cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Philosophy of Action and Philosophy of Religion

The world's major monotheistic religions typically maintain that God freely chose, in the libertarian sense, to create the universe for a reason or purpose. Philosophers of religion often argue that the idea that God makes a free choice to create for a purpose is deeply flawed. In parallel with these philosophers of religion, philosophers of action typically argue that the idea that human beings make free choices to act for purposes is also flawed. I begin my article by briefly summarizing what is involved in the idea of a human agent freely choosing for a purpose. I then examine criticisms of this idea by philosophers of action and suggest how they might plausibly be rebutted. I conclude by suggesting that if these criticisms by philosophers of action are suspect, then there is good reason for thinking that the same or similar criticisms by philosophers of religion are suspect.
Preaffine semigroups and convex matrix semigroups

Algebraic conditions are given which guarantee that a semigroup on a subset of real topological vector space can be embedded in a convex matrix semigroup. We also study when the minimal ideal of a convex matrix semigroup will be convex.
Long-term cattle gain responses to stocking rate and grazing systems in northern mixed-grass prairie

Abstract The effects of stocking rate and grazing system on gains of yearling beef cattle grazing rangelands have largely been addressed in short-term (
Operant control of eye movements.

In a monitoring situation eye movements were required in order for signals to be presented. Detection of signals was the reinforcement. A multiple schedule of fixed-interval reinforcement, differential reinforcement of low rate, and fixed-ratio reinforcement was established for eye movements. Results demonstrated that an eye movement can act as an operant controlled by its consequences. Operant control of eye movements has important implications for human factor analysts concerned with “attention”.
Opposite actions of alcohol on tonic GABA A receptor currents mediated by nNOS and PKC activity

The molecular mechanisms that mediate genetic variability in response to alcohol are unclear. We found that alcohol had opposite actions (enhancement or suppression) on GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) inhibition in granule cells from the cerebellum of behaviorally sensitive, low alcohol-consuming Sprague-Dawley rats and DBA/2 mice and behaviorally insensitive, high alcohol-consuming C57BL/6 mice, respectively. The effect of alcohol on granule cell GABA(A)R inhibition was determined by a balance between two opposing effects: enhanced presynaptic vesicular release of GABA via alcohol inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and a direct suppression of the activity of postsynaptic GABA(A)Rs. The balance of these two processes was determined by differential expression of neuronal NOS (nNOS) and postsynaptic PKC activity, both of which varied across the rodent genotypes. These findings identify opposing molecular processes that differentially control the magnitude and polarity of GABA(A)R responses to alcohol across rodent genotypes.
Rectal Valproate syrup and status epilepticus

In one patient, status epilepticus did not respond to commonly used anticonvulsants but was completely controlled by sodium valproate syrup given rectally. Rectal use of valproate syrup may obviate the need for assisted respiration.
Modelling, measurement and evaluation of sequencing flexibility in manufacturing systems

Sequencing flexibility refers to the possibility of interchanging the order in which required manufacturing operations are performed. In this paper, we address several issues related to the modelling, measurement and performance evaluation of this flexibility in manufacturing systems. In particular, we introduce several representation and measurement schemes for sequencing flexibility and discuss the usefulness and limitations each. We then propose a new performance-based approach for quantifying the value of flexibility. To this effect, we study the relationship between flexibility and system performance under a variety of design assumptions and operating conditions. These relationships are used to identify key characteristics of a measure of flexibility that is reflective of system performance. This measure is to allow system designers and managers to predict performance based on existing levels of flexibility and/or determine the amount of flexibility required to achieve a certain level of performance....
The development of martensitic microstructure and microcracking in an Fe-1.86C alloy

The development of the martensitic microstructure in a 1.86 wt pct C steel has been followed by quantitative metallographic measurements over the transformation range of 0.12 to 0.50 fraction transformed (f). The transformation kinetics are described by the equationf = 1 − exp [−0.008 (M s − Tq)] where Ms and Tq are the martensite start and the quenching temperatures respectively. Fullman’s analysis shows that the average volume per martensite plate decreases by almost an order of magnitude over the transformation range studied, but this decrease is less than that predicted by the Fisher analysis for partitioning of austenite by successive generations of martensite. Microcracking increases with increasingf up to 0.3, but does not increase forf above 0.3 where transformation proceeds by the nucleation of large numbers of small martensite plates. These observations indicate that a critical size of martensite plate is necessary to cause microcracking.
Low-power uncooled 120x160 a-Si-based micro infrared camera for unattended ground sensor applications

