cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subsurface conditions in hydrothermal vents inferred from diffuse flow composition, and models of reaction and transport

Abstract Chemical gradients in the subsurface of mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems create an environment where minerals precipitate and dissolve and where chemosynthetic organisms thrive. However, owing to the lack of easy access to the subsurface, robust knowledge of the nature and extent of chemical transformations remains elusive. Here, we combine measurements of vent fluid chemistry with geochemical and transport modeling to give new insights into the under-sampled subsurface. Temperature–composition relationships from a geochemical mixing model are superimposed on the subsurface temperature distribution determined using a heat flow model to estimate the spatial distribution of fluid composition. We then estimate the distribution of Gibb's free energies of reaction beneath mid oceanic ridges and by combining flow simulations with speciation calculations estimate anhydrite deposition rates. Applied to vent endmembers observed at the fast spreading ridge at the East Pacific Rise, our results suggest that sealing times due to anhydrite formation are longer than the typical time between tectonic and magmatic events. The chemical composition of the neighboring low temperature flow indicates relatively uniform energetically favorable conditions for commonly inferred microbial processes such as methanogenesis, sulfate reduction and numerous oxidation reactions, suggesting that factors other than energy availability may control subsurface microbial biomass distribution. Thus, these model simulations complement fluid-sample datasets from surface venting and help infer the chemical distribution and transformations in subsurface flow.
The Effectiveness of Religiously Tailored Couple Counseling

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RELIGIOUSLY TAILORED COUPLE COUNSELING By Joshua N. Hook, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009 Major Director: Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology Large numbers of couples seek treatment from religious counselors who integrate religion and spirituality (R/S) into counseling. The present dissertation reviewed the literature examining the effectiveness of R/S counseling. Several R/S treatments were helpful in treating psychological problems. There was little evidence that R/S treatments outperformed secular treatments. In Study 1, a nationwide survey was conducted that examined the beliefs of Christian counselors about integrating R/S into couple counseling. Christian counselors (N = 630) completed measures of religious commitment, experience in couple counseling, attitudes toward using religious techniques in couple counseling, and the use of theory in couple counseling. Counselors were highly religious, and religious commitment was a positive predictor of viewing religious techniques as appropriate. Christian couple counseling was popular and widely practiced, although there was wide variation in the number of couples seen per counselor. Counselors were influenced by both secular and Christian theories of couple counseling. There were several differences between professional, pastoral, and lay counselors, indicating that each subgroup be treated separately rather than grouped together. In Study 2, the nature of Christian couple counseling was described and the effectiveness of Christian couple counseling was examined using a longitudinal study. Counselors (N = 20) completed a measure of religious commitment, and clients (N = 60) completed measures of religious commitment, the use of religious and secular techniques in counseling, relationship satisfaction, working alliance with the counselor, and satisfaction with counseling at three time points during counseling. Religious techniques were common in couple counseling, and most were used in about 50% of the sessions. The religious commitment of counselors was a positive predictor of the number of religious techniques used in counseling. Clients attending Christian couple counseling reported increases in relationship satisfaction and working alliance with the counselor over time, and reported high levels of satisfaction with counseling. Working alliance with the counselor was a positive predictor of both relationship satisfaction and satisfaction with counseling. A close match in religious commitment between counselor and client did not predict greater improvement in relationship satisfaction, but it did predict a stronger working alliance throughout counseling.
Corporate Support for Artistic and Cultural Activities: What Determines the Distribution of Corporate Giving?

