cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Multiprocessor Scheduling Heuristics

Many algorithms for scheduling DAGs on multi-processors have been proposed, but there has been little work done to determine their effectiveness. Since multi-processor scheduling is an NP-hard problem, no exact tractible algorithm exists, and no baseline is available from which to compare the resulting schedules. Furthermore, performance guarantees have been found for only a few simple DAGs. This paper is an attempt to quantify the differences in five of the heuristics. Classification criteria are defined for the DAGs, and the differences between the heuristics are noted for various criteria. The comparison is made between a graph based method, two critical path methods, and two list scheduling heuristics. The empirical performance of the five heuristics is compared when they are applied to the randomly generated DAGs.
Integrated, watershed-based management for sustainable water resources

Water scarcity is a becoming a critical issue globally, driven largely by the demands of an exponentially growing human population and complicated by the impacts of climate change on the amounts and distribution of precipitation. It is also due to mismanagement as scarce water resources are being used simultaneously for irrigation, power generation, public and industrial water supply, flood reduction, and wastewater disposal without consideration of the cumulative impacts to the water resources themselves. This paper outlines eight ecologically based principles and associated guidelines as the basis for integrated and watershed-based management of the world’s water resources.
Sensory Profiling of Chardonel Wine by Descriptive Analysis

: The objectives of this study were to develop descriptive terms for Chardonel wines and to characterize twelve Chardonel wines from different Midwestern states. Thirteen trained panelists desribed the aroma, flavor-by-mouth, texture/mouthfeel and aftertaste characteristics. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results revealed that wines were a significant source of variation for 13 of the 23 attributes used. These 13 attributes were used to conduct cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Two major clusters were observed by cluster analysis. PCA biplot of facrot 1 and 2 explained 77% of the total variation. These descriptive terms can aid in further studies on various Midwestern wines.
Cavitation Fatigue. Embolism and Refilling Cycles Can Weaken the Cavitation Resistance of Xylem

Although cavitation and refilling cycles could be common in plants, it is unknown whether these cycles weaken the cavitation resistance of xylem. Stem or petiole segments were tested for cavitation resistance before and after a controlled cavitation-refilling cycle. Cavitation was induced by centrifugation, air drying of shoots, or soil drought. Except for droughted plants, material was not significantly water stressed prior to collection. Cavitation resistance was determined from “vulnerability curves” showing the percentage loss of conductivity versus xylem pressure. Two responses were observed. “Resilient” xylem (Acer negundo and Alnus incana stems) showed no change in cavitation resistance after a cavitation-refilling cycle. In contrast, “weakened” xylem (Populus angustifolia, P. tremuloides, Helianthus annuus stems, and Aesculus hippocastanum petioles) showed considerable reduction in cavitation resistance. Weakening was observed whether cavitation was induced by centrifugation, air dehydration, or soil drought. Observations from H. annuus showed that weakening was proportional to the embolism induced by stress. Air injection experiments indicated that the weakened response was a result of an increase in the leakiness of the vascular system to air seeding. The increased air permeability in weakened xylem could result from rupture or loosening of the cellulosic mesh of interconduit pit membranes during the water stress and cavitation treatment.
Undo and erase events as indicators of usability problems

One approach to reducing the costs of usability testing is to facilitate the automatic detection of critical incidents: serious breakdowns in interaction that stand out during software use. This research evaluates the use of undo and erase events as indicators of critical incidents in Google SketchUp (a 3D-modeling application), measuring an indicator's usefulness by the numbers and types of usability problems discovered. We compared problems identified using undo and erase events to problems identified using the user-reported critical incident technique [Hartson and Castillo 1998]. In a within-subjects experiment with 35 participants, undo and erase episodes together revealed over 90% of the problems rated as severe, several of which would not have been discovered by self-report alone. Moreover, problems found by all three methods were rated as significantly more severe than those identified by only a subset of methods. These results suggest that undo and erase events will serve as useful complements to user-reported critical incidents for low cost usability evaluation of creation-oriented applications like SketchUp.
Identity and Civil Society in Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine. Women’s NGOs

This research tests the hypothesis that social identities play a key role in the success or failure of democracy, since individuals often hold ethnic and regional identities in particular in a mutually exclusive fashion, resisting calls to act politically on other identities that cut across them. Activists in women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were interviewed in Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine, in order to examine the policy process in an area that cuts across ethnic and regional lines. In newer democracies, the effects of identities should be strongest, since institutions are new, and have less ability to constrain political behavior. The hypothesis that ethnic and regional divisions inhibit cooperation within and between NGOs was tested against alternative hypotheses that attribute cooperation, or the lack of it, to outside funding. The results support the argument that ethnic and regional divisions harm cooperation on women's issues, though the other hypotheses cannot be ruled out.
Stress and the transformation of lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus

Although various stressors appear to influence herpesvirus infections, the underlying mechanisms have not been studied. A prospective design was used to examine the effects of examination stress and loneliness on the transformation of B lymphocytes in mixed cultures of T and B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Three blood samples were drawn from 42 EBV-seropositive medical students, with the baseline sample taken 1 month before their final examinations, the stress sample drawn on the first day of final examinations, and the third sample taken the first week after their return from summer vacation. A median split on the UCLA Loneliness Scale divided the subjects into high- and low-scoring loneliness groups. There were significant effects for change over trials, with the lowest transformation levels (i.e., more virus required to transform cells) found in the stress sample. There was also a significant main effect for loneliness, in which high loneliness was associated with lower transformation levels. Possible immunological pathways for the observed changes are discussed.
What Genetics Offers Geobiology

For over 50 years, the Parker Brothers’ board game “Clue” has maintained its position as the classic family detective game. A murder has been committed in the mansion, but we don’t know where, by whom, or how. Was it Professor Plum in the study with a knife, or Miss Scarlett in the ballroom with a candlestick? Through rolls of the dice, fragments of information patiently accumulated piece-by-piece, and the application of logic, players construct a case to figure out “whodunit”. Because there are several potential solutions to the problem, the key challenge is to figure out what happened by understanding how it happened.
The Functional Influence of Burst and Tonic Firing Mode on Synaptic Interactions in the Thalamus

Thalamocortical and perigeniculate (PGN) neurons can generate action potentials either as Ca2+ spike-mediated high-frequency bursts or as tonic trains. Using dual intracellular recordings in vitro in monosynaptically connected pairs of PGN and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) neurons, we found that the functional effect of synaptic transmission between these cell types was strongly influenced by the membrane potential and hence the firing mode of both the pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Activation of single action potentials or low-frequency spike trains in PGN or thalamocortical neurons resulted in the generation of PSPs that were 0.5-2.0 mV in amplitude. In contrast, the generation of Ca2+ spike-mediated bursts of action potentials in the presynaptic cell increased these PSPs to an average of 4.4 mV for the IPSP and 3.0 mV for the EPSP barrage, because of temporal summation and/or facilitation. If the postsynaptic neuron was at a resting membrane potential (e.g., -65 mV), these PSP barrages could result in the activation of a low-threshold Ca2+ spike and burst of action potentials. These results demonstrate that the burst firing mode of action potential generation is a particularly effective means by which perigeniculate and thalamocortical neurons may influence one another. We propose that the activation of burst discharges in these cell types is essential for the generation of some forms of synchronized rhythmic oscillations of sleep and of epileptic seizures.
Carboxylation of polypropylene by reactive extrusion with functionalized peroxides for use as a compatibilizer in polypropylene/polyamide-6,6 blends

Variable quantities of functionalized peroxides bearing carboxylic acid groups were reacted with polypropylene (PP) in a twin-screw extruder. Systematic variations in the molecular structure of the peroxides were found to significantly affect the grafting efficiency of the carboxylic acid group onto the PP backbone, as well as affect the polymer degradation process. This behavior was attributed to the relative reactivities of the different free radicals generated by thermal decomposition of the peroxides. Furthermore, the functionalized polypropylene (f-PP) was investigated as a compatibilizing additive for 80/20 PP/PA-6,6 (polyamide 6,6) blends. With incorporation of the f-PP into the blends, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed an 80°C decrease in the PA-6,6 crystallization temperature. A near linear increase in the impact strength of the blends was observed with f-PP incorporations up to 30% of the PP phase. Moreover, blends containing 30% f-PP demostrated impact properties approaching that of pure PA-6,6.
Reducing risks to children in vehicles with passenger airbags

This review examines the risk that passenger airbags pose for children and discusses behavioral and technologic measures aimed at protecting children from airbag deployment. Although airbags reduce fatal crash injuries among adult drivers and passengers, this safety technology increases mortality risk among children younger than age 12. The magnitude of the risk is multiplied when children are unrestrained or restrained improperly. As new vehicles are resold to buyers who tend to be less safety-conscious than new car owners, the number of children endangered by passenger airbag deployment may increase. For vehicles already in the fleet, strong measures are required to secure children in the rear seat and increase the proper use of appropriate restraint systems through police enforcement of laws. One promising strategy is to amend child passenger safety laws to require that parents secure children in the rear seats. For future vehicles, a mandatory performance standard should be adopted that suppresses airbag deployment automatically if a child is located in the front passenger seat. Other promising improvements in airbag design also are discussed. Major changes in passenger airbag design must be evaluated in a broad analytical framework that considers the welfare of adults as well as children.
Effect of heat and cold on tendon flexibility and force to flex the human knee.

