cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bottomonium production in Pb + Pb collisions with ATLAS

Abstract Bottomonium, a bound state of a bottom quark and its antiquark, is an excellent probe of the hot and dense medium created in heavy-ion collisions. The ATLAS collaboration at the LHC collected two large datasets of pp and Pb + Pb collisions in 2017 and 2018 corresponding to integrated luminosities of 0.26 fb−1 and 1.38 nb−1 respectively, at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of 5.02 TeV. Bottomonium states are reconstructed via the dimuon decay channel in the absolute rapidity range of |y|
RAWLSIAN GROWTH: DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING OF CAPITAL AND WEALTH FOR INTERGENERATION ‚MAXIMIN’ JUSTICE

In modern economics, the traditional standard of justice is undoubtedly utilitarianism. This chapter discusses the Ramsey–Weizsacker model of utilitarian accumulation, which closely resembles Fisher's theory of household saving under zero time preference. If initial capital is short of the capital-saturation Golden Rule path, the normal case, the best available path of equalized utilities would be a stationary state that leaves positive the social rate of return to investment. Then, the sacrifice of a util by the present generation could (be made to) yield an increment of more than a util to any future generation—a utilitarian gain. For an optimum, there must be saving, generation after generation, to drive the capital stock toward the Golden Rule level. Under typical conditions, the necessary consumption restraint will require the austerity of budgetary surpluses—the initial shortfall of capital being, in part, a result of the displacement effect or burden of past deficits or insufficient surpluses.
Allostery governs Cdk2 activation and differential recognition of CDK inhibitors

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are the master regulators of the eukaryotic cell cycle. To become activated, CDKs require both regulatory phosphorylation and binding of a cognate cyclin subunit. We studied the activation process of the G1/S kinase Cdk2 in solution and developed a thermodynamic model that describes the allosteric coupling between regulatory phosphorylation, cyclin binding and inhibitor binding. The results explain why monomeric Cdk2 lacks activity despite sampling an active-like state, reveal that regulatory phosphorylation enhances allosteric coupling with the cyclin subunit and show that this coupling underlies differential recognition of Cdk2 and Cdk4 inhibitors. We identify an allosteric hub that has diverged between Cdk2 and Cdk4 and show that this hub controls the strength of allosteric coupling. The altered allosteric wiring of Cdk4 leads to compromised activity toward generic peptide substrates and comparative specialization toward its primary substrate retinoblastoma (RB).
The hypospadias-specific health-related quality of life conceptual framework: a scoping review of the literature

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important yet understudied construct for individuals with hypospadias (HS). An important barrier towards understanding HRQoL and integrating it into research and clinical care for people with HS is the absence of an underlying conceptual framework to illustrate this construct. We propose a conceptual framework for HS-specific HRQoL based upon a scoping review of the HS literature. We conducted a literature review of articles published between 1989 and 2019. Our search in Embase and Pubmed used the keyword “hypospadias” in combination with “quality of life” and “patient-reported outcomes.” We used thematic analysis of the resulting publications to identify core HRQOL domains. From these results and review of HRQoL literature in other pediatric populations, we developed a conceptual framework representing HS-specific HRQoL. We identified five domains of HRQOL previously studied in research with youth and adults with HS: penile appearance, voiding, social interaction, sexual health, and psychological or behavioral function. We propose a model of HS-specific HRQoL comprised of these domains and their areas of overlap, based upon the findings and conceptual mapping of our literature review. This novel conceptual framework provides a foundation for understanding disease-specific HRQoL in individuals with HS and may serve as a guide for the conduct of future qualitative studies of the HS population. The overlapping biopsychosocial domains illustrate the possible effects of HS on day-to-day life. This framework may guide future surgical, clinical, and behavioral interventions that aim to improve medical care and quality of life outcomes for HS patients.
New paradigms for regulation of human mitochondrial transcription (94.2)

Transcription of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is directed by three promoters: light-strand promoter (LSP); heavy-strand promoter 1 (HSP1) and HSP2. Initiation from all promoters requires the mit...
Testing Theories of Radicalization in Polls of U.S. Muslims

Four national polls of Muslim Americans conducted between 2001 and 2007 were reviewed to find items tapping possible sources of sympathy and justification for jihadist violence: anti-Muslim discrimination, radical Islam, and economic and political grievance. These items were correlated with items representing three elements of the global-jihad frame: seeing the war on terrorism as a war on Islam or “insincere,” justifying suicide attacks in defense of Islam, and favorable views of Al Qaeda. The three elements of the global-jihad frame were no more than weakly related to one another and had different predictors. Discussion suggests that the U.S. “war of ideas” may need to target separately the different elements of the global-jihad frame.
Studies on T3-induced Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase IV. TRANSCRIPTION OF DENATURED DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID PREPARATIONS BY T3 RIBONUCLEIC ACID POLYMERASE

