cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Job satisfaction among critical care nurses.

Objective To develop a conceptual path model to explain the effects of a set of personal and work-related independent variables and the dependent variables of situational stress, job stress and job motivation on job satisfaction among critical care nurses. Design A prospective descriptive study using a conceptual path model. Setting Nine hospitals licensed for at least 250 beds in the northeastern, northwestern, northcentral, and southern regions of Florida. Sample Three hundred female critical care nurses employed in the nine hospitals who had worked full-time for at least 3 months. Measurements Subjects were administered a demographic and work survey questionnaire, Daily Hassles Instrument, Psychological Hardiness Test and the Job Diagnostic Inventory. Main outcome measures A conceptual path model was constructed to illustrate the effects of a set of personal and work-related independent variables and the dependent variables of situational stress, job stress and job motivation on job satisfaction. Main results Path analysis of a job satisfaction model resulted in a causal progression of situational stress leading to either job stress or job motivation, both affecting job satisfaction. The results showed that job stress, job motivation, job expectations, meaningful work, knowledge of work results, commitment to career, health difficulties, task identity, supervision, dealing with others at work, opportunity for advancement, pay and job security had a significant effect on job satisfaction. Conclusion Thirteen variables had a significant effect on job satisfaction and explained 63% of the variance. The four most significant effects on job satisfaction were opportunities for advancement, meaningfulness of work, pay and supervision. Commitment to the career, task identity and job security had a modest effect on job satisfaction.
Towards 32-bit Energy-Efficient Superconductor RQL Processors: The Cell-Level Design and Analysis of Key Processing and On-Chip Storage Units

New superconductor single flux quantum logics with no static power dissipation in bias resistors, such as Reciprocal Quantum Logic (RQL), offer opportunities to create energy-efficient superconductor processors operating at high frequencies with ultra-low power consumption. This paper discusses the results of our work on the cell-level design and analysis of a benchmark set of 32-/64-bit RQL processor integer and floating-point units such as adders, multipliers, an arithmetic-logic unit, and an array shifter, as well as small 1-4 Kbit RQL on-chip storage components such as register files, on-chip memory, and the top level caches. Our layout-aware design process includes the complete cell-level design and approximate physical layout of the circuits followed by the VHDL simulation, verification, and energy profiling using our RQL VHDL cell library tuned to the future MIT Lincoln Laboratory 10 kA/cm2 248 nm process with 10 Nb metal layers and the minimum JJ critical current of 38 μA. Our designs have the energy efficiency of ~1.0 single-precision TFLOPS/W and '0.5 double-precision TFLOPS/W for floating-point units, and ~1-24 TOPS/W for 32-bit integer units at room temperature using the cryocooling efficiency of 0.1 % (1000 W/W). The 1-4 Kbit 32-/64-bit multi-ported scratchpad memory, register files, write-through and write-back caches designed with RQL Non-Destructive Read-Out storage cells have the average energy consumption of 3.0-9.5 fJ/bit/operation at room temperature using the cryocooling efficiency of 0.1%. While these results are very promising, more work is needed to evaluate the contribution of the energy costs of instruction scheduling and off-chip main memory access to the energy efficiency of RQL computing across a whole system.
The extraboard operator scheduling and work assignment problem

An instance of the operational fixed job scheduling problem arises when open work caused by unplanned events such as bus breakdowns, inclement weather, and driver (operator) absenteeism need to be covered by reserve (extraboard) drivers. Each work-piece, which is referred to as a job, requires one operator who must work continuously between specified start and end times to complete the job. Each extraboard operator may be assigned up to w hours of work, which may not to be continuous so long as the total work time is within a s-hour time window of that operator’s shift start time. Parameters w and s are called allowable work-time and spread-time, respectively. The objective is to choose operators’ shift start times and work assignments, while honoring work-time and spread-time constraints, such that the amount of work covered as part of regular duties is maximized. This paper argues that the extraboard operator scheduling problem is NP-hard and three heuristic approaches are presented for the solution of ...
Comments on the potentiometric titration of halides including fluoride with a mixed titrant

Abstract An attempt was made to verify work reported by others on the potentiometric titration of halides including fluoride with a mixed titrant of silver nitrate and thorium nitrate. The platinum indicator electrode can indeed be used to monitor the titration of bromide and chloride. However, we could not verify the results reported for fluoride. There seems to be no theoretical basis on which to expect the platinum electrode to respond to changes in fluoride ion concentration.
A simple animal model for cerebral vasculature rupture due to exposure to intense pressure waves

