cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Literature on Capital Budgeting and Investment Appraisal: Past, Present, and Future Musings

Abstract This chapter provides a historical appraisal of the development of current capital budgeting practices and reviews capital budgeting academic research. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the industrial revolution was instrumental in creating demand for capital budgeting processes and techniques. Academic research, beginning in the late 1940s and early 1950s, is categorized by its focus on appraisal techniques, individual decision-maker effects, organizational issues, and environmental factors. Experimental, analytical, agency-based, survey-based, and case-based research is reviewed. The chapter concludes with a compilation of issues identified by academic research and a set of questions that have not yet been addressed.
Sentiment propagation in social networks: a case study in livejournal

Social networking websites have facilitated a new style of communication through blogs, instant messaging, and various other techniques. Through collaboration, millions of users participate in millions of discussions every day. However, it is still difficult to determine the extent to which such discussions affect the emotions of the participants. We surmise that emotionally-oriented discussions may affect a given user's general emotional bent and be reflected in other discussions he or she may initiate or participate in. It is in this way that emotion (or sentiment) may propagate through a network. In this paper, we analyze sentiment propagation in social networks, review the importance and challenges of such a study, and provide methodologies for measuring this kind of propagation. A case study has been conducted on a large dataset gathered from the LiveJournal social network. Experimental results are promising in revealing some aspects of the sentiment propagation taking place in social networks.
Inhibition of fucosylation reshapes inflammatory macrophages and suppresses type II collagen-induced arthritis.

Objective Fucosylation catalyzed by fucosyltransferases (FUTs) is an important post-translational modification involved in a variety of biological processes. The purpose of the current study is to determine the roles of fucosylation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the efficacy of reestablishing the immune homeostasis by using 2-Deoxy-D-galactose (2-D-gal), a fucosylation inhibitor.
Assessment of prolonged QT and JT intervals in ventricular conduction defects

The JT interval or Bazett's QTc - QRS has been advocated for detection of prolonged repolarization in ventricular conduction defects (VCDs). However, the use of neither JT nor QTc - QRS has been validated, and normal limits for rate-adjusted JT have not been established for VCDs or for normal ventricular conduction. Functional relations among RR, JT, and QT intervals were evaluated in 11,739 adult men and women with normal ventricular conduction and in 1,251 subjects with major VCD. The results showed that JT adjustment obtained as QTc - QRS retained a strong residual correlation with ventricular rate (r = 0.54), making its use ill-advised. In contrast, QT adjustment as a linear function of the RR interval for VCD as QT(RR,QRS) = QT - 155 x (60/heart rate - 1) - 0.93 x (QRS - 139) + k, with k = -22 ms for men and -34 ms for women, removed the rate dependence and produced upper 2% and 5% normal limits at 460 and 450 ms, respectively, which are identical to those in normal conduction. As an alternative, equally effective linear JT adjustment formulas were derived, including newly required normal standards. Thus, detection of prolonged repolarization in VCD requires the use of the JT interval or a bivariate model for QT with RR and QRS intervals as covariates.
Local transport properties, morphology and microstructure of ZnO decorated SiO2 nanoparticles

We report on a novel, surfactant free method for achieving nanocrystalline ZnO decoration of an SiO2 nanoparticle at ambient temperature. The size distributions of the naked and decorated SiO2 nanoparticles are measured by means of dynamic light scattering, and a monodisperse distribution is observed for each. The morphology and microstructure of the nanoparticles are explored using atomic force microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Investigation of the optical properties of the ZnO decorated SiO2 nanoparticles shows absorption at 350?nm. This blue shift in absorption as compared to bulk ZnO is shown to be consistent with quantum confinement effects due to the small size of the ZnO nanocrystals. Finally, the local electronic transport properties of the nanoparticles are explored by scanning conductance atomic force microscopy. A memristive hysteresis in the transport properties of the individual ZnO decorated SiO2 nanoparticles is observed. Optical absorption measurements suggest the presence of oxygen vacancies, whose migration and annihilation appear to contribute to the dynamic conduction properties of the ZnO decorated nanoparticles. We believe this to be the first demonstration of a ZnO decorated SiO2 nanoparticle, and this represents a simple yet powerful way of achieving the optical and electrical properties of ZnO in combination with the simplicity of SiO2 synthesis.
On eigenvalue pinching in positive Ricci curvature

We shall show that for manifolds with Ric≥n−1 the radius is close to π iff the (n+1)st eigenvalue is close to n. This extends results of Cheng and Croke which show that the diameter is close to π iff the first eigenvalue is close to n. We shall also give a new proof of an important theorem of Colding to the effect that if the radius is close to π, then the volume is close to that of the sphere and the manifold is Gromov-Hausdorff close to the sphere. From work of Cheeger and Colding these conditions imply that the manifold is diffeomorphic to a sphere.
Preferences for psychiatric advance directives: Results from a randomized trial of facilitation of psychiatric advance directives:

Limited research has examined patients' preferences for psychiatric advance directives (PADs). This study examines the preferences and interest in PADs among patients with severe mental illness. Participants in a randomized controlled trial of PAD facilitation versus usual care were interviewed about their preferences and interest in PADs. Preferences scores were estimated and compared among patients wishing to complete types of PADs. The large majority of participants indicating an interest in a PAD that included a healthcare power of attorney gave greatest importance to enabling surrogate decision making and continuity of care during crises, a minority who expressed interest in a stand-alone advance instruction for mental health treatment or no PAD at all gave highest priority to avoiding unwanted treatment. Persons with severe mental illness have diverse interests in PADs. Most patients give high priority to improving surrogate decision making and continuity of care with PADs.
Nuclear-charge distribution for A=121 from thermal-neutron-induced fission of 235U.

The fractional cumulative yield of $^{121}\mathrm{Ag}$ and the fractional independent yields of $^{121}\mathrm{Cd}$, $^{121}\mathrm{In}$, and $^{121}\mathrm{Sn}$ from thermal-neutron-induced fission of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ were determined radiochemically to be 0.12\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05, 0.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09, 0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08, and 0.03\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04, respectively. The yield values were used to determine the nuclear-charge-distribution parameters ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{Z}$=0.55\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 and \ensuremath{\Delta}Z=0.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 for A=121. The ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{Z}$ for A=121 is close to ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{Z}$\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}=0.52\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 for high-yield fission products, and no evidence for an even-odd Z effect was found for A=121. The positive \ensuremath{\Delta}Z value, which corresponds to ${Z}_{P}$=48.15, is similar to those for several higher mass numbers reported previously, and it is considerably greater than the negative values predicted by the scission-point theoretical model. The use of a separation distance between nascent fragments greater than 1.4 fm, the value used in the theoretical calculations, could reduce the discrepancy and could also account for the observed enhanced independent yields of tin fission products with ${Z}_{P}$ near 50 (A=126--129).
Mathematical and Pragmatic Perspectives of Physical Programming

Physical programming (PP) is an emerging multiobjective and design optimization method that has been applied successfully in diverse areas of engineering and operations research. The application of PP calls for the designer to express preferences by defining ranges of differing degrees of desirability for each design metric. Although this approach works well in practice, it has never been shown that the resulting optimal solution is not unduly sensitive to these numerical range definitions. PP is shown to be numerically well conditioned, and its sensitivity to designer input (with respect to optimal solution) is compared with that of other popular methods. The important proof is provided that all solutions obtained through PP are Pareto optimal and the notion of Pareto optimality is extended to one of pragmatic implication. The important notion of P dominance that extends the concept of Pareto optimality beyond the cases minimize and maximize is introduced. P dominance is shown to lead to the important concept of generalized Pareto optimality. Numerical results are provided that illustrate the favorable numerical properties of physical programming.
Collective pinning of the vortex lattice by columnar defects in layered superconductors

The mixed phase of layered superconductors with no magnetic screening is studied through a partial duality analysis of the corresponding frustrated $XY$ model in the presence of random columnar pins. A small fraction of pinned vortex lines is assumed. Thermally induced plastic creep of the vortex lattice within isolated layers results in an intermediate Bose glass phase that exhibits weak superconductivity across layers in the limit of weak Josephson coupling. The correlation volume of the vortex lattice is estimated in the strongly coupled Bose glass regime at lower temperature. In the absence of additional point pins, no peak effect in the critical current density is predicted to occur on this basis as a function of the Josephson coupling. Also, the phase transition observed recently inside of the vortex-liquid phase of high-temperature superconductors pierced by sparse columnar defects is argued to be a sign of dimensional crossover.
Groundwater evapotranspiration captured by seasonally pumped wells in river valleys

Abstract The loss of groundwater through Evapotranspiration (ET) has been reported extensively in the hydrological literature. This ET loss, however, can be lessened by a pumping well that lowers the water table within the cone of depression. This paper quantifies the amount of groundwater ET captured by irrigation wells in river valleys where pumping induces stream water infiltration. Our analyses were based on hypothetical stream–aquifer systems and a case study in the central Platte Valley, Nebraska, where groundwater irrigation supports agricultural development. Interactions of groundwater-stream–evapotranspiration were simulated using MODFLOW. The results suggest that the amount of ET capture varies from about 2–9.4% of the groundwater pumpage, and that a number of hydrogeologic parameters can affect the ET captured. They can include depth to the water table, distance between stream and well, and aquifer hydraulic conductivity. Results from the case study indicate that about 11% of groundwater pumpage in a 3200-m wide zone across the Platte River came from the ET capture. Neglecting the ET capture will likely overestimate the rate of stream depletion. On the other hand, reducing groundwater pumpage can increase the river flow and aquifer storage, as well as increasing groundwater ET to about 10% of the reduced pumpage. A groundwater conservation program thus needs to consider the extra amount of ET loss.
Knowledge and the Regularity Theory of Information

