cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant genetics: increased outcrossing in hothead mutants.

Arising from: S. J. Lolle, J. L. Victor, J. M. Young & R. E. Pruitt Nature 434, 505–509 (2005); Lolle et al. reply Lolle et al.1 report that loss-of-function alleles of the HOTHEAD (HTH) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana are genetically unstable, giving rise to wild-type revertants. On the basis of the reversion of many other genetic markers in hth plants, they suggested a model in which a cache of extragenomic information could cause genes to revert to the genotype of previous generations. In our attempts to reproduce this phenomenon, we discovered that hth mutants show a marked tendency to outcross (unlike wild-type A. thaliana, which is almost exclusively self-fertilizing2). Moreover, when hth plants are grown in isolation, their genetic inheritance is completely stable. These results may provide an alternative explanation for the genome wide non-mendelian inheritance reported by Lolle et al.
Progesterone as a partial glucocorticoid agonist in L929 mouse fibroblasts: effects on cell growth, glutamine synthetase induction and glucocorticoid receptors.

Abstract Progesterone has partial agonistic activity in L929 mouse fibroblasts. It inhibits cell growth to the same maximal level as cortisol, and it stimulates glutamine synthetase ( ED 50 = 5 × 10 −6 M ), to a maximum level which is 21% of that observed with cortisol. Progesterone also antagonizes stimulation of glutamine synthetase activity by cortisol ( K i = 1.6 × 10 −5 M ), but it does not detectably antagonize growth inhibition by cortisol. By comparison, cortisol is more potent than progesterone in inhibiting cell growth ( ED 50 = 2 × 10 −7 M ), and in stimulating glutamine synthetase ( ED 50 = 5.8 × 10 −7 M ). Other progestins, medroxyprogesterone and cyproterone acetate are similar to progesterone as growth inhibitors, but cyproterone acetate is less active as a stimulator of glutamine synthetase and is not an antagonist of cortisol. Progesterone and medroxyprogesterone are both as effective as cortisol in competing for glucocorticoid receptor binding by [ 3 H]-triamcinolone acetonide. Cyproterone acetate is a less effective competitor. When the same steroids are used as competitiors for [ 3 H]-progesterone binding, a similar pattern is observed: triamcinolone acetonide is the strongest competitor, progesterone and cortisol are intermediate but equipotent competitors, and cyproterone acetate is the weakest competitor. These findings suggest that progesterone produces these effects by interaction with the same glucocorticoid receptor which binds [ 3 H]-triamcinolone acetonide. The receptor competition binding data taken together with that for growth inhibition and glutamine synthetase stimulation suggest that progesterone interacts with the same receptor as cortisol and triamcinolone acetonide, but that it produces a different form of the receptor which leads to the altered responses observed for growth inhibition and glutamine synthetase stimulation.
SU-E-T-20: Validating That the Gamma Dose Distribution Comparison Defaults to the Distance-To-Agreement (DTA) Test in Steep Dose Gradients for Clinical Dose Distributions

Purpose: To test the validity of the central assumption that the gamma dose comparison test defaults to a distance‐to‐agreement (DTA) test in steep dose gradient regions of clinical dose distributions for typically employed dose difference and DTA criteria. Methods: The angle θ between the dose axis and the gamma vector was computed usingθ = tan−1(Λ), where Λ was the local dose gradient of the evaluated dose distribution. θ depended only on the ratio α between the two test criteria and its computation required only one dose distribution. While the most common test criteria were 3%/3mm (α = 1%/mm), we also evaluated 2%/3mm (α = 0.67%/mm) and 3%/2mm (α = 1.5%/mm). Clinical treatment plans were used to calculate θ using the three values of α. 50 cases of both prostate and head and neck and 27 cases for lung cancer were examined. The planning target volumes and selected critical structures were examined. The maximum values of θ were determined for these structures to determine if these maximum θ angles were close to 90 degrees for the selected a values. Results: Most examined targets and critical structures exhibited large values of θ. The exception was for some parotid glands where the doses were very low and relatively homogeneous. The fact that we found that most structures had at least some voxels with sufficiently large dose gradients to yield θ values near 90 degrees validated our hypothesis that for steep gradients, the gamma test defaulted to distance‐to‐agreement test for clinical dose gradients. Conclusion: The implicit assumption that the gamma dose comparison tool defaults to the DTA test in steep dose gradient regions was validated for prostate, had‐and‐neck, and lung cancer sites. While dose distributions from other sites have not been examined, it is likely that they too will yield similar results.
Infrared spectra of CH3I: The v6 and v2 + v6 bands at high resolution

