cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Appraisal and Evaluation Systems: Perceptions of Administrators, Teachers

_ Administrators, es pecially principals who are on the front line in ap praising and eval uating teachers, need additional tools to improve their performance in this area.
Thermal Starch Properties in Corn Belt and Exotic Corn Inbred Lines and Their Crosses

ABSTRACT More knowledge is needed about variability of starch functional traits in adapted and exotic germplasm and possible genetic effects of these traits before conducting rigorous inheritance studies and breeding programs for starch quality. We studied and compared the range of variability for starch functional traits in a set of Corn Belt inbred lines with a set of exotic inbred lines from Argentina, Uruguay, and South Africa. Reciprocal hybrids of some of the lines within each set were compared with their parents. Functional traits were examined by using differential scanning calorimetry on starch extracted from single kernels of genotypes. The set of Corn Belt lines had a wider range of values for most traits than did the set of exotic lines. For both sets of lines, the maximum value for peak height index was as high as that previously reported for the waxy endosperm mutant. Although the Corn Belt lines exhibited a wider range of values for range of retrogradation than the exotic lines, the exotic ...
Noninvasive optoacoustic system for rapid diagnostics and management of circulatory shock

Circulatory shock is lethal, if not promptly diagnosed and effectively treated. Typically, circulatory shock resuscitation is guided by blood pressure, heart rate, and mental status, which have poor predictive value. In patients, in whom early goaldirected therapy was applied using central venous oxygenation measurement, a substantial reduction of mortality was reported (from 46.5% to 30%). However, central venous catheterization is invasive, time-consuming and often results in complications. We proposed to use the optoacoustic technique for noninvasive, rapid assessment of central venous oxygenation. In our previous works we demonstrated that the optoacoustic technique can provide measurement of blood oxygenation in veins and arteries due to high contrast and high resolution. In this work we developed a novel optoacoustic system for noninvasive, automatic, real-time, and continuous measurement of central venous oxygenation. We performed pilot clinical tests of the system in human subjects with different oxygenation in the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein. A novel optoacoustic interface incorporating highly-sensitive optoacoustic probes and standard ultrasound imaging probes were developed and built for the study. Ultrasound imaging systems Vivid i and hand-held Vscan (GE Healthcare) as well as Site-Rite 5 (C.R. Bard) were used in the study. We developed a special algorithm for oxygenation monitoring with minimal influence of overlying tissue. The data demonstrate that the system provides precise measurement of venous oxygenation continuously and in real time. Both current value of the venous oxygenation and trend (in absolute values and for specified time intervals) are displayed in the system. The data indicate that: 1) the optoacoustic system developed by our group is capable of noninvasive measurement of blood oxygenation in specific veins; 2) clinical ultrasound imaging systems can facilitate optoacoustic probing of specific blood vessels; 3) the optoacoustic system provides noninvasive monitoring during rapid changes in blood oxygenation.
Nonlinear filtering approach to grayscale interpolation of 3D medical images

Three-dimensional images are now common in radiology. A 3D image is formed by stacking a contiguous sequence of two-dimensional cross-sectional images, or slices. Typically, the spacing between known slices is greater than the spacing between known points on a slice. Many visualization and image-analysis tasks, however, require the 3D image to have equal sample spacing in all directions. To meet this requirement, one applies an interpolation technique to the known 3D image to generate a new uniformly sampled 3D image. We propose a nonlinear-filter-based approach to gray-scale interpolation of 3D images. The method, referred to as column-fitting interpolation, is reminiscent of the maximum-homogeneity filter used for image enhancement. The method is typically more effective than traditional gray-scale interpolation techniques.
An Assessment of the Human Capital Content of International Migrants: An Application to US Immigration

MCDOWELL J. M. And SINGELL L. D. Jr (1993) An assessment of the human capital content of international migrants: an application to US immigration, Reg. Studies 27, 351–363. Numerous studies have examined the flow of international migrants. Generally, these studies measure the extent or magnitude of international migration by use of a simple numerical count. This paper extends this analysis by providing a methodology for adding an economic dimension to the measure of the magnitude of international migration. An earnings equation approach is used to attach an economic value to immigration. Applying our methodology to US immigration, we find considerable variation across source regions in the value of immigrants. Moreover, we find that simply comparing initial earnings without controlling for differences in the characteristics and migration patterns of immigrants from the various source regions can misrepresent the relative earnings potential or value of migrants. MCDOWELL J. M. Et SINGELL L. D. Jr (1993) Un...
On the yield strength of metals containing spheroidal inclusions or voids

Abstract The yield strength of two-phase materials comprised of a perfectly plastic matrix and a dilute dispersion of inclusions or voids is evaluated. Attention is restricted to axisymmetric loading and to spheroidal inhomogeneities which are aligned with the axis of symmetry of the loading. Of particular interest in the investigation is the effect that the shape of the inhomogeneities has on the aggregate yield strength, and this is examined by considering a wide range of inhomogeneity shapes ranging from thin disk-like spheroids to slender needle-like spheroids.
Synthesis of a novel methacrylic monomer iniferter and its application in surface photografting on crosslinked polymer substrates

