cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of a Goal-Setting Intervention for Engineering Students on Academic Probation

Many degree-seeking college students struggle academically and ultimately never graduate. Academic challenges and persistence within the major are especially salient issues for students who major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Academic probation serves as a means for informing students that they are at risk of dismissal, and many colleges and universities offer services to help students placed on probation to succeed academically. This paper presents two studies that examined the effectiveness of a goal-setting academic advising intervention for improving the grades of engineering students who were on academic probation; one study used a regression discontinuity design, and the other used an experimental design. The findings of both studies support the same overall conclusion: The intervention notably increased the grades of engineering students on probation who are beyond their first year of college, but it was not effective for students in their first year. This brief academic enhancement intervention appears to constitute a cost-effective strategy for bolstering the academic success of at-risk college students after their first year.
Effect of Side Struts on the Strength of Long Arm Plaster Splints: A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND There are multiple methods of achieving upper extremity immobilization after pediatric elbow injuries; however, no biomechanical study has established an optimal construct. The goal of this study was to compare the strength of commonly used long arm splints and to evaluate the effect of reinforcing plaster splints with side struts. METHODS Five categories of long arm posterior slab splints were tested: 4-inch plaster without side struts, 4-inch plaster with a medial side strut, 4-inch plaster with medial and lateral side struts, 5-inch plaster without side struts, and 4-inch fiberglass splint material without side struts. There were 4 splints in each group. As a control, 4 half fiberglass long arm casts were also tested. Each splint or cast was mounted on a single-column tensile tester and a 3-point bending load was applied to simulate an extension moment at the elbow. The maximum load before failure was measured and an ANOVA model was used to analyze the differences between groups. Additionally, a retrospective chart review was performed of pediatric patients who were immobilized postoperatively in a long arm plaster splint with side struts. We collected data on patient age, type of fracture, time from splint application in the operating room to removal in clinic, length of follow-up, and any complications. RESULTS The 4-inch plaster splints reinforced with 2 struts had the highest average maximum load to failure (731±143 N), which was significantly higher than the 4-inch plaster splints with one strut (505±48 N) (P=0.01) and the 4-inch plaster splints without struts (100±10 N) (P<0.001). The half fiberglass casts failed at an average maximum load of 655±96 N, however there was no statistically significant difference compared with 4-inch plaster splints with 2 struts (P=0.10). The 5-inch plaster splints without side struts failed at a greater average maximum load (341±110 N) compared with the splints constructed with fiberglass material without side struts (233±61 N) (P=0.03). A total of 140 patients were identified in the retrospective review. Splint-related complications occurred in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS The addition of both 1 and 2 side struts to a 4-inch long arm plaster splint significantly increased the load to failure. The strength of 4-inch plaster splints with 2 side struts was comparable to that of half fiberglass casts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA (biomechanical study).
Undergraduates at a Research University Think of Faculty as Teachers and That Teaching is Prestigious

What do university students understand about faculty work? Undergraduate (mostly first-year) students (N = 317) at a research university gave definitions of tenure, estimated how much time faculty ...
Photoaging: a Review of Current Literature

Photoaging, also known as extrinsic aging, consists of premature skin changes secondary to damage caused by chronic sun exposure. This review highlights epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical, and pathological features of photoaging. UV radiation is the central driver of photoaging. However, there is growing evidence that other environmental factors—including ambient air pollution and visible/infrared light—also play a key role. Furthermore, newer research suggests that skin phototype, ethnicity, and sex can all differentially mediate the process of photoaging. UV radiation is the primary cause of photoaging, an extrinsic aging of the skin. This process can be exacerbated by other factors including air pollution, visible/infrared light, and endocrine factors. Clinically, decreased skin elasticity (solar elastosis) with wrinkle formation is a characteristic feature. However, differences in the features and timing of presentation may vary by skin phototype, ethnicity, and sex. Prevention through minimizing solar irradiation is key.
Cryo-EM structures of intact V-ATPase from bovine brain

The vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPase) hydrolyze ATP to pump protons across the plasma or intracellular membrane, secreting acids to the lumen or acidifying intracellular compartments. It has been implicated in tumor metastasis, renal tubular acidosis, and osteoporosis. Here, we report two cryo-EM structures of the intact V-ATPase from bovine brain with all the subunits including the subunit H, which is essential for ATPase activity. Two type-I transmembrane proteins, Ac45 and (pro)renin receptor, along with subunit c”, constitute the core of the c-ring. Three different conformations of A/B heterodimers suggest a mechanism for ATP hydrolysis that triggers a rotation of subunits DF, inducing spinning of subunit d with respect to the entire c-ring. Moreover, many lipid molecules have been observed in the Vo domain to mediate the interactions between subunit c, c”, (pro)renin receptor, and Ac45. These two structures reveal unique features of mammalian V-ATPase and suggest a mechanism of V1-Vo torque transmission. The vacuolar-type H+ -ATPases (V-ATPase) hydrolyze ATP to pump protons across the plasma or intracellular membrane. Here authors report two cryo-EM structures of the intact V-ATPase from bovine brain with all the subunits including the subunit H, which is essential for ATPase activity.
Leading Baryons at Low x_L in DIS and Photoproduction at ZEUS

Results obtained by the ZEUS collaboration on leading baryon production in the proton fragmentation region are presented. The reaction $\gamma p \to N X$, with N a proton or a neutron, is examined both at low and high photon virtuality.
Trends in Hospital-to-Hospital Transfers for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Institution Experience from 2006 to 2017.

