cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Analysis of Nicotine Dependence and Transitions From Dual Use of Cigarettes and Electronic Cigarettes: Evidence From Waves 1-3 of the PATH Study.

Objective:Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity as a method to reduce conventional cigarette smoking, despite mixed evidence on their effectiveness. This study evaluates the r...
Deep Reinforcement Learning in Buildings: Implicit Assumptions and their Impact

As deep reinforcement learning (DRL) continues to gain interest in the smart building research community, there is a transition from simulation-based evaluations to deploying DRL control strategies in actual buildings. While the efficacy of a solution could depend on a particular implementation, there are common obstacles that developers have to overcome to deliver an effective controller. Additionally, a deployment in a physical building can invalidate some of the assumptions made during the controller development. Assumptions on the sensor placement or on the equipment behavior can quickly come undone. This paper presents some of the significant assumptions made during the development of DRL based controllers that could affect their operations in a physical building. Furthermore, a preliminary evaluation revealed that controllers developed with some of these assumptions can incur twice the expected costs when they are deployed in a building.
A lithography-free approach to create Si nanomembranes on flexible substrates

Abstract We demonstrate a lithography-free approach to create a crystalline Si nanomembrane (NM) on a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, and to induce uniaxially tensile strain in the Si NM by mechanically stretching its host PDMS substrate. We start from a commercial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer, remove the buried oxide (BOX) layer using hydrofluoric acid (HF), and transfer the weakly bonded Si NM onto a PDMS substrate by stamping. Flat and smooth Si NMs are created on PDMS substrates by this method, and the typical area of each crack-free region is larger than 100 μm × 100 μm. The root mean square (RMS) roughness of the crack-free regions of a transferred Si NM, as determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), is typically 0.4–0.5 nm. Using x-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization, we confirm that the Si NM transferred on a PDMS substrate exhibits high crystalline quality that is compatible for device fabrication. We introduce tensile strain in the Si NM by stretching the PDMS substrate where the Si NM is hosted using a home-made mechanical tool. Raman spectroscopy analysis reveals that uniaxial tensile strain up to 1.0% is introduced along the direction of the Si(001) NM. This work suggests that Si NMs created by this lithography-free approach are promising for applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
Exploring Barriers to Medication Adherence Among African American Emerging Adults With Uncontrolled Asthma.

African American emerging adults (age 18–29 years) tend to have poor asthma outcomes, possibly due to poor adherence to medication. Few studies have explored barriers to controller adherence in thi...
Video transmission over IEEE 802.11-based wireless LAN

Summary form only given. Interest and demand for wireless multimedia applications are growing quickly. This talk reviews techniques to support the QoS for video transmission over wireless networks, especially over IEEE 802.11-based wireless LAN. New IEEE 802.11e standard is discussed, which supports traffic prioritization and advanced network resource management to ensure sufficient bandwidth for delay-sensitive applications. Error control techniques at link layer and transport/application layer are also described.
Status of the adoption of social media in the scientific research community

This paper takes a broad view of the current status of the use and role of Social Networking by scientists and researchers. Facets of the study include the styles of scientific collaboration and how they differ from current social media capabilities, a look at the present scientific collaboration sites, what the trends are in the marketplace, and how this paradigm has the potential to change the landscape of the traditional refereed journals. These studies are based on a combination of research, technology reviews and statistical analysis of research collaboration using the U.S. Department of Energy-funded published research results.
Leveling Asymmetry: The Information-Leveling Model of Transparency in Government Procurement

This Note suggests a conceptual model of transparency called the information-leveling model of transparency. The Note analyzes how transparency solves information asymmetry problems in principal-agent relationships and concludes that transparency solves problems by leveling information asymmetries. The Note applies this understanding of transparency to government procurement and constructs the information-leveling model of transparency. The Note utilizes the information-leveling model to explain why transparency initiatives are not always successful and to suggest improvements. The Note also utilizes the information-leveling model to explore the benefits of using transparency to level information asymmetries. The Note argues that a full appreciation of the benefits of transparency demonstrates that transparency should be increased to include areas of procurement that are currently not transparent.
27. L’Étudiant de Niveaux Débutant et Intermédiaire en Phonétique Corrective Face aux Outils d’Auto-Apprentissage

Les progres technologiques des dernieres annees dans le domaine du multimedia proposent differentes ressources a l’enseignement de la phonetique et encouragent ainsi l’auto-apprentissage de la prononciation dans un environnement virtuel. L’etudiant peut choisir entre cederoms, DVD, sites Internet et laboratoires virtuels pour se former dans un environnement convivial et autonome. Toutefois, le principe d’auto-apprentissage applique a la phonetique corrective aux niveaux debutant et intermediaire est inevitablement entrave par la specificite de la matiere enseignee. En effet, l’apprentissage de la langue orale est fonde dans une grande mesure sur l’interaction entre la perception de la parole et sa production (Renard, 1979). Ainsi, un apprenant produira les sons tels qu’il les entend, et souvent ceux-ci sont profondement influences par sa langue native. L’enseignement de la phonetique corrective, mene majoritairement dans un environnement virtuel et autonome, ne risque-t-il pas de donner une legitimite a l’erreur et a l’approximation plutot qu’a la prononciation correcte?
Attractor Density Models with Application to Analyzing the Stability of Biological Neural Networks

