cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the separation of crustal component from subducted oceanic lithosphere near the 660 KM discontinuity

The recent mineral physics observations suggest that the crustal and mantle components of subducted oceanic lithosphere have distinct densities and viscosities. The deformation of such chemically stratified oceanic lithosphere as it collides with the 660 km discontinuity is examined using a simple analytical model. It is shown that the separation of the crustal component can occur through a small scale folding (10–20 km) if the viscosity of the crustal (garnetite) layer is significantly higher than the surrounding mantle (∼ 1021 Pa s) but is less than ∼ 1023 Pa s, leading to a garnet-enriched transition zone behind subduction zones.
Factors Associated With and Predictive of Persistence of Donor-Specific Antibody After Treatment With Plasmapheresis and Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Antibody to donor HLA antigens is a significant barrier to both access to and outcome of allogeneic transplants. Many attempts have been made to desensitize patients with HLA-specific antibody, but the most effective and durable have been treatment with high-dose pooled human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and a combination of plasmapheresis and low-dose IVIg. Despite the success of these treatments, low levels of donor-specific antibody (DSA) persist in some patients. We examined factors that may be related to and used to predict the elimination of DSA. The most significant associations have been strength of antibody at initiation of treatment and antibody specificity, although other factors revealed a trend toward association. We demonstrate how the types of data generated here can be used to predict elimination or persistence of DSA.
Exercise Blood Pressure Response and 5-Year Risk of Elevated Blood Pressure in a Cohort of Young Adults: The CARDIA Study

Systolic blood pressure response to exercise has been shown to predict development of hypertension in men, but this association has not been examined in population-based samples of men, or in women or non-whites. This relationship was explored in 3741 normotensive black and white young adults undergoing treadmill testing in the CARDIA study and examined 5 years later for development of hypertension. Exaggerated response to exercise (systolic pressure > or = 210 mm Hg in men and > or = 190 mm Hg in women) was detected in 687 subjects (18%) at baseline, and incident hypertension (blood pressure > or = 140/90 mm Hg or on medication) was detected in 184 subjects (4.9%) at followup. Persons with exaggerated response to exercise at baseline had 5 mm Hg higher systolic and 1 mm Hg higher diastolic pressures at follow-up (P < .005) and were 1.70 times more likely to have developed hypertension than were persons with normal response (P < .001). After adjustment for age, race, sex, clinic, resting systolic pressure, body mass index, heavy activity score, exercise duration, and preexercise systolic pressure, exaggerated response was associated with a 2.14 mm Hg increase in year 5 systolic pressure (P < .0001). These associations did not differ by race or sex. Although the increment in systolic pressure associated with exaggerated exercise response was small (1 to 3 mm Hg), this small increment sustained over time could lead to a substantially increased incidence of hypertension and hypertension-related target organ damage. Determination of factors associated with exaggerated response may provide further insights into the development of hypertension in young adults.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Co-gasification of hardwood chips and crude glycerol in a pilot scale downdraft gasifier.

Seeking appropriate approaches to utilize the crude glycerol produced in biodiesel production is very important for the economic viability and environmental impacts of biodiesel industry. Gasification may be one of options for addressing this issue. Co-gasification of hardwood chips blending with crude glycerol in various loading levels was undertaken in the study involving a pilot scale fixed-bed downdraft gasifier. The results indicated that crude glycerol loading levels affected the gasifier’s performance and the quality of syngas produced. When crude glycerol loading level increased, the CO, CH4, and tar concentrations of the syngas also increased but particle concentration decreased. Though further testing is suggested, downdraft gasifiers could be run well with hardwood chips blending with liquid crude glycerol up to 20 (wt%). The syngas produced had relatively good quality for fueling internal combustion engines. This study provides a considerable way to utilize crude glycerol.
Strategic planning and agribusiness: an exploratory study of the adoption of strategic planning techniques by co‐operatives

Explores the adoption of strategic planning techniques by agribusiness, specifically agricultural co‐operatives. Offers implications for policy. A survey was sent to 345 co‐operatives listed in the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Cooperative Service’s Directory of Farmer Cooperatives. Co‐operatives have widely adopted many of the sophisticated strategic planning techniques such as environmental analysis, core competences and SWOT analysis.
The lattice parameters and microstructures of annealed, nickel-rich nickel-molybdenum alloys

Metallographic and X-ray studies conducted at room temperature on annealed, nickel-rich nickel-molybdenum alloys indicate that ∼ 10.5 at % Mo is soluble in the α (fcc) phase. The lattice parameter of this phase is given bya0 (26.5±1°C)=0.000 409 × at % Mo+0.352 48 nm. Grain- and twin-boundary nucleated volumes of the β (Ni4Mo) phase were observed in samples with 15 to 20 at % Mo and co-existed with a discontinuous, nearly lamellar, precipitate in samples with 17.5 and 20 at % Mo.
Photoinduced electron transfer in alkanoylpyrene aggregates in conjugated polypeptides

An alkanoylpyrene moiety was used as a principal chromophore for labeling photoactive amphipathic polypeptides with a high propensity for self-assembly. Electrochemical, emission and transient absorption data showed that photoinduced electron transfer within pairs of pyrene pendants accounts for a lower fluorescence quantum yield observed for aggregated chromophores and for the formation of radical-ion, intermediates.
New ionization processes and applications for use in mass spectrometry.

