cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Creating a Culture of Shared Governance Begins with Developing the Nurse as Scholar

The relationship between shared governance and nursing scholarship is investigated with an emphasis on the connection between stages of scholarly development and nursing action in the evolution of professional practice models. The scholarly image of nursing is described and four critical stages of scholarship (scholarly inquiry, conscious reflection, persistent critique, and intellectual creation) are presented. The development of nursing scholars is described with emphasis on intellectual virtues as described by philosophers and values as described by nursing theorists that are foundational to this process. Shared governance is viewed holistically as a true scholarly process when these elements are in place and are used by nurses.
HIV/AIDS risk in the college population: modifying the culture in a private religious university.

From 1991 to the present, the AIDS Task Force in a private religious university has established a broadbased, multidisciplinary, multifaceted program aimed at reducing sexual risk taking as well as related behaviors. This has been accomplished at no cost to the university. The task force has focused on facilitating linkages among interested groups within the university and on maintaining quality programming. Success is indicated by increased openness to dialogue about sexual issues, as well as increased participation in AIDS education activities.
Update in Critical Care

This Update discusses cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, the acute respiratory distress syndrome, aspergillosis, sepsis and septic shock, bacterial meningitis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and metha...
Stress Distribution on the Boundary of a Circular Hole in a Large Plate Due to an Air Shock Wave Traveling Along an Edge of the Plate

In the research program reported in this paper an experimental solution was obtained for the stress distribution around a circular hole in a large plate during passage of a pressure wave. The pressure wave was generated by passing an air shock wave of fast rise and slow decay along an edge of the plate with a shock tube. The experimental method used for the study was dynamic photoelasticity complemented with the moire method of strain analysis. A transparent, low-modulus, birefringent, urethane rubber was used as the model material. Transient free-field stresses were determined in the plate, at the hole location, prior to machining the hole. These stresses were introduced in the classical Kirsch solution to obtain what is referred to as a static stress distribution around the boundary of the hole. This stress distribution was compared with the dynamic stress distribution obtained directly from photoelastic data. The free-field stresses were also introduced in the theoretical solution by Baron and Matthews to obtain the maximum tangential stress on the boundary of the hole. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimentally determined maximum tangential stress. The results also indicate that the dynamic stress-concentration factor is initially lower than the static one, exceeds is at a later time, and finally approaches it asymptotically.
Housing Television: Architectures of the Archive

This essay explores the cultural logics of television archives by looking at the architectural designs of buildings that have housed TV collections since the early 1960s and by tracing this to the more recent viral architecture of Internet sites on which people post clips of old TV shows and programs. In particular, the essay examines how the television archive (often constructed through modernist and postmodernist architectural designs) has historically been a place that expresses fantasies about the future (both of the media and of American society more generally). At the same time, the essay explores the seemingly opposite impulse of nostalgia for vintage television (and the baby boom era more broadly) that structures archival collections both in physical archives such as the Paley Center and on online sites such as YouTube.
The stoichiometry of inhibition of human pancreatic elastase 2 by human alpha1-antitrypsin

Abstract A 1:1 stoichiometry of inhibition of human pancreatic elastase 2 by human α 1 -antitrypsin has been determined. The molar binding ratio was calculated using the results of a titration curve for elastase 2 inhibition by α 1 -antitrypsin, an experimentally determined concentration of active sites in human elastase 2, and an extinction coefficient calculated from ultracentrifugation studies using interference optics.
A novel endonuclease activity associated with the Arabidopsis ortholog of the 30-kDa subunit of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor

The polyadenylation of messenger RNAs is mediated by a multi-subunit complex that is conserved in eukaryotes. Among the most interesting of these proteins is the 30-kDa-subunit of the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor, or CPSF30. In this study, the Arabidopsis CPSF30 ortholog, AtCPSF30, is characterized. This protein possesses an unexpected endonucleolytic activity that is apparent as an ability to nick and degrade linear as well as circular single-stranded RNA. Endonucleolytic action by AtCPSF30 leaves RNA 3 0 ends with hydroxyl groups, as they can be labeled by RNA ligase with [ 32 P]-cytidine-3 0 ,5 0 -bisphosphate. Mutations in the first of the three CCCH zinc finger motifs of the protein abolish RNA binding by AtCPSF30 but have no discernible effects on nuclease activity. In contrast, mutations in the third zinc finger motif eliminate the nuclease activity of the protein, and have a modest effect on RNA binding. The N-terminal domain of another Arabidopsis polyadenylation factor subunit, AtFip1(V), dramatically inhibits the nuclease activity of AtCPSF30 but has a slight negative effect on the RNA-binding activity of the protein. These results indicate that AtCPSF30 is a probable processing endonuclease, and that its action is coordinated through its interaction with Fip1.
Ultrashort dephasing-time measurements in Nile Blue polymer films.