This paper examines the allocation of corporate donations among variouscategories of recipients and the reasons underlying that allocation. Ananalytical model is utilized to determine the importance of profitability,firm size, advertising expenditures and type of business in determining thelevel of support for each activity. The results demonstrate that corporategiving to artistic/cultural activities is correlated with advertisingexpenditures, while donations to educational, civic and health causes are not.Thus, support for culture and the arts is a means of directly promoting thefirm, while giving to other causes fulfills the firm's goals throughalternative means.
Multiple forms of human dihydrofolate reductase messenger RNA: Cloning and Expression in Escherichia coli of their DNA coding sequence☆

The programming capacity for the synthesis of human dihydrofolic acid reductase in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate has been found to be greatly enhanced in the polysomal poly(A)-containing RNA from a methotrexate-resistant human cell variant (6A3), as compared to the RNA from its parental line (VA2-B). A major fraction of this promoting activity is associated with a 3.8 × 103 base RNA species detectable as a band in the ethidium bromide-stained electrophoretic pattern of the RNA from 6A3 cells, but not in the RNA from VA2-B cells. Furthermore, sucrose gradient fractionation experiments have indicated that another substantial portion of the messenger activity is associated with RNA components around 103 bases in size. Double-stranded complementary DNA synthesized from total poly(A)-containing RNA of 6A3 cells has been size fractionated, and both large (1400 to 3800 base-pairs) and small size complementary DNA (600 to 1400 base-pairs) species have been used separately to transform Escherichia coli χ2282 with pBR322 as a vector. Of 76 transformants obtained with the large size complementary DNA, identified by a differential colony hybridization assay, none has expressed the dihydrofolic acid reductase coding sequence in E. coli, as judged by resistance to trimethoprim. By contrast, eight trimethoprim-resistant transformants have been obtained using the small size complementary DNA, and their plasmids have been shown to contain the dihydrofolic acid reductase coding sequence by restriction mapping and DNA sequencing; moreover, immunoautoradiographic experiments have revealed the presence in the extracts of two of these transformants of a protein with the electrophoretic mobility and immunoreactivity of human dihydrofolic acid reductase. Restriction mapping and DNA transfer hybridization experiments have further indicated that the inserts of the chimaeric plasmids conferring trimethoprim resistance upon the host and of those lacking this capacity cover together a complementary DNA region of about 3.35 × 103 base-pairs, in which the 564 base-pair dihydrofolic acid reductase coding stretch is located near the 5′ end of the sense strand. RNA transfer hybridization experiments using different cloned complementary DNA fragments as probes have shown the presence of three species of dihydrofolic acid reductase-specific messenger RNAs, with sizes of 3.8 × 103, 1.0 × 103 and 0.8 × 103 bases, differing in the length of the 3′ untranslated region, in the poly(A)-containing RNA from two methotrexate-resistant variants, 6A3 and 10B3, and, in greatly reduced amounts, in the RNA from their respective parents, VA2B and HeLa BU25.
Warming without high CO2

In the geologically recent past, the warmest period in Earth's history was the Miocene Climatic Optimum (14.5-17 million years ago), when temperatures at high latitudes were as much as 6 oC higher than they are now. According to new molecular isotopic studies, levels of atmospheric CO2were comparatively low during this time. So mechanisms other than CO2may have been the main factors driving and maintaining the warming.
Sexual maturation in contemporary American girls.

Abstract The mean age at menarche among 6,217 healthy American student nurses was 151.8 months. This age is lower than that reported in most previous studies and is 4.5 months lower than that of the mothers of these subjects. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that menarche is taking place earlier than it formerly took place. The sequence of overt maturational events which preceded menarche started with the appearance of pubic hair at 142.5 months and breast budding at 143.0 months, followed by the appearance of axillary hair at 144.9 months. Menarche occurred significantly earlier in the Northeastern region of the United States than elsewhere in the country. Menarche tended to occur prematurely in obese girls, except those weighing more than 30 per cent above normal. Paralytic poliomyelitis and migraine were associated with delayed menarche. A formula and nomograph are provided to estimate the 95 per cent confidence limits for the appearance of menarche in individual girls for whom the ages at breast budding and the appearance of pubic hair are known.
Feasibility of Measuring Ventilatory Threshold in Adults With Stroke-Induced Hemiparesis: Implications for Exercise Prescription.