Abstract The i.r. spectra of the perpendicular bands v 6 and v 2 + v 6 of CH 3 I have been measured with a resolution of about 0.03 cm −1 . The observed rotational fine structure has been analyzed in detail and the following band constants have been determined: for the v 6 band, v 0 = 882.679, α A = −3.5 × 10 −2 , α B = 7.87 × 10 −4 cm −1 and Ξ 66 = 0.210; for the v 2 + v 6 band, v 0 = 2131.966, α A = −5.7 × 10 −2 , α B = 2.17 × 10 −3 cm −1 and Ξ eff = 0.200.
Reaction of Dimedone and Benzaldehyde: A Discovery-Based Lab for Second-Semester Organic Chemistry

A simple, two-step synthesis of 9-phenylxanthene-1,8-dione from dimedone and benzaldehyde was developed for second-semester undergraduate organic chemistry. Both reactions afford crystalline solids in excellent yield by simply precipitating the product from solution. Reaction times are very short, and no specialized equipment, reagents, or purification techniques are needed. Multiple spectroscopic methods (IR and 1H, 13C, and DEPT NMR) are employed to solve the structures of the intermediate and final product, which are unknown to students. The products are not ones students would initially predict, but rather are derived from careful analysis of the spectroscopic data in conjunction with logical mechanistic steps. 1H NMR peaks are well resolved, even at low field. Students have responded favorably over the five years this experiment has been used as a culminating experience in organic chemistry lab.
High levels of variation in ribosomal DNA sequences within and among spores of a natural population of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Acaulospora colossica

Sequences of the nuclear rDNA ITS re- gion were sampled from a natural population of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Acaulospora colossica. Genetic diversity was explored through three levels of sampling: within an individual (a single spore), between individuals of a single soil sample, and be- tween individuals of different soil samples across a 36 m2 area. High levels of ITS sequence variation were discovered, and sequences from different spores and different soil samples were sometimes more similar than sequences of the same spore or soil sample. These results demonstrate a complex pattern of rDNA organization within a natural population of Glomalean fungi, and challenge ideas of individuality and collectivism in fungi.
Direct Observation of P(O)−C Bond Formation from (N⌒N)PdMe(P(O)(OPh)2) Complexes. Rate Enhancement of Reductive Elimination by Addition of Triarylphosphines

Complexes of the type (N⌒N)PdMe(P(O)(OPh)2) (N⌒N = bipy (1), phen (2), dNbipy (3); bipy = 2,2‘-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, Nbipy = 4,4‘-dinonyl-2,2‘-bipyridine) have been synthesized and investigated as intermediates in P(O)−C(sp3) bond-forming reactions. Surprisingly, P(O)−C(sp3) bond formation was not observed upon heating solutions of 1−3, even under harsh conditions (toluene-d8, 110 °C, 48 h). Complexes 1−3 are also resistant to reductive elimination in the presence of Lewis bases such as THF, acetonitrile, and P(O)Ph3. However, the addition of PPh3 to solutions of 1−3 afforded the alkyl phosphonate MeP(O)(OPh)2. This suggests that P(O)−C(sp3) bond formation occurs by reductive elimination from an intermediate of the type (N⌒N)(PPh3)PdMe(P(O)(OPh)2. The molecular structure determination of 1 is a rare example of a crystallographically characterized transition-metal complex containing a methyl group cis to a phosphonate moiety.
2-D MIGRATION VELOCITY ESTIMATION USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM

We address the problem of velocity estimation in heterogeneous media using a combination of nonlinear inversion and migration velocity analysis. In velocity estimation, the travel time information in seismic reflection data are nonlinearly related to the velocity perturbations in the subsurface. By taking a functional of seismic traces, the migrated data themselves, we define a misfit criterion which greatly reduces the oscillatory nature of the objective function. Migration is inherently a smoothing process; it collapses diffractions, focuses reflected energy and suppresses random noise. We use the lateral consistency of reflectors after migration as a measure of model misfit. If we compare one migrated shot record with an adjacent record, the misfit will be only slightly affected by large velocity variations even though reflectors may show large errors in depth positioning. The closer the spacing between shot records the smaller the variations in misfit; hence the smoother the objective function. We search for global minima of the objective function thus defined, using a genetic algorithm (GA) and a linearized inversion scheme. We illustrate the techniques and results from the algorithms by applying them to a realistic scale synthetic data set. As expected, the success of a linearized scheme depends strongly on the starting model while GA does not depend on the choice of the initial population of models. GA is computationally intensive but our choice of spline parameterization reduces the number of model parameters significantly and makes the algorithm computationally tractable for real earth problems.
Control theoretic analysis of a target search problem by a team of search vehicles

This article considers a target search problem by a set of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The problem is modelled as a discrete state, continuous-time Markov process. Convergence properties are investigated by using the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a state transition rate matrix without explicitly solving differential equations or calculating matrix exponentials. The paper also studies the effect of cueing on convergence rate using eigenvalues analysis and optimal control theoretic perspective.
STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE WEIGHT FACULTY PLACE ON GRADING CRITERIA

In rating 14 criteria upon which grades can be based, 411 students responded to a mailed survey on grading and indicated their assessment of the weight faculty place on these criteria when formulat...
The major soluble cytochromes of the obligately aerobic sulfur bacterium, Thiobacillus neapolitanus.

