cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Method for production of aligned nanofibers and fiber elasticity measurement.

Abstract A novel method for collection of electrospun polymer nanofibers is proposed. This method can be applied to extrusion of various polymers and deposition on various types of substrates or without use of a substrate at all. The fiber is forced to alternate in its deposit in between two different segments of a collector electrode by a pair of square electric potential functions in anti-phase applied to these two electrode segments. As the fiber oscillation frequency is equal to the potential function frequency, the fiber deposition rate in between these two collector segments can be controlled. If an electrically non-conductive material is placed in between the two segments of the collector electrode, aligned fibers are simply deposited on the surface of this material. The method is used to perform stiffness measurements of the fibers demonstrating Young's modulus of 200.1 MPa with a standard deviation of 30.7 MPa. The stiffness measurement does not require any specialized equipment and requires minimal sample preparation. A sample consists of known amount of aligned fibers collected between a pair of thin coaxial rods leading to a cylindrical bundle with known number of fibers. A tensile test is then performed to obtain stress-strain curve and to find the Young's modulus of the fiber material.
Operatic Albanians and singing Turks in the age of enlightenment and revolution

This article considers Albanian subjects in European operas of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, discussed in the context of the broader phenomenon of operas about Ottoman Turkish subjec...
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Due to Ascending Aortic Thrombus Originating From Penetrating Aortic Ulcer

Penetrating aortic ulcers typically occur in severely diseased vessels. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman, without extensive atherosclerosis, who had sudden cardiac arrest related to ischemia from a mobile intraluminal aortic thrombus adherent to a penetrating ulcer in the ascending aorta. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).
Impact of Insurance and Income levels on Survival Rates in Prolactinomas.

Purpose/objective(s) Prolactinoma is the most common type (∼40%) of functional pituitary adenoma. Patients with prolactinoma generally have a good prognosis with appropriate treatment. However, disparities in insurance and socioeconomic status can influence the outcomes of illnesses that have good prognoses. This study aims to analyze the impact of insurance and socioeconomic status on the survival rates of prolactinoma patients across the United States. Materials/methods Patients with prolactinomas diagnosed from 2004 to 2016 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients with the histology code 8271 in the target area C75.1 (pituitary gland) were included. Patients with unknown status for age, sex, race, insurance status, income quartile, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, treatment modality, or overall survival (OS) were excluded. OS was evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. Results A total of 2391 patients with prolactinomas were identified. The median age was 38 years. 8.1% of patients were uninsured, 64.5% of patients had private insurance or managed care. 13.5% of patients had Medicaid, 12.0% of patients had Medicare, and 1.8% of patients had other government insurance. 72.9% of patients were white, and 19.8% of patients were from households in the lowest income quartile based on 2016 US census data. Using univariate analysis, only median household income quartile was statistically associated with OS: patients in the lowest income quartile (less than $40,277 annually) were associated with poorer OS (HR 1.596, 95% CI 1.03-2.48, P Conclusion This NCDB study demonstrates the statistically significant disparity in outcomes for prolactinoma patients in the lower income quartile levels. Since prolactinomas represent the most common form of pituitary tumors, it is important to recognize the impact of income disparity on outcomes and develop strategies to improve clinical outcome for these patients.
Multiple-Valued Logic Design: an Introduction

Preface. The digital theme. Logic tables and switching functions. Visualizations: Venn diagrams, Karnaugh maps, Hasse diagrams from logic tables to lattices. Post algebras. Sub-post algebras double Heyting algebras. Arithmetic operations. Finite state diagrams. Axiomatic propositional calculi. Special functions. Special applications. Answers to even-numbered exercises. References. Index.
FORCES AND MOMENTS ON A SHIP MOVING IN A SHALLOW CHANNEL

The method of matched asymptotic expansions is applied to the problem of a ship moving with constant velocity in a channel of rectangular cross section. The depth of the channel is assumed small so that a linearized shallow-water solution is developed. The ship is assumed to be slender and is replaced in the outer region by a distribution of sources and vortices. As in earlier theories for slender bodies translating in shallow water, the source strength is proportional to the change in cross-sectional area of the ship. An integral equation must be solved to find the vortex strength. Using the source and vortex strengths, expressions are developed for the side force, yaw moment, sinkage, and trim. Numerical results are presented which show good agreement with experimental results.
Brokerage Firm Competition in Real Estate Commission Rates

This paper attempts to provide an explanation for the variance in real estate commission rates by analyzing the interaction of the real estate commission and the selling price of properties. The data presented here strongly suggest that there is competition in the rate of commission charged by real estate brokerage firms.
Single‐Molecule Electronics