Background It is commonly believed in medicine that using heat will increase the distensability and flexibility of soft tissue. If true, increased flexibility would be a positive factor to reduce injuries in sports. However, cold should have the opposite effect and is often used to treat sports injuries. This study was accomplished to quantify the effect of heat and cold on the force needed to flex the knee and laxness of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Material and Methods The present study examined 20 male and female subjects to determine if heat would increase extensibility of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee and reduce the force needed to flex the knee. Cold exposure was examined to see if it would have the opposite effect. There were 4 experiments in the series: The first was a room temperature series; the second was a series where cold was applied with an ice pack for 20 minutes; in the third, hydrocollator heat packs were applied for 20 minutes; and in the fourth, ThermaCare heat wraps were applied for 4 hours on the quadriceps and knee. Tendon extensibility was measured with a KT2000. The force for flexing the knee was measured by passive movement being applied (CPM) to the knee through 30° and the force required to move the leg was measured. Results The results show that the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament flexibility increased and the force needed to move the knee decreased with heat by about 25% compared to cold application. Conclusions Heat is beneficial in increasing muscle and ligament flexibility and may help reduce athletic injuries, but cold treatment may have the opposite effect. Language: en
Incorporating New Medications in Diabetes Care

In this issue, Ou and colleagues examine a well-defined and clinically relevant decision: whether to add medication to metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The editorialist discusses the ...
Can a vegetation index derived from remote sensing be indicative of areal transpiration

Monthly, maximum-value-composited normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI), calculated from NOAAAVHRR images, were correlated with annual transpiration (TR) estimates (i.e. annual precipitation minus runoff) for seven watersheds in Pennsylvania. A moderate relationship between the standardized variables was detected. The NDVI‐TR relationship dramatically improved with improved watershed TR estimates. At the Little River watershed in Georgia, where the water balances of two sub-catchments could be reliably estimated over water cycles of variable length (about 2 months to 1 1 years), the correlation coefficient between NDVI and TR was found to be 0.94 (a sample size of 13). The present approach avoids the common practice of applying arbitrary hydrological models to validate the NDVI‐TR relationship and attempts to minimize the effects of possible spurious correlations between the two variables that may stem from well-defined annual cycles in both the TR process and the foliage development of vegetation. It is concluded here that NDVI seems to reflect temporal changes in areal TR in a humid environment under well-vegetated conditions. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Bisphenol-A polycarbonate–diluent interactions

The effect of low-molecular-weight miscible additives on the sub-Tg (β) relaxation process in bisphenol-A polycarbonate (BPAPC) was studied using high-resolution carbon-13 solid-state NMR. The trend of the spin-lattice relaxation times T1 at 50 MHz suggests that strong intermolecular interactions occur upon mixing when BPAPC is physically stiffened by the antiplasticizing diluent, diphenylphthalate. The values of 13C T1 at 15 MHz in d-chloroform solutions for similar BPAPC-diluent mixtures suggest that diluent effects on the megahertz mobility of the polymer occur exclusively in the solid state. These results are explained using equilibrium thermodynamics, in the Ehrenfest sense, at the second-order glass transition temperature Tg. Theory predicts that the temperature dependence of the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter ∂χ/∂T changes abruptly as the polymer-diluent blends are cooled below Tg from the molten state. The difference between ∂χ/∂T in the liquid and glassy states is the major factor which determines the diluent concentration dependence of Tg. A method is developed to estimate the relative magnitudes of χ for polymerdiluent blends in the glassy state.
Bayesian probability of error under fine quantization

In a variety of decision systems, processing is performed not on the underlying signal but on a quantized version. Accordingly, assuming fine quantization, Poor observed a quadratic variation in f-divergences with smooth f. In this paper, we derive a quadratic behavior in the Bayesian probability of error, which corresponds to a nonsmooth f, thereby advancing the state of the art. Unlike Poor's purely variational method, we solve a novel cube-slicing problem, and convert a volume integral to a surface integral in the course of our analysis.
SOME DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS' EMPLOYABILITY IN ACADEMIC SETTINGS

A factor analysis of 11 variables, ferreted from the curriculum vitae (CV) of 338 applicants for the position of assistant professor of psychology, yielded four factors which were used as predictors in six stepwise multiple regression analyses in which the ratings of 92 CV's by five members of a search committee were utilized as the criteria, first collectively and then individually. The first factor which was chiefly composed of the number of publications, especially senior authorships, accounted for 16% of the total variance and was the most potent contributor to the multiple R. Comparison of the results of the single-judge analyses revealed some notable vicissitudes in the prominence of the four predictors. Relationships of the present findings to the past policy-capturing research were indicated.
Extradigital Glomus Tumors: A 20-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE To review a large series of extradigital glomus tumors in order to gain a better understanding of their presentation and provide guidelines to aid in their diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all extradigital glomus tumors seen at our institution during a 20-year period (1985-2005) to document the incidence of the classic triad of symptoms, the duration of symptoms, the contribution of imaging to making a definitive diagnosis, and the effectiveness of treatment. RESULTS Fifty-six different patients with extradigital glomus tumors presented as follows: glomus tumors in the hand (3), wrist (4), forearm (11), elbow (4), arm (4), shoulder (2), buttock (1), thigh (5), knee (10), leg (3), ankle (2), foot (2), back (1), nose (1), cheek (1), ear lobe (1), and trachea (1). Forty-eight patients presented with pain and localized tenderness, but only 1 patient presented with cold intolerance. The average duration of symptoms was greater than 7 years, with most patients being evaluated previously and having their conditions misdiagnosed. Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be the most useful modality for localization of these lesions. Surgical resection was the definitive treatment and generally provided immediate and sustained pain relief. CONCLUSIONS Extradigital glomus tumors are not a rare subgroup of glomus tumors. Treatment outcomes are excellent, but misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common. Improved guidelines regarding symptoms and diagnosis of these neoplasms may reduce the morbidity, ensuing chronic pain, and psychiatric consequences of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Investigation of co-travelling solitary wave collisions in a granular chain