AbstractMass spectrometry (MS) continues to improve at a rapid pace as most prominently witnessed for mass analyzers and fragmentation technology. Ionization methods have also seen resurgence with ambient ionization approaches gaining a foothold because they often provide a convenient and direct means of sample analysis. Nevertheless, a vast majority of biological analyses using MS apply electrospray ionization or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, methods introduced in the 1980s, or variants thereof. To further advance applications by MS such as protein characterization, and, for example, addressing their location within specific cell types, the progress in mass analyzer and fragmentation technology needs to be matched with similar advances in ionization technology. It is imperative to seek ionization methods that more efficiently convert molecules, to gas-phase ions in a way that allows high transfer efficiency to the mass analyzer and subsequently the detector to achieve a more complete pictu...
Somatostatin analogues as drug therapies for retinopathies.

Proliferative retinopathies account for the majority of cases of vision loss throughout the world. Currently accepted therapy for retinopathy consists of retinal ablation by panretinal laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy. This technique is not without deleterious effects to patients, including diminished night vision, reduced peripheral vision and loss of precise vision, decreasing visual acuity by one to two lines in magnitude. One promising area of research into pharmacotherapeutics for retinopathies, especially proliferative diabetic retinopathy, involves the use of synthetic analogues of somatostatin. The rationale for somatostatin as a therapeutic agent for retinal neovascularization is discussed. Somatostatin analogues such as octreotide have shown promise as a safe and effective treatment for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy by blocking the local and systemic production of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor type 1 associated with angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation. There are also observations suggesting an autocrine and paracrine effect of somatostatin, perhaps directly on retinal cells, which are known to express somatostatin receptors (SSTR). SSTR2 and SSTR3 are the most important receptor subtypes mediating growth hormone secretion and endothelial cell cycle arrest, retinal endothelial cell apoptosis and release of insulin. Thus, analogues that target these receptor subtypes may prove more useful. Long-acting somatostatin analogues are currently being tested for treatment of diabetic retinopathy and are, in fact, the only therapeutic alternative for patients who fail panretinal photocoagulation. Whether such a therapy may also prove effective for other retinal vascular proliferative diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration remains an open question that deserves attention, given our new understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which somatostatin may exert its antiangiogenic effects.
LAT Is Required for TCR-Mediated Activation of PLCγ1 and the Ras Pathway

Abstract In this study, we present the further characterization of a mutant Jurkat T cell line, J.CaM2, that is defective in TCR-mediated signal transduction. Although initial TCR-mediated signaling events such as the inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR-ζ chain and ZAP-70 are intact in J.CaM2, subsequent events, including increases in intracellular calcium, Ras activation, and IL-2 gene expression are defective. Subsequent analysis of J.CaM2 demonstrated a severe deficiency in pp36/LAT expression, a recently cloned adaptor protein implicated in TCR signaling. Importantly, reexpression of LAT in J.CaM2 restored all aspects of TCR signaling. These results demonstrate a necessary and exclusive role for LAT in T cell activation.
The retention of qualitative changes in learning

Summary Single or multiple reproductions were made of “The War of the Ghosts” after varying intervals of time. The reproductions were scored for the number of duplications, omissions, sharpenings, and normalizations. The qualitative changes of sharpening and normalization were assumed to be changes toward the direction of existing schemata. Regardless of the number of reproductions made, sharpening and normalization showed statistically significant increases during the earlier retention intervals. During the same retention intervals, the mean number of duplications showed significant declines. Analysis of the changes of individual items during repeated reproductions demonstrated that the increase in qualitative changes was not due to superior retention. The data offered no support for the reorganization hypothesis that changes in learning toward the direction of existing schemata will be retained better than material in which the changes have not been made.
Paying the Hospital: American Problems and Foreign Solutions