Electronic devices at the single-molecule level (<3 nm in all directions) may provide the fastest possible electronic components, whose excited states would decay by photons, while comparably sized Si-based components must decay by phonons, and require enormous heat dissipation methods. Progress in unimolecular rectification is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the two possible ground states (Zwitterionic or quinonoid) of quinolinium tricyanoquinodimethanide, which depend crucially on intermolecular forces. Other lively issues (metal– organic interface, future three- and four-probe devices) are briefly introduced. Keywords: unimolecular; rectifiers; Q-3CNQ; Aviram; Ratner; zwitterion; I– V; Schottky; cold gold
Forging a path forward: How to get more value from management research

Thousands of scholars and millions of dollars are devoted to the study of management. In the last decade, the number of active members of the Academy of Management has increased by more than 50 percent, to 17,607 members. The number of management journals continues to grow as well. These rates of growth suggest that many academics are seeing benefit from management research, but not every study produces as much benefit as it might, and in aggregate, management research has not advanced managerial knowledge as much as many desire. Can we do better? This symposium offers five perspectives on how researchers and their societies can get more value from these significant investments of careers and money. The speakers draw on their extensive experiences – three have served as presidents of the Academy of Management and another is the president-elect – to find opportunities for higher yields of knowledge or societal benefits. In aggregate, they offer a set of actionable ideas that get us beyond bemoaning our current state and put us on a path toward better creation, accumulation, and dissemination of management knowledge.
How to position power quality within a utility

In order to position power quality effectively within a utility, you must first know your goals. What are you trying to accomplish by having a power quality "offering"? Are you trying to improve customer satisfaction? Are you trying to generate revenue? Are you trying to create a sense of customer "loyalty"? Once you answer these questions, draft a power quality mission statement that aligns with your corporate mission statement. In order to gain support from upper management, you must have alignment. Other aspects that must be addressed include deciding what products and services to offer, how to organize the department and document your processes, and how best to reach and inform customers about your expertise. Whether starting a new power quality program or making major changes to an existing one, power quality efforts can be successful if well positioned within the utility.
Gynecologic problems of the perimenopause: evaluation and treatment.

Clinicians today appreciate that the perimenopause is a distinct entity from menopause, representing a transition period before the complete cessation of menses. In terms of symptomatology, the perimenopause may be even more important than either early or late postmenopause. Major gynecologic problems seen during the perimenopause include abnormal uterine bleeding and vasomotor disturbances. Other common gynecologic issues relevant to perimenopausal women include vaginal mucosal atrophy and sexual dysfunction. This article focuses on the evaluation and treatment of these problems.
Tamoxifen stimulates phospholipase D activity by an estrogen receptor-independent mechanism

The effects of tamoxifen (TAM), a widely used agent in the treatment of breast cancer, were examined on phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis. In drug-sensitive MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells TAM, similar to several well-established activators of PLD, had no effect on phospholipid hydrolysis. In an estrogen receptor-deficient multidrug-resistant subline of MCF-7 cells, TAM preferentially stimulated the hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine; two-fold stimulation required 2.5 or 5 μM TAM in the absence or presence of serum, respectively. In NIH 3T3 fibroblasts significant (4- to 4.8-fold) stimulation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis in the presence of serum required 10 μM TAM. These data establish that TAM can stimulate PLD activity by an estrogen receptor-independent mechanism.
General static spherically symmetric black holes of the heterotic string on a six-torus

We present the most general static, spherically symmetric solutions of the heterotic string compactified on a six-torus that conforms to the conjectured “no-hair theorem”, by performing a subset of O(8,24) transformations, i.e. symmetry transformations of the effective three-dimensional action for stationary solutions, on the Schwarzschild solution. The explicit form of the generating solution is determined by six SO(1,1) ⊂ O(8,24) boosts, with the zero Taub-NUT charge constraint imposing one constraint among two boost parameters. The non-nontrivial scalar fields are the axion-dilaton field and the moduli of the two-torus. The general solution, parameterized by unconstrained 28 magnetic and 28 electric charges and the ADM mass compatible with the Bogomol'nyi bound, is obtained by imposing on the generating solution [SO(6) × SO(22)]/[SO(4) × SO(20)] ⊂ O(6,22) (T-duality) transformation and SO(2) ⊂ SL(2,R) (S-duality) transformation, which do not affect the four-dimensional space-time. Depending on the range of boost parameters, the non-extreme solutions have the space-time of either the Schwarzschild or the Reissner-Nordstrom black hole, while the extreme ones have either a null (or naked) singularity, or the space-time of the extreme Reissner-Nordstrom black hole.
HIV and STI testing in older adults: An integrative review