Understanding the threshold of microvasculature rupture in the central nervous system is critical to evaluating the safety of transcranial therapeutic ultrasound procedures, and treatment planning for blast traumatic brain injury. The goal of this study is to determine the threshold for microvasculature rupture in a simple animal model, as a function of the characteristics of the incident pressure-pulse train. An earthworm model was chosen, as a first step in a sequence of increasingly complex models, and because of its readily accessible large vessel. Following anesthetization, the earthworms were sonicated with 3.3 MHz pulse trains from a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer. A variety of pulse durations, repetition rates, and amplitudes were considered. The pulse duty cycle was kept low (0.0001 to 0.001) to minimize thermal effects. In cases where rupture occurred within 10 min of exposure, the rupture time was recorded. A noticeable threshold for microvascular damage was observed at a peak negative pressure of about 20 MPa. Beyond this pressure, rupture times decreased rapidly with increasing acoustic pressure. The threshold for damage is likely due to the onset of cavitation, though the mechanisms affecting the rupture time require further study.
North American adult literacy programs and Latin American immigrants: how critical pedagogy can help nonprofit literacy programming in the United States

As nonprofit adult literacy programs are often the only options for low-income Latin American immigrants in North America, problems accompanying these programs affect the ability of immigrants to benefit from them. North American nonprofit adult literacy programs often struggle due to the difficulties inherent in using volunteer instructors (often from different cultural backgrounds than participants) who use curricula that often do not reflect students’ communities of origin. Hence, the outcomes of these programs can be problematic. One potential way to ameliorate these difficulties is found in the critical framework of Paulo Freire, wherein curricula are student-generated. The primary argument in this review essay is that trained community instructors (or Freirean-trained outsiders) – using Freire's model of instruction and curriculum development, working under a demand for true accountability for results from organizational administrators – could improve existent benign North American adult literacy pr...
Spectral ratio method for measuring emissivity

Abstract The spectral ratio method is based on the concept that although the spectral radiances are very sensitive to small changes in temperature the ratios are not. Only an approximate estimate of temperature is required thus, for example, we can determine the emissivity ratio to an accuracy of 1% with a temperature estimate that is only accurate to 12.5 K. Selecting the maximum value of the channel brightness temperatures is an unbiased estimate. Laboratory and field spectral data are easily converted into spectral ratio plots. The ratio method is limited by system signal:noise and spectral band-width. The images can appear quite noisy because ratios enhance high frequencies and may require spatial filtering. Atmospheric effects tend to rescale the ratios and require using an atmospheric model or a calibration site.
Determination of a novel sigma receptor antagonist, DuP 734, in rat plasma by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Abstract A selective high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for a sigma receptor antagonist, DuP 734 (I), in rat plasma has been developed. Compound I and internal standard, XC031 (I.S.), were first extracted from plasma into an ethyl acetate—toluene mixture (3:7, v/v) and then back-extracted into freshly prepared phosphoric acid (0.03 M ). Separation of I and I.S. with no interference from endogenous substances was achieved on a reversed-phase octyl column and detection was by UV at 229 nm. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile—glacial acetic acid—triethylamine—0.05 M ammonium acetate (670:4:2:2000, v/v). Using 0.5 ml of rat plasma for extraction, the limit of quantitation was 43 ng/ml and the assay was linear from 43 to 8536 ng/ml. The intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation ranged from 0.7 to 3.0%, and from 1.4 to 14.5%, respectively, over the entire concentration range. The accuracy was within 16.1% of the spiked concentrations. I was stable in frozen plasma at −20°C for at least 68 days.
Epitaxial growth and X-ray diffraction analysis of single-crystal thin films of CuCl

Abstract The epitaxial growth of single-crystal thin films of cuprous chloride (CuCl) with 2 to 4-μm thicknesses is reported for the first time. Single-crystal structure is achieved by thermal deposition of CuCl onto a sodium chloride (NaCl) substrate whose space lattice and lattice constant match that of CuCl. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals single-crystal structure of these CuCl thin films. Luminescence spectra arising from the decay of excitonic molecules to exciton states are substantially narrower in the single crystal thin films compared with polycrystalline thin films grown on amorphous substrates.
Echocardiographic determinations of dimensions of normal newborns at 5,280 feet elevation.

Twenty healthy term newborn infants born at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver, Colorado were examined by echocardiography during the first 72 hours of life. All infants were without cardiac or pulmonary disease and were appropriate for gestational age within the classification of Battalion and Lubchenco. Measurements of intracardiac dimensions, including right ventricular cavity, left ventricular cavity, left atrium and aortic root, as well as thickness of the intraventricular septum and posterior wall of the left ventricle, were determined by three independent observers. The data correlated with other studies performed at centers located at lower elevations.
Functional assessment: a holistic approach to rehabilitation of the geriatric client.