(Methacryloyl ethylenedioxycarbonyl) benzyl N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (HEMA-E-In) was synthesized and used as a monomer iniferter to develop a novel, photopatternable grafting technology. This molecule functions as both a methacrylic monomer and a photoiniferter (photoinitiator-transfer agent-terminator). The structure of HEMA-E-In was characterized by 1 H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies. In the presence of the monomer iniferter, methyl methacrylate was polymerized by exposure to 365-nm ultraviolet radiation, confirming the initiation capability of HEMA-E-In. After the copolymerization of HEMA-E-In into a methacrylate-based polymer, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the photoiniferter functionality was present at the surface of this polymeric substrate. Photografting of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate monomer from the surface caused a significant change in the hydrophobicity of the surface as demonstrated by contact angle measurements. The novel monomer photoiniferter HEMA-E-In initiates the polymerization of bulk monomer and provides a reactive functionality that facilitates further initiation and polymer modification by the polymerization of different monomers.
SU‐E‐T‐621: Comprehensive Study of Head and Neck IMRT Parameters on Planning and Delivery Efficiency, Plan Quality, and Dose Accuracy

Purpose: To optimize planning and delivery efficiency, and quality of head and neck IMRT through the evaluation of planning parameters. This study also serves to identify the impact on dose accuracy due to calculation grid size. Methods: Eleven head and neck patients, 45 trials per patient (495 trials in total), were evaluated varying IMRT parameters of dose grid, minimum MU per segment, minimum segment area, and control point number. Plans were recomputed on Pinnacle Treatment Planning System (TPS), and scaled to the planning target volume (PTV) constraint of 95% volume. Differential dose volume histograms (DVHs) were exported, and a program was written to compile DVH results. Plans were delivered on an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator to assess delivery time. Plan quality, calculation time, and delivery time served as this study's endpoints. Results: The 4 mm dose grid with 2 mm fluence grid in each direction, saving 1/3 the computation time, were most comparable by DVH results to the 2 mm dose and fluence grid. Dose uncertainty due to dose calculation grid effect was as high as 8.2%, 5.5 Gy for PTVs and 13.3%, 2.1 Gy for organs at risk. Smaller volumes and high gradient regions were more susceptible to uncertainties. Threshold values that maintained adequate plan quality were 5 cm2 for minimum segment area and 5 MU for minimum MU. Minimum MU was more costly in terms of plan quality compared to the minimum segment area. Conclusions: DVH differences can be effectively used to quantify the dose grid calculation uncertainty. For minimum MU and segment area, the DVH differences are an effect of the intensity map, defined by MLC shape and the number of control points. Exceeding the adequate number of control points diminishes returns of plan quality and increases patient treatment time.
The winemaker as entrepreneurial marketer: an exploratory study

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine, through the lens of entrepreneurial marketing theory, everyday business practices of small-scale winemakers in a challenging small wine region in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth interviews and participant observations were utilized to elicit rich descriptions of entrepreneurial marketing efforts of six New Mexico winemakers. Findings – This article describes winemakers’ entrepreneurial marketing efforts. We find that survival drives all other entrepreneurial marketing dimensions where accounting for risk is pervasive rather than a stand-alone dimension. Knowledge gained from intense customer focus is used for new product and service innovations. The leveraging of individual and shared resources is another dimension of entrepreneurial marketing that is demonstrated in our analysis. Originality/value – As entrepreneurs stake their claim in developing small wine regions, understanding entrepreneurial marketing concepts will enable academics a...
Revisional surgery after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a restrictive procedure that achieves weight loss without anatomic alteration. However, morbidity requiring surgical reintervention can occur. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of primary LAGB and revisional surgery after failed LAGB was performed from January 2001 to October 2006 at an academic private clinic. Results Of 2467 bariatric procedures, primary LAGB was performed in 242 patients. A total of 53 revisional procedures were performed in 40 patients and 16 in 9 patients who were referred from other centers after failed primary LAGB. The mean follow-up was 45.7 ± 15.8 months (range 9.5–70). The early surgical reintervention rate was 6.1%. The revisional procedures included band removal only in 27 (39%), band removal and conversion to sleeve gastrectomy in 10 (14.5%), band removal and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 5 (7.2%), band repositioning in 7 (10%), device-related reintervention in 6 (8.7%), subsequent conversion to another bariatric procedure in 3 (4.3%), and other procedures in 11 (15.9%). Of the 49 patients, 21 (43%) presented with acute band-related morbidity. A total of 55 procedures (96.5%), amenable to minimal invasive surgery, excluding wound and port site-related procedures, were completed laparoscopically. The major early and late complication rate was 4.1% and 2%, respectively. Conclusion Primary LAGB was associated with acceptable major early complication and surgical reintervention rates. However, a late surgical reintervention rate of 15.2% was observed. Band removal was required in 14% of our primary LAGB patients because of band-related morbidity, with conversion to another bariatric procedure in 6.2%. Our results have shown that LAGB can be associated with significant morbidity and that revisional surgery is common.
Selection-mutation process of RNA viruses