Fred Dretske’s Knowledge and the Flow of Information is an extended attempt to develop a philosophically useful theory of information. Dretske adapts central ideas from Shannon and Weaver’s mathematical theory of communication, and applies them to some traditional problems in epistemology. In doing so, he succeeds in building for philosophers a much-needed bridge to important work in cognitive science. The payoff for epistemologists is that Dretske promises a way out of a long-standing impasse — the Gettier problem. He offers an alternative model of knowledge as information-based belief, which purports to avoid the problems justificatory accounts face. This essay looks closely at Dretske’s theory. I argue that while the information-theoretic framework is attractive, it does not provide an adequate account of knowledge. And there seems to be no way of tightening the theory without introducing some version of a theory of justification — the very notion Dretske’s theory was designed to avoid.
Effects of suckling on serum prolactin levels and catecholamine concentrations and turnover in discrete brain regions.

Abstract The effects of suckling on serum prolactin levels and catecholamine concentrations and turnover were examined in several discrete brain regions. Turnover rates were assessed by using the synthesis inhibitor alpha-methyltyrosine (α-MT) in combination with microdissection techniques for the removal of individual brain regions and sensitive radioenzymatic assays for norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). Prolactin secretion was induced by mothers experiencing 6 h of pup removal with subsequent pup replacement. Suckling or the administration of α-MT to mothers resulted in a marked increase in circulating titers of prolactin. A decrease in steady-state NE concentrations in the anterior hypothalamus and a decrease in steady-state DA concentrations in the ventromedial nucleus were noted in suckled mothers. The comparison of relative rates of NE depletion after α-MT treatment revealed a suckling-induced increase in turnover in the ventromedial nucleus and a suckling-induced decrease in turnover in the anterior hypothalamus. Neither suckling nor α-MT treatment produced any changes in NE or DA turnover rates in the arcuate nucleus or median eminence. These findings demonstrate that suckling-induced activation of prolactin results in changes in noradrenergic processes in the ventromedial and anterior hypothalamic nuclei. This suggests an involvement of noradrenergic systems in suckling-induced prolactin release.
FORMATION OF TRYPSIN FROM CRYSTALLINE TRYPSINOGEN BY MEANS OF ENTEROKINASE.

Crystalline trypsinogen is most readily and completely transformed into trypsin by means of enterokinase in the range of pH 5.2–6.0 at 5°C. and at a concentration of trypsinogen of not more than 0.1 mg. per ml. The action of enterokinase under these conditions is that of a typical enzyme. The process follows closely the course of a catalytic unimolecular reaction, the rate of formation of trypsin being proportional to the concentration of enterokinase added and the ultimate amount of trypsin formed being independent of the concentration of enterokinase. The catalytic action of enterokinase on crystalline trypsinogen in dilute solution at pH more alkaline than 6.0 and in concentrated solution at pH even slightly below 6.0 is complicated by the partial transformation of the trypsinogen into inert protein which can no longer be changed into trypsin even by a large excess of enterokinase. This secondary reaction is catalyzed by the trypsin formed and the rate of the reaction is proportional to the concentration of trypsin as well as to the concentration of trypsinogen in solution. Hence under these conditions only a small part of the trypsinogen is changed by enterokinase into trypsin while a considerable part of the trypsinogen is transformed into inert protein, the more so the lower the concentration of enterokinase used. The kinetics of the formation of trypsin by means of enterokinase when accompanied by the formation of inert protein can be explained quantitatively on the theoretical assumption that both reactions are of the simple catalytic unimolecular type, the catalyst being enterokinase in the first reaction and trypsin in the second reaction.
Mass media images of mental illness: A review of the literature

Studies that address the frequency, accuracy, and impact of mass media portrayals of mental illness are reviewed. Numerous studies of frequency and content of media depictions support clinical observations that mental illness is frequently depicted in the mass media, particularly the entertainment media, and that these depictions tend to be inaccurate and unfavorable. Limitations, such as age of the studies and mixed attention to psychiatry, psychology, and mental illness, however, leave a need for further such studies. Investigations of the specific impact of media images of mental illness support the belief that media presentations about mental illness, including those in entertainment form, can have significant effects on attitudes toward mental illness and treatment. These studies, however, are few in number and have demonstrated only short-term effects of specific portrayals. Further research is needed to demonstrate longlasting effects and the overall impact of multiple, repeated, media depictions.
A selective equalizer for NiMH batteries

