cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of instructional coaching in high-poverty urban schools: Examining teacher practices and student outcomes.

Abstract Job-embedded professional development is needed to effectively and efficiently enhance teachers' use of evidence-based practices in high-poverty urban communities. This study employed a three-cohort, waitlist controlled, randomized block design to investigate the effectiveness of the Classroom Strategies Coaching Model (CSC) in 14 high-poverty urban elementary schools. The CSC Model is guided by observations of teachers' instructional and behavioral management practices as measured by the Classroom Strategies Assessment System. Primary dependent measures included teacher use of evidence-based practices, student academic engagement, and teacher ratings of class wide student academic and behavior functioning along with perceived instrumental support, emotional support, and stress. The sample included 2195 students and 106 teachers randomly assigned to CSC coaching or waitlist control. Multilevel negative binomial modeling revealed that teachers in the CSC coaching condition had significant improvements in the frequency of academic praise (used 1.74 times more frequently) and behavior praise (used 2.10 times more frequently) as compared to teachers in the waitlist control condition. Multilevel linear models revealed that, relative to the waitlist control condition, teachers in the CSC coaching condition demonstrated significant improvements in quality of instruction (d = 0.52), behavior management (d = 0.60), and class wide student academic engagement (d = 0.41). Teachers reported significant improvements in class wide student academic (d = 0.96) and behavioral functioning (d = 1.24), instrumental support (d = 0.90) and emotional support (d = 1.04). No change was found for teacher stress. Implications for research and practice are reviewed.
A two-phase three-field modeling framework for heat pipe application in nuclear reactors

Abstract Heat pipes and two-phase thermosyphons are highly efficient heat transfer devices utilizing continuous evaporation and condensation of working fluid for two-phase heat transport in closed systems. Because of the nearly isothermal and fully passive phase-change heat transfer mechanism, heat pipes and thermosyphons have found many applications in nuclear engineering, space technologies, and other energy systems. High-temperature heat pipes are used in nuclear microreactors to remove fission power from the primary system and are coupled with power conversion systems or process heat applications. Modeling of the two-phase flow phenomena inside a heat pipe is essential to its design and safety analysis. In this study, a comprehensive one-dimensional two-phase three-field flow model has been developed for the analysis of heat pipes in normal operation conditions and transients. The conservation or field equations of mass, momentum, and energy were developed for the liquid film, vapor, and droplet. In addition, constitutive models or correlations were reviewed thoroughly and provided for the closure of the three-field equations. Specific constitutive equations regarding interfacial mass and heat transfer at two interfaces, namely film-gas interface and gas-droplet interface, were reviewed for droplet entrainment and deposition rates as well as film and droplet evaporation rates. Additionally, mechanistic correlations of annular flow film thickness were recommended for the modeling of the thermosyphons without a wick as a critical constitutive correlation. Furthermore, experimental data needs from new experiments using a prototype working fluid or surrogate fluids for the model validation of high-temperature heat pipes in microreactors were recommended for future research.
Rap Music in Social Work Practice with African-American and Latino Youth: A Conceptual Model with Practical Applications

Abstract This article presents an innovative intervention model that incorporates rap music in social work practice with youth, particularly African-American and Latino youth. The model draws from traditional social work principles, as well as two established therapeutic models. A summary of the “hip-hop culture” and various terms used to describe rap music is presented. Moreover, a review of previous research on rap music is included. Results from a practical application of the rap music intervention are presented. The article concludes with a discussion of further applications of the rap music intervention model, as well as future directions for research.
Effects of Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone and Hydrocortisone on Synthesis and Degradation of Prolactin in a Rat Pituitary Cell Strain

Abstract Synthesis of prolactin was measured in a clonal strain of functional pituitary cells in culture by incubating the cells with [3H]leucine; labeled prolactin was separated from the other labeled proteins by specific immunoprecipitation followed by dissociation with sodium dodecyl sulfate and disc gel electrophoresis. Accumulation of labeled prolactin in the cells was linear for at least 1 hour; labeled prolactin was released into the culture medium after 1 hour. Treatment with 28 nm thyrotropin-releasing hormone for 3 days increased prolactin accumulation in the medium 2.5-fold, and the increased synthesis of prolactin completely accounted for the increased accumulation. Treatment with 5 x 10-6 m hydrocortisone for 7 days decreased prolactin accumulation in the medium 2- to 5-fold, and the decrease in synthesis completely accounted for the decreased accumulation. Therefore the long term (3 to 7 days) effects on these cells of thyrotropinreleasing hormone and hydrocortisone result only in a change in the synthesis of prolactin and not in its rate of degradation. Pulse-chase experiments, using 10 µg per ml of cycloheximide or 10 mm leucine to block further incorporation of [3H]leucine into prolactin, show that there is no detectable degradation of prolactin under the usual conditions of culture. Incubation with 0.1 mm leucine does not prevent incorporation of radioactive leucine into prolactin and results in a 1.7-fold increase in labeled prolactin within 4 hours after the start of the chase. This result suggests there are two intracellular pools of leucine in GH cells, one of which does not appear to equilibrate readily with the medium.
Community Leadership: Seeking Social Justice While Re-creating Public Schools in Post-Katrina New Orleans