Functional assessment of the elderly client provides a structured approach to the complex and multidimensional issues in rehabilitation. Rehabilitation nurses may be familiar with some of the long-standing functional assessment tools, such as Barthel's index. It is important to have a working knowledge of a variety of tools, as well as an ongoing awareness of newer ones as they are developed (e.g., the Functional Independence Measure). Functional assessment is part of comprehensive geriatric evaluation. After initial assessment by rehabilitation team members, the team considers the patient's strengths and supports and develops a problem list (NIH, 1987). The individualized plan of care is developed with the elderly client to achieve maximum rehabilitation potential. Functional assessment tools assist in measuring rehabilitation progress and in clinical decision making. They also can be used in clinical research in geriatric rehabilitation. The number of elderly persons in this country is growing rapidly. Rehabilitation nurses will need to expand their clinical skills to integrate holistic geriatric assessment.
Demographic, behavioral, and physical correlates of body esteem among low-income female adolescents.

Abstract Purpose To examine demographic, behavioral, and physical correlates of body esteem among female adolescents of lower socioeconomic background. Methods Data were collected in a women's health clinic in southeast Texas as part of a larger investigation. A total of 271 female individuals aged 16–21 years completed the Body Esteem Scale (BES), which yields scores for total body esteem, sexual attractiveness, weight concern, and physical condition. Participants answered questions regarding smoking and the presence of acne. Height and weight were measured by a nurse using standard instrumentation and technique. Of the participants, 35% were African-American, 31% white, and 34% Hispanic; and 48% reported an annual household income less than $20,000. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.1 (SD = 6.5). Results Race/ethnicity was associated with total body esteem, sexual attractiveness, weight esteem, and physical condition (all p p p p p p p = .05). Adolescents reporting acne (vs. not) reported lower scores for total body esteem, sexual attractiveness, and weight concern (all p Conclusions Body esteem among adolescent females is affected by demographic, physical, and behavioral variables. Results highlight the importance of measuring multiple dimensions of body esteem.
A prochelator activated by beta-secretase inhibits Abeta aggregation and suppresses copper-induced reactive oxygen species formation.

The intersection of the amyloid cascade hypothesis and the implication of metal ions in Alzheimer disease progression has sparked an interest in using metal-binding compounds as potential therapeutic agents. In the present work, we describe a prochelator SWH that is enzymatically activated by β-secretase to produce a high affinity copper chelator CP. Because β-secretase is responsible for the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein, this prochelator strategy imparts disease specificity towards copper chelation not possible with general metal chelators. Furthermore, once activated, CP efficiently sequesters copper from amyloid-β, prevents and disassembles copper-induced amyloid-β aggregation, and diminishes copper-promoted reactive oxygen species formation.
Incidence of and factors associated with achieving target lipid levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have increased mortality compared with patients without PAD. Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for almost 75% of deaths in PAD patients. Studies suggest that PAD is underdiagnosed and atherosclerotic risk factors undertreated when compared with CAD.
Improvement of oxygenation in an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and acute respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia by the use of inhaled nitric oxide during high-frequency ventilation 1514

Improvement of oxygenation in an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and acute respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia by the use of inhaled nitric oxide during high-frequency ventilation 1514
Advanced electronics developed for NASA's Mars Exploration Program

Six electronic technologies under development for the Mars Technology Program are discussed. The scope of this set ranges from electronic packaging to microprocessors to power supply to communication technologies. An overview (motivation, objective, approach) of these six projects is presented, along with a comparison to the state-of-art. The overarching goal is to develop and mature these technologies to a point where the Mars Exploration Program can consider their use in a specific flight mission.
Genetic effects on dairy calf growth.

Abstract Objectives were to establish growth patterns for weight and height in dairy calves from birth to 90 d and to estimate appropriate genetic parameters. Measurements were 7943 body weights and 7005 wither heights of 752 calves. Represented over 12 yr were three breeds, 348 dams, and 115 sires; data resulted from designed calf nutrition experiments. Sources of variation considered in various least squares analyses of variance were breed, sire in breed, calf in sire in breed, sex of calf, treatment-year category, and several interactions. Repeatabilities of weights and heights between birth and 90 d were .64 and .88; heritabilities were .22 and .30; genetic and phenotypic correlations were .53 and .73. A regression equation was estimated for each calf. From these 752 equations, heritabilities of initial weight, initial height, and rates of growth in weight and height were .53, .50, .44, and .19. Genetic correlations were .81; −.07; −.05; .26; .14; .84. Selection schemes for these traits in dairy cattle should consider that although weights and heights at birth and thereafter are highly and positively correlated genetically, as are gains, birth measurements and gains to 90 d may be uncorrelated.
Stabilized Moving Finite Elements for Convection Dominated Problems

The Moving Finite Element method (MFE) when applied to purely hyperbolic problems tends to move its nodes with the flow (often a good thing). But for steady or near steady problems the nodes flow past stationary regions of critical interest and pile up at the outflow. We report on efforts to develop moveable node versions of the "stabilized" finite element methods which have so successfully improved upon Galerkin in the fixed node setting. One method in particular (Galerkin-?x TLSMFE with a "fix") yields very promising results on our simple 1-D model problem. Its nodes lock onto and resolve sharp stationary features but also lock onto and move with the moving features of the solution.
Artisan Origins of the American Working Class