Abstract A unique method has been developed to equalize nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery packs using a new selective equalizer. This equalizer detects batteries either at a very low state of charge (SOC) or at an extremely high SOC. In this system a set of electromechanical relays is connected in a matrix to route boost current to the weaker batteries. The relay switching is controlled by a 32 bit microcontroller, and the boost current is supplied by a boost charger. Once a weak battery is detected, it is scheduled for a specific boost time by a special “Round Robin” (RR) algorithm. The equalizer was tested on a pack of 12 series connected 12 V 93 ampere hour (Ah) NiMH batteries. Test results show that the equalizer was able to re-balance an artificially unbalanced pack, and the capacity was increased by 27% within six charge–discharge cycles. Results indicate the number of cycles required to re-balance the pack was significantly reduced by using this technique.
A definite sign pathognomonic of paranasal sinusitis

Summary A roughly triangular swelling of the portion of loose skin beneath the outer third of the lower lid over the malar prominence is pathognomonic of pathologic process in one or more of the paranasal sinuses of that side. This has been confirmed by a rhinologic examination as well as demonstrated by roentgenography. The affected sinuses need not be filled with pus to produce the sign, but it is found as well in those sinuses exhibiting only a diseased lining membrane. Amelioration or disappearance of the sign was coincident and proportional with the local improvement of the sinuses involved.
Evaluation of the characteristic functional for incompressible fluid turbulence

Abstract A functional integral representation for the general solution to the Hopf equation is evaluated by applying methods of explicit functional integration.
Contact stress analysis of spiral bevel gears using nonlinear finite element static analysis

A procedure is presented for performing three-dimensional stress analysis of spiral bevel gears in mesh using the finite element method. The procedure involves generating a finite element model by solving equations that identify tooth surface coordinates. Coordinate transformations are used to orientate the gear and pinion for gear meshing. Contact boundary conditions are simulated with gap elements. A solution technique for correct orientation of the gap elements is given. Example models and results are presented.
Absolute index of refraction and its temperature dependence of calcium fluoride, barium fluoride, and strontium fluoride near 157 nm

We have made accurate measurements near 157 nm of the absolute index of refraction, the index of refraction, the index dispersion, and the temperature dependence of the index, for the cubic-symmetry, group-II fluorides: calcium fluoride, strontium fluoride, and barium fluoride. Accurate measurements of these quantities for calcium fluoride are needed for designs of lens systems for 157 nm excimer-laser- based exposure tools for photolithography. Measurements of these isotropic materials high ly transmissive near 157 nm, such as strontium fluoride and barium fluoride, are needed for designs which include secondary materials in addition to calcium fluoride to correct for chromatic aberrations. These optical properties were measured with precision gonimeters on prisms of the materials in a nitrogen atmosphere using the minimum deviation method. The relative refractive indices were converted to absolute indices by using values of the index of nitrogen obtained by independent interferometric measurement near 157 nm. Values of the absolute refractive indices for these materials were obtained with an accuracy of 6 X 10 -6 . A key result is that the dispersion of barium fluoride near 157 nm is approximately 68 percent larger than that of calcium fluoride, which makes barium fluoride a potentially useful material for combination with calcium fluoride for chromatic aberration correction near 157 nm.
Effect of KOH concentration on LEO cycle life of IPV nickel-hydrogen flight cell-update II

For update I see Energy and Environment: A Continuing Partnership, vol.3, American Nuclear Society (1991). An update of validation test results confirming the breakthrough in the low-Earth-orbit (LEO) cycle life of nickel-hydrogen cells containing 26% KOH electrolyte is presented. The results are part of an investigation of the effect of KOH concentration on life cycle. The cycle life of boiler plate cells was about 40000 LEO cycles compared to 3500 cycles for cells containing 31% KOH. The cycle regime was a stressful accelerated LEO, which consisted of a 27.5 min charge followed by a 17.5 min discharge (2*normal rate). The depth-of-discharge (DOD) was 80%. The cell temperature was maintained at 23 degrees C. Results for six 48-Ah recirculation design IPV nickel-hydrogen flight battery cells currently being evaluated to validate the above findings are reported. Three of the cells contain 26% KOH (test cells), and three contain 31% KOH (control cells). They are undergoing real-time LEO cycle life testing. The 31% KOH cells failed at cycles 3729, 4165, and 11355. One of the 26% KOH cells failed at cycle 15314. The other two 26% KOH cells have been cycled for over 16600 cycles without failure. >
Cell permeability to toxicants: An important parameter in toxicity tests using bacteria