Background Despite evidence to support that aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is best treated at high-volume centers, it is unknown whether clinical practice reflects these findings. Methods We analyzed patients transferred to our high-volume center for aSAH between 2006 and 2017. Data collection included number of transfers, demographic data, Hunt and Hess score, Fisher score, comorbid conditions, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, in-hospital mortality rates, insurance status, and hospital charges. Comparisons were made across 3 time periods (2006–2009, 2010–2013, and 2014–2017) and included subgroup analyses by treatment modality (endovascular vs. microsurgical). Results aSAH transfers declined from 213 in 2006–2009 to 160 in 2014–2017. While there was no change in presenting Hunt and Hess scores, the percentage of modified Fisher scores of 4 increased from 2006–2009 to 2014–2017. Transferred patients had a greater comorbidity index and decreased predicted 10-year survival. Despite this, the average LOS decreased. In-hospital mortality decreased from 2006–2009 to 2014–2017, especially in the endovascular cohort. The proportions of patients who were either self-pay or Medicaid did not change. Overall inflation-adjusted hospital charges decreased from $76,975 in 2006–2009 to $59,870 in 2014–2017. Conclusions Between 2006 and 2017, transfers to our center for aSAH declined. However, transferred patients had greater levels of complexity, more comorbidities, and were at greater risk for vasospasm based on their presenting Fisher score. Nonetheless, average LOS, in-hospital mortality, and cost declined. These changing referral patterns have implications for outcome data, quality reporting, resident education, and developing systems of care to optimize outcomes.
Managing Heat Stress In Dairy Facilities

Heat stress can have a dramatic impact on milk production and reproduction on commercial dairies. The impact of heat stress can be minimized by improving water availability, providing shade in the housing areas and holding pen, reducing walking distance, reducing time in the holding pen, improving holding pen ventilation, adding holding pen cooling and exit lane cooling, improving ventilation in cow housing areas (freestalls), cooling close-up cows (3 weeks prior to calving), cooling fresh cows and early lactation cows, and cooling mid and late lactation cows. Dairy cattle can be cooled by providing a cooler environment (cooling the air) or by soaking the cows and evaporating water off her skin surface (cooling the cow). Using evaporative cooling to cool the air works in climates with low relative humidity. Evaporating water off the skin surface of the cow to cool the cow will be beneficial in all climates.
Multiple Change Point Detection in Reduced Rank High Dimensional Vector Autoregressive Models

We study the problem of detecting and locating change points in high-dimensional Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models, whose transition matrices exhibit low rank plus sparse structure. We first address the problem of detecting a single change point using an exhaustive search algorithm and establish a finite sample error bound for its accuracy. Next, we extend the results to the case of multiple change points that can grow as a function of the sample size. Their detection is based on a two-step algorithm, wherein the first step, an exhaustive search for a candidate change point is employed for overlapping windows, and subsequently, a backward elimination procedure is used to screen out redundant candidates. The two-step strategy yields consistent estimates of the number and the locations of the change points. To reduce computation cost, we also investigate conditions under which a surrogate VAR model with a weakly sparse transition matrix can accurately estimate the change points and their locations for data generated by the original model. This work also addresses and resolves a number of novel technical challenges posed by the nature of the VAR models under consideration. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and methodology is illustrated on both synthetic and two real data sets.
Parent and teacher perspectives about preschool children’s natural learning opportunities in two immigrant Head Start communities

In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of dual-language learning (DLL) preschool children. Guided by the literatures on home-school partnership and caregiver ethnot...
Evidence for the Presence of Nontranslated T7 Late mRNA in Infected F′(PIF+) Episome-Containing Cells