Abstract Transcription of denatured and naturally occurring single-stranded DNA preparations by T3-induced RNA polymerase has been investigated. Although T3 RNA polymerase possesses a highly specific template requirement and will copy only T3 DNA when native double-stranded template is used, the enzyme will transcribe a variety of single-stranded DNAs (heat-denatured T3, T7, calf thymus, and naturally occurring single-stranded circular DNAs like φX-174 and fd) at a markedly reduced rate. The product formed in a denatured DNA-primed reaction is a DNA·RNA hybrid with g80% of RNA chains initiated with pppG. Some chains (approximately 10 to 15%) are initiated with pppA. The average chain length of RNA produced is considerably smaller (200 to 300 nucleotides) than that obtained in a native T3 DNA-directed reaction (5000 to 6000 nucleotides). With denatured DNA as template, T3 RNA polymerase is also able to carry out de novo synthesis of poly(A) chains. This reaction requires high concentrations of ATP and is inhibited by the presence of relatively low concentrations of other ribonucleoside triphosphates. Poly(A) chains formed are not attached to the template DNA, contain ATP at the 5' terminus, and are heterogeneous in size ranging in molecular weight from about 100,000 to 2.1 x 106. These reactions catalyzed by T3 RNA polymerase are analogous to those carried out by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and suggest that the high degree of template specificity of T3 RNA polymerase resides both in the enzyme and in the secondary structure of the template DNA used to direct the polymerase reaction.
A Case Study of a Successful Multicultural Project: CCEP and the Infusion of Internationalization across the University

Globalization has resulted in the call for greater diversity and multiculturalism in higher education. In order to achieve its stated goal of preparing students for “responsible global citizenship,” one master’s university1 has adopted an infusion model of internationalization. This study examines how the university’s Chinese Cultural Exchange Program (CCEP) contributed to those campus efforts to enhance multicultural or global awareness, specifically in regards to faculty and student exchanges.
Class of φX174 Mutants Relatively Deficient in Synthesis of Viral RNA

Nonpermissive cells infected with {varphi}X174 gene D amber mutants synthesized some sixfold less viral RNA than permissive cells. The decrease was unaffected by increasing the multiplicity of infection and was a consequence of an overall decrease in all viral RNA species. It is suggested that the gene D product may function in replicative form DNA unwinding to expose the template for transcription.
Red blood cell preservation by droplet freezing with polyvinylpyrrolidone or sucrose-dextrose and by bulk freezing with glycerol.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) preservation is essential to transfusion medicine. Many blood group reference laboratories need a method to preserve rare blood samples for serologic testing at a later date. This study offers a comparison of three common cryoprotective agents and protocols used today: bulk preservation with glycerol and droplet freezing with sucrose-dextrose (S+D) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human blood from 14 volunteers was collected and frozen at set intervals over 2 weeks with PVP, S+D, or glycerol. The frozen RBCs were later thawed and the percentage of surviving RBCs was determined. Detailed protocols and an instructional video are supplied. RESULTS: Over a 2-week period, RBCs preserved with glycerol and thawed with a widely used protocol showed a recovery of 41 ± 16% (mean ± standard deviation) while those thawed with a modified glycerol protocol showed a recovery of 76 ± 8%. RBCs preserved by droplet freezing with S+D showed a recovery of 56 ± 11% while those preserved by droplet freezing with PVP showed a recovery of 85 ± 6%. Recovery values were similar with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or heparin anticoagulants, differing freezing rates, and varying droplet volumes. CONCLUSION: Droplet freezing with PVP offered the greatest recovery. While bulk freezing with glycerol can also be effective, droplet freezing may be a more convenient method overall. It requires less effort to thaw, needs much less storage room, and allows blood group laboratories to be frugal with thawing rare samples.
Examination of LiNbO3/nitride heterostructures

Abstract Oxides such as LiNbO3, PbTiO3, etc. have large polarization effects arising from the ferroelectric and piezoelectric effects. Recent work on nitride heterostructures has shown that polar charge can be used to substitute for dopant charge and controlled to create a two-dimensional electron (and hole) gas, resulting in ohmic contacts and diode like current–voltage characteristics. In this paper, we examine the potential of using ferroelectrics with traditional semiconductors for applications in novel electronic devices. In particular, we examine their use in creating very high sheet charge densities of mobile charge and tailorable current–voltage characteristics. It is seen that owing to hysteresis based effects in the ferroelectric layer, the direction of variation of voltage has a marked effect on the charge induced as well as the variation of that charge with voltage.
The relationship between rubella hemagglutination inhibition antibody (HIA) and rubella induced in vitro lymphocyte tritiated thymidine incorporation.