Hospital financing in the United States suffers from many problems. Many persons lack access because they lack third-party coverage. Among those covered, benefits vary, and persons receive unequal services. Costs are high and are uncontrolled. The hospital is burdened by complicated relations with many payers. In order to cover their costs and earn extra cash, hospitals overcharge the more generous third parties, and recriminations result. All other developed countries have either statutory health insurance, national health services, or full public financing of privately managed hospitals. Whatever the financing method, all countries avoid the problems prevailing in the United States. All citizens are covered, all have access, and hospitals reject no one for financial reasons. All citizens have equal benefits and receive the same basic services. Regulation by government and negotiations with health insurance carriers guarantee the hospital's operating costs to service its catchment area adequately, but also prevent the hospital from installing excessive equipment and excessive staff. Each hospital is paid by all-payer standard rates, administration of reimbursement is simple, and shifting of costs among payers is both unnecessary and administratively impossible. Costs are contained by the total management of the system, not by fragmented efforts by separate insurance carriers. Considerable strategic thinking by government, the providers, and other interest groups sets guidelines for spending levels every year to meet the country's clinical needs but also to stay within its fiscal capacity. Capital investment for new treatments depends on government grants and evaluation of needs.
Efficient Encoding Schedules for XOR-Based Erasure Codes

In data storage systems, it is crucial to protect data from loss due to failures. Erasure codes lay the foundation of this protection, enabling systems to reconstruct lost data when components fail. Erasure codes can, however, impose significant performance overhead in two core operations: encoding, where parity is calculated from newly written data, and decoding, where data is reconstructed after failures. This paper focuses on improving the performance of encoding, the more frequent operation. We observed that CPU cache efficiency has great impact on the encoding performance and proposed several encoding scheduling algorithms to optimize the use of cache memory. We call the technique XOR-scheduling and demonstrate how it applies to a wide variety of existing erasure codes. To illustrate the generality of this technique, we have conducted a performance evaluation of scheduling these codes on a variety of platforms and shown that XOR-scheduling significantly improves upon the conventional approach. Hence, we believe that XOR-scheduling has great potential to have wide impact in practical storage systems.
Partition of selenium-75 in the intracellular particulate matter of rat liver.

IN the mammalian organism there is an apparent fixation of trace amounts of selenium in various tissue proteins. This has been demonstrated in studies of proteins from blood1,2, liver3,4 and leukocytes5. Hydrolysates of purified protein4 of dog liver labelled with selenium-75 contain at least three different compounds with radioselenium. These compounds behaved like amino-acids in ion-exchange and precipitation studies and appeared on paper chromatograms in the (a) cystine and selenocystine, (b) methionine and selenomethionine, and (c) leucine areas. Neither the metabolic pathway or process by which inorganic selenium is converted to organoselenium nor the biological function of selenium is known. Since time-distribution studies6 have revealed that the highest average concentration of 19 per cent of the dose was found in the liver, and since the liver is generally considered the main site of protein synthesis, we have undertaken to study the distribution of selenium-75 in the intracellular particulate matter of rat liver.
The challenge of operations research in the developing country

The application of operations research/management science in the developing country has met with uneven success. Social, cultural, and political factors have constrained direct application of OR technology from industrialized countries to developing countries. Review of OR experience in the United States, especially pitfalls and successes of OR application, does provide significant information which can benefit the application of operations research in the developing country. Successful application of operations research is apt to be highly beneficial if operations researchers in the developing country can effectively deal with the challenges of cultural constraints, an uncertain decision environment, human resource management, and a bounded rationality unique to each developing country.
Identification of human acetyl-CoA carboxylase isozymes in tissue and in breast cancer cells

1. 1. In the rat, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid metabolism, exists as at least two different isozymes (Mr 265,000 and 280,000) that display distinct tissue-specific distribution and regulation. 2. 2. Based on the study of human tissue and human-derived breast cancer cell lines by enzyme isolation and protein blotting techniques, we have now identified two human isoforms of Mr 265,000 (HACC 265) and 275,000 (HACC 275), each of which is homologous to one of the rat isozymes. 3. 3. Human breast carcinoma cell lines show variable expression of these two isoforms, mirrored in the estimation of ACC acetyl-CoA kinetics.
Synthesis and electrochemistry of self-assembled monolayers containing quinone derivatives with varying electronic conjugation

Abstract We describe a new strategy for the generation of self-assembled monolayers of three different quinones from derivatives each containing a short oligo(phenylene vinylene) (OPV) bridge with a methyl protected aryl thiol at the base and 2,5-dimethoxybenzene as the headgroup connected through either a single, double or triple bond. After partial deprotection of both −SCH 3 and −OCH 3 groups using t -BuSNa as a dealkylation agent, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of each compound were formed on gold. Complete deprotection of the headgroup to generate the hydroquinone/quinone redox couple was accomplished electrochemically in 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 using cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical characterization as a function of the different bridging groups for the generated hydroquinone/quinone redox couple revealed formal potentials and redox reaction rates dramatically affected by small structural changes near the headgroup.
Inertial Sphere System for Complete Attitude Control of Earth Satellites