An attractor modeling algorithm is introduced which draws upon techniques found in nonlinear dynamics and pattern recognition. The technique is motivated by the need for quantitative measures that are able to assess the stability of biological neural networks which utilize nonlinear dynamics to process information.
Thromboembolic Prophylaxis in Moderate-Risk Patients Undergoing Elective Abdominal Surgery: Decision and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses

We conducted a retrospective, literature-based decision analysis to compare the cost-effectiveness of conventional low-dose heparin, dalteparin, and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) as thromboembolic prophylaxis to a no-prophylaxis option in patients at moderate risk of developing thromboembolic complications after major elective abdominal surgery. The analysis was conducted through an institutional perspective. Probability and incidence rate data were summarized from the literature. Cost data were obtained from the Detroit Medical Center's cost accounting systems and from national diagnosis-related group estimates. Mortality and complications avoided were the main outcome measures on which cost-effectiveness was based. Overall costs associated with conventional low-dose heparin, dalteparin, intermittent pneumatic compression, and no prophylaxis were $84, $122, $102, and $112, respectively, in the primary analysis, which included costs of labor. Corresponding cost-effectiveness ratios in terms of costs/complication-free patient were $86, $124, $103, and $118, respectively. Compared with no prophylaxis, incremental cost-effectiveness analysis in terms of cost/mortality avoided involved savings of $6087 and $3125 with conventional low-dose heparin and IPC, respectively, and expenses of $2857 with dalteparin. A secondary analysis excluding costs of labor showed similar results. The results of the study consistently showed conventional low-dose heparin to provide the most cost-effective thromboembolic prophylaxis of the methods considered in terms of reducing both morbidity and mortality in the patient population studied.
A SIMPLE PLAN FOR THE Δ RESONANCE

We construct the Δ resonance as a superposition of a bare Δ state and the πN continuum. It is parametrized by three coupling constants for local πNΔ and ππ NN couplings and the Δ mass. The latter incorporates the mass renormalization due to the πNΔ interaction, while the results depend only weakly, if at all, on its wave-function renormalization. Three more renormalization constants are needed for the derivative contact interaction. They allow one to generate the Δ resonance dynamically. A large number of fits test the quality of different model assumptions in the P33, P31 and P13p-wave πN scattering channels.
A 5-GHz prescaler using improved phase switching

A low-voltage low-power 5-GHz divide-by-31/32 prescaler is presented in this paper. An improved phase switching technique is used. By changing the switching direction, an inherently; glitch-free phase switching is achieved without any additional circuit for retiming or synchronization. The phase switching is made between the 45/spl deg/ spaced output phases to further reduce the power consumption and improve the robustness of circuit. The circuit was designed in 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Simulation shows that it consumes 7.5 mA and 8.2 mA from a single 1.5 V supply with 5 GHz and 8 GHz inputs, respectively.
An ultra high-performance DSP vector processor

An enhanced systolic processor theory for digital signal processing is presented. It is based on class of vector processor engines (uniprocessor) as the processing element (PE), as well as on extensive simulations. The vector processor is an important innovation since it provides the means by which systolic array reconfiguration, synchronization, circuit switching complexity, and array dimensionality problems can be managed. The innovative vector processor is claimed to be a single-chip 50 MHz-class sum-of-product device capable of supporting both fixed-point and floating-point operations with user-defined wordwidths. The powerful processor is also ideally synergistic with the mesh-connected array concept in terms of computational bandwidth, reliability, interprocessor communications, and circuit-switching requirements. >
Oxidation of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Silicon Carbide Matrix Composites at Reduced Oxygen Partial Pressures

Carbon fibers (Polyacrylonitrile-derived T-300) and T-300 carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composites (C/SiC) were oxidized in flowing 0.1 MPa reduced oxygen partial pressure environments (50% O2, 5% O2, 0.5% O2, and 0.1% O2 in argon). Experiments were conducted at temperatures of 816°, 1149°, 1343°, and 1538°C. The oxidation kinetics were monitored using thermogravimetric analysis. T-300 fibers were completely oxidized for times between 0.6 and 325 h. C/SiC coupons were oxidized for either 25 or 100 h. Fiber oxidation rates had an oxygen partial pressure dependence with a power-law exponent close to one but were only weakly dependent on temperature. Fiber oxidation kinetics were consistent with gas-phase diffusion control at these temperatures. The C/SiC coupon oxidation kinetics showed some variability, attributed to differences in the number and width of cracks in the SiC seal coat. Oxidation of the carbon fibers dominated the coupon oxidation behavior. For C/SiC coupons, low temperatures and high oxygen pressures resulted in the most rapid consumption of the carbon fibers. At higher temperatures, the lower oxidation rates were attributed to crack closure due to SiC thermal expansion, rather than oxidation of SiC. At the highest temperature and lowest oxygen partial pressure, active oxidation of SiC was observed.
Histological assessment of cervical lymph node identifies patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): Who would benefit from chemoradiation after surgery?