We present investigations into the collision of co-travelling solitary waves in a granular chain. Impulses are injected into the system by means of a piezo stack and the results are compared to a numerical model of discrete masses connected by non-linear springs. Similar to other solitary wave-carrying systems, a phase shift in both interacting solitary waves is observed due to their collision. Additionally, the formation of small secondary waves is observed in both numerical and experimental results. Insight into solitary wave interactions will be important for high-frequency excitation of a granular crystal, which may allow for improved Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods.
SESSION 1A: RACIAL INEQUALITY AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS

This paper presents a detailed accounting of the sources of African-American economic progress in the labor market over the twentieth century. We examine the received literature and demonstrate the sensitivity of conclusions stated in it to choices of samples used to measure wages and to specifications of earnings functions. We present a quantitative assessment of the contributions of migration, schooling choices, schooling quality, and social activism to both absolute levels and relative levels of African-American earnings.
Effect of Calcium Source, Particle Size, Limestone Solubility In Vitro, and Calcium Intake Level on Layer Bone Status and Performance

Experiments were conducted to examine the effect on layer performance of dietary calcium source, particle size (average United States Screen Numbers 6, 8, 12, 18, 35, and 100) and calcium intake level (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 g/day). Egg production and egg weight were not affected by any of the treatments. Size and calcium intake level significantly affected shell weight, shell weight per unit surface area, specific gravity, and shell thickness. Bone ash expressed as a percentage of fat-free dry weight was not affected by calcium intake level, but bone ash concentration (bone ash per unit volume) and bone-breaking strength were linearly related to calcium intake level. Regressed shell quality traits and various bone parameters related to solubility instead of particle size produced a better fitted line.
Effects of growth hormone administration for 6 months on bone turnover and bone marrow fat in obese premenopausal women.

Purpose Abdominal adiposity is associated with low BMD and decreased growth hormone (GH) secretion, an important regulator of bone homeostasis. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of a short course of GH on markers of bone turnover and bone marrow fat in premenopausal women with abdominal adiposity.
Hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A alter secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) from human immune cells

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are brominated flame-retardant compounds used in a variety of applications including insulation, upholstery, and epoxy resin circuit boards. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is an inflammatory cytokine produced by activated T and NK cells that regulates immune responsiveness. HBCD and TBBPA are found in human blood, and previous studies have shown that they alter the ability of human natural killer (NK) lymphocytes to destroy tumor cells. This study examines whether HBCD and TBBPA affect the secretion of IFN-γ from increasingly complex preparations of human immune cells-purified NK cells, monocyte-depleted (MD) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and PBMCs. Both HBCD and TBBPA were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 5 µM. HBCD generally caused increases in IFN-γ secretion after 24-h, 48-h, and 6-day exposures in each of the different cell preparations. The specific concentration of HBCD that caused increases as well as the magnitude of the increase varied from donor to donor. In contrast, TBBPA tended to decrease secretion of IFN-γ from NK cells, MD-PBMCs, and PBMCs. Thus, exposure to these compounds may potentially disrupt the immune regulation mediated by IFN-γ. Signaling pathways that have the capacity to regulate IFN-γ production (nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), p44/42, p38, JNK) were examined for their role in the HBCD-induced increases in IFN-γ. Results showed that the p44/42 (ERK1/2) MAPK pathway appears to be important in HBCD-induced increases in IFN-γ secretion from human immune cells.
Partial Production Functions and the Analysis of Farm-Firm Costs and Efficiency

"Partial production functions" relating output to part of, rather than the entire array of, inputs employed are quite common in the production analysis of the biological subprocess in the farm-firm. This article attempts to outline the framework within which this approach is reconcilable with the accepted theory of the firm. It also traces the derivation of the various cost functions from a set of partial production functions which, under certain conditions, may replace the single comprehensive one. An empirical example demonstrates the usefulness of this approach in relating cost variations to factor intensities or economics of scale which characterize a subprocess rather than the process of production as a whole.
Evaluation of genetic variability in the dopamine receptor D2 in relation to behavioral inhibition and impulsivity/sensation seeking: An exploratory study with d-amphetamine in healthy participants.

