cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PEOPLE MY AGE REMEMBER THESE THINGS BETTER

We conducted a survey to compare a group of older adults’ and a group of younger adults’ beliefs regarding their own and each other's memory abilities. We also asked both age groups to identify items they believed older adults remember well. The survey was returned by 185 older (ages 60‐92) and 184 younger (ages 17‐39) participants. Of the 30 items we generated older adults reported that they would remember 23 better than younger adults would and 7 worse than younger adults would, and younger adults reported that they would remember 12 of the items better and 18 of them worse than older adults. Both age groups also generated many items that they believed older adults remember better than younger adults do. Finally, respondents generated items that they believed adults in their own age group had to remember routinely that adults in the other age group did not. The two groups agreed that older adults would spend more time and have more difficulty learning lines for presentation to an audience than would you...
CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β is required for mitotic clonal expansion during adipogenesis

Hormonal induction of growth-arrested 3T3-L1 preadipocytes triggers a signaling cascade that culminates in adipogenesis. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)β is expressed immediately but gains DNA-binding activity only after a long lag as the cells synchronously begin mitotic clonal expansion (MCE). After MCE, a process required for adipogenesis, C/EBPβ activates expression of C/EBPα and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, which then transcriptionally activate genes that produce the adipocyte phenotype. When mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) are subjected to the same differentiation protocol, a subset of the MEFs undergoes a similar program of events. Similar to 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, the MEFs reenter the cell cycle (as indicated by the synchronous expression of cyclin A) and undergo MCE as evidenced by the incorporation of BrdUrd into DNA and the formation of mitotic foci of cells that undergo adipogenesis. C/EBPβ is expressed immediately after induction but exhibits delayed acquisition of DNA-binding activity followed by expression of adipocyte markers and the accumulation of cytoplasmic triglyceride. MEFs from C/EBPβ(−/−) mice, however, neither undergo MCE nor differentiate into adipocytes. Forced expression of C/EBPβ (LAP) but not dominant-negative C/EBPβ (LIP) in C/EBPβ(−/−) MEFs restores MCE, expression of adipocyte markers, and the capacity to form mitotic foci of cells that undergo adipogenesis. These findings demonstrate that expression of C/EBPβ is a prerequisite for MCE in the adipocyte-differentiation program.
Evaluation of blood vessel and neurite growth into a collagen matrix placed within a surgically created gap in rat spinal cord.

A complete gap of 3–4 mm was surgically created in the spinal cord of adult rats between the T8-T10 vertebral level, filled with a collagen matrix and closed with sutures. Animals were killed at weekly intervals from 14 to 42 days postimplantation. The collagen implant (CI) was evaluated for ingrowth of blood vessels and neurites using light and electron microscopic techniques. At 42 days postimplantation, 3 CI animals underwent a transection at the rostro-caudal center of the CI followed by placement of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-impregnated filter paper between the cut ends. The number and location of HRP-labeled cells in CI animals were compared to normal animals that received a spinal cord transection at the T9 vertebral level immediately followed by placement the cut stumps of spinal cord. Connective tissue (CT) septae, neurites and blood vessels invaded the CI from adjacent spinal neuropil and surrounding CT capsule. CI animals revealed HRP-labeled cells in the intermediolateral cell column (IML), parabrachial nuclei, locus coeruleus and red nucleus with a preponderance of labeled cells found in the IML rostral to the CI. In contrast, no IML were labeled in thoracic spinal cord rostral to HRP implantation in control animals. It was concluded that the above brainstem nuclei, which normally project axons into spinal cord, are capable of extending their severed axons into the CI following spinal cord injury and that uninjured IML cells also sprout axons into the CI.
Inhibition of GTP-dependent vesicle trafficking impairs internalization of plasmalemmal eNOS and cellular nitric oxide production.

The Ca 2+ mobilizing peptide, bradykinin (BK), stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived cellular nitric oxide (NO) production in association with altering the subcellular distribution of the enzyme. In the present study we examine the influence of cellular GTPases, particularly the large GTPase dynamin, on BK-mediated eNOS localization and cellular NO production. BK stimulation of ECV cells, which were stably transfected with eNOS-GFP (eNOS-GFP ECV304), increased NO production. This was associated with the mobilization of eNOS-GFP protein into Triton X-100-insoluble fractions of cell lysates, and an internalization of plasmalemmal eNOS-GFP in live and fixed ECV 304 cells. Incubation of digitonin-permeabilized ECV304 cells with the nonhydrolyzed GTP analog, GTP-γ-S, abrogated the BKmediated internalization of eNOS-GFP as assessed by confocal microscopy. Conversely, inhibition of clathrindependent endocytosis, via overexpression of AP 180 or pretreatment of cells with chlorpromazine, did not influence BK-mediated eNOS redistribution. Furthermore, specific inhibition of dynamin-2 GTPase function by overexpression of a dominant negative construct, K44A, prevented the BK-mediated enrichment of eNOS-GFP within low buoyant density, caveolin-enriched fractions of eNOS-GFP ECV304 cell lysates. Dynamin-2 K44A overexpression also markedly impaired BK-dependent, L-NAME-inhibited NO production as did incubation of permeabilized cells with GTP-γ-s. These studies demonstrate that disruption of dynamin- and GTPdependent, but clathrin-independent, vesicle trafficking pathways impairs BK-dependent cellular NO production, via inhibition of the internalization of eNOS-containing plasmalemmal vesicles. Summary
The spectrin network as a barrier to lateral diffusion in erythrocytes. A percolation analysis