Optical dephasing measurements using degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) were performed on thin dye–polymer films at room temperature. Incoherent light centered at 575??nm was used as a source for ultrafast measurements on the blue side of the inhomogeneous distribution of the oxazine dye Nile Blue. Under these conditions, a new form of interference was observed as a sinusoidal variation of the DFWM signal versus delay time. A measured interference period of 1.96±0.07 fs corresponds to the optical cycle time of the light source. Numerical solutions for the DFWM intensity confirm the oscillation effect and estimate a measured dephasing time of 2–3?fs.
Current understanding of the role and targeting of tumor suppressor p53 in glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignancy in the brain and confers a uniformly poor prognosis. Despite decades of research on the topic, limited progress has been made to improve the poor survival associated with this disease. GBM arises de novo (primary GBM) or via dedifferentiation of lower grade glioma (secondary GBM). While distinct mutations are predominant in each subtype, alterations of tumor suppressor p53 are the most common, seen in 25–30 % of primary GBM and 60–70 % of secondary GBM. Various roles of p53 that protect against neoplastic transformation include modulation of cell cycle, DNA repair, apoptosis, senescence, angiogenesis, and metabolism, resulting in an extremely complex signaling network. Mutations of p53 in GBM are most common in the DNA-binding domain, namely within six hotspot mutation sites (codons 175, 245, 248, 249, 273, and 282). These alterations generally result in loss-of-function, gain-of-function, and dominant-negative mutational effects for p53, however, the distinct effect of these mutation types in GBM pathogenesis remain unclear. Signaling alterations downstream from p53 (e.g., MDM2, MDM4, INK4/ARF), p53 isoforms (e.g., p63, p73), and microRNAs (e.g., miR-34) also play critical roles in modulating the p53 pathway. Despite novel mouse models of GBM showing that p53 combined with other mutation generate tumors de novo, the role of p53 as a molecular marker of GBM remains controversial with most studies failing to show an association with prognosis. Regarding treatment in GBM, p53 targeted-gene therapy and vaccinations have reached phase I clinical trials while therapeutic drugs are still in preclinical development. This review aims to discuss the most recent findings regarding the impact of p53 mutations on GBM pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment.
Theoretical background for the mixed alkali effect

Abstract A general account of a theory of ionic conductivity of binary systems in the two dimensional honeycomb lattice is presented to show that the mixed alkali effect is a common phenomenon in binary systems with conduction paths of poor connectivity where the interaction between conduction ions of two constituents is attractive. The pair approximation of the path probability method is used for this purpose but with some modification in the averaging process in deducing the transition probability in order to take into account the percolation process more appropriately. The theory gives general, qualitative accounts of the effect. It is shown that the percolation difficulties created by mutual interactions of different kinds of conduction ions play an important role. In addition, frequency and temperature dependence of the mixed alkali effect can correctly be understood from the same model.
Aspects of the mechanism of electron transfer as catalyzed by c-type cytochromes

Abstract The reduction of a number of ferri-cytochromes c , representing a wide variety of chemical and physical properties, by sodium dithionite has been investigated. The reaction was found to be kinetically complex with both SO 2 - and S 2 O 4 2- acting as reducing agents. Based on the effect of pH, ionic strengths and specific ion effects on the reduction process, it seems likely that reduction takes place at the portion of the heme-ring exposed to the solvent. The studies reported support the view that a buffer anion is bound to cationic site near the heme ring and that displacement of this bound anion by the reductant must precede reduction. Comparison of the rate of reduction of a variety of c -type cytochromes by sodium dithionite is consistent with the participation of specific chemical and structural features of the protein moiety in electron transfer. It is concluded that each cytochrome c investigated has a set of unique structural and chemical features which modulate its rate of reduction.
Multistate Travel Time Reliability Models with Skewed Component Distributions

The multistate travel time reliability model has demonstrated superior performance, a close relationship with underlying traffic conditions, and ease of interpretation for travel time reliability reporting. This study advances the multistate model by using skewed component distributions—for example, the gamma and lognormal distributions—to accommodate nonsymmetrically distributed travel times, which are commonly observed in congested states. Six alternative models, the single-state normal, gamma, and lognormal distributions and their multistate versions, were fitted to field-collected data. The performance of the models was compared with Akaike's information criterion. The results indicate that the multistate lognormal model consistently outperforms alternative models, especially during peak hours. The improved fitting of the lognormal model is mainly reflected in the mode and tail portion of the data distribution. During off-peak hours, the single-state model could provide a compatible but parsimonious a...
Weapons Violence in Schools: Strategies for Teachers Confronting Violence and Hostage Situations.

Provides basic guidelines to help teachers and administrators in dealing with violent situations involving weapons
ZEKE threshold photoelectron spectroscopy

New methods for the precise (state-detailed) resolution of ionization thresholds open new vistas in photoionization dynamics, ion spectroscopy and state-selected ion-molecule reactions.
Review article. Interactions of determinants in the ontogeny of the gastrointestinal tract: a unified concept.