Objectives/Hypothesis: Postoperative chemoradiation (CRT) has been shown to be more effective than postoperative radiotherapy (RT) alone in high risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Multimodality therapy is associated with more treatment related-toxicity. In this study, we assessed cervical lymph node histological characteristics to detect prognostic and predictive value differences to help guide therapeutic decision making. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of Cancer Registry data. Methods: HNSCC surgical patients who had tumor resection and neck dissection at our institution from 1980 to 2008 were identified (n=1510). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were developed to identify significant predictors of three outcomes: overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and neck disease recurrence (NDR). Hazard ratios were estimated for the number of cervical nodal metastases and presence of extracapsular spread (ECS) by adjuvant treatment after controlling for significant covariates. Results: Increasing number of positive nodes was significantly associated with poorer outcomes in OS, DSS, and NDR models (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p=0.0002, respectively). OS and DSS associated with adjuvant treatment (none, RT, or CRT) were modified by number of positive nodes, ECS status, and cancer site. The presence of ECS was associated with reduced OS and DSS (p=0.077, p=0.001 respectively), but not significantly associated with NDR (p=0.179). Nodal positive patients benefited from adjuvant therapy regardless of ECS status. CRT consistently conferred a survival advantage over RT across all nodal categories, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: We observed a consistent survival advantage with CRT over RT for patients with positive cervical nodal metastasis, although the difference was not statistically significant. Laryngoscope, 2012
The disintegrin domain of ADAM9: a ligand for multiple β1 renal integrins

Renal tubular epithelial cells in all nephron segments express a distinct member of the metalloprotease-disintegrin family, ADAM9 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 9), in a punctate basolateral distribution co-localized to the beta1 integrin chain [Mahimkar, Baricos, Visaya, Pollock and Lovett (2000) J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 11, 595-603]. Discrete segments of the nephron express several defined beta1 integrins, suggesting that ADAM9 interacts with multiple renal integrins and thereby regulates epithelial cell-matrix interactions. Intact ADAM9 and a series of deletion constructs sequentially lacking the metalloprotease domain and the disintegrin domain were assembled as chimaeras with a C-terminal GFP (green fluorescent protein) tag. Stable expression of the ADAM9/GFP protein on the surface of HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney 293 cells) significantly decreased adhesion to types I and IV collagen, vitronectin and laminin, but had little effect on adhesion to fibronectin. Expression of the disintegrin/cysteine-rich/GFP construct yielded a similar, but more marked pattern of decreased adhesion. Expression of the cysteine-rich/GFP construct had no effect on adhesion, indicating that the disintegrin domain was responsible for the competitive inhibition of cell-matrix binding. To define the specific renal tubular beta1 integrins interacting with the ADAM9 disintegrin domain, a recombinant GST (glutathione S-transferase)-disintegrin protein was used as a substrate in adhesion assays in the presence or absence of specific integrin-blocking antibodies. Inclusion of antibodies to alpha1, alpha3, alpha6, alphav and beta1 blocked adhesion of HEK-293 cells to GST-disintegrin protein. Immobilized GST-disintegrin domain perfused with renal cortical lysates specifically recovered the alpha3, alpha6, alphav and beta1 integrin chains by Western analysis. It is concluded that ADAM9 is a polyvalent ligand, through its disintegrin domain, for multiple renal integrins of the beta1 class.
Citizenship Education under Discourses of Nationalism, Globalization, and Cosmopolitanism: Illustrations from China and the United States

The authors, one from China and one from the United States, present a theoretical framework for understanding the discursive fields of citizenship education as composed, in large part, of the discourses of nationalism, globalization, and cosmopolitanism. The framework is illustrated by examples from citizenship education in China and the United States. Citizenship education in these examples is largely influenced by the discourse of nationalism. The discursive fields are fractured, context-specific, and dynamic. In conclusion, the authors call for awareness of how these discourses operate, and propose that the discourses of globalization and cosmopolitanism merge and strengthen within citizenship education. The effect could be a new citizenship education that is responsive to the current needs of local and global democratic communities.
UDPGLUCOSE PYROPHOSPHORYLASE ACTIVITY IN THE DIATOM CYCLOTELLA CRYPTICA. PATHWAY OF CHRYSOLAMINARIN BIOSYNTHESIS