An electrically conducting sphere placed in a rotating magnetic field will experience a torque about the axis of rotation. This torque arises from eddy current drag between the field and the sphere and can be used to control satellite at t i tude. Accumulated satellite angular momen tum will appear as rotation of the sphere and will be automatically dumped by eddy current interaction with the Earth's magnetic field. The sphere can be positioned without mechanical contact with the satellite by high frequency alternating magnetic fields. Very precise at t i tude guidance as well as slewing operations and momentum dumping can all be achieved with one device. Three axis control with one sphere eliminates gyroscopic interaction. Electrical efficiency compares favorably with other system types.
Respiratory influences on cardiac responses during attention

The effects of respiration inhibition on cardiac responses were investigated during two attentional tasks: reaction time and visual search. The responses were partitioned into two sequential components: a short-latency (reactive) acceleration and a longer latency (tonic) component characterized by directional and stabilization changes. The reactive cardiac response components were independent of changes in respiratory activity. Respiration inhibition during the tonic interval was related to both cardiac deceleration and stabilization in the reaction time task but not during visual search.
The common cold and decongestant therapy.

1. Diane E. Pappas, MD, JD* 2. J. Owen Hendley, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and complications of the common cold in children. 2. Describe the viral causes and pathogenesis of the common cold. 3. Describe transmission of the common cold. 4. Explain the systemic effects of oral decongestants and antihistamines in infants and young children. 5. Recognize that over-the-counter cough and cold preparations have not been adequately studied in children younger than 6 years of age and are not recommended. 6. List the active ingredients and potential toxicities of over-the-counter cough and cold medications. The common cold heralds the beginning of the fall and winter seasons for pediatricians. Almost every ill patient presents with the runny nose, cough, and congestion that are the hallmarks of the common cold. Although colds are self-limited, most patients (and their parents) are tired and uncomfortable as a result of these symptoms. No effective treatments can be prescribed or recommended beyond ordinary supportive care. Children typically present with cough, sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Nasal discharge may be clear initially but often turns yellow-green within a few days. Fever may be present initially in preschool-age patients, but vomiting and diarrhea are uncommon. Parents also may report sleep disturbance and increased fatigue. Symptoms persist for at least 10 days in most children but should begin to lessen by this time. This clinical picture differs substantially from colds in adults, which present with the typical nasal discharge, cough, and congestion but no fever and a usual duration of only 5 to 7 days. Sore throat or hoarseness also may be present in children and adults. (1) Common cold is a clinical …
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Renal factors in the adrenal cortical control of water metabolism.

It is now well established that (a) the diuretic response to water is sub-normal or lacking in either animals or men with adrenal insufficiency; (b) that this deficiency is peculiarly refractory to replacement therapy; (c) that there is a susceptibility to water intoxication following adrenalectomy, due to extra-renal as well as renal abnormalities; and (d) that water diuresis is stimulated in normal animals by administration of hormones of the adrenal cortex. The mechanisms involved in these phenomena are far from clear. The pertinent specific literature has been reviewed by Levy, Marschelle and Kepler (1946); Gaunt (1946); Kendall (1948); Gaunt, Birnie and Eversole (1949). The present study is an attempt to determine the importance of variations in glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption of water in (a) adrenal deficient animals receiving diuretic or intoxicating doses of water, (b) in adrenalectomized animals treated with adrenal steroids, and (c) after overdosage with adrenal steroids in intact...
Crithidia fasciculata: Characterization of polysaccharide

Abstract A carbohydrate contaminant was discovered in phenol extracts of the insect hemoflagellate, Crithidia fasciculata . Ion-exchange chromatography was used to separate the polysaccharide from the cellular RNA. Chromatographic, electrophoretic, and colorimetric analyses of the hydrolyzed polysaccharide indicate that it is composed of mannose. A Millipore “Phoroslide” electrophoretic technique is described for the rapid and sensitive determination of hexoses.
Auditory event-related potentials in the squirrel monkey: Parallels to human late wave responses

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from the brain surface in squirrel monkeys during the presentation of two auditory stimulus paradigms which have previously been utilized to elicit scalp-recorded ERPs in humans. In the first paradigm, inter-stimulus interval (ISI) was systematically varied during the presentation of a series of tone pips. The tones produced a negative (70 ms)-positive (130 ms) sequence of components similar in morphology to the human scalp-recorded N1-P2 ‘vertex’ potential. The amplitude of the N70 and P130 components recorded from midline electrodes decreased with decreasing ISI, as previously shown for the human vertex potential. However, this amplitude change with ISI was not observed in ERPs recorded from lateral frontal and temporal electrodes. These results agree with previous studies of monkeys and humans which suggest at least two different sources contribute to N1-P2 components recorded in response to tones. The effects of stimulus probability and novelty on ERP morphology and amplitude were studied in the second paradigm. ERPs elicited by frequent (P = 0.92) and infrequent (P = 0.08) tone pips presented in an unpredictable order were compared. N70-P130 components were produced by both stimuli, and the infrequent stimuli also elicited a broad, long latency (300 ms) positive complex that decreased in amplitude with repeated presentations. In humans the same infrequent auditory stimuli produce a frontally distributed late positive component that has been interpreted as indicating the activation of orientation mechanisms or of a ‘mismatch detector’. These data suggest that in these paradigms squirrel monkeys exhibit ERPs which are similar in several respects to ERPs recorded to identical stimuli in humans.
Effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on the ultrastructure of the pinealocyte in the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus)