Review Article. Interactions of Determinants in the Ontogeny of the Gastrointestinal Tract: a Unified Concept
A scaled sigmund theory model for determining sputter ratios

(1993). A scaled sigmund theory model for determining sputter ratios. Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids: Vol. 126, No. 1-4, pp. 331-336.
Cell surface changes in Thermomonospora curvata during cellulase induction and repression

Cellulosomes are cell surface protuberances which contain cellulases functional in substrate adherence and hydrolysis. The mycelia of Thermomonospora curvata, which adhere to and grow on native cellulose fibres, formed cellulosomal structures during cellulase induction, but did not when cellulase biosynthesis was repressed. Cell-bound enzyme accounted for about 5% of total culture cellulase activity.
Competing magnetic interactions in metastable Gd=Cr alloys

Abstract Gadolinium and chromium are ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic respectively. Thus we may expect that alloys of these elements will reveal the evolution between these types of magnetic order. We have used high rate magnetron sputtering to prepare metastable GdxCr1−x alloys over the entire composition range. The alloys with 0.2
Mechanisms of spectral tuning in the RH2 pigments of Tokay gecko and American chameleon.

Abstract At present, molecular bases of spectral tuning in rhodopsin-like (RH2) pigments are not well understood. Here, we have constructed the RH2 pigments of nocturnal Tokay gecko ( Gekko gekko ) and diurnal American chameleon ( Anolis carolinensis ) as well as chimeras between them. The RH2 pigments of the gecko and chameleon reconstituted with 11- cis -retinal had the wavelengths of maximal absorption ( λ max 's) of 467 and 496 nm, respectively. Chimeric pigment analyses indicated that 76–86%, 14–24%, and 10% of the spectral difference between them could be explained by amino acid differences in transmembrane (TM) helices I–IV, V–VII, and amino acid interactions between the two segments, respectively. Evolutionary and mutagenesis analyses revealed that the λ max 's of the gecko and chameleon pigments diverged from each other not only by S49A (serine to alanine replacement at residue 49), S49F (serine to phenylalanine), L52M (leucine to methionine), D83N (aspartic acid to asparagine), M86T (methionine to threonine), and T97A (threonine to alanine) but also by other amino acid replacements that cause minor λ max -shifts individually.
Robotic repair of posterior mitral valve prolapse versus conventional approaches: potential realized.

Objective Robotic mitral valve repair is the least invasive approach to mitral valve repair, yet there are few data comparing its outcomes with those of conventional approaches. Therefore, we compared outcomes of robotic mitral valve repair with those of complete sternotomy, partial sternotomy, and right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy. Methods From January 2006 to January 2009, 759 patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and posterior leaflet prolapse underwent primary isolated mitral valve surgery by complete sternotomy (n = 114), partial sternotomy (n = 270), right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy (n = 114), or a robotic approach (n = 261). Outcomes were compared on an intent-to-treat basis using propensity-score matching. Results Mitral valve repair was achieved in all patients except 1 patient in the complete sternotomy group. In matched groups, median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 42 minutes longer for robotic than complete sternotomy, 39 minutes longer than partial sternotomy, and 11 minutes longer than right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy ( P 0001); median myocardial ischemic time was 26 minutes longer than complete sternotomy and partial sternotomy, and 16 minutes longer than right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy ( P 0001). Quality of mitral valve repair was similar among matched groups ( P = .6, .2, and .1, respectively). There were no in-hospital deaths. Neurologic, pulmonary, and renal complications were similar among groups ( P > .1). The robotic group had the lowest occurrences of atrial fibrillation and pleural effusion, contributing to the shortest hospital stay (median 4.2 days), 1.0, 1.6, and 0.9 days shorter than for complete sternotomy, partial sternotomy, and right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy (all P .001), respectively. Conclusions Robotic repair of posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse is as safe and effective as conventional approaches. Technical complexity and longer operative times for robotic repair are compensated for by lesser invasiveness and shorter hospital stay.
The effect of Nb or Ta substitution into the M1 phase of the MoV(Nb,Ta)TeO selective oxidation catalyst

Abstract We use aberration corrected high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging to systematically study, atomic column by atomic column, the effects of substituting Nb or Ta into the M1 phase of the MoV(Nb,Ta)TeO propane (amm)oxidation catalyst. The HAADF results indicate that the x , y coordinates of the metal sites within the M1 framework are unaffected by the substitution of either Nb or Ta for Mo. The HAADF analysis of the Ta-substituted catalyst demonstrated that the Ta preferentially substitutes into the pentagonal bipyramidal site, and by analogy, we anticipate that Nb substitutes similarly. Compositional analysis of the entire framework suggests that Ta/Nb behaves as a director of V among the octahedra that link the pentagonal rings, and the variable V occupancy may be correlated with variations in catalytic activities and selectivities. Finally, HAADF imaging provided evidence of coexistence of Ta-rich and Ta-poor domains. Similar phase segregation behavior may be present in Nb-substituted specimens, but would be very difficult to detect.
Mitotane (o, p‘‐DDD) Treatment of 200 Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism

Two hundred dogs with pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) were treated with mitotane at an initial daily dosage of 21 to 69 mg/kg (mean = 45.2 mg/kg) for 5 to 14 days. During the induction period, 194 of the dogs also were given daily maintenance dosages of a glucocorticoid. Fifty of the dogs exhibited one or more adverse effects during initial induction, including weakness, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and ataxia. After completion of the induction period, repeat ACTH stimulation testing revealed significant decreases in mean serum cortisol concentrations when compared with initial values. Twenty-five dogs, however, still responded to exogenous ACTH with serum cortisol concentrations above normal resting range, necessitating daily treatment for an additional 5 to 55 days. In contrast, 70 of the 200 dogs had low post-ACTH serum cortisol concentrations after the induction period. These subnormal serum cortisol concentrations generally increased spontaneously to within normal resting range 2 to 6 weeks after cessation of mitotane. In 184 dogs, mitotane was continued at an initial mean maintenance dosage of 49 mg/kg administered weekly in two to three divided doses. Of these dogs, 107 had one or more relapses of hyperadrenocorticism during treatment. In the 75 dogs that had one relapse, the median maintenance dosage was increased by approximately 35%, whereas the median maintenance dosage in the 32 dogs having two or more relapses was eventually increased by 225% over the initial dosage. After a mean maintenance treatment time of 2.0 years, the final maintenance dosage required in the 184 dogs ranged from 26.8 to 330 mg/kg/week.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Eigenvalue extraction for large finite element models using a new conjugate gradient algorithm

A new conjugate gradient algorithm is presented for extracting eigenvalues from large systems of equations encountered in finite element analysis. The new algorithm involves applying the conjugate gradient method (CGM) to a static problem to generate an equivalent tridiagonal matrix used for eigenvalue computation. The eigenvalues of the tridiagonal matrix are then extracted using a QR factorization. The similarity of the new CGM with the Lanczos method is discussed regarding the need for matrix inversion and reorthogonalization. Several examples using the new method are presented to illustrate its performance.
The Neoconservative Critiques of and Reconciliation with Capitalism

The neoconservatives have fallen out of favor among Washington policy-makers under President Obama as well as among conservatives themselves. However, neoconservatives’ impact on contemporary political discourse remains significant. This article is about the evolution of neoconservatives’ thinking about capitalism. Specifically, it is about neoconservatives’ ideological journey from right-wing critics of capitalism to one of its most ardent defenders. At the heart of their writing about capitalism are two distinct, but related cultural critiques of capitalism. In their view, capitalism creates a culture that is decadent, effeminate, and preoccupied with immediate gratification. This culture threatens the Protestant ethic and the heroic virtues of patriotic self-sacrifice. The Protestant ethic legitimizes capitalist accumulation and inequality, while the heroic virtues made the US a global superpower. Through supply-side economics and American empire the neoconservatives sought to recover both, the cultura...
Fiber mode excitation via free-space beam shaping

We demonstrate a free space method to generate higher order Bessel-like (LP 0m ) modes in a fiber using a spatial light modulator. Our method enables precise mode control implementing the corresponding phase plate designs on the SLM.
Social position and commitment to core values: Grappling with the (non)impact of gender

The present analysis addresses whether gender influences support for the core values of individualism, self-reliance and equal opportunity. Both a capitalist economic system and democratic political system emphasize the value of the individual, self-reliance and equal opportunity. It is argued that socialization within these systems promotes individualistic beliefs even among those who are discriminated against. The impact of gender on commitment to core values and the influence of these values among women and men on support for government helping women is explored. The results suggest that men and women equally support individualistic values and that these values are similarly influential on questions of government intervention on women's behalf. Exceptions are found among younger men, who more likely support intervention than older men, and that among women, positive regard for women achieves a significant impact on policy support whereas the same does not hold true among men. It is argued that individu...
Efficacy of aerobic exercise and a prudent diet for improving selected lipids and lipoproteins in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Studies addressing the effects of aerobic exercise and a prudent diet on lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults have reached conflicting conclusions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise combined with a prudent diet on lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults. Methods: Studies were located by searching nine electronic databases, cross-referencing, and expert review. Two independent reviewers selected studies that met the following criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials, (2) aerobic exercise combined with diet recommendations (saturated/trans fat intake less than 10% of total calories and cholesterol less than 300 mg/day and/or fiber intake ≥25 g/day in women and ≥35 grams per day in men), (3) intervention ≥4 weeks, (4) humans ≥18 years of age, (5) published studies, including dissertations and Master’s theses, (6) studies published in any language, (7) studies published between January 1, 1955 and May 1, 2009, (8) assessment of one or more of the following lipid and lipoprotein concentrations: total cholesterol (TC), highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ratio of TC to HDL-C, non-HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and triglycerides (TG). Two reviewers independently extracted all data. Random-effects models that account for heterogeneity and 95% confidence intervals were used to pool findings. Results: Of the 1,401 citations reviewed, six studies representing 16 groups (8 intervention, 8 control) and up to 559 men and women (282 intervention, 277 control) met the criteria for analysis. Statistically significant intervention minus control reductions were found for TC (-15.5 mg/dl, 95% CI, -20.3 to -10.7), TC:HDL-C (-0.4 mg/dl, 95% CI, -0.7 to -0.2), LDL-C (-9.2 mg/dl, 95% CI, -12.7 to -5.8) and TG (-10.6 mg/dl, 95% CI, -17.2 to -4.0) but not HDL-C (-0.5 mg/dl, 95% CI, -4.0 to 3.1). Changes were equivalent to reductions of 7.5%, 6.6%, 7.2% and 18.2% respectively, for TC, TC:HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Because of missing variance statistics, non-HDL-C was excluded. Conclusions: Aerobic exercise combined with a prudent diet is highly efficacious for improving TC, TC:HDL-C, LDLC and TG, but not HDL-C concentrations, in adults. However, additional studies are needed, including effectiveness studies using intention-to-treat analysis.
Limit distributions for the bivariate geometric maxima