Low power and low cost are primary requirements for an imaging infrared camera used in unattended ground sensor arrays. In this paper, a 120 X 160 amorphous silicon (a- Si) microbolometer-based uncooled infrared camera technology offering a low cost, low power solution to infrared surveillance for UGS applications is presented. A 120 X 160 micron infrared camera (MIRC) has been demonstrated which exhibits an f/1 noise equivalent temperature difference sensitivity approximately 63 mK. This sensitivity has been achieved without the use of a thermoelectric cooler for array temperature stabilization thereby significantly reducing the power requirements. Chopperless camera operation at a 20 Hz frame rate with power consumption of 380 mW has also been demonstrated. The 120 X 160 MIRC operates under digital signal processor (DSP) control. To reduce cost, this DSP-controlled architecture employs commercial off-the-shelf DSP, A/D, memory and voltage regulator chips. The detector chip, employing an integrating amplifier per unit cell ROIC design, is the single custom chip used. The camera also employs low cost f/1 optics, as well as low cost wafer-level vacuum packaging. In this paper, a-Si microbolometer technology for the MIRC will be presented. Also, the key features and performance parameters of the MIRC are presented.
Stem fracture after total facet replacement in the lumbar spine: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract Background context A randomized controlled multicenter investigational device exemption clinical trial comparing the total facet arthroplasty system (TFAS) (Archus Orthopedics, Redmond, WA, USA) with posterior fusion was discontinued because of financial reasons. To our knowledge, no clinical outcomes or complications have yet been presented for the TFAS, and no device-related complications have been reported for any other lumbar facet replacement system. Purpose To report and discuss two cases of stem fracture after total facet replacement in the lumbar spine. Study design Case report and literature review. Patient sample A 55-year-old man with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 underwent total facet replacement at L4–L5 for Grade 1 spondylolisthesis with stenosis. After 9 months of pain relief, he experienced gradually increasing pain and radiographs showed a broken stem. A 60-year-old woman with a BMI of 31 underwent total facet replacement at L4–L5 for Grade 1 spondylolisthesis with stenosis. She experienced stem fracture 27 months postoperatively. Outcome measures Visual analog scale for pain, Oswestry Disability Index for function, and computed tomography and X-ray for imaging. Results After TFAS stem breakage, both patients underwent interbody fusion through a transpsoas approach and have done well over 24- and 12-month follow-up periods, respectively. Conclusions These are the first cases of stem fracture reported after total facet replacement in the lumbar spine. Biomechanics of TFAS stem breakage may be similar to those of pedicle screw breakage, including fatigue and three-point bending stress. Further biomechanical studies and failure analyses however are needed for adequate understanding to improve the biomechanics of dynamic pedicle–based devices.
PROPER MOTION OF THE SAGITTARIUS DWARF GALAXY BASED ON HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE IMAGING

We have derived a proper motion of Sagittarius using archival data obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope. The data consist of imaging at three epochs with a time baseline of about four years in three distinct fields. The zero point for the proper motion is based on the foreground Galactic stellar populations along the line of sight. The measured proper motion in the Galactic coordinate system is (μl, μ b ) = (–2.615 ± 0.22, 1.87 ± 0.19) mas yr–1 and in the equatorial coordinate system is (μα, μδ) = (–2.75 ± 0.20, – 1.65 ± 0.22) mas yr–1. Removing the contribution of the motion of the Sun and of the LSR to the measured proper motion produces a Galactic rest-frame proper motion of (μGrf l, μGrf b ) = (–0.82 ± 0.22, 1.98 ± 0.19) mas yr–1 and (μGrf α, μGrf δ) = (–2.14 ± 0.20, 0.03 ± 0.20) mas yr–1. The implied space velocity with respect to the Galactic center is (Π, Θ, Z) = (141.9 ± 6.9, 117 ± 29, 238 ± 27) km s–1. This velocity implies that the instantaneous orbital inclination is 67°, with a 95% confidence interval of (58°, 79°). We also present photometry and membership probabilities for the stars in our sample, which can be used to generate color-magnitude diagrams for stellar populations selected by proper motion.
Population interactions between a parasitic castrator, Probopyrus pandalicola (Isopoda: Bopyridae), and one of its freshwater shrimp hosts, Palaemonetes paludosus (Decapoda: Caridea)

Freshwater shrimp, Palaemonetes paludosus , infected by the bopyrid isopod, Probopyrus pandalicola , occurred as far as 33 km upstream in many coastal rivers and canals throughout Florida. Free-swimming isopod larvae and the intermediate copepod host, Acartia tonsa , were collected in the plankton of the Wakulla River, and it appeared that cryptoniscus larvae swam at least as far as 13 km upstream to infect the definitive shrimp host after leaving the copepod in brackish water. In the Wakulla River infection levels ranged from 87·5 to 100%. In contrast, at McBride's Slough infection levels fluctuated from 0·9 to 93·2%. In the St Marks River the frequency of infected shrimp gradually increased from 0% upstream to 96%, 6 km further downstream. A significantly greater percentage of female than male hosts were infected, but only females of size classes less than 31 mm long had a greater frequency of infection. Female P. pandalicola were greatly under-dispersed (coefficient of dispersion (s 2 /x¯) less than 1) throughout the host population; 99·6% of the infected hosts carried only 1 female parasite. Control of P. pandalicola at the infrapopulation level is probably accomplished by some mode of intraspecific competition, and control at the suprapopulation level occurs through an upstream limitation of the transmission range of the cryptoniscus larval stage. Host–parasite interactions appear to be unstable.
Ocean color remote sensing of turbid plumes in the southern California coastal waters during storm events

