cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsorption and Surface Diffusion of DNA Oligonucleotides at Liquid/Solid Interfaces

Total internal reflection (TIR)/fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), which has been used to study adsorption and surface diffusion of proteins, was modified and applied to study DNA oligonucleotides at liquid/solid interfaces. Conventional TIR/spot FRAP and TIR/pattern FRAP techniques use a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to reveal the adsorption dynamics and surface diffusion rates of biomolecules, respectively. However, they do not provide spatial information on these interfacial processes. In this work, a cooled charge-coupled device camera is substituted for the PMT normally used. Studies of adsorption and surface diffusion of the well-characterized protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) validated the system's operation. Then, the desorption rate constant for a fluorescently tagged 21-mer DNA oligonucleotide (MW 7140 Da) was determined by spot FRAP. The desorption rate constants for strongly and weakly adsorbed oligonucleotides from (3-aminopropyl)triethoxy silane (APTES) glass were determined to...
Do investors still benefit from culturally home-biased diversification? An empirical study of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

Due to the continual economic integration and the accumulation of wealth in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, understanding portfolio strategies and the benefits of diversification for these countries is an indispensible element in managing global assets. Using weekly industry-level data, we analyze culturally home-biased diversification strategies and find that local investors still benefit from regional investments. The time-varying benefits of diversification exist even as the economies of this region have become increasingly integrated. Our analysis suggests that stricter weighting bounds reduce the economic values of diversification but enhance the feasibility of the optimal portfolio allocations. The larger benefits gained by Chinese investors suggest that international diversification is more advantageous to investors in emerging economies than to those in richer, developed markets. The robustness tests generate similar findings when we evaluate the out-of-sample effectiveness and the benefits of diversification under various parameter estimation windows.
Evolution and personal religious belief: Christian university biology-related majors' search for reconciliation

The goal of this study was to explore Christian biology-related majors' perceptions of conflicts between evolution and their religious beliefs. This naturalistic study utilized a case study design of 15 undergraduate biology-related majors at or recent biology-related graduates from a mid-western Christian university. The broad sources of data were interviews, course documents, and observations. Outcomes indicate that most participants were raised to believe in creationism, but came to accept evolution through evaluating evidence for evolution, negotiating the literalness of Genesis, recognizing evolution as a non-salvation issue, and observing professors as Christian role models who accept evolution. This study lends heuristic insight to researchers and educators seeking to understand the complex processes by which Christian biology-related majors approach learning about evolution. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 1026–1049, 2011
Design, Characterization, and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Diesel Exhaust Exposure System

A single-cylinder engine diesel exhaust exposure system was constructed to conduct laboratory health effects studies. The single-cylinder engine was selected to provide a cost-effective and easy-to-operate biological exposure system as an alternative to larger engines operated on chassis or test stand dynamometers. The engine was a 5500-watt diesel generator operated at load by connection to a bank of 11 500 watt light sources. The engine was isolated from the rodent and cell exposure chambers to ameliorate excessive noise and heat in the exposure room. Exhaust was diluted approximately 100:1 and routed to a 1 m3 flow-through exposure chamber where the exhaust composition was assessed in detail. Measurements included particle mass, particle size distribution (based on both number and mass), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particle carbon (organic and elemental), particle sulfate/nitrate, metals, total and speciated volatile hydrocarbons, and speciated semivolatile and particle-phase polycyclic aromatic ...
A measurement-based charge sheet capacitance model of short-channel MOSFET's for SPICE

Based on the surface potential formulation[1], a charge-sheet capacitance model for short-channel MOSFET's has been developed and implemented in SPICE. No iterations are needed to find the surface potential. The model equations are charge-based and includes the drift velocity saturation, the diffusion current, the effect of the bulk charge, the channel length modulation and the channel side fringing field capacitances. As a byproduct of the development of this capacitance model, an analytic charge-sheet current model has been obtained. The current, charges, their first derivatives(conductance and capacitance) and second derivatives are continuous over all the operating regions. An automatic direct-on-wafer off-chip capacitance measurement system with 14 aF rms resolution has been developed for performing the model parameter extraction.
Electrodermal lability and dichotic listening.

Subjects identified as electrodermal labiles and stabiles on the basis of frequency of nonspecific skin conductance responses during a resting period were presented with a series of auditory stimuli followed by dichotic presentation of different sets of words to each ear with the requirement to report as many words as possible irrespective of ear. Labiles performed better than stabiles on the dichotic listening task and were found to habituate skin conductance response more slowly to both tones and dichotic stimuli, and to show higher skin conductance level during both stimulus series and higher heart rate level during the dichotic series. There were no significant differences between the groups on a measure of EEG alpha activity during either series. The data were consistent with an arousal rather than an attentional interpretation of the labile-stabile difference.
Cross-linking of human T cell receptor proteins: association between the T cell idiotype β subunit and the T3 glycoprotein heavy subunit