Four cytochromes were isolated from soluble extracts of the aerobic sulfur bacterium, Thiobacillus neapolitanus. The two most abundant proteins were purified to homogeneity and thoroughly characterized. Cytochrome c-554 (547) is a monomeric, small molecular weight protein which is unusual in having two well-resolved alpha peaks in UV-visible absorption spectra. The redox potential is 208 mV. Native cytochrome c-549 is oligometric, but has a subunit size of about 26.000. The yield of this protein could be improved dramatically by washing membranes with 30% ammonium sulfate, but the material solubilized by this method had a larger native molecular weight than that in the initial 0.1 M Tris-Cl extract and behaved differently on chromatography. The properties of cytochrome c-549 including subunit size and UV-visible absorption spectra are similar to mitochondrial cytochrome c 1 and chloroplast cytochrome f, which suggests that it may be a modified form of the predominant membrane cytochrome. Based on cytochrome content, it is suggested that T. neapolitanus is not closely related to other thiobacilli.
Photolysis of cis- and trans-2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)cyclopentyl methanesulfonate. Stereoelectronic requirement for photosolvolysis

Abstract On irradiation in methanol, trans -2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)cyclopentyl methanesulfonate underwent photosolvolysis whereas the cis -isomer did not; thus, for photosolvolysis there exists a trans -requirement of excited aryl group and leaving group.
Sensitivity of hypersonic flow to wall/gas interaction models using DSMC

Studies of flow over a flat plate by the method of direct simulation using Monte Carlo (DSMC) are described; particular emphasis is placed on the influence of the wall/gas interaction model. Effects of the commonly used diffuse/specular combinations are compared with those for the baseline model employing fully accommodated diffuse molecular scattering. Computations using the baseline model are also compared with those for the lobular scattering model prepared by Hurlbut and Sherman on the basis of suggestions by Nocilla (HSN). Profound alterations from baseline distributions of the velocity and density fields are observed for specular/diffuse combinations and for the HSN models and significant effects on temperature distributions are also observed.
Investigation of semiconducting YBaCuO thin films: A new room temperature bolometer

We explore the application of the semiconducting phases of YBaCuO thin films as a bolometer for uncooled infrared detection. For this study, four different structures were built with different types of buffer layers: YBaCuO on a Si substrate with and without a MgO buffer layer, and on an oxidized Si substrate with and without a MgO buffer layer. These films were all amorphous without a detectable long range order. For comparison, crystalline tetragonal YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5 and YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.3 thin films on a LaAlO 3 substrate were included into the study. All six films exhibited semiconducting resistance versus temperature characteristics. The bolometer figures of merit, responsivity, and detectivity were calculated from the measured temperature coefficient of resistance ~TCR! and the inherent noise characteristics of the temperature sensing element. The room temperature TCRs for all four amorphous films were greater than 2.5% K 21 . The highest TCR of 4.02% K 21 was observed on the amorphous YBaCuO thin film deposited on MgO/Si without a SiO2 layer. The TCR of the tetragonal films, on the other hand, remained 2% K 21 or less in the same temperature range. Noise measurements performed in the 1‐100 Hz frequency range revealed a quadratic dependence on the bias current as would be expected from ohmic electrical characteristics. The Johnson and 1/f regions were clearly identified in the noise spectrum. From TCR and noise measurements, we estimated the amorphous semiconducting YBaCuO bolometers would have a responsivity as high as 3.8310 5 V/W and a detectivity as high as 1.6310 9 cm Hz 1/2 /W for 1 mA bias current and frame frequency of 30 Hz if integrated with a typical air-gap thermal isolation structure. © 1996 American Institute of Physics.@S0021-8979~96!02924-6#
Two-loop fermionic electroweak corrections to the Z-boson width and production rate

Abstract Improved predictions for the Z-boson decay width and the hadronic Z-peak cross-section within the Standard Model are presented, based on a complete calculation of electroweak two-loop corrections with closed fermion loops. Compared to previous partial results, the predictions for the Z width and hadronic cross-section shift by about 0.6 MeV and 0.004 nb, respectively. Compact parametrization formulae are provided, which approximate the full results to better than 4 ppm.
Two-dimensional growth models

Abstract Two distinct two-dimensional growth models, each with a single growth mechanism parameter, are explored. One model produces Eden growth at one limit of the parameter, and DLA growth at the other. A second, related, model is a modified cellular atomata. The fractal dimension of the structure boundary is studied as a function of the continuous parameter.
Algebras of local observables on a manifold

We propose a generalization of the Haag-Kastler axioms for local observables to Lorentzian manifolds. The framework is intended to resolve ambiguities in the construction of quantum field theories on manifolds. As an example we study linear scalar fields for globally hyperbolic manifolds.
A constant-factor approximation algorithm for the k -median problem

We present the first constant-factor approximation algorithm for the metric k-median problem. The k-median problem is one of the most well-studied clustering problems, i.e., those problems in which the aim is to partition a given set of points into clusters so that the points within a cluster are relatively close with respect to some measure. For the metric k-median problem, we are given n points in a metric space. We select k of these to be cluster centers and then assign each point to its closest selected center. If point j is assigned to a center i, the cost incurred is proportional to the distance between i and j. The goal is to select the k centers that minimize the sum of the assignment costs. We give a 62/3-approximation algorithm for this problem. This improves upon the best previously known result of O(log k log log k), which was obtained by refining and derandomizing a randomized O(log n log log n)-approximation algorithm of Bartal.
Complication rate, outcome, and risk factors associated with surgical repair of fractures of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in dogs.