RNA viruses mutate at a rate ${10}^{5}\char21{}{10}^{6}$ times faster than their DNA counterparts. This process can be simulated by a continuous stochastic model on a smooth one-dimensional fitness landscape where selection forces the viral quasispecies to climb uphill to higher fitness values. Theoretical results of the model with drift velocity proportional to fitness are fitted to the experimental observations made by Novella et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 5841 (1995)].
Two-stage instrumental variables estimators for the nonlinear errors-in-variables model

Abstract Estimation for the nonlinear functional errors-in-variables model is considered under the assumption that instrumental variables are available. The approximate bias in the ordinary instrumental variable estimator due to the nonlinearity of the relationship is derived. Utilizing the nonlinearity of the relationship, an estimator of the error covariance matrix is introduced. Using the error covariance matrix estimator, two types of two-stage instrumental variable estimators are proposed. The two two-stage estimators do not have the asymptotic bias due to the nonlinearity. A Monte Carlo experiment also shows the superiority of the two-stage estimators over the ordinary estimator.
Minimal information and statistical descriptions of nuclear fragmentation

Abstract The “minimal information” approach to nuclear fragmentation is related to other statistical descriptions. The minimal information approach is extended to allow internal excitation of the fragments and the resulting Lagrange constraint equations are shown to be identical to those of statistical models.
Efficient nearest-neighbor computation for GPU-based motion planning

We present a novel k-nearest neighbor search algorithm (KNNS) for proximity computation in motion planning algorithm that exploits the computational capabilities of many-core GPUs. Our approach uses locality sensitive hashing and cuckoo hashing to construct an efficient KNNS algorithm that has linear space and time complexity and exploits the multiple cores and data parallelism effectively. In practice, we see magnitude improvement in speed and scalability over prior GPU-based KNNS algorithm. On some benchmarks, our KNNS algorithm improves the performance of overall planner by 20–40 times for CPU-based planner and up to 2 times for GPU-based planner.
A decomposition method for the approximate evaluation of capacitated transfer lines with unreliable machines and random processing times

Abstract This paper presents a decomposition method to evaluate the performance measures of a capacitated transfer line with unreliable machines and random processing times. The decomposition is based on approximating the k - 1-buffer system by k - 1 single-buffer systems. Numerical examples indicate that the approach is accurate as long as the probability that a machine is starved and blocked at the same time is small.
Developing measures of time-based manufacturing

Abstract Case and industry studies have increased our understanding of time-base manufacturing and focused our attention on its key component practices. Despite important contributions by Blackburn (1991) and Stalk and Hout (1990), we lack a clear definition of time-based manufacturing and its relationship to Just-in-time (JIT). This study proposes a framework for research on time-based manufacturing, reports on the development of a set of seven instruments for measuring the key practices, and tests relationships among these practices. The instruments are valid, reliable, and generalizable across industries and firm size. Tests of the structural model confirm Monden's (1983) notion that shop-floor employee involvement leads to improved manufacturing practices which, in turn, lead to pull production.
Measurements on Transmission-Filter Gratings in the Far Infrared

Polyethylene transmission-filter gratings having 3 lines/mm were investigated in the far infrared. Their transmission was studied as a function of the orientation and the shape of the grooves. The intensity distribution of the light transmitted in zero order is discussed in terms of the scalar theory in the spectral region where the wavelength is small compared to the grating constant of the filter. The efficiency of transmission-and reflection-filter gratings is compared.
Low energy neutral outflux from the PLT Tokamak

Abstract A time-of-flight system has been developed to measure the energy spectrum of neutral deuterium atoms emitted from the PLT tokamak plasma in the energy range 20–1000 eV. D0 neutrals are mechanically chopped by a rotating slotted stainless steel disc. The gated neutrals impinge on a Cu-Be disc and eject secondary electrons which are collected and amplified by an electron multiplier; hence quantitative D0 fluxes can be determined. The time evolution of the D0 outflux emission spectra, dΓ/dEdΩ , has been measured for low density, ohmically heated PLT discharges. Our data, which covers the energy range 28–1000 eV, represent the first measurements of tokamak neutral outflux below 100 eV. For D0 energies above 200 eV, we find that dΓ/dE dΩ vs. Particle energy monotonically decreases, typically in an exponential fashion. Early in a discharge dΓ/dEdΩ is weighted towards low energy. The measured plasma ion edge temperature increases with time, and concurrent with this rise the total particle flux falls by a factor of 25. Throughout these ohmically heated discharges the charge-exchange power loss away from the limiter is a small fraction, less than 2%, of the ohmic heating power; the charge-exchange particle loss away from the limiter is relatively unimportant in particle balance; and the bulk of the particle emission is typically at energies below 200 eV.
Wave front reconstruction by means of phase-shifting digital in-line holography