As New Orleans becomes an important reform model, many have been attracted to the simplistic logic of decentralized, market-based educational reforms that assume easily articulated and quantified goals and rational actors. In an effort to reclaim a role for social justice in such an environment, this chapter assumes the position that educational leadership for social justice must prioritize community engagement, indeed community leadership, if it is to be both sustainable and just. Guided by scholarship on the ethic of community (Furman GC, J Educ Admin 42(2):215–235, 2004; Furman GC, Shields C, Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, 2003; Shields CM, Seltzer PA Educ Admin Q 33(4):413–439, 1997), it begins with a history of the Morris Jeff Community School, followed by a series of cantankerous contradictions which highlight points of conflict between community leadership and many features of the currently popular market-based reforms (heroic vs. democratic leadership, competition vs. systemic improvement, state vs. localized goals, and teacher leadership vs. teacher churn). The analysis concludes that urban schools need leaders with expertise rather than expertism and that the development of adult leadership within our urban communities may provide the best hope of reconnecting social justice to the work of educational leaders.
A novel self-configuration mechanism for heterogeneous P2P networks

We propose a simple and efficient mechanism to self-configure semi-structured overlay networks for heterogeneous peer-to-peer systems with no global knowledge. The overlay network is constructed as a hierarchical graph based on peer power which is an aggregate measure of available resources. We use index based, random walk JOIN and LEAVE protocols to build the overlay network in which node degree and workload correspond to its peer power. We also propose an index based query scheme for peers to search documents in the network. Performance studies demonstrate that the proposed self-configuration protocol and search scheme are efficient and viable. The self-configured P2P network has significantly lower query cost than traditional Gnutella-like P2P systems. We further propose a caching assisted query mechanism where query results are cached by intermediate nodes along the search path, thereby exploiting the surplus storage power of the peers and further improving query efficiency. Caching assisted query permits a quicker response to subsequent queries for popular data without incurring the excessive overhead of globally replicated directory information. Our experimental study reveals that the caching assisted query provides an additional reduction of up to 40% in messages needed per query.
Onset of Adreno-Leukodystrophy After Medulloblastoma Therapy: Causal Connection or Coincidence?

X-linked adreno-leukodystrophy (ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder affecting the white matter of the central nervous system and the adrenal cortex. It is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene encoding for a peroxisomal membrane protein. The absent genotype–phenotype correlation implies a contribution by environmental factors to explain the phenotypical heterogeneity. We report on a 4-year-old boy with a biochemically confirmed diagnosis of ALD after birth. At the age of 32 months, the additional diagnosis of a medulloblastoma was made. After treatment of the medulloblastoma, he developed active areas of demyelination representing the characteristic neuroimaging features of ALD. The clinical history of our patient supports the hypothesis that external factors, like neurosurgical intervention as part of medulloblastoma treatment, may accelerate or initiate cerebral ALD-related demyelination. A postsurgical inflammatory reaction may facilitate the inclusion of abnormal fatty acids in myelin. The opening of the blood–brain barrier following neurosurgery may enhance the recognition of previously sequestered antigens considered to play a role in ALD onset. Consequently, neurosurgical disruption of the BBB can precipitate the immune-mediated inflammatory process, which progressively destroys myelin in ALD patients. Tumor-related chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may also play a contributing role. We suggest that X-ALD patients who undergo neurosurgical intervention need close follow-up imaging to identify active demyelination early.
Consumo de medicação crónica: Avaliação da prevalência no norte de Portugal

Introducao: E necessario conhecer a prescricao cronica, com vista a implementacao de medidas para o controle, prevencao das suas complicacoes e optimizacao dos recursos disponiveis. Objectivos: determinar a proporcao do consumo de medicacao cronica na populacao da regiao Norte de Portugal; caracterizar o consumo quanto ao tipo e numero de medicamentos e analisar a sua associacao com a idade, o sexo a situacao profissional, o estado civil e o tipo de familia. Tipo de estudo: observacional analitico transversal Local: centros de saude pertencentes aos distritos do Porto, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real e Braganca Populacao: amostra aleatoria de utentes com idade superior ou igual a 18 anos inscritos nas listas de 45 medicos Metodos: Os dados foram recolhidos atraves de um questionario aplicado por entrevista, apos convocacao por postal e/ou telefone com recolha de dados por questionario. Variaveis: consumo de medicacao cronica, tipo de medicamentos, numero de medicamentos e diversos indicadores socio-demograficos. Foi utilizado teste qui-quadrado e um erro a de 0,05. Resultados: Prevalencia do consumo de 58,1% - IC95% (56,5%-59,8%). Numero medio de medicamentos por utente = 2,94. Os farmacos mais usados foram os do grupo Cardiovascular e Sistema Nervoso. Encontrou-se maior consumo cronico no sexo feminino, idade mais avancada, profissao (reformado e domesticas) e no tipo de familia unitaria. O numero medio de medicamentos aumenta com a idade. Existe relacao entre a idade e o consumo cronico da maioria dos grupos farmacologicos estudados. Conclusao: Este estudo permitiu confirmar, numa maior populacao, os resultados existentes na literatura e reforca a necessidade de optimizar a prescricao medicamentosa.
Heat shock prevents simulated ischemia-induced apoptosis in renal tubular cells via a PKC-dependent mechanism.