Water-leaving radiance data obtained from MODIS-Aqua satellite images at spatial resolution of 250 m (band 1 at 645 nm) and 500 m (band 4 at 555 nm) were used to analyze the correlation between plume area and rainfall during strong storm events in coastal waters of Southern California. Our study is focused on the area between Point Loma and the US-Mexican border in San Diego, which is influenced by terrigenous input of particulate and dissolved materials from San Diego and Tijuana watersheds and non-point sources along the shore. For several events of intense rainstorms that occurred in the winter of 2004-2005, we carried out a correlational analysis between the satellite-derived plume area and rainfall parameters. We examined several rainfall parameters and methods for the estimation of plume area. We identified the optimal threshold values of satellite-derived normalized water-leaving radiances at 645 nm and 555 nm for distinguishing the plume from ambient ocean waters. The satellite-derived plume size showed high correlation with the amount of precipitated water accumulated during storm event over the San Diego and Tijuana watersheds. Our results support the potential of ocean color imagery with relatively high spatial resolution for the study of turbid plumes in the coastal ocean.
The Differential Effects of a Change in Reimbursement on Public and Private University Hospitals

The primary purpose of the government's prospective payment system was to decrease the rate of federal spending for Medicare patients by paying fixed prices for services and by transferring the financial risk for the care provided to the hospital. While PPS certainly has affected all hospitals, this article has attempted to identify some of the expected and unexpected consequences of the change in reimbursement on publicly and privately owned university hospitals. Of importance is the discussion that has analyzed the specific effects of PPS on the components of the UHs' missions. The implementation of PPS may exaggerate the effects of the payment change on both types of UHs. The provision of broadly based primary and specialty care services may be in question as institutions find themselves potentially unable to deliver these services on a price-competitive yet profitable basis. The costs associated with educational, research, and community service programs can no longer be subsidized by excess patient care revenues as payers streamline payments to reflect only the costs of clinical care. Thus, university hospitals may be forced to reexamine their missions and change their operating plans to reflect the current fiscal environment. If taken to an extreme, it is likely that the local society may be negatively affected by these actions. Clinical and community services that increase access, assure continuity of care, or provide needed but costly (public) health services may be eliminated or reduced in scope in an effort to contain costs. Even those services that are cost beneficial from a societal perspective may be eliminated without some form of subsidy or direct payment as institutions are forced to reallocate their limited funds from these types of public health services to support nonprofitable, but critical clinical or academic programs. The potential impact on access, continuity of care, and morbidity and mortality will not be known for many years. Although it is not known how these changes will eventually affect university hospitals, two outcomes seem clear. University hospitals with different governance and management structures may not change their missions and means for achieving institutional goals as much as might have been expected. The interdependence of the university hospitals' goals and the role they play in their local communities may force them to begin to explore new ways to achieve their missions. Public-private sector cooperation is suggested as one approach to use in response to the demands of payers and patients while the institution remains true to its historical mission.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Using airphotos to identify construction sources of gravel

Abstract The main objective of the article is to demonstrate the application of photo interpretation techniques to search out the available road construction materials within an economical proximity to the site. Wherever road construction is contemplated or in progress, there is a need for sources of construction aggregates near the site. The usual “walk it out” method is now obsolete because of an immediate need, the higher cost of field effort, or the available sources being limited. Recognizing the need for an accurate but quicker method of locating sources of granular construction materials, the author proposes acceptance and wider use of the airphoto method of searching for sources of gravel. The author discusses the application of airphoto interpretation to locate gravel sources, examples are given, and techniques are described which were applied succesfully in Ohio, Germany and India.
Evidence for a carboxyl group in the vicinity of the retinal chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin.

Abstract Carboxyl groups of bacteriorhodopsin in purple membranes were activated using a hydrophobic reagent and then covalently labeled with a pH-sensitive reporter group, nitrotyrosine methyl ester. The membrane-bound reporter group had different spectral properties, and a pK 3 units higher than in solution. In purple membranes, an isosbestic point between the 428nm absorption peak of nitrotyrosine methyl ester, and the bacteriorhodopsin 570nm chromophore seen in alkaline titration, indicated interactions between the reporter group and retinal. Modification of white membranes (bacterioopsin from R1mW strain) revealed similar, unusual spectral and ionization properties. Thus, the hydrophobic environment, not retinal interactions per se , are responsible for the ionization behavior of the reporter group. These results indicate that a carboxyl group is near the retinal chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin.
EFFECT OF A CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE MIXTURE ON A RAT MODEL OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Purpose: We examine the effect of a Chinese herbal medicine mixture on erectile function in a rat model of hypercholesterolemic erectile dysfunction.Materials and Methods: In this study 32, 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The 8 control animals were fed a normal diet and the remaining 24 were fed 1% cholesterol diet for 4 months. After 2 months herbal medicine was added to the drinking water of the treatment group of 16 rats but not the cholesterol only group of 8. Of the 16 rats 8 received 25 mg./kg. per day (group 1) and 8 received 50 mg./kg. per day (group 2) of Chinese herbal medicine mixture. Serum cholesterol levels were measured at 2 and 4 months. At 4 months erectile function was evaluated with cavernous nerve electrostimulation in all animals. Penile tissues were collected for electron microscopy, and to perform Western blot for endothelial nitric oxide synthase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and caveolin-1.Results: Serum cholesterol levels were s...
Strategy, social responsibility and implementation