The spectrin network on the cytoplasmic surface of an erythrocyte can be modeled as a triangular lattice of spectrin tetramers (Tsuji, A., and S. Ohnishi, 1986. Biochemistry. 25:6133–6139). The tetramers act as barriers to protein diffusion, while dissociated dimer pairs, single dimers, and missing tetramers do not. Diffusion in the presence of these barriers is shown to be equivalent to bond percolation on the honeycomb lattice. Monte Carlo calculations for this system then yield the relative diffusion constant of a mobile integral protein as a function of the fraction of spectrin tetramers. At high concentrations of spectrin tetramer, long-range diffusion is blocked, but short-range diffusion is still possible. Monte Carlo calculations yield the average distance over which short-range diffusion can occur, as a function of the fraction of spectrin tetramers. Applications to erythrocyte development and hereditary hemolytic anemia are discussed.
Social Economics and Risk Analysis

Risk analysis studies the likelihood and potential severity of harm created by a hazard. Research suggests that public “paranoia” about environmental risks is a product of mistrust, and that perceptions should carry weight in public policy. Application of social economic's “dual self” framework suggests that the willingness-to-pay approach to deciding whether risk reduction efforts are economical is flawed in its presumption against public values, its bias against the poor and the unborn, and its neglect of risk prevention. If comparative risk analysis can minimize rent-seeking and view environmental protection as an investment good, it may improve environmental policy.
Trials and Tribulations of Third World Petroleum Development: Lessons and Advice for Prospective Producers

This paper presents a variety of lessons for governments of developing countries about how to begin to operate as new oil producers in the world petroleum market. Lessons, drawn from the recent experiences of currently producing LDCs, are identified for each stage of the industry from exploration and development through procurement and supply to refining and marketing.
Essential fatty acid consumption and risk of breast cancer

Animal and ecological studies of essential fatty acids suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils and omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils may be playing a role in the etiology of breast cancer. Essential fatty acids may modulate breast cancer risk by interacting with prostaglandins, which have immunosuppressive and platelet aggregative capabilities. The fatty acid composition of adipose tissue reflects the dietary consumption of essential fatty acids over a period of years. Biochemical techniques have been used in epidemiological studies to accurately estimate fatty acid consumption. However, analytical epidemiology studies that have used biochemical measurements of adipose tissue fatty acid composition, have not supported a relationship between consumption of these essential fatty acids and breast cancer risk.
Miniaturization of electronics and its limits

The long-continued advance of the performance of information processing technologies has been based on miniaturization of components. The history of miniaturization is presented through examples. They suggest that limits proposed by Landauer in the 1960s will be reached in two or three decades.
Interactions between NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors in the control of micturition in the rat.

In unanesthetized decerebrate rats, GYKI 52466 (1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine hydrochloride), an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, and MK-801 (dizocilpine), an NMDA receptor antagonist, acted synergistically to depress the micturition reflex. MK-801 (1 mg/kg i.v.) and GYKI 52466 (4 mg/kg i.v.) administered separately had no or only a small depressant effect on reflex bladder contractions but markedly depressed external urethral sphincter activity. However, in MK-801-treated rats, GYKI 52466 decreased the amplitude, frequency and duration of reflex bladder contractions. These results suggest that both AMPA/kainate and NMDA glutamate receptors are important in the micturition reflex pathway and that these receptors may be activated in parallel at some site in the pathway so that excitatory transmission via only one receptor type is sufficient to mediate reflex activation of the bladder.
Application of a nuclear magnetic resonance signal area theorem to multiple pulse sequences

A study of radiation damping e ects in inhomogeneously broadened systems leads to an analytical theorem that relates the time integral area of the nuclear magnetic resonance signal to the tipping angle of the magnetization caused by the circuit generated reaction field. The theorem is applied to predict relative signal areas in examples of pulse sequences. In a few selected cases these predictions are also checked by experiment.
Visual analysis of brain activity from fMRI data