Aims and objectives To examine the frequency of human immunodeficiency virus testing and sexually transmitted infection testing among older adults (50 years and older), present factors related to human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infection testing among older adults, and summarise the perspectives and practices of older adults and health care providers related to sexual health communication. Background Reported cases of sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus among older adults have increased, therefore refuting the stereotype of the sexually inactive older adult. Design Integrative review. Methods Database searches in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science; manual reference list searches; and database searches for articles that cited previously identified articles. Results There is limited research on this topic and considerable diversity in the populations studied and outcomes measured. The search process yielded 20 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. Human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infection testing of older adults are infrequent. Human immunodeficiency virus testing among older adults is associated with perceived risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus and influenced by encouragement from health care providers. Sexually transmitted infection testing due to genital symptoms is more likely than asymptomatic screening. Few providers collect routine sexual histories from older adult patients, although older adults are receptive to sexual history taking. Conclusions There are missed opportunities to identify sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus in older adults. Stereotypes and assumptions have hindered providers from identifying and testing older adults at risk for human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections. Relevance to clinical practice Sexual health assessment is essential to comprehensive health care. A sexual history provides information that may indicate human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infection testing. Detection and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections will break the chain of infection and improve quality of life.
DNA detection using a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor ring oscillator circuit

A DNA detection scheme has been implemented that utilizes a simple complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) ring oscillator circuit. The detector oscillates at a fundamental frequency when using a nonhybridized single-strand DNA probe layer. Upon hybridization with a complimentary DNA strand, the oscillator output exhibits an increased frequency shift, indicating a genetic match. The probe assembly consists of a p-GaAs substrate containing a pulsed laser deposition-applied barium strontium titanate layer and an overlying sodium dodecyl sulfate lipid layer that serves to anchor a functionalized oligonucleotide probe. The oscillator circuit consisting of cascaded discrete complimentary n-channel and p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors was implemented using passive components arranged in a T-network to provide the associated fundamental time constant.
Light-activated composite resin as an adjunct to the fabrication of fixed partial denture prosthesis

A technique that permits characterization of provisional restorations with bonding procedures is described. On completion, a glaze of unfilled resin is added to ensure a smooth, nonporous, biologically compatible restoration. Shade tabs are custom stained for dental laboratory use.
Restitution: A better way of dealing with the wrongful appropriation of classified government secrets?

(1990). Restitution: A better way of dealing with the wrongful appropriation of classified government secrets? International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 23-37.
Do the marginal totals of a 2×2 contingency table contain information regarding the table proportions?

Maximum likelihood estimates are derived for the cell probabilities of a 2×2 contingency table when only the marginal row and column totals can be observed. The resulting MLE always involves at least one zero probability. This finding supports a conjecture by Fisher that the marginal totals do not contain important information regarding the individual cell probabilities. The issue of testing for marginal homogeneity in this situation is briefly discussed.
Effect of growth base pressure on the thermoelectric properties of indium antimonide nanowires

We report a study of the effect of the growth base pressure on the thermoelectric (TE) properties of indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires (NWs) synthesized using a vapour–liquid–solid method at different base pressures varying from ambient to high vacuum. A suspended device was used to characterize the TE properties of the NWs, which are zinc-blende structure with 1 1 0 growth direction based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization of the same NWs assembled on the suspended device. The obtained Seebeck coefficient is negative, with the magnitude being smaller than the literature bulk values and increasing with decreasing growth base pressure. These results are attributed to the loss of In from the source materials due to oxidation by residual oxygen in the growth environment and the consequent formation of Sb-doped NWs. The electron mobility and lattice thermal conductivity in the NWs are lower than the corresponding bulk values because of both surface scattering and stronger dopant scattering in the Sb-doped NWs. Based on these findings, it is suggested that growth from In-rich source materials can be used to achieve composition stoichiometry in the NWs so as to increase the Seebeck coefficient and TE figure of merit.
Effect of humidity on intergeneric pollinations of iap ( Inhibition of Alien Pollen ) sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

The production of interspecific or intergeneric progeny involving Sorghum spp. is greatly enhanced by the presence of the iap (Inhibition of Alien Pollen) allele in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Variation in the expressivity of the iap phenotype has been observed in previous studies, leading to the hypothesis that the humidity during pollination is affecting the degree of alien pollen adhesion and pollen tube growth. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum humidity for maximum maize pollen tube growth on sorghum florets homozygous for iap. Growth chambers were used to create environments of 45, 65, and 85 % humidity with reciprocal crosses made between the 65 and 85 % humidity chambers. Maize pollen was dusted onto the stigmas of Tx3361 (iap iap) and ATx623 (Iap Iap). Pollen adhesion and germination were higher for pollinations with Tx3361 at all humidity levels but the greatest adhesion and germination was observed at 45 % humidity for Tx3361. Under this humidity, pollen tube growth to the style and ovary was observed. The results indicate that lower humidity maximizes maize pollen adhesion and germination on the stigmas of Tx3361. Analysis of the differences in adhesion between Tx3361 and ATx623 indicate that Iap affects pollen adhesion at the stigma surface and may be controlling pollen–pistil incompatibility in interspecific crosses in sorghum.
The Double-Stranded RNA Analogue Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid Induces Keratinocyte Pyroptosis and Release of IL-36γ