This paper correlates community service goals from 82 business firms with various organizational characteristics, including goals, niches, structure, context, and performance. The results demonstrate that community-service goals are positively correlated with prestige goals, assets goals, superior-design niche, net assets size, and performance on income to net assets. Community-service goals, however, were not significantly correlated with profit goals, low-price niche, multiplicity of outputs, workflow continuity, qualifications, or centralization, as expected.
Constructing Masculinity in Response to Women’s Sexual Advances

Drawing on 20 in-depth interviews with men who reported unwanted sexual experiences with women as adults, this article addresses how masculinity informs their lived experiences of this type of contact. One of the main themes that emerged from this research was that participants constructed masculinity by engaging in sexual gatekeeping or setting limits on women's sexual advances. Whereas sexual gatekeeping has been perceived as a passive role for women, it may be entirely agentic for men. That is, sexual gatekeeping played a vital role in preserving the gender dichotomy that informed the traditional sexual script for our participants. Since it is consistent with masculinity to take a proactive role in heterosexual sex, a man's perceived sexual objectification by an initiative woman can be experienced as a violation. In order to regain their proactive role, male participants set limitations on women's sexual advances.
An Effective Peer Advising Program in a Large Psychology Department

The authors–one the program's coordinator and the other a former peer advisor–explain procedures for recruiting, selecting training and organizing peer advisors.
The superiority of the pair-comparisons method for scaling visual illusions

Twenty-one Ss scaled the Delboeuf illusion by the methods of pair comparisons, constant stimulus differences, reproduction, and pair reproduction. The method of pair comparisons was clearly superior on all indices of validity, reliability, and efficiency. Pair comparisons forces the S to discriminate between treatment levels and avoids motor responses. Es should consider using pair comparisons or related methods which share these advantages.
Rejection of reovirus-treated L1210 leukemia cells by mice.

L1210 leukemia cells were treated in vitro with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and reovirus to determine their interactive effects on rejection of these tumor cells by mice. The cells were treated with BCNU at concentrations of 0, 3, or 10 μM, incubated for 48 h, then treated with reovirus at a multiplicity of infection of 0, 10, 30, or 100 for 2, 6, or 12 h. The survival of mice injected with cells treated with any amount of reovirus, regardless of BCNU treatment, was greater than that of mice injected with untreated cells. Exposure of the cells to reovirus for 6 or 12 h increased the survival of mice injected with these cells as compared with that of mice injected with cells exposed to reovirus for 2 h. Of the survivors, 76% were resistant to subsequent challenge with untreated L1210 cells. These results suggest that activities associated with reovirus replication may cause modifications of L1210 cells that enable them to induce an immune response, thus facilitating their rejection. A lack of correlation between differences in DNA synthesis (measured by 3H-thymidine uptake) by treated cells and the ability of those cells to kill recipient mice indicates that rejection of cells treated with reovirus or BCNU is not due to a decrease in their ability to proliferate or, presumably, to generate lethal tumors. The survival of mice injected with treated L1210 cell preparations containing as few as 2.9% reovirus-infected cells was enhanced to the same degree as that of mice injected with those containing as many as 14.6% infected cells, indicating that modification of only a minor component of the tumor cell population is sufficient to alter the ability of the cells to generate a lethal tumor.
Heat transfer to liquid metals flowing in-line through unbaffled rod bundles: A review☆☆☆

Abstract Heat transfer to liquid metals flowing longitudinally through unbaffled rod bundles under conditions of (a) equilateral triangular rod spacing, (b) uniform (or approaching uniform) wall heat flux, and (c) fully developed velocity and temperature profiles is reviewed. Theoretical predictions and experimental results are compared for both close and wide spacings. Recent results and current thinking on the following topics are also presented: (a) circumferential variation of rod temperature, (b) effect of rod displacement on its average heat transfer coefficient and on those of its six neighbors, (c) effect of pitch: diameter ratio on the rod-average heat transfer coefficient, and (d) the interrelated problems of wetting, oxides, and gas entrainment.
Gene transfer as a strategy to achieve permanent cardioprotection I: rAAV-mediated gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase limits infarct size 1 year later without adverse functional consequences