Classically, analysis of the time-varying data acquired during fMRI experiments is done using static activation maps obtained by testing voxels for the presence of significant activity using statistical methods. The models used in these analysis methods have a number of parameters, which profoundly impact the detection of active brain areas. Also, it is hard to study the temporal dependencies and cascading effects of brain activation from these static maps. In this paper, we propose a methodology to visually analyze the time dimension of brain function with a minimum amount of processing, allowing neurologists to verify the correctness of the analysis results, and develop a better understanding of temporal characteristics of the functional behaviour. The system allows studying time-series data through specific volumes-of-interest in the brain-cortex, the selection of which is guided by a hierarchical clustering algorithm performed in the wavelet domain. We also demonstrate the utility of this tool by presenting results on a real data-set.
Initial cytoplasmic and phagosomal consequences of human neutrophil exposure to Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Microorganisms are recognized by specific phagocyte surface receptors. Liganded receptors then signal a series of events leading to phagocytosis and destruction of the organism by oxidative, lytic, and associated processes. Some organisms, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), Cryptococcus neoformans (Cf), and others, evade such destruction, surviving and sometimes multiplying within the phagosome to later cause disease. To study such evasion, we developed protocols which permit simultaneous kinetic measurement of early cytoplasmic signaling and of phagosomal pH (pHp) and oxidative burst, on a cell-by-cell basis, of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes exposed to fluorescently labeled, nonpathogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis (Se). The availability of a new, highly sensitive pH probe, pHrodo™, permits observation of increasing pHp. Simultaneous labeling of the organism, applicable to any phagocyte target, with a probe insensitive to pH and oxidative species, such as AlexaFluor350™, permits distinction between binding and functional responses to it by ratioing fluorescences. Addition of an extracellular-specific quencher (Trypan blue) permits distinction between bound and phagosome-enclosed targets, so that conditions within the closed phagosome can be studied. We found that opsonization is required for functional activation of PMN by Se, that the organism causes early alkalinization of the phagosome (in contrast to Cf which hyperacidifies it), and that extracellular Ca2+ is not required for cytoplasmic Ca2+ signaling but contributes markedly to binding of Se to PMN and to ensuant bactericidal functions. These findings lead to a new approach to the study of select organisms, like Cf and Mtb, which evade killing by manipulating the phagosomal environment. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: A View for the Internist

Abstract ▪Purpose:To review the status of surgical and medical therapy for diabetic retinopathy from the perspective of the non-ophthalmologist. ▪Data Sources:Relevant English-language articles pub...
Inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by uteroglobin

Uteroglobin, a steroid-dependent, small molecular weight (15K) protein in the rabbit, inhibited thrombin-induced aggregation of both rabbit and human gel-filtered platelets (GFP). GFP aggregation by arachidonic acid was not affected by uteroglobin. There were no effects of uteroglobin on thrombin-induced clotting of plasma or purified fibrinogen, or inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin III. Additionally, preliminary results suggest that uteroglobin does not interfere with binding of thrombin to platelets. We suggest that inhibition of platelet aggregation by uteroglobin may function in preventing thrombosis and ensuring free flow of blood through the microvasculature of the uterus and the placenta and may induce some of the antimotility effects of progesterone on the uterus.
Nifuroxazide inhibits survival of multiple myeloma cells by directly inhibiting STAT3

Constitutive activation of the transcription factor STAT3 contributes to the pathogenesis of many cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). Since STAT3 is dispensable in most normal tissue, targeted inhibition of STAT3 is an attractive therapy for patients with these cancers. To identify STAT3 inhibitors, we developed a transcriptionally based assay and screened a library of compounds known to be safe in humans. We found the drug nifuroxazide to be an effective inhibitor of STAT3 function. Nifuroxazide inhibits the constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3 in MM cells by reducing Jak kinase autophosphorylation, and leads to down-regulation of the STAT3 target gene Mcl-1. Nifuroxazide causes a decrease in viability of primary myeloma cells and myeloma cell lines containing STAT3 activation, but not normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Although bone marrow stromal cells provide survival signals to myeloma cells, nifuroxazide can overcome this survival advantage. Reflecting the interaction of STAT3 with other cellular pathways, nifuroxazide shows enhanced cytotoxicity when combined with either the histone deacetylase inhibitor depsipeptide or the MEK inhibitor UO126. Therefore, using a mechanistic-based screen, we identified the clinically relevant drug nifuroxazide as a potent inhibitor of STAT signaling that shows cytotoxicity against myeloma cells that depend on STAT3 for survival.
Anion-Exchange Chromatographic Separation of Hg for Isotope Ratio Measurements by Multicollector ICPMS

