cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An econometric model of the metropolitan housing market

This paper develops and estimates an econometric model of the metropolitan housing market. Emphasis is placed upon interrelationships that exist among sectors of these markets. Structural equations are posited to explain not only the supply of and demand for housing by both renters and owners, but also the homeownership rate for a metropolitan area and the vacancy rates for rental and owner-occupied housing. The model is estimated using aggregate data for 34 large metropolitan areas. Several specific questions are explored using the estimation results. First, why do housing prices vary among cities? Second, how elastic is the supply of housing? Third, what role do vacancies play in clearing the housing market, especially in rental housing markets? Fourth, how does housing demand interact with the homeownership decision? The overall picture of the metropolitan housing market that emerges shows supply to be quite elastic and housing prices largely determined by input prices. Demand is influenced by housing prices, especially in the rental sector. Housing prices also have a moderate effect on homeownership, but income and demographic variables are more important. Rental vacancies decline as rental price increases, which indicates that vacant units are a modest source of supply during periods of rising demand.
Secret instantiation in ad-hoc networks

Abstract In this paper, we focus our attention on the problem of assigning initial secrets to users in ad-hoc network (respectively, sensors in a sensor network) so that they can use those secrets to ensure authentication and privacy during their communication. The goal of this assignment is to ensure that any two users can communicate securely with each other even though each user maintains only a small number of secrets. With this motivation, we present a protocol that maintains O ( n ) secrets per user where n is the number of users in the system. We show that our secret distribution protocol suffices for privacy and authentication as well as secure multihop communication between two users. Furthermore, we show that the number of secrets maintained in this protocol is within a constant factor of the optimal. For the case where user capability prevents them from maintaining the necessary secrets, we propose two probabilistic protocols that maintain O(log n) secrets and where the probability of security compromise between two users is inversely proportional to the number of secrets they maintain. Thus, our protocols provide a continuum where the level of privacy and authentication depends upon user requirements and capabilities.
Dusenberry's Ratcheting of Consumption: Optimal Dynamic Consumption and Investment Given Intolerance for any Decline in Standard of Living

Duesenberry's ratcheting consumption demand is derived as a feature of the optimal dynamic consumption and investment policy given extreme habit formation that prevents consumption from falling over time. Preferences are in effect non-time-separable extended-real-valued von Neumann-Morgenstern preferences. Consumption increases each time wealth reaches a new maximum. Risky investment is proportional to the excess of wealth over the perpetuity value of current consumption. Extensions constrain the net rate of decrease in consumption with a constant other than zero, add more consumption goods, and constrain on the maximal holding of the risky asset as a proportion of wealth. These strategies may be useful for the management of university endowments, participatory investment accounts, and risky arbitrage funds.
Marketing channel management and the sales manager

Abstract For years, the channel manager remained an organizational position found mainly in textbooks and the literature and seldom on company organization charts. Recently, however, persuasive evidence has revealed that marketing channel management comes chiefly under the purview of the sales manager. Accepting this new reality, sales management training will need to be dramatically expanded to include these new channel management responsibilities. But, are all levels of sales managers involved or equally involved in channel management? If not, channel manager training must be tailored for specific levels of sales management in order to achieve desired channel effectiveness and efficiency. To date, no published research has explored whether channel management involvement varies at different levels in the sales manager hierarchy. In this age of channel dynamism, successful companies must determine the specific involvement of each sales management level in channel management so that appropriate training and support can be provided to optimize performance in this critical area of market competition. To address the foregoing issues, data were drawn from a random national sample of sales managers. Results indicate that sales managers at all hierarchical levels participate in administering various aspects of marketing channel management. The degree of involvement, however, varies significantly by sales manager level. Sales management implications are discussed, and areas for future research are suggested.
Multitemporal multispectral classification of global vegetation

Surface vegetation is an important link in the coupling between the atmosphere and the biosphere. Monitoring the condition of vegetation cover on the Earth surface is essential for detecting the changes in climate. Advanced Very-High Resolution Radiometer 10-day composite data in 1 X 1 degree resolution from NASA/GSFC and a global vegetation ground truth in the same resolution from the University of Maryland's Geography Department are used in this study. A fully connected multilayer neural network is used for supervised classification. The normalized difference vegetation index, which is also called the greenness index, is used along with the surface reflectance and brightness temperature as the input features. Trainings and classifications are performed for two spatial modes and three multitemporal modes.
Bliss: Specifying Declarative Service Protocols