There is a need to monitor quickly and inexpensively the toxicity of the myriad of exotic chemicals that are introduced daily into the environment. A wide range of microbial ecotoxicity tests have been developed to assess the impact of these toxicants on natural and manmade ecosystems. Criteria used for assessing the ideal microbial ecotoxicity test are simplicity, sensitivity, rapidity, and low cost. Much work has been done to develop simple short‐term and low‐cost ecotoxicity tests, but less is known about ways to increase the sensitivity of the test microorganisms, which are mostly Gram‐negative bacteria. During the past 3 decades, efforts have been made toward obtaining a better understanding of the structure of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria. There are serveral approaches for increasing the permeability of the outer membrane to hydrophilic, hyrophobic, and surface active compounds. This review explores these methods and their potential application to enhance the sensitivity of the test ...
Personality—job fit: Implications for individual attitudes and performance

Abstract Results of a test of a personality—job congruency hypothesis using 307 Navy personnel in 10 job categories are reported. Personality measures were used to form two indices of work orientation; expressive, or desiring achievement and self-actualization while on the job, and instrumental, or desiring job security and high financial reward from the job. These orientations were found to interact with the type of job (challenging or nonchallenging) and to affect job attitudes and performance. Implications for investigating variations in job attitudes from structural and individual frames of reference are discussed.
Residual CD95-Pathway Function in Children With Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Is Independent From Clinical State and Genotype of CD95 Mutation

Human autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is caused by defective CD95-mediated apoptosis of lymphocytes. In most patients, heterozygous mutations within the CD95 gene are found. Mutated proteins interfere with CD95-signaling in a dominant-negative way. However, the penetrance of clinical disease is variable. We describe 13 patients out of nine families with the clinical presentation of ALPS. Eight different mutations were detected. Sensitivity to CD95-induced cell-death, assembly of the CD95-death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), and activity of initiator caspases-8 and -10 were compared in EBV-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cells of these patients. All CD95-mutations led to a reduced DISC formation and diminished initiator caspase activity upon CD95-stimulation, whereas a marked heterogeneity in sensitivity to CD95-induced killing was found. Residual apoptosis sensitivity to almost normal levels could be achieved upon cross-linking by addition of protein A. Thus, no correlation between residual CD95 sensitivity and clinical phenotype or genotype of ALPS was found. This observation is only partially explained by the variable effects of the CD95-mutations themselves. It also points to a pronounced influence of additional factors, such as modifier pathways or exogenous effects apart from the CD95 pathway in the pathogenesis of ALPS.
Time‐ and bias‐dependent effects in ZnCd(Mg)Se blue and red quantum well light emitting diodes studied by cathodoluminescence

Luminescence variations in MBE-grown blue and red ZnCd(Mg)Se/InP QW LEDs have been studied by time-resolved and bias-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. CL from the red LED reversibly increased under forward bias and decreased under negative bias during several complete biasing cycles. CL from blue LEDs was bias dependent only during the first few cycles. The irreversible effects were QW CL intensity decreases after electron bombardment for the red LED and QW CL intensity enhancements seen as bright regions in CL images and dark regions in SE micrographs for blue LEDs. For the red LED, the bombarded regions were dark in CL images and had a dark dot and halo contrast in SE micrographs. The enhancements of CL intensity in the blue LEDs may result from buildup of internal fields due to persistent charge trapping in preexisting or electron bombardment created defects.
Effects of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Treatment for ADHD on Growth

Objective To complete an exploratory uncontrolled study of the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) on growth of children treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) from 281 children ages 6 to 13 years from longitudinal assessments up to 15 months were compared to norms from the Centers for Disease Control. Results At study entry, children were taller and heavier than average. Growth delays were largest for weight and BMI, and there was a 13 percentile point decrease in height. Children continued to grow in terms of height while treated with LDX; we found no increase in raw weight or BMI during the study period. LDX treatment was significantly associated with diminished gains in height, weight, and BMI compared to levels that would be expected based on age-appropriate standards from the Centers for Disease Control. Growth delays were greatest for the heaviest and tallest children, for those who had not previously received stimulant therapy, and for those with a greater cumulative exposure to LDX. More work is needed to determine effects on ultimate adult height. Conclusions Consistent with prior studies of stimulants, treatment with LDX leads to statistically significant reductions in expected height, weight, and BMI. Growth of patients with ADHD treated with LDX should be closely monitored and corrective action taken should growth delays be observed. Clinical trial registry information—Phase 3 Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of NRP104 in Children Aged 6-12 With ADHD, URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, unique identifier: NCT00556296; NRP104, Adderall XR or Placebo in Children Aged 6-12 Years with ADHD; URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, unique identifier: NCT00557011.
Multilevel modeling in industrial and personnel psychology