A procedure is described for precise Hg isotope ratio measurements by solution nebulization multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS). Hg was released from geological samples using aqua regia extraction and then separated from other matrix elements with the aid of anion-exchange chromatography using strongly basic Dowex 1-X8 anion-exchange resin. Performance of the chromatographic procedure was evaluated using various types of replacement anions for elution of mercury, including l-cysteine, thiourea, NO3-, and SO42-. A solution of 0.15% l-cysteine in 0.06 M HCl was found to be the most convenient eluent for subsequent MC-ICPMS measurements. The optimized procedure provides separation of Hg from virtually all concomitant matrix elements while maintaining quantitative (>95%) recovery. In addition, band displacement chromatographic experiments were conducted to assess whether the anion-exchange purification can produce Hg isotope fractionation artifacts. No isotope fractionation ...
A Preliminary Evaluation of Adjuncts to Motivational Interviewing for Psychiatrically Complex Smokers

Two hundred eight psychiatrically complex military veterans (97% male; n = 201) were recruited as part of a study investigating the differential efficacy of three brief (one-session) motivational interviewing (MI) interventions to yield changes in smoking behavior. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three MI interventions: MI alone, MI plus breathing instruction, or MI plus incentive spirometry (a tool for feedback about lung function and an inexpensive form of biofeedback. Results suggested that smoking behavior, measured by self-reported number of cigarettes per day and confirmed by expired carbon monoxide levels, decreased across groups over time. However, there were no differences among treatment conditions on cigarettes per day or measures of tobacco dependence. Implications for harm reduction in this challenging population are discussed.
In-vivo singlet oxygen threshold doses for PDT.

Objective Dosimetry of singlet oxygen (1O2) is of particular interest because it is the major cytotoxic agent causing biological effects for type-II photosensitizers during photodynamic therapy (PDT). An in-vivo model to determine the singlet oxygen threshold dose, [1O2]rx,sh, for PDT was developed.
Laser scanning of experimental solar cells

Standard measurements of photovoltaic parameters are typically analyzed by modeling the solar cell as a two-terminal device with spatially uniform characteristics. These measurements give the average response of the cell, but provide little information on local features and flaws which are important in determining cell quality. In this paper we describe an instrument which measures and displays the response of the solar cell to a precisely positioned spot of HeNe laser light. By scanning the spot across the cell surface we can create a map of the spatial variation in response of the cell. This map allows us to isolate flaws in cell contact integrity, locate open top surface grid lines, and evaluate fundamental junction performance. The system is useful for identifying and locating changes in the cell as it progresses through various experiments (e.g. stability studies). The laser scanner system is designed to be flexible and can accomodate different types of solar cell materials and a wide range of spot and scan sizes. We describe several modes of operation of the equipment, and present results from two photovoltaic materials (CdS/Cu2S and Zn3P2) which demonstrate the capabilities of the system. Finally we discuss some of the proposed future uses of the system.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MULTIPLE EXCITATIONS AND THE YIELD OF CHLOROPHYLL a FLUORESCENCE IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC SYSTEMS

. Analysis of the effect of multiple excitations on chlorophyll a fluorescence yields in the green alga Chlorella reveals several distinct reactions. The first excitation in dark-z-adapted units produces photochemistry and the high yield state with a rise time of 35 ns. It is ascribed to a change in coupling between the antenna pigments and the photochemical trap. The second hit produces with the same quantum yield a quenched state which changes to the high yield state with a rise time of 4 μs. This is ascribed to the formation and the decay of a particular carotenoid triplet state near the funnel or antenna-trap junction. Further hits produce enhanced quenching assigned to mobile triplets with lifetimes in the order of 100 ns. The fluorescence yield decreases monotonically with increasing excitations during the 7 ns pulse. This effect can be adequately ascribed to annihilation of excitations with lifetimes longer than the trapping time, or by a unique model of a multi-trapped unit. The latter model is favored by arguments based both on the absence of a local maximum in the graph of fluorescence yield vs excitation energy and on the fact that the high yield state shows a different behaviour on multiple excitation, fit by a single-trapped unit. This analysis is related to that used in experiments with ps flashes and is applied to the qualitatively different bacterial system.
Concise review: Stem cells, myocardial regeneration, and methodological artifacts

This review discusses the current controversy about the role that endogenous and exogenous progenitor cells have in cardiac homeostasis and myocardial regeneration following injury. Although great enthusiasm was created by the possibility of reconstituting the damaged heart, the opponents of this new concept of cardiac biology have interpreted most of the findings supporting this possibility as the product of technical artifacts. This article challenges this established, static view of cardiac growth and favors the notion that the mammalian heart has the inherent ability to replace its cardiomyocytes through the activation of a pool of resident primitive cells or the administration of hematopoietic stem cells.
Ceftobiprole: a new β-lactam antibiotic