Abstract Bifunctional cross-linking reagents DSP, DSS, and BSOCOES were used to cross-link 125 I-surface-labeled viable T lymphocytes. The cross-linked cells were solubilized in Nonidet-P40, immunoprecipitated with anti-Ti (monoclonal antibody T40/25) or anti-T3 (monoclonal antibodies UCHT-1 or OKT3), and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. With all three cross-linkers, the intact cross-linked products obtained with monoclonal antibody T40/25 from HPB-ALL cells were 20–30 kd heavier than the Ti dimer (M r 80,000). When the DSP cross-linked product was isolated using either anti-Ti or anti-T3 monoclonal antibodies and then cleaved, bands having molecular weights identical with both the Ti and T3 subunits were obtained. The two-dimensional SDS-PAGE analysis (nonreducing followed by reducing conditions) of the DSS and BSOCOES cross-linked products revealed the specifically cross-linked bands to have M r 40,000 and M r 28,000. These data indicate that the Ti molecule and the T3 molecule are spatially associated on the cell surface and suggest the predominant association is between the Ti β subunit (M r 40,000) and the T3 heavy subunit (M r 28,000).
A Monte–Carlo step-by-step simulation code of the non-homogeneous chemistry of the radiolysis of water and aqueous solutions. Part I: theoretical framework and implementation

The importance of the radiolysis of water in irradiation of biological systems has motivated considerable theoretical and experimental work in the radiation chemistry of water and aqueous solutions. In particular, Monte–Carlo simulations of radiation track structure and non-homogeneous chemistry have greatly contributed to the understanding of experimental results in radiation chemistry of heavy ions. Actually, most simulations of the non-homogeneous chemistry are done using the Independent Reaction Time (IRT) method, a very fast technique. The main limitation of the IRT method is that the positions of the radiolytic species are not calculated as a function of time, which is needed to simulate the irradiation of more complex systems. Step-by-step (SBS) methods, which are able to provide such information, have been used only sparsely because these are time consuming in terms of calculation. Recent improvements in computer performance now allow the regular use of the SBS method in radiation chemistry. In the present paper, the first of a series of two, the SBS method is reviewed in detail. To these ends, simulation of diffusion of particles and chemical reactions in aqueous solutions is reviewed, and implementation of the program is discussed. Simulation of model systems is then performed to validate the adequacy of stepwise diffusion and reaction schemes. In the second paper, radiochemical yields of simulated radiation tracks calculated by the SBS program in different conditions of LET, pH, and temperature are compared with results from the IRT program and experimental data.
Supernovae neutrinos and the r-process and ν-processes of nucleosynthesis

Abstract The neutrinos emitted from supernovae contain information both about the physics of stellar collapse and of the nature of the neutrinos. Several detectors exist that will be capable of observing some subset of those neutrinos. To complement these detectors, we have designed OMNIS, the Observatory for Multiflavor NeutrInos from Supernovae. OMNIS will provide new information on stellar collapse and neutrino transformations, possibly diagnose the process of collapse to a black hole, and observe the late-time evolution of the neutrino distributions. OMNIS' ability to measure the spectra of the neutrinos will have an important effect on our understanding of the r- and ν-processes of nucleosynthesis. OMNIS is also sensitive to some modes of nucleon decay that could significantly improve present limits.
The Protein and Non-Protein Nitrogen Fractions in Milk. I. Methods of Analysis

Summary Methods have been described for determination of total nitrogen casein, albumin, globulin, proteoses-peptones, non-protein nitrogen, ammonia, urea, creatinine, creatine, uric acid and alpha -ammo nitrogen in milk. Bulk milk samples were analyzed fresh and after holding at 0 to 5° C. for 10 days (toluene preserved). No significant change was observed in the nitrogen distribution during this aging.
Turgor Pressure: Direct Manometric Measurement in Single Cells of Nitella

A small capillary, fused at one end, serves as a micromanometer when the open end is inserted into a large Nitella cell. The cell9s ability to compress the gas reveals its turgor pressure directly-save for a small correction due to capillarity. The method gives a lower limit to turgor pressure for the same cell in the normal state. The common method, incipient plasmolysis, gives an upper limit. On Nitella axillaris cells the two methods limit the turgor pressure at 5.1 to 5.7 atmospheres. The manometric method is also applicable to growing cells, where osmotic equilibrium is not present.
Mass spectral fragmentation of functionalized lanostanes-I

Mass spectra of various functionalized lanostanes and their deuterated analogs are compared. It is proposed that the transfer of a hydrogen from the 18-methyl group to the 11-oxo group via a McLafferty rearrangement is made geometrically possible by prior ionization of the 13,14 bond which allows an optimum interatomic distance between the oxygen and hydrogen to be acquired; the 8,9 double bond is a requisite for electronic induction of this specific process. Transfer of the hydrogen from the 7β-hydroxy group to position 14 is implicated in the mass spectrum of 3β-acetoxy-7β-hydroxy-5α-lanostan-11-one.
Protein-polymer conjugation via ligand affinity and photoactivation of glutathione S-transferase.