BSPL, the Blindingly Simple Protocol Language, is a recent approach for declaratively expressing service communication protocols that involves only two main constructs: a way to specify a message as an atomic protocol and a way to compose protocols. BSPL supports the Local State Transfer architectural style for decentralized service enactment. BSPL offers significant gains in expressing protocols (i.e., specifications) that decouple participants in service engagements (i.e., agents) as much as possible given the causal constraints induced from the information exchanged by them. Importantly, BSPL relies exclusively on how appropriate information flows are induced from the specification. This paper proposes Bliss, a conceptual model for interaction that is based on information flow. The idea behind Bliss is to incrementally develop the information needed to complete the social object that a protocol computes. Bliss yields simple steps to help ensure that the resulting protocol adequately captures the given requirements with respect to the social object.
Trends in database management: 1975

The subject of database management systems is receiving attention at an accelerating rate. The work of the COBOL Data Base Task Group (DBTG) has achieved major acceptance. This acceptance can be measured in terms of the number of computer systems for which DBTG software is now available, and the number of customers who have successfully installed application systems based upon this software. While the specifications are yet imperfect and development committees will be refining them for years, it appears to this author that a major step in the evolution of computerized information systems has been accomplished. Integrated database systems are here to stay.
Optimizing single-terminal dispatch of large volume trips to trucks

In this paper, we consider the problem of delivering large volumes of products from a single supplier to a set of commercial outlets with the use of a non-homogeneous fleet of trucks. The non-homogeneity implies different costs and, hence, traditional methods which measure miles, hours, and/or number of trucks are not appropriate. The problem may be modeled as an elastic generalized assignment problem. A special purpose branch and bound algorithm is developed and a set of real-world distribution problems and solved.
Trace Metal Content of Hair

Cadmium and lead content of hair of males and females was found to he age-dependent. Regression analysis showed two male groups with respect to cadmium, namely those under and those over 12 years of age, while the data revealed only one male group with respect to lead. Analysis of the data also indicated that hair cadmium distribution for females delineated one group below, and one above, 50 years. Females showed hair lead which fell into two groups, one below and the other above 30 years of age. Cadmium and lead in the hair of both sexes showed a high degree of association of the metals (r= 0.4052 (P = .001) for males and r = 0.2563 (P = .02) for females). The data indicate that comparisons of metallic content of hair in humans must be limited to a narrow age range and to one sex.
Crossover and asymptotic scaling in SU(3) gauge theory with dynamical quarks

Abstract Hybrid stochastic differential equations are used to study the approach to the continuum limit of SU(3) gauge theory with four species of light quarks. Measurements of 〈 ψ ψ〉 on an 84 lattice indicate a narrow, abrupt crossover from strong to weak coupling behavior for β=6/g2 between 5.00 and 5.10. The data is compatible, within statistical errors, with asymptotic scaling incorporating fermion vacuum polarization effects correctly for β≳5.10.
Physics of liquid metal fast breeder reactor safety

The main physical features of LMFBR safety are summarized with particular reference to the maximum possible mechanical energy release in a hypothetical core disruption accident. It is likely that such a postulated fuel melting accident would lead to a nonenergetic disassembly of the core. With pessimistic estimates of reactivity increaases, but not derived from any mechanistic point of view, mechanical energy impacts on the reactor vessel of 100 MJ have been calculated for the Clinch River Breeder Reactor. These are containable with the present design, and the increase should vary only linearly with increased power for future designs of similar concept. Various possible steps are discussed to increase the certainty of these conclusions.
A specialized host-vector system for the in vivo cloning of the trp operon of wild-type and mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium by generalized transduction

Abstract Using in vitro methods, a 14.2-kb Eco RI fragment of the Salmonella typhimurium chromosome containing the trp operon plus associated flanking sequences from deletion mutant Δ trpDCB 763 was cloned into the Eco RI site of plasmid pBR322 in a S. typhimurium host. An in vivo cloning vector was constructed from the recombinant plasmid by the in vitro excision of a Sal I fragment that contains the entire trp operon. The derived plasmid (pSTP21) carries a hybrid insert made up of the 5.4-kb Eco RI- Sal I upstream flanking sequence and the 3.2-kb Sal I- Eco RI downstream flanking sequence. Plasmid pSTP21 has been used as a receptor plasmid to clone a variety of mutant and wild-type trp operons by RecA-dependent in vivo recombination between the insert DNA of the plasmid and the homologous trp flanking sequences of transducing DNA fragments transferred into the cell by bacteriophage P22. The host-vector system developed for the in vivo cloning permits the differentiation of plasmid transductants from chromosomal transductants on the primary selective medium. Expression of the cloned trp operons is regulated normally by tryptophan. A substantial amplification of trp enzymes is attainable upon derepression. The recombinant plasmids are stably inherited in RecA + and RecA − S. typhimurium hosts. However, conditions of high expression of the trp operon lead to a rapid loss of cellular viability and of plasmid stability.
Cosmic-ray and diffuse-matter information from extraterrestrial γ-rays