Abstract The ultrastructure of pinealocytes was examined morphometrically in superior cervical ganglionectomized and sham-operated cotton rats. Following denervation, the pinealocytes decreased in size. Reduced areas of the nucleoli, Golgi apparatus, granular endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and vacuoles containing a flocculent material as well as a decreased number of dense-core vesicles were noted. In contrast, the numbers of “synaptic” ribbons and ribbon fields increased. The nature of ultrastructural changes observed in the cotton rat pinealocyte after sympathectomy may indicate a diminution of the presumptive secretory processes of this cell. The presence of a small number of myelinated and unmyelinated axons in the pineal gland of the cotton rat following superior cervical ganglionectomy suggests that the sympathetic nerve fibers from the superior cervical ganglia do not comprise the only source of innervation to the pineal. Additionally, the presence of striated muscle fibers has been observed in the present study in the pineal gland of the cotton rat which heretofore has not been reported in this species.
Logical testing for new approaches to mathematical programming modeling and analysis

We describe the use of network methods to aid model formulation and analysis, particularly when using certain approaches, notably GAMs or Structured Modeling. When mapping a relational description to an algebraic representation, it is desirable to check logical consistency, redundancy and forcing structures that may be present, Sometimes these could be purposeful, but often they reflect modeling errors. In either case it is useful to reveal these properties efficiently. Here we describe an algorithmic framework, based on topological sorting, which applies not only to mathematical programming modeling, but also to, rule-base management in an expert system.
A high-frequency medium-voltage DC-DC converter for future electric energy delivery and management systems

This paper proposes a high-frequency dc-dc converter for the medium-voltage application of future electric energy delivery and management systems. The proposed dc-dc converter uses low-voltage MOSFETs, featuring low conduction loss and good switching performance with high-frequency operation, to handle medium-voltage input by utilizing input-series-output-parallel (ISOP) modular structure. In addition, phase-shift zero-voltage-switching technique is employed for the constituent module to achieve low switching loss under high-frequency operation. As a result, high efficiency and high power density can be expected. Moreover, the expanded power capability can be obtained by directly connecting multiple ISOP converters in input-parallel-out-parallel without any additional control circuit. Large-signal average model is developed to elaborate the proposed distributed control scheme, which can provide plug-and-play capability and high-level fault-tolerance. Finally, the simulation is conducted and presented to evaluate both static and dynamic performances of the proposed dc-dc converter.
Use of infrared imagery in characterization of chemical vapor deposition reactors

Abstract Infrared imagery was obtained of the exterior surfaces of a horizontal chemical vapor deposition reactor. These data revealed significant differences in flow pattern between hydrogen and nitrogen gases. The infrared pixel data were transformed into reactor coordinates and the merged with a three-dimensional data file of the reactor's external topology to create three-dimensional thermal maps of the exterior reactor surface. Such maps can prove useful both in helping to specify boundary conditions for modeling purposes and in revealing gross patterns in the flow.
Architectural Conspicuous Consumption and Economic Change in the Andes

In indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Andes, textile entrepreneurs have been building new homes in a distinctive, modern style. In contrast, their neighbors have perpetuated traditional motifs and forms. Underlying these designs are two economic systems: the national cash economy and the subsistence economy with its networks of labor reciprocity. In recent years, architecture has provided families with a forum for working out the social meaning and prestige of these different economic relationships and assets. The study of consumption patterns allows anthropologists to trace how societies transform new forms of wealth into locally structured relations of power and symbols of identity.
The effect of angulation on intravascular ultrasound imaging observed in vascular phantoms.

PURPOSE To quantify the error introduced by noncoaxial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and to evaluate the use of a balloon-tipped catheter in compensating for intraluminal angulation and subsequent dimensional inaccuracy. METHODS The effect of noncoaxial IVUS imaging was investigated in both a polyvinyl chloride phantom and an in vitro canine aorta using a calibrated setup to measure angulation off axis. Imaging was performed at increasing angulation (creating an elliptical image) in both phantoms, with the transducer centered and off center. Diameters were compared to the original coaxial diameter, as well as calculated diameters based on specific angles off axis. The percentage change (error) was also calculated at these angles. The measurements were repeated using a balloon-tipped catheter to center the transducer. RESULTS The measured diameters and percentage changes compared closely with their calculated counterpart. Up to 25 degrees off axis, the apparent increase in diameter measurement was nearly 10%. Angulation from 30 degrees to 70 degrees resulted in an increase of 15% to 192%. Use of the centering balloon reduced the amount of error by 70% to 85% but was limited to angles < or = 25 degrees due to the design of the test apparatus. CONCLUSIONS The error introduced by noncoaxial IVUS imaging can be significant and may be partially corrected by the use of a centering balloon. Further studies in the clinical application of a centering device are warranted.
Academic success of nursing students: Does motivation matter?