Summary The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance in general, and that of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in particular, is raising significant medical, economical and public health challenges worldwide, both within hospitals and throughout the community. These considerations, along with the extensive time and costs associated with the development and approval of new therapeutic agents, represent some of the major reasons why understanding the advantages and limitations of new antibiotics, ensuring their judicious use and maximising their active shelf life should become global priorities. On March 18, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration issued an approvable letter for ceftobiprole, a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic active against MRSA and other clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Ceftobiprole is currently available only for parenteral administration, and besides its remarkable antimicrobial spectrum, this antibiotic possesses additional desirable characteristics, such as low propensity to select for resistance, efficacy in animal models of disease and good safety profile. Furthermore, in recently completed clinical trials, ceftobiprole demonstrated non-inferiority to comparator compounds such as vancomycin, and emerged as a promising clinical option of monotherapy for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections and community-acquired pneumonia. Here, we discuss some of the most important clinically relevant findings on ceftobiprole obtained from in vitro studies, animal models of disease and recently completed phase III clinical trials.
Concentrations of cat and dust‐mite allergens in dust samples from 92 large US office buildings from the BASE Study

UNLABELLED The concentrations of cat (Fel d1) and dust-mite (Der f1 and Der p1) allergens were measured in 92 large office buildings in the US Environmental Protection Agency's Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) Study (251 dust samples; one to four samples per building). Fel d1 was detected in almost all buildings and samples (91 buildings, 99%; 235 samples, 94%; range: <0.01-19 microg/g; median: 0.3 microg/g). Cat allergen exceeded 1 microg/g (a lower symptom threshold) in 56 samples (22%) from 45 buildings, but exceeded 8 microg/g (a sensitization threshold) in only two samples (1%) from two buildings. Der f1 or Der p1 was found in approximately half of all buildings and samples (63 and 70% of buildings; 45 and 51% of samples; range: <0.01-53 microg/g and <0.01-25 microg/g; median: <0.02 and 0.03 microg/g, respectively). Mite allergen exceeded 2 microg/g (a sensitization threshold) in seven samples (3%) from five buildings and exceeded 10 microg/g (a symptom threshold) in three samples (1%) from three buildings. Fel d1 concentration was significantly higher in samples collected in summer (June to September, 48 buildings), but cat allergen was not correlated with either mite allergen. Der f1, but not Der p1, concentration tended to be higher in samples collected in winter (December to April, 44 buildings), and the two mite allergens were significantly correlated only in winter. Cat and mite allergens were detected in 78% of representative US office buildings, but the concentrations seldom exceeded levels associated with sensitization or symptom provocation. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The information on the concentrations of cat and dust-mite allergens in representative large US offices has expanded the baseline data available for interpretation of measurements from other building investigations. With suggested refinements, the BASE protocol for measurement of allergen concentrations in dust samples may serve as a guide to future studies of building characteristics, bioaerosol concentrations, and occupant perceptions of the indoor environment.
Motor Learning through Induced Variability at the Task Goal and Execution Redundancy Levels

The authors examined the influence of introducing variability at two different levels in the learning of a striking task. Variability at the task goal level was introduced by changing target location, whereas variability at the execution redundancy level was introduced by using an intermediate target that constrained participants to use different paths from trial to trial to strike the same target. After practice, participants were transferred to 2 test conditions: (a) a fixed-target test, where the position of the target was unchanged; and (b) a variable-target test, where the position of the target was varied from trial to trial. The results from the manipulation at the task goal level were consistent with predictions from the specificity of practice hypothesis. In both the fixed- and variable-target tests, the best performance was achieved by the group that had practiced in the condition matching the test condition. At the execution-redundancy level, practicing multiple solutions to achieve the task goal did not improve performance in either the fixed- or variable-target tests. These results show that introducing variability at the task goal and execution redundancy levels has different effects on learning and generalization and that practice schedules that constrain the participant to use redundant solutions may not facilitate learning.
God's Place in the World: Sacred Space and Sacred Place in Judaism

God's Place in the World: Sacred Space and Sacred Place in Judaism. Seth D. Kunin. London: Cassell, 1998. vii +163 pp., bibliography, index.
Rainfall and depredation of nests of the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta

It is commonly thought that predators use olfactory cues to find turtle nests and that these cues are diminished by rainfall. We studied the relationship between rainfall on the date of oviposition and depredation of nests of the Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta, on a major nesting beach between 1996 and 2003. We analyzed two scenarios: rainfall versus no rainfall on the date of oviposition; and no rainfall versus intense or weak rainfall on the date of oviposition. For the first scenario, we found no consistent association between rainfall and nest depredation before hatching. In 1996, rainfall on the date of oviposition appeared to increase the chance of nest depredation; in 2000, it appeared to decrease the chance of nest depredation; and there was no statistically significant relationship in the remaining years or overall. In the second analysis, the relative amount of rain was associated with nest depredation before hatching. Nests constructed on days with a larger amount of rain were less likely to be depredated than nests constructed on days with no rain or smaller amounts of rain. Nests constructed on days with smaller amounts of rain were more likely to be depredated than nests constructed on days with no rain.
Agricultural Graduate Earnings: The Impacts of College, Career, and Gender