Among the various mechanisms capable of producing extraterrestrial γ-rays, two (« collision » and « radioactivity ») are singled out for discussion. Based on existing measurements of primary γ-rays, an upper limit of 10 cm−2 s−1 (order of magnitude) can be placed on the omnidirectional flux, averaged over time and space, of intergalactic cosmic rays exceeding about 600 MeV. Current and future satellite γ-ray measurements can improve this estimate and may also yield some information on the energy spectrum of interstellar cosmic rays and on the density of diffuse matter in space. « Collision » and « radioactivity » γ-ray fluxes are estimated for a number of likely sources.
Integration of an Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Transistor with a Microchannel Electrophoresis for Protein Identification

Amorphous silicon thin-film transistors have been prepared and used to drive a microchannel electrophoresis device for protein identification. The complete system was fabricated on a glass substrate using only three photomasks. Proteins of three different sizes (14.2, 29, and 45 kDa) were successfully separated from a microliter solution and in situ identified in a short period of 1000 s. The thin film transistor also suppressed the current perturbation of the microchannel electrophoresis device in the early operation stage. This low-cost chip is potentially applicable to the identification of micro or nano amount of biomolecules from a complicated solution.
Feline bone marrow transplantation: its use in FIV-infected cats

The use of autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplantations (BMT) in FIV-infected and uninfected cats is a novel therapy for feline hematopoietic diseases and retroviral infections. A total of 13 specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats received either autologous or allogenic BMT and seven of these cats were also infected with FIV before autologous or allogenic BMT. All BMT recipients received total body irradiation of 900 cGy just before BMT. Two FIV-infected and four uninfected cats received autologous uninfected BM cells cryopreserved before BMT. Five infected and two uninfected cats received BM cells from allogenic uninfected donors (RBC-, MHC-, and cross-matched). MHC-matching was based on mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR) and the donor-recipient combination which was compatible by MLR analysis, was used in this study. Recipients were monitored for hematology, immunology, virology, and clinical signs. All FIV-infected and uninfected recipients of autologous BMT had complete engraftment with minimal complications. Uninfected recipients of allogenic BMT had a more severe clinical episode with slower rate of engraftment. None of these BMT groups had mortality. In contrast, only two of the five infected recipients of allogenic BMT survived for a significant period of time (23 and 50 weeks) and rest of the cats succumbed to transfusion reactions. Both infected BMT groups had persistent CD4/CD8 inversion, low CD4+ cell counts, and FIV infection of engrafted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Overall, successful autologous and allogenic BMTs were performed in FIV-free cats. All infected recipients of autologous BMT had compete engraftment and are currently alive, with thelongest survival time being over 1 year. Thus, BMT in combination with antiviral drug therapies may be an alternative therapy against retroviral infection.
Performance Criticism: An Emerging Methodology in Second Testament Studies—Part II:

In Part 1 of this article, I sought to depict performance criticism as an emerging discipline in Second Testament studies. I explained how the first-century Mediterranean area comprised predominantly oral cultures, that writing primarily served orality, that performances were central to early Christian communities, and that the Second Testament writings were basically “remnants” of oral performances. I proposed an outline of the key features of the performance event in an effort to encourage us to interpret Second Testament writings in the context of such performance scenarios. Part 2 comprises two sections. In the first section, I want to lay out the eclectic nature of performance criticism and identify the contributions of many potential partners in the enterprise. These partners include traditional methodologies, recent methodologies, and new approaches to biblical studies related to performance. In the second section, I will lay out the insights and benefits that come from my personal experience of pe...
GaAs/InGaP/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetectors

In this paper, a new quantum-well IR photodetector based on bound-to-miniband transitions in a GaAs/InGaP quantum well with GaAs/AlGaAs short superlattice barriers is presented and compared with the conventional GaAs/InGaP QWIPs. Results of the theoretical calculations of the detector parameters and the preliminary fabrication results of an embedded-well to miniband GaAs/InGaP/AlGaAs quantum well/superlattice detector are presented. The advantages of the proposed design include improvement of the material quality, ability to adjust the peak wavelength in 8 to 12 micrometers range, and in the lower dark current.
Right ventricle-sparing heart transplant: promising new technique for recipients with pulmonary hypertension ☆

Abstract Background . Right heart failure remains the leading early cause of mortality after heart transplantation, especially with antecedent pulmonary hypertension. Paradoxically, the discarded recipient right heart, acclimated to pulmonary hypertension, is often stronger than its nonconditioned donor replacement. Heterotopic ("piggy-back") transplantation is plagued by problems related to the retained, dilated, hypocontractile left ventricle (lung compression, systemic emboli, arrhythmias). Were it possible to retain the recipient's right heart, excising only the left ventricle, this could have important advantages, especially in severe pulmonary hypertension. This report describes such a technique. Methods and Results . In four transplantation experiments (dogs), right ventricular-sparing transplantation proved technically feasible and hemodynamically successful. Bleeding after excision of the left ventricle was easily controlled. Back-bleeding from the native aortic valve (now open into the pericardial space) was not problematic. All atrial, aortic, and pulmonary arterial connections proved feasible. The preserved recipient right heart of all animals remained in stable sinus rhythm. All recipients were easily weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass, maintaining mean arterial pressures 60 to 110 mm Hg. Conclusions . This investigation develops a technique for donor right ventricle sparing in cardiac transplantation, demonstrating technical and hemodynamic feasibility. This method holds promise for the unsolved clinical problem of right heart failure after orthotopic heart transplantation with antecedent pulmonary hypertension.
Extension of the Friedland Parameter Estimator to Discrete-Time Systems