The inability of T7 to develop in cells of Escherichia coli containing F(+) or substituted F' episomes is a result of the failure to synthesize late proteins; no in vivo translation of mRNA species synthesized by the T7 RNA polymerase occurs. Further experiments have been performed to measure the amount of late mRNA in T7-infected F'(PIF(+)) cells. (We have designated the property of phage inhibition of F factors as PIF; the wild-type episome is therefore F'[PIF(+)].) T7 late proteins were synthesized in vitro by using a system programed with RNA extracted from T7-infected F(-) and F'(PIF(+)) cells. The T7 lysozyme, product of gene 3.5, and the gene 10 head protein were assayed. The following results were obtained: (i) mRNA capable of supporting in vitro synthesis of lysozyme and the gene 10 head protein is present in T7-infected F'(PIF(+)) cells; (ii) lysozyme mRNA extracted from T7-infected F'(PIF(+)) cells is present at 70 to 75% of the level found in T7-infected F(-) cells; (iii) gene 10 mRNA is present at 35 to 78% of the level found in T7-infected F(-) cells. No in vivo synthesis of either lysozyme or gene 10 protein can be detected in T7-infected F'(PIF(+)) cells although normal synthesis of these proteins occurs in F(-) cells. These findings confirm that the block in T7 development in F'(PIF(+)) cells results from the failure to translate late classes of T7 RNA.
Personality and psychopathology

PERSONALITY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY CAN RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER IN THREE DIFFERENT WAYS: personality and psychopathology can influence the presentation or appearance of one another (pathoplastic relationships); they can share a common, underlying etiology (spectrum relationships); and they can have a causal role in the development or etiology of one another. Each of these possible forms of inter-relationship is considered in this paper.
Thermophysical Properties of Propellants

The determination of the thermophysical properties of some solid propellants have been made. The two thermal properties measured were specific heat and thermal diffusivity. The specific heat was measured by using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermal diffusivity was measured by the flash diffusivity method. The samples used included both single crystal and pressed powders of ammonium perchlorate (AP), HMX and RDX.
Autoepistemic Logic of Minimal Beliefs

In recent years, various formalizations of non-monotonic reasoning and different semantics for normal and disjunctive logic programs have been proposed, including autoepistemic logic, circumscription, CWA, GCWA, ECWA, epistemic specifications, stable, well-founded, stationary and static semantics of normal and disjunctive logic programs.
Piston core record of Late Paleogene (31 Ma) to recent seafloor hydrothermal activity in the Southwest Pacific Basin

A large diameter piston core containing 8.35 m of metalliferous sediment has been recovered from a small abyssal valley in the remote Southwest Pacific Basin (31° 42.194′S, 143° 30° 331′W; 5082 m water depth), providing unique insight into hydrothermal activity and eolian sedimentation there since the early Oligocene. A combination of fish-teeth Sr-isotope stratigraphy and INAA geochemical data reveals an exponentially decreasing hydrothermal flux 31 Ma to the present. Although hydrothermal sedimentation related to seafloor spreading explains this trend, a complex history of late Eocene/early Oligocene ridge jumps, propagating rifts and plate tectonic reorganization of South Pacific seafloor could have also played a role. A possible hiatus in deposition, as recorded by changes in core composition just below 2 m depth, is beyond the resolution of the fish teeth Sr isotope dating method employed here; however, the timing of this interval may be coincident with extinction of the Pacific-Farallon Ridge at ∼20 Ma. A low flux eolian component accumulating at this site shows an increase relative to the hydrothermal component above 2 m depth, consistent with dust-generating continental sources far to the west (Australia/New Zealand). This is the first long-term paleoceanographic record obtained from within the South Pacific “bare zone” (Rea et al., 2006), an anomalous region where Pacific seafloor has largely escaped sediment accumulation since the Late Cretaceous.
On the strength of interplate coupling and the rate of back arc convergence in the central Andes: An analysis of the interseismic velocity field

[1] We interpret the interseismic crustal velocity field of the central Andes using a simple three-plate model in which the Andean mountain belt is treated as a rigid microplate located between the Nazca and South American (SoAm) plates. We assume that the Euler vectors associated with these plates are strictly coaxial and that the surface velocity field can be decomposed into an elastic loading field (driven by locking of the main plate boundary) and a smaller contribution associated with back arc convergence. We obtain our best fit to the geodetic velocities if the main plate boundary is fully (100%) locked between depths of ∼10–50 km and ∼8.5% of Nazca-SoAm plate convergence is achieved in the back arc (by underthrusting of the Brazilian Shield beneath the Subandean zone).
Linking ERP and e-Business to a Framework of an Integrated e-Supply Chain

Recent developments have created an opportunity for organizations to leverage Web-based technologies. Such organizational initiatives need to be supported by sound existing infrastructures based on well-functioning Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Also, business processes in multiple organizations across the supply chain need to be integrated to forge tighter links, from raw materials to customers. This chapter examines the evolving relationship between ERP and e-Business. We study how organizations can gain competitive advantage by leveraging the complementarities between these two technologies. We present a framework of e-Supply Chain Management (e-SCM) which facilitates the integration of business processes across the supply chain. We also discuss the recent developments in the area of cloud computing and its impact on the Internet-enabled supply chain environment.
A multi-stimuli responsive, self-assembling, boronic acid dipeptide

Modification of the dipeptide of phenylalanine, FF, with a boronic acid (BA) functionality imparts unique aqueous self-assembly behavior that responds to multiple stimuli. Changes in pH and ionic strength are used to trigger hydrogelation via the formation of nanoribbon networks. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the binding of polyols to the BA functionality can modulate a peptide between its assembled and disassembled states.
Critical Quantitative Inquiry in Context