Survey data were used to identify determinants of starting and current salaries of agricultural graduates from Kansas State University from 1976-97. Salaries were significantly influenced by major field, advanced degrees, job location, gender and family variables, motivation for accepting a job, and job mobility. Salary structures were estimated separately for male and female alumni. Women earned less than men, after controlling for observed differences between the two groups. Decomposition of the salary differential revealed that gender salary differences were primarily due to differences between sexes in starting salaries, field of study, job experience, and higher returns to married men. Careers of agricultural alumni have changed rapidly over the past several decades as the food economy has entered the information age (Goodman). Employers of agricultural graduates have increased their emphasis on computer-, people-, and teamwork-related skills (Litzenberg and Schneider; Andelt, Barrett, and Bosshamer). Given the major changes in the career expectations and experiences of agricultural alumni, up-to-date information on salaries and career experiences is a vital ingredient for sound, forward-looking college and career decisions. The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify the determinants of both starting and current (August 1997) salaries of agricultural alumni with the use of a large survey sample of twenty-two graduating classes (1976 to 1997) from the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University (KSU). This recent and extensive sample provides new insight on how starting salaries have changed over time, and how sal
Trustworthiness and authority of scholarly information in a digital age: Results of an international questionnaire

An international survey of over 3,600 researchers examined how trustworthiness and quality are determined for making decisions on scholarly reading, citing, and publishing and how scholars perceive changes in trust with new forms of scholarly communication. Although differences in determining trustworthiness and authority of scholarly resources exist among age groups and fields of study, traditional methods and criteria remain important across the board. Peer review is considered the most important factor for determining the quality and trustworthiness of research. Researchers continue to read abstracts, check content for sound arguments and credible data, and rely on journal rankings when deciding whether to trust scholarly resources in reading, citing, or publishing. Social media outlets and open access publications are still often not trusted, although many researchers believe that open access has positive implications for research, especially if the open access journals are peer reviewed.
Iran's ‘White Revolution’: a Study in Political Development

Iran is entering the second decade of its ‘White Revolution’. The Shâh has set forth his own account of it,2 but the scholarly community has, as yet, made no serious attempt at analysing it.3 This omission is glaring regardless of justifications. It is, in fact, an omission which verges on scholarly neglect because, if there is any validity in the propositions of this study, better understanding of Iran's contemporary achievements and dilemmas would seem to require probing the very meaning of the ‘White Revolution’ by going beyond its official label and the adumbration of its programs. The purpose of this paper is to do exactly that. And toward that end it shall seek to utilize concepts of political development as suggested in particular by Professor Gabriel Almond. We prefer these concepts because they facilitate examination of the ‘White Revolution’ within the broad and fundamental framework of the major challenges of Western civilization to Iran.
Dynamics of Malaria Drug Resistance Patterns in the Amazon Basin Region following Changes in Peruvian National Treatment Policy for Uncomplicated Malaria

Monitoring changes in the frequencies of drug-resistant and -sensitive genotypes can facilitate in vivo clinical trials to assess the efficacy of drugs before complete failure occurs. Peru changed its national treatment policy for uncomplicated malaria to artesunate (ART)-plus-mefloquine (MQ) combination therapy in the Amazon basin in 2001. We genotyped isolates collected in 1999 and isolates collected in 2006 to 2007 for mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes, multidrug resistance gene 1 (Pfmdr-1), the chloroquine (CQ) resistance transporter gene (Pfcrt), and the Ca2+ ATPase gene (PfATP6); these have been shown to be involved in resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), MQ, CQ, and possibly ART, respectively. Microsatellite haplotypes around the Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfcrt, and Pfmdr-1 loci were also determined. There was a significant decline in the highly SP resistant Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genotypes from 1999 to 2006. In contrast, a CQ-resistant Pfcrt genotype increased in frequency during the same period. Among five different Pfmdr-1 allelic forms noted in 1999, two genotypes increased in frequency while one genotype decreased by 2006. We also noted previously undescribed polymorphisms in the PfATP6 gene as well as an increase in the frequency of a deletion mutant during this period. In addition, microsatellite analysis revealed that the resistant Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, and Pfcrt genotypes have each evolved from a single founder haplotype, while Pfmdr-1 genotypes have evolved from at least two independent haplotypes. Importantly, this study demonstrates that the Peruvian triple mutant Pfdhps genotypes are very similar to those found in other parts of South America.
Modeling of nitrogen oxides formation and destruction in combustion systems

