integrating Product and Process Metrics for Systems Level Assessment

This paper builds on the previously developed product sustainability index (ProdSI) and process sustainability index (ProcSI), and presents a framework for sustainable manufacturing performance evaluation at the systems level. The framework is then used to propose a comprehensive set of metrics for the enterprise level following a five-stage metrics hierarchy (individual metrics, sub-clusters, clusters, sub-index and index). The 6R concept (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, redesign and remanufacture), total life-cycle emphasis, and triple bottom line (TBL) are considered for selecting relevant metrics. Finally, the metrics are integrated to develop an index for enterprise level sustainability assessment and demonstrated using a numerical example.
Managing and Correcting Defiant Behavior through Music.

The purpose of this article is to share principles and strategies that may be used to teach appropriate behaviors to students that that may struggle with an emotional behavior disorder. Operating f...
Proapoptotic effects of alpha-santalol as possible mechanism of skin cancer prevention

4788 Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers and its incidence is expected to increase substantially because of increased recreational exposure to sunlight and depletion of the ozone layer. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year. Chemoprevention involves the administration of chemical agents to prevent initiation and\or promotion, and\or progression that occurs during neoplastic development. Previous studies from our laboratory have indicated skin cancer chemopreventive effects of α-santalol in chemically induced SENCAR & CD-1 mice and UV-B induced SKH-1 mice. Further studies have shown the possible role of caspase-3 and 8. Objective: To study possible role of apoptotic proteins involved in the prevention of skin tumor development. SKH-1 mice were divided into three groups. Group 1 received acetone (0.1 ml, topical) one hour before UV-B treatments; Group 2 received α-santalol (0.1 ml, 5 % in acetone, topical) one hour before UV-B treatments; and Group 3 received α-santalol (0.1 ml, 5 % in acetone, topical) immediately after UV-B treatments. In long-term experiment the promotion phase was carried out for 30 weeks. The duration of short-term experiment 1 week. After the end the experiments, mice were sacrificed and dorsal skin samples were collected. The proteins from the skin samples were extracted and further used for SDS-PAGE and Western blot using specific antibodies against caspase-3 and 8. The cleaved caspase-3 levels were increased by 472 and 220% in Group 2 and 3 respectively when compared to Group 1. The cleaved caspase-8 levels were increased by 265 and 220% in Group 2 and 3 respectively when compared to Group 1. In short term experiment caspase 3 levels were increased by 164 and 144% in Group 2 and 3 respectively when compared to Group 1. Caspase 8 levels were increased by 138 and 127% in Group 2 and 3 respectively when compared to Group 1. Cox 2 levels were decreased by 49 and 55% in Group 2 and 3 respectively when compared to Group 1. Pretreatment with α-santalol reduces UV-B-induced skin cancer development possibly by activating proapoptotic proteins caspase-3 and 8.
Bradykinin does not acutely sensitize the reflex pressor response during hindlimb skeletal muscle stretch in decerebrate rats.

Hindlimb skeletal muscle stretch (i.e., selective activation of the muscle mechanoreflex) in decerebrate rats evokes reflex increases in blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity. Bradykinin ha...
BMI and disordered eating in urban, African American, adolescent girls: The mediating role of body dissatisfaction.

Abstract Objective This study examined the mediating role of body dissatisfaction between Body Mass Index (BMI) and subsequent disordered eating (e.g. dieting and restricting/purging) among early adolescent African American girls. Study design Participants included 701 African American girls in 6th and 7th grades in urban schools serving low-income communities, mean age 12.15 (SD = 0.72) years. Participants were assessed at baseline and approximately 6 months later. Objectively measured height and weight were used to calculate BMI z-score. Participants completed questionnaires on body size dissatisfaction and recent dieting and restricting/purging behaviors. Results At baseline, 51.5% of participants were overweight/obese, and 60.4% expressed body dissatisfaction and a desire to be smaller. Path analytic analyses revealed change in body dissatisfaction significantly mediates the relation between initial BMI z-score and increases in dieting behaviors (B = 0.924, SE = 0.280, p = 0.001) but not restricting/purging behaviors (p = 0.05). Conclusions Body dissatisfaction explains some associations between excess body weight and subsequent disordered eating symptoms among early adolescent, African American girls. Body dissatisfaction, identified by screening, may be an indicator of further negative consequences, including disordered eating behaviors.
Human biology of the Pacific.

As a growing body of literature continues to document the global pandemic of obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases, attention is being increasingly drawn to the Pacific Island nations and enclav...
Competing Successfully with Other Hotels: The Role of Strategy

Excerpt] This chapter explores the major strategic responsibilities that you must assume when serving as a business unit manager. After reading this chapter, you will be able to evaluate and develop an overall direction for your organization, deploy strategic tools to conduct an ongoing analysis of the changing business situation, select a competitive strategy, and understand the resource capabilities needed to build a competitive advantage. Let's start by defining strategy so that you can see the difference between strategies and operational plans.
EDC Exposures and the Development of Reproductive and Nonreproductive Behaviors

An endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC) is “an exogenous agent that interferes with synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding action, or elimination of natural blood-borne hormones that are present in the body and responsible for homeostasis, reproduction, and developmental processes Diamanti-Kandarakis (Endocr Rev 30:293–342, 2009).” These compounds exert their actions through traditional nuclear receptors as well as nontraditional membrane-bound receptors to affect neurotransmitter and enzymatic pathways involved in steroid synthesis and metabolism. EDCs can be naturally occurring or synthetic. A great deal of research has considered the impact of EDCs on hormone-sensitive anatomic development and physiologic function. Less work has been conducted on the possible influences of EDCs on hormone-sensitive behaviors.
The Dolichol Pathway in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium of the Embryonic Chick