A photoactivated, site-selective conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to the glutathione (GSH) binding pocket of glutathione S-transferase (GST) is described. To achieve this, a GSH analogue (GSH-BP) was designed and chemically synthesized with three functionalities: (1) the binding affinity of GSH to GST, (2) a free thiol for polymer functionalization, and (3) a photoreactive benzophenone (BP) component. Different molecular weights (2 kDa, 5 kDa, and 20 kDa) of GSH-BP modified PEGs (GSBP-PEGs) were synthesized and showed conjugation efficiencies between 52% and 76% to GST. Diazirine (DA) PEG were also prepared but gave conjugation yields lower than for GSBP-PEGs. PEGs with different end-groups were also synthesized to validate the importance of each component in the end-group design. End-groups included glutathione (GS-PEG) and benzophenone (BP-PEG). Results showed that both GSH and BP were crucial for successful conjugation to GST. In addition, conjugations of 5 kDa GSBP-PEG to different proteins ...
Cranial Morphology and Multituberculate Relationships

The comparative description of multituberculate crania has provided a solid morphological data base for the character analysis, which reveals that a majority of multituberculate cranial features are merely mammalian plesiomorphies. A few specializations do exist and appear to be either peculiar to all multituberculates or evolved within the group. These include inflated vestibular apparatus in taeniolabidoids, reduced postorbital process and jugal, large premaxilla, nasal and jugular foramen, and exclusion of palatine from orbit. Previously proposed synapomorphies to relate multituberculates as a sister taxon to either monotremes or Recent therians may simply be homoplasies, that is, independent acquisition of three-boned middle ear and independent loss of septomaxilla. Therefore, multituberculates appear to have been a separate lineage in early mammalian radiation either prior to emergence of the latest common ancestor of Recent mammals or before any other mammals even evolved.
Relations between executive function and emotionality in preschoolers: Exploring a transitive cognition-emotion linkage

Emotions play a crucial role in appraisal of experiences and environments and in guiding thoughts and actions. Moreover, executive function (EF) and emotion regulation (ER) have received much attention, not only for positive associations with children’s social-emotional functioning, but also for potential central roles in cognitive functioning. In one conceptualization of ER (Campos, Frankel, & Camras, 2004), processes of ER, and those of emotional expression and experience (hereafter referred to as emotionality) are highly related and reciprocal; yet, there has been little research on young children’s EF that focuses on emotionality, although it is easily observed within a classroom. The two goals of the study were to: (1) investigate the relatively unexplored role of emotionality in the development of EF in early childhood and (2) assess the relations between an observational rating of EF obtained after direct assessment with a standardized EF rating scale. We predicted that observed emotionality and EF would both demonstrate stability and predict one another within and across time. 175 children aged 35-60 months were recruited from Head Start and private childcare centers. Using PLS modeling, we chose T1 emotionality as the exogenous variable and tested pathways between emotionality and EF across two time points, 6 months apart. Results showed that both T1 observed EF and emotionality predicted their respective T2 counterparts, supporting the idea that both constructs build upon existing systems. Further, T1 emotionality predicted T1 observed EF and the T2 BRIEF-P composite. In turn, T1 observed EF predicted emotionality and the T2 BRIEF-P composite. These findings fit with literature on older populations in which EF and emotionality have been related, yet are the first to report such relations in early childhood. Last, observed T1 EF’s positive prediction of the T2 BRIEF-P composite lends credence to the use of both EF measures in applied and research settings.
Anglo-American Primacy and the Global Spread of Democracy: An International Genealogy

For the past three centuries, Great Britain and the United States have stood in succession at the apex of the international hierarchy of power. They have been on the winning side of every systemic conflict in this period, from the War of the Spanish Succession to the Cold War. As a result, they have been able to influence the political and economic development of states around the world. In many of their colonies, conquests, and clients, they have propagated ideals and institutions conducive to democratization. At the same time, they have defeated numerous rivals whose success would have had ruinous consequences for democracy. The global spread of democracy, therefore, has been endogenous to the game of great power politics.
The influence of excess oxygen on the elastic properties of non-stoichiometric SrO crystals

Abstract Measurements have been carried out of the elastic constants of SrO in the virgin undoped state and of the changes produced in them by equilibrium doping with oxygen at ≅ 1200°C and oxygen partial pressure of 0.95 atm. The method used was Papadakis' pulse-echo overlap technique in conjunction with thermogravimetric analysis (T.G.A.) to determine mass and density changes due to oxygen doping. The values obtained for C11, C12 and C44 of the virgin crystal at 23°C are C 11 = 17.60 ± 0.03 × 10 11 dynes/cm 2 ; C 12 = 4.808 ± 0.007 × 10 11 dynes/cm 2 ; C 44 = 5.577 ± 0.008 × 10 11 dynes/cm 2 .(These values are in very good agreement with those of Son and Bartels [2].) Values for δC 11 C 11 and δC 44 C 44 were found to be −1.74% and −0.86% respectively. Accurate valu δC 12 C 12 could not be obtained because of sample size limitations after quenching. However, C12 was shown to definitely increase due to doping. Analysis of the results indicate that the elastic modulus changes can only be attributed to the formation of cation vacancies during doping. Analysis of the T.G.A. behavior indicates that this cation vacancy formation is probably associated with the presence of various tripositive cation and uninegative anion species depending upon the impurity concentrations of the sample. This implied impurity-controlled cation vacancy concentration is consistent with the earlier observed extrinsic nature of cation diffusion in SrO at 1200°C.
Intelligent control of a boiler-turbine plant based on switching control scheme