Abstract The parameters of lymphocyte, rubella virus interaction were studied by means of tritiated thymidine incorporation and compared with the rubella HIA level. Stimulation of lymphocyte DNA synthesis was found to depend on antigen concentration and to be independent of the presence of viable virus. When compared to HIA titer, lymphocyte transformation was found to be detectable in the absence of antibody. It is suggested that lymphocyte transformation is a sensitive method to detect both prior exposure and cellular immune reactivity to rubella virus.
Regional disparities in the spatial correlation of state income growth, 1977–2002

This paper presents new evidence of spatial correlation in USA state income growth. We extend the basic spatial econometric model used in the growth literature by allowing spatial correlation in state income growth to vary across geographic regions. We find positive spatial correlation in income growth rates across neighboring states, but that the strength of this spatial correlation varies considerably by region. Spatial correlation in income growth is highest for states located in the Northeast and the South. Our findings have policy implications both at the state and national level, and also suggest that growth models may benefit from incorporating more complex forms of spatial correlation.
Evaluation of the evidence for ion channels in synaptic vesicles.

(1995). Evaluation of the evidence for ion channels in synaptic vesicles (Review) Molecular Membrane Biology: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 165-171.
A note on the convergence of transfer sequences inn-person games

It was shown byStearns [1968], and more recently byKalai, Maschler, andOwen [1973], that a certain iterative technique converges to points in the bargaining sets. We prove in this paper that the conditions on the iterative technique can be relaxed to a certain extent. A counter-example shows that no further relaxation can be allowed.
Stable Al-Cu-Ru icosahedral crystals: A new class of electronic alloys.

Stable icosahedral ${\mathrm{Al}}_{85\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ru}}_{15}$ (15x20) alloys of good metals are characterized by conductivities below the ``minimum metallic value,'' and resistivity ratios \ensuremath{\rho}(0.5 K)/\ensuremath{\rho}(295 K) as large as 4. Strong temperature dependences which lead to changes of sign in the Hall coefficient and thermopower are also observed. Electronic densities of states are found to vary rapidly with alloy composition. The unusual electronic properties of this new class of barely metallic systems are discussed in light of current theories on electronic structure and transport of icosahedral crystals.
Structural Basis of Cooperative Ligand Binding by the Glycine Riboswitch

The glycine riboswitch regulates gene expression through the cooperative recognition of its amino acid ligand by a tandem pair of aptamers. A 3.6 A crystal structure of the tandem riboswitch from the glycine permease operon of Fusobacterium nucleatum reveals the glycine binding sites and an extensive network of interactions, largely mediated by asymmetric A-minor contacts, that serve to communicate ligand binding status between the aptamers. These interactions provide a structural basis for how the glycine riboswitch cooperatively regulates gene expression.
Biodegradable and Tensile Properties of Cotton/Cellulose Acetate Nonwovens

A possible candidate as an environmentally friendly nonwoven fabric is one that can be formed from the thermal calendering of a cotton/cellulose acetate blend. Our results focus on biodegradable properties of the fibers as well as tensile properties of the fabric. Cotton, which is a comfortable, absorbent, biodegradable fiber, is the base fiber in the nonwovens. Cellulose acetate, which is a thermoplastic, hydrophilic, mod ified cellulosic fiber, is used for the binder fiber. We examine the biodegradability of cellulose acetate, cotton, and these fibers in the blend using an ASTM standard pro cedure in which the amount of CO 2 evolved from the decomposition of cellulose acetate and cotton fibers due to microbial activity is monitored. Increased biodegra dation rates in fiber blends are attributed to the synergistic effects of multi-enzyme systems. Opening, blending, carding, and thermal calendering processes are used to fabricate the nonwovens. Pretreatment with solvent vapors is introduced to modify the ...
Residence time densities for non-Markovian systems. (II). The N-state system

We study dynamical system which makes transitions between two states at random times. We analyze properties of the cumulative time τ spent by the system in a given state up to time T. When the probability density for the residence time in a single sojourn in the given state differs from a negative exponential the system will be non-Markovian. Simple analytical expressions are derived for the Laplace transform with respect to T of moments of the cumulative residence time. An exact Fourier–Laplace transform of the probability densities for τ at a fixed T are also found. It can be inferred from this expression, that at sufficiently large T the probability densities tend towards a Gaussian. The parameters that define the Gaussian are also given.
THE CHILLY CLASSROOM BEYOND GENDER

Abstract. Perceptions of student/professor competence and the reasons for a "chilly" classroom were investigated through a survey of 2,042 students from seventy-seven liberal arts colleges. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests showed statistically significant different responses by gender for all the questions. The perceptions of competence survey showed mixed results. With regards to professor competence, female students were much more likely to believe that male professors were viewed as more competent and treated with more respect. With regards to reasons for a "chilly" classroom, neither female nor minority students cited gender or race as a primary reason. In fact, the three most frequent reasons given by all students (regardless of race or gender) were difficulty of course content, professor's teaching style/personality, and personality style of classmates.
A pegging algorithm for the nonlinear resource allocation problem

In this paper we present a new algorithm for solving the nonlinear resource allocation problem. The nonlinear resource allocation problem is defined as the minimization of a convex function over a single convex constraint and bounded integer variables. We first present a pegging algorithm for solving the continuous variable problem, and then incorporate the pegging method in a branch and bound algorithm for solving the integer variable problem. We compare the computational performance of the pegging branch and bound algorithm with three other methods: a multiplier search branch and bound algorithm, dynamic programming, and a 0,1 linearization method. The computational results demonstrate that the pegging branch and bound algorithm advances the state of the art in methods for solving the nonlinear resource allocation problem.
When to suspect typhoid fever in children when there is no history of international travel.