Limit laws are established for the behavior of (max X i , max Y i ) when (X i , Y i ) are independent and distributed according to a bivariate geometric distribution.
Involvement of a membrane-associated serine/threonine kinase complex in cellular binding of visna virus.

Abstract Previous studies from our laboratory identified cellular membrane proteins that mediate binding of visna virus to susceptible cells. In the pilot report, antiserum raised to one of these proteins, ∼45 kDa, was shown to both label the surface of susceptible cells and block the binding of visna virus to cell membranes. In a recent study, we reported that the same antiserum, designated 2-23, significantly inhibited infection by visna virus and specifically immunoprecipitated a membrane-associated protein complex from susceptible cells, comprised of a ∼45- kDa protein, as well as a 30-kDa protein. Because the 30-kDa protein was readily detectable in TRANS[ 35 S]-LABELed susceptible cells, we were able to characterize this protein biochemically, as a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. In the present study, we sought to characterize the ∼45-kDa protein and examined 2-23 immune complexes for the presence of kinase activity. Our data indicate that although in vitro kinase assays of 2-23 immunoprecipitates specifically result in the phosphorylation of the ∼45-kDa protein as well as a novel ∼56-kDa protein, only the ∼45-kDa protein exhibits inherent serine/threonine kinase activity. In addition, the kinase activity can be isolated in 2-23 immunoprecipitates of membranes prepared from visna virus-susceptible cells. Finally, in an effort to evaluate the biological relevance of our in vitro observations, we examined 2-23 immunoprecipitates of [ 32 P]orthophosphate-labeled visna-susceptible cells and report that the ∼56-kDa protein is phosphorylated constitutively on serine in vivo . Collectively, these data implicate a serine/threonine kinase complex in the binding/infection of visna virus.
Nondestructive measurement of bone mineral in femurs from ovariectomized rats

One hundred ninety-eight rats were ovariectomized (OX) or sham-ovariectomized (shOX) at 100 days of age. Groups were killed at 35, 70, 100, 125, 180, 270, 360, and 540 days postsurgery. Bone mineral content (BMC) of the right femur was assayed on a dual photon absorptiometer (DPA) optimized for human spine and whole body measurements. Three regions were studied: the distal measuring 0.8 cm, the proximal measuring 0.88 cm, and the diaphysis, the remainder. The DPA technique accurately showed the ash content (r=0.96), with a precision error of 3–5%. Whole femoral BMC was 4.3–11.1% lower in OX than shOX rats, with significant differences from 35–180 days. By 35 days, distal femoral BMC declined 6% in OX rats and rose 12% in shOX rats. Distal femoral BMC was 11.3–17.5% lower in OX than shOX rats, with significant differences at all times except 540 days. Femoral diaphyseal BMC of OX and shOX rats did not differ at any time. The relative distal femoral osteopenia which appeared by 35 days in OX rats did not worsen during the next 17 months. A DPA suited for human BMC studies is also accurate for BMC determination in bones with 250–500 mg of mineral It is less precise for this purpose than dedicated instruments using single photon absorptiometry. However, enough precision exists to monitor the development of relative osteopenia in OX rats. Osteopenia in OX rats is confined to a region containing appreciable cancellous bone. Its self-limiting nature suggests the existence of an estrogen-dependent quantum of cancellous bone in female rats. The adult rat model is accurate for cancellous bone of the adult human, but inaccuare for cortical bone.
A free-choice premium in the basal ganglia

Apparently, the act of free choice confers value: when selecting between an item that you had previously chosen and an identical item that you had been forced to take, the former is often preferred. What could be the neural underpinnings of this free-choice bias in decision making? An elegant study recently published in Neuron suggests that enhanced reward learning in the basal ganglia may be the culprit.
DNA aptamer technology for personalized medicine