Heat shock produces cellular tolerance to a variety of adverse conditions; however, the protective effect of heat shock on renal cell ischemic injury remains unclear. Protein kinase C (PKC) has bee...
Negotiating the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Power, Interest, and Identity

This paper evaluates the role of the “Minsk Group” of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe as a mediator in the conflict involving the former Soviet region of Nagorno-Karabakh in the southern Caucasus. Currently co-chaired by the United States, France, and the Russian Federation, the Minsk Group has tried unsuccessfully to bring about a resolution of this protracted conflict since 1992. This paper thus examines the mediation efforts of the Minsk Group in an effort both to explain why it has failed thus far to find a solution to this conflict, as well as to suggest possible paths for resolution. After more than 20 years, mediation efforts have consistently failed at various stages of the negotiation process, beginning in the initial stages of war in 1992-94 and subsequently during a lengthy cease-fire in which all efforts fell short of resolving the underlying issues of conflict and identifying a long-term solution acceptable to all parties, namely Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the unrecognized and self-proclaimed “Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.” I argue that the mediation process has been severely hampered by the changing relationships involving three primary factors:1) Changing power relationships among the parties to the conflict and among external parties that have constituted the primary mediation body, that is the so-called “Minsk Group.”2) Shifting interests among the parties involving politics, economics, and legal questions as well as changing interests and engagement by outside parties ostensibly seeking to mediate a fair and durable solution to the conflict.3) Both Azerbaijani and Armenian have derived their negotiating positions based on seemingly intractable, constructed national identities based on the centrality of Nagorno-Karabakh, derived from virtually mutually exclusive narratives of the history and cultural significance of Nagorno-Karabakh to their national identities.
The Taguchi method

Achieving robustness in product and process designs is of importance to various stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. As variability exists in all operations, it is desirable to create products and processes that are not very sensitive to factors that are not controllable. The Taguchi method is an approach to robust design. Inherent in the Taguchi method is the definition of a loss function. This loss function formulation is influenced by the type of quality characteristic under consideration, that is, smaller-is-better, larger-is-better, or target-is-best. Furthermore, based on the selected type of quality characteristic, a performance measure is defined. Such performance measures, usually called signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios, are used to determine optimal settings of the controllable factors. Typically, a two-step procedure is adopted in the Taguchi method. In the first step, the S/N ratio is maximized, whereas in the second step, using an adjustment factor that does not affect the S/N ratio, the mean response is adjusted to meet the target value, where appropriate. Experimental designs make use of orthogonal arrays to determine factor settings for obtaining data for subsequent analysis. The number of experimental runs is very modest in relation to the number of factors being investigated. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 472–480 DOI: 10.1002/wics.169 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Effect of systemic L-DOPA administration on extracellular kynurenate levels in the rat striatum.

Dopaminergic stimulation, caused by direct dopamine receptor agonists or by indirectly acting agents such as d-amphetamine or methylphenidate, causes a functionally significant decrease in the concentration of kynurenate (KYNA), an astrocyte-derived endogenous antagonist of both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, in the rat brain. The present study was designed to examine if this effect can be duplicated by the systemic administration of dopamine's bioprecursor L-DOPA. Experiments were conducted in unanesthetized rats, and the extracellular levels of KYNA were determined in striatal microdialysate samples. L-DOPA caused a dose-dependent, transient reduction in striatal KYNA, reaching a nadir of −37.5% 1.5 h after the administration of 200 mg/kg of the drug. This effect was abolished in animals with a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway, but was not influenced by a prior striatal quinolinate lesion. These data confirm the dopaminergic control of striatal KYNA formation and suggest that the interactions are mediated by astrocytic dopamine receptors. This modulation of striatal KYNA levels might provide a link between dopaminergic, glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission in the normal and diseased striatum.
Effects of Morphine on Pain-elicited and Pain-suppressed Behavior in CB1 Knockout and Wildtype Mice

Rationale Pharmacological manipulations of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) suggest a role for CB1 in morphine-induced antinociception, but studies utilizing CB1 knockout (KO) mice do not support this conclusion. Since studies using CB1 KO mice to study morphine’s antinociceptive effects have only examined thermal nociception, this study examines these interactions in models that employ a chemical stimulus.
Resonant-cavity technique for the measurement of leaky-wave complex propagation coefficients