This paper reports on our present achievement toward the intelligent control of a boiler-turbine power-plant based on switching control scheme, recently revived by some active reports. To overcome strong nonlinearity emerging in load following operations of boiler-turbine power plants, which is not efficiently compensated by the conventional PI-based gain scheduling control, a neural-based nonlinear feedforward switching control scheme is employed. Owing to its 2-degree freedom type instalment in the control system and proper switching of nonlinear feedforward control by monitoring contribution of inverse dynamics error to control error, effective suppression of nonlinearity is achieved.
A Multilevel Quantization Scheme For The Decentralized Detection Of An Unknown Signal

Recently a quantization and fusion scheme was proposed and analyzed for the distributed detection of an unknown signal in noise. The scheme is a modified version of the counting rules and can either be thought of as a feedback of the fusion decision to the local sensors or in terms of multiple partitioning of the observation space. The proposed quantization and fusion scheme is more robust than the counting rules and performs reasonably well in most configurations of the alternative hypothesis. In this paper we consider the unknown signal detection problem as a hypothesis testing problem with unrestricted alternatives and compare the performance of the scheme with that of the Pearson's Chi-square test.
Aspects of adherence of oral spirochetes.

Oral spirochetes are present in the oral cavity in various numbers and forms and have been strongly implicated as playing a role in the etiology of periodontal disease. Because adherence to host tissues is a critical first step in establishing a bacterial infection, reports on the attachment of oral spirochetes to host tissues and matrix components were reviewed. The great bulk of the literature concerns Treponema denticola ; however, where there is information regarding other oral spirochete species, it will be noted.
Validity and Reliability of Clinical Signs in the Diagnosis of Dehydration in Children

Objective . To determine the validity and reliability of various clinical findings in the diagnosis of dehydration in children. Design . Prospective cohort study. Setting . An urban pediatric hospital emergency department. Participants . One hundred eighty-six children ranging in age from 1 month to 5 years old with diarrhea, vomiting, or poor oral fluid intake, either admitted or followed as outpatients. Exclusion criteria included malnutrition, recent prior therapy at another facility, symptoms for longer than 5 days’ duration, and hyponatremia or hypernatremia. Methods . All children were evaluated for 10 clinical signs before treatment. The diagnostic standard for dehydration was fluid deficit as determined from serial weight gain after treatment. Main Results . Sixty-three children (34%) had dehydration, defined as a deficit of 5% or more of body weight. At this deficit, clinical signs were already apparent (median = 5). Individual findings had generally low sensitivity and high specificity, although parent report of decreased urine output was sensitive but not specific. The presence of any three or more signs had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 82% for detecting a deficit of 5% or more. A subset of four factors—capillary refill >2 seconds, absent tears, dry mucous membranes, and ill general appearance—predicted dehydration as well as the entire set, with the presence of any two or more of these signs indicating a deficit of at least 5%. Interobserver reliability was good to excellent for all but one of the findings studied (quality of respirations). Conclusions . Conventionally used clinical signs of dehydration are valid and reliable; however, individual findings lack sensitivity. Diagnosis of clinically important dehydration should be based on the presence of at least three clinical findings. dehydration, capillary refill, clinical assessment, interobserver agreement.
Acute life-threatening hemorrhage in patients with head and neck cancer presenting with carotid blowout syndrome: Follow-up results after initial hemostasis with covered-stent placement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CSP in patients with HNC presenting with CBS can provide immediate hemostasis to prevent exsanguination. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of CSP to control acute life-threatening hemorrhage in patients with HNC presenting with CBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients (7 men, 3 women; mean age, 59 years) with HNC presenting with acute life-threatening hemorrhage from CBS that was treated with CSP. We studied patient demographics, presentations, procedures, initial and delayed complications, and technical and clinical outcomes on follow-up. RESULTS: All patients achieved immediate hemostasis following CSP. Periprocedural complications consisted of groin hematomas (n = 2), acute limb ischemia requiring thrombectomy, and an asymptomatic temporal lobe hemorrhage. Imaging and clinical follow-up were available for a mean of 17.7 months (range, 1–60 months). Two patients remained asymptomatic with a patent stent and no evidence of rebleeding at 17 and 21 months, respectively. Recurrent hemorrhages requiring retreatment were encountered in 3 patients secondary to stent infections (30%) at mean duration of 8 months. Neurologic morbidity resulted from stent thrombosis and stroke at 8 months in a single patient. Mortality was unrelated to CSP but was a result of palliative hospice care (n = 3) at a mean of 2 months or natural disease progression (n = 1) with documented patency of the stent at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Acute life-threatening hemorrhage from CBS related to advanced HNC can be safely and effectively treated with CSP. However, potential delayed ischemic or infectious complications are common in the exposed or infected neck.
Synthesis and Structure of Multicomponent Crystals of Fullerenes and Metal Tetraarylporphyrins