This chapter briefly traces the development of the concept of critical quantitative inquiry, provides an expanded conceptualization of the tasks of critical quantitative research, offers theoretical explanation and justification for critical research using quantitative methods, and previews the work of quantitative criticalists presented in this volume.
Influence of SiC/Si3N4 Hybrid Nanoparticles on Polymer Tensile Properties

Nanostructured silicon carbide (SiC)/silicon nitride (Si3N4) hybrid nanoparticles exhibit a high-potential for reinforcement of polymers. In the present investigation, silicon carbide (-SiC) nanoparticles (~30 nm) were sonochemically coated on acicular silicon nitride (~100 nm nm) particles to increase the thermal and mechanical properties of Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers. To produce Nylon-6/(SiC/Si3N4) nanocomposite fibers, we have followed a two-step process. In the first step, SiC nanoparticles were coated on Si3N4 nanorods using a sonochemical method and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide surfactant. In the second step, the SiC coated Si3N4 hybrid nanoparticles were blended with Nylon-6 polymer and extruded in the form of nanocomposite polymer fibers. The nanocomposite fibers were uniformly stretched and stabilized using a two-set Godet roll machine. The diameters of the extruded neat Nylon-6 and SiC/Si3N4/Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers were measured using a scanning electron microscope and then tested for their tensile and thermal properties. These results were compared with the neat Nylon-6 polymer fibers. These results clearly indicate that the as-prepared nanocomposite polymer fibers are much higher in tensile strength (242%) and Young’s modulus (716%) as compared to the neat polymer fibers.
Filing Your Occupational Information

As a practical vocational counselor you have doubtless been faced with the necessity of preserving unbound occupational material. Here is a description of a simple but efficient filing system which guarantees that the material will be accessible both to yourself and your students.
De novo synthesis of artificial ribonucleases with benign metal catalysts

A zinc(II)–neocuproine based ribozyme mimic has been constructed for the sequence-selective transesterification of RNA using a begin metal catalyst.
On the use of different parabolic concentration profiles for nonlinear adsorption and diffusion in a single particle

Different parabolic concentration profile assumptions have been used in simplifying pore and/or surface diffusion models that describe mass transport inside a single adsorbent particle. A parabolic concentration pofile assumption for the adsorbed phase has been used to describe solid diffusion (Liaw et al., 1979), and also surface diffusion (Yao and Tien, 1993) inside adsorbent particles. A parabolic concentration profile assumption for the gas phase has also been used to account for pore diffusion within adsorbent particles (Yang and Doong, 1985; Do and Rice, 1986; Yao and Tien, 1993; Lai and Tan, 1991) and more recently Zhang and Ritter (1997) used a parabolic concentration profile assumption for the summation of the gas and adsorbed phases to describe pore and/or surface diffusion inside adsorbent particles. These three different parabolic concentration profile assumptions are the same, only for a linear adsorption isotherm, When the adsorption isotherm is nonlinear, the approximate models of the pore-surface diffusion model obtained by using the parabolic concentration profile assumptions of the gas, adsorbed, or summation of the gas and adsorbed phases inside the adsorbent particle are totally different. Nevertheless, the parabolic concentration profile assumptions for the gas and adsorbed phases have been used with essentially no regard for the validity of such an assumption for a given system. Therefore, the objective of this communication is to present three simplified models of the general adsorption and diffusion equation, each based on one of the parabolic distribution concentration profile assumptions. The utility of these models is demonstrated, along with some rules of thumb that a priori indicate which parabolic concentration profile assumption is more appropriate for a given system.
Problems in application software maintenance

The problems of application software maintenance in 487 data processing organizations were surveyed. Factor analysis resulted in the identification of six problem factors: user knowledge, programmer effectiveness, product quality, programmer time availability, machine requirements, and system reliability. User knowledge accounted for about 60 percent of the common problem variance, providing new evidence of the importance of the user relationship for system success or failure. Problems of programmer effectiveness and product quality were greater for older and larger systems and where more effort was spent in corrective maintenance. Larger scale data processing environments were significantly associated with greater problems or programmer effectiveness, but with no other problem factor. Product quality was seen as a lesser problem when certain productivity techniques were used in development.
Does an Exercise Aimed at Improving Swallow Function Have an Effect on Vocal Function in the Healthy Elderly