In 1968, a leading student of labor and post-Civil War politics issued a dis turbing warning to his colleagues. Historians, David Montgomery contended, in their rush to analyze American labor's response to industrialism after 1865, had directed their attention half a century too late. Only with further treatment of the artisans and laborers of the early national and Jacksonian periods?their changing economic, cultural, and intellectual lives in the midst of early industrial growth?would any complete understanding of class formation in the United States emerge. As a start, Montgomery called for fresh work that would build on the research of David Saposs, George Rogers Taylor, and others, heed the exam ple of E. P. Thompson, and evaluate the making of the first American working class.1
FGF RECEPTOR AVAILABILITY REGULATES SKELETAL MYOGENESIS

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors are critical participants in embryonic development, including the genesis of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. FGF signaling is mediated through interactions between multiple FGF ligands and transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors, resulting in activation of a number of signal transduction pathways. Skeletal myocytes express FGF ligands and receptors in a coordinated fashion, suggesting that these molecules participate in autocrine signaling in the myocyte. Endogenously produced FGF has been shown to inhibit myogenesis, but the role of FGF receptor availability in directing myocyte proliferation and differentiation has not been established. To determine the contribution of receptor availability to the regulation of myogenesis, receptor availability was either increased by expressing a full-length FGF receptor-1 or decreased by expressing a truncated FGF receptor-1 in cultured skeletal myocytes. Constitutive expression of a full-length FGF receptor-1 increased myocyte proliferation and delayed differentiation. Conversely, a reduction in functional FGF receptor signaling by expression of a truncated FGF receptor-1 decreased proliferation and enhanced differentiation of myocytes. These data demonstrate that FGF receptor availability plays a critical regulatory role in skeletal myogenesis.
Inhibition of protein synthesis by the cordycepin analog of (2'-5')ppp(Ap)nA, (2'-5')ppp(3'dAp)n3'dA, in intact mammalian cells.

The introduction of the cordycepin analog of (2′–5′)An, (2′–5′)ppp(3′ dAp)n3′ dA [referred to as (2′–5′)p33′ dAn], into mouse L929 cells and cultured human fibroblasts resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of protein synthesis which was comparable to the inhibition observed by (2′–5′)ppp(Ap)nA [referred to as (2′–5′)p3An]. The inhibition of protein synthesis by (2′–5′)p33′ dAn was much more persistent than that of the naturally occurring (2′–5′)p3An following prolonged incubation of cells. Furthermore, the (2′–5′)p3An was cytotoxic to mammalian cells in culture, whereas the (2′–5′)p33′dAn was not.
Self-Efficacy for Self-Regulated Learning: A Validation Study

The psychometric properties and multigroup measurement invariance of scores on the Self-Efficacy for Self-Regulated Learning Scale taken from Bandura's Children's Self-Efficacy Scale were assessed in a sample of 3,760 students from Grades 4 to 11. Latent means differences were also examined by gender and school level. Results reveal a unidimensional construct with equivalent factor pattern coefficients for boys and girls and for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Elementary school students report higher self-efficacy for self-regulated learning than do students in middle and high school. The latent factor is related to self-efficacy, self-concept, task goal orientation, apprehension, and achievement.
Effect of Acclimation Temperature and TemperatureChanges on Molting and Survival of Ablated and Non-ablated Crayfish Orconectes virihs

. The effect of acclimation temperatures for producing soft-shell crayfish, and changes upward from acclimation temperature, were evaluated in crayfish Orconectes virilis subjected to either hemilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation. In each experiment, 60 juvenile O. virilis were reared for 21 d at temperatures ranging from 20 C to 30 C. Equal numbers of male and female crayfish ranging in weight from 5.0 g to 16.0 g were used in each study. In the first three experiments, crayfish were acclimated and maintained at a constant temperature. In the remaining experiments, crayfish were subjected to a step-wise increase in temperature of either 5 or 10 C. Molting was highest in crayfish acclimated to 25 C prior to experimentation at 25 C (experiment 2) and in crayfish acclimated to 14 C prior to experimentation at 20 C (experiment 4). Total molts during these two experiments were 51 (85.0%) and 56 (93.3%), respectively. Bilateral eyestalk ablation resulted in significant reductions in the intermolt period in experiments 1 (acclimation temperature 20 C, experimental temperature 20 C), 3 (acclimation temperature 30 C, experimental temperature 30 C) and 6 (acclimation temperature 15 C, experimental temperature 25 C), while hemilateral eyestalk ablation had no effect on molting when compared to control (non-ablated) crayfish. Bilateral eyestalk ablation resulted in a significant reduction in survival in experiments 5 (acclimation temperature 20 C, experimental temperature 25 C) and 6 (acclimation temperature 15 C, experimental temperature 25 C). Significantly more females molted in one experiment (acclimation temperature 20 C, experimental temperature 25 C), but not in any others. The results of these studies demonstrate that bilateral eyestalk ablation and water temperatures are effective methods of inducing molting in crayfish.
Distribution ofα2-adrenoceptors in the human locus coeruleus