Abstract Objectives To assess the feasibility of measuring ventilatory threshold (VT) in adults with walking impairments due to stroke. Secondary objectives are to assess reliability of VT over trials; assess whether participants could sustain treadmill walking at VT; and compare mean heart rate during sustained treadmill walking to estimated heart rate reserve (HRR). Design Cross-sectional, single-group design. Setting University research laboratory. Participants Volunteer sample of adults (N=8) with impaired walking resulting from chronic stroke. Interventions Three submaximal treadmill walking tests on 3 separate days; a 30-minute treadmill walking session on a fourth day. Main Outcome Measures Gas exchange variables were measured, and 2 independent observers identified VT. Mean heart rate response to treadmill walking at VT was measured and compared with estimated 40% of HRR. Results VT was measured successfully in 88% of all trials. There was no difference in VT among trials ( P =.17). After multiple imputations to account for 3 missing data points, the intraclass correlation coefficient was .87 (95% confidence interval, .80–.95). All participants were able to walk for 20 minutes at VT. Mean ± SD heart rate during the session was 66.0%±8.0% of estimated maximal heart rate. There was no significant difference between mean heart rate and estimated HRR values ( P =.70). Conclusions In adults with impaired walking resulting from stroke, VT can be safely measured during submaximal treadmill walking. Participants were able to sustain walking at VT, and this value may provide an appropriate stimulus for aerobic exercise prescription in this population.
Mutual Fund Performance Advertising: Inherently and Materially Misleading?

Mutual fund companies routinely advertise the past returns of their strong-performing, actively-managed equity funds. These performance advertisements imply that the advertised high past returns are likely to continue. Indeed, investors flock to these funds despite high past returns being a poor predictor of high future returns. Thus, fund performance advertising is inherently and materially misleading and violates federal securities antifraud standards. In addition, the SEC-mandated warning in these advertisements that “past performance does not guarantee future results” fails to temper investors’ focus on past returns. The SEC should do more to prevent investors from being misled by fund performance advertisements. It should at least require a stronger warning that makes clear that high returns by actively-managed mutual funds generally do not persist. The SEC should also seriously consider reinstating its prior prohibition of performance advertisements. Such a ban would help investors focus on more important fund characteristics, such a fund’s costs, risk, and the extent to which the fund’s investment objective matches that of the investor.
Chromatographic and electrophoretic strategies for the chiral separation and quantification of d- and l-threo methylphenidate in biological matrices

Commercially available methylphenidate (MPH) exists as a racemic mixture composed of the d- and l-threo enantiomers. Various pharmacokinetic studies of MPH have shown a greater pharmacological potency of the d-threo enantiomer. Furthermore, it was deduced that the stereoselective cleavage of MPH to produce ritalinic acid (RA) by human carboxylesterase results in a higher oral bioavailability of the d-threo enantiomer. As a requirement for pharmaceutical regulation authorities, efforts have been made to determine the differential biological distribution of d- and l-threo MPH and RA enantiomers. In support of these efforts, numerous analytical procedures have been developed for the chiral separation and quantification of MPH enantiomers in a variety of biological matrices. The available methodologies accomplish the enantioseparation and quantification of MPH using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoretic techniques coupled with a variety of detectors. The current review discusses the technical procedures involved, and the sensitivity and selectivity of these assays.
A supervisor like me: Race, representation, and the satisfaction and turnover decisions of public sector employees

Studies of race representation in public organizations illustrate the importance of bureaucrat race in determining client-level outcomes. Building “upward” from this research, this study examines how supervisor race impacts outcomes for street-level bureaucrats using data from a nationally representative sample of public schools. Employing multiple estimation methods, we find that, consistent with the predictions of representation theory, teachers report higher job satisfaction and turn over less often when supervised by an own-race principal. We also find that race congruence impacts the tangible and intangible organizational benefits teachers receive, and, moreover, that race congruence impacts white and African American employees differently. Most troubling, we find evidence that black teachers earn substantially less in supplemental pay when they work for a white principal, even when compared to white teachers in the same school. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Efficacy of memory rehabilitation therapy: a meta-analysis of TBI and stroke cognitive rehabilitation literature.