Abstract A method of recording four quadrature-reference-wave-holograms by CCD and reconstructing the object wave front by numerical calculation is presented in this paper. The terms of direct transmitting, auto-correlation and conjugate wave in the four reconstructing waves are cancelled out and only the original object wave is left after overlapping. Reconstructed images are obtained by calculating through Fresnel–Kirchhoff integral on computers. The influences of the noise of CCD and the phase-shifting error of phase-shift elements to the quality of the reconstructed images are analyzed. Experimental results show that pure original object wave or the conjugate object wave can be reconstructed in in-line holograms using the method in this paper.
Gambling level and psychiatric and medical disorders in older adults: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Objective This study examined the association between gambling level and psychiatric and medical disorders in a nationally representative sample of older adults. Method Data on 10,563 U.S. older adults (age 60 or older) were analyzed from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Results A total 28.74% of older adults were lifetime recreational gamblers and 0.85% were lifetime disordered gamblers. Compared with older adults without a history of regular gambling, recreational gamblers had significantly elevated rates of alcohol (30.1% versus 12.8%), nicotine (16.9% versus 8.0%), mood (12.6% versus 11.0%), anxiety (15.0% versus 11.6%), and personality disorders (11.3% versus 7.3%) and obesity (25.6% versus 20.8%), but were less likely to have past-year diagnoses of arteriosclerosis (4.7% versus 6.0%) or cirrhosis (0.2% versus 0.4%). Disordered gamblers were significantly more likely than older adults without a history of regular gambling to have alcohol (53.2% versus 12.8%), nicotine (43.2% versus 8.0%), drug (4.6% versus 0.7%), mood (39.5% versus 11.0%), anxiety (34.5% versus 11.6%), and personality (43.0% versus 7.3%) disorders, and to have past-year diagnoses of arthritis (60.2% versus 44.3%) or angina (22.7% versus 8.8%). These results remained significant even after controlling for demographic, psychiatric, and behavioral risk factors. Conclusions Lifetime recreational gamblers were more likely than nonregular gamblers to have psychiatric disorders but were less likely to have some medical conditions. Lifetime disordered gamblers had a range of lifetime psychiatric disorders and were more likely than nonregular gamblers to have past-year diagnoses of angina and arthritis.
Fracturing fluid cleanup by controlled release of enzymes from polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles

Water-based polymer gels are used widely in the oil and gas industry to viscosify fluids used in the hydraulic fracturing of production wells, where they serve to increase the force applied to the rock and to improve the transport of proppants used to maintain the fracture after formation. After fracturing, the gel must be degraded to a low viscosity with enzymes or gel breakers. Existing systems add the breaker either directly to the gelant or encapsulated in beads that are crushed when the applied pressure is released and the fractures close. In the former case, the gel may be broken prematurely, and this may prevent efficient fracture propagation and proppant trans- port, whereas in the latter case, the breaker may not be uniformly distributed throughout the gel, with the result that the gel is incompletely broken and the hydraulic con- ductivity of the well is reduced. To obtain delayed release, combined with the homogeneous distribution of enzyme throughout the gel, polyethylenimine-dextran sulfate poly- electrolyte complexes were used to entrap pectinase. Such particles were originally developed to entrap pharmaceuti- cals, and we previously demonstrated their ability to delay the release of gel crosslinking agents for oilfield applica- tions. The degradation of both the viscosity and visco- elastic moduli of borate-crosslinked guar gel by pectinase loaded in polyelectrolyte nanoparticles was delayed by up to 12 h, compared to about 2 h for equivalent systems where the pectinase was not entrapped. The combination of homogeneous mixing and the delayed release of enzymes packaged in polyelectrolyte complex nanopar- ticles showed promise for improved cleanup after hydra- ulic fracturing. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 1292-1298, 2011
Serotonergic conversion of MPTP and dopaminergic accumulation of MPP

[3H]MPP+ had lower Km and higher Vmax values for its accumulation in rat brain synaptosomes than did [3H]MPTP. The kinetic parameters favored the uptake of [3H]MPP+ in the striatum to that in hypothalamus, whereas they were equally favorable for the uptake of [3H]MPTP in both regions. Hypothalamic uptake of [3H]MPTP and [3H]MPP+ was inhibited by desipramine, imipramine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Striatal uptake of [3H]MPP+ and [3H]MPTP was blocked by nomifensine and dopamine. These results support the concept that MPTP accumulates in serotonergic neurons where it is oxidized by monoamine oxidase B to MPP+, which is released and then is selectively accumulated in dopaminergic neurons via the dopamine uptake system.
Characteristics of U.S. cities with extreme (high or low) crime rates: Results of discriminant analyses of 1960, 1970, and 1980 data