Age-related sarcopenia or muscle wasting contributes to changes in the ability to perform activities of daily living, changes in deglutition, and changes in vocal function. The Shaker Exercise, an isometric and isokinetic exercise, has been shown to strengthen suprahyoid muscles and increase deglutitive anteroposterior (AP) upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening diameter. The aim of this study was to determine if this exercise has an effect on the age-related changes in vocal function and deglutition in healthy older adults. Eleven females and 10 males, aged 65-78 years (mean = 70 +/- 4 years) and with a negative history for dysphagia and voice disorders, participated by exercising three times per day for 6 weeks. Five age-matched controls did not perform the exercise. Acoustic analysis of voice and biomechanical analysis of deglutition were performed before and after 6 weeks of exercise. Controls participated in voice analysis only. Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), a multivariate voice index, was used to compare voice production initially and after 6 weeks. Deglutitive biomechanical measures increased and DSI scores improved in 10 of 21 participants following 6 weeks of the exercise. DSI for controls did not change over the 6-week period. Ten of 21 exercise participants experienced improved deglutitive biomechanics and DSI scores. Accuracy of exercise performance, compliance, and/or disclosed alterations in health status may contribute to the lack of deglutitive and DSI change in the participants who did not experience change in function. A large randomized control study, including periodic monitoring of health status, exercise performance accuracy, and compliance, is warranted to evaluate the affect of this exercise on deglutition as well as voice. The Shaker Exercise could be recommended as a preventative measure to diminish the effect of sarcopenia on the muscles used in deglutition and voice and alter the progression of the characteristic senescent voice and swallow changes.
How Big Data Will Change Accounting

SYNOPSIS: Big Data will have increasingly important implications for accounting, even as new types of data become accessible. The video, audio, and textual information made available via Big Data c...
Streptomycin: irreversible association with superoxide dismutases.

Abstract Streptomycin modified the electrophoretic mobility, but not the catalytic activity, of the superoxide dismutases of Streptococcus faecalis and of Escherichia coli . This effect, which was seen with crude extracts or with the purified enzymes, was due to a change in charge rather than to significant change in size. Reaction between enzymes and streptomycin, exhibited great specificity. Thus: 1. Streptomycin gave no indication of reaction with the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase of bovine erythrocytes or with the manganese enzyme from human liver. 2. It reacted with some of the bacterial superoxide dismutases examined, but not with others. 3. Brief treatment with urea, at 8.0 m , did not interfere either with the catalytic activity or the streptomycin-reactivity of the S. faecalis enzyme. 4. Removal of manganese gave an apoenzyme, whose electrophoretic mobility was identical with that of the holoenzyme. This apoenzyme did not react with streptomycin, and reincorporation of the manganese restored its ability to react. 5. A variety of proteins and enzymes, chosen at random, did not react with streptomycin. When [ 14 C]streptomycin was used, 3.2 molecules per molecule enzyme modified were found to resist removal by exhaustive dialysis. The corresponding number after treatment with 6.0 m guanidinium chloride was 1.2 and after repeated precipitation with trichloroacetic acid was 1.0. Dihydrostreptomycin, bearing a hydroxymethyl group in place of a formyl group, was unreactive. Nevertheless, acetaldehyde (10 m m ) did not interfere with the binding of streptomycin. The S. faecalis enzyme was homogeneous by the criterion of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, yet appeared heterogeneous in its reaction with streptomycin. Thus, 40% of the enzyme reacted rapidly, whereas the remainder reacted much more slowly.
Expression of NF-kappaB and IkappaB proteins in skeletal muscle of gastric cancer patients.

The mechanisms eliciting cancer cachexia are not well understood. Wasting of skeletal muscle is problematic because it is responsible for the clinical deterioration in cancer patients and the ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Animal studies suggest that nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB) signaling is important in the progression of muscle wasting due to several types of tumors. However, there are no published studies in humans on a role for NF-κB in cancer cachexia. In this project we studied the rectus abdominis muscle from patients with gastric tumors (n=14) and age matched control subjects (n=10) for markers of NF-κB activation. Nuclear levels of p65, p50, and Bcl-3 were the same in both groups of subjects. However, phospho-p65 was elevated by 25% in muscles of cancer patients. In addition, expression of the inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα), was decreased by 25% in cancer patients. Decreased expression of IκBα reflects its degradation by one of the IκBα kinases and is a marker of NF-κB activation. Interestingly, there was no correlation between the stage of cancer and the extent of IκBα decrease, nor was there a correlation between the degree of cachexia and decreased IκBα levels. This suggests that the activation of NF-κB is an early and sustained event in gastric cancer. The work implicates the NF-κB signaling in the initiation and progression of cancer cachexia in humans and demonstrates the need for additional study of this pathway; it also recommends NF-κB signaling as a therapeutic target for the amelioration of cachexia as has been suggested from rodent studies.
Damage in spherical cellular membrane generated by the shock waves: Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation of lipid vesicle