The preparation of fullerene complexes with metal tetraarylporphyrins in the presence of excess ferrocene (Cp2Fe) results in the formation of new solvent-free and multicomponent molecular crystals. New isomorphous complexes of C60 with PyZnTPP (ZnTPP ≡ zinc 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrinate) and PyCoTPP (CoTPP ≡ cobalt(II) 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrinate) containing Cp2Fe and the isostructural C70 complex with PyZnTPP have been prepared. The crystal structures of the new layered C60 complexes CoTMPP·C60 (obtained in the presence of Cp2Fe) and CoTMPP·2C60·3C7H8 (obtained in the absence of Cp2Fe) have been described (CoTMPP ≡ cobalt(II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-methoxyphenyl)-21H,23H-porphyrinate). Cobalt atoms of the PyCoTPP and CoTMPP molecules are weakly coordinated to C60 with Co···C(C60) distances in the 2.64−2.82 A range, whereas zinc atoms of PyZnTPP, as well as cobalt atoms of the CoTMPP molecules in the solvent-free phase, form only van der Waals contacts with fullerenes. Differe...
Level of nutrient intake affects mammary gland gene expression profiles in preweaned Holstein heifers.

Bovine mammary parenchyma (PAR) and fat pad (MFP) development are responsive to preweaning level of nutrient intake. We studied transcriptome alterations in PAR and MFP from Holstein heifer calves (n = 6/treatment) fed different nutrient intakes from birth to ca. 65 d age. Conventional nutrient intake received 441 g of dry matter (DM)/d of a control milk replacer (MR) [CON; 20% crude protein (CP), 20% fat, DM basis]. Calves in the accelerated nutrition groups received 951 g/d of high-protein/low-fat MR (HPLF; 28% CP, 20% fat, DM basis), 951 g/d of high-protein/high-fat MR (HPHF; 28% CP, 28% fat, DM basis), or 1,431 g/d of HPHF (HPHF+) MR. Out of 13,000 genes evaluated, over 1,500 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were affected (false discovery rate <0.10) by level of nutrient intake in PAR or MFP. Feeding HPLF versus CON resulted in the most dramatic changes in gene expression, with 278 and 588 DEG having ≥1.5-fold change in PAR and MFP. In PAR, the most-altered molecular functions were associated with metabolism of the cell (molecular transport and lipid metabolism) with most of the genes downregulated in HPLF versus CON. In MFP, DEG also were primarily associated with metabolism but changes also occurred in genes linked to cell morphology, cell-to-cell signaling, and immune response. Compared with CON, feeding HPHF or HPHF+ did not result in substantial additional effects on DEG beyond those observed with HPLF. The pentose phosphate, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ubiquinone biosynthesis pathways were among the most enriched due to HPLF versus CON in PAR and were inhibited, whereas glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and eicosanoid synthesis pathways were among the most enriched due to HPLF versus CON in MFP and were inhibited. These responses suggest that, in PAR, doubling nutrient intake from standard feeding rates inhibited energy metabolism and activity of oxidative pathways that partly serve to protect cells against oxidative stress. The MFP in those heifers appeared to decrease production of lipid-derived metabolites that may play roles in signaling pathways within the adipocyte. Overall, results indicated that prepubertal/preweaned mammary transcriptome is responsive to long-term enhanced nutrient supply to achieve greater growth rates before weaning. The biological significance of these results to future milk production remains to be elucidated.
Optofluidic intracavity spectroscopy for single cell detection

Spectra of single biological cells including yeast cells and human blood cells using the optofluidic resonant cavity are reported in this work. A method for spectral correlation is also presented to verify the preliminary results of the single cell spectra. The correlation calculation demonstrates that the method is able to differentiate some types of single cells.
Using Cognitive Work Analysis to fit decision support tools to nurse managers' work flow.

Abstract Purpose To better understand the environmental constraints on nurse managers that impact their need for and use of decision support tools, we conducted a Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA). A complete CWA includes system analyses at five levels: work domain, decision-making procedures, decision-making strategies, social organization/collaboration, and worker skill level. Here we describe the results of the Work Domain Analysis (WDA) portion in detail then integrate the WDA with other portions of the CWA, reported previously, to generate a more complete picture of the nurse manager's work domain. Methods Data for the WDA were obtained from semi-structured interviews with nurse managers, division directors, CNOs, and other managers ( n =20) on 10 patient care units in three Arizona hospitals. The WDA described the nurse manager's environment in terms of the constraints it imposes on the nurse manager's ability to achieve targeted outcomes through organizational goals and priorities, functions, processes, as well as work objects and resources (e.g., people, equipment, technology, and data). Constraints were identified and summarized through qualitative thematic analysis. Results The results highlight the competing priorities, and external and internal constraints that today's nurse managers must satisfy as they try to improve quality and safety outcomes on their units. Nurse managers receive a great deal of data, much in electronic format. Although dashboards were perceived as helpful because they integrated some data elements, no decision support tools were available to help nurse managers with planning or answering "what if" questions. The results suggest both the need for additional decision support to manage the growing complexity of the environment, and the constraints the environment places on the design of that technology if it is to be effective. Limitations of the study include the small homogeneous sample and the reliance on interview data targeting safety and quality.
Sectioning spherical aluminum oxide particles for transmission electron microscopy