The ultimate goal of prophylactic gene therapy is to confer permanent protection against ischemia. Although gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is known to protect against myocardial infarction at 3 days and up to 2 months, the long-term effects on myocardial ischemic injury and function are unknown. To address this issue, we created a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector carrying the iNOS gene (rAAV/iNOS), which enables long-lasting transgene expression. The ability of rAAV/iNOS to direct the expression of functional iNOS protein was confirmed in COS-7 cells before in vivo gene transfer. Mice received injections in the anterior LV wall of rAAV/LacZ or rAAV/iNOS; 1 year later, they underwent a 30-min coronary occlusion (O) and 4 h of reperfusion (R). iNOS gene transfer resulted in elevated iNOS protein expression (+3-fold vs. the LacZ group, n = 6; P < 0.05) and iNOS activity (+4.4-fold vs. the LacZ group, n = 6; P < 0.05) 1 year later. Infarct size (% of risk region) was dramatically reduced at 1 year after iNOS gene transfer (13.5 ± 2.2%, n = 12, vs. 41.7 ± 2.9%, n = 10, in the LacZ group; P < 0.05). The infarct-sparing effect of iNOS gene therapy at 1 year was as powerful as that observed 24 h after ischemic preconditioning (six 4-min O/4-min R cycles) (19.3 ± 2.3%, n = 11; P < 0.05). Importantly, compared with the LacZ group (n = 11), iNOS gene transfer (n = 10) had no effect on LV dimensions or function for up to 1 year (at 1 year: FS 34.5 ± 2.0 vs. 34.6 ± 2.6%, EF 57.0 ± 2.0 vs. 59.7 ± 2.9%, LVEDD 4.3 ± 0.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.2 mm, LVESD 2.8 ± 0.1 vs. 2.9 ± 0.2 mm) (echocardiography). These data demonstrate, for the first time, that rAAV-mediated iNOS gene transfer affords long-term, probably permanent (1 year), cardioprotection without adverse functional consequences, providing a strong rationale for further preclinical testing of prophylactic gene therapy.
Semiflexible self-avoiding polymers: Low-temperature expansions for models.

Two models for dense, overlapping systems of semiflexible self-avoiding chain polymers in two dimensions are discussed. A method is presented for obtaining their equilibrium thermodynamic properties as an expansion around the low-temperature (stiff-polymer) limit. The first two nontrivial terms in this expansion are given.
Historical, Tactical, and Strategic Lessons from the Partition of Cyprus

This article surveys the history of Cyprus’s conflict and partition to derive historical, tactical, and strategic lessons about how the Cyprus problem should be resolved and about the value of partitions more generally. Cyprus is complex. Tensions between North and South are very low, in part because the partition has been a cause of peace. However, both sides remain pervaded by antagonistic and one-sided biases, histories, and myths. Moreover, almost every plausible solution, including the Annan Plan, that proposes to unite the island also incorporates the group-based and gridlock-prone characteristics of the conflict-generating 1960 constitution. A Cyprus solution solves little and creates risks. A better plan to create a permanent peace is to recognize a much smaller North, and bring all sides including Turkey into the European Union. This would create peace, give most Greek Cypriot refugees their land and homes back, and restore all freedoms throughout the island.
First-passage study and stationary response analysis of a BWB hysteresis model using quasi-conservative stochastic averaging method

The quasi-conservative stochastic averaging (QCSA) method is applied to a Bouc-Wen-Baber hysteretic system (BWB) under Gaussian white noise excitations. The stationary probability density of the system's response amplitude and energy is obtained for different excitation levels and different damping ratios. These results are compared with the studies presented by Cai and Lin in A New Solution Technique for Randomly Excited Hysteretic Structures, Technical Report on Grant No. NCEER-88-0012, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 1988. The first-passage time problem for the hysteretic system is also studied using the method of QCSA. The results for the expected time to failure as a function of the initial total energy are shown, for different excitation levels and for different threshold values of energy. The relationship between the expected time to failure when initial total energy is zero and excitation level is shown for a wide range of hysteresis shape parameters.
Sympathetic arousal and self-attention: The accessibility of interoceptive and exteroceptive arousal cues ☆

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that sympathetic arousal has the capacity to instigate and maintain self-attention and that self-attention increases the accuracy of arousal appraisals. In both experiments residual sympathetic arousal following exercise predicted linguistic self-reference when attention had been forced to self during exeriise but not when attention during exercise had been distracted from self. In the second experiment, self reports of residual arousal were better predicted by actual residual arousal when subjects were self-attentive than when they were not. The results indicated that the relative accessibility of interoceptive and exteroceptive arousal cues mediated the capacity of sympathetic arousal to maintain self-attention and of self-attention to increase the accuracy of arousal appraisals. The results have implications for arousal-based theories of emotion and for models of excitation-transfer.
Surface-catalyzed photochemical reactions of physisorbed molecules

The rate of laser photochemical reactions on surfaces can be enhanced over their gas-phase values by the interplay of a number of surface phenomena. These effects include simple increases in molecular density due to physisorption, spectral shifts in the adsorbed phase, and enhancement in the optical electric field due to surface contouring.
First Delta bank