Abstract The formation of nitrogen oxides (NO X ) in combustion systems is a significant pollutant source in the environment, and the control of NO X emissions is a world-wide concern as the utilization of fossil fuels continues to increase. In addition, the use of alternative fuels, which are typically of lower quality, tends to worsen the problem. Advances in the science of NO X reactions, mathematical modeling, and increased performance of computer systems have made comprehensive modeling of NO X formation and destruction a valuable tool to provide insights and understanding of the NO X reaction processes in combustion systems. This technology has the potential to enhance the application of various combustion techniques used to reduce NO X emissions from practical combustion systems. This paper presents a review of modeling of NO X reactions in combustion systems, with an emphasis on coal-fired systems, including current NO X control technologies, NO X reaction processes, and techniques to calculate chemical kinetics in turbulent flames. Models of NO X formation in combustion systems are reviewed. Comparisons of measured and predicted values of NO X concentrations are shown for several full-scale and laboratory-scale systems. Applications of NO X models for developing technologies, in order to reduce NO X emissions from combustion systems are also reported, including the use of over-fire air, swirling combustion air streams, fuel type, burner tilt angle, use of reburning fuels, and other methods.
Focus on issues in measuring and interpreting changes in the QTc interval duration

Subtle changes on the ECG associated with reports of sudden death produced by non-cardiac drugs, has forced regulatory authorities to be extremely sensitive to ECG findings in drug development programmes. These concerns require pharmaceutical sponsors to re-evaluate their preclinical screening programmes and to consider risk-benefit analyses of continuing a drug’s development depending on the electrophysiological eects uncovered. Furthermore, during clinical testing, the non-rigorous, site-specific, and largely uncontrolled methods for performing and analysing ECGs that are currently practised should now be reconsidered. Current methods, which lack standards for interpretation, and yield poor quality data, increase the subsequent risk of false positive or false negative ECG safety results. False positive data may result in a drug not receiving regulatory approval (or the sponsor having to perform additional expensive clinical trials or retrospective reviews of existing ECG data). More worrisome are false negative studies which result in approval followed by unexpected cardiac toxicity (when the drug is taken by a larger and uncontrolled patient population) and ultimately withdrawal from the market. The economic consequences of either of these outcomes are not acceptable. Core ECG laboratories, with cardiovascular expertise, state-of-the-art information management technologies, and ECG reading systems, which are validated, quality assured, and constantly audited, can cost-eectively manage a product’s entire ECG safety programme. Finally, with all ECG data residing in one unified database, the validation and integration of clinical research data can be completed more rapidly with consequent dramatic reductions in the time required to prepare an NDA and ultimately gain regulatory approval. (Eur Heart J Supplements 2001; 3 (Suppl K): K105‐K111)
On the Degrees of Freedom of Finite State Compound Wireless Networks

We explore the degrees of freedom (DoF) of three classes of finite state compound wireless networks in this paper. First, we study the multiple-input single-output (MISO) finite state compound broadcast channel (BC) with arbitrary number of users and antennas at the transmitter. In prior work, Weingarten have found inner and outer bounds on the DoF with 2 users. The bounds have a different character. While the inner bound collapses to unity as the number of states increases, the outer bound does not diminish with the increasing number of states beyond a threshold value. It has been conjectured that the outer bound is loose and the inner bound represents the actual DoF. In the complex setting (all signals, noise, and channel coefficients are complex variables), we solve a few cases to find that the outer bound - and not the inner bound - of Weingarten is tight. For the real setting (all signals, noise, and channel coefficients are real variables), we completely characterize the DoF, once again proving that the outer bound of Weingarten is tight. We also extend the results to arbitrary number of users. Second, we characterize the DoF of finite state scalar (single antenna nodes) compound X networks with arbitrary number of users in the real setting. Third, we characterize the DoF of finite state scalar compound interference networks with arbitrary number of users in both the real and complex setting. The key finding is that scalar interference networks and (real) X networks do not lose any DoF due to channel uncertainty at the transmitter in the finite state compound setting. The finite state compound MISO BC does lose DoF relative to the perfect CSIT scenario. However, what is lost is only the DoF benefit of joint processing at transmit antennas, without which the MISO BC reduces to an X network.
Synthetic aperture focusing techniques applied in the near field of a focused transducer

Synthetic aperture focusing techniques (SAFT) are used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ultrasonic images. The effect of applying SAFT in the near-field of a focused transducer is studied. The variations in the near-field zone are derived analytically and used to modify the SAFT algorithm. SAFT is performed on both the RF data and the envelope of the signal. Experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach are presented.
Involvement with the criminal justice system among new clients at outpatient mental health agencies.