A technique was developed to aid in the interpretation of nucleation and growth characteristics of otherwise electron-opaque Al2O3 particles. The technique involved embedding a dense collection of particles in an Epon mixture and sectioning with a diamond knife on an ultramicrotome. Serial sections were utilized to obtain three-dimensional information. It was found that ultramicrotomy does not introduce artifacts in ceramics which would otherwise affect measurements of the crystallite size or phase fraction, nor does it affect the crystallographic data significantly. It was observed that α-Al2O3 nucleated at the surface of isolated particles and in the neck region of sintered particles. Other data, obtained from diffraction and in situ hot-stage studies, indicated that each polycrystalline α-Al2O3 particle transformed to a nearly single crystal of γ-Al2O3, which extended into adjacent particles under favorable circumstances.
Integration of EEG/MEG with MRI and fMRI

This article discusses different approaches that have been proposed for multimodal neuroimaging, with special emphasis on the integration of electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and functional MRI (fMRI). Some applications will be shown to illustrate the efficacy and importance of these techniques in clinical and neuroscience studies. Finally, some remaining challenges and problems in the multimodal integration will be discussed
Mediterranean Exotica and the Mafia “Other” or Problems of Representation in Pitrè's Texts

The most usual mistake made regarding Sicily is that it is a little island, peopled by Italians … and it is full of Italians, in the sense that they are Italian subjects. But by heredity, by instinct, by everything that pertains to racial culture and development, they are far from being Italians yet.
Transnational Advocacy Networks and Policy Cycles in the European Union: The Case of Sexual Harassment

This article expands and modifies the concept of Margaret Keck and Kathryn Sikkink of a transnational advocacy network (TAN) to explain the interaction between institutional and noninstitutionalized actors in the complex policy-making cycles in the European Union. I look at how the gender equality TAN successfully raised the issue of sexual harassment in the EU in the early 1980s and brought it into the amended 1976 Equal Treatment Directive in 2002 and explain this with three factors. First, TANs create policy expertise through the exchange of information and knowledge across borders among activists, experts, and policy makers, with both insiders and outsiders sharing an interest in creating transnational expertise. Second, newer international organizations and institutions, like the EU, offer activists a more open terrain to advance their goals. Third, the "boomerang pattern" identified by Keck and Sikkink occurs as a "ping-pong effect" in the EU because of its multilevel policy-making structure, which provides both challenges and opportunities for advocates.
The Family and the Urban Underclass An Integrative Framework

The major innovation of the concept of an underclass is that it treats dependent welfare women and poor urban male criminals as a single social group. A major source of the concept is an implicit synthesis of two bodies of economic theory and research—namely, human capital and dual labor market theory. This synthesis is best exemplified by the National Supported Work Demonstration. A major limitation of the synthesis is that it lacks a clear articulation of the influence of the family in underclass behavior. A theoretical framework is presented here that integrates family theory with the synthesized economic theory of the underclass. The integrated framework is used to examine the impact of current and proposed child support enforcement practices on the underclass.
Airbrushed Heirs: The Problem of Children Omitted from Wills

This Article addresses rules designed to protect children from unintentional disinheritance. The Article examines the problem in the abstract and in the concrete, assessing the merits of the twin theories — mistaken omission and failure to account for changed circumstances — on which lawmakers predicate rules to protect omitted children, as well as exploring the extant legislative variants of those rules. The Article concludes that current legislation (including the Uniform Probate Code) is insensitive to the problemʼs complexities and proposes legislative revisions — among them, the substitution of transient for permanent presumptions in some cases — or, in the alternative, a switch to discretionary rules. In the course of addressing the problemʼs ramifications, the Article also undertakes the first-ever empirical study of individual attitudes toward inheritance by children whom fathers are unaware they have.
Binocular combination of contrast signals by striate cortical neurons in the monkey.