Objective: To determine outcome, report complications, and risk factors for complications associated with the surgical treatment of fractures of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle (FLHC) in dogs. Study design: Fifty dogs with FLHC that had been repaired surgically were included in this retrospective case series. Methods: The medical records and radiographs from 50 dogs with FLHC from 1990–2006 were analyzed. Results: The complication rate was 30%. For every 30-minute increase in surgical time the odds of a complication increased by 2.00 (95% CI: 1.06, 3.77). For every 10° increase in the angle between the transcondylar screw and a line between the epicondyles viewed on a craniocaudal radiograph there was a 4.82 (95% CI: 1.23, 18.86) greater odds of an intracondylar fracture gap appearing on postoperative radiographs. When an intracondylar fracture gap was present after surgery there was a 25% long-term radiographic outcome failure rate, whereas there was a 0% radiographic failure rate in the dogs in which an intracondylar fracture gap was not present. In conclusion, transcondylar screw placement parallel to the epicondylar line should be attempted for the repair of FLHC. An increase in surgical time leads to an increase in postoperative complication rate. The presence of an intracondylar fracture gap may be associated with fracture failure. Clinical significance: Screw angulation predisposed to postoperative intracondylar fracture gap which in turn may be associated with higher fracture fixation failure rate. The dogs that had prolonged surgical times had an increased complication rate.
Universality of Off-State Degradation in Drain Extended NMOS Transistors

Off-state degradation in drain extended NMOS transistors is studied. It is shown that the damage is primarily due to Si-O bonds broken by hot carriers. These hot carriers are generated through impact ionization of surface band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) current. The resultant degradation is found to be universal, enabling reliability projections at lower stress voltages and based on shorter duration tests, than previously anticipated
The Contribution of Methanol to the 3.4 Micron Emission Feature in Comets

A fluorescence model for cometary emission in the nu2, nu3, and nu9 bands of methanol is described. This model is used in conjunction with observed spectra of several comets to determine the possible contribution of CH3OH to the frequently seen 3.4-micron 'cometary organic' feature. For Comets P/Halley and Wilson, methanol production rates are retrieved from the flux in the nu3 band centered at about 3.52 microns.
Extensive cross-regulation of post-transcriptional regulatory networks in Drosophila

In eukaryotic cells, RNAs exist as ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Despite the importance of these complexes in many biological processes, including splicing, polyadenylation, stability, transportation, localization, and translation, their compositions are largely unknown. We affinity-purified 20 distinct RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) from cultured Drosophila melanogaster cells under native conditions and identified both the RNA and protein compositions of these RNP complexes. We identified "high occupancy target" (HOT) RNAs that interact with the majority of the RBPs we surveyed. HOT RNAs encode components of the nonsense-mediated decay and splicing machinery, as well as RNA-binding and translation initiation proteins. The RNP complexes contain proteins and mRNAs involved in RNA binding and post-transcriptional regulation. Genes with the capacity to produce hundreds of mRNA isoforms, ultracomplex genes, interact extensively with heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear proteins (hnRNPs). Our data are consistent with a model in which subsets of RNPs include mRNA and protein products from the same gene, indicating the widespread existence of auto-regulatory RNPs. From the simultaneous acquisition and integrative analysis of protein and RNA constituents of RNPs, we identify extensive cross-regulatory and hierarchical interactions in post-transcriptional control.
HPLC ANALYSIS OF A MEROPENEM-OFLOXACIN MIXTURE IN INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS USING A NONPOROUS OCTADECYLSILANE COLUMN

A stability-indicating High Performance Liquid Chromato-graphy (HPLC) method utilizing nonporous silica particle technology has been developed for the assay of meropenem and ofloxacin from 5% dextrose in water injection USP and 0.9% sodium chloride injection USP. The separation and quantitation of the mixture were achieved on a column packed with nonporous silica particles chemically bonded with octadecylsilane (3.0 (μm particles) using a mobile phase of 94:6 v/v 15 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.7)-methanol at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min with UV detection at 270 nm. The separation was achieved in less than 4 min. Meropenem and ofloxacin were subjected to acid, base, peroxide, and ultraviolet degradation and monitored using photodiode detection. None of the products of degradation showed any interference with the peaks of interest. Standard curves were prepared and correlation coefficients were ≥ 0.999 for both compounds. Precision expressed as %RSD was ≤ 2.0% for both analytes. The limits o...
The evolution of optimality: de novo programming