The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) appears to be involved in impulsive behaviors, and particularly in behavioral inhibition. We sought to determine whether inhibition and impulsivity were related to genetic polymorphisms in the DRD2 gene (DRD2) in healthy volunteers (N = 93). Participants received placebo or d-amphetamine in random order. They performed the stop task, measuring behavioral inhibition, and rated their mood states on each session. They also completed the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, including an Impulsivity subscale. We investigated the association between 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in DRD2 and stop task performance in the nondrug (i.e., placebo) session and on the personality measure of impulsivity. We secondarily evaluated the DRD2 SNPs in relation to response to d-amphetamine on stop task performance and mood ratings. Mood was not related to genotypes in either the drug free condition or in response to drug. However, 2 SNPs, rs4648317 and rs12364283, and a haplotype block consisting of those SNPs, were associated with better performance on the stop task in the drug free condition and lower scores on the Impulsivity subscale. We also found that rs12364283 was associated with effects of d-amphetamine on stop task performance: d-amphetamine decreased stop reaction time (RT) in the A/A group but increased stop RT in the combined A/G + G/G genotype. Of the SNPs we evaluated, rs12364283, which has been associated with DRD2 expression, was the most significantly associated with inhibition and impulsivity. The significant relationship between DRD2 genotype and both behavioral inhibition and impulsivity suggests a possible common genetic influence on behavioral and self-report measures of impulsivity.
Survivorship patterns of larvae of Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in Massachusetts kale, with special reference to mortality due to Apanteles glomeratus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Survivorship curves for the pre-adult stages of Pieris rapae (L.) on kale in Massachusetts exhibited two patterns. Early season generations showed a linear decline with mortality in all stages, whereas late season generations showed reduced losses in larval instars 2-4 and a concentration of mortality in the fifth instar. Ratios of direct measurement of recruitment of P. rapae and its parasitoid Apanteles glomeratus (L.) to their first larval and egg-plus-larval stages, respectively, indicated that losses to parasitism for five host generations were 86·1, 9·1, 58·O, 71·7 and 40·3% for the 1985 third generation and the 1986 first to fourth generations. Patterns of percentage parasitism within single generations were determined by higher rates of mortality in parasitized than healthy older larvae (instars 3-5) and, in some cases, by higher rates of host than parasitoid recruitment towards the end of the generation.
Writing to Reflect: Mindful Leadership in the Face of Change

"Writing to Reflect" introduces the use of writing as an aid to creative and critical thinking in the context of leading change. The note explains how the process of reflective writing slows thinking and encourages improved skills in sense-making, analysis, decision-making, and meta-cognition. Included are ideas on how to get started and 13 writing prompts related to leading change.
The Growth Of Thin Ti Films on Si(111)-(7×7) Surfaces

A study of the room-temperature growth of ultrathin Ti films (up to 7 ML) on clean and atomically flat Si(111)- (7×7) surfaces using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) is presented. The variations in the Auger signal due to Si L 2.3 VV with binding energy of 92 eV are used to model the growth morphology of this system. These measurements indicate the growth of an initial disordered and continuous Ti film of up to 1.6 ML in thickness, where the LEED pattern completely disappears and the Si Auger signal is strongly attenuated. As more Ti is deposited, this is followed by the disintegration of the continuous film and the formation of an intermixed Ti/Si film. This is evidenced by a change in the slope of the Auger signal time (AST) plot, and the reappearance of the LEED pattern. The modification in the overlayer composition for films thicker than 1.6 ML is confirmed by a change in the Si L 2.3 VV Auger peak that resembles the peak shape due to TiSi2.
Demographic Toxicology as a Method for Studying the Dicofol-Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) System

Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effects of dicofol on Tetranychus urticae Koch on a population basis. Age-specific survivorship, fecundity, and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were inversely related to dosage of dicofol, whereas developmental time was directly related to concentration of the compound. As the dosage of dicofol was increased, the stable age distribution shifted from a young and growing population to an old and declining population. Demographic toxicology may be of value in providing an alternative to the more conventional method of assessing pesticide efficacy. It shifts the emphasis and extends the scope of pesticide studies from that of measuring a single and static quantity (LD50) to that of measuring other life history traits and incorporating them into a more dynamic and multidimensional parameter (intrinsic rate of increase).
Clinical Guidelines: Fad, Fact, or Vision

Interest in clinical guidelines is expanding significantly. Clinical guidelines have been developed by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, specialty organizations representing almost every health-care discipline, and individual agencies and facilities. Clinical guidelines may be used in the development of practice and patient care standards and within care delivery models such as case management. Clinical guidelines offer professional nurses an opportunity to define their practice and their contributions to outcomes-based patient care. Clinical guidelines also may enable interdisciplinary continuous quality improvement to ensure ongoing optimization of care delivery and patient outcome. Therefore, clinical guidelines can be used to design patient care that is truly driven by patient need and that empowers optimal contributions by nurses and all other members of the caregiving team.
PARP Inhibition Suppresses Growth of EGFR-Mutant Cancers by Targeting Nuclear PKM2