This review highlights recent progress in developing DNA aptamers for personalized medicine, with more focus on in vivo studies for potential clinical applications. Examples include design of aptamers in combination with DNA nanostructures, nanomaterials, or microfluidic devices as diagnostic probes or therapeutic agents for cancers and other diseases. The use of aptamers as targeting agents in drug delivery is also covered. The advantages and future directions of such DNA aptamer-based technology for the continued development of personalized medicine are discussed.
TUBULIN GENES IN THE ALGAL PROTIST EUGLENA GRACILIS

Alpha- and beta-tubulin cDNA were selected from a Euglena lambda gt11 expression library, recloned and either sequenced (alpha-tubulin cDNA) or hybridized to Euglena RNA and DNA (alpha- and beta-tubulin cDNA). RNA for hybridization was extracted at 30 minute intervals after flagellar amputation and quantitated for cDNA binding. Unlike previous reports on most other flagellates, no net increase in either alpha- or beta-tubulin RNA could be detected during regeneration--suggesting steady state or constitutive tubulin RNA synthesis. Incubation of the cDNA with genomic DNA after restriction digestion produced patterns of hybridization consistent with the presence of one to two kinds each of the alpha- and beta-tubulin genes. The deduced amino acid sequence of the alpha-tubulin cDNA was more than 90% identical to the alpha-tubulins of Trypanosoma, Chlamydomonas, Naegleria, Tetrahymena and higher plants. The carboxy terminus of the alpha-tubulin cDNA and the previously sequenced beta-tubulin of Euglena showed greatest identity to the carboxy terminus of the tubulins from Trypanosoma brucei. The sequence data for alpha- and beta-tubulins of Euglena provides direct evidence for the similarity of two gene products from euglenas and trypanosomes and adds support to earlier suggestions that these organisms are phylogenetically related.
Short-term effects of extermination and cleaning on cockroach allergen Bla g 2 in settled dust

Background Although cockroach allergen is an important indoor allergen in poor urban environments, no studies on the effectiveness of measures to reduce allergen levels in indoor environments have yet been published. Methods As a model of home extermination, we studied cockroach allergen levels in an urban dormitory that was chronically infested with German cockroaches and that underwent semiannual extermination. Dust samples were collected from 18 bedrooms and 5 kitchens located in the dormitory and were analyzed for Bla g 2 using an immunoassay. Results We detected allergen in almost every bedroom, with median levels ranging from 3.0 U/g (units/gram) in settled dust on the bed, 4.0 U/g on the carpeted floor, and 2.8 U/g in floor cabinets. Repeated measures of floor dust were similar (median 4.4 and 4.0 U/g) despite weekly vacuum cleaning. In the 2 weeks before extermination, median levels were 5.2 U/g and in the 2 weeks following extermination and regular vacuuming, median levels fell to 0.95 U/g. Conclusions We concluded that successful allergen abatement could be accomplished in cockroach infested indoor environments using routine extermination and vacuuming.
Assessing uncertainty in outsourcing clinical services at tertiary health centers.

When tertiary health centers face capacity constraint, one feasible strategy to meet service demand is outsourcing clinical services to qualified community providers. Clinical outsourcing enables tertiary health centers to meet the expectations of service timeliness and provides good opportunities to collaborate with other health care providers. However, outsourcing may result in dependence and loss of control for the tertiary health centers. Other parties involved in clinical outsourcing such as local partners, patients, and payers may also encounter potential risks as well as enjoy benefits in an outsourcing arrangement. Recommendations on selecting potential outsourcing partners are given to minimize the risks associated with an outsourcing contract. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neighbourhoods and the implementation of city plans

Abstract This article addresses the alternatives posed by urban decentralization as a new institutional framework within which change in city planning goals and administrative practices can take place. Considering that, traditionally, the professions of city planning and public administration have been haunted by a low level of implementation of plans and a high level of dissatisfaction with public-service delivery, the attempt is made to identify the root causes of the two shortcomings. In the process, the thesis is sustained that neighbourhoods endowed with formal decision-making powers have the potential to increase the degree of implementation of plans and to ensure greater efficiency in, and satisfaction with, the delivery of public services. A case study provides a data base to illustrate a number of working hypotheses.
Identification of Odor Causing Compounds in a Commercial Dairy Farm