Evolutionary algorithms have been quite effective in dealing with single-objective “optimization” while the area of Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization (EMOO) has extended its efficiency to Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) as well. The number of technical publications in EMOO is impressive and indicative of a rather explosive growth in recent years. It is fair to say however that most of the progress has been in applying and evolving algorithms and their convergence properties, not in evolving the optimality concept itself, nor in expanding the notions of true optimization. Yet, the conceptual constructs based on evolution and Darwinian selection have probably most to contribute – at least in theory – to the evolution of optimality. They should be least dependent on a priori fixation of anything in problem formulation: constraints, objectives or alternatives. Modern systems and problems are typical for their flexibility, not for their fixation. In this paper we draw attention to the impossibility of optimization when crucial variables are given and present Eight basic concepts of optimality. In the second part of this contribution we choose a more realistic problem of linear programming where constraints are not “given” but flexible and to be optimized and objective functions are multiple: De novo programming.
A Compact Implementation Of A Real Time Acousto-Optic Synthetic Aperture Radar Processor

The architecture of a real-time acoustooptic synthetic aperture radar processor is reviewed and recent efforts to develop a compact processor are presented. It employs an acoustooptic device operated in the space integrating mode to compress the signal in range.
Systematic analysis of BRAFV600E melanomas reveals a role for JNK/c-Jun pathway in adaptive resistance to drug-induced apoptosis

Drugs that inhibit RAF/MEK signaling, such as vemurafenib, elicit profound but often temporary anti-tumor responses in patients with BRAFV600E melanoma. Adaptive responses to RAF/MEK inhibition occur on a timescale of hours to days, involve homeostatic responses that reactivate MAP kinase signaling and compensatory mitogenic pathways, and attenuate the anti-tumor effects of RAF/MEK inhibitors. We profile adaptive responses across a panel of melanoma cell lines using multiplex biochemical measurement, single-cell assays, and statistical modeling and show that adaptation involves at least six signaling cascades that act to reduce drug potency (IC50) and maximal effect (i.e., Emax ≪ 1). Among these cascades, we identify a role for JNK/c-Jun signaling in vemurafenib adaptation and show that RAF and JNK inhibitors synergize in cell killing. This arises because JNK inhibition prevents a subset of cells in a cycling population from becoming quiescent upon vemurafenib treatment, thereby reducing drug Emax. Our findings demonstrate the breadth and diversity of adaptive responses to RAF/MEK inhibition and a means to identify which steps in a signaling cascade are most predictive of phenotypic response.
Culture or Commerce? A Comparative Assessment of International Interactions and Developing Countries at UNESCO, WTO, and Beyond

Does international trade in cultural products threaten cultural diversity in the developing world? This article seeks to question the implied correlation by exploring the intellectual and empirical bases of the claims. Conceptually, I argue that cultural diversity viewed from the perspective of the nation-state is problematic. Politically, of course, nation-states make this claim themselves in protecting their self-interest globally. Empirically, this paper shows that nation-states at the forefront of the movement protecting cultural diversity are, in fact, top exporters of cultural products, something that is not apparent in the mercantilist position taken by these states with respect to international trade in cultural products. The paper then explores the position of developing countries explicitly taking advantage of globalization of culture to promote both their cultural distinctiveness as well as their exports. These “cultural voices,” I conclude, are growing economically and socially and cannot be dismissed as playing second fiddle to those from the developed world.
Meta-level control of rule execution in a parallel and distributed expert database system

The PARADISER system is a parallel and distributed programming environment for expert databases. It extends the memory model of expert systems to disk-resident databases, and adopts parallel and distributed processing to address expert system scaling issues. The kernel rule language, PARULEL, has parallel execution semantics and a metarule facility that allows for user-specified "programmable" conflict resolution. Under a parallel and distributed processing model of a rule language that has inherently parallel execution semantics, issues of distributed control assume paramount importance, since database consistency and synchronization must be guaranteed. We discuss various alternative strategies for implementing metarules within the PARADISER architecture. >
Neighborhoods Matter: The Role of Universities in the School Reform Neighborhood Development Movement.