Traumatic Brain Injury is a major health issue that is hard to diagnose since it often occurs without signs of external injuries. While it is well known that exposure of biological cells to shock waves causes damage to the cell membrane, it is currently unknown by which mechanisms damage is caused, and how it depends on physical parameters such as shock wave velocity, shock pulse duration, or shock pulse shape. In this computational study, we use a coarse-grained model of the lipid vesicle as a generic model of a cell membrane to elucidate the general principles of the cellular damage induced by the shock wave direct passage through the cranium. Results indicate that the extent of the liposome compression does not strongly depend on the pressure pulse and that liposome extension is very sensitive to the change in the negative pressure phase. The structural integrity of the vesicle is altered as pores form in the lipid membrane at overall pressure impulses generated by supersonic shock waves, which are greater than 5 Pa·s at single or repetitive exposure. Consequently, these permeability changes may lead to changes in the influx of sodium, potassium, and calcium ions.
Wave-influenced deltas: geomorphological implications for facies reconstruction

A process-based facies model for asymmetric wave-influenced deltas predicts significant river-borne muds with potentially lower quality reservoir facies in prodelta and downdrift areas, and better quality sand in updrift areas. Many ancient barrier-lagoon systems and ‘offshore bars’ may be better reinterpreted as components of large-scale asymmetric wave-influenced deltaic systems. The proposed model is based on a re-evaluation of several modern examples. An asymmetry index A is defined as the ratio between the net longshore transport rate at the mouth (in m 3 year )1 ) and river discharge (in 10 6 m 3 month )1 ). Symmetry is favoured in deltas with an index below 200 (e.g. Tiber, lobes of the Godavari delta, Rosetta lobe of the Nile, Ebro), whereas deltas with a higher index are asymmetric (e.g. Danube ‐ Sf. Gheorghe lobe, Brazos, Damietta lobe of the Nile). Periodic deflection of the river mouth for significant distances in the downdrift direction occurs in extreme cases of littoral drift dominance (e.g. Mahanadi), resulting in a series of randomly distributed, quasi-parallel series of sand spits and channel fills. Asymmetric deltas show variable proportions of river-, wave- and tide-dominated facies both among and within their lobes. Bayhead deltas, lagoons and barrier islands form naturally in prograding asymmetric deltas and are not necessarily associated with transgressive systems. This complexity underlines the necessity of interpreting ancient depositional systems in a larger palaeogeographic context.
Menstrually related symptom changes in women with schizophrenia

In this study, affective, somatic, behavioral and psychotic symptom ratings were collected daily in an attempt to evaluate the level and significance of menstrual cycle changes in a cohort of women with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia. Thirty-nine hospitalized women were examined longitudinally on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the retrospective and prospective versions of the Premenstrual Assessment Form. Results indicated that similar to normal and depressed women, the symptoms that were most exacerbated were affective and somatic in nature, rather than psychotic symptoms that are characteristic of schizophrenic symptomatology. In addition, the presence and exacerbation of the symptoms were not specific to the premenstrual phase. Some symptoms were reported menstrually and postmenstrually. Overall the findings did not confirm exacerbation of symptoms that are specific to schizophrenia. Rather, menstrually related changes seem to be a discrete phenomenon with its own symptom profile which may be superimposed on psychiatric disorders, both those with and without a predominant affective component. However, it should be noted that all subjects were on psychotropic medication that could have obscured fluctuations of psychotic symptoms. Further investigation and clearer guidelines are necessary for determining the ovulatory cycle and endocrine factors in this population before any conclusions can be made.
Ribosomal RNA synthesis during phosphorus starvation in wild type Neurospora and in phosphorus regulatory mutants

When N. crassa is starved for phosphate the rate of synthesis of total RNA, as measured by the incorporation of uridine, rapidly dclines, attaining a value of 2% of the control after 4 h. Synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), measured by direct hybridization to ribosomal DNA covalently coupled to diazobenzyloxymethyl (DBM) paper, also declines to a value 3%–4% that of the control after 4 h of phosphate starvation. Measurement of rRNA synthesis in regulatory mutant strains expressing “phosphorus-family” enzymes indicates that two of these mutant strains, pgovc12 and nuc-1, respond differently to phosphate starvation from the response in wild-type or the other five mutant strains. The results suggest that the wild-type products of the regulatory loci, pgov+ and nuc-1+ may have a role in regulating rRNA synthesis as well as “phosphorus family” enzymes.
Combined positive/negative purging and transplantation of peripheral blood progenitor cell autografts in breast cancer patients: a pilot study