IL-36 is the common name for the three IL-1 family members IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ, formerly known as IL-1F6, IL-1F8, and IL-1F9, respectively. IL-36 appears to have pro-inflammatory activities; however, the physiological function of these cytokines remains unknown. Expression of IL-36 by keratinocytes implies its possible involvement in innate immune responses in the skin. We observed that, of the three IL-36 isoforms, human keratinocytes express high levels of IL-36γ. IL-36γ mRNA expression was dramatically induced by the Toll-like receptor ligands polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and flagellin. Surprisingly, the IL-36γ protein was released by cells treated with poly(I:C), but remained intracellular in cells treated with flagellin only. poly(I:C), but not flagellin, induced cell death and caspase-3/7 activation. Inhibition of caspase-3/7 and caspase-1 blocked extracellular release of IL-36γ from poly(I:C)-treated cells. Furthermore, caspase-1 inhibition prevented poly(I:C)-induced caspase-3/7 activation. Interestingly, transcription of the gene IL36G was dependent on caspase-1, but not caspase-3/7, activation. This demonstrates that the pathways leading to IL36G transcription and caspase-3/7 activation branch after caspase-1. This divergence of the pathways allows the cells to enter a state of de novo protein synthesis before committing to pyroptosis. Overall, our observations suggest that IL-36γ may be an alarmin that signals the cause, e.g., viral infection, of cell death.
PS2-19: Characterizing Primary Care Visits: Explaining Variation in the Evaluation and Management Visit Level

Background/Aims Little is known about how physician work affects the categorization of a visit for billing purposes. Wide variation in physician billing practice is well recognized, but most physicians bill legitimately and provide appropriate documentation. We investigated factors that can account for variations in documentation, and thus the coded visit level, in a primarily fee-for-service practice setting.
Racial and ethnic differences in the use of environmental control practices among children with asthma.

Objective. Minority children with asthma suffer a disproportionate burden of asthma morbidity. National asthma guidelines recommend use of environmental control practices (ECPs) as part of a comprehensive approach to asthma management. The purpose of this study was to examine use of ECPs among minority and nonminority children with asthma. Methods. The authors used data from the four state sample of the National Asthma Survey, a telephone survey conducted in 2003. The sample included Alabama, California, Illinois, and Texas. Parents provided responses for 2003 children ≤17 years of age with a diagnosis of asthma. The outcomes of interest were use of mattress covers, use of pillow covers, smoke avoidance, pet avoidance, and carpet removal. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the rates of use of these ECPs among minority and nonminority children. Results. Black and Hispanic children with asthma were less likely to use mattress covers and pillow covers compared to white chil...
Predicting human functional maps with neural net modeling

Formidable difficulties exist in interpreting positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) hemodynamic signals in terms of the underlying neural activity. These include issues of spatial and temporal resolution and problems relating neuronal activity (i.e., action potentials) measured in nonhuman studies by single unit electrodes to hemodynamic measurements reflecting synaptic activity. Also, regional hemodynamic measurements correspond to a mixture of local and afferent synaptic activity. To surmount these difficulties, we propose using large-scale neurobiologi- cally realistic models in which data at various spatial and temporal levels can be simulated and cross-validated by multiple disciplines, including functional neuroimaging. A delayed match-to-sample visual task is used to illustrate this approach. Hum. Brain Mapping 8:137-142, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Big Five Model: Grandiose Ideas About Surface Traits as the Foundation of a General Theory of Personality

Several years ago I commented in Psychological Inquiry on Pervin's (1994) critique of Big Five trait theory. I have reread the article I wrote then and find that my ideas have changed little. Accor...
Spontaneous decay and resonance fluorescence of an admolecule near a silver surface with random roughness.

The spontaneous decay rate and resonance fluorescence spectrum of a molecule adsorbed near a rough silver surface are calculated. An assumed random distribution of the roughness on the surface is treated as an effective layer. The calculated decay rate is in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. The effects of surface roughness on both the spontaneous decay rate and resonance fluorescence spectrum are discussed for different cases.
Efficacy of Bevacizumab plus Erlotinib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Predictors of Outcome: Final Results of a Phase II Trial

Objective: A phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bevacizumab and erlotinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to investig
Predictive control for robot arm teleoperation

This paper presents a robotic welding teleoperation system that can learn the skilled welder's behavior and transfer human intelligence into welding robots. In this system a 6-DOF robot arm is equipped with a compact 3D weld pool sensing system. The motion of the human welder movement is tracked accurately by the Leap sensor. A predictive control algorithm is proposed to control the speed of the robot arm movement. Tracking experiments are conducted to track pre-set movement with varying speed and human hand movement. It is found that the robot with the proposed speed control algorithm is able to track human hand movement with acceptable accuracy. A foundation is thus established to realize welding teleoperation and transfer human intelligence to the welding robot.
Analysis of mutagenic activity in cigarette smokers urine by high performance liquid chromatography