UDPglucose pryophosphorylase activity was detected in cell-free extracts of the diatom Cyclotella cryptica T13L Reimann, Lewin and Guillard. When assayed in the direction of UDPglucose formation, the enzyme had maximal activity at pH 7.8 and was stimulated by Mg/sup 2 +/ and Mn/sup 2 +/ ions. 3-Phosphoglycerate and inorganic phosphate had little effect on enzymatic activity, and the enzyme was relatively insensitive to feedback inhibition from UDPglucose. A glucan was formed from UDP-(/sup 14/C)glucose in cell-free extracts of C. cryptica. This glucan had a median molecular weight of 4600 (as determined by gel filtration chromatography) and could be hydrolyzed by laminarinase. Partial acid hydrolysis of the glucan resulted in the formation of glucose and laminaribiose, but not cellobiose. These results suggest that the synthesis of chrysolaminarin (the major storage carbohydrate of diatoms) occurs via the activity of UDPglucose pyrophosphorylase, followed by glucosyl transfer from UDPglucose to the growing ..beta..(1 ..-->.. 3)-linked glucan.
Cardiovascular risk in a first-episode psychosis sample: A ‘critical period’ for prevention?

Abstract Objective Studies in first episode psychosis samples about status of cardiovascular risk factors have shown discordant results. We aimed to determine the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease in a sample of first episode psychosis patients referred to an early intervention clinic and compared the same with age, gender, and race matched controls from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Method We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of 56 subjects enrolled in first episode psychosis clinic from April 2006 to January 2010. This sample was compared with age, gender, and race matched 145 individuals drawn from NHANES 2005–2006 database. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected. Physical examination including laboratory evaluation was used to screen for common medical illnesses. The 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease was calculated by using a tool developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP III). Results There were elevated rates of smoking (46%) and hypertension (11%) albeit statistically significant differences from the control could not be demonstrated for these measures or weight, body mass index, or total or HDL cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, status of diabetes and impaired fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C level. The 10-year median (range) risk of developing coronary heart disease in patients and controls was 1 (0–5)% and 0 (0–9)% respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions First episode psychosis patients do not present with significantly higher cardiovascular risk than age and race-matched controls despite clinically significant prevalence of individual risk factors. This sample presents an opportunity for early intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Screening and brief intervention for patients with tobacco and at-risk alcohol use in a dental setting

Despite the relevance of screening and brief intervention (SBI) to the prevention of dental pathology, particularly with tobacco and at-risk alcohol use, there has been little attention to the determination of its effectiveness in dental settings. Further, most SBI research efforts have focused on the treatment of single risk factors despite the fact that use of psychoactive substances tends to co-occur. There is also debate about the optimal timing of interventions for multiple risk behaviors, i.e., whether to intervene simultaneously or sequentially. This study was designed to test the efficacy of SBI practices aimed at dental patients who were both smokers and at-risk drinkers. Participants (N = 288) were randomized into four experimental conditions to test the efficacy of comparative interventions for tobacco and at-risk alcohol use when delivered separately and in combined forms, and to compare the effects of sequential versus simultaneous interventions. The results indicated that individuals in each of three active brief intervention (BI) groups (alcohol BI, tobacco BI, and combined alcohol and tobacco BI) significantly reduced self-reported drinks per week and cigarettes per day compared with those in the wait-list control group. There was no advantage to the combined versus single-substance focused interventions as individuals changed both behaviors regardless of the treatment intervention received. No significant differences in self-reported drinks per week or cigarettes per day were found between those receiving simultaneous versus sequential interventions. These findings have implications for the design of BI aimed at multiple substance use and imply that no matter where a provider begins with respect to behavior-change focus, she or he may affect change in patients across multiple substance use behaviors.
Effects of electron-ion temperature equilibration on inertial confinement fusion implosions

The electron-ion temperature relaxation essentially affects both the laser absorption in coronal plasmas and the hot-spot formation in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). It has recently been reexamined for plasma conditions closely relevant to ICF implosions using either classical molecular-dynamics simulations or analytical methods. To explore the electron-ion temperature equilibration effects on ICF implosion performance, we have examined two Coulomb logarithm models by implementing them into our hydrocodes, and we have carried out hydrosimulations for ICF implosions. Compared to the Lee-More model that is currently used in our standard hydrocodes, the two models predict substantial differences in laser absorption, coronal temperatures, and neutron yields for ICF implosions at the OMEGA Laser Facility [Boehly et al. Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. Such effects on the triple-picket direct-drive design at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have also been explored. Based on the validity of the two models, we have proposed a combined model of the electron-ion temperature-relaxation rate for the overall ICF plasma conditions. The hydrosimulations using the combined model for OMEGA implosions have shown \ensuremath{\sim}6% more laser absorption, \ensuremath{\sim}6%--15% higher coronal temperatures, and \ensuremath{\sim}10% more neutron yield, when compared to the Lee-More model prediction. It is also noticed that the gain for the NIF direct-drive design can be varied by \ensuremath{\sim}10% among the different electron-ion temperature-relaxation models.
A computer-based tool for defining regions of similar characteristics