Abstract In recognizing the changing environment of the accounting profession, “The CPA Vision Project” of the AICPA speculates that an historical emphasis on facts and numbers may prove to be a major stumbling block to the profession's survival. The project's White Paper recognizes that the accountants of today and tomorrow must “step out of the box” and provide their organizations and clients higher levels of analytical advice and business strategic planning. The Federation of Schools of Accountancy (FSA) Position Statement on the Role and Responsibilities of the University Professoriate , revised August 1997, http://www.ramsearch.co.cardweb.com/cardtrack , specifically references the need to “make connections across disciplines and to place specialties in a larger context” in accounting research and education. That accounting professionals draw on diverse disciplines in practice should be reflected in the educational model. This interdisciplinary case deals with financial accounting and analysis in the credit card industry. The case has several objectives. First, it introduces students to practices in the credit card industry, which is becoming very important in the e-commerce age. Second, it provides students with an opportunity to analyze financial statements specifically targeting profitability concerns and to use that analysis to make informed strategic decisions. Third, it reinforces basic concepts of asset securitization accounting, such as accounts receivable and loan securitizations, as well as introduces students to off-balance-sheet accounting issues. Fourth, it promotes critical thinking by asking students to decide what action to take when several options are available. Finally, it helps students develop research skills by using and/or interpreting Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 91 and No. 105 as well as Internet searches and library resources. This case can be used at the undergraduate level, in MBA programs, and in executive education programs.
Abstract 2868: EGCG inhibits pancreatic cancer growth in xenografts and KrasG12D transgenic mice models

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC FoxO (forkhead box O) transcription factors are crucial regulators of cell fate. This function of FoxO proteins relies on their ability to control diverse functions such as proliferation, differentiation, DNA repair and apoptosis. Constitutively active AKT and ERK in cancer cells have been shown to phosphorylate FoxO transcription factors (FKHR, FKHRL1 and AFX), which bind to protein 14-3-3 and sequester in the cytoplasm. In the absence of survival signals, FoxO proteins dephosphorylate, translocate to the nucleus and upregulate a series of target genes, thereby promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. EGCG, a component of green tea, exerts antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions on a number of different cancer cell lines through diverse mechanisms. However, the mechanisms by which EGCG inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis are poorly understood. EGCG inhibited viability and induced apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. EGCG induces PTEN expression and inhibits Akt phosphorylation in pancreatic cancer Hs766T, AsPC-1, MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Treatment of PANC-1 cells with EGCG caused a decrease in ERK phosphorylation, and an increase in JNK phosphorylation. Overexpression of FOXO1, FOXO3a, and FOXO4 inhibited cell viability in PANC-1 cells. The inhibitory effects of EGCG on cell viability were further enhanced when cells were transfected with FOXO1, FOXO3a, and FOXO4. EGCG enhances FOXO-DNA binding activity. EGCG-induced FOXO transcriptional activity was further enhanced in the presence of FOXO1-TM, FOXO3a-TM, and FOXO4-TM. Interestingly, EGCG inhibited pancreatic cancer growth in xenograft, orthotopic and KrasG12D transgenic mice models. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that EGCG can inhibit pancreatic cancer growth through multiple mechanisms and thus can be used for the pancreatic cancer prevention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2868.
The Impact of Small for Gestational Age Birth Status Upon Premature Children

This study documented the degree and nature of developmental risk associated with intrauterine growth retardation in preterm infants Twenty-three preschool children who were SGA preterms were compared with 30 appropriate for gestational age children using the Stanford Binet 4, the Preschool Behavior Problem Checklist, and the Brazy Perinatal Biological Scoring System There were no significant dffferences between the groups on cognitive or behavioral measures Results suggested that small for gestational age status does not appear to increase the risk associated with prematurity in low socio-economic status children There are indications that environmental factors mediate outcome and that low socioeconomic status children require careful follow up.
Chemical and isotopic evidence for mixing between depleted and enriched mantle, northwestern U.S.A.

Abstract Combined elemental and Sr, Nd, Pb and O isotopic data for late Cenozoic olivine tholeiite lavas from the northwestern Great Basin indicate derivation from at least two chemically and isotopically distinct mantle source regions with no significant modification by interaction with continental crust. The lack of crustal involvement is a direct reflection of the extensional tectonic environment which favors rapid ascent of magmas, minimal residence time in crustal magma chambers and scattered fissure eruptions. The observed chemical and isotopic variations in the tholeiite suite are attributed to mixing between depleted oceanic type mantle ( 87 Sr 86 Sr ~ 0.7030 and 143 Nd 144 Nd ~ 0.51305 ) and old, chemically heterogeneous, isotopically enriched subcontinental mantle ( 87 Sr 86 Sr ~ 0.7078 and 143 Nd 144 Nd ~ 0.51233 ). Model incompatible element concentrations suggest strong similarities between the depleted mantle and the mantles beneath normal oceanic ridge segments and back-arc basins and between the enriched mantle and the mantle beneath enriched oceanic ridge segments such as the Azores. Superimposed upon the characteristics derived from the two component mixing model may be the effects of a third mantle source which is identifiable only by its apparent radiogenic 206 Pb 204 Pb ratios. If present, this third source may reflect a component derived from the downgoing slab of an ancient subduction zone.
Innovation and Reform, Intentional Inaction, and Tactical Breakdown: The Implementation Record of the Florida Concurrency Policy