Conclusion In this Note, three measures that can be used in GPS positioning are introduced and detailed. Inequalities describing the relationship between GDOP and conditionnumber are derived, as well as the relationship between GDOP and RGDOP. The results show that GDOP is approximately proportional to the condition number, whereasPDOP is exactlyproportionalto RGDOP.These resultswill enhance the understandingof the mathematical aspect of GPS positioning and can be applied to satellite selection and constellation design problems.
A nonparametric comparison of two multiple regressions by means of a weighted measure of correlation

Let (R1j,....,Rmj) j=1,2, be two rankings of m items; let Tk , k=l,...,m. be the number of items with rank ≤ k in both rankings; and let T = ∑Tk/k. Then T is a measure of rank correlation which gives greater weight to items of low rank than high. Such a measure is particularly useful in comparing the ordering of the regressors in two multiple regressions. We discuss the distribution of T, presenting both exact tables and practical approximations, and extend the concept to other situations
A comparison of microscrew and suture fixation for porous high-density polyethylene orbital floor implants

Twenty oral and maxillofacial surgeons compared the surgical features of a microscrew fixation technique with a suture technique for fixation of porous high-density polyethylene orbital floor implants. One investigator then compared material features of these two fixation techniques using recently procured bovine ribs. The microscrew technique was found to be quicker ( P > .01) and easier ( P > .001), and it provided a higher quality of fixation ( P > .001) than the suture technique. The microscrew/implant system had a greater pullout strength ( P > .001) and shear strength ( P > .001) than the suture/implant system.
The Vanderbilt I Study Revisited

Strupp & Hadley (1979) compared the performance of professional therapists (Ts) with a group of college professors (ATs) in time-limited psychotherapy. Because of their specific technical skills, Ts were hypothesized to achieve superior treatment outcomes. Although the group results did not support this hypothesis, further analyses cast new light on this finding. The study is being revisited in an effort to correct misapprehensions created by the earlier results.Strupp & Hadley (1979) verglichen das Verhalten professioneller Therapeuten mit einer Gruppe von Collegeprofessoren in zeitlich begrenzten Psychotherapien. Es wurde damals vermutet, das die Therapeuten aufgrund ihrer spezifischen technischen Fertigkeiten bessere Ergebnisse erzielen. Wenngleich damals die Gruppenvergleiche diese Hypothese nicht stutzten, werfen weitere Analysen doch ein etwas anderes Licht auf diese Befunde. Die Studie wird hier neu bewertet, nicht zuletzt um Fehlinterpretationen, welche die ursprunglichen Ergebnisse nach sich zoge...
LANGUAGE-PURIFICATION MOVEMENTS IN THE TWO KOREAS

Abstract. Ever since Korea was divided into North and South in 1945, the two Koreas have independently launched extensive movements to "purify" the Korean language. Although the two Koreas' movements started with essentially the same nationalistic spirit, the subsequent developments have led to markedly different consequences, mainly due to complete physical separation for over half a century; polarized political, social, and ideological divergence; and the distinct language standardization policies implemented by the two governments, culminating in North Korea's institution of "Cultured Speech" as their standard language as against South Korea's traditional "Standard Speech". This paper examines in what areas purification efforts have been exerted thus far. Specifically, it identifies and discusses the major conceptual goals that motivated the movements: to compare the two Koreas' policies and practices relating to the exclusive use of hankul vis-�-vis the mixed use with characters, arguing somewhat digressively for the importance of character education; to observe the emergence and nature of Cultured Speech vis-a-vis Standard Speech; and to overview the extent of lexical refinements and the degree of divergence. The paper concludes with some general suggestions on methods of linguistic unification.
Update-subarachnoid hemorrhage and saccular intracranial aneurysms.