Smith, Earl L., III, Yuzo Chino, Jinren Ni, and Han Cheng. Binocular combination of contrast signals by striate cortical neurons in the monkey. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 366–382, 1997. With the use of m...
The Nitrogen Isoelectronic Trap in GaAs

We report PL, PLES, and resonant PL from N isoelectronic traps induced under pressure at 5°K in GaAs. Exciton A and B transitions of isolated N form in the gap above 22 kbar and show strong wavevector-independent phonon cooperation resembling GaP:N. Levels vary with pressure independently of nearby bandedges, thus demonstrating “deep-level behavior.” These bound states derive from a localized resonance 150–180 meV above the Γ1 edge.
Coffee Intake during Pregnancy and Lactation in Rats: Maternal and Pup Hematological Parameters and Liver Iron, Zinc and Copper Concentration

To study the effects of maternal coffee intake on trace element status of the fetus and newborn, Sprague-Dawley female rats were fed a control purified diet and were provided ad libitum a freeze-dried coffee solution (1.5% wt/vol) (C) or distilled water (W) as their sole source of liquids from d 0 of gestation. On d 21 of gestation, a subsample of dams from each group was killed and litters were removed for examination. At birth, a subsample of litters from each group was cross-fostered to differentiate between pre- and postnatal exposure to coffee (water prenatally, coffee postnatally = WC; coffee prenatally, water postnatally = CW). Food and fluid intake during gestation, maternal weight gain and litter size were similar in the coffee and control groups, but pup birth weight was lower in the coffee group than in the control group (5.82 vs. 6.45 g, P less than 0.05). Compared with that of control pups, hemoglobin (Hb) was significantly lower in C and WC pups, but not in CW pups, at 3 and 14 d of age. Hematological values were not significantly different between C and W dams or C and W fetuses. Livers of C and WC pups had higher concentrations and total content of Fe, Zn and Cu at 3 d of age compared with controls, but the differences were reduced by 14 d of age. The results suggest that maternal coffee intake may impair mobilization of trace elements from liver reserves in early life and that this may result in reduced hemoglobin synthesis.
SQL: From Traditional Databases to Big Data

The Structured Query Language (SQL) is the main programing language designed to manage data stored in database systems. While SQL was initially used only with relational database management systems (RDBMS), its use has been significantly extended with the advent of new types of database systems. Specifically, SQL has been found to be a powerful query language in highly distributed and scalable systems that process Big Data, i.e., datasets with high volume, velocity and variety. While traditional relational databases represent now only a small fraction of the database systems landscape, most database courses that cover SQL consider only the use of SQL in the context of traditional relational systems. In this paper, we propose teaching SQL as a general language that can be used in a broad range of database systems from traditional RDBMSs to Big Data systems. This paper presents well-structured guidelines to introduce SQL in the context of new types of database systems including MapReduce, NoSQL and NewSQL. A key contribution of this paper is the description of an array of course resources, e.g., virtual machines, sample projects, and in-class exercises, to enable a hands-on experience with SQL across a broad set of modern database systems.
A Predictive Theory for the Calibration of Physical Functioning Patient Survey Items

Objectives: Theory development enables the modeling of relationships in physical functioning (PF), demonstrating the practical value of measurement theory relative to predictive control of the modeled parameters. Methods. Predictive theories provide highly practical foundations for efficient instrument calibration. PF theory hypothesizes the intentional use of the torso and extremities in tasks requiring varying degrees of coordination, balance, endurance, intensity, and sensitivity. In a pilot test of concept, a 14-item rating system based in this theory was used to score 37 PF activities listed as items in two patient-reported outcome measures, one of which was the SF-36’s PF-10. The instruments were calibrated simultaneously via Rasch analysis, using the theory-based ratings. The theoretical calibrations were then evaluated in a regression analysis for their capacity to predict the empirical calibrations, and this result was compared with a regression model employing nine of the 14 theory-based ratings.Results. Regression analysis shows the nine theory-based ratings to account for 94% of the variance in the empirical values, compared with 83% for the composite Rasch scale created from the 14-item rating system. Theoretical and empirical calibrations were equated to the same unit. Conclusions. Empirical data reproduce theoretical relationships between PF patient measures, response probabilities, and PF item calibrations. Previous research shows PF item calibrations to be invariant across samples, and that measures made from different instruments items are highly correlated. Theory-based reference standard metrics for PF measurement appear viable.Implications. An improved construct specification equation will combine the existing rating system with the log-frequency at which tasks appear in a typical day. Theory-based PF item calibration may soon scale relevant environments' individual challenges and efficiently allocate resources in targeted therapies.
Using HS-CRP for the Diagnosis of Children with Serous Cavity Effusions

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of hs-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) in children with serous cavity effusions. Methods 43 samples from children with serous cavity effusions were analyzed during 2008-2009. Hitachi 7600 automatic biochemistry analyzer was used for LDH and protein measurement. Hs-CRP was measured using immunofluorescence double-antibody sandwich method. Results The sensitivity and specificity of this detection method was 92% and 93%,respectivily. Conclusion Compared with the routine methods,hs-CRP can be used as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of children with serous cavity effusions.
Inactivation of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Sliced and Whole Tomatoes by Allyl Isothiocyanate, Carvacrol, and Cinnamaldehyde in Vapor Phase