Byers and Peterson state in their case discussion that in industrialized countries locally acquired cases of typhoid fever (TF) are commonly diagnosed in non‐citizen immigrants or occur through the consumption of imported contaminated food products. 1They further emphasize the importance of eliciting a travel history among patients as well as family …
Subsurface characteristics of sunspots

Abstract Time–distance helioseismology provides 3-D subphotospheric maps of sunspots, emerging magnetic structures and associated convective flows. This gives us new insights into the basic physical processes inside the Sun, formation of magnetic structures in the solar plasma and mechanisms of solar activity. Recent results from the MDI instrument on SOHO reveal complicated stratification and flow patterns of solar plasma beneath sunspots, with a characteristic temperature increase in deeper layers and multiple vortex systems, providing evidence for a cluster model of sunspots. The helioseismic observations provide important clues for understanding the mechanisms of the formation of sunspots and active regions, and the subphotospheric dynamics of convective flows shearing and twisting magnetic fields in the corona.
Solar neutrinos: a field in transition

Solar-neutrino experiments provide a unique opportunity for studying weak interactions in a realm where new physics may be revealed. At the same time the neutrinos carry important information about the physical processes occurring in the otherwise inaccessible core of a main-sequence star. A variety of experiments, electronic and radiochemical, must be carried out to determine what new physics and astronomy are being uncovered with these underground detectors.
Predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome following bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

In infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the influence of the severity of their pulmonary disease on neurodevelopmental outcome is unknown. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at a mean age of 36 months were assessed in 27 premature subjects who had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Subjects had a mean birth weight of 940 g (range, 540 to 1690 g) and a mean gestational age of 27 weeks (range, 25 to 31 weeks). The duration of mechanical ventilation ranged from 22 to 128 days, and the duration of requirement of supplemental oxygen ranged from 34 to 1033 days. No significant correlations were found between duration of mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy and overall neurodevelopmental outcome. In contrast, cranial ultrasound findings of intracranial hemorrhage and/or periventricular echodensity related specifically to poorer cognitive outcome. By age 3 years, severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia is not a sufficient predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome. Intracranial hemorrhage and periventricular echodensity continue to be important predictors. (AJDC. 1991;145:813-817)
Plane-wave electronic-structure calculations on a parallel supercomputer.

The development of iterative solutions of Schrodinger`s equation in a plane-wave (pw) basis over the last several years has coincided with great advances in the computational power available for performing the calculations. These dual developments have enabled many new and interesting condensed matter phenomena to be studied from a first-principles approach. The authors present a detailed description of the implementation on a parallel supercomputer (hypercube) of the first-order equation-of-motion solution to Schrodinger`s equation, using plane-wave basis functions and ab initio separable pseudopotentials. By distributing the plane-waves across the processors of the hypercube many of the computations can be performed in parallel, resulting in decreases in the overall computation time relative to conventional vector supercomputers. This partitioning also provides ample memory for large Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) meshes and the storage of plane-wave coefficients for many hundreds of energy bands. The usefulness of the parallel techniques is demonstrated by benchmark timings for both the FFT`s and iterations of the self-consistent solution of Schrodinger`s equation for different sized Si unit cells of up to 512 atoms.
Occupational health of miners at altitude: Adverse health effects, toxic exposures, pre-placement screening, acclimatization, and worker surveillance

Context. Mining operations conducted at high altitudes provide health challenges for workers as well as for medical personnel. Objective. To review the literature regarding adverse health effects and toxic exposures that may be associated with mining operations conducted at altitude and to discuss pre-placement screening, acclimatization issues, and on-site surveillance strategies. Methods. We used the Ovid (http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com) search engine to conduct a MEDLINE search for “coal mining” or “mining” and “altitude sickness” or “altitude” and a second MEDLINE search for “occupational diseases” and “altitude sickness” or “altitude.” The search identified 97 articles of which 76 were relevant. In addition, the references of these 76 articles were manually reviewed for relevant articles. Cardiovascular effects. High altitude is associated with increased sympathetic tone that may result in elevated blood pressure, particularly in workers with pre-existing hypertension. Workers with a history of coronary a...
MRP (ABCC) transporters-mediated efflux of anti-HIV drugs, saquinavir and zidovudine, from human endothelial cells.