Abstract This trial studied the feasibility and efficiency of a novel procedure of double purging to eliminate tumor cells from leukapheresis products of stage IV breast cancer patients. After induction and mobilization therapy, 35 leukapheresis products from 16 breast cancer patients were subjected to CD34 + enrichment (i.e., positive selection) with the Isolex 300™ device and subsequent immunomagnetic depletion of tumor cells (i.e., negative selection) using a cocktail of three monoclonal antibodies directed against epithelial antigens. Patients with clinical response to induction chemotherapy proceeded to tandem high-dose chemotherapy, which consisted of melphalan (140 mg/m 2 ) followed by retransfusion of the purged graft. After hematologic recovery, patients received ifosfamide 14 g/m 2 , carboplatin 1.5 g/m 2 , and etoposide 1.5g/m 2 (ICE), again followed by autografting. After positive selection, a median purity of 96.6% CD34 + cells (range 48.4–99.2%) and a recovery of 56.8% (range 25.8–92.6%) were achieved. Subsequent negative purging resulted in a median CD34 + purity of 97.2%. Overall CD34 + recovery after both purging procedures was 51.1% (range 18.5–82.4%). Tumor cells were detectable in 8 of 16 (50%) starting fractions before purging. After both purging cycles, only 1 of 16 autografts remained positive for tumor cells compared to 3 of 16 after CD34 + selection. A calculated purging efficiency of 2 to >4 log was achieved. Engraftment was rapid, reaching ≥500/μL neutrophils on day +10 after melphalan and on day +9 after ICE. A platelet count of ≥20.000/μL was reached on day +12 after melphalan and on day +11 after ICE. Thus, combining positive and negative purging is feasible, further enhances purging efficiency, and does not compromise the quality of the graft, leading to rapid engraftment after high-dose chemotherapy.
Synthesis and cytological characterization of trigeneric hybrids involving durum wheat, Thinopyrum bessarabicum, and Lophopyrum elongatum.

In an attempt to transfer genes for salt tolerance and other desirable traits from the diploid wheatgrasses, Thinopyrum bessarabicum (2n=2x=14; JJ genome) and Lophopyrum elongatum (2n=2x=14; EE genome), into durum wheat cv ‘Langdon’ (2n=4x=28; AABB genomes), trigeneric hybrids with the genomic constitution ABJE were synthesized and cytologically characterized. C-banding analysis of somatic chromosomes of the A, B, J, and E genomes in the same cellular environment revealed distinct banding patterns; each of the 28 chromosomes could be identified. They differed in the total amount of constitutive heterochromatin. Total surface area and C-banded area of each chromosome were calculated. The B genome was the largest in size, followed by the J, A, and E genomes, and its chromosomes were also the most heavily banded. Only 25.8% of the total chromosome complement in 10 ABJE hybrids showed association, with mean arm-pairing frequency (c) values from 0.123 to 0.180 and chiasma frequencies from 3.36 to 5.02 per cell. The overall mean pairing was 0.004 ring IV + 0.046 chain IV + 0.236 III + 0.21 ring II + 2.95 rod II + 20.771. This is total pairing between chromosomes of different genomes, possibly between A and B, A and J, A and E, B and J, B and E, and J and E, in the presence of apparently functional pairing regulator Ph1. Because chromosome pairing in the presence of Ph1 seldom occurs between A and B, or between J and E, it was inferred that pairing between the wheat chromosomes and alien chromosomes occurred. The trigeneric hybrids with two genomes of wheat and one each of Thinopyrum and Lophopyrum should be useful in the production of cytogenetic stocks to facilitate the transfer of alien genes into wheat.
Energy Level Alignment of a Zinc(II) Tetraphenylporphyrin Dye Adsorbed onto TiO2(110) and ZnO(112̅0) Surfaces

The electronic structure of the Zn(II)-5-(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin dye (ZnTPP-Ipa), chemisorbed onto ZnO(1120) and TiO2(110) single-crystal surfaces, has been investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) and by electron spectroscopy methods in an ultra-high-vacuum environment. The core levels (Ti 2p and Zn 2p) as well as the valence band have been probed using X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopies, whereas the conduction band has been evaluated from inverse photoemission spectroscopy. The calculated density of states for the gas phase molecule compares well to the experimentally determined electronic structure, allowing both a simple understanding of the adsorbate electronic properties and a direct determination of the ZnTPP-Ipa frontier orbitals with respect to the substrates’ band edges.
Chaotic Electroosmotic Flow

Two dimensional, time-independent and time-dependent electroosmotic flows driven by a uniform electric field in rectangular cavities with uniform and non-uniform zeta potential distributions along the cavities’ walls are investigated theoretically. The time-independent flow fields are computed with the aid of Fourier series. The series’ convergence is accelerated so that highly accurate solutions are obtained with just a few (<10) terms in the series. The analytic solution is used to compute flow patterns for various distributions of the zeta potential along the cavities’ boundaries. It is demonstrated that by time-wise periodic modulation of the zeta potentials, one can induce chaotic advection in the cavities. Such chaotic flows may be used to stir and mix fluids in microfluidic devices.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Employee Perceptions of Award and Incentive Programs

Abstract Employee award and incentive programs have become standard practice in the business world and in many nonprofit organizations. A study was conducted to measure employee beliefs about meeting management's objectives and employee satisfaction with award/incentive programs. It was found that employee motivation-in terms of liking awards, willingness to encourage others, and willingness to work hard for awards-was the most important factor contributing to employee satisfaction with the programs and employee perception that management's objectives were satisfied by these programs.
Kinetics of polymerization and properties of polymeric thin films generated from macroscopically oriented liquid crystalline monomers