Abstract Planners often work with data consisting of attributes attached to areal units or points in space, but in this disaggregated form interpretation is not easy. In this paper, we describe a computer-based tool planners can use to graphically aggregate data by delineating areas that include data points characterized by similar values of certain attributes. First, we discuss the need for this tool and the conceptual issues underlying it. Then, we describe the tool itself: which uses GIS (Geographic Information System) software as a data-management and visualization tool and to build a user interface. Finally, we describe how the tool was used to analyze data derived from a study of unregulated housing in the city of Ahmedabad, India. The map representations generated by the tool showed clearly the trends in the spatial location of informal housing, and therefore simplified the task of policy analysis because it made clear which factors related to the spatial distribution of such housing.
Measuring ocular aberrations and image quality in peripheral vision with a clinical wavefront aberrometer.

Background: Clinical aberrometers are accurate, robust instruments for measuring wavefront aberrations for foveal vision but several practical concerns arise when performing aberrometry of the peripheral field. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these concerns experimentally using a physical eye model. Methods: A physical model eye was constructed to provide a stable test case that resembled a human eye. Aberrations were measured with a commercial Shack-Hartmann aberrometer along lines-of-sight ranging from zero to 45° of eccentricity. Commercial software for wavefront reconstruction and Zernike analysis was adapted for use with elliptical entrance pupils encountered off-axis. Results: Pupil dimensions estimated from the array of Shack-Hartmann spots captured by the wavefront sensor followed geometrical optics predictions up to 30° eccentricity. With careful attention to detail, aberration analysis over an elliptical pupil was verified with alternative software. Retinal image quality declined slowly as eccentricity increased due to the eye model's spherical aberration. The total RMS computed from Zernike coefficients overestimated the total RMS computed based on the wavefront error of the elliptical pupil. Conclusion: Measurement of off-axis wavefront aberrations of a model eye over a restricted range of eccentricities is possible with the COAS clinical wavefront aberrometer and auxiliary lenses to correct astigmatism. When central image quality is good, the off-axis aberrations will have a powerful effect on peripheral image quality. When central image quality is poor, the additional effect of off-axis aberrations will be minor.
Effect of lighting on maturation of neural elements controlling biorhythm of sleep, wakefulness and paradoxical sleep in rats

Abstract Biorhythm of sleep, wakefulness and paradoxical sleep was studied in unanesthetized, freely moving, female rats. A concentric bipolar stainless steel electrode for EEG recording was placed in the dorsal hippocampus and monopolar EEG recording electrodes were placed in the formal cortex. One week after surgery, and the resumption of consecutive 4 days estrous cycles, EEG patterns were recorded for 7 consecutive days. Female rats subjected to light and dark schedule (LD) during the period of gestation and through puberty exhibited a diurnal rhythm of sleep, and paradoxical sleep; a circadian rhythm with peaks of sleep during the light phase. When these rats were transferred from LD to continous illumination (CI), circadian rhythm was annihilated and indeed all rhythms disappeared. It seems likely that light serves as synchronizer or oscillator for regulation of circadian rhythm of sleep, wakefulness and paradoxical sleep. However, in female rats subjected to CI during the period of gestation and puberty, light apparently does not serve as synchronizer or oscillator for the regulation of circadian rhythm. Further, these rats exhibit a nocturnal rhythm (12 h shift of acrophase of circadian rhythm of sleep and parodoxical sleep from rats born and reared in LD) of sleep, and paradoxical sleep; a circadian rhythm with peaks of sleep during midnight. The evidence illustrates the nature of oscillatory phenomena controlling circadian rhythm of sleep, wakefulness and paradoxical sleep in rats.
How Safe Are Our Schools

Schools are basically safe places for children. School violence and disruption, although in decline through the mid- to late 1990s, remains a concern. National surveys that inform research, policy, and practice have been designed for different purposes and can present conflicting findings. Common standards of risk and harm that could advance policy and practice are lacking. Progress in the field of school safety has been hindered by the lack of a coherent conceptual structure to guide measurement and research. This article identifies some of the conceptual and methodological challenges that must be addressed and calls for a 10-year national strategic plan to improve school safety.
What youngsters say about adults: seedling roots reflect clonal traits of adult plants