A resonant-cavity technique for the measurement of k/β diagrams (dispersion relations) of leaky-wave structures is discussed. Theoretical calculations and measured results are presented for a specific structure of the class of leaky-wave structures considered. The extension of this technique to more general smooth and periodic structures is indicated.
Microvascular hyperpermeability and thrombosis induced by light/dye treatment

To investigate microvascular hyperpermeability and thrombosis induced by photodynamic therapy or light/dye treatment, we quantified the initiation time for thrombus formation, thrombus growth rate, and the time for the microvessel occlusion in post-capillary venules of rat mesenteries. Under similar light/dye treatments, we also measured the microvessel hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and solute permeability (P) to TRITC-BSA (bovine serum albumin), respectively, in the same type of microvessels as for thrombosis. Under an irradiation power of 0.37 mW/mm2, thrombus was initiated in 3.8 ± 0.4 min, its growth rate was 3.9 ± 0.3% of the vessel mid-plane area/min, and the microvessels were completely occluded in 29.3 ± 2.2 min (SE, n = 8). Under the same irradiation power, Lp and P increased gradually, reaching a plateau in 3–5 min. At the plateau, Lp had increased to 2.2 ± 0.2 times (n = 11), while P had increased to 4.1 ± 0.7 (n = 7) times their baseline values, respectively. Neither Lp nor P increased further after longer time exposure (up to 30 min). Comparison of the measured Lp and P data with predictions from a mathematical model for the inter-endothelial cleft suggests that an almost complete depletion of the glycocalyx layer at the luminal surface of the endothelium might be one of the structural mechanisms by which the light/dye increases microvascular permeability and induces thrombosis.
On the leaky modes of open microstrip lines

Dispersion characteristics and modal currents of an open microstrip line are computed using the mixed-potential electric field integral equation. Particular attention is given to the correct determination of the radiating, leaky-wave modes.
Junction potentials of strongly illuminated n + - p - p + solar cells

Abstract The low-junction (LHJ) model is applied to an n + - p - p + solar cell having finite dimensions, in order to investigate its performance under intense illumination. Ambipolar transport equations are solved in the three sections of the cell using appropriate boundary conditions. Expressions for junction currents are derived, and the junction potentials under open-circuit conditions are computed by the Newton-Raphson method. The theory presented here includes the effects of high level injection. The generalized current density equations which are derived here for an n + - p - p + device are shown to reduce to the ideal Shockley diode equation with appropriate modifications. The effects of p - p + low-high junction on the open-circuit voltage of the cell are explained. The theoretical results of this paper are consistent with the experimental results of others.
Slow inactivation of the NaV1.4 sodium channel in mammalian cells is impeded by co-expression of the β1 subunit

In response to sustained depolarization or prolonged bursts of activity in spiking cells, sodium channels enter long-lived non-conducting states from which recovery at hyperpolarized potentials occurs over hundreds of milliseconds to seconds. The molecular basis for this slow inactivation remains unknown, although many functional domains of the channel have been implicated. Expression studies in Xenopus oocytes and mammalian cell lines have suggested a role for the accessory β1 subunit in slow inactivation, but the effects have been variable. We examined the effects of the β1 subunit on slow inactivation of skeletal muscle (NaV1.4) sodium channels expressed in HEK cells. Co-expression of the β1 subunit impeded slow inactivation elicited by a 30-s depolarization, such that the voltage dependence was right shifted (depolarized) and recovery was hastened. Mutational studies showed this effect was dependent upon the extracellular Ig-like domain, but was independent of the intracellular C-terminal tail. Furthermore, the β1 effect on slow inactivation was shown to be independent of the negative coupling between fast and slow inactivation.
Patient-centered outcomes in older adults with epilepsy.

Abstract Purpose Older adults have the highest incidence of new-onset epilepsy, yet there is a lack of self-management interventions to ensure that this population achieves desirable outcomes. In order to develop patient-centered interventions for older adults with epilepsy, self-management outcomes of importance to these patients must first be explored. The purpose of this study was to describe what outcomes older adults diagnosed with epilepsy late in life hope to achieve in self-managing their condition. Method Qualitative description was used. 20 older adults took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results Six themes emerged – Maintaining Normalcy, We Want to be Involved, Well-Equipped, Seizure Freedom, Fitting Epilepsy in with Other Conditions, Incongruence with Provider Goals. Conclusion These results add to the extant literature, and provide knowledge on which patient-centered epilepsy self-management interventions can be developed. In addition, these results can inform the development of a patient-centered outcome measure for older adults with epilepsy. Such a measure could be used in conjunction with existing measures related to disease status (seizure frequency, etc.) to ensure that outcomes pertinent to both patients and providers are targeted and measured.
Publishing ecommerce research- or how to maintain quality and diversity