Abstract This paper reviews the current developments concerning subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracranial aneurysms, with emphasis on material reported during 1979 and 1980. It deals with the natural history, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracranial aneurysms and concludes with a description of a newly developed aneurysm model in laboratory animals.
New model for media noise in thin-film magnetic recording media

A new model, called the MicroTrack Model, has been developed for signal dependent transition noise and partial erasure that occurs in the readback signal from thin film magnetic disks. A track is modeled as being made up of a number of 'microtracks.' On each microtrack, the actual position of a transition in magnetization is offset by a random amount from the ideal position. This offset is chosen according to a cumulative probability distribution which is derived by scaling the magnetization profile function. Thus, the response of each microtrack is a randomly offset ideal transition response. The partial erasure effect is then easily added by assuming that magnetization transitions which occur on the same microtrack will eradicate each other if they are positioned too closely together. The final result is obtained by averaging the output of all of the microtracks. Three primary effects of media noise are position jitter, width variation, and amplitude degradation in the output pulses. The probability distributions of these effects as functions of the model parameters are presented. All of these effects result as consequences of the microtrack model. The relative amounts of the various effects are examined along with the way that they vary with the model's parameters. The autocorrelation function of the magnetization for the media noise is examined with and without partial erasure. In this way, the effect of partial erasure and its effect on the system can be examined.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Three-dimensional diffractive micro- and nano-optical elements fabricated by electron-beam lithography

The broad development of the micro- and nano-technologies in the past few years increased the need of techniques capable of fabricating sub-micron structures with arbitrary surface profiles. Out of the several fabrication approaches (HEBS lithography, laser writing, etc.) the electron beam writing stands out as the one capable of the highest resolution, superior alignment accuracy and very small surface roughness. These characteristics make the technique greatly applicable in the fields of photonics and micro-opto-electro-mechanical-systems (MOEMS). Here we describe the specificity of fabricating 3D diffractive micro- and nano-optical elements using Leica EBPG 5000+ electron beam system. Parameters like speed of writing, dose accumulation, pattern writing specifics, etc. affect greatly the electronbeam resist properties and the desired 3D profile. We present data that can be used to better understand the different dependencies and therefore achieve better profile and surface roughness management. The results can be useful in future developments in the areas of integrated photonic circuits and MOEMS.
Tapioca pellets as a partial replacement for maize in the diet of lactating dairy cows

Abstract The feeding value of tapioca pellets, K77, was evaluated by incorporating tapioca pellets at 0, 6, or 12% of the diet (as fed basis) creating three complete mixed diets that were fed to 12 lactating Holstein cows. Six primiparous and six multiparous cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment during the summer season. Yields of actual milk and 4% fat corrected milk were not affected by the inclusion of tapioca pellets into the diet. Yield and composition of milk components were also not affected by dietary treatment. Milk fat from cows fed the 12% tapioca diet had a higher proportion of medium chain fatty acids and a lower proportion of long chain fatty acids than the 0 and 6% tapioca diets. It is suggested that this difference is related to the difference in fat intake. Intakes of dry and organic matter did not differ between dietary treatments, but intakes of nitrogen, acid detergent fibre, and starch were different and reflected differences in diet composition. Chemical analysis of feed refusals indicated that tapioca pellets were not refused. Four separate lots of K77 tapioca pellets were analyzed for chemical composition. The coefficient of variation for all chemical constituents was small indicating that the K77 product was uniform. At the level of milk production of cows employed in this study, tapioca pellets successfully replaced a portion of the cracked corn in the diet.
The Fears, Phobias and Anxieties of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome: Comparisons with Developmentally and Chronologically Age Matched Children

This study compared the fears and behavior problems of 25 children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 43 children with Down syndrome (DS), 45 mental age (MA) matched children, and 37 chronologically age (CA) matched children. Children’s fears, phobias, anxieties and behavioral problems were assessed using parent reports. Significant differences emerged across the diagnostic groups on a variety of fears. Children with ASD were reported to have more situation phobias and medical fears, but fewer fears of harm/injury compared to all other groups. The groups also differed in terms of the pattern of correlations between fears, phobias, anxieties and behavior problems. For children with ASD, fears, phobias and anxieties were closely related to problem behaviors, whereas fears, phobias, and anxieties were less related to behavioral symptoms for the other groups of subjects. Such findings suggest that children with ASD exhibit a distinct profile of fear and anxiety compared to other mental age and chronologically age-matched children, and these fears are related to the symptoms associated with ASD.
1001 BREAST ABSCESSES IN ADOLESCENTS

The occurrence of breast abscesses has not previously been studied in an adolescent female population. We identified 12 patients at our institution over the past 4 years with breast abscesses. The patients ranged in age from 12 to 19 years and were all post-pubertal. None of the patients were menstruating at the time of presentation, nor were any post-partum or breast feeding. Only 3 patients were febrile; all were treated with antibiotics and 11 required surgical drainage. The infections were caused by Staphylococcus aureus in 7 patients, Staphylo-coccus epidermidis in 1, mixed anaerobes in 2, and both Group B Streptococcus and Staph epidermidis in 1. Ten of the 12 abscesses were subareolar. Both patients with anaerobic infections had several recurrences and required surgical excision of breast tissue. The anaerobic organisms identified were typical of normal oral flora. Our data indicate that (1) breast abscesses are not rare in the non-puerperal adolescent female and (2) anaerobes are important pathogens in this disorder and result in greater morbidity than breast abscesses due to staphylococci. This study demonstrates the need for anaerobic as well as aerobic culturing of breast abscesses and antibiotic and surgical management based on etiologic agents.
Fiber Laser Front Ends for High Energy, Short Pulse Lasers