1 Grime's theory on plant strategies predicts that the set of traits present in established plants is not correlated with that found in the regenerative stage of the life cycle. We tested this prediction and further investigated whether clonal growth traits, which are found in adult plants but also affect regeneration, are correlated with seedling traits. 2 We characterized seedling root systems by their total length, number of root tips and several architectural parameters (length of exterior and interior root links and two topological indices). These below-ground traits were supplemented by the ratio of leaf area to root length, representing relative investment into photosynthesizing surface. We compared seedling traits with clonal growth traits, adult plant heights, and species positions on gradients of nitrogen and water availability. 3 Plant species with limited horizontal spread by clonal growth exhibited a larger relative investment in photosynthetic area and also developed larger root systems as seedlings. 4 Seedlings of species with taller shoots and those which occur naturally at nutrient-rich sites developed both larger roots and more dichotomously branched root systems (with higher total length and more branches). 5 Taking phylogenetic inertia into account showed that this explained large parts of the variation in seedling traits. Relationships between clonal spread and seedling traits were strengthened by phylogenetic correction. 6 Our study shows that some of the traits of clonal growth affect both the established and the regenerative stages of the life cycle, suggesting that an evolutionary trade-off exists between the ability to spread clonally and performance at the seedling stage. Species not able to escape from less favourable conditions by extensive clonal spread seem to be more able to exploit the location in which they germinate.
Factors Affecting the Separation of Arginine Vasopressin Peptide Diastereoisomers by HPLC

Abstract Experimental conditions and parameters involved in HPLC separations of the peptide hormone arginine vasopressin and some of its diastereoisomers on several reverse phase columns were investigated. The effects of percent carbon loading on an octadecyl reverse phase column, carbon chain length of the bonded phase, concentration of the buffer, and organic solvent were examined. Using the appropriate solvent systems, arginine vasopressin was separated from each of its diastereoisomers with most solvent systems studied, but the order of elution of the diastereoisomers was dependent on the column employed. Separation of the peptides was only part of the goal. A continuing study to understand the interactions of the peptides with the stationary phase as a function of structure was also undertaken. This lead to the conclusion that the choice of column as well as solvent affect the separation of peptide diastereoisomers and that both the eluting strength of the mobile phase and the stationary phase chemic...
Social and psychological care before and during hospitalization

Social and psychological care may be viewed as a series of technical procedures; or it may be seen as a complex set of services rendered by the hospital to its potential and actual patients. In the latter case, an understanding of the structure, the political and economic, as well as the ideological context of the hospital is necessary. A review of studies on the preparation of children for hospitalization, conducted in the theoretical framework of behavioural medicine, provides a significant set of data. Material available from practising clinical social workers in United States hospitals, provides equally useful reports, albeit of far greater contextual nature than the first. The paper proposes that in post-behaviouristic and post-phenomenological times an integration of frames of reference, designs and methodologies ought to be attempted, notwithstanding serious dissonances, disagreements, and professions-bound interests.
Sensor–response regulator interactions in a cross-regulated signal transduction network

Two-component signal transduction involves phosphoryl transfer between a histidine kinase sensor and a response regulator effector. The nitrate-responsive two-component signal transduction systems in Escherichia coli represent a paradigm for a cross-regulation network, in which the paralogous sensor–response regulator pairs, NarX–NarL and NarQ–NarP, exhibit both cognate (e.g. NarX–NarL) and non-cognate (e.g. NarQ–NarL) interactions to control output. Here, we describe results from bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid (BACTH) analysis to examine sensor dimerization as well as interaction between sensor–response regulator cognate and non-cognate pairs. Although results from BACTH analysis indicated that the NarX and NarQ sensors interact with each other, results from intragenic complementation tests demonstrate that they do not form functional heterodimers. Additionally, intragenic complementation shows that both NarX and NarQ undergo intermolecular autophosphorylation, deviating from the previously reported correlation between DHp (dimerization and histidyl phosphotransfer) domain loop handedness and autophosphorylation mode. Results from BACTH analysis revealed robust interactions for the NarX–NarL, NarQ–NarL and NarQ–NarP pairs but a much weaker interaction for the NarX–NarP pair. This demonstrates that asymmetrical cross-regulation results from differential binding affinities between different sensor–regulator pairs. Finally, results indicate that the NarL effector (DNA-binding) domain inhibits NarX–NarL interaction. Missense substitutions at receiver domain residue Ser-80 enhanced NarX–NarL interaction, apparently by destabilizing the NarL receiver–effector domain interface.
Does adult education need a philosophy? Reflections about the function of adult learning in today's society

The paper proposes that the function and meaning of adult learning has significantly changed since the times the ‘founding fathers’ outlined a philosophical framework for adult education. And already for them the philosophy of conventional education never really seemed adequate. Likewise, a philosophy of adult education today–which is badly needed ‐‐ can no longer be derived from the philosophy of conventional education, and must be elaborated from bottom‐up, i.e. by understanding themeaning of learning for adult learners today as well as the function of adult learning in present society.
Effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F-2α on corpus luteum function and timing of the subsequent ovulation in the mare