Many of the topics of interest in the social and behavior sciences are often hierarchical or multilevel in nature. These multiple levels (e.g., individual versus group) create problems for researchers related to the choice of measurement and analysis. Recent innovations in statistical analysis have made it possible to account for the hierarchical nature of observations. Therefore, in this article we begin with a review of multilevel analysis techniques and discuss advances that have been made in the social sciences using multilevel models. Next, we summarize contemporary research specific to the organizational psychology literature that uses multilevel analysis. Possible applications for industrial and personnel psychology are then discussed. Guidelines for determining if multilevel analysis is appropriate for a given applied research project are provided. We conclude with a summary and call for increased use of multilevel analysis in industrial and personnel psychology.
Hospital Discharge Preparation for Homeward Bound Elderly

The purpose of this study was to explore hospital discharge preparation for elderly patients returning to their homes, and to examine knowledge and satisfaction outcomes. A descriptive correlational design was used in an urban health maintenance organization medical center. The convenience sample included 140 English-speaking patients with medical diagnoses. Knowledge scores were obtained for those patients who went home with a regime change, and the majority were discharged with changes in diet, medications, treatments, or activities. Medication knowledge was identified as an area that needed improvement; low scorers for medication knowledge tended to be older, less ambulatory, and had more secondary diagnoses. Patients were satisfied with the instruction that they received and perceived themselves to be prepared to continue their care at home. The ability of elderly patients to learn instruction for their continued health care is still unclear. Patients may have been too ill to learn, or length of stay may have been too short, or patients may not have had the need to learn what health care providers considered essential.
Improving the return on IT investment: the productivity paradox

Over the past four decades, information technology (IT) has had a profound effect on the US economy, resulting in a shift from a manufacturing to an information economy. This effect, however, has also produced what may be labeled the paradox of IT productivity. While the percentage of a firm's budget spent on IT continues to increase, there is increasing evidence that firms fail to obtain the benefits of these expenditures within the anticipated time frame. The reason for delays in obtaining the benefits is due to management's failure to strategically leverage the full potential of IT and their failure to overcome resistance to change. These problems are discussed in depth and solutions for them are suggested.
Prospects for Higgs searches at CDF in Run II

The prospects for standard model Higgs searches in Run II using the CDF Detector are summarized.
Interaction of Prohexadione Calcium with Agrichemicals Applied to Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract A variety of pesticides and foliar fertilizers are applied to emerged peanut. Defining interactions among these agrichemicals is important when formulating pest management and production s...
Validation of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale in Residential Group Care

Tests that measure the emotional and behavioral problems of children and youth are typically not normed and standardized on youth diagnosed with disruptive behavior, particularly those youth in residential care. Yet professional standards mandate that before instruments are used with a specific population the psychometric properties need to be studied and re-established: specifically, psychometric properties, including validity, need to be evaluated (AERA, APA, and NCME, The standards for educational and psychological testing. AERA, Washington, DC, 1999). The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity characteristics of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS; Bickman et al., Manual of the Peabody Treatment Progress Battery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2010), a widely used test developed for use in outpatient clinics, with youth in a residential care program. The convergent validity of the SFSS was established with the large correlations (0.78–0.86) with the CBCL. Several binary classification analyses including specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and the Youden Index supported the validity of the SFSS. However, the sensitivity index was somewhat low indicating the test may produce a high level of false negatives. Limitations, future research and implications are discussed.
The initial recognition and diagnosis of dementia

Dementia is characterized by a decline in cognition, behavioral disturbances, and interference with daily functioning and independence. Diagnosis is sometimes delayed as patients or family members often misattribute obvious manifestations of cognitive decline to normal aging rather than to the onset of a degenerative disease. Many physicians do not perform mental status examinations or do not use them effectively to detect early symptoms. Clinical markers are available to decrease the difficulty in distinguishing dementia from depression and confusional states such as delirium. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia; others include rapidly progressive dementias, dementias associated with strokes and Parkinson's disease, and frontotemporal dementias. Often, AD coexists with other forms of dementia. Sensitivity to early warning signs, interviews with family members, and mental status examinations are essential to early detection of AD, and will prove useful to primary-care physicians who care for older patients.
Computational Study of SiC Halide Chemical Vapor Deposition System