Why do some cities have higher or lower crime rates than others? In this study we attempt to answer this fundamental question by identifying the theoretically motivated structural covariates which differentiate U.S. cities with extreme high and low crime rates. We apply discriminant function analysis across comprehensive samples of all U.S. cities with populations of greater than 25 000 in the periods 1960, 1970, and 1980 and then posit four question: are empirical findings from regression-based studies of city crime rates replicated in discriminant studies with extreme rates? Are the covariates that predict high or low crime rates unique to specific time periods? Which covariates are better able to discriminate high or low rates for specific crimes? And are specific covariates distinguishable in crime rate changes across time periods? Among our general findings, it appears that those cities with extreme high (low) crime rates tend to be the largest (smallest), most (least) economically deprived, and most (least) socially disintegrated. Associations with these latter two characteristics appear to have grown stronger over the past three census periods. The theoretical importance of these and other findings uncovered here are discussed and interpreted through Wilson's (1987) notion of concentration effects and social isolation which may have transformed inner-city areas in recent years.
The expression of HLA antigens by cells in the human cornea

Although antigens of the human major histocompatibility complex, HLA, appear to be involved in the rejection of corneal allografts, the expression of these antigens by cells of the human cornea remains controversial. Using sensitive immunoperoxidase techniques, we readily demonstrated class I HLA antigens on corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells, regardless of donor age. Moreover, the expression of class I antigens by epithelium increased markedly from the central to the peripheral cornea. Finally, class II HLA antigens were found on cells scattered throughout both central and peripheral epithelium as well as the stroma. A cornea obtained from a donor of known HLA type expressed all expected and no unexpected polymorphic HLA determinants in the cornea, in a pattern similar to that seen for monomorphic HLA determinants.
THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFADROXIL OVER A RANGE OF ORAL DOSES AND ANIMAL AGES IN THE FOAL

To evaluate the effect of foal age on the pharmacokinetics of cefadroxil, five foals were administered cefadroxil in a single intravenous dose (5 mg/kg) and a single oral dose (10 or 20 mg/kg) at ages of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 months. Pharmacokinetic parameters of terminal elimination rate constant (beta(po)), oral mean residence time (MRTpo), mean absorption time (MAT), rate constant for oral absorption (Ka), bioavailability F, peak serum concentrations (Cmax) and time of peak concentration (tmax), were evaluated in a repeated measures analysis over dose. Across animal ages, parameters for the intravenous dose did not change significantly over animal age (P > or = 0.05). Mean values +/- SEM were: beta(IV) = 0.633 +/- 0.038 h-1; Cl = 0.316 +/- 0.010 L/kg/h; Vc = 0.196 +/- 0.008 L/kg; Varea = 0.526 +/- 0.024 L/kg; VSS = 0.374 +/- 0.014 L/kg; MRTiv = 1.22 +/- 0.07 h; Kel = 1.67 +/- 0.08 h-1. Following oral administration, drug absorption became faster with age (P < 0.05), as reflected by MRTpo, MAT, Ka and tmax. However, oral bioavailability (+/- SE) declined significantly (P < 0.05) from 99.6 +/- 3.69% at 0.5 months to 14.5 +/- 1.40% at 5 months of age. To evaluate a dose effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters, a series of oral doses (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered to these foals at 1 month of age. beta(po) (0.548 +/- 0.023 h-1) and F (68.26 +/- 2.43%) were not affected significantly by the size of the dose. Cmax was approximately doubled with each two-fold increase in dose: 3.15 +/- 0.15, 5.84 +/- 0.48, 12.17 +/- 0.93 and 19.71 +/- 2.19 micrograms/mL. Dose-dependent kinetics were observed in MRTpo, MAT, Ka and tmax.
The Relationship Between Citizen Participation and Organizational Processes and Outcomes and the Benefits of Citizen Participation in Neighborhood Organizations

ABSTRACT A major resource of neighborhood organizations is the voluntary participation of residents who give their time and energy to improve their communities. In recent years, there has been a revitalization of strategies to engage residents to volunteer for neighborhood-based organizations. Guided by organizational empowerment theory and the ecological perspective, the current study examined the relationship between citizen participation and organizational characteristics and effectiveness and the benefits received by residents participating in neighborhood organizations in poor communities. The data were gathered through a survey of resident volunteers in four neighborhood organizations in Pennsylvania and were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The results showed that volunteers' level of involvement in their neighborhood organization influenced their self-efficacy. However, volunteers' perceptions of their neighborhood organizations' characteristics and effectiveness were the ...
Spatiotemporal dynamics of microRNA during epithelial collective cell migration