The constituents of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) include HIV-1 protease inhibitors (HPIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Endothelial cell (EC) barriers, e...
Two visual systems in monitoring of dynamic traffic: Effects of visual disruption

Studies from neurophysiology and neuropsychology provide support for two separate object- and location-based visual systems, ventral and dorsal. In the driving context, a study was conducted using a change detection paradigm to explore drivers' ability to monitor the dynamic traffic flow, and the effects of visual disruption on these two visual systems. While driving, a discrete change, such as vehicle location, color, or identity, was occasionally made in one of the vehicles on the road ahead of the driver. Experiment results show that without visual disruption, all changes were detected very well; yet, these equally perceivable changes were disrupted differently by a brief blank display (150 ms): the detection of location changes was especially reduced. The disruption effects were also bigger for the parked vehicle compared to the moving ones. The findings support the different roles for two visual systems in monitoring the dynamic traffic: the "where", dorsal system, tracks vehicle spatiotemporal information on perceptual level, encoding information in a coarse and transient manner; whereas the "what", ventral system, monitors vehicles' featural information, encoding information more accurately and robustly. Both systems work together contributing to the driver's situation awareness of traffic. Benefits and limitations of using the driving simulation are also discussed.
Potentiometric titration of Photosystem II fluorescence decay kinetics in spinach chloroplasts

Abstract The fluorescence yield of chloroplasts reflects the redox state of the electron acceptor of the Photosystem II reaction center, with increasing yield as the acceptor is reduced. Chemical reductive titrations of fluorescence yield in chloroplasts at room temperature indicate two distinct midpoint potentials, suggesting the possibility of Photosystem II electron acceptor heterogeneity. We have carried out a potentiometric titration of the fluorescence decay kinetics in spinach chloroplasts using a continuous mode-locked dye laser with low-intensity excitation pulses and a picosecond-resolution single-photon timing system. At all potentials the fluorescence decay is best described by three exponential components. As the potential is lowered, the slow phase changes 30-fold in yield with two distinct midpoint potentials, accompanied by a modest (3-fold) increase in the lifetime. The titration curve for the slow component of the fluorescence decay of spinach chloroplasts is best characterized by two single-electron redox reactions with midpoint potentials at pH 8.0 of +119 and −350 mV, with corresponding relative contributions to the fluorescence yield of 49 and 51%, respectively. There is little change in the fast and middle components of the fluorescence decay. We found that the oxidized form of the redox mediator 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone preferentially quenches the fluorescence, causing an anomalous decrease in the apparent midpoint of the high-potential transition. This effect accounts for a significant difference between the midpoint potentials that we observe and some of those previously reported. The selective effect of reduction potentials on particular fluorescence decay components provides useful information about the organization and distribution of the Photosystem II electron acceptor.
Scaling laws in NMR scattering via dipolar fields.

Abstract Breaking translational symmetry in magnetostatics imparts a scale dependence that is commonly investigated in physics (W. Warren et al. , 1993, Science 262, 2005–2008). An interesting and important example arises in nuclear magnetic resonance studies involving the dipolar mean field of adjacent nuclear spins where the scattering (transfer of spatial spin gratings) via intermolecular macroscopic fields carries a signature of the local spatial distribution of the spin density. For arbitrary geometry, the inverse problem of extracting this spin distribution from experiments is intractable. Here we point out a simple, universal crossover in the scaling behavior at the sample's characteristic length scale, ξ, of the species fluctuations in the sample along the measurement direction. This behavior is observed experimentally in an oil–water emulsion, an important representation of complex, heterogeneous, soft matter.
The simple analytics of technology adoption: bovine growth hormone and the dairy industry.

Economic simulation studies of the effects of bovine growth hormone (bGH) on the dairy industry usually assume that producers will have the incentive to adopt bGH and that aggregate milk supply will increase. Based on the description of per-cow milk yield response to bovine growth hormone (bGH), a short-run model of milk production is developed to analyze the farm-level incentives to adopt bGH. This analysis emphasizes that the incentives to adopt a new technology greatly depend on how it alters the existing production environment. Because higher levels of energy are needed in the cow to attain greater levels of production made possible with bGH, those farmers who can most easily and inexpensively expand energy levels in the cow will be most likely to adopt. The model identifies: (1) why farmers may not have the incentive to adopt the new technology; and (2) if farmers adopt bGH, they may not have the economic incentive to produce at the levels obtained in test studies.
DEPOSITIONAL MODELS AND RESERVOIR PROPERTIES OF MIOCENE REEFS, VISAYAN ISLANDS, PHILIPPINES

Recent commercial discoveries offshore Palawan have propelled the Philippines into the list of oil- and gas-producing countries, and have focussed on the importance of Miocene reefs as reservoirs. This new situation has motivated the update of earlier depositional-diagenetic models for the Miocene reefs in the Visayan Islands, which is presented in this paper. These reefs consisted of an association of corals, red algae, bryozoans, and encrusting foraminifers, which formed wave-resistant, constructed, barrier-and-atoll systems along the edge of narrow shelves, with associated back-reef patch reefs and frontal pinnacle reefs. The latter also grew on structural and depositional highs and platforms among deeper water carbonate mudstones and shales.
The effects of ascorbic acid on cartilage metabolism in guinea pig articular cartilage explants.