Mutagenic activity in smokers' urine which had been concentrated by XAD-2 resin can be separated from approximately 90% of the non-mutagenic material by CH2Cl2 extraction. This extract appears to be stable for 3 months at -20 degrees C. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the CH2Cl2 extract showed multiple mutagenic non-polar fractions which were better activated by rat liver homogenates prepared from 3-methylcholanthrene treated rats than from rats treated with phenobarbital. Mutagenic activity in smokers' urine was extractable by acid, but not by base. The mutagens in smokers' urine appear to be a complex mixture of relatively non-polar chemicals.
Structure-guided Inhibitor Design for Human Acetyl-coenzyme A Carboxylase by Interspecies Active Site Conversion.

Inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACCs), a crucial enzyme for fatty acid metabolism, has been shown to promote fatty acid oxidation and reduce body fat in animal models. Therefore, ACCs are attractive targets for structure-based inhibitor design, particularly the carboxyltransferase (CT) domain, which is the primary site for inhibitor interaction. We have cloned, expressed, and purified the CT domain of human ACC2 using baculovirus-mediated insect cell expression system. However, attempts to crystallize the human ACC2 CT domain have not been successful in our hands. Hence, we have been using the available crystal structure of yeast CT domain to design human ACC inhibitors. Unfortunately, as the selectivity of the lead series has increased against the full-length human enzyme, the potency against the yeast enzyme has decreased significantly. This loss of potency against the yeast enzyme correlated with a complete lack of binding of the human-specific compounds to crystals of the yeast CT domain. Here, we address this problem by converting nine key active site residues of the yeast CT domain to the corresponding human residues. The resulting humanized yeast ACC-CT (yCT-H9) protein exhibits biochemical and biophysical properties closer to the human CT domain and binding to human specific compounds. We report high resolution crystal structures of yCT-H9 complexed with inhibitors that show a preference for the human CT domain. These structures offer insights that explain the species selectivity of ACC inhibitors and may guide future drug design programs.
On the evolution and population genetics of hybrid-dysgenesis-causing transposable elements in Drosophila.

Much has been learned about transposable genetic elements in Drosophila , but questions still remain, especially concerning their evolutionary significance. Three such questions are considered here, (i) Has the behaviour of transposable elements been most influenced by natural selection at the level of the organism, the population, or the elements themselves? (ii) How did the elements originate in the genome of the species? (iii) Why are laboratory stocks different from natural populations with respect to their transposable element composition? No final answers to these questions are yet available, but by focusing on the two families of hybrid dysgenesis-causing elements, the P and I factors, we can draw some tentative conclusions.
Studies of structural effects on the half-wave potentials of mononuclear and dinuclear nickel(II) diphosphine/dithiolate complexes.

Two series of mononuclear Ni(II) complexes of the formula (PNP)Ni(dithiolate) where PNP = R2PCH2N(CH3)CH2PR2, R = Et and Ph, have been synthesized containing dithiolate ligands that vary from five- to seven-membered chelate rings. Two series of dinuclear Ni(II) complexes of the formula {[(diphosphine)Ni]2(dithiolate)}(X)2 (X = BF4 or PF6) have been synthesized in which the chelate ring size of the dithiolate and diphosphine ligands have been systematically varied. The structures of the alkylated mononuclear complex, [(PNPEt)Ni(SC2H4SMe)]OTf, and the dinuclear complex, [(dppeNi)2(SC3H6S)](BF4)2, have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry to determine how the half-wave potentials of the Ni(II/I) couples vary with chelate ring size of the ligands. For the mononuclear complexes, this potential becomes more positive as the natural bite angle of the dithiolate ligand increases. However, the potentials of the Ni(II/I) couples of the dinuclear complexe...
Abstract PL08-02: Fine mapping of genetic associations in African American colorectal cancer

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of colorectal cancer (CRC) have identified risk variants in 14 genomic regions through the study of Europeans with CRC. In genotype analysis of a European American CRC case-control group, effects sizes and directions of association for 24 SNPs tested, which localize to 10 of the 14 previously identified regions, were consistent with GWAS results; in contrast, in an African American CRC case-control group, the associations ran in the opposite direction for 9 of 22 SNPs tested, indicating significant genetic heterogeneity in CRC associations in African Americans compared to European Americans. We conclude that genetic markers that identify CRC risk in persons of European ancestry do not identify CRC risk in African Americans. Two hypotheses may explain the genetic heterogeneity between European and African Americans: (i) The risk alleles in both populations are the same, however, the genetic architecture differs such that other SNPs that are linked to these same risk alleles will make better markers for African American CRC risk. (ii) The underlying risk alleles are different between the two populations. A corollary of this hypothesis is that the allele frequencies of the risk alleles must be low ( 2, for example), which could make genetic risk modeling more determinative. Furthermore, identification of multiple rare alleles, each with a moderate risk effect, could explain the missing heritability problem. To address these hypotheses, we have drilled down on each of the genetic regions identified in the European GWAS using systematic genotyping and deep re-sequencing in African American CRC cases and population-matched controls. Analysis of tagSNPs in two genes so far analyzed, GREM1 and BMP4, have demonstrated multiple, independent SNP associations, which are not correlated with SNPs previously identified in persons of European descent. Because novel SNP associations are detected in each of these genes, we suggest that rare alleles underlie these genetic risk associations. We are presently using the deep re-sequencing analysis to identify candidate risk variants, which we will then test in functional studies. Ultimately, the analysis will permit better quantification of CRC risk, and it may lead to risk assessment models that can be used clinically for screening and surveillance. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):PL08-02.
Early-acting inbreeding depression and reproductive success in the highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L.