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs variably involved in a wide variety of developmental and regenerative programs. Techniques for monitoring the spatiotemporal expression of miRNA in living cells are essential to elucidate the roles of miRNA during these complex regulatory processes. The small size, low abundance, sequence similarity, and degradation susceptibility of miRNAs, however, make their detection challenging. In this study, we detail a double-stranded locked nucleic acid (dsLNA) probe for detecting intracellular miRNAs during epithelial collective migration. The dsLNA probe is capable of detecting the dynamic regulation and dose-dependent modulation of miRNAs. The probe is applied to monitor the spatial distribution of miRNA expression of a migrating epithelium. Our results reveal a gradient of miRNA over the first one hundred microns from the leading edge and show the involvement of miR-21 in the complex regulation of transforming growth factor beta modulated epithelial migration. With its ease of use and capacity for real-time monitoring of miRNAs in living cells, the dsLNA probe carries the potential for studying the function and regulation of miRNA in a wide spectrum of complex biological processes.
A. P. Giannini: Banker of America

Perhaps more than any other individual, Amadeo Peter Giannini brought California into the twentieth century. Extending credit to ordinary working people, creating a financial empire through his branch banks, this son of Italian immigrants enabled California to advance faster than any other state in the decades before World War II. But who was A. P. Giannini? Felice A. Bonadio's superior biography reveals the founder of Bank of America in his many roles, most notably that of a bold, ruthless financial genius keenly aware of his minority status in a world dominated by the eastern Protestant elite. Yet this is more than the success story of an underdog. Bonadio profiles a man of immense talent who was relentlessly eager to serve 'the people'. Hard-driving, obsessive about defending his empire against its enemies, Giannini could be both a good hater and a good friend. He was one of the first American businessmen to promote employee ownership and profit sharing, and when he died in 1949 at age 79, nearly forty percent of B of A's shares were owned by its employees. Little interested in personal wealth, Giannini's own estate was modest at the time of his death. Much of Bonadio's research is from the private papers of Federal Reserve Bank officials and confidential Bank of America archives. Recollections of Giannini family members and former bank executives are also here, lending historical resonance and color to this portrait of a man whose influence endures many years after his death. Giannini prided himself on his compulsive work habits, which he justified with one of his frequently repeated aphorisms, 'Be first in everything'. Once, on horseback to solicit a consignment order from one of the valley's biggest growers, he suddenly spotted a competitor's team in the distance headed in the same direction. Remembering a deep slough that stood between him and the farm, he quickly cut across the field, tethered his horse to a tree, and swam to the other side. Then he ran the rest of the way to the farmhouse. By the time the other merchant had arrived, Giannini was negotiating a deal with the grower.
Pharmacogenetics in obstetric anesthesia.

Purpose of review Genomic research in pain, anesthesia and analgesia generated some hope that pharmacogenetics may guide anesthesiologists to provide effective medicine in a 'tailored' manner. Within the field of obstetric anesthesia, relatively few studies have evaluated the effect of polymorphisms on the perception of labor or postcesarean pain or the response to analgesics for childbirth. Because of the multifactorial nature of labor and delivery pain and particularly challenging clinical context, many consider that 'titration of drugs to the desired effect works just fine'. With recent evidence highlighting an association between severe postdelivery pain and persistent pain, early recognition of an increased susceptibility for acute pain has become particularly relevant. Recent findings Neuraxial labor analgesia is influenced by a common polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene. This polymorphism also affects the analgesic response to systemic opioids for postcesarean pain and other types of surgeries. Finally, the risk for persistent pain after cesarean deliveries may be associated with a certain genetic profile. Summary Although still premature to anticipate clinical implications and a change in practice based on these recent discoveries, genetic variability clearly appears to affect pain perception, response to analgesics and predisposition for the development of chronic pain.
Mechanisms of oil displacement by ASP-foam and its influencing factors

ASP-foam (ASPF) is a system prepared by injecting natural gas into the conventional alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) system. Foam can be formed in the porous media by the interaction of gas and surfactant in the ASP system. With the ASPF system, oil recovery is improved as the interfacial tension (IFT) is reduced to a relatively low level, and the swept volume is enlarged. In this paper, four surfactants were evaluated and characterized by IFT between ASP system and oil and the foaming performance. Alkyl benzene sulfonate (ORS-41) was chosen as the surfactant to best reduce IFT between displacement fluids and oil and improve the foaming performance. The mechanisms of ASPF flooding were studied in this paper, the results show that the ASPF flooding not only enlarges the swept volume but also enhances the displacement efficiency. The effects of reservoir heterogeneity, the gas-liquid ratio of ASPF system, and the concentrations of polymer and surfactant on the displacement efficiency were studied. A field trial of ASPF flooding has also been conducted. Both the laboratory results and the field trial results show that the ASPF flooding can significantly increase the oil recovery, with a 30% increase in the proportion of the original oil in place recovered compared with water flooding.
Pro-tumorigenic function of autophagy in mammary oncogenesis