Halide CVD (HCVD) is recently employed to grow SiC epitaxial layers using SiCl4 /C3 H8 /H2 mixtures in an effort to achieve high deposition rates. The introduction of the chlorinated species allows the formation of more stable species SiCl2 while maintaining high surface reactivity, thus avoiding the silicon gas phase nucleation that has been widely reported in conventional CVD process using SiH4 /C3 H8 /H2 . However, the difficulties in reducing defect density and controlling the electrical properties of the material present a significant technical obstacle for HCVD of SiC. In experimental growth, the electrical properties, defect densities and the growth rate of as-deposited SiC epitaxial films are, to a large extent, determined by processing parameters including temperature, pressure, flow rates of precursors and carrier gas. Optimization of growth conditions provides the opportunity to engineer films with desired film properties and qualities at high deposition rate but requires in-depth understanding the deposition process. In this study, we performed computational study to investigate the effects of main processing parameters in HCVD process on film growth. Numerical experiments were performed over a wide range of operational parameters to provide information on distributions of gas velocity, temperature, and chemical species’ concentrations in the reactor as well as the deposition rates on the substrate surface. Simulations were also carried out to address hot zone design and operational conditions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Further Results on the Impact of Quality of Wireless Sensor Links on Decentralized Detection Performance

In this paper we consider the impact of quality of wireless sensor links on the overall detection performance of a large sensor network system. Independent and identical sensors gather observations regarding the presence or the absence of a phenomenon of interest and then transmit their binary decisions to a fusion center over parallel, non-interfering but slow Ralyeigh fading, wireless links. We derive asymptotic error exponents of the probability of false alarm and the probability of miss at the fusion center for the following cases: (a) BPSK modulation and (i) maximal ratio combining (ii) equal gain combining (iii) decision fusion (b) BFSK modulation and (i) square law combining (ii) decision fusion. In the case of BPSK, the EGC performs the best for low and moderate SNR, with the DF achieving the next best performance. The DF scheme performs the best for large SNR values, whereas the MRC performs the best for very low SNR values. Similar relative performance results were obtained by others for the case of a finite number of sensors. In the case of BFSK, square law combining outperforms DF, except for large SNR values. Finally, we show how the false alarm and the detection probabilities of the decision of a sensor, as seen at the fusion center, are altered by changes to the threshold of the matched filter receiver.
Ultrasound applicators with integrated catheter-cooling for interstitial hyperthermia: Theory and preliminary experiments

Theoretical and experimental methods were used to evaluate a design of ultrasound applicators for interstitial hyperthermia. The basic schema consists of a multielement array of tubular piezoceramic radiators (1.5-1.6 mm diameter), each 5-10 mm long with separate power control, designed to be inserted within a 13-14 gauge closed-end brachytherapy implant catheter. Channels for circulating temperature-regulated water are integrated within the applicator to provide control of the catheter/tissue interface temperature. A quantitative theoretical analysis was undertaken to determine heating performance as a function of applicator spacing, blood perfusion, catheter material, frequency and required acoustic power output. Prototype multielement applicators were constructed and characterized in terms of acoustic pressure-squared distributions and acoustic power output capabilities. This study demonstrated distinct advantages of these catheter-cooled multielement ultrasound applicators within an implant, including higher T90's achievable within highly perfused tissues, dynamic control of the longitudinal power deposition, and no interaction between adjacent applicators or elements or sensitivity to applicator alignment. Preliminary measurements of prototype devices have indicated that implementation of these interstitial ultrasound applicators with integrated catheter-cooling is practicable, yet further development and in vivo verification of performance is warranted.
Effects of age on maze learning and avoidance conditioning of mice

Abstract The effects of age on maze learning and avoidance conditioning have been studied on DBA/2J mice under massed and distributed practice. Sixty days old mice showed the best performance when compared to younger or older animals. The results are interpreted by suggesting a lower efficiency of the long term memory storage processes in both young (21 days) and old (180–360 days) mice.
Monte Carlo simulation for investigating influence of junction and nanofiber properties on electrical conductivity of segregated-network nanocomposites