The odorous air emissions from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), such as swine, poultry and dairy farms, are increasingly raising community complaints. Odorous emissions can result in health damages, psychological discomforts and adverse aesthetic effects in the community. However, these emissions are not well characterized up to now due to the lack of legislation, the limitations in sampling and instrumentation techniques, and the complexity of the emissions themselves. This study is aimed at the development of a high volume sampler and sorbent assembly to identify the odor causing compounds from a diary CAFO. The sorbent was custom designed to target the potential compounds that may exist in a dairy farm and was validated in laboratory with a synthetic odor from the swine manure. The actual samples at the diary farm were collected in spring and summer of 2005. The sorbents were solvent extracted and individual odor compounds were identified using GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy). The data obtained indicated that high volume sampling can shorten the sampling time from days to within 4 h. Both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) have been identified from the dairy farm, such as phenol, methylphenol, 4-ethyl phenol, indole, methyl indole, benzyl alcohol, hexanoic acid, valeric acid and iso-valeric acid, together with some nitrogen containing compounds that have not been reported before.
Periventricular Cerebral Impedance after Intraventricular Injection of Calcium

Injection of small volumes of calcium solution into the lateral ventricle of the cat wa followed by large electrical-impedance changes in gray matter bounding the ventricle, including the caudate nucleus and hippocampus. These changes lasted more than 24 hours and were accompanied by epileptiform electroencephalographic activity. Biweekly injections led to status epilepticus. Injections of similar amounts of magnesium ions were without comparable effects. Possible interactions between calcium ions and intercellular macromolecular material are discussed as a basis for certain impedance shifts in cerebral tissue.
Social Stigma of Pregnancy: Further Evidence

As expected fewer shoppers among 40 men and 40 women invaded the personal space of a female dyad when one member of the dyad appeared to be pregnant and when the members of the dyad were conversing.
A real-time pressure algorithm

A digital computer algorithm is described for real-time detection of critical points in the arterial pressure signal. Two externally selected parameters allow for filtering without loss of high frequency components. The accuracy of the algorithm was tested on 1005 cycles. Worse case a verage error was 2 mm Hg for diastolic pressure, 4 mm Hg for peak systolic pressure, and 11 msec in the placement of the dicrotic notch, Stability of the algorithm was shown by detection of 1004 of the 1005 cycles with two false positive cycles. A relative error bound is given for the Kouchoukos pulse contour formula for the estimate of stroke volume. The bound is a function of the notch placement relative error.
Matrix metalloproteinase activity expression in infarcted, noninfarcted and dilated cardiomyopathic human hearts

In the normal myocardium matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are present in the latent form. To examine whether MMP are activated following infarction or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we extracted and measured MMP activity in tissue derived from 7 explanted, failing human hearts due to either previous myocardial infarction (MI) or DCM. MMP activity in infarcted left ventricle (LV), noninfarcted IV and right ventricle (RV) from MI patients, as well as tissue from either ventricle of DCM patients, were compared to the activity of donor heart tissue. SDS-PAGE and dye-binding assays were used to determine total protein concentration, while collagenase activity was measured by SDS-PAGE type substrate gels embedded with type I gelatin (zymography). Accuracy of the zymographic technique was shown for tissue samples as small as 0.05 mg and was comparable to results obtained by a spectrophotometric method.. After normalization for total protein concentration, we found 3 ± 1 % collagenase activity in normal atrial tissue which could be activated to 80–90% by trypsin or plasmin, indicating that collagenase is normally inactive or in a latent form in human heart. In endo- and epimyocardium of infarcted LV on the other hand, collagenase activity was 85–95% and 10–20%, respectively, while 5–10% and 3–5%, respectively, in noninfarcted LV In DCM, collagenolytic activity in the endo and epimyocardium was 75 ± 5 and 35 ± 5% in the LV and 35 ± 7 and 20 ± 5% in the RV, respectively. Thus, in dilated failing human hearts secondary to previous MI or DCM, MMP activity is increased. This is particularly the case within the endomyocardium of the infarcted and noninfarcted portions of either ventricle with MI and in both ventricles in DCM. This suggests that an activation of collagenase throughout the myocardium may contribute to its remodeling that includes ventricular dilatation and wall thinning.
A Comparison of the Personalized System of Instruction and a Conventional Biology Course on the Achievement of Junior College Freshmen.

The effect of using a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) method in teaching freshman biology in junior college and the relationship between biology achievement and selected variables were investigated. The sample of eighty freshmen was divided into two groups, experimental and control, and data were collected after one semester of treatment. Adjusted scores on the post-test were significantly different for the class using the PSI method. There was no significant difference between the sexes. Career motivation was the only significant factor between males and females. The significant predictors of biology achievement were college grade point average, treatment group, and the California Achievement Test composite score. The next group of predictors consisted of career motivation, fear motivation, and family size.
The effect of fiber orientation on matrix plasticity and fracture behavior of SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites

The effect of fiber orientation on the matrix plasticity and fracture behavior of SCS-6 fiber-reinforced Ti-15V-3Al-3Cr-3Sn composites was studied. The laminates used in this study were [0] 6 , [0/±45] s , and [90/±45] s . Three-point bending tests were conducted on chevron-notched specimens to determine the crack initiation energy, fracture toughness, and fracture strength as a function of notch length. The critical energy release rate was determined from the slope of the crack initiation energy versus notch length curve. The damage evolution and development of the matrix plastic deformation zone at the notch tip during the crack initiation and propagation as a function of fiber orientation were also determined. The relationships among the crack-tip matrix plastic deformation zone size, the critical energy release rate, and notch strength of the composites were discussed.
Effect of Area Ratio on Thermal Spreading Resistance of a Cubic Heat Spreader