Upon growth factor stimulation or in some EGFR mutant cancer cells, PKM2 translocates into the nucleus to induce glycolysis and cell growth. Here, we report that nuclear PKM2 binds directly to poly-ADP ribose, and this PAR-binding capability is critical for its nuclear localization. Accordingly, PARP inhibition prevents nuclear retention of PKM2 and therefore suppresses cell proliferation and tumor growth. In addition, we found that PAR level correlates with nuclear localization of PKM2 in EGFR mutant brain and lung cancers, suggesting that PAR-dependent nuclear localization of PKM2 likely contributes to tumor progression in EGFR mutant glioblastoma and lung cancers. In addition, some EGFR-inhibitor-resistant lung cancer cells are sensitive to PARP inhibitors. Taken together, our data indicate that suppression of PKM2 nuclear function by PARP inhibitors represents a treatment strategy for EGFR-inhibitor-resistant cancers.
The pathogens and epidemic characteristics of infectious diarrhea in Ningxia region,2011

Objective To understand the pathogen spectrum and the epidemiological characteristics of infectious diarrhea in Ningxia region. Methods The stool samples of diarrhea patients were collected for detections of 8 pathogens like Escherichis coli,Shigella,Aeromonas etc. Rotavirus,Calicivirus,Astrovirus and Adenovirus were also detected. Results 524 samples from patients with Diarrhea,47.14% were positive,the ration of virus infection was higher than bacterial infection. The infection rate of children under 2 years was 53.80% which was highest in all age groups. The infection rate in Qingtongxia city was 76.12% and was highest in all cities(districts). Calicivirus,Eschierichia coli were main infectious pathogens in different areas and different age groups. Conclusion The infectious diarrhea in Ningxia region is mainly induced by virus,next bacteria. Calicivirus and Escherichis coli infections are significantly serious. The prevention and control of infectious diarrhea should be strengthened in key areas to reduce the harm to the healthy people.
Current Status and Analysis of Ignition Sensitivity of Magnesium Particles

Based on large documents investigations, the research status of ignition sensitivity of magnesium particles in recent years has been collected and analyzed,including sensitivity parameters and correlated technologies of prevention and protection.Moreover,some suggestions are provided based on this in order to prevent the magnesium accidents,providing basis for the study of better prevention of magnesium particles explosion accidents and correlated theories and technologies.
Renal cytochrome P-450-related arachidonate metabolism in rabbit aortic coarctation

Cells of the medullary segment of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH) convert arachidonic acid (AA) via the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase pathway to biologically active metabolites: P1, a vasorelaxant, and P2, an inhibitor of Na+-K+-ATPase activity. These AA metabolites may contribute to the renal vascular and metabolic adjustments in response to renal hypoperfusion and the attendant elevation of blood pressure produced by suprarenal aortic coarctation. On the eighth postoperative day, the blood pressures of hypertensive and sham-operated control rabbits were 105 (90-115) and 63 (60-64) mmHg (medians with semiquartile values), respectively (P less than 0.01). Formation of P1 and P2 was increased twofold in TALH cells obtained from hypertensive rabbits: 2.35 (1.79-4.83) and 1.28 (1.56-4.56) micrograms AA converted.mg protein-1.30 min-1 compared with sham-operated rabbits: 1.27 (1.03-1.53) and 0.64 (0.58-1.10) micrograms AA converted.mg protein-1.30 min-1 (P less than 0.05). The profile of biological activity of AA metabolites contained within P1 and P2 was unaffected by aortic coarctation. The cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase-derived AA metabolites may exert a defensive function to limit the degree of TALH cell injury in response to renal hypoperfusion and associated zonal anoxia by reducing energy-dependent Na+-K+-ATPase activity and affecting local vasodilatation.
Teratogenically induced fetal anomalies.

Teratogens may take the form of infectious agents, drugs, chemicals, physical agents, or maternal diseases or altered metabolic states. As opposed to most other cases of fetal anomalies, teratogenically induced disabilities are potentially totally preventable through public education and awareness. Care for the pregnant patient with a known or potential teratogenic exposure should include not only patient education and counseling, but may also require recommendation of specific prenatal diagnostic procedures.
TRAJECTORIES OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS IN ADOLESCENCE BY GENDER AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR

Previous studies suggest that both school and community connectedness among adolescents are associated with prosocial behaviors and positive outcomes. While delinquency is associated with lack of connectedness to school and community, little research has considered how delinquency affects this relationship for adolescents living in impoverished neighborhoods. This study estimated gendered trajectories of school and community connectedness for adolescents in impoverished neighborhoods as a function of their levels of delinquency. Results showed that delinquency was negatively correlated and that age was positively correlated with school connectedness for both genders. In contrast, community connectedness increased with age for boys, but decreased with age for girls. In addition, delinquency was negatively related to community connectedness for boys, but not for girls. These findings suggest that for adolescents in impoverished neighborhoods, gender-informed interventions to decrease delinquency could have positive effects on school and community connectedness.
A Method for Collecting the Honey-Sac Contents from Honeybees

SummaryA simple method is described for collecting the honey-sac contents from honeybees. Captured foraging bees are anaesthetized with C02; the abdomen is squeezed in a special apparatus, which is described, to express the contents of the honey sac through the mouthparts. The expressed liquid is collected in a glass capillary tube and sealed and frozen for analysis later. Nectar loads can be collected very quickly, enabling large-scale studies to be made.The ingestion of fluid into the ventriculus is discussed.
Lightning effects in the middle and upper atmosphere