As the Web increasingly permeates all aspects of our daily lives, eCommerce research is also expanding to address an ever wider range of research issues. As such the eCommerce research community has grown to encompass methodologies from a diverse mix of disciplines, with activities spanning technology, business, management, policy and human factors. In fact, what often seems to define good eCommerce research is the ability to tie together perspectives from several of these disciplines. The objective of this panel is to provide a broad overview of available publication outlets for eCommerce research, looking at whether and how they accommodate the inherently multidisciplinary nature of this area, and to what extent they help foster the interdisciplinary perspective that often seems so critical to good research in this space. To shed light on these issues and encourage discussion, the panel will bring together a small number of senior ecommerce researchers, who will draw on their experience as both researchers and journal editors. Following statements by each panelist, we will open the floor to the audience for questions and discussion.
Selective inhibition of leukotriene C4 synthesis in human neutrophils by ethacrynic acid.

Abstract Addition of glutathione S-transferase inhibitors, ethyacrynic acid (ET), caffeic acid (CA), and ferulic acid (FA) to human neutrophils led to inhibition of leukotriene C 4 (LTC 4 ) synthesis induced by calcium ionophore A23187. ET is the most specific of these inhibitors for it had little effect on LTB 4 , PGE 2 and 5-HETE synthesis. The inhibition of LTC 4 was irreversible and time dependent. ET also had little effect on H-AA release from A23187-stimulated neutrophils.
Dynamics of Local Search Trajectory in Traveling Salesman Problem

This paper investigates dynamics of a local search trajectory generated by running the Or-opt heuristic on the traveling salesman problem. This study evaluates the dynamics of the local search heuristic by estimating the correlation dimension for the search trajectory, and finds that the local heuristic search process exhibits the transition from high-dimensional stochastic to low-dimensional chaotic behavior. The detection of dynamical complexity for a heuristic search process has both practical as well as theoretical relevance. The revealed dynamics may cast new light on design and analysis of heuristics and result in the potential for improved search process.
Preparation of figure 8 and cruciform DNAs and their use in studies of the kinetics of branch migration.

Abstract We have re-examined the kinetics of the branch migration of double-stranded DNA that is mediated by the stepwise movement of the Holliday junction. This work revises and extends our previous treatment (Thompson, B. J., Camien, M. N., and Warner, R. C. (1976) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 73, 2299-2303). New methodology and new highly purified substrates have been used. The latter include figure 8s prepared from phage G4 DNA by annealing single-stranded components and two sizes of a novel cruciform. We treat the process as a one-dimensional diffusion based on the random walk, the mathematical basis of which is discussed in detail. The step rate is shown to be 3 orders of magnitude slower than we reported previously. The most important contribution to the erroneously high rate was a result of the presence of EDTA in the spreading solution used for electron microscopy at that time. A second contribution of about 4-fold resulted from catalysis by EcoRI and other proteins. The rates reported here are for the uncatalyzed reaction.
Determination of parameters of corrosion protection of underground pipelines from noncontact measurements of current

Possibilities of the method of noncontact measurements of current for the on-line assessments of the state of corrosion protection of different sections of a system of underground pipelines, the detection of places of improper insulation, and, in complex with contact electrometry, for the determination of the distribution of the current density of cathodic polarization and components of the transient resistance are shown.
Skin sterols. IX. Effect of squalene on the sterols of mouse skin.

Abstract 1. 1. The application of squalene to the skins of young mice increased the concentration of both Δ 7 -cholestenol and cholesterol in the epidermis. The relative increase in Δ 7 -cholestenol was greater than that in cholesterol, resulting in much higher concentrations of Δ 7 -cholestenol in the sterol mixture of the treated mice. The skins of older mice, which normally contain the highest concentration of Δ 7 -cholestenol, were less sensitive to squalene than those of young mice. 2. 2. Dietary squalene fed at a level of 1% of the basal diet did not increase the concentration of Δ 7 -cholestenol in the livers of rats or mice.
Using a Thoracic Epidural Catheter in a High-Risk Pediatric Transplant Patient

Although the risks and benefits of regional anesthesia for thoracic surgery are documented, little has been written about using such techniques in pediatric patients undergoing organ transplantation on cardiopulmonary bypass. The placement of thoracic epidurals in unconscious patients, the use of catheters in patients requiring heparinization, and indwelling catheters in immunosuppressed patients are topics of perennial debate. This report describes a thoracic epidural facilitated by intravenous dexmedetomidine in the management of a child who underwent bilateral lung transplantation. Using dexmedetomidine for postoperative sedation may increase the feasibility of regional techniques in patients at increased risk of associated complications.
Atomic-scale imaging of calcite growth and dissolution in real time