We are developing a fiber laser system for short pulse (1-10 ps), high energy (~1 kJ) glass laser systems. Fiber lasers are ideal for these systems as they are highly reliable and enable long term stable operation.
Thermal diffusivity measurements on small samples

Abstract A method is described for the measurements of thermal diffusivities of small samples of semiconducting materials. Results of measurements on InSb and GaAs are given. It is shown that in some cases the simple theory of Angstrom's method must be modified to include some other mechanism of energy transfer, possibly that of ambipolar diffusion.
The Effect of Family Communication Patterns on Adopted Adolescent Adjustment

Adoption and family communication both affect adolescent adjustment. We proposed that adoption status and family communication interact such that adopted adolescents in families with certain communication patterns are at greater risk for adjustment problems. We tested this hypothesis using a community-based sample of 384 adoptive and 208 nonadoptive families. Adolescents in these families were, on average, 16 years of age. The results supported our hypothesis. Adopted adolescents were at significantly greater risk for adjustment problems compared to nonadopted adolescents in families that emphasized conformity orientation without conversation orientation and in families that emphasized neither conformity nor conversation orientation. Adolescents in families emphasizing conversation orientation were at lower risk for adjustment problems, regardless of adoption status.
Transcription through the HIV-1 nucleosomes: Effects of the PBAF complex in Tat activated transcription

The SWI/SNF complex remodels nucleosomes, allowing RNA Polymerase II access to the HIV-1 proviral DNA. It has not been determined which SWI/SNF complex (BAF or PBAF) remodels nucleosomes at the transcription start site. These complexes differ in only three subunits and determining which subunit(s) is required could explain the regulation of Tat activated transcription. We show that PBAF is required for chromatin remodeling at the nuc-1 start site and transcriptional elongation. We find that Baf200 is required to ensure activation at the LTR level and for viral production. Interestingly, the BAF complex was observed on the LTR whereas PBAF was present on both LTR and Env regions. We found that Tat activated transcription facilitates removal of histones H2A and H2B at the LTR, and that the FACT complex may be responsible for their removal. Finally, the BAF complex may play an important role in regulating splicing of the HIV-1 genome.
Desert pavement dynamics: numerical modeling and field-based calibration

Desert pavements are widely used as a relative surface-dating tool because they are progressively better developed on surfaces ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of years in age. Recent work, however, has highlighted the dynamic nature of pavements and undermined their use as surface-age indicators. Quade (2001) proposed that latest Pleistocene vegetation advances destroyed all Mojave Desert pavements above 400 m elevation, making all such pavements Holocene in age. In an effort to reconcile young-pavement evidence with their widespread use as Pleistocene surface-age indicators, we developed a numerical model based on the classic conceptual model in which pavements co-evolve with their underlying eolian epipedons over millennial timescales. In this co-evolutionary process, fine-grained eolian deposition and Av-horizon development within the eolian epipedon promotes surface clast motion and pavement development, enhancing the eolian-sediment-trapping ability of the pavement in a positive feedback. Model results illustrate the multi-scale nature of pavement dynamics: pavements may require tens of thousands of years to fully develop from a newly abandoned alluvial surface, but may heal over timescales of decades to centuries if a mature eolian epipedon is present. As such, there is no inconsistency between rapid pavement healing and a Pleistocene age for the underlying alluvial surface. To calibrate the model, we conducted surficial geologic mapping and pavement-sedimentological analysis on two desert piedmonts. Our study areas include both proximal and distal fan environments, illustrating the role of parent-material texture in controlling the mode of pavement formation. Using available geochronology, our work provides a rigorous calibration of pavement formation rates in our study areas and provides evidence supporting the use of pavements as local relative surface-age indicators over Holocene to late Pleistocene timescales. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
137 ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY DOES NOT ACCURATELY PREDICT PA WEDGE FISSURES IN SMALL SUBJECTS