A unique non-dimensional scheme has been employed to analytically determine the steady-state temperature field within a cubic heat spreader of unity aspect-ratio undergoing centralized, uniform heat flux with square footprint. This ‘square-on-square’ boundary value problem was solved using method of Fourier expansion. Plots of the heat spreader non-dimensional maximum temperature and non-dimensional thermal spreading resistance are provided for various Biot numbers, heat spreader thicknesses and a newly-defined ‘area ratio’ — the ratio of heater cross-sectional area to heat spreader cross-sectional area (i.e. footprint). The proposed solution is advantageous for determining optimal heat spreading configurations with low Biot numbers — typical of many electronics packaging applications and heat spreaders of very high effective thermal conductivity. The presented results indicate that the non-dimensional, maximum temperature increases as the area ratio decreases and that a limiting, non-dimensional thermal spreading resistance exists for relatively thick heat spreaders regardless of area ratio or Biot number. A critical, non-dimensional thickness was also found in which the non-dimensional, maximum temperature becomes near unity regardless of Biot number or area ratio.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Theory and applications of -lossless scattering systems☆

Abstract We introduce the concept of J-scattering operators and J-lossless scattering operators on a Hilbert space with the aim of using them for the cascade load synthesis of a class of active operators. It is shown that the active operators can be synthesized by cascade loading their J-lossless dilations in unit resistors. Also a second type of dilation is constructed for the synthesis of general active operators.
Computational Models of a Nano Probe Tip for Static Behaviors

It is difficult to predict the measurement bias arising from the compliance of the atomic force microscope (AFM) probe. The issue becomes particularly important in this situation where nanometer uncertainties are sought for measurements with dimensional probes composed of flexible carbon nanotubes mounted on AFM cantilevers. We have developed a finite element model for simulating the mechanical behavior of AFM cantilevers with carbon nanotubes attached. Spring constants of both the nanotube and cantilever in two directions are calculated using the finite element method with known Young's moduli of both silicon and multiwall nanotube as input data. Compliance of the nanotube-attached AFM probe tip may be calculated from the set of spring constants. This paper presents static models that together provide a basis to estimate uncertainties in linewidth measurement using nanotubes. In particular, the interaction between a multiwall nanotube tip and a silicon sample is modeled using the Lennard-Jones theory. Snap-in and snap-out of the probe tip in a scanning mode are calculated by integrating the compliance of the probe and the sample-tip interacting force model. Cantilever and probe tip deflections and points of contact are derived for both horizontal scanning of a plateau and vertically scanning of a wall. The finite element method and the Lennard-Jones model provide a means to analyze the interaction of the probe and sample and measurement uncertainty, including actual deflection and the gap between the probe tip and the measured sample surface.
Reflections on Activism and Social Change for Scholars of Women and Politics

How should scholars view and relate to activism and social change? Concern over this question is neither new nor limited to political scientists. Nevertheless, because of the special relationship between our academic enterprise and the larger women's movement outside the academy, this concern is particularly acute for those of us who approach the study of politics from a feminist perspective.
Using Resampling Techniques to Compute Confidence Intervals for the Harmonic Mean of Rate-Based Performance Metrics

Rate-based metrics such as floating point operations per second, instructions per cycle and so forth are commonly used to measure computer performance. In addition to the average or mean performance of the metric, indicating the precision of the mean using confidence intervals helps to make informed decisions and comparisons with the data. In this paper, we discuss the determination of confidence intervals for the harmonic mean of rate-based metrics using two statistical resampling techniques - Jackknife and Bootstrap. We show using Monte Carlo simulations that resampling indeed works as expected, and can be used for generating confidence intervals for harmonic mean.
The translational repressor Pumilio regulates presynaptic morphology and controls postsynaptic accumulation of translation factor eIF-4E.

Translational repression by Drosophila Pumilio (Pum) protein controls posterior patterning during embryonic development. Here, we show that Pum is an important mediator of synaptic growth and plasticity at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Pum is localized to the postsynaptic side of the NMJ in third instar larvae and is also expressed in larval neurons. Neuronal Pum regulates synaptic growth. In its absence, NMJ boutons are larger and fewer in number, while Pum overexpression increases bouton number and decreases bouton size. Postsynaptic Pum negatively regulates expression of the translation factor eIF-4E at the NMJ, and Pum binds selectively to the 3′UTR of eIF-4E mRNA. The GluRIIa glutamate receptor is upregulated in pum mutants. These results, together with genetic epistasis studies, suggest that postsynaptic Pum modulates synaptic function via direct control of eIF-4E expression.