Tetraploid Vaccinium corymbosum genotypes exhibit wide variability in seed set following self- and cross-pollinations. In this paper, a post-zygotic mechanism (seed abortion) under polygenic control is proposed as the basis for fertility differences in this species. A pollen chase experiment indicated that self-pollen tubes fertilize ovules, but are also ‘outcompeted’ by foreign male gametes in pollen mixtures. Matings among cultivars derived from a pedigree showed a linear decrease in seed number per fruit, and increase in seed abortion, with increasing relatedness among parents. Selfed (S1) progeny from self-fertile parents were largely self-sterile. At zygotic levels of inbreeding of F>0.3 there was little or no fertility, suggesting that an inbreeding threshold regulates reproductive success in V. corymbosum matings. Individuals below the threshold are facultative selfers, while those above it are obligate outcrossers. Inbreeding also caused a decrease in pollen viability, and reduced female fertility more rapidly than male fertility. These phenomena are discussed in terms of two models of genetic load: (1) mutational load — homozygosity for recessive embryolethal or sub-lethal mutations and (2) segregational load — loss of allelic interactions essential for embryonic vigor. Self-infertility in highbush blueberries is placed in the context of ‘late-acting’ self-incompatibility versus ‘early-acting’ inbreeding depression in angiosperms.
Reverse draining of a magnetic soap film: Analysis and simulation of a thin film equation with non-uniform forcing

We analyze and classify equilibrium solutions of the one-dimensional thin film equation with no-flux boundary conditions and in the presence of a spatially dependent external forcing. We prove theorems that shed light on the nature of these equilibrium solutions, guarantee their validity, and describe how they depend on the properties of the external forcing. We then apply these results to the reverse draining of a one-dimensional magnetic soap film subject to an external non-uniform magnetic field. Numerical simulations illustrate the convergence of the solutions towards equilibrium configurations. We then present bifurcation diagrams for steady state solutions. We find that multiple stable equilibrium solutions exist for fixed parameters, and uncover a rich bifurcation structure to these solutions, demonstrating the complexity hidden in a relatively simple looking evolution equation. Finally, we provide a simulation describing how numerical solutions traverse the bifurcation diagram, as the amplitude of the forcing is slowly increased and then decreased.
The power of student resistance in action research: teacher educators respond to classroom challenges

The purpose of this research was to study the design and implementation of a newly developed, two‐semester, action research course in a Master of Arts in Teaching program. Over a four‐year period, we (the instructors) used action research methodologies for analysis and evaluation of the course. Throughout this study, students expressed varying reactions to the process of action research, ranging from enthusiasm and acceptance to continual and persistent reluctance to accept the process as ‘real research’. This resistance is the focus of our study. Four years of reflection on our data points to the following reasons for student resistance: lack of understanding about what action research is and its purpose; a discomfort with the emphasis of process over product and the associated investment of time and ability to multi‐task; and willingness to embrace the transformational process of action research as part of learning to teach.
Multipoint observations of dipolarization front formation by magnetotail reconnection

[1] We present multipoint observations of magnetotail plasma sheet dynamics during an event in which magnetic reconnection and dipolarization were observed at −16 < X < −15 RE (mid-tail) and at −10 < X < −4.8 RE (near-Earth plasma sheet), respectively. Timing analysis of the observations shows that the near-Earth dipolarization was a consequence of mid-tail reconnection. Large-amplitude magnetic field oscillations were observed in the temporal and spatial vicinity of the reconnection site. Interpreted as current sheet flapping, they enable reconstruction of a complex sheet structure with an embedded thin current sheet of ion inertial scale size. Detailed analysis of the orientation of the dipolarization front and of plasma motions around it reveals that the front of the reconnection jet was interchange unstable.
Radiation Characteristics of Helical Antennas of Few Turns

A one-turn helical antenna designed to produce axial radiation is linearly polarized. A similar antenna can be made circularly polarized by suitable resistance loading. This paper presents a method of producing circular polarization by resistance loading a 1?-turn helix.
Power series expansion of phonon spectrum in liquid helium

With the aid of accurate microscopic calculations and rigorous sum rule arguments, available data on the phonon spectrum in liquid helium are analyzed. In particular we present a Tamm-Dancoff calculation of the correction to Feynman's spectrum and show that low-order perturbation calculations are valid. Without making any undue statement about the dispersion formula in the hydrodynamic region, we conclude that at least for 0.3<q<0.7 A−1 experimental data from inelastic neutron scattering and elastic x-ray scattering are on the whole consistent.
Delphi survey of nursing research priorities.