Standard bred mares that were cycling normally were treated beginning on Days 9 or 10 of the oestrous cycle with repeated pulses of GnRH (20 micrograms/h) and/or a single injection of prostaglandin (PG)F-2 alpha (alfaprostol, 3 mg), and were subsequently bled and palpated daily until the next ovulation. GnRH treatment increased serum concentrations of LH and progesterone at 4 days after the start of treatment compared to controls. The combination of PGF-2 alpha + GnRH treatment resulted in an immediate decline in serum progesterone values, and subsequently decreased the interval to next ovulation by 4.5 days compared to controls. Mean serum concentrations of FSH were not different among treatment groups 4 days after the start of treatment, and there was a consistent trend among all treatment groups for decreasing concentrations of FSH within the 6 days before ovulation. We conclude that, under our experimental conditions, pulsatile administration of GnRH provides a short-term luteotrophic stimulus, probably by the elevation in serum LH, but that this stimulus cannot indefinitely prevent the luteolytic effects of exogenously administered PGF-2 alpha. Although GnRH treatment combined with PGF-2 alpha injection hastened the impending ovulation, this regimen was no more effective than PGF-2 alpha treatment alone.
Human neurotrophin-3: a one-step peptide mapping method and complete disulfide characterization of the recombinant protein.

Human neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is a member of the nerve growth factor (NGF) family of neurotrophic factors, and the recombinant protein is being developed as a therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases. The final product purity and lot-to-lot variation are monitored routinely by peptide mapping. However, only the N-terminal region of NT-3 was susceptible to proteolysis under native conditions. Complete digestion required that the protein be chemically modified by reduction and S-alkylation prior to proteolysis. Complete proteolytic degradation of the protein was achieved simply by an intial denaturation of NT-3 in 6 M guanidinium chloride (pH 6) for 2 hr at 37°C, followed by a tenfold dilution with the digestion buffer (0.1 M Tris-HCl, 1 mM CaCl2 at pH 7.0) and immediate addition of chymotrypsin at 1% by weight. Direct comparison of the peptide map with an identical aliquot that had been reduced and alkylated also allowed the establishment of the cystine linkages present in NT-3: Cys14 to Cys79, Cys57 to Cys108, and Cys67 to Cys110. This disulfide structure is homologous to the NGF family of neurotrophic factors.
Regulation, expression and function of a new basic chitinase gene in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A new basic chitinase gene, designated RC24, was isolated from a rice genomic library. The predicted RC24 protein contains 322 amino acid residues and exhibits 68% to 95% amino acid identity with known class I rice chitinases. RC24 protein expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited chitinase activity and strongly inhibited bacterial growth. Two transcription start sites of the RC24 gene were mapped by primer extension analysis of both rice native RNA and in vitro transcribed RNA using a RC24 promoter/GUS (β-glucuronidase) gene fusion as a template. The 5′-franking region of RC24 contained several putative stress-responsive cis-acting elements. A basal level of RC24 transcripts was detected in rice root and stem tissues, but not in leaf tissues. RC24 transcripts rapidly accumulated within 1 h after fungal elicitor treatment of suspension-cultured cells, and the levels continued to increase for at least 9 h. RC24 transcript accumulation was also observed in intact leaf tissues upon wounding. Transgenic rice plants containing the RC24/GUS gene fusion further confirmed that the RC24 gene showed a tissue-specific expression pattern and that transcription of the RC24 promoter was sensitively and rapidly activated by wounding.
Comparison of the chemical properties of selenocysteine and selenocystine with their sulfur analogs.

Abstract Some chemical properties of cystine and cysteine have been compared with those of their selenium-containing analogs. Major differences were noted between their titration curves. pK values of 2.01, 5.24, and 9.96 were observed for the ionizations of the carboxyl, selenohydryl, and amino groups, respectively, of selenocysteine. These values are compared with a pK of 2.3 for the carboxyl group of cysteine and values in the range of 8–10 for the ionization of the sulfhydryl and amino groups. Selenocysteine is much more reactive with halo acid derivatives than is cysteine, and reacts readily with iodoacetate even at pH values much below the pK of the selenohydryl group. Selenocysteine has an apparent half-wave potential of −0.212 V compared with 0.021 V for cysteine. It is unstable to acid hydrolysis, being completely decomposed by heating at 110 ° in 6 n HCl. It is also more soluble in water than is cysteine.
Solubilization and partial purification of the thiazide diuretic receptor from rabbit renal cortex