Adult studies indicate a strong correlation between PA wedge pressure (WEDGE) and the RATIO and difference (DIFF) of 2 echo-cardiographic (ECHO) mitral valve diastolic time intervals: Q-mitral valve closure (Q-MVC) and aortic valve closure-mitral E point (AVC-E). Effects of HR on these intervals and of respiratory phase on WEDGE were not considered. We measured one ECHO-WEDGE data set from each of 24 young patients during routine cardiac catheterization. Mean age was 4.7 yrs (range 0.3-15,8). None had prolonged PR, mitral stenosis, or were intubated. WEDGE ranged from 4-22 mm Hg (mean 10.1). ECHO intervals were measured at end-inspiration and end-expiration and arithmetically adjusted for HR differences within and between patients. No significant correlation coefficient was found between WEDGE and RATIO or DIFF, regardless of RR adjustment or respiratory phase (-0.2 .05 for each). Multiple data sets were then obtained from 6 neonatal piglets whose LVEDP was increased from 3-38 mm Hg by volume infusion. Again, no correlation between LVEDP and any derived ECHO function was large enough for predictive purposes (r≤.40 by linear regression analysis). No significant relationship was found between ECHO and WEDGE measurements in small subjects, unlike in adults. Confirmation studies are needed in adults.
Unacceptable cosmesis in a protocol investigating intensity-modulated radiotherapy with active breathing control for accelerated partial-breast irradiation.

Purpose To report interim cosmetic results and toxicity from a prospective study evaluating accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) administered using a highly conformal external beam approach. Methods and Materials We enrolled breast cancer patients in an institutional review board–approved prospective study of APBI using beamlet intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) at deep-inspiration breath-hold. Patients received 38.5 Gy in 3.85 Gy fractions twice daily. Dosimetric parameters in patients who maintained acceptable cosmesis were compared with those in patients developing unacceptable cosmesis in follow-up, using t -tests. Results Thirty-four patients were enrolled; 2 were excluded from analysis because of fair baseline cosmesis. With a median follow-up of 2.5 years, new unacceptable cosmesis developed in 7 patients, leading to early study closure. We compared patients with new unacceptable cosmesis with those with consistently acceptable cosmesis. Retrospective analysis demonstrated that all but one plan adhered to the dosimetric requirements of the national APBI trial. The mean proportion of a whole-breast reference volume receiving 19.25 Gy (V50) was lower in patients with acceptable cosmesis than in those with unacceptable cosmesis (34.6% vs. 46.1%; p = 0.02). The mean percentage of this reference volume receiving 38.5 Gy (V100) was also lower in patients with acceptable cosmesis (15.5% vs. 23.0%; p = 0.02). Conclusions The hypofractionated schedule and parameters commonly used for external beam APBI and prescribed by the ongoing national trial may be suboptimal, at least when highly conformal techniques such as IMRT with management of breathing motion are used. The V50 and V100 of the breast reference volume seem correlated with cosmetic outcome, and stricter limits may be appropriate in this setting.
A generalization of a theorem of Bochner

We describe all polynomial solutions to the general second order operator equation in the Askey-Wilson operators, thus extending a theorem of Bochner from differential operators to Askey-Wilson divided difference operators.
Speaking of Children: Sir William Osler'S Pediatircs and The American Pediatric Society ♦ 1925

It is not widely known that despite his skepticism about specialization, Sir William Osler (1848--1919), often referred to as the “Father of American Medicine,” made substantial contributions to pediatrics. About 10% of Osler's large bibliography pertained to pediatric topics. In this study I will review: 1) some of Osler's pediatric writings, 2) his role in the growth of American pediatrics, and 3) his rolemodeling personality in treating children. Osler's pediatric writings can be grouped into: 1) bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, smallpox, and syphilis; 2) “Nervous Diseases” such as convulsions, dystrophies, and cerebral palsy; and 3) miscellaneous topics such as rheumatic heart disease, cretinism, megacolon, croup and cirrhosis. I will contrast Osler's insights into some of these topics with those of other leading pediatricians of the time, such as Abraham Jacobi, Thomas Morgan Rotch and L. Emmett Holt. Osler was one of 14 physicians invited by Job Lewis Smith of New York to a meeting on September 18, 1888 in Washington, D.C., to 'effect the formation of the American Pediatric Society'(APS). This was done, and within two hours the first APS articles of constitution were drafted. Osler's role in drafting these documents remains unclear, but he is listed in the roaster of 43 founding APS members made on that day. Osler remained active in the APS, becoming its fourth president. In his APS presidential address of 1892 titled “Remarks on Specialism”, he noted the “extraordinary development of modern medicine” as a justification for pediatric specialty, but stressed that the physician should apply his knowledge “to the whole body, and try to treat...the whole and the parts together.” Noting pediatrics as the last specialty to separate from general medicine he sadly reflected that this was“not because of any extreme of differentiation, but rather because the pediatrician is the vestigial remnant of what was formerly the general practitioner.” Osler helped William Booker to become the first Clinical Professor of Diseases of Children at Johns Hopkins University in 1896, but pediatrics was a sub-department of medicine of which Osler was the head. As physician, Osler was extremely affectionate and his mercurial personality was endearing to all of his pediatric patients. I will present some of Osler's famous anecdotes while treating children and discuss his role in shaping the growth of American pediatrics.
Reconstitution of thyroid hormone receptor and retinoic acid receptor function in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