A trimolecular liquid crystalline mixture of monomers was photopolymerized while being subjected to macroscopic orientation via surface contact or continuous application of a magnetic field. Polymerization kinetics were not influenced by the macroscopic orientation, and crosslinked networks were rapidly produced. Both IR dichroism measurements and x-ray diffraction analysis indicated that oriented networks were generated when polymerization was conducted from a nematic phase.
Abstract 952: The SCF F box protein, Skp2, is a key component of an E3 ubiqutin ligase that governs estrogen receptor ≤ stability

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer among women in developed countries, and about 70% of these tumors express estrogen receptor ≤ (ERα). ERα is a transcription factor and master regulator of estrogen stimulated proliferation and its expression indicates potential for response to estrogenic stimulation. A majority of ERα positive breast cancers initially respond well to selective estrogen receptor modulators (such as tamoxifen) or to aromatase inhibitors. Understanding the regulation of ERα levels and its role in transcription of estrogen driven genes is thus highy germane to breast cancer therapy. There is evidence that for many transcription factors, activation is linked to factor degradation. Moreover, estrogen stimulation is known to activate ERα proteolysis. Given the importance of estrogen as a driver of breast cancer progression, we have investigated mechanisms governing ERα proteolysis. S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) is an F box component of a multi-protein SCF ubiquitin ligase that acts on multiple substrates. Levels of Skp2 have been reported to be inversely related with the levels of ERα in breast cancer. Here we report that SCFSkp2, comprised of Skp2, in association with Skp1, Cul1 and Rbx1, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase for ERα. Ectopic expression of dominant negative Cul1 increases ERα levels by impeding ERα degradation in breast cancer cells. Knockdown of Skp2 impairs estrogen-triggered ERα proteolysis, while ectopic Skp2 expression decreased ERα stability. We show that Skp2, Skp1, Rbx1 and Cul1 co-precipitate with cellular ERα and the formation of this ERα/SCFSkp2 complex is cell cycle regulated and parallels CDK2 activation. We also show ER is an in vitro substrate that is ubiquitylated and degraded by SCFSkp2. The involvement of CDK2-dependent ERα phosphorylation in estrogen activated ERα/SCFSkp2 binding, ERα proteolysis and the functional consequences of this on ERα transcriptional activity are under investigation. These data suggest that Skp2 plays an important role in the regulation of ERα stability, and potentially in the biologic action of this key steroid hormone receptor in breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 952. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-952
Systematics of the Anteosauria (Therapsida: Dinocephalia)

Anteosaurs (Therapsida: Dinocephalia: Anteosauria) were the dominant terrestrial predators during the late Middle Permian period and are known from southern Africa, the former USSR, China and Brazil. This paper presents a critical taxonomic review of all known anteosaur taxa and a reevaluation of anteosaurian interrelationships. The following anteosaur species are considered to be valid: Anteosaurus magnificus, Archaeosyodon praeventor, Australosyodon nyaphuli, Microsyodon orlovi, Notosyodon gusevi, Sinophoneus yumenensis, Syodon biarmicum, Titanophoneus adamanteus and T. potens. Syodon efremovi is considered a junior synonym of S. biarmicum, Stenocybus acidentatus to represent juvenile material of Sinophoneus yumenensis, Doliosauriscus yanshinovi a junior synonym of Titanophoneus potens, and Paranteosaurus primus a junior synonym of Anteosaurus magnificus. Admetophoneus kargalensis, Archaeosuchus cairncrossi, Brithopus bashkyricus, B. ponderus, B. priscus, Eccasaurus priscus, Lamiasaurus newtoni and Orth...
Emotion Regulation in Depression and Anxiety: Examining Diagnostic Specificity and Stability of Strategy Use

Many psychological disorders are characterized by difficulties in emotion regulation. It is unclear, however, whether different disorders are associated with the use of specific emotion regulation strategies, and whether these difficulties are stable characteristics that are evident even after recovery. It is also unclear whether the use of specific strategies is problematic across all disorders or whether disorders differ in how strongly strategy use is associated with symptom severity. This study investigated (1) the specificity of use of emotion regulation strategies in individuals diagnosed with current major depressive disorder (MDD), with social anxiety disorder (SAD), and in never-disordered controls (CTL); and (2) the stability of strategy use in formerly depressed participants (i.e., remitted; RMD). Path analysis was conducted to examine the relation between strategy use and symptom severity across diagnostic groups. Compared to the CTL group, participants in both clinical groups endorsed more frequent use of rumination and expressive suppression, and less frequent use of reappraisal. Specific to SAD were even higher levels of expressive suppression relative to MDD, as well as a stronger relation between rumination and anxiety levels. In contrast, specific to MDD were even higher levels of rumination and lower levels of reappraisal. Interestingly, elevated rumination, but not decreased reappraisal, was found to be a stable feature characterizing remitted depressed individuals. These results may provide insight into ways in which emotion regulation strategy use maintains psychological disorders.