Where you find distressed neighborhoods, you will also find poorly performing public schools. Yet many contemporary school reform efforts ignore neighborhood-level factors that undeniably impact school performance. The purpose of this study is to use a case study approach with social institutional and urban school reform regime frameworks to demonstrate why school reform and the re-creation and redevelopment of distressed neighborhoods should occur simultaneously. At the same time, researchers will examine the role of higher education in catalyzing partnerships with so-called anchor institutions for the explicit purposes of simultaneously improving neighborhoods and reforming schools. By focusing on a federal Choice neighborhood initiative, the study will not only make the case for connecting school reform and neighborhood development but also present a model that demonstrates how this can happen. The study will also make a strong case for the university's unique role in fostering neo-collaborative struct...
Computers, the Internet, and Families A Review of the Role New Technology Plays in Family Life

During the past 30 years, new communication technology devices have become common in American homes—among them are personal computers and the Internet. Social critics and other polemicists have argued whether these devices result in either positive or negative change in the lives of families. The authors examine the literature about family use of computers and the Internet and also look at how these technologies affect families' social networks, work, and interventions with families. Finally, the authors suggest directions for future research on communication technology within the context of families.
Factors Associated With Utilization of Preoperative and Postoperative Rehabilitation Services by Patients With Amputation in the VA System: An Observational Study

Background The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense published evidence-based guidelines to standardize and improve rehabilitation of veterans with lower limb amputations; however, no studies have examined the guidelines' impact. Objectives The purposes of this study were: (1) to describe the utilization of rehabilitative services in the acute care setting by people who underwent major lower limb amputation in the VA from 2005 to 2010, (2) to identify factors associated with receipt of rehabilitation services, and (3) to examine the impact of the guidelines on service receipt. Design A cross-sectional study of 12,599 patients, who underwent major surgical amputation of the lower limb at a VA medical center from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2010, was conducted. Data were obtained from main and surgical inpatient datasets and the inpatient encounters files of the Veterans Health Administration databases. Methods Rehabilitation services were categorized as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and either (any therapy), before or after amputation. Separate multivariate logistic regressions examined the impact of guideline implementation and identified factors associated with service receipt. Results Patients were 1.45 and 1.73 times more likely to receive preoperative physical therapy and occupational therapy and 1.68 and 1.79 times more likely to receive postoperative physical therapy and occupational therapy after guideline implementation. Patients in the Northeast had the lowest likelihood of receiving preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation services, whereas patients in the West had the highest likelihood. Other patient characteristics associated with service receipt were identified. Limitations The sample included only veterans who had surgeries at VA Medical Centers and cannot be generalized to veterans with surgeries outside the VA or to nonveteran patients and settings. Conclusions Further quality improvement efforts are needed to standardize delivery of rehabilitation services for veterans with amputations in the acute care setting.
THE INACTIVATION OF TRYPSIN. I.

1. The rate of inactivation of purified trypsin solutions approximates closely that demanded by the monomolecular formula. The more carefully the solution is purified the closer the agreement with the formula. 2. The products formed by the action of trypsin on proteins renders the trypsin more stable. Gelatin and glycine have no effect. 3. The rate of inactivation of trypsin solutions containing these products does not follow the course of a monomolecular reaction but becomes progressively slower than the predicted rate. 4. The protective action of these substances is much greater if they are added all at once at the beginning of the experiment than if they are added at intervals. These observations may be quantitatively accounted for by the hypothesis that a compound is formed between trypsin and the inhibiting substance which is stable as well as inactive, and that the rate of decomposition depends on the amount of uncombined trypsin present. 5. Trypsin is most stable at a pH of 5 and is rapidly destroyed in strongly acid or alkaline solution. 6. The protective effect of the inhibiting substances is small on the acid side of pH 5, increases from pH 5 to 7, and then remains approximately constant.
Harsh childhood environmental characteristics predict exploitation and retaliation in humans

Across and within societies, people vary in their propensities towards exploitative and retaliatory defection in potentially cooperative interaction. We hypothesized that this variation reflects adaptive responses to variation in cues during childhood that life will be harsh, unstable and short—cues that probabilistically indicate that it is in one's fitness interests to exploit co-operators and to retaliate quickly against defectors. Here, we show that childhood exposure to family neglect, conflict and violence, and to neighbourhood crime, were positively associated for men (but not women) with exploitation of an interaction partner and retaliatory defection after that partner began to defect. The associations between childhood environment and both forms of defection for men appeared to be mediated by participants' endorsement of a ‘code of honour’. These results suggest that individual differences in mutual benefit cooperation are not merely due to genetic noise, random developmental variation or the operation of domain-general cultural learning mechanisms, but rather, might reflect the adaptive calibration of social strategies to local social–ecological conditions.
Raman Spectroscopy of Amorphous Carbon

Amorphous carbon is an elemental form of carbon with low hydrogen content, which may be deposited in thin films by the impact of high energy carbon atoms or ions. It is structurally distinct from the more well-known elemental forms of carbon, diamond and graphite. It is distinct in physical and chemical properties from the material known as diamond-like carbon, a form which is also amorphous but which has a higher hydrogen content, typically near 40 atomic percent. Amorphous carbon also has distinctive Raman spectra, whose patterns depend, through resonance enhancement effects, not only on deposition conditions but also on the wavelength selected for Raman excitation. This paper provides an overview of the Raman spectroscopy of amorphous carbon and describes how Raman spectral patterns correlate to film deposition conditions, physical properties and molecular level structure.
Effects of Legal Education and Work Experience on Perceptions of Crime Seriousness