Little is known about the effectiveness of antimicrobials in the vapor phase for control of pathogens on the surface of fresh produce. We determined the activity of allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol against Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on sliced and whole tomatoes. Samples were treated with various concentrations of antimicrobial in the vapor phase at 4, 10, and 25°C in a closed container. AIT exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity followed by cinnamaldehyde. The lowest level of AIT (8.3 μl/liter of air) inactivated Salmonella on sliced tomatoes by 1.0 and 3.5 log at 4 and 10°C, respectively, in 10 days and by 2.8 log at 25°C in 10 h. This level of AIT inactivated Salmonella on whole tomatoes to the detection limit of <2 log CFU per tomato at 4 and 10°C in 10 days and by 1.3 log CFU per tomato at 25°C in 10 h. AIT also inactivated E. coli O157:H7 on sliced tomatoes by 3.0 log at 4 and 10°C in 10 days, but there was no inactivation at 25°C in 10 h. AIT reduced E. co...
Adjusting to Immigrants in Two Midwestern Communities: Same Outcome, Different Process*

Objective This article examines the distinct processes of accommodation to immigrants in two similar small towns in Iowa. Ethnic conflict and contact theories predict that the processes would be similar in these towns, but their experiences demonstrate otherwise. Methods The study traces the histories of these towns and uses surveys, focus groups, and interviews to detail the process of accommodation in these communities. Results In both towns, white/Anglo residents came to accommodate their new neighbors and accept immigrants as full members of their communities, but the processes were unique in each place. In one community, earlier exposure to a small group of Laotian refugees gave residents and officials valuable experience with diversity. Further, this town was pushed toward acceptance when an outside group spread falsehoods. Conclusions This study demonstrates that adjusting to ethnic diversity is a long-term process that is unique to a community's experience with diversity.
A Community Needs Index for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program Planning: Application of Spatial Generalized Linear Mixed Models

Objective The objective is to estimate community needs with respect to risky adolescent sexual behavior in a way that is risk-adjusted for multiple community factors. Methods Generalized linear mixed modeling was applied for estimating teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) incidence by postal ZIP code in New York State, in a way that adjusts for other community covariables and residual spatial autocorrelation. A community needs index was then obtained by summing the risk-adjusted estimates of pregnancy and STD cases. Results Poisson regression with a spatial random effect was chosen among competing modeling approaches. Both the risk-adjusted caseloads and rates were computed for ZIP codes, which allowed risk-based prioritization to help guide funding decisions for a comprehensive adolescent pregnancy prevention program. Conclusions This approach provides quantitative evidence of community needs with respect to risky adolescent sexual behavior, while adjusting for other community-level variables and stabilizing estimates in areas with small populations. Therefore, it was well accepted by the affected groups and proved valuable for program planning. This methodology may also prove valuable for follow up program evaluation. Current research is directed towards further improving the statistical modeling approach and applying to different health and behavioral outcomes, along with different predictor variables.
Estrogen protects both sexes against EAE by promoting common regulatory cell subtypes independent of endogenous estrogen.

Autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis predominantly affect females. Although high levels of sex hormones, particularly estrogen (E2), can reduce proinflammatory immune responses, it remains unclear if a lack of endogenous sex hormones might affect treatment with exogenous sex hormones. Pretreatment with E2 almost completely prevents intact female and male mice from developing clinical and histological signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by promoting various regulatory immune cell phenotypes. To evaluate the effects of exogenous estrogen in the absence of endogenous sex hormones, the current study compared EAE severity and the emergence of different immunoregulatory cell populations after E2 pretreatment of ovariectomized (OVX) female versus male mice. We found that E2 equally protected both OVX females and males from EAE over a 21 day observation period concomitant with reduced total cell numbers in spleen and spinal cord (males only), but enhanced percentages of CD19+CD5+CD1dhi, CD19+CD138+CD44hi and CD19+Tim-1+ Breg cells, CD8+CD122+ Treg cells and CD11b+CD 206+ARG-1+ anti-inflammatory M2-like monocytes/macrophages in both groups. In contrast, E2 decreased the percentage of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells in OVX females but increased these Treg cells in males and intact female mice. These data suggest that with the exception of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells, E2 protection against EAE promotes highly overlapping immunoregulatory subsets in OVX females and males.
Recurrent Graves’ hyperthyroidism after prolonged radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism:

Background:Radioactive iodine (RAI) is the most cost effective therapy for Graves’ disease (GD). Patients with GD who have become hypothyroid after therapeutic RAI, rarely develop recurrence of disease. Herein we describe a case of recurrence of thyrotoxicosis after 2 years of hypothyroidism.Methods:We present the clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging and management of an unusual case of recurrent hyperthyroidism.Results:A 48-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a 2-day history of palpitation, chest discomfort and 30 pounds of weight loss. Examination was remarkable for rapid and irregular pulse, diffuse thyromegaly and brisk deep tendon reflexes but no eye changes or tremors. Laboratory tests showed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of 20 (1.8–4.7 pg/ml), total thyroxine >800 (80–200 ng/dl). Electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. RAI uptake and sc...