This study evaluates the regulatory implementation process of the concurrency policy between 1985 and 2000. One of the main pillars of the 1985 Florida Growth Management Act, this policy is also a significant innovation in the growth management movement in the United States. Concurrency is a Florida statewide policy that requires local governments to provide public facilities needed to support development “concurrent” with the impacts of such projects. The study sheds light on different decision-making styles of state and local planning bureaucracies, including their relationships to legislative intentions. Concurrency began as a significant innovation and quickly lapsed into nondecision that was followed by both technical failures and adaptation efforts. In its most critical area, transportation concurrency, a tactical breakdown became evident. The implementation record of the policy shows mixed results.
Nutrient level, microbial activity, and alachlor transformation in aerobic aquatic systems.

Alachlor (2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide) is a moderately toxic herbicide that is frequently found in agriculturally impacted surface waters. To assess primary mechanism(s) that affect its fate in aquatic systems, two field experiments were performed using large mesocosms (n=39) and smaller microcosms with and without microbial inhibitors (n=16). The mesocosm experiment tested the effect of fertility conditions on alachlor fate, assessing alachlor disappearance over time under oligotrophic (total phosphorus (TP) 80 microg/L) water conditions. Whereas, the microcosm experiment assessed alachlor fate in the presence of microbial inhibitors that selectively blocked eubacterial (chloroamphenicol, streptomycin, and penicillin combined), eukaryotic (cycloheximide), and universal (all inhibitors) microbial activity. First-order alachlor transformation rate coefficients ranged from 0.006 to 0.042 day(-1) when microbial inhibitors were not present (half-lives from 16 to 122 days) with the highest rates occurring in hypereutrophic waters. Statistics indicated that mean TP, and universal and eubacterial small sub-unit rRNA level most closely correlated with transformation rate. Further, the inhibitor study indicated that alachlor transformation was biotic (>90%), but that high transformation rates only occurred when eubacterial and eukaryotic domains were both metabolically active. Our results confirm that alachlor transformation is primarily biotic; however, efficient biotransformation only occurs when both major microbial domains in aerobic systems are active.
Grain boundary mobility of siderophile elements in MgO

Siderophile elements are key in understanding the Earth’s history, particularly the platinum group elements and their longlived isotopes. These elements are highly concentrated in the core relative to the silicate mantle, and a mechanism for core-mantle communication is of great interest to those interested in both the Earth’s segregation history as well as the identification of a unique chemical fingerprint that is characteristic of the deep mantle. Elements such as the highly and moderately siderophile elements (HSE and MSE) that are quite incompatible in the lattices of mantle rocks may be present and mobile in the grain boundaries of these phases, thus providing a reservoir for the storage and transport of these important elements. The grain boundary mobility of several HSE and MSE has been investigated in polycrystalline MgO, a deep mantle analog. The experimental strategy required the presynthesis of MgO wafers to obtain an equilibrium microstructure. Powdered metal particles were smeared on each side of the wafer; the upper horizon with the diffusing element of interest or ‘source’ (Ir, Os, Rh, Au, Pt, Ru, Re, W, Mo, Cu) and the lower horizon with the ‘sink’ element, usually Pt. Since the source elements are highly incompatible in the lattice (and likely have very low lattice diffusivities), alloying of the source element with the initially pure Pt particles implies a grain boundary diffusion pathway. The wafers were placed in a piston-cylinder assembly and held at 1600 C and 2.5 GPa for 5–50 h. The run products were analyzed by electron microprobe (EMP) by measuring the concentration of the source element in the Pt particles. The results indicate that all of the elements studied are mobile in the polycrystalline MgO. Grain boundary transport caused 0.07–95% alloying with the Pt layer. The cumulative fluxes of source atoms through the MgO layer were estimated and these values span nearly three orders of magnitude: Pt, Os and Re display the smallest; W is about an order of magnitude greater; Au, Ir, Ru, Mo, and Cu all have similar values 6 times that of W; and Rh has the largest flux with 25 times that of W. It is worth noting that not all of the Pt blebs of a given experiment had the same amount of source element: Ir levels range from 3-18% across the sample and Rh levels range from 25–95%. This indicates that not all grain boundaries are equally conductive pathways for diffusion, but that grain boundary diffusion may present a fast pathway for core-mantle transfer of trace siderophile elements.
Enumeration of vaccinia virus particles in crude extracts of infected tissues by electron microscopy.