Abstract Schools of nursing around the world, including associate degree nursing (ADN) programs, continue to be challenged by retention and recruitment issues. Many efforts have been made to address the variety of complex issues that nurse educators face to increase student retention and recruitment in nursing programs. Fortunately, enrollment in many of the nursing programs is on the rise, as the economic challenges in the United States continue to be unwavering. According to the National League for Nursing Annual Nursing Data Review, ADN programs "account for majority of growth in admission and enrollment" (2009). However, with an increase in enrollment comes an increase for the potential of choosing a career in nursing not only for the desire to help others but also for the sake of having a career with job "security." The motivating forces for choosing a career in nursing, the changing demographics of nursing students, and the students' motivation to learn can all provide challenges for nurse educators. The one challenge that educators will face with an increase in enrollment is how to increase retention among a very diverse student population. One avenue to consider is the students' motivation for learning and how that could impact his or her retention. A review of the literature suggests that locus of control (internal versus external motivation) can be one predicator of success in higher education (L. Perrot, L. Deloney, J. Hastings, S. Savell, & M. Savidge, 2001). Furthermore, motivation has been positively related to learning outcomes, and positive learning outcomes have been correlated with increased retention in higher education.
On minimum cuts and the linear arrangement problem

In this paper we examine the problem of finding minimum cuts in finite graphs with the side constraint that the vertex sets inducing these cuts must be of a given cardinality. As it turns out, this computation is of interest not only from a combinatorial perspective but also from a practical one, pertaining to the linear arrangement value of graphs. We look at some graph classes where these cuts can be efficiently computed (in general this computation is NP-hard) as well as some cases where their value can be determined in closed form.
Effect of ethanol on cyclic AMP levels in the rat brain

Abstract Ethanol decreased in a dose-dependent manner the cyclic AMP level in the rat brain and separation of the brain into several parts showed that this decrease was limited to the cerebellum. High doses of ethanol (4–6 g/kg) blocked the rise of cyclic AMP levels induced by decapitation in all brain areas studied. Pentobarbital treatment which produced central depression similar to that caused by a high dose of ethanol, also decreased the cyclic AMP level in the cerebellum but it prevented the postdecapitation rise only in the pons and medulla oblongata. Lower doses of ethanol (1–2 g/kg) enhanced the decapitation-induced rise of cyclic AMP levels in the pons and medulla oblongata.
Herpes simplex virus replication in pheochromocytoma cell line that responds to nerve growth factor.

Cultured cells of neural origin (PC-12, pheochromocytoma cell line) respond to nerve growth factor (NGF) by extending neurites. These cells whether treated with NGF or not can be infected with herpes simplex virus and produce progeny virus. Viral antigens are detected on the cell surface and fusion of cells to form polykaryocytes takes place. Nucleocapsids are found within the cell nucleus and enveloped virus in present both in the cytoplasm and extracellular space. Virus was not observed within the neurites but alterations in the neurite microtubular structure occurred after infection.
A20 INHIBITS NF-κB ACTIVATION DOWNSTREAM OF MULTIPLE MAP3 KINASES AND INTERACTS WITH THE IκB SIGNALOSOME

Abstract A20, a TNF inducible gene, inhibits TNF-mediated apoptosis as well as NF-κB induced by this cytokine. Reporter assay experiments revealed that A20 is a very effective inhibitor of NF-κB signaling induced by TRAFs and several Map3 kinases, including NIK, MEKK1, COT, and TAK1. Similarly, the NF-κB inducing activity of TAX, an activator of the IκB kinase complex, is also abrogated by A20. Inhibition of NF-κB is specific as A20 has no effect on TNF-α-induced JNK activation. These results suggest that the molecular target of A20 is more distal to the receptor than TRAFs as previously proposed. A20 inhibits NF-κB-dependent transcription without a concomitant decrease in nuclear NF-κB DNA binding activity or nuclear translocation of p65. This apparent discrepancy between transcriptional readout and gel shift experiments is observed with a variety of stimuli, including expression of IKKβ. Therefore, in addition to the phosphorylation of IκB, another signal is needed for transcriptional activation of NF-κB. A20 inhibits this non-redundant signal. The observation that A20 associates with IKKα and is phosphorylated upon IKKβ co-expression may suggest that A20 interferes with some aspects of signalosome function.
KNOWLEDGE BASED QUESTION ANSWERING