… it is quite possible that a discharge between the top of the cloud and the ionosphere is a normal accompaniment of a lightning discharge to earth … and many years ago I observed what appeared to be discharges of this kind from a thundercloud below the horizon. There were diffuse, fan-shaped flashes of greenish colour extending up into a clear sky. C.T.R. Wilson (1956) Introduction For over a century prior to the scientific recordings of the 1990s, there were reports of visually observed lightning-like channels, pillars of light, and diffuse, upward-propagating, optical phenomena above thundercloud tops, sometimes apparently extending between the cloud tops and the ionosphere (e.g., Everett and Everett 1903; Boys 1926; Malan 1937; Ashmore 1950; Wright 1950; Wood 1951; Wilson 1956; Powell 1968; Corliss 1977, 1983; Vonnegut 1980; Vaughan and Vonnegut 1982; Vonnegut et al. 1989; Vaughan and Vonnegut 1989; Fisher 1990; Hammerstrom 1993). On theoretical grounds the existence of discharges in the rarified air between the thundercloud top and the lower ionosphere had been predicted by, for example, Wilson (1925a, b, 1956), Hoffman (1960), and Cole et al. (1966), all of whom viewed runaway electrons as the potential causative mechanism. Runaway electrons are defined as electrons whose initial energy is high enough that they gain more energy from the ambient electric field between collisions with air atoms than they lose in the collision process, and hence they continue to gain energy and increase in speed (Section 14.5). The first recording of luminous phenomena above cloud tops was serendipitously obtained in 1989 by Franz et al. (1990), while testing a new low-light video system.
Metal and Ligand Effects of Photoactive Transition Metal Carbonyls in the Iodine Degenerative Transfer Controlled Radical Polymerization and Block Copolymerization of Vinylidene Fluoride

The metal and ligand effect of a series of transition metal carbonyls in conjunction with alkyl and perfluoroalkyl halides was investigated in the initiation and control of the visible light, radical photopolymerizations of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and respectively, in the synthesis of PVDF block copolymers. No polymerization was observed for CpMn(CO)3, CpCo(CO)2, Cp2Fe2(CO)4, Cp*2Cr2(CO)4, Mo(CO)6, Fe(CO)5, Cr(CO)6, Co2(CO)8, Co4(CO)12, Fe3(CO)12, Ru3(CO)12, (PPh3)2Ni(CO)2, Cp2Ti(CO)2, and Au(CO)Cl. A free radical polymerization, and respectively an iodine degenerative transfer, controlled radical polymerization was obtained for Mn2(CO)10 ∼ Re2(CO)10 ≫ Cp2Mo2(CO)6 ≫ Cp2W2(CO)6 with CH3(CH2)5–Br, CH3(CH2)5–I, CH3–I, CCl3–Cl, CCl3–Br, Br–(CF2)6–Br, and respectively with CF3(CF2)3–I and I–(CF2)4,6–I. Furthermore, while Fe(CO)5, Cp*Cr2(CO)4 and Co4(CO)12 led to ∼ CF2–I bond insertion, Re2(CO)10, Mn2(CO)10, Cp2W2(CO)6, Cp2Mo2(CO)6 and Cp2Fe2(CO)4 provided quantitative radical activation of both PVDF–CH2–CF2–...
Questions of Etiology, Change, Policy, Mating, and Migration

With the close of the fourth section, it is anticipated that readers will know what life history theory is, and how it explains Murray’s data. Having demonstrated that Coming Apart is fundamentally a work of life history, it is necessary to reconsider its implications. Therefore, Chapter 5 goes on to consider what the sources of change are, parsing between nature and nurture and other questions of causality. Thereafter, chapter five considers how the biological underpinnings of these sociological patterns change policy approaches and add gravity to data on mating and migration.
Positive adaptations for trauma and healing (PATH), a pilot study of group therapy with Latino youth.

OBJECTIVE This study examines the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of Positive Adaptations for Trauma and Healing (PATH), a manualized treatment for Latino youth and their caregivers. PATH is a culturally adapted program that incorporates a trauma model, positive psychology, and resilience. METHOD Latino youth (N = 16) recruited from an urban community clinic participated in PATH with their caregiver. Pre- and postintervention measures on trauma symptoms, resilience, depression, caregiver's view of their youth's well-being, and positive and negative emotions were gathered. Following the intake meetings (1 to 3), the families participated in 10 90-minute weekly group sessions (total of 3 groups). Caregiver groups were conducted in Spanish, and youth in English. RESULTS At pretest, 56% of the youth endorsed clinically significant symptoms on the UCLA PTSD Index (M = 34.2, SD = 11.2); the percentage dropped to 0% at posttest (M = 17.3, SD = 7.6). Youth reported pre- to posttest reductions on the Child Depression Inventory (mean difference [Mdiff] = 7.3; p = .004) and externalizing (Mdiff = 6.1; p < .001) and internalizing (Mdiff = 9.4; p < .001) behaviors on the caregiver-reported Child Behavior Checklist. Overall, there was high treatment engagement (93% attendance over 10 weeks). CONCLUSION This novel treatment engaged a community-based Latino sample. The results suggest high acceptability and significant reduction in trauma symptoms and associated symptoms. This study included a small number of participants and results should be interpreted with caution. Future iterations will target larger number of participants to further assess feasibility. (PsycINFO Database Record
Electronics: 3D integration advances computing