Purpose/objectives To identify oncology nurses priorities for topics and issues to be addressed by developing a clinical nursing research program at a large comprehensive cancer center. Design Delphi survey, completed in two rounds. Setting A large comprehensive cancer center in the southern United States. Sample All 1,500 RNs employed at the cancer center. Round I asked nurses to identify topics they believed needed to be studied, and 642 nurses responded. In round II, 567 nurses ranked these priorities. Methods Surveys were distributed to all nurses who work in a variety of settings at the cancer center. Open-ended responses from round I were content analyzed, round II rankings of importance were described, and factor analysis was performed. Main research variables 120 topics were identified from a content analysis of research areas described by nurses in the cancer center. Findings 120 research priorities were identified. Factor analysis revealed three factors: clinical care, nurses and skills, and administrative aspects. Conclusions The top five research priorities identified at the cancer center were, in rank order, acute and chronic pain, infection rates and control, job satisfaction, nurse-patient ratios and staffing, and nurse retention. This study's survey included items similar to those on the recently conducted Oncology Nursing Society research priority survey. Pain and issues with infection were among the top five priorities in both surveys. Implications for nursing Conducting a survey to identify nurses perceptions of research was useful in involving nurses in the conduct of research, and the results were useful guides to beginning a coordinated program of nursing research.
Reactive Hot Pressing of Alumina-Molybdenum Disilicide Composites

Al2O3-MoSi2 composites were prepared by reactive hot pressing using molybdenum, aluminum, and mullite powders as precursors. The Gibbs free energy was highly negative for the composite-forming reaction, which indicated that the products were stable relative to the reactants. After the reaction, the composites had high relative density, ∼96%. Based on the composite-forming reaction, the composites should have contained 18 vol% MoSi2 in an Al2O3 matrix. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MoSi2 inclusions were elongated, with an average thickness of ∼5 μm and inclusion lengths that ranged from 5 to 50 μm. Average composite strength was 467 MPa, and toughness was 3.7 MPa·m1/2.
The Conversion of Perhydropolysilazane into SiON Films Characterized by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Silicon oxynitride (SiON) films of ~1 μm thickness were made by dip coating and subsequent thermal treatment of a preceramic polymer: perhydropolysilazane (PHPS). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the surface of a series of SiON films annealed in air between room temperature and 800°C. Results reveal that the progressive changes in the bonding states of silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen due to different degrees of annealing lead to a systematic evolution of atomic ratios of the films. It is shown that PHPS forms a unique amorphous SiOxNy material upon annealing in air up to 800°C with evolving compositions, instead of a mixture of Si3N4 and SiO2.
Pitch diversity in α‐helical coiled coils

Two complementary methods for measuring local pitch based on heptad position in alpha-helical coiled coils are described and applied to six crystal structures. The results reveal a diversity of pitch values: two-stranded coiled coils appear to have pitch values near 150 A; the values for three- and four-stranded coiled coils range closer to 200 A. The methods also provide a rapid and sensitive gauge of local coiled-coil conformation. Polar or charged residues in the apolar interface between coiled-coil helices markedly affect local pitch values, suggesting a connection between pitch uniformity and coiled-coil stability. Moreover, the identification of a skip residue (heptad frame shift) in the hemagglutinin glycoprotein of influenza virus (HA) allows interpretation of local pitch changes. These results on relatively short coiled-coil structures have relevance for the much longer fibrous proteins (many of which have skip residues) whose detailed structures are not yet established. We also show that local pitch values from molecular dynamics predictions of the GCN4 leucine zipper are in striking agreement with the high-resolution crystal structure--a result not readily discerned by direct comparison of atomic coordinates. Taken together, these methods reveal specific aspects of coiled-coil structure which may escape detection by global analyses of pitch.
NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Report Number 10. Summary Report to Phase 3 Academic Library Respondents Including Frequency Distributions

Phase 3 of a 4 part study was undertaken to study the use of scientific and technical information (STI) in the academic aerospace community. Phase 3 of this project used three questionnaires that were sent to three groups (i.e., faculty, librarians, and students) in the academic aerospace community. Specific attention was paid to the types of STI used and the methods in which academic users acquire STI. The responses of the academic libraries are focussed on herein. Demographic information on academic aerospace libraries is provided. Data regarding NASA interaction with academic aerospace libraries is also included, as is the survey instrument.
Interlaminar Crack Growth in Fiber Reinforced Composites During Fatigue