AbstractObjective: To examine the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation strategies specifically designed to improve memory after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke vs. memory improvement with the passage of time.Design and methods: A meta-analysis was performed on 26 studies of memory retraining and recovery that were published between the years of 1985 and 2013. Effect sizes (ESs) from each study were calculated and converted to Pearson’s r and then analysed to assess the overall effect size and the relationship among the ESs, patient demographics and treatment interventions.Results: Results indicated a significant average ES (r = 0.51) in the treatment intervention conditions, as well as a significant average ES (r = 0.31) in the control conditions, in which participants did not receive any treatment. The largest ESs occurred in studies of stroke patients and studies concerning working memory rehabilitation.Conclusions: Results showed that memory rehabilitation was an effective therapeutic intervent...
Formally analyzing software architectural specifications using SAM

In the past decade, software architecture has emerged as a major research area in software engineering. Many architecture description languages have been proposed and some analysis techniques have also been explored. In this paper, we present a graphical formal software architecture description model called software architecture model (SAM). SAM is a general software architecture development framework based on two complementary formalisms--Petri nets and temporal logic. Petri nets are used to visualize the structure and model the behavior of software architectures while temporal logic is used to specify the required properties of software architectures. These two formal methods are nicely integrated through the SAM software architecture framework. Furthermore, SAM provides the flexibility to choose different compatible Petri net and temporal logic models according to the nature of system under study. Most importantly, SAM supports formal analysis of software architecture properties in a variety of well-established techniques--simulation, reachability analysis, model checking, and interactive proving, In this paper, we show how to formally analyze SAM software architecture specifications using two well-known techniques--symbolic model checking with tool Symbolic Model Verifier, and theorem proving with tool STeP.
Relationship between Teacher Beliefs and Science Education Reform.

(1996). Relationship between teacher beliefs and science education reform. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 247-266.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is not a major susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity among Pima Indians

Aim/hypothesis Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B gene (PTPN1) have been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes in white subjects, and insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose levels in Hispanic Americans. In this study, we determined whether SNPs in PTPN1 also have a role in type 2 diabetes susceptibility in Pima Indians, a population with the world’s highest reported prevalence and incidence rates of this disease.
Contrast enhancement of LED, vaccum fluorescent and plasma displays with circular polarizing filters

Abstract Filters are widely used for contrast enhancement of active electronic displays. This paper considers the application of circular polarizers to LED, vacuum fluorescent and plasma displays under a variety of ambient illumination situations. Relevant parameters controlling contrast enhancement have been identified. The degree of contrast enhancement obtained with appropriate circular polarizing filters under different ambient illumination values is reported for each display type. These values are compared with those obtained using non-polarizing chromatic filters. In general, when contrast is being degraded by specular reflections of ambient light, the circular polarizing filters improve contrast to a much greater extent than the non-polarizing filters.
Teriparatide (Human Parathyroid Hormone (1–34)) Inhibits Osteogenic Vascular Calcification in Diabetic Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-deficient Mice