Integrated circuits usually have only one layer of electronic devices, which limits their performance and functionality. A 3D integrated circuit that incorporates multiple device layers enables a wealth of applications. See Letter p.74 Computers have grown consistently more powerful for several decades, but further advances in performance are hitting several roadblocks as emerging applications require the processing of large amounts of data at increasingly faster rates. A main bottleneck is the need to transfer data between off-chip memory and on-chip logic circuits. Max Shulaker et al. demonstrate a fresh approach to the design of computers dedicated to specific data-intensive applications, in which computing and memory is integrated more efficiently. Their three-dimensional, monolithically integrated nanosystem comprises several emerging technologies. It senses ambient gases with low-power nanosensors, stores the data in more than a million non-volatile memory devices and classifies it with carbon-nanotube-based logic. Crucially, these layers are all fabricated on the same chip and compatible with silicon-based technologies. Their approach inspires a new direction in computing whereby logic computation is integrated with data storage.
A low-sodium, high-potassium, high-magnesium salt lowered blood pressure

Source Citation Geleijnse JM, Witteman JC, Bak AA, den Breeijen JH, Grobbee DE. Reduction in blood pressure with a low sodium, high potassium, high magnesium salt in older subjects with mild to mod...
Megan’s School Success Class

It is just after lunch at Esplanade—an alternative high school and adult learning center. Many students at Esplanade eat lunch in their classrooms instead of the cafeteria, so several students are finishing their lunch in Megan’s class and beginning to clean up as they throw away their empty Dr. Pepper cans, finish their last few nacho cheese fries, and pack away half-eaten bags of chips to save for later.
Microelectrochemical Flow Cell for Studying Electrocatalytic Reactions on Oxide-Coated Electrodes.

Here, we report a new kind of microelectrochemical flow system that is well suited for studying electrode modifications, like thin films prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD), that require substrates to have a two-dimensional form factor. The design provides a means for electrodes to be modified ex situ and then incorporated directly into the flow cell. The electrodes can be removed after testing and further modified or tested before being reincorporated into the flow cell. Using this cell, mass-transfer coefficients up to 0.011 cm/s and collection efficiencies up to 57 ± 10% have been achieved. Electrodes modified with an ultrathin layer of ALD Al2O3 and an overlayer of Pt dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) have been incorporated into the flow cell and their electrocatalytic properties evaluated. Subsequently, the dendrimer was removed from the Pt DENs using a UV/O3 treatment, and this provided direct contact between the Al2O3 layer and the NPs. Finally, the product distribution for the oxyg...
Hepatic glutamate transport and glutamine synthesis capacities are decreased in finished vs. growing beef steers, concomitant with increased GTRAP3-18 content

Hepatic glutamate uptake and conversion to glutamine is critical for whole-body N metabolism, but how this process is regulated during growth is poorly described. The hepatic glutamate uptake activities, protein content of system [Formula: see text] transporters (EAAC1, GLT-1) and regulatory proteins (GTRAP3-18, ARL6IP1), glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and content, and glutathione (GSH) content, were compared in liver tissue of weaned Angus steers randomly assigned (n = 8) to predominantly lean (growing) or predominantly lipid (finished) growth regimens. Steers were fed a cotton seed hull-based diet to achieve final body weights of 301 or 576 kg, respectively, at a constant rate of growth. Liver tissue was collected at slaughter and hepatic membranes fractionated. Total (75%), Na+-dependent (90%), system [Formula: see text]-dependent (abolished) glutamate uptake activity, and EAAC1 content (36%) in canalicular membrane-enriched vesicles decreased as steers developed from growing (n = 6) to finished (n = 4) stages, whereas Na+-independent uptake did not change. In basolateral membrane-enriched vesicles, total (60%), Na+-dependent (60%), and Na+-independent (56%) activities decreased, whereas neither system [Formula: see text]-dependent uptake nor protein content changed. EAAC1 protein content in liver homogenates (n = 8) decreased in finished vs. growing steers, whereas GTRAP3-18 and ARL6IP1 content increased and GLT-1 content did not change. Concomitantly, hepatic GS activity decreased (32%) as steers fattened, whereas GS and GSH contents did not differ. We conclude that hepatic glutamate uptake and GS synthesis capacities are reduced in livers of finished versus growing beef steers, and that hepatic system [Formula: see text] transporter activity/EAAC1 content is inversely proportional to GTRAP3-18 content.