Abstract Recent reports of specific topographic patterns of cell loss in the locus coeruleus (LC) in psychiatric and neurologic disorders underscores the need for detailed neurochemical analyses of this cell group. In this study, the anatomical distribution of α 2 -adrenoceptors and its relationship to the distribution of noradrenergic neurons in the human LC was studied. Quantitative autoradiography was used to assess the binding of [ 125 I] p -iodoclonidine ([ 125 I]PIC) to α 2 -adrenoceptors coordinately with counts of neuromelanin-containing cells in tissue sections cryocut at 10–13 levels along the rostrocaudal axis of the LC. Pontine brain tissue was obtained postmortem from 7 subjects dying of natural or accidental causes, ranging in age from 26 to 78 years. Both the binding of [ 125 I]PIC and number of neuromelanin-containing cells were differentially distributed along the LC axis ( P ) with almost identical topographical patterns. The highest concentration of binding and the greatest number of neuromelanin-containing cells per section occurred near the middle portion of the nucleus. There was a significant correlation between the number of neuromelanin-containing cells per section and the specific binding of [ 125 I]PIC at any particular level of the LC ( r 2 = 0.56; P ). The highest and lowest amounts of [ 125 I]PIC binding in the LC were observed in the youngest and oldest subjects, respectively, and this trend was parallelled by a significant negative correlation between the number of neuromelanin-containing cells at a given level and age ( r 2 = 0.85; P ). The uneven distribution of α 2 -adrenoceptors in the LC demonstrates the importance of anatomical specificity when performing quantitative studies of LC protein chemistry in psychiatric and neurologic disorders.
The effect of magnesium sulphate on blood flow velocity in the maternal retina in mild pre-eclampsia : a preliminary colour flow Doppler study

Objectives To investigate the use of colour flow Doppler ultrasound to identify retinal blood vessels in women with mild pre-eclampsia and to assess the effects of an infusion of magnesium sulphate on the baseline retinal blood flow-velocity. Design Prospective descriptive study. ' Setting Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
On risk and risk analysis

Abstract Currently, an increasing number of researchers and organizations are recognizing the importance of adopting a well-focused research in risk, risk analysis and risk management that will also address the establishment of new risk measures which reflect the public's concerns, and that can be demonstrated to be valid, credible and reliable. This paper gives a brief introduction to risk and classifies relevant literature related to risk and risk analysis for ease of use by the readers.
Bulk Gold-Catalyzed Reactions of Isocyanides, Amines, and Amine N-Oxides

Bulk gold powder (∼5–50 μm particles) catalyzes the reactions of isocyanides with amines and amine N-oxides to produce ureas. The reaction of n-butyl isocyanide (nBu–N≡C) with di-n-propylamine and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide in acetonitrile, which was studied in the greatest detail, produced 3-butyl-1,1-dipropylurea (O═C(NHnBu)(NnPr2)) in 99% yield at 60 °C within 2 h. Sterically and electronically different isocyanides, amines, and amine N-oxides react successfully under these conditions. Detailed studies support a two-step mechanism that involves a gold-catalyzed reaction of adsorbed isocyanide with the amine N-oxide to form an isocyanate (RN═C═O), which rapidly reacts with the amine to give the urea product. These investigations show that bulk gold, despite its reputation for poor catalytic activity, is capable of catalyzing these reactions.
Modeling disease in the mouse: Lessons from DNA damage response and cell cycle control genes

The advent of gene targeting has allowed the dissection of many essential cellular pathways, including those involved in cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, and development. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the simple gene deletion strategy may not be sufficient for the modeling of many cancer syndromes. In this Prospect article, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of mouse models, how they have advanced from gene deletions to truncations, point mutations, and conditional mouse models in which expression or loss of the gene of interest is control led either temporally or spatially. We will also consider future directions for the use of mouse models in cancer. The vastness of the field necessitates focusing on a few specific examples with the unfortunate exclusion of many excellent studies from our discussion. As such, we focus on a few specific models of human cancer syndromes, however many of the themes discussed here are applicable to other systems of genetic manipulation and may be applied across fields. J. Cell. Biochem.
Cardiovascular Disease and Psychiatric Comorbidity: The Potential Role of Perseverative Cognition