We present a new experimental technique for real-time observation of aqueous mineral growth and dissolution at the atomic scale using an atomic-force microscope (AFM) equipped with a flow-through fluid cell. We applied this technique to observe changes in surface topography on the (10\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\overline{1}\) \end{document}4) cleavage plane of calcite during alternating episodes of growth and dissolution. Growth occurred in a layer-by-layer fashion by the forward motion of monomolecular steps (0.3 ±0.1 nm high) lying parallel to the edges of the cleavage face. Under all conditions studied, the velocities of positive [48\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\overline{1}\) \end{document}] and [\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\overline{4}\) \end{document}41] steps were the same; velocities of negative [\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\overline{4}\) \end{document}81] and [\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\overline{4}\) \end{document}41] steps were undetectably small, less than 0.1 not s-1. Steps were straight passing above perfect crystalline material, but roughened into two-dimensional dendrites above defective material. Dissolution nucleated shallow ( 90-nm-deep rhombic etch cores. Growth into these etch cores was impeded so that steps moved around them. AFM images of the surface atomic structure revealed rows of atoms along [010] spaced by 0.39 ±0.05 nm with a periodicity along the rows of 0.43 ±0.05 run.
Changes in the Usage of Enterprise Funds by Large City Governments

Using a nationwide sample of large cities, this article analyzes changes in the use of enterprise funds during the past decade. The major findings are that (1) the aggregate number of enterprise funds increased, with the largest increases occurring in solid waste and drainage; (2) part of the increase was offset by the elimination of some enterprise funds, particularly in the area of recreational services; (3) 60 percent of the cities experienced one or more changes in the types of enterprise funds they used; (4) the revenues associated with most types of enterprise funds have increased at a faster rate than general fund revenues; and (5) some cities are using alternative fiscal structures (e.g., special revenue funds and discrete component units) to account for services that are reported as enterprise funds in other cities. A continuum of fiscal structures is presented as a framework for addressing why cities might choose one structure over another and what the possible implications of a particular fiscal structure might be.
Fabrication and Characterization of Uranium Oxide Doped Sol−Gel Planar Waveguides for Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectrometry

Planar integrated optical waveguides doped with fluorescent hexavalent UO22+ ions were fabricated by a sol−gel dip-coating process. Excitation of a mode in these waveguides produced fluorescence emission that decayed in a highly uniform manner as a function of propagation distance. A comparison of methods for determining waveguide attenuation coefficients by digital photography of the mode demonstrated that imaging the UO22+ fluorescence emission is significantly more precise than imaging the Rayleigh and Mie scattered light. The utility of these waveguides for performing attenuated total reflectance measurements on substrate-supported molecular films was also assessed. Both the fluorescence and scattering methods were used to determine the attenuation coefficient of an adsorbed heme protein monolayer. The fluorescence imaging method was clearly superior; its use enables attenuation measurements of very weakly absorbing, waveguide-supported films to be performed with significantly improved precision.
PHOTOPHYSICS AND PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF PHOTOREACTIVATION

— Photoreactivating enzyme (PRE) monomerizes cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers formed in DNA by UV light (Λ < 300 nm). The enzyme requires near UV and visible wavelengths (300 < Λ < 600 nm) for activity. Possible mechanisms of action of the PRE are suggested by non-enzymatic processes in which pyrimidine dimers are monomerized by UV and visible light. Two such non-enzymatic processes are (a) photolysis of dimers resulting from direct absorption of UV, and (b) sensitized monomerization involving charge transfer complexes. Several lines of evidence suggest that the mechanism of action of the PRE more closely resembles (b) than (a). Recent experiments on the PRE from E. coli reveal the presence of new long wavelength absorption which may indicate the presence of a ground state complex. The known ability of PRE to monomerize dimers of thymine, cytosine and uracil suggests that the carbonyl groups at 2 position of the pyrimidine ring may be important in the interaction between enzyme and dimer.
Denys–Drash syndrome (DDS): question

A 7-week-old full-term girl presented to the emergency room with fever, edema, poor oral intake, and irritability. Past medical history was significant for echogenic bowel and pericardial effusion on prenatal ultrasound and elevated AFP and XY karyotype on amniocentesis. Poor feeding since birth was reported despite multiple formula changes. The patient has also been treated for multiple previous infections including oral thrush. Thorough physical examination revealed edema, but the patient was otherwise well appearing with normal female external genitalia. Admission lab work was remarkable for hypoalbuminemia and high testosterone. Her renal function progressively deteriorated, eventually becoming dialysis dependent. Initial pelvic ultrasound demonstrated uterine didelphys with two endometrial cavities and widely separated uterine horns (Fig. 1). No ovaries were identified. Small oval soft tissue structures in each of the inguinal areas were suggestive of testes (Fig. 2). The kidneys were slightly echogenic (Fig. 3) with two small focal parenchymal lesions, confirmed to be solid masses by computed tomography (CT) (Fig. 4). Fig. 1 Pelvic ultrasound. The body of the uterus is separated into two distinctive cavities marked by the echogenic endometrial tissue
The non-plasmin, proteolytic origin of human fibrinogen heterogeneity.