Electrical transport properties of nanocomposites with and without segregation were studied using a Monte Carlo method. In the segregated composites, the percolation and electrical properties strongly depend on the junctions between tubes/fibers that are located only at interstitial spaces between polymer matrix particles. A three-dimensional Monte Carlo model for determining the critical volume fraction (CVF), path length, and the number of junctions in composites was developed. It has been found that composites containing longer and smaller-diameter fibers with polymer matrix particles (segregated composites) resulted in lower CVF values. The junction properties were calculated by utilizing experimental results obtained with electrically insulating Gum Arabic (GA) and conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The resistance ratios of fibers to junctions as a function of CVF are also presented. The ratio increases with longer and smaller fibers and the ratio is also higher with PEDOT:PSS than GA for a given CVF. The results including the relation regarding percolation behaviors and resistance ratios as a function of fiber dimensions, fiber type, and stabilizers can be used by experimentalists as a guide to make composites of desired electrical properties.
Abstract 1345: Bioactivation of luteolin as a prodrug by tyrosinase inhibits human glutathione S-transferase and induces toxicity in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) play significant role in the metabolism and detoxification of drugs used in treatment of melanoma, resulting in a decrease in their efficacy against melanoma. In the present study, we investigated: i) the selective inhibition of GST by luteolin in the presence of tyrosinase, an abundant enzyme found in melanoma, and ii) the induction of apoptosis, change in mitochondrial permeability, cell viability, cell migration and GSH depletion by luteolin in human melanoma SK-MEL-28 cell culture. The inhibition of GST was investigated using CDNB method. DTNB method was used to measure GSH depletion. MTT assay, Annexin V apoptosis assay and TMRM fluorescence were used in the investigation of biochemical mechanism of luteolin toxicity in melanoma cells. Luteolin (40 µM) induced toxicity and death in 50% of cells after 48 h incubation. Cell treatment with luteolin (40 µM) resulted in apoptotic cell death in 70% of cells and caused 45% decrease in TMRM fluorescence indicating change in mitochondrial membrane permeability. At 1 h incubation, luteolin was bioactivated by tyrosinase to luteoline-quinone for 71% as measured by GSH depletion. The luteolin is effective in preventing metastasis of cancerous cells as evident by cell migration assay. At 48 h incubation, luteolin as low as 5 µM effectively prevented the cell migration. In the presence of tyrosinase, luteolin (10 µM) showed about 87% GST inhibition; whereas in the absence of tyrosinase, luteolin led to negligible GST inhibition. Both luteolin-SG conjugate and luteolin-quinone (10 µM) inhibited ≥90% of GST activity via reversible and irreversible competitive mechanisms with Ki of 0.9 and 6.4 µM with respect to GSH, respectively. The luteolin-SG conjugate inhibited GST activity reversibly and non-competitively with Ki of 1.8, whereas luteolin-quinone showed irreversible competitive inhibition of GST activity with Ki of 1.0 µM with respect to CDNB. While luteolin is not a substrate for GST, Luteolin (25 µM) non-competitively inhibited GST with Ki of 39 µM with respect to GSH and competitively with Ki of 61 µM with respect to CDNB. Luteolin, at the concentration range of 5-80 µM, exhibited 78-99% GST inhibition in human SK-MEL-28 cell homogenate. In summary, our results suggest that luteolin was bioactivated by tyrosinase to form a quinone and luteolin-glutathione conjugate, which played major role in the inhibition of GST. For the first time, we demonstrate that luteolin acts as a selective inhibitor of GST in the presence of tyrosinase. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1345. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1345
Modulation of over 10 14 cm −2 electrons at the SrTiO3/GdTiO3 heterojunction

The polar discontinuity [1] and electronic reconstruction at the interface of SrTiO3 and GdTiO3 leads to a unique high two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) of 3×10 14 electron/cm 2[2] , that is exactly half of the number of unit cells at the interface. The ability to modulate this high charge density could enable a new class of oxide electronics and plasmonics devices that harness extreme charge density. In this work show how heterostructures field effect transistors can be designed to enable modulation of over 10 14 cm -2 electron/cm 2 , where represents the highest charge density modulated in any field effector transistor to date.
Ultraviolet absorption spectrum of methylhydroperoxide vapor

The ultraviolet absorption cross sections of methylhydroperoxide, CH3OOH, have been measured over the wavelength range 210 nm to 350 nm at 294 K. It was concluded that solar photolysis is a dominant sink for tropospheric CH3OOH. For midlatitudes the photodissociation rate was estimated for 0 deg, for 30 deg, and for 70 deg zenith angles.
Stream Sediment Sources in Midwest Agricultural Basins with Land Retirement along Channel

Documenting the effects of agricultural land retirement on stream-sediment sources is critical to identifying management practices that improve water quality and aquatic habitat. Particularly difficult to quantify are the effects from conservation easements that commonly are discontinuous along channelized streams and ditches throughout the agricultural midwestern United States. Our hypotheses were that sediment from cropland, retired land, stream banks, and roads would be discernible using isotopic and elemental concentrations and that source contributions would vary with land retirement distribution along tributaries of West Fork Beaver Creek in Minnesota. Channel-bed and suspended sediment were sampled at nine locations and compared with local source samples by using linear discriminant analysis and a four-source mixing model that evaluated seven tracers: In, P, total C, Be, Tl, Th, and Ti. The proportion of sediment sources differed significantly between suspended and channel-bed sediment. Retired land contributed to channel-bed sediment but was not discernible as a source of suspended sediment, suggesting that retired-land material was not mobilized during high-flow conditions. Stream banks were a large contributor to suspended sediment; however, the percentage of stream-bank sediment in the channel bed was lower in basins with more continuous retired land along the riparian corridor. Cropland sediments had the highest P concentrations; basins with the highest cropland-sediment contributions also had the highest P concentrations. Along stream reaches with retired land, there was a lower proportion of cropland material in suspended sediment relative to sites that had almost no land retirement, indicating less movement of nutrients and sediment from cropland to the channel as a result of land retirement.