SummaryVaccinia virus particles have been counted accurately and reproducibly in dilutions of 10% extracts of infected egg chorioallantoic membrane and rabbit skin by the agar sedimentation method. Standard deviation of these counts ranged from 10 to 14%. Comparison with concentrated, purified vaccinia virus, of counting by sedimentation and spray droplet methods gave results which are in excellent agreement. Various factors important in the accurate counting of vaccinia virus in crude tissue extracts are discussed.
Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Where Do We Go From Here?

Management of Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is one of the most challenging clinical problems concerning multiple gestations. The pathophysiology of TTTS and Quintero staging system are described. The importance of fetal echocardiograms in assessing prognosis and response to therapy is highlighted. Treatment modalities, particularly amnioreduction, microseptostomy, and fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, are discussed. Questions still remain as to how various treatment options affect short- and long-term cardiac and neurodevelopmental outcomes and which patients will benefit most from selective laser photocoagulation therapy.
Overhauling legacy enterprise software applications with a Concept Refinement Process Model

Large legacy applications are rapidly becoming less practical for both the organizations they service, and for the organizations responsible for servicing them. This paper establishes a process model for refining the initial concept associated with overhauling legacy enterprise software applications, and examines a case study of that process as applied to a real-world legacy software system to demonstrate its usability in a SOA migration.
Infinite subgroups of the Morava stabilizer groups

Abstract In this note we discuss certain infinite subgroups of the Morava stabilizer groups and outline some applications in homotopy theory.
Role of H2 Calponin in Myoblast Differentiation, Fusion and Myogenesis

Actin cytoskeleton plays a pivotal role in myoblast motility, adhesion, fusion and differentiation into myotubes. However, how the actin cytoskeleton is regulated during myogenesis is largely unknown. H2-calponin is a regulatory protein that stabilizes the actin cytoskeleton and regulates cell motility and adhesion. In the present study, we investigated the role of h2 calponin in the regulation of myoblast migration, differentiation and fusion. The results showed that h2-calponin is expressed at significant levels in undifferentiated mouse primary satellite cells and C2C12 myoblasts. In migrating satellite cells and C2C12 myoblasts, h2-calponin co-localizes with actin stress fibers at both the leading edge and the tail regions. In newly fused myotubes derived from primary satellite cells, h2-calponin is mainly present at the ends of the myotubes. The level of h2-calponin significantly decreases during satellite cell and myoblast differentiation and fusion, and becomes undetectable in mature myocytes. Primary satellite cells isolated from h2-calponin gene knockout mice had significantly decreased cell spreading area indicating reduced substrate adhesion and increased rate of cell proliferation as compared with wild type controls. Biochemical and histological studies revealed that skeletal muscles of h2-calponin knockout mice retain normal muscle weight and myofilament protein compositions. Myotubes derived from h2-calponin-null satellite cells showed apparently normal sarcomere striations and expression of myofilament proteins. Therefore, deletion of h2-calponin does not abolish the maximum capacity of myoblast function and myogenesis. However, in vitro differentiation studies revealed that h2-calponin-hull myoblasts had higher efficiency of fusion, as indicated by increased fusion index, than wild type controls. The data suggest that the function of h2-calponin provides a novel mechanism in regulating actin cytoskeleton activity during myoblast differentiation, fusion and myogenesis.
Infrared spectroscopy of jet-cooled transient molecules

Abstract Free radicals are produced by excimer laser flash photolysis of a suitable precursor inside the nozzle of a pulsed slit jet and cooled by supersonic expansion from the slit. The infrared spectra of the radicals are then probed by a single-frequency color-center laser. This technique has been tested on the NH 2 radical.
Fossil flat-slab subduction beneath the Illinois basin, USA

Abstract The Illinois basin is one of several well-studied intracratonic sedimentary basins within the North American craton whose formational mechanisms and subcrustal structure are not well understood. We study the S -velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath the Illinois basin and its surrounding area through seismic tomography. We utilize continental scale waveform data of seismic S and surface waves, enhanced by regional earthquakes located near the Illinois basin. Our 3D tomographic model, IL05, confirms the existence of a slow S -velocity structure in the uppermost mantle beneath the Illinois basin region. This anomalously slow region exists from the base of the crust to depths of ∼ 90 km, and is slower than the North American cratonic average by about 200 m/s. This anomalous uppermost mantle beneath the Illinois basin is underlain by a faster lithosphere, typical of the surrounding craton, to depths of ∼ 200 km. Excluding the formation of the Reelfoot Rift, this area of North American has been stable for over 1.0 Gy. Thus, we do not expect thermal anomalies from before that time to persist into present day S -velocity anomalies and we consider a delamination origin as an explanation of Illinois basin subsidence unlikely. We cannot rule out that the slow mid-lithosphere beneath the Illinois basin is caused by an uppermost mantle enriched by a deep, but weak plume. We attribute the slow mid-lithosphere to the presence of either oceanic, hydrous crust, or, a relatively cool mantle wedge with preserved hydrous minerals in the Illinois basin's uppermost mantle, related to a fossilized flat subduction zone.