Sellin and Wolfgang (1964) reported that respondents exhibit a remarkable degree of consensus as to the seriousness of crime, and that this consensus is explained by a few salient dimensions of the crimes (such as loss of life, loss of property and extent of injury). Subsequent research has supported these findings for the most part. To reconcile these findings with theories of consensus formation, we surveyed a sample of 154 criminal justice bureaucrats, including judges, prosecutors, public defenders and probation officers. Our analysis of these data shows that both formal legal education and work experience underlie consensus. Although there is a high degree of consensus between these criminal justice bureaucrats and a sample of citizens, there are substantial areas of disagreement—especially about the characteristics of various crimes. While citizens perceive the relative seriousness of a crime in terms of only a few dimensions, criminal justice bureaucrats perceive seriousness in terms of many dimensions. This finding has some consequences for conflict theories of criminology.
Plant diversity increases resistance to invasion in the absence of covarying extrinsic factors

Biological invasion is a widespread, but poorly understood phenomenon. Elton's hypothesis, supported by theory, experiment, and anecdotal evidence, suggests that an important determinant of invasion success is resident biodiversity, arguing that high diversity increases the competitive environment of communities and makes them more difficult to invade. Observational studies of plant invasions, however, find little support for this hypothesis and argue strongly against it. Lack of control of extrinsic factors (e.g., disturbance, climate, or soil fertility) that covary with biodiversity and invasion in observational studies makes it difficult to determine if their findings truly refute Elton's hypothesis. We examined performance of Crepis tectorum (an invasive, annual composite weed) in experimental prairie grassland plots and greenhouse plant assemblages in which resident species richness was directly manipulated. Under these conditions, unlike observational studies, no covarying extrinsic factors could interfere with interpreting results, We found a strong inverse association between resident diversity and invader performance as predicted by Elton's hypothesis. Higher resident diversity increased crowding, decreased available light, and decreased available nutrients all of which increased the competitive environment of diverse plant assemblages and reduced C. tectorum success, Examination of individual resident species impacts on C. tectorum performance demonstrated that this diversity effect was not due to the sampling effect. These results suggest that both Elton's hypothesis and its competitive mechanism may operate in nature, but covarying extrinsic factors may obscure the negative impact of diversity on invader success.
Detection of Herbicides in the Urine of Pet Dogs Following Home Lawn Chemical Application

Exposure to herbicide-treated lawns has been associated with significantly higher bladder cancer risk in dogs. This work was performed to further characterize lawn chemical exposures in dogs, and to determine environmental factors associated with chemical residence time on grass. In addition to concern for canine health, a strong justification for the work was that dogs may serve as sentinels for potentially harmful environmental exposures in humans. Experimentally, herbicides [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxypropionic acid (MCPP), dicamba] were applied to grass plots under different conditions (e.g., green, dry brown, wet, and recently mowed grass). Chemicals in dislodgeable residues were measured by LC-MS at 0.17, 1, 24, 48, 72 h post treatment. In a separate study, 2,4-D, MCPP, and dithiopyr concentrations were measured in the urine of dogs and in dislodgeable grass residues in households that applied or did not apply chemicals in the preceding 48 h. Chemicals were measured at 0, 24, and 48 h post application in treated households and at time 0 in untreated control households. Residence times of 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba were significantly prolonged (P<0.05) on dry brown grass compared to green grass. Chemicals were detected in the urine of dogs in 14 of 25 households before lawn treatment, in 19 of 25 households after lawn treatment, and in 4 of 8 untreated households. Chemicals were commonly detected in grass residues from treated lawns, and from untreated lawns suggesting chemical drift from nearby treated areas. Thus dogs could be exposed to chemicals through contact with their own lawn (treated or contaminated through drift) or through contact with other grassy areas if they travel. The length of time to restrict a dog's access to treated lawns following treatment remains to be defined. Further study is indicated to assess the risks of herbicide exposure in humans and dogs.
Fluorescence Dynamics of Semiconductor Nanorod Clusters Studied by Correlated Atomic Force, Transmission Electron, and Fluorescence Microscopy