We report here a characterization of the thyroid hormone receptors (T3Rs), retinoic acid receptors (RARs), and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) by reconstituting their actions in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. S. pombe provide a well defined and readily manipulated genetic background devoid of known endogenous nuclear hormone receptors. All the receptors tested, when introduced exogenously into S. pombe, induced high levels of reporter gene activation in response to physiological concentrations of hormone ligand. In these properties, the S. pombe system exhibits significant advantages over the previously employed Saccharomyces cerevisiae system. Use of the S. pombe system permitted the elucidation of previously undescribed differences in the DNA sequence recognition properties of different isoforms of the RXR and RARs, and the identification of apparently novel forms of response element for RXRs and RARs. Intriguingly, the v-erb A allele of T3R, a transcriptional repressor in vertebrate cells, ac...
The CES-D: Four or five factors?

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) generally has four subscales, based on original factor analytic studies. Our use of the CES-D with a random sample of 400 adults reveals a five-factor solution when data is subjected to a principal components factor analysis with a varimax rotation. This accounts for several items that did not load on previous factor analyses and may indicate the appropriateness of a fifth subscale.
Leaf area development and growth performance of cassava germplasm on a strongly acid ultisol of panama

Abstract A field experiment using local cassava cultivars was conducted on a Tropudult of Ocu, Panama to study leaf area development and growth performance of cassava germplasm under extreme soil acidity conditions. Plants were grown under a soil Al (KCl‐extractable Al) range of 4.0 to 5.7 cmol(p+)/kg. Under this high soil Al, leaf area index and dry matter production patterns of cassava cultivars were closely similar to those reported for plants grown in less constraining conditions. However, the sink capacity in most cultivars appeared to shift from roots to tops. Roots were weak competitors for assimilates, hence photosynthetic production was primarily aimed to develop and sustain canopy growth. This preferential distribution of assimilates to tops resulted in low harvest index values. The reduced sink size of roots appears to be attributable to the impairing effects of soil Al on root growth.
Comparison of the effective pressure law for permeability and resistivity formation factor in Chelmsford granite

Permeability, resistivity formation factor, and pore volume change were simultaneously measured on samples of Chelmsford granite subjected to confining pressure and pore pressure cycles. Using a technique described in a previous paper, the tangent coefficients of the effective pressure law for permeability α k and for formation factor α F were determined. α k and α F did not differ significantly from one another. They showed a strong stress history dependence as has already been observed for α k in several crystalline rocks. According to the definition of the effective pressure law used here, two physical properties with identical α's must be related through a one-to-one functional relationship. Hence, the observation above suggests that such a relationship may be empirically found between permeability and formation factor. Indeed, analysis of the data revealed that, to a good approximation, permeability was inversely proportional to the formation factor. The same relation has previously been observed in other crystalline rocks. This relationship was included in a recent version of the so-called equivalent channel model. Using this model, the specific surface area of the cracksA c/VS, the standard deviation of the distribution of asperities heightsh and the hydraulic radiusm o were evaluated. The following values were respectively found: 850 cm−1, 0.008 μm and 0.14 μm. The specific surface area of the cracks was independently estimated on micrographs of polished sections using a standard quantitative stereology method. The result was in good agreement with the values estimated from the transport properties data.
Copper deficiency during neonatal development alters mouse brain catecholamine levels

Abstract Copper (Cu) deficiency was investigated in Swiss Webster albino mice to develop a model that alters brain catecholamine metabolism without serious growth impairment. Cu deficiency was induced by feeding a diet low in Cu (modified AIN-76A) to dams beginning either 7 days prior, 4 days prior, 4 days after, or on the day of parturition. Control dams were given Cu in the drinking water (20 μg Cu/mL); their pups were considered Cu-adequate (+Cu). Mice were weaned when three weeks old and were maintained on the treatment of their dams for an additional week. All four-week-old male Cu-deficient (−Cu) offspring exhibited biochemical characteristics of Cu deficiency when compared to their respective +Cu control mice. However, the best model, which resulted in altered catecholamine metabolism characterized by elevation of dopamine (DA) and depression in norepinephrine (NE) in brain and heart, was when treatment began 4 days prior to birth. Body and brain weight were not altered. However, levels of Cu in brain were markedly reduced to 21% of those measured in +Cu controls. Furthermore, brain NE and DA concentrations of −Cu mice were 72% and 132% of those quantified in +Cu offspring, respectively. Confirmatory studies demonstrated equivalent results in female offspring. One-month dietary Cu repletion studies reversed most biochemical changes in the “−Cu” mice. Brain Cu levels remained lower in repleted mice (55% of those in +Cu controls). These data and previous results support the hypothesis that neonatal Cu deficiency results in permanent changes to the brain.