Objective: This study assessed involvement with the criminal justice system among new clients of community mental health centers and selfhelp agencies in order to determine the characteristics and service needs of this population. Such information has implications for improving the care available for persons with mental illness who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Methods: Interview assessments and criminal records were obtained for 673 new clients of 21 outpatient mental health agencies. Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, and multivariate analysis of variance were used to describe these new help-seekers and their involvement with the criminal justice system. Results: A total of 303 study participants (45 percent) had at least one contact with the criminal justice system before arriving at the agency, with an approximately equal percentage at community mental health centers and self-help agencies. The mean±SD number of contacts with the criminal justice system was 7.81±9.12. A total of 240 individuals (36 percent) had at least one criminal conviction, including 128 (19 percent) with a felony conviction. Common charges and convictions included petty theft, assault and battery, felony theft, narcotics offenses, and misdemeanor drug offenses. Clients who had been involved with the criminal justice system were more likely to be homeless, to have drug dependence, to have greater psychological disability, and to have less personal empowerment than other clients. Conclusions: The population overlap between the mental health system and criminal justice system and the multiple problems facing criminally involved clients argues for greater collaboration between the two systems and a comprehensive package of services to meet the multiple needs of this population. The equal distribution of these individuals and similar offense patterns at both types of agencies necessitates further consideration of the role that nontraditional service providers have in serving individuals with a history of involvement with the criminal justice system (Psychiatric Services 56:179–185, 2005)
Decline in Incident Coronary Heart Disease Why Are the Rates Falling

In the fall of 1979, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute held a conference on the decline in coronary heart disease (CHD) death rates. It was apparent that in the previous 10 to 15 years, the epidemic crested and began to fall.1 The reasons for this decline were unclear, but many hypotheses were offered. Explanations ranged from death classification artifact, new coronary care units, and coronary surgery to broad social change. Many were more than willing to take credit for this change, but few data were available. A search for explanations began. Article p 598 Three major themes emerged as possible explanations: (1) primary prevention through risk factor reduction, including public health measures such as reduction in cigarettes and clinical approaches such as lipid and blood pressure management; (2) modern care for acute coronary syndromes, including emergency services, coronary care units, and revascularization strategies; and (3) secondary prevention in those with known CHD, including revascularization, medications, and lifestyle approaches. Each of these has substantial clinical trial evidence to support its utility in reducing new cases (incidence), recurrent events, and/or death. Early attempts to understand the causes were hampered by a lack of data. Stern2 suggested that a decline in mortality was related to improved diet, reduced smoking, …
Responses of Hyalella azteca and chironomus tentans to particle-size distribution and organic matter content of formulated and natural freshwater sediments

The freshwater amphipod, Hyalella azteca (Saussure), and midge, Chironomus tentans (Fabricius), were exposed to formulated sediments and nontoxic field collected sediments for 10 d to determine their responses to varying sediment particle sizes (0 to 100% sand, 0 to 100% silt, 0 to 60% clay) and organic matter content (0 12 to 7 8%) of freshwater sediments In experiments with formulated sediments, H azteca survival was >80% when exposed for 10 d to all particle size regimes exammed Subsequent exposures of H azteca to field collected sediments resulted in >80% H azteca survival in all sediments Field collected sediments with organic matter content ranging from 0 12 to 7 8% yielded no observed effects on amphipod survival, which ranged from 84 to 100% Survival of C tentans ranged from 4 to 56% when exposed to formulated sediments for 10 d with 0% particulate organic matter content A threshold organic matter content between 0 76 and 0 91% was observed for C tentans exposed to formulated and field collected sediments Chironomus tentans survival was >80% in all cases when exposed to various particle size regimes in formulated sediments containing 2 5% particulate organic matter Formulated sediments were suitable for determining H azteca and C tentans responses to particle size regimes and organic matter content of sediments, as test results using formulated and natural sediments were in agreement Except for C tentans observed intolerance of <0 76 to 0 91% organic matter content of sediments, C tentans and H azteca are suitable benthic toxicity testing organisms for determining the potential toxicity of sediments with a wide range of particle size regimes and organic matter content
Student autonomy and course value: The unique and cumulative roles of various teacher practices

High school students (N = 278) in 30 classrooms with ten teachers (grades 9 through 12) reported on teacher practices in a single course, autonomy need satisfaction, and value for that course. Using hierarchical linear modeling, results indicated that student perceptions of teachers providing choices and engaging in perspective-taking to a greater extent uniquely related to greater autonomy need satisfaction. Subsequent analyses suggested that students’ autonomy need satisfaction was greatest when they perceived that teachers also identified the importance and usefulness of coursework and considered students’ interests and opinions in course activities. Provision of choice and perspective-taking related to greater course value through autonomy need satisfaction, while identifying the importance and usefulness of course activities had only direct positive effects on course value. The pattern of total, direct, and indirect effects was slightly different depending on the component of course value. Results underscore the importance of including provision of choice in conceptualizations of teacher autonomy support.