Abstract Ascorbic acid has been associated with the slowing of osteoarthritis progression in guinea pig and man. The goal of this study was to evaluate transcriptional and translational regulation of cartilage matrix components by ascorbic acid. Guinea pig articular cartilage explants were grown in the presence of l -ascorbic acid ( l -Asc), d -isoascorbic acid ( d -Asc), sodium l -ascorbate (Na l -Asc), sodium d -isoascorbate (Na d -Asc), or ascorbyl-2-phosphate (A2P) to isolate and analyze the acidic and nutrient effects of ascorbic acid. Transcription of type II collagen, prolyl 4-hydroxylase (alpha subunit), and aggrecan increased in response to the antiscorbutic forms of ascorbic acid ( l -Asc, Na l -Asc, and A2P) and was stereospecific to the l -forms. Collagen and aggrecan synthesis also increased in response to the antiscorbutic forms but only in the absence of acidity. All ascorbic acid forms tended to increase oxidative damage over control. This was especially true for the non-nutrient d -forms and the high dose l -Asc. Finally, we investigated the ability of chondrocytes to express the newly described sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs). We identified transcripts for SVCT2 but not SVCT1 in guinea pig cartilage explants. This represents the first characterization of SVCTs in chondrocytes. This study confirms that ascorbic acid stimulates collagen synthesis and in addition modestly stimulates aggrecan synthesis. These effects are exerted at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The stereospecificity of these effects is consistent with chondrocyte expression of SVCT2, shown previously to transport l -Asc more efficiently than d -Asc. Therefore, this transporter may be the primary mechanism by which the l -forms of ascorbic acid enter the chondrocyte to control matrix gene activity.
A Parish Nursing Model: Applying the Community Health Nursing Process in a Church Community

Parish nursing is a community health nursing role developed in 1983 by Lutheran chaplain Granger Westberg. Operating in churches, parish nurses promote wellness by holistically addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of congregational community members (Beal, 1994; Solari-Twadell & Westberg, 1991; Westberg, 1990). Parish nurses provide education, advocacy, counseling, and screening. Hands-on care is not a focus. Specific activities include volunteer training and coordination, support-group development and facilitation, liaison within the formal health care system, referral to community resources, health education, role modeling of holistic wellness, and health counseling (via individual or group health screening and home or institutional visitation; Solari-Twadell & Westberg, 1991). Although broad functional categories are similar from church to church, four different support models for parish nursing have been described (Solari-Twadell & Westberg, 1991; Striepe, 1989; Westberg, 1990). In the institutional/paid model, the parish nurse is employed by a hospital, community agency, or long-term care facility, which contracts with one or more churches and provides salary, benefits, institutional support, and supervision. In the institutional/volunteer model the nurse volunteers his or her time, but a relationship exists between the church and an institution, which may involve the provision of a stipend to the nurse or congregation and/or education and supervision. The congregational/paid model involves employment of the nurse directly by the congregation with support, benefits, and supervision from the church itself. Nurses working in this model often form resource and support networks with other parish nurses in their geographic areas. The congregational/volunteer model is similar, except that the nurse volunteers his or her time.
Low-complexity subspace-based estimation of axis of symmetry for lithographic alignment

In lithographic alignment, the previously etched features on the wafer are used for aligning the wafer with the mask for subsequent exposure steps. Accurate and timely estimation of the position of the alignment patterns on the wafer is becoming more crucial as feature sizes continue to shrink, and misalignment errors become less tolerable. In this paper, we propose a low complexity algorithm for estimating the position of the axis of symmetry of registration marks in lithographic alignment. The proposed technique is based on the exploitation of our recently developed SLIDE (subspace-based line detection) algorithm along with ideas from communication theory, and produces sub-pixel resolution estimates for the axis of symmetry of alignment marks. A further stage of the algorithm provides estimates of the linewidth.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A time for everything: how the timing of novel contributions influences project team outcomes