Cardiovascular calcification is a common consequence of diabetes. High fat diets induce diabetes and arterial calcification in male low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) -/- mice; calcification occurs via Msx2 signaling that promotes the osteogenic differentiation of arterial myofibroblasts. We studied regulation of arterial osteogenesis by human parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34) (also called teriparatide) in LDLR -/- mice fed diabetogenic diets for 4 weeks. LDLR -/- mice were treated with vehicle or 0.4 mg/kg of PTH(1-34) subcutaneously five times/week. Gene expression was determined from single aortas and hind limb RNA by fluorescence reverse transcription-PCR. Valve calcification was determined by histological staining of cardiac sections using image analysis to quantify valve leaflet mineralization. PTH(1-34) increased bone mineral content (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) in LDLR -/- mice, with induction of osseous osteopontin (OPN) expression and serum OPN levels (>150 nM); PTH(1-34) did not significantly change serum glucose, lipids, body weight, or fat mass. PTH(1-34) suppressed aortic OPN and Msx2 expression >50% and decreased cardiac valve calcification 80% (8.3 +/- 1.5% versus 1.4 +/- 0.5%; p < 0.001). Of the known circulating regulators of vascular calcification (OPN, osteoprotegerin, and leptin), PTH(1-34) regulated only serum OPN. We therefore studied actions of PTH(1-34) and OPN in vitro on cells induced to mineralize with Msx2. OPN (5-50 nM) reversed Msx2-induced mineralization. PTH(1-34) inhibited mineralization by 40% and down-regulated Msx2 in aortic myofibroblasts. PTH(1-34) inhibits vascular calcification and aortic osteogenic differentiation via direct actions and potentially via circulating OPN. PTH(1-34) exerts beneficial actions at early stages of macrovascular disease responses to diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Determinants of plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and albumin and their hepatic mRNAs : The role of dietary protein content and tumor necrosis factor in malnourished rats

Protein restriction decreases plasma concentrations of albumin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) by reducing their hepatic mRNA levels, whereas protein restriction increases IGF-I binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) gene expression in the liver. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as an inducer of the injury response, decreases plasma albumin concentration and albumin mRNA in the liver. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of protein repletion and TNF on plasma albumin and IGF-I and their mRNAs and IGFBP-2 mRNA in the liver of protein-restricted rats. After 2 weeks of feeding a 2% casein diet, rats were assigned to four groups according to either being refed with a 2% or 20% casein diet or receiving saline or TNF by intraperitoneal injection (50 microg/kg x d) for 4 days. Plasma IGF-I and albumin were assayed. Hepatic mRNAs of IGF-I, albumin, and IGFBP-2 were determined. Protein repletion increased plasma concentrations of IGF-I and albumin and their mRNA content in the liver, but decreased IGFBP-2 mRNA. TNF did not alter plasma IGF-I concentration but did increase hepatic IGF-I mRNA in protein-repleted animals, and plasma albumin concentration was significantly decreased with unaltered hepatic albumin mRNA. Thus, protein repletion of malnourished rats increased plasma IGF-I and albumin concentrations in association with increased expression of their mRNAs in the liver. However, plasma albumin but not IGF-I decreased following TNF in protein-restricted rats, whereas TNF increased hepatic IGF-I mRNA in protein-repleted rats. Thus, only plasma albumin concentration responds to both principal determinants, diet and injury, in the development of malnutrition.
Transition strengths and multiple band structure in 82Sr.

High-spin states in $^{82}\mathrm{Sr}$ were studied using the $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$${(}^{29}$Si,2pn) reaction at 95 MeV with a thick 78 mg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ natural Fe (92% $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$) target. Prompt \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidences were measured using three Compton-suppressed Ge detectors at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} relative to the beam and two at 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Directional correlation of oriented nuclei ratios were determined from the 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-- 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} coincidences to assist in assigning spin changes. Nine new states were found, along with 38 new transitions. The Doppler-shift attenuation method was used to determine the mean lifetimes of 22 states in $^{82}\mathrm{Sr}$. The continuum side feeding times into 10 states were determined by comparing the decay line shapes in coincidence with transitions above and below the state under study. The average transition quadrupole moment of 2.8(2) e b in the ground state band of $^{82}\mathrm{Sr}$ would correspond to a relatively large axial quadrupole deformation of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}_{2}$=0.33, in agreement with theoretical predictions. The excited ${2}^{+}$ band has a higher moment of inertia but a lower transition quadrupole moment of 2.4(2) e b. In the negative-parity bands the quadrupole moment falls from about 3 to 2 e b with increasing spin.
The Mind–Body-Spirit Learning Model Transformative Learning Connections to Holistic Perspectives: Seizing Control of Your Healthcare - The Relationship among Self-Agency, Transformative Learning, and Wellness