The high comorbidity between psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease has received increasing attention, yet little is known about the processes linking the two. One plausible contributing mechanism is the tendency of those with psychiatric disorders to ruminate on stressful events. This phenomenon, sometimes called perseverative cognition, can extend the psychological and physiological effects of stress, which could contribute to cardiovascular disease etiology. In this paper, we discuss the potential role of perseverative cognition in mediating the relationship between psychiatric illness and cardiovascular disease. Rumination can delay physiological recovery from acute stress, which in turn has been found to predict future cardiovascular health. This delayed recovery could act as a mechanism in the longitudinal link between worry and cardiovascular health. The cognitive inflexibility that characterizes mood and anxiety disorders may then contribute to disease not by producing greater reactivity, but instead through extending activation, increasing the risks for cardiovascular damage.
Measuring characteristic length scales of eigenfunctions of Sturm–Liouville equations in one and two dimensions

The spatial resolution of eigenfunctions of Sturm–Liouville equations in one-dimension is frequently measured by examining the minimum distance between their roots. For example, it is well known that the roots of polynomials on finite domains cluster like O(1/N 2) near the boundaries. This technique works well in one dimension, and in higher dimensions that are tensor products of one-dimensional eigenfunctions. However, for non-tensor-product eigenfunctions, finding good interpolation points is much more complicated than finding the roots of eigenfunctions. In fact, in some cases, even quasi-optimal interpolation points are unknown. In this work an alternative measure, l, is proposed for estimating the characteristic length scale of eigenfunctions of Sturm–Liouville equations that does not rely on knowledge of the roots. It is first shown that l is a reasonable measure for evaluating the eigenfunctions since in one dimension it recovers known results. Then results are presented in higher dimensions. It is shown that for tensor products of one-dimensional eigenfunctions in the square the results reduce trivially to the one-dimensional result. For the non-tensor product Proriol polynomials, there are quasi-optimal interpolation points (Fekete points). Comparing the minimum distance between Fekete points to l shows that l is a reasonably good measure of the characteristic length scale in two dimensions as well. The measure is finally applied to the non-tensor product generalized eigenfunctions in the triangle proposed by Taylor MA, Wingate BA [(2006) J Engng Math, accepted] where optimal interpolation points are unknown. While some of the eigenfunctions have larger characteristic length scales than the Proriol polynomials, others show little improvement.
Temporal Aggregation, the Data Interval Bias, and Empirical Estimation of Bimonthly Relations from Annual Data

In an important study reviewing the literature on econometric studies of the relationship between advertising and sales Clarke Clarke, Darral G. 1976. Econometric measurement of the duration of advertising effects on sales. J. Marketing Res.13 November 345-357. concluded that the implied duration interval of the effects of advertising on sales were too long when the studies used annual data. A theoretical explanation is provided here for the observation of parameter estimates which vary with the data interval employed in the analysis. Parameter estimates are developed on the basis of data aggregated at various levels of temporal aggregation and compared with theoretical values. It is demonstrated that it is possible to recover bimonthly parameters when only annual data are available.
Local area networks: the network managers' perspective

Abstract With the proliferation of microcomputers and a need to interconnect them, local area networks (LANs) are gaining popularity. Issues facing LAN managers have not yet been adequately investigated due to the recent emergence of this technology and lack of prior experience. This paper investigates current practice in the introduction and management of LANs. Thirteen LAN installations were studied. The manager in charge of each was interviewed and asked the same set of predetermined questions in a structured approach. Each manager was then asked to complete a questionnaire on their perception of the many facets of the network. The interview and questionnaire elicited answers to managers' perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of the LAN, its perceived impact on users, justifying LANs to management, and the significant issues facing network managers in implementing LANs. The results and implications for the LAN manager are discussed.
The Down-Up display of the mallard: one display, two orientations

It is necessary to identify the sender and receiver of a signal to understand the complete function of a signal system. In the Down-Up display of the male mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, identifying the recipient of the display is often difficult. Often given in synchronous bouts, the Down-Up display is thought to function either for courtship or appeasement, but the appeasement function is considered rare. Data presented here of the orientation of the mallard Down-Up display reveal that this function is in fact common. Down-Up displays given early in a bout are directed towards a female; Down-Up displays occurring later in a bout tend to be directed towards the first male of the bout to display. The high frequency of this second orientation prompts reinterpretation of several phenomena long known in the literature.
Temporal characteristics in apparent movement: omega movement vs. phi movement.

A vertical line stimulus was presented alternately at two positions on an oscillo scope face, with no interstimulus interval. Observation of this stimulus produced haphazard alternation between a n...
Long latency event-related potentials in mice: effects of stimulus characteristics and strain