Semiconductor nanocrystals have a wide range of applications as light emitters, especially in biomedical imaging. Elongated core-shell CdSe-based nanocrystals (nanorods) are particularly interesting as fluorescent markers because of their large absorption cross section, large surface area, and high brightness. While light intermittency (“blinking”) in single nanorods has been studied previously, here we report the fluorescence properties of core-shell CdSe-based nanorod clusters. The time-dependent cluster fluorescence was correlated with the particle number by direct particle counting (from single nanoparticles to ∼10 000), cluster area, and the orientation and distribution of individual nanorods within these clusters. This was uniquely enabled by combined transmission electron and atomic force microscopy. In contrast to the “on/off” emission in single nanorods, we show that nanorod clusters containing as few as five nanorods exhibit a nonzero residual fluorescence in the “dark state”; that is, they can be “on” continuously, within the measurement time window of several tens of minutes. With increasing particle number, the cluster fluorescence increases in intensity and the relative fluorescence fluctuations, originating from single particle events, decrease in accordance with the central limit theorem. We report the effects of assembly patterns and nanorod orientation (on the silicon nitride substrate and relative to the laser polarization) on the fluorescence properties of the clusters. The fluorescence time-dependence of nanorod clusters at long time-scales, i.e. tens of hours, follows two characteristic trends depending on particle number and laser intensity. These data are compared to predictions made by a statistical model derived from single-particle dynamics. Finally, to investigate the possible role of charge traps on ensemble properties, we have also confirmed by electrical measurements across nanorod arrays that the electrical current exhibits statistical aging and memory effects. This complementary measurement provides a new way to relate the electrical and optical properties of nanoparticle ensembles and further suggests that filling of charge traps can possibly explain both the fluorescence and the anomalous transport dynamics of core-shell nanorod ensembles.
Does expressed emotion predict behaviour therapy outcome at follow‐up for obsessive‐compulsive disorder and agoraphobia?

The relationship of expressed emotion (EE) to outcome of behaviour therapy at 1-year follow-up was examined in a sample of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA). Included were 54 subjects who were reliably changed after outpatient treatment via in vivo exposure (plus response prevention for OCD). Perhaps because few clients relapsed (11%), EE variables assessed by the Camberwell Family Interview and perceived criticism ratings, although successful in predicting drop-out and posttest outcome in this sample, were not significantly related to regression during the follow-up period. The sole exception, critical comments from the CFI, predicted worsened social adjustment at follow-up, but only for PDA patients. The experience of stressful life events did not interact with EE variables to predict outcome. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information theoretic complexity affects multisensory perception

ABSTRACTVisual and auditory inputs vary in complexity. For example, driving in a city versus on a highway, and listening to the radio versus not. How does such complexity impact our ability to detect perceptual changes, both within and across modalities? Complexity might overwhelm our capacity with information, reducing sensitivity. Alternatively, complexity might afford richer and more distinctive representations, increasing sensitivity. To test this, 24 participants watched short movie clips that varied in visual and audio complexity (operationalized as the inverse of lossless compressibility) and were required to detect degradations in the quality of these clips. Observers were better at detecting changes within video or audio movie tracks that had greater complexity. Moreover, audio complexity increased sensitivity to video changes, but not vice versa. Overall this indicates that information theoretic concepts like complexity are relevant to the human perceptual system.
Dysfunctional institutions? Toward a New Agenda in Governance Studies

There is a wide-spread perception among academics and commentators that institutional dysfunction has become increasingly common in important social, political, and economics arenas. Opinion polls show a decline in trust and confidence in major actors and institutions, including inter-governmental organizations, governments, firms, NGOs, and religious organizations. For some, the core of the problem is that the hitherto well-functioning states have become less effective in aggregating and acting upon citizens' preferences. Many policy initiatives of the 1990s – deregulation, privatization, new public management, private regulation, regional integration, civil society, and so on – seemed to have failed to meet expectations. This symposium seeks to identify important theoretical and empirical questions about institutional failure, such as why do institutions fail, why are they not self-correcting, what might be a clear evaluative yardstick and analytic approach by which to measure performance, and to what extent contemporary theories of institutional evolution and design are useful in examining institutional restructuring and institutional renewal? Symposium essays by leading social science scholars offer important insights to inform future work on institutional performance and outline an agenda for institutional renewal and change.
Consistency of the simple mean and the empirical functional principal components for spatially distributed curves

In this chapter, we continue to study functional data that consist of curves \(X(\mathbf{\mathrm{S}}_{k} ; t), t \in [0, 1]\) observed at spatial points \(\mathbf{\mathrm{S}}_{1}, \mathbf{\mathrm{S}}_{2}, \ldots, \mathbf{\mathrm{S}}_{N}\). In Chapter 17, we have seen that in this context the simple sample average and the EFPC’s are not the optimal estimators of their population counterparts, and that better estimators can be constructed by using weighted averages.
The Development of Delinquency

One of the most intriguing issues confronting criminology today is that of continuity and change in delinquent careers. Prior research has demonstrated substantial levels of continuity in antisocial behavior across the life course. Indeed, Lee Robins (1978) has commented that: “… adult antisocial behavior virtually requires childhood antisocial behavior…” (p. 611). If the empirical story ended there, the theoretical task of criminological theory would be much less challenging and interesting than it in fact is. But the story does not end there. For in addition to continuity, there is substantial change in delinquent careers. That is, many of-fenders, even those with an early onset of antisocial behavior, do not persist in their offending; hence, the second part of what has come to be called Robins’ (1978) paradox: “… yet most antisocial children do not become antisocial adults” (p. 611). How can we account for this twin observation: that childhood antisocial behavior is almost a prerequisite for later antisocial behavior, yet most children who are antisocial outgrow that behavior, avoiding later involvement in delinquency and crime?