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from the embryonic chick, maintained in culture, were incubated in the presence of [2-3H]-mannose and the oligosaccharide-lipids isolated and analyzed. After mild acid hydrolysis and reduction with NaBH4, the oligosac-charide pattern was examined by HPLC. The full array of intermediates of the dolichol pathway was observed with the glucose-containing species, Glc1, Glc2 and Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-dolichol, being the major oligosaccharide-lipids detected. Additional evidence supporting the formation of glucose-containing oligosaccharide-lipids by the RPE was obtained when analyzed by high pH anion exchange chromatography, comparing the products synthesized by the RPE with those formed by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.
Pain: Psychological Perspectives

Contents: Preface. T. Hadjistavropoulos, K.D. Craig, An Introduction to Pain: Psychological Perspectives. R. Melzack, J. Katz, The Gate Control Theory: Reaching for the Brain. G.J.G. Asmundson, K.D. Wright, Biopsychosocial Approaches to Pain. C.R. Chapman, Pain Perception, Affective Mechanisms, and Conscious Experience. T. Hadjistavropoulos, K.D. Craig, S. Fuchs-Lacelle, Social Influences and the Communication of Pain. S.J. Gibson, C.T. Chambers, Pain Over the Life Span: A Developmental Perspective. G.B. Rollman, Ethnocultural Variations in the Experience of Pain. S.M. Skevington, V.L. Mason, Social Influences on Individual Differences in Responding to Pain. D.C. Turk, E.S. Monarch, A.D. Williams, Assessment of Chronic Pain Sufferers. S. Bruehl, O.Y. Chung, Psychological Interventions for Acute Pain. H.D. Hadjistavropoulos, A.C. de C. Williams, Psychological Interventions and Chronic Pain. K.D. Craig, T. Hadjistavropoulos, Psychological Perspectives on Pain: Controversies. T. Hadjistavropoulos, Ethics for Psychologists Who Treat, Assess, and/or Study Pain.
Between the Household and the World System: Social Collectivity and Community Agency in Overseas Chinese Archaeology

At the Market Street Chinatown in San Jose, California, residential arrangements were profoundly shaped by institutionalized racism, anti-Chinese violence, labor practices, and immigration policies. These, in turn, shaped the form and content of the archaeological record. As is typical of many Overseas Chinese sites, archaeological features cannot be associated with specific households—in fact, the “household” concept is not always pertinent. A contextual, multiscalar approach to research on this residential community highlights other forms of social collectivity, such as district associations and business consortiums, that were able to act meaningfully to promote community survival and well-being. The archaeology of Overseas Chinese communities has a significant contribution to make to archaeological method and theory by opening new pathways of inquiry into the “middle scale” between the individual or household and the world system.
Symmetry and Asymmetry: Problems and Prospects for Modeling

Modeling methodologies attempt to provide an explanation of the phenomenon of ultimate reality. It is possible to distinguish between symmetric and asymmetric relations between ultimate reality and the world for which said reality is ultimate. When such a distinction is made, questions arise as to the adequacy of modeling as a methodoly for approaching asymmetric relations. This leads to a further distinction between models of ultimate reality itself and models of ultimacy, the relationship between ultimate reality and the world. This distinction has important implications for the reasonableness of comparing models if the phenomenon being modeled is not logically identical.
Role of pregnancy and obesity on vitamin D status, transport, and metabolism in baboons

Human studies show that obesity is associated with vitamin D insufficiency, which contributes to obesity-related disorders. Our aim was to elucidate the regulation of vitamin D during pregnancy and...
Non-Interactive Group Key Pre-Distribution Scheme (GKPS) for End-to-End Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks

A novel design of secure end-to-end routing protocol in wireless sensor networks was recently proposed by Harn et al. Their design is based on a group key pre-distribution scheme (GKPS) using a multivariate polynomial. A group key also called a path key , is used to protect data transmitted in the entire routing path. Specifically, instead of using a link-to-link secure communication that uses multiple pairwise shared keys, it is an end-to-end secure communication that uses a single path key to protect data over the entire path. The problem with all polynomial-based key distribution schemes is that the security of these schemes, which are called deterministic k-secure , depends on the degree of the chosen polynomial. In other words, if the degree of the chosen polynomial is $k$ , then capturing the $k+1$ sensors (or more) can compromise the system’s security. Although increasing the degree of the polynomial can improve the security, it increases the storage and computational requirements of the sensors. In this paper, we propose the first probabilistic polynomial-based GKPS, which is based on a multivariate polynomial. The security of our scheme is probabilistic k-secure , which means it is probabilistic to compromise the security of our GKPS after capturing the $k+1$ sensors. We show that the probability of a sensor capture attack can be significantly reduced.
Extension of the Energy Range Accessible with a TES Using Bath Temperature Variations

The energy range of transition-edge sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeters with a multiplexed readout depends upon the width and shape of the TES superconducting transition, and also on the dynamic range of the readout. In many detector systems, the multiplexed readout slew rate capability will be the limiting factor for the energy range. In these cases, if we are willing to accept some energy resolution degradation, we can significantly extend the energy range by increasing the bath temperature of operation, essentially creating a second “extended energy range” mode of operation. For example, if we require the very highest energy resolution up to 7 keV, and wish to optimize the design up to this energy, for some measurements it could be very beneficial to have a mode where we can extend the energy range to 15–20 keV even if some energy resolution is sacrificed. In this paper, we explore the trade-off between dynamic range and energy resolution from changing the bath temperature of the TES. We present measurements of TES resolution and slew rate as a function of bath temperature and compare to numerical simulations.