One of the primary reasons organizations utilize project teams is to encourage members with diverse intellectual resources to produce novel associations that give rise to creative solutions. When creative sparks fly, learning, innovation and superior performance are often the result. However, in this paper we argue that creative sparks often create heat of another sort—frustration resulting from unfocused effort and diminished productivity. Utilizing Gersick's (1988) punctuated equilibrium model of project team development as a theoretical foundation, we argue that the meaning and impact of novel contributions change during a project team's life cycle. Novel contributions are beneficial to a project team early in its development when its primary goals are to learn more about a problem, search for useful information, and articulate tentative solutions. After the midpoint transition, when a team's attention shifts toward executing the proposal and satisfying external stakeholders before a looming deadline, additional attempts to introduce novel ideas are likely to disrupt performance and induce frustration. We develop a model and accompanying research propositions suggesting that the relationship between novel proposals and the value attributed to those proposals is contingent on timing with respect to a project team's midpoint transition. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid muscle-in-the-loop robot system for studying the neuromechanical properties of movement

Body stability and, to a greater extent, locomotion in animals involve complex nonlinear interactions between the body and its natural environment; therefore, in order to fully understand physiological movement strategies, we must first quantify the mechanical properties of muscles as they interact with the environment. The purpose of this study was to develop a closed-loop neuromechanical system that applies real-time control to couple an isolated muscle to a physical environment using a robotic device. Our model system consists of a modified four-bar linkage that facilitates variations in stance width and center of mass (CoM) position; a closed-loop control system that virtually embeds a frog muscle into the robot; and a custom compliant multielectrode array (MEA) that facilitates muscle stimulation. Here we demonstrate a very simplistic balance control mechanism using muscle co-contraction in order to validate our hybrid robot system. As was expected, the kinematics of the hybrid robot when subjected to lateral perturbation were representative of increasing stiffness of the hip joints as the amplitude of stimulation was increased. The system was also able to capture the nonlinear relationship between muscle force and length as well as between force and velocity, which can play an important role in balance. Our current system is limited, however, to embedding a single muscle at a time, which we found could produce undesirable asymmetry in the CoM position during perturbation. Although there is room for improvement, this work provides a useful proof-of-concept that lays a foundation for the development of future closed-loop neuromechanical systems.
A Numerical Simulation of the Electromagnetic Hot-Top Casting of 6063 Aluminum Alloy

On the basis of conventional hot-top casting and Casting, Refining and Electromagnetic process, a lower frequency electromagnetic field was applied during the hot-top casting process. A comprehensive two-dimensional (2-D) mathematical model based upon the ANSYS and FLUENT has been developed for the computation of the electromagnetic field, solidification, fluid flow and heat transport during conventional and low frequency electromagnetic hot-top casting processes. The results show that there is a good agreement between the experimental results and calculated results.
Involvement of N- and non-N-type calcium channels in synaptic transmission at corticostriatal synapses

Abstract Calcium channels participate in the events linking axon terminal depolarization to neurotransmitter secretion. We wished to evaluate the role of N-type and non-N-type calcium channels in glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses, since this is a well denned excitatory synapse. In addition, these synapses are subject to a variety of forms of presynaptic modulation, some of which may involve alterations in calcium channel function. Application of the selective N-type c hannel blocker ω-conotoxin GVIA produced an irreversible depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in rat neostriatal slices shown by a decrease of ~ 50% in the amplitude of the synaptically driven population spike during field potential recording and a similar decrease in the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials during whole-cell recording. The component of transmission which was resistant to ω-conotoxin GVIA was blocked by ω-conotoxin MVIIC. ω-Agatoxin IVA had little effect on transmission. Activation of a presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor depressed transmission to a similar extent before and after ω-conotoxin GVIA treatment. Likewise, protein kinase C-activating phorbol esters potentiated transmission to the same extent before and after ω-conotoxin GVIA treatment. N-type calcium channels appear to be crucial for a component of excitation-secretion coupling at corticostriatal synapses. A component of transmission involves non-N-, non-L-type high-voltage-activated calcium channels. The effects of presynaptic metabotropic receptors and protein kinase C activation cannot be accounted for solely by alterations in the N-type channel function.
Differential effects on RNA translation by a KCl extract of reticulocyte ribosomes: characteristics of an inhibitory fraction

Abstract A KCl extract of rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes has been demonstrated to markedly stimulate the translation of various messenger RNAs in a cell-free system from Krebs II ascites tumor cells. In contrast, the translation of encephalomyocarditis viral RNA is strongly inhibited by the same extract. Fractionation of the KCl extract allows the separation of these inhibitory and stimulatory activities. The inhibitory activity has been shown to be the consequence of an unusual endonuclease, associated with ribosomes, that produces approximately 4 S products from the degradation of globin mRNA and viral RNA.
Role of perioperative antibiotics in endoscopic skull base surgery.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Direct connection between the sinonasal and intracranial cavities and passage of multiple instruments and graft materials through a contaminated field occur routinely during endoscopic pituitary and skull base surgery. Despite the theoretical risk of intracranial contamination with sinonasal flora, the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) infection following such procedures is not well documented, and the ideal antibiotic regimen has yet to be determined. Study Design: Prospective case series of 24 to 48 hours of single-agent perioperative antibiotics in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery. Methods: Prospective database of procedures performed between January 2004 and May 2006 was reviewed for antibiotic use and infectious complications. Results: The diagnoses of the 90 patients in this series included pituitary tumor (62%), craniopharyngioma (9%), encephalocele (9%), and meningioma (8%). Fifty-eight (64%) patients experienced intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. A variety of autologous, synthetic grafts, hemostatic agents, and tissue sealants were placed through the sinonasal cavity for reconstruction. All patients received 24 to 48 hours of a single antibiotic based on patient sensitivity: cefazolin (87%), vancomycin (10%), or clindamycin (3%). Additional antibiotics were subsequently required during the hospital stay in eight (9%) patients for a variety of indications. There were no cases of intracranial infections or meningitis in patients with or without intraoperative CSF leak. Conclusions: Despite direct contamination of the intracranial cavity during endoscopic, endonasal skull base surgery, the risk of CNS infections is low. Limited use of a single perioperative antibiotic may be sufficient prophylaxis.
Prevention of Falls: Applying AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards to a Fall Campaign