Interlaminar crack growth behavior in fiber-reinforced composites subjected to fatigue loading was investigated experimentally and theoretically. In the experimental phase, inter-laminar crack propagation rates and mechanisms were determined for the cases of various geometries, laminate parameters and cyclic stress levels. A singular hybrid-stress finite element method was used in conjuction with the experimental results to examine the local crack-tip behavior and to characterize the crack propagation during fatigue. Results elucidate the basic nature of the cyclic delamination damage, and relate the interlaminar crack growth rate to the range of mixed-mode crack-tip stress intensity factors. The results show that crack growth rates are directly related to the range of the mixed-mode cyclic stress intensity factors by a power law relationship.
Inhibition of lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of emulsified triglyceride oils by low-molecular weight surfactants under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Abstract The effect of low-molecular weight surfactants on the digestibility of lipids in protein-stabilized corn oil-in-water emulsions was studied using an in vitro digestion model. The impact of non-ionic (Tween 20, Tween 80, Brij35), anionic (SDS), and cationic (DTAB) surfactants on the rate and extent of lipid digestion was studied. All surfactants were found to inhibit lipid digestion at sufficiently high concentrations, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1.2% for Tween 20, 0.7% for Tween 80, 2.8% for Brij35, 1.1% for SDS, and 1.4% for DTAB. The effectiveness of the surfactants at inhibiting lipid digestion was therefore not strongly correlated to the electrical characteristics of the surfactant head group, since the IC50 increased in the following order: Tween 80 > SDS > Tween 20 > DTAB > Brij35. The ability of these low-molecular weight surfactants to inhibit lipid digestion was attributed to a number of potential mechanisms: (i) prevention of lipase/co-lipase adsorption to the oil–water interface; (ii) formation of interfacial complexes; (iii) direct interaction and inactivation of lipase/co-lipase. Interestingly, DTAB increased the rate and extent of lipid digestion when present at relatively low concentrations. This may have been because this cationic surfactant facilitated the adsorption of lipase to the droplet surfaces through electrostatic attraction, or it bound directly to the lipase molecule thereby changing its structure and activity. A number of the surfactants themselves were found to be susceptible to enzyme digestion by pancreatic enzymes in the absence of lipids: Tween 20, Tween 80, Brij35, and DTAB. This work has important implications for the development of emulsion-based delivery systems for food and pharmaceutical applications.
93. DIFFERENTIAL REGULATION OF SOD1 AND SOD2 IN RAT LIVER DURING ONTOGENY

Superoxidase dismutase (SOD) is the main scavenger of superoxidase radicals in the mammalian body. The liver contains high levels of two SOD enzymes; Cu-Zn (SOD1) localized in cytosol and Mn SOD (SOD2) localized in mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of SOD1 and SOD2 during development using enzymatic and immunological methodologies. Monospecific antibodies were prepared in rabbit against purified rat SOD1 and SOD2 polypeptides. Homogenates of fresh rat livers obtained from newborn, young, and adult rats were assessed for levels of SOD1 and SOD2 activity. It was found that the levels of SOD1 activity increased greater than ten-fold after birth, reaching adult levels after weaning. In contrast, the SOD2 level increased only four-fold after birth and reached essentially adult levels at weaning. SOD1 and SOD2 in newborn and young rat livers were not different in their molecular weight or charge from adult liver. Immunoblot quantitation indicated that changes in activity during ontogeny levels reflected the number of SOD1 and SOD2 molecules. These results show that SOD1 and SOD2 are differentially and independently regulated during ontogeny. It may be suggested that cytosolic and mitochrondrial SOD may play different roles in superoxide scavaging during liver development.
Cerebrovascular and Cerebral Metabolic Effects ofN2O in Unrestrained Rats

There is controversy about whether N2O increases cerebral blood flow and cortical oxygen consumption (CMRO2) in rats. Cortical and subcortical blood flow and CMRO2 were measured in awake, unrestrained rats while awake and during 70% N2O administration using radioactive microspheres. In the awake state, cortical and subcortical blood flow were 126 +/- 10 and 98 +/- 7 ml.100 g-1.min-1, respectively, and CMRO2 (cortical) was 10.0 +/- 0.6 ml O2.100 g-1.min-1 (mean +/- SE). After 15 min of 70% N2O, cortical and subcortical blood flow increased 100% and 40%, respectively, while CMRO2 did not increase significantly. Cerebral blood flow remained increased after 60 min of N2O exposure, and CMRO2 did not change. These results show that N2O produces cerebrovasodilation in rats that is not related to a change in metabolic demand. Plasma catecholamines do not change during N2O administration, indicating that the increase in blood flow is not due to a general stress response.