This study was designed to solubilize, characterize and begin to purify the thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl transporter from mammalian kidney. Metolazone, a thiazide-like diuretic drug, binds to receptors in rat renal cortex closely related to the thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl transport pathway of the renal distal tubule. In the current study, [3H]metolazone bound to receptors in rabbit renal cortical microsomes. The portion of [3H]metolazone binding that was inhibited by hydrochlorothiazide reflected binding to a high-affinity class of receptor. The affinity (Kd 2.0 +/- 0.1 nM) and number (Bmax = 0.9 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg protein) of high-affinity receptors in rabbit renal cortical membranes were similar to values reported previously for rat. When proximal and distal tubule fragments were separated by Percoll gradient centrifugation, receptors were restricted to the fraction that contained distal tubules. When compared with cortical homogenates, receptor density was enriched 12-fold by magnesium precipitation and differential centrifugation. The zwitterionic detergent CHAPS solubilized 25-35% of the receptors (at 6 mM). Chloride inhibited and Na stimulated binding of [3H]metolazone to solubilized high-affinity receptors. The receptors could be purified significantly by hydroxyapatite chromatography and size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The combination of magnesium precipitation and differential centrifugation, hydroxyapatite chromatography, and size exclusion HPLC resulted in a 213-fold enrichment of receptors, compared to renal cortical homogenate. The current results indicate that thiazide receptors from rabbit kidney share characteristics with receptors from rat, and that rabbit receptors can be solubilized in CHAPS and purified significantly by hydroxyapatite chromatography and size exclusion HPLC.
What Drove the Increase in Idiosyncratic Volatility during the Internet Boom

Aggregate idiosyncratic volatility spiked nearly fivefold during the Internet boom of the late 1990s, dwarfing in magnitude a moderately increasing trend. While some researchers argue that this rise in idiosyncratic risk was the result of changes in the characteristics of public firms, others argue that it was driven by the changing sentiment of irrational traders. We present evidence that the marketwide decline in maturity of the typical public firm can explain most of the increase in firm-specific risk during the Internet boom. Controlling for firm maturity, we find no evidence that investor sentiment drives idiosyncratic risk throughout the Internet boom.
The dependence of radiofrequency induced pacemaker lead tip heating on the electrical conductivity of the medium at the lead tip

Radiofrequency induced pacemaker lead tip heating is one of the main reasons magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is contraindicated for patients with pacemakers. The objective of this work was to evaluate the dependence of pacemaker lead tip heating during MRI scanning on the electrical conductivity of the medium surrounding the pacemaker lead tip. The effect of conductivity was measured using hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, and saline with conductivities ranging from 0 to 3 S/m which spans the range of human tissue conductivity. The maximum lead tip heating observed in polyacrylic acid was 50.4°C at 0.28 S/m, in hydroxyethyl cellulose the maximum was 36.8°C at 0.52 S/m, and in saline the maximum was 12.5°C at 0.51 S/m. The maximum power transfer theorem was used to calculate the relative power deposited in the solution based on the characteristic impedance of the pacemaker lead and test solution impedance. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the relative power deposited and pacemaker lead tip heating for hydroxyethyl cellulose and saline solutions. Maximum power deposition occurred when the impedance of the solution matched the pacemaker lead impedance. Pacemaker lead tip heating is dependent upon the electrical conductivity of the solution at the lead tip and should be considered when planning in vitro gel or saline experiments. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A characterization of discrete unimodality with applications to variance upper bounds

Bertin and Theodorescu (1984,Statist. Probab. Lett.,2, 23–30) developed a characterization of discrete unimodality based on convexity properties of a discretization of distribution functions. We offer a new characterization of discrete unimodality based on convexity properties of a piecewise linear extension of distribution functions. This reliance on functional convexity, as in Khintchine's classic definition, leads to variance dilations and upper bounds on variance for a large class of discrete unimodal distributions. These bounds are compared to existing inequalities due to Muilwijk (1966,Sankhyā, Ser. B,28, p. 183), Moors and Muilwijk (1971,Sankhyā, Ser. B,33, 385–388), and Rayner (1975,Sankhyā, Ser. B,37, 135–138), and are found to be generally tighter, thus illustrating the power of unimodality assumptions.
The economic effects of windfall gains in export earnings, 1975–1978

Abstract This paper reviews the effects of recent dramatic increases in beverage prices (1975–1978) on a sample of countries that are highly dependent on these commodities. In most countries, the increase in producer prices was restricted, allowing substantial sums to accrue to the Central Government and the commodity organizations. The countercyclical impact of fiscal policy was often limited by the rise in development spending. This policy stance and the lack of monetary restraint contributed to a substantial rise in imports. Consequently, in many of the sample countries, the external reserve position in 1978 was little better than before the windfall gain.
EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN THERAPY ON CORTISOL METABOLISM.

Long-term, high-dose estrogen therapy was found to reduce the secretion rate of cortisol in normal female subjects. There were no marked changes in free cortisol in the urine. No evidence of any direct suppressive effect of estrogen on the adrenal cortex was found in these women, for response to stimulation by ACTH was unimpaired. Two female patients with Cushing's syndrome who were treated with large doses of estrogen failed to show significant biochemical or clinical improvement. In the normal subjects, diurnal variation and suppressibility of plasma cortisol by dexamethasone persisted despite high levels of total plasma cortisol during estrogen therapy. These tests of adrenal function can therefore still be used to rule out Cushing's syndrome, without discontinuing estrogen therapy.