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic cellular process by which cells degrade intracellular constituents in lysosomes, and its dysfunctions have been associated with a variety of human diseases including cancer. Previous studies have linked autophagy to both tumor-suppressive and promoting functions in different contexts, although the pro-tumorigenic function of autophagy has not been examined directly in breast or other cancers in animal models with intact immune functions in vivo. FIP200 (focal adhesion kinase family interacting protein of 200 kD) is a component of the ULK1-Atg13-FIP200-Atg101 complex that is essential for the induction of mammalian autophagy. In our recent study, we show that conditional knockout (KO) of FIP200 in the well-characterized MMTV-PyMT mouse model of human breast cancer significantly suppresses mammary tumorigenesis and progression. Similar to a number of recent studies in Ras-transformed cells, our studies revealed the importance of autophagy in promoting tumorigenesis ...
Bifurcation to spatially induced chaos in a reaction-diffusion system

A one-dimensional reaction-diffusion equation is used to model a class of experimental open chemical systems in which spatiotemporal patterns can be sustained indefinitely. Numerical simulations for the model in parameter regimes corresponding to experiment reveal only low-dimensional behavior. The observed bifurcation sequence leads from steady state concentration profiles to temporally chaotic patterns. The physical mechanism that causes this behavior is deduced from analysis of the local dynamics: localized oscillators appear at each end of the reactor and one of the oscillators acts as a periodic forcing for the other. The numerical results are in good qualitative agreement with the experiments.
Energy levels of doubly excited states of He

The doubly excited states of He, having both electrons in the same $n$ shell, are investigated by constructing a diagonal approximation for ${R}_{12}^{2}$ in terms of SO(4) operators. By inverting this operator and taking the square root, an approximate operator expression for $\frac{1}{{R}_{12}}$ is obtained. Energies of states in the ${(n=3)}^{2}$ shell of He are calculated using this expression and compared with results of more elaborate calculations. Good agreement is found in most cases.
Insurance coverage and in vitro fertilization outcomes: a U.S. perspective

Objective To compare the impact of mandated IVF insurance coverage on ET practices and resulting multiple pregnancy rates. Design Retrospective analysis of all fresh, nondonor IVF cycles performed in the United States in 2006. Setting United States. Patient(s) A total of 91,753 fresh, nondonor IVF cycles in the United States. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pregnancy rate, live-birth rate, embryos transferred, multiple pregnancy rate. Result(s) Overall, nonmandated states had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (38.8% vs. 35%) and live-birth rate (32.2% vs. 29.1%) than mandated states. Nonmandated states also had a significantly higher twin rate (28.1% vs. 26%) and triplet rate (3.9% vs. 3.4%). The average number of embryos transferred was also significantly higher in nonmandated states (2.6 vs. 2.2). These findings were more pronounced in the Conclusion(s) In the last 8 years, despite a reduction in the average number of embryos transferred and multiple pregnancy rates, there is a continued association between mandated IVF coverage, the transfer of fewer embryos, and lower rates of multiple pregnancies and births, particularly in the younger age groups.
A Quantitative Synthesis of Methodology in the Meta-Analysis of Single-Subject Research for Students with Disabilities: 1985–2009

The purpose of this review was to examine the methods used to conduct meta-analyses of single-subject research involving students with and at-risk for disabilities. Specifically, the procedures used for preparing, aggregating, analyzing, and evaluating single-subject data across 68 primary syntheses were examined. In addition to these methodological and reporting issues, the present review also considered various characteristics of syntheses to determine their overall prevalence and focus. Results of the review indicated that the publication rate of single-subject meta-analyses has increased considerably in recent years, focusing equally on students with high- and low-incidence disabilities. This review revealed considerable variability in the methods and procedures used to synthesize single-subject research. Based on these findings, suggestions for future single-subject meta-analyses were made.
The identification and evaluation of hybrid plants among open pollinated true seed families

An increase in the proportion ofhybrid vs. selfed plants improves the performance ofopen pollinated (OP) true potato seed (TPS) families. Strategies to increase the proportion ofhybrid seeds were investigated. A marker gene for yellow tuber flesh in a diploid clone, interplanted as the male parent, permitted identification of 4x × 2x hybrids among the OP progeny. Only 5% of the OP progeny were 4x × 2x hybrids. The proportion of 4x × 2x hybrid plants among the OP progeny was increased when the female parent had low male fertility and when only the largest 25% of the seeds were planted. The hybrid 4x × 2x plants were superior for all traits evaluated on the OP seedling transplant families. Traits included vigor, flowering, pollen stainability, OP fruit set, and tuber yield. Effects of the female parent were significant only for vigor and flowering, while seed size did not affect values for any trait consistently: With the limited outcrossing observed, the low seed set obtained when using parents with low male fertility and the work involved in selecting the largest seeds within individual fruits were not justifiable. However, research with OP true seed families asa low cost planting material should be continued, since high yielding OP families have been identified.
The effect of authentic transformational leadership on follower and group ethics