Abstract Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate was employed to compare various minor fibrinogen fractions of normal human plasma with fibrinogen products obtained following plasmin or thrombin digestion of purified bulk fibrinogen (Fraction I-4). It is concluded that plasmin is not responsible for normal human fibrinogen heterogeneity. It is suggested that a non-plasmin proteolytic agent. possibly thrombin, is responsible.
RIO: a real-time multimedia object server

A multimedia object server must be ready to handle a variety of media object types (video, audio, image, 3D interactive, etc.) as well as non real-time workload. Even when a homogeneous set of object types are maintained in the store (e.g., all videos) the storage system workload is generally quite variable due to the need to provide for example, VCR functionality, multiple playout rates, different resolution levels for the same objects, etc. Attempting to carefully layout data and optimally schedule delivery to meet just-in-time delivery constraints is very difficult in the face of this heterogeneous workload. Our approach to the unpredictability of the I/O workload is to randomize the allocation of disk blocks. This turns all workloads into the same uniformly random access pattern and thus gives one problem to deal with. The main disadvantage of this approach is that statistical variation can result in short term imbalances in disk utilization which in turn, cause large variances in latencies. Our approach to this problem is to introduce limited redundancy and asynchronous scheduling for short term load balancing.This approach is being implemented in the RIO (Random I/O) multimedia object server. The RIO multimedia object server provides applications a guaranteed rate of storage access with bounded delay even at very high (> 90%) disk utilization.
Examining Trends in Adolescent Environmental Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors Across Three Decades

Since the Environmental Movement began, adolescents’ views have been largely ignored in studies of public opinion. The article presents a descriptive analysis of trends in the environmental attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of high school seniors from 1976 to 2005 using data from the Monitoring the Future study. Across a range of indicators, environmental concerns of adolescents show increases during the early 1990s and declines across the remainder of the three decades. Declining trends in reports of personal responsibility for the environment, conservation behaviors, and the belief that resources are scarce are particularly noteworthy. Across all years, findings reveal that youth tended to assign responsibility for the environment to the government and consumers rather than accepting personal responsibility. Recent declines in environmental concerns for this nationally representative sample of youth signal the need for a renewed focus on young people’s views and call for better environmental education and governmental leadership.
PP2A:B56ϵ, a Substrate of Caspase-3, Regulates p53-dependent and p53-independent Apoptosis during Development

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is one of the most abundantly expressed serine/threonine protein phosphatases. A large body of evidence suggests that PP2A is a tumor suppressor and plays critical roles in regulating apoptosis. PP2A is a heterotrimeric protein complex. Its substrate specificity, localization, and activity are regulated by regulatory subunits of PP2A. A recent study has demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphism in B56ϵ (PPP2R5E), a B56 family regulatory subunit of PP2A, is associated with human soft tissue sarcoma. This raises the possibility that B56ϵ is involved in tumorigenesis and plays important roles in regulating apoptosis. However, this hypothesis has not been tested experimentally. Our previous studies revealed that B56ϵ regulates a number of developmental signaling pathways during early embryonic patterning. Here we report novel functions of B56ϵ in regulating apoptosis. We provide evidence that B56ϵ has both anti- and pro-apoptotic functions. B56ϵ suppresses p53-independent apoptosis during neural development, but triggers p53-dependent apoptosis. Mechanistically, B56ϵ regulates the p53-dependent apoptotic pathway solely through controlling the stability of p53 protein. In addition to its function in regulating apoptosis, we show that B56ϵ undergoes proteolytic cleavage. The cleavage of B56ϵ is mediated by caspase-3 and occurs on the carboxyl side of an evolutionarily conserved N-terminal “DKXD” motif. These results demonstrate that B56ϵ, a substrate of caspase-3, is an essential regulator of apoptosis. So far, we have identified an alternative translation isoform and a caspase cleavage product of B56ϵ. The significance of post-transcriptional regulation of B56ϵ is discussed.
Combined oral positive inotropic and beta-blocker therapy for treatment of refractory class IV heart failure.