The P3, or P300 component of the event-related potentials (ERPs) is a positive going waveform that can be averaged from the EEG approximately 250-500 ms following the presentation of task or context 'relevant' stimuli. This potential has been demonstrated to be a sensitive measure of both normal and abnormal cognitive functioning. P300 models have been developed in monkeys, cats and rats. The aim of the present study was to develop an auditory ERP paradigm suitable for use in mice that resembled those used in humans and other animal models. The results of the studies showed that late positive potentials in the 200-400 ms range could be generated in cortical sites in response to auditory stimuli. Additionally, like passive ERPs recorded in humans, mouse ERPs were sensitive to changes in stimulus characteristics. An earlier negative component designated the N1 was found to be sensitive to tone frequency and loudness but not to stimulus probability, whereas the mouse P300 component was sensitive to probability but not to tone frequency or loudness. C57BL/6 mice, a strain known to have a strong alcohol preference, were found to have significantly lower P300 amplitudes when compared to the DBA/2 strain. These findings also parallel human studies, and studies of selected lines of rats, demonstrating that decrements in P300 amplitude can be associated with a genetic vulnerability to alcoholism/alcohol preference. These studies further suggest that ERPs are an electrophysiological assay suitable for the exploration of the effects of genetic manipulations on neurosensory processing in mice.
Wavelet analysis of hydrological and water quality signals in an agricultural watershed

Studying temporal patterns of hydrology and water quality can assist in understanding hydrological processes, improving hydrological modeling, and water quality monitoring. Using wavelet analysis, we analyzed temporal patterns of three hydrological signals (precipitation, stream flow, and well water level) for three periods (15 years, 3 year, and a hydrological year). For three unevenly sampled water quality signals (nitrate, chloride, and sodium), the weighted wavelet Z-transform (WWZ) method was employed. The results showed that the wavelet analysis of hydrological signals showed advantages of detecting detailed temporal patterns compared to the classical Fourier analysis. No strong temporal pattern of precipitation was found for all three periods. For the 15 years' continual monitoring datasets, strong consistent annual temporal pattern of well water level and an intermittent annual temporal pattern of stream flow were observed. For the relative short-time periods (three years and a hydrological year), strong seasonal patterns of stream flow and well water level were noticed. Using the WWZ method, seasonal patterns of the three stream water quality indicators can be associated with their seasonal shifts. Nitrate concentration showed stronger temporal patterns than chloride and sodium over longer time periods (15 and 3 years). In a hydrological year, temporal patterns of nitrate, chloride, and sodium shared some similarities as well as dissimilarities, as can be explained by their different transport pathways and sources. Sodium and chloride peak concentrations in the winter season were captured by the wavelet analysis. It is concluded that wavelet analysis can be a useful tool to analyze detailed temporal patterns of non-stationary hydrological and water quality signals over different temporal scales.
Human papillomavirus infection in adolescents.

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is now clearly associated with the development of cervical cancers, the natural history and course of this infection still remain unclear, resulting in frequent confusion around testing, treatment, and patient education. We know that HPV-induced lesions span a wide clinical spectrum, from benign lesions to precancerous lesions, with only a minority of infections resulting in invasive cancers. Unfortunately, the prevalence of HPV infection is so widespread that the incidence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) has doubled in the past decade and squamous cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among women from many of the third world countries, where cytology screening efforts have remained deficient. 76 This article reviews the current concepts of HPV infection in adolescents, including the host immunologic responses to HPV, biologic predisposition of adolescents, natural history, new diagnostic techniques, and new self-applied therapies.
Bistability of radiation force on N-atom system

Abstract We consider a system with N two-level atoms in a cavity, interacting with an external radiation field. Using Ehrenfest's theorem the radiation force on the N-atom system is studied as a function of the external radiation field. In a certain parameter region we are able to show that the radiation force can be bistable
Dependence of plaid motion coherence on component grating directions.

Abstract We measured motion coherence for plaids composed of two different spatial frequency (SF) cosine grating components moving at various relative angles. The component SFs were in a ratio of 6:1, and several component motion directions were chosen to produce small to large angular differences. For angles of less than ± 45 deg all subjects perceived rigid coherent motion, while for angles of ± 45 deg or greater the components were perceived to slide transparently. The results were not altered when we changed the ratio of component contrasts or speeds over a factor of 2 and varied the SF ratio up to 9:1. These results show that transparency or coherence of moving plaids in different spatial scales depends on the relative component motion directions and is relatively independent of contrast, speed, and SF difference between the components. This angular dependence also explains recent data previously thought to be based on a visual computation of multiplicative transparency. A quantitative model in which the resultant motion on each scale provides a facultative biasing signal to units tuned to similar directions (within ±30 deg) on other scales explains the experimental results.
Effectiveness of a Science Agricultural Summer Experience (SASE) in Recruiting Students to Natural Resources Management