At a time when the medical field is dominated by the pressures of private insurance demands and government regulations, many people discover they need to be self advocates in order to battle illness and regain their health. Moreover, these issues are not constant, as many countries (like the USA) face changing demographics and continuing radical changes in healthcare funding. These conditions require that patients seeking healthcare re-examine constantly their assumptions on several levels including, but not limited to medical professionalsâ€™ motivations, training and accuracy, healthcare philosophies, and recommended treatments. Within this context, patientsâ€™ self-advocacy becomes essential. Yet such positive independence regarding the medical professions contradicts traditional American cultural mores. A critical question for this situation springs from adult learning and development: what are the relationships among discovering self-agency in personal healthcare, wellness, and transformative learning? This article uses the frame of an autoethnography to explore the relationship among these domains. The writerâ€™s eight-year journey through debilitating illness includes growing understandings of and connections among transformative learning, mind-body-spirit connections, self-agency, self-advocacy, and cultural concepts of wellness.
Project management in the library

Purpose – The project management methodology can provide a library with a tool it can use to deliver a project using an effective and efficient technique so that the blueprint for success can be developed, followed and realized using a dependable and trusted technique. The purpose of this column is to discuss the project management methodology and its relevance in the current economic climate wherein libraries must approach every project with planning, caution, risk assessment, change management techniques and an overall plan to ensure, at least as much as possible, a project's success.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being considered by colleagues.Findings – While in many instances, libraries have been cautious in pursuing project management as a planning and workflow tool, it is becoming increasingly evident that a proven methodology such as this could greatly benefit projects that are usually expected to adhere to the demands ...
Steady-state bioavailability of controlled-release oxycodone in normal subjects.

The steady-state bioavailability of a controlled-release (CR) oxycodone tablet was compared with that of an immediate-release (IR) oxycodone solution in a randomized, analytically masked, multiple-dose, crossover study in 24 normal subjects. Each subject received either one 10-mg CR oxycodone tablet every 12 hours for 4 days or 5 mL of a 1-mg/1 mL IR oxycodone solution every 6 hours for 4 days. Steady state was achieved after approximately 1 day of dosing. The mean (+/- SD) maximum plasma oxycodone concentrations for CR oxycodone and IR oxycodone were 15.1 +/- 4.7 ng/mL and 15.6 +/- 4.4 ng/mL, respectively. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was approximately twice as long for CR oxycodone (3.2 +/- 2.2 hours) as for IR oxycodone (1.4 +/- 0.7 hours) (P = 0.005). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours at steady state was 103.6 +/- 40.0 ng.h/mL for CR oxycodone and 99.0 +/- 35.8 ng.h/mL for IR oxycodone. Except for Tmax, there were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between treatments. Approximately twice as many adverse experiences, several of longer duration than noted with CR oxycodone, were reported with IR oxycodone. The bioavailability of the CR tablet was equal to that of the IR solution; however, the rate of oxycodone absorption from the CR tablet was slower than that from the IR solution, as shown by the Tmax value. The use of CR oxycodone will allow selection of the most clinically appropriate nonopioid analgesic, as well as independent titration and dosing, thereby enhancing therapeutic flexibility.
A Closed-Form Analytic Expression for FRAP Formula for the Binding Diffusion Model

One of the most dominant methods cells use for a large class of cellular processes is reaction (or binding) diffusion kinetics, which are controlled by kinetic constants such as diffusion coefficients and on/off binding rate constants. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) can be used to determine these kinetic constants in living cells. While an analytic expression for FRAP formulae for pure diffusion has been available for some time, an analytic FRAP formula for the binding diffusion model has not been reported yet. Here, we present an analytic FRAP formula for the binding diffusion model in an explicit form allowing for diffusion of the bound complex for either a uniform circle laser profile or a Gaussian laser profile.
Theory and modeling of nanocarbon phase stability

The transformation of nanodiamonds into carbon-onions (and vice versa) has been observed experimentally and has been modeled computationally at various levels of