Abstract We propose a theoretical model to examine how authentic transformational leadership influences follower individual and group ethical decision making. We investigate how follower moral identity and moral emotions mediate the effect of authentic transformational leadership on follower authentic moral action. Furthermore, we explore how authentic transformational leadership develops group ethical climate, which in turn contributes to enhancing group ethics and to developing follower moral identity and moral emotions. Future research and practical implications are discussed.
A Method for Sizing Booster Charges in Pyrotechnic Mechanisms

Since no generally accepted guidelines exist on sizing booster charges to assure functional margins in pyrotechnically actuated devices, a study was conducted to provide an approach to meet this need. An existing pyrovalve was modified from a single cartridge input to a dual-cartridge input with a booster charge. The objectives of this effort were to demonstrate an energy-based functional margin approach for sizing booster charges, and to determine booster charge energy delivery characteristics in this valve. Functional margin was demonstrated by determining the energy required to actuate the valve through weight drop tests for comparison to the energy delivered by the cartridge and booster charge in firings in the modified valve. The results of this study indicated that this energy-based approach fully met the study objectives, showing its usefulness for this and possibley other pyrotechnic devices.
The role of multiple expectations in determining satisfaction with severance pay benefits

Abstract A model is proposed that identifies the antecedents, cognitive processes, and impact of severance pay level satisfaction. The model proposes that a number of antecedents affect the expectations of severance pay levels that are (1) desired, (2) most likely to occur, (3) deserved, and (4) minimally tolerable. A general model for understanding layoffs proposed by Leana and Feldman (1992) is utilized to provide the context in which these expectations are compared to perceptions of the amount of severance pay that is actually received by the individual, resulting in either satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The satisfaction or dissatisfaction felt by the recipient of severance pay then influences the relationship between the contextual factors associated with the layoff—such as characteristics of the job loss situation, unemployment rates, and job involvement—and the individual's reactions to the layoff. This personal reaction, in turn, affects the coping strategy selected by the former employee and the final outcomes of the layoff process, reemployment and psychological adjustment. The model and how it relates to the whole job loss process are described, and suggestions for further research are presented.
Illuminator optimization for projection printing

In this paper we report a new algorithm designed to enable printability and enhanced defocus budget at half and sub- half wavelength feature sizes. An integral part of this algorithm is the optimization of aerial image contrast, performed in stages, for an algorithmically determined set of contrast cost functions. The optimization is performed on the geometric shape of the condenser filter, herein referred to as the illuminator. Combining (1) illuminator optimization, (2) reticle proximity correction, and (3) attenuated phase shift masks allows one to perform corrections to aggressive SRAM mask designs with features sizes as small as 140 nm, when employing 248 nm illumination, as well as 125 nm feature sizes of lines and spaces. We also present optimizations for 80 nm lines, with 120 nm spaces using 193 nm illumination.
A perspective: the new millennium dawns on a new paradigm for cardiology--molecular genetics.

Western civilization had two great epochs—the sixth century B.C. and the 18th century. The 21st century is likely to be the third great epoch. Although cardiology has advanced more in the last 50 years than in the previous 2,000, it is likely to advance more in the next two or three decades than in the previous 2,000 years, including those 50 golden years. The engines of ingenuity to provide the thrust for the 21th century will come from molecular genetics and the application of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques. Identification of all human genes (50,000 to 100,000) in the next two to three years will help link thousands of etiologies and risk factors with their respective diseases, which represents a new paradigm in medicine. This is illustrated by the implications to be drawn from familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the 50 new genes already identified to be responsible for cardiac disease. The hope for prevention and treatment of human disease is unprecedented. Twenty diseases account for 80% of the deaths in the Western world and are due to 100 to 200 genes, all of which will be available in a couple of years. The Phoenician alphabet (inclusive of the Greek vowels) of 26 letters launched two millenniums of Western civilization, whereas the DNA alphabet of only four letters will launch and dominate the next millennium.
2-D vs. 3-D display for multidimensional data visualization - The relationship between task integrality and display proximity

The current study explores the relationship between the display representation of a multidimensional data base (separated vs. integrated) and the information processing demands of different types of tasks. Subjects answered a range of questions about a complex economic data base while viewing either a 2-D or 3-D (perspective) display of subsets of the data. Animated vs. static representations of dynamic data were also examined. The 3-D display supported better performance than did the 2-D display on the more integrative questions, while no difference between formats was found for questions demanding focused attention. The 3-D display also supported a better visual model of the data space, but did not improve subjects' ability to verbalize the rules underlying this space. Animation did not provide a better means for understanding change information than did the static presentation mode. Implications for the design of data visualization display interfaces are discussed.