The natural language database query system incorporated in the KNOBS interactive planning system comprises a dictionary driven parser, APE-II, and script interpreter which yield a conceptual dependency conceptualization as a representation of the meaning of user input. A conceptualization pattern matching production system then determines and executes a procedure for extracting the desired information from the database. In contrast to syntax driven Q-A systems, e.g., those based on ATN parsers, APE-II is driven bottom-up by expectations associated with word meanings. The processing of a query is based on the contents of several knowledge sources including the dictionary entries (partial conceptualizations and their expectations), frames representing conceptual dependency primitives, scripts which contain stereotypical knowledge about planning tasks used to infer states enabling or resulting from actions, and two production system rule bases for the inference of implicit case fillers, and for determining the responsive database search. The goals of this approach, all of which are currently at least partially achieved, include utilizing similar representations for questions with similar meanings but widely varying surface structures, developing a powerful mechanism for the disambiguation of words with multiple meanings and the determination of pronoun referents, answering questions which require inferences to be understood, and interpreting ellipses and ungrammatical utterances.
Financial Risk Management for Investment Planning of New Commodities Considering Plant Location and Budgeting

The classical capacity planning problem considers the determination of the initial capacity for a particular network of processes and the timing and size of the future expansions. The data used for such a model are the forecasted demands and prices of raw material and products, as well as the utility costs. This paper expands the problem to also consider plant location, transportation of raw materials, and transportation of product to consumer markets. We also add budgeting constraints, which follow the cash flow through the life of the project and allow the project to finance the expansions. Finally, we add considerations about the price of the product in different markets. To illustrate the technique, we consider the case of ethyl lactate, a green solvent. The model was made stochastic, and financial risk is managed.
CHAPTER 3: Sunshine and Shadows

ABSTRACT This chapter follows the traditions of narrative inquiry in its use of restorying and makes use of a conceptualization called “tracing” to collect images and stories from various plotlines and multiple contexts of people's narratives. These “traced stories” from both teachers and a teacher educator reveal particularities of creativity, empathy, and paradox that guide the individuals in their decision making and narrative authority. By collecting these varied images and stories, practices and strategies that stir the development of curious and creative minds can be found and readers can see what curious and creative teaching and learning look like. I hope this display answers Cheryl Craig's and Louise Deretchin's call (2008) to “offer possible pathways for a resurgence of intellectual energy and action in the field of teaching and teacher education” (p. 1998). In this chapter, the capacity for creativity and the pathways toward understanding paradox are described and found critical in both educati...
Infant and Mother Sleep Patterns During 4th Postpartum Week

Using modified Barnard and Eyres (1979) Sleep/Activity Records, 44 mothers recorded diurnal sleep and awake times for themselves and their infants during the 4th week postpartum. Independent two-way analyses of variance, using a two-factor design (3a x 2b), compared data from each mother and each infant. Independent variables were (a) parity groups (mothers feeding their first, second, or third infant) and (b) feeding method (breast vs. bottle). A statistically significant difference (alpha = .05) was apparent between breast-fed and bottle-fed babies regarding the number of awakenings and the hours of night sleep, with breast-fed babies awakening more and sleeping less at night. But there was no statistically significant difference in the hours of total sleep diurnally. Mothers exhibited corresponding differences in sleep patterns, with a statistically significant increase in night waking for breast-feeding mothers. Infants in this study averaged 14.6 hr of sleep in 24 hr, which is in contrast to the 15.5 to 17.3 hr of sleep commonly reported in nursing texts based on studies from the 1960s.
High-precision indoor UWB localization: Technical challenges and method

We describe a centimeter-accuracy, three-dimensional ultra-wideband localization system for applications in a dense-multipath environment. From experimental results, we provide an in-depth analysis of the technical challenges toward realizing a robust, high-precision system: angle-dependent received waveform distortion and path-overlap. Specifically, for a realistic configuration (receiver placement, distance between transmit and receive antennas, and channel condition), we quantify the timing errors caused by the angle-dependent waveform distortion with First Peak detection, Leading-edge (LE) detection, and Matched Filter approaches at different relative angles between the boresights of the transmit and receive antennas. We then develop a new LE detection algorithm that virtually eliminates the timing errors caused by path-overlap.
Transdermal permeation of vasopressin. II. Influence of Azone on in vitro and in vivo permeation