Abstract Objectives. We sought to assess the effects of combined oral positive inotropic and beta-blocker therapy in patients with severe heart failure. Background. Patients with severe, class IV heart failure who receive standard medical therapy exhibit a 1-year mortality rate >50%. Moreover, such patients generally do not tolerate beta-blockade, a promising new therapy for chronic heart failure. Positive inotropes, including phosphodiesterase inhibitors, are associated with increased mortality when administered over the long term in these patients. The addition of a beta-blocker to positive inotropic therapy might attenuate this adverse effect, although long-term oral inotropic therapy might serve as a bridge to beta-blockade. Methods. Thirty patients with severe heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 17.2 ± 1.2%, cardiac index 1.6 ± 0.1 liter/min per m2) were treated with the combination of oral enoximone (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and oral metoprolol at two institutions. Enoximone was given at a dose of ≤1 mg/kg body weight three times a day. After clinical stabilization, metoprolol was initiated at 6.25 mg twice a day and slowly titrated up to a target dose of 100 to 200 mg/day. Results. Ninety-six percent of the patients tolerated enoximone, whereas 80% tolerated the addition of metoprolol. The mean duration of combination therapy was 9.4 ± 1.8 months. The mean length of follow-up was 20.9 ± 3.9 months. Of the 23 patients receiving the combination therapy, 48% were weaned off enoximone over the long term. The LVEF increased significantly, from 17.7 ± 1.6% to 27.6 ± 3.4% (p = 0.01), whereas the New York Heart Association functional class improved from 4 ± 0 to 2.8 ± 0.1 (p = 0.0001). The number of hospital admissions tended to decrease during therapy (p = 0.06). The estimated probability of survival at 1 year was 81 ± 9%. Heart transplantation was performed successfully in nine patients (30%). Conclusions. Combination therapy with a positive inotrope and a beta-blocker appears to be useful in the treatment of severe, class IV heart failure. It may be used as a palliative measure when transplantation is not an option or as a bridge to heart transplantation. Further study of this form of combined therapy is warranted.
Preference and sensory factors in brightness discrimination learning of posterior neodecorticated albino rats

Albino rats preferred the dark areas in a free choice situation, and preference was enhanced at high differential brightness levels. Posterior neodecortication did not reduce dark preference significantly, as it does in hooded rats. Learning was retarded when ablated albinos were forced to approach a high intensity light in the T-maze apparatus. With low illumination, sensory and preference factors were balanced so that scores of light- and dark-positive rats were nearly identical.
Patterns of Parent-Child Interaction in Mexican Families: A Cross-Cultural Perspective.

Systematic observations of parent-child interaction in Mexican families revealed a number of reciprocal patterns of behaviour. Warm, supportive parent behaviour was found to be positively related to both supportive and to assertive, self-expressive child behaviour. Punitive, restrictive parent behaviour and parental attempts at "psychological control" were found to be positively related both to passively resistant and provocatively resistant child behaviour. In addition, sex differences were found in the dyadic patterns that emerged. The implications of these findings, with a focus on how parent-child interaction patterns may affect children's social and emotional development, are discussed from a within-and cross-cultural perspective.
A study of interstellar lines in the rocket spectrum of delta Scorpii

Ten interstellar lines in the vacuum UV spectrum of delta Sco are analyzed which were recorded on rocket spectrograms. Two cloud components are resolved which have Doppler widths of 1.55 km/sec (larger cloud) and 2.16 km/sec (smaller cloud). Column densities are derived for C I, C II, N I, O I, Al II, Si II, and Fe II, and abundances relative to atomic hydrogen are determined from them. Silicon and iron are found to be slightly overabundant relative to the solar abundances, while the other elements are underabundant by factors ranging from 1.8 to 8.6. Mean cloud densities of 250 and 150 per cu cm (for the larger and smaller clouds, respectively) are determined, and the average ratios of electron density to hydrogen-atom density are derived using the column densities of C I and C II. It is shown that the iron abundance can be decreased to less than the solar abundance by doubling the velocity dispersion of the iron ions.
Warm water irrigation for dealing with spasm during colonoscopy: simple, inexpensive, and effective.

Abstract Background: Colonic spasm can interfere with colonoscopy by hindering insertion of the colonoscope and by making polypectomy difficult, painful, and dangerous. Methods for dealing with colonic spasm include waiting for it to subside and administration of antispasmodic agents such as glucagon or hyoscyamine. Glucagon is expensive and hyoscyamine has side effects. This study evaluated an inexpensive technique, warm water irrigation, for overcoming colonic spasm during colonoscopy. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial in a consecutive series of patients was conducted to compare warm water irrigation for relaxation of spasm with standard examination techniques. Patients in whom the sigmoid colon had been resected were excluded. In the test group, water from the hot water tap at approximately body temperature was instilled into the colon by means of the accessory channel of the colonoscope with a 30 mL syringe. Any irrigation, either for removal of stool or control of spasm, was performed with warm water in the test group and water at room temperature in the control group. After each colonoscopy, the level of pain experienced by the patient was recorded with a linear analog scale. Results: Sixty-nine patients were randomized. The groups were similar with respect to gender distribution, age, and degree of spasm. There was no difference between groups for insertion time, total duration of colonoscopy, dose of midazolam administered, or frequency of severe spasm. Patients who had warm water irrigation had significantly less discomfort than control patients (median 2.0, interquartile range: 1-4 on a 10 point linear analog scale, vs. 4.0, interquartile range: 2-5). Conclusions: Although glucagon and hyoscyamine remain options for treatment of colonic spasm, the results of this study suggest that warm water is also effective. It has no side effects and costs practically nothing. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;56:672-4.)