Efforts leading to the reduction and elimination of falls within acute and long-term clinical care settings are one of the top priorities of health care organizations nationwide. Falls often lead to serious life-threatening conditions and long-term consequences for our patients, their families, and health systems, while also contributing to astonishing costs for health care facilities. In 2010, the direct medical cost related to falls (adjusted for inflation) was $30 billion, and by the year 2020, the annual direct cost related to falls is expected to be near $54.9 billion. 1 With the 2008 change in payment rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospitals no longer receive payment for costs required to treating injuries that are acquired during hospitalizations as a result of falling. 2 The latest recommendations from the guidelines for prevention of falls from the Institute of Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) provide health care organizations with evidence-based, best-practice interventions for the implementation of a successful program to reduce the number of falls. 3 Our unit-based team used many of the interventions and practices identified within the guidelines. Second, by committing and applying the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) healthy work environments standards, our team developed and implemented a unified approach in our strategy to reduce and eliminate falls within our progressive care unit (PCU).
Pregnancy decreases GABAergic inhibition of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus.

Abstract Depressor responses to peripheral or central infusion of Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists (AT1X) are greater in pregnant (P) compared to nonpregnant (NP) animals. AT1 and ionotropic excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors contribute to pressor responses to GABAA receptor blockade with bicuculline (Bic) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of male rats. Therefore, we hypothesized that GABAergic inhibition is decreased and AT1 receptors play a greater excitatory role in the PVN of P versus NP rats. Unilateral microinjection of Bic was performed before (Bic1), after AT1X (Bic2), and after AT1X + EAA blockade (kynurenate, Kyn) (Bic3) in the PVN. Increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP: NP = 20 ± 2; P = 12 ± 2 mmHg), heart rate (HR: NP = 57 ± 6; P = 19 ± 6 beats/min) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA: NP = 70 ± 9; P = 33 ± 7%) due to Bic (Bic1) were attenuated in P rats. Responses to AT1X and Kyn alone were insignificant in both groups. In NP rats, AT1X attenuated (+ 12 ± 4 mmHg), and AT1X + Kyn further decreased the pressor response to Bic in the PVN (+ 6 ± 2 mmHg). In P rats AT1X reduced the pressor response to Bic (+ 5 ± 1 mm Hg), and Kyn had no additional effect (+ 3 ± 1 mmHg). Effects of PVN Bic to alter the autospectra of RSNA were suppressed by prior AT1X and Kyn in both groups. Thus, tonic GABAergic inhibition is decreased and the contribution of AT1 receptors in the PVN may be greater in P rats.
Economics of the use of biologics in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Advances in the treatment of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), in the past decade has been characterized by the emergence of new monoclonal biologic therapies that have redefined the treatment of patients with these diseases. The unparalleled efficacy of these agents in patients with refractory IBD, as measured by clinical end points, endoscopic evidence of mucosal healing, and normalization of quality of life, has launched physicians and patients alike into the biologic world with a low likelihood of looking back. This new world therapeutic approach to IBD has resulted in justifiable concerns over the economic impact of the use of the biologic therapies. With annual drug costs estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, the enthusiasm over these agents’ successes have been tempered by concerns of bankrupting the health care system. The cost of an illness, however, extends far beyond just the price of a particular medicine, but includes the costs of the health care services used and the indirect costs of decreased productivity at school and work, disability, and early retirement, for not only the patient, but also their caregivers. This article reviews the economics of IBD; the expected clinical course of disease; and the impact of the new biologics on resource use and related costs, indirect costs, and patient quality of life. It discusses some of the existing cost analyses and their limitations. Understanding these contributing issues to the economics of IBD is important for not only heath care professionals and their patients, but also for those whose professions involve decisions based on the cost of care for individuals with disease and for the health care system. THE ECONOMICS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES The initial studies on IBD economics in the United States were conducted in the late 1980s, when the health care landscape was much different than today.