Abstract Different enhancers were evaluated by measuring in vitro diffusion of aqueous vasopressin solution through excised rat skin after pretreatment with enhancers. Azone was found to be the most effective enhancer studied, increasing the flux about 15 times. Concentrations of Azone higher than 3% v/v did not show any further enhancement of flux. The enhancement of flux by Azone in hairless mouse skin was more dramatic (about 70 times), suggesting that the mechanism of enhancement in hairless mouse skin might be different than in the rat. The effect of Azone was evaluated in vivo using adult vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats. Urine was collected at time intervals after topical administration of vasopressin, and urine volume, osmolality and radioactivity were determined. Significant reduction in urine volume and increase in osmolality over a 24 h period confirmed the enhancement of vasopressin absorption in presence of Azone found in vitro.
Moderate increases in intracellular calcium activate neuroprotective signals in hippocampal neurons

Although large increases in neuronal intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) are lethal, moderate increases in [Ca(2+)](i) of 50-200 nM may induce immediate or long-term tolerance of ischemia or other stresses. In neurons in rat hippocampal slice cultures, we determined the relationship between [Ca(2+)](i), cell death, and Ca(2+)-dependent neuroprotective signals before and after a 45 min period of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Thirty minutes before OGD, [Ca(2+)](i) was increased in CA1 neurons by 40-200 nM with 1 nM-1 microM of a Ca(2+)-selective ionophore (calcimycin or ionomycin-"Ca(2+) preconditioning"). Ca(2+) preconditioning greatly reduced cell death in CA1, CA3 and dentate during the following 7 days, even though [Ca(2+)](i) was similar (approximately 2 microM) in preconditioned and control neurons 1 h after the OGD. When pre-OGD [Ca(2+)](i) was lowered to 25 nM (10 nM ionophore in Ca(2+)-free medium) or increased to 8 microM (10 microM ionophore), more than 90% of neurons died. Increased levels of the anti-apoptotic protein protein kinase B (Akt) and the MAP kinase ERK (p42/44) were present in preconditioned slices after OGD. Reducing Ca(2+) influx, inhibiting calmodulin, and preventing Akt or MAP kinase p42/44 upregulation prevented Ca(2+) preconditioning, supporting a specific role for Ca(2+) in the neuroprotective process. Further, in continuously oxygenated cultured hippocampal/cortical neurons, preconditioning for 30 min with 10 nM ionomycin reduced cell death following a 4 microM increase in [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by 1 microM ionomycin. Thus, a zone of moderately increased [Ca(2+)](i) before a potentially lethal insult promotes cell survival, uncoupling subsequent large increases in [Ca(2+)](i) from initiating cell death processes.
Community control on growth and survival of an exotic shrub.

A top priority in the field of invasion ecology is to investigate the mechanisms that lead to the successful establishment and spread of harmful exotic species. Studying plant invasions in the context of the invaded community can help us to understand those mechanisms. In this study, we follow a community approach where we describe establishment and growth patterns of an exotic shrub, Elaeagnus umbellata, with respect to the local woody plant community. Primarily focusing on a forest ecosystem, we expect light availability to be a driving factor in the recruitment of E. umbellata individuals; however, this is not supported for seedling recruitment as light becomes detrimental to survival in conditions exceeding 30 % full sun. Instead, growth of first year seedlings is primarily affected by soil moisture. Forest census data of adult individuals show that growth of E. umbellata is affected by light and small-scale neighborhood density (i.e., limited in the understory by space or resources), suggesting a shift in resource requirement. Overall, our study indicates that although E. umbellata individuals are likely to recruit and persist in the understory, successful growth to adulthood is controlled by competitive interactions.
Transient Urodynamic Dysfunction of Infancy: Relationship to Urinary Tract Infections and Vesicoureteral Reflux

AbstractPurpose: Urinary tract infections and vesicoureteral reflux are more common in male than female infants. Since these problems can result from voiding dysfunction, we obtained a detailed history of voiding patterns and urodynamic testing in infants with urinary tract infections in the first year of life.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 39 male and 22 female infants, including 40 with primary vesicoureteral reflux and 21 with no reflux or obstruction.Results: Voiding abnormalities were noted in 97 percent of the male and 77 percent of the female infants, including high voiding detrusor pressure of greater than 40 cm. water in 92 percent of the male and 66 percent of the female infants, residual urine greater than 2 ml./kg. in 13 percent of the male and 23 percent of the female infants, and detrusor hyperreflexia with filling pressure greater than 40 cm. water in a third of the male infants. Voiding detrusor pressure was significantly higher in male than female infants and in male infants with gra...
Professional Sports Marketers’ Perceptions Regarding the Use of Web Advertising

Abstract Web advertising has become one of the popular forms for corporations to reach their target markets. Thus, an increasing number of sports organizations are using their web site as a medium to communicate with customers or fans. However, there has been little information about the use of web advertising in the sports industry. This study explored the current use of web advertising and the perceptions of professional sports marketers for its potential in terms of both reaching customers and fans and providing additional revenue through sponsorship or other activities. The respondents were marketers from US professional sports bodies. Ultimately the study provides suggestions for sport organizations that are considering utilizing web advertising for revenue purposes.