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in Natural Resource Management (NRM) jobs within the next 10 years due to baby-boomer retirements and a 12% increase in demand for these occupations. Despite this trend, college enrollment in NRM disciplines has declined. Even more critical is the fact that the soon-to-be-majority Hispanic population is underrepresented in NRM disciplines. The goal of the present study was to determine if an in-residence, two-week, summer science program for underrepresented minorities would not only increase interest in science, actual science knowledge, and perceived science knowledge, but also have an overall impact on underrepresented minority students’ decisions to attend college, major in a scientific discipline and pursue a career in science. During a four-year period, 76 high school students participated in a Science Agricultural Summer Experience (SASE) in Northern New Mexico. A pre/post science-knowledge exam and satisfaction survey were administered to participants. We demonstrate that participants improved significantly (p < .05) in all areas measured. In particular, comfort with science field and lab activities, science knowledge and perceived science knowledge were enhanced after exposure to the program. Students not only found science exciting and approachable after participation, but also exhibited increased interest in pursuing a degree and career in science. Of the 76 SASE participants within graduation age (n = 44), all graduated from high school; and 86% enrolled in college. These findings suggest that the implemented SASE initiative was effective in recruiting and increasing the confidence and abilities of underrepresented minority students in science.
tudy of the Surface Cleaning Effects to the InGaAs Quantum Well Wires by Atomic Force Microscopy and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy

The efficacy of residual photoresist removal on the top surface of the InGaAs QWW grating and the effects of surface oxides on the optical property of quantum well wires (QWWs) were examined through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Different resist removal treatments, including acetone, ozone and diluted HC1 were evaluated. Both AFM and PL measurements reveal that with the surface cleaning processing we have developed, high luminescence efficiency from the QWWs is conserved after removal of the residual photoresist.
Taobao-a decision support system

In this paper we will discuss the success of Taobao (‘****’, hunting for treasures) — China's most popular online shopping website, which has gained more than 80% Chinese e-commerce market share and more than 200 million user in mainland China now. Taobao beat Ebay and its Chinese partner-Eachnet in 2006. For Taobao is focus on Chinese main land market, a lot of Western Countries' researchers are not familiar with it, and most of the research about Taobao are focusing on marketing point of view. In this paper, we will see Taobao's story from Decision Support System (DSS) point of view. We think Taobao and other ecommerce websites themselves are systems which will support the decision making of their users. In the paper, we will view some unique decision support functions that Taobao can give to their users and discuss the future research that can be done from this paper.
The Use of the Fink-Heimer II Technique to Stain Degenerating Peripheral Nerve Fibers

(1975). The Use of the Fink-Heimer II Technique to Stain Degenerating Peripheral Nerve Fibers. Stain Technology: Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 363-365.
Valuing the health impacts of air pollution in Hong Kong

Abstract Although Hong Kong has relatively clean air compared to other Asian cities, local air quality still falls short of local and international air quality standards for suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide. Noting the problems associated with trying to transfer and value health effects across countries, this paper uses Hong Kong-based epidemiological studies and Hong Kong-based valuations of health outcomes to estimate and value the impact of successful cleanup activities over a 10-year span. Results indicate potential mid-range gains of between US$ 1.6 billion and US$ 5.5 billion.
GENERA OF NORTH AMERICAN FABACEAE V. ASTRAGALUS AND RELATED GENERA

Linnaeus in the first edition of the Species Plantarum admitted two genera, Phaca and Astragalus, the former containing 3 species, the latter 33. Turning to the fifth edition of his Genera Plantarum, which was published a year later and which better illustrates Linnaeus' concepts of genera than does the Species Plantarum, we find that the most essential character which separates Phaca from Astragalus, is the i-celled legume of the former and the 2-celled one of the latter. The partition dividing the pod of Astragalus is formed by the invagination of the edges of the valves at the lower suture. In certain species, regarded by some as belonging to Phaca, the lower suture is infolded, forming a deep sulcus, but in Astragalus the development has gone a step farther so that the backs of the two valves have fused along the lower edge of the pod, thus forming a double-walled septum. In those species, which the writer regards as representing the genus Astragalus proper, this septum meets the upper suture of the pod and fuses with the same. This is the case in most of the species included in Astragalus by Linnaeus. In a few of them the septum does not extend to the-upper suture and forms only a partial partition, as for instance in A. alpinus. Such species have been referred by some of the later authors to Phaca. In others the partition is formed by the intrusion of the upper suture instead of the lower. These constitute a part of Oxytropis DC. In some species of Cystium, the partition is formed in small part by the upper suture also. In the genus Astragalus, as treated by Bunge, Boissier, Bentham and Hooker, Gray, and later by Taubert in the Pflanzenfamilien, where even Phaca L. and Tragacantha Tourn. are merged in it, the pod has been allowed such an unlimited variation that even Homalobus Nutt. and Kentrophyta Nutt. have been included. These two genera do not even agree with the characters given by Bentham and Hooker or by Taubert as distinguishing the subtribe ASTRAGALANAE. Using their keys or synopsis, anyone would place these genera in the ROBINIANAE. The first segregation from Astragalus was done by Necker in I780, in his Elementa, where Aragallus and Spiesia were published. The former was segregated from Astragalus by the subacaulescent habit, and based on 12 species constituting one group of that genus in the I4th edition of Linnaeus' Systema (edited by Murray). There is not any doubt as to what constituted Necker's concept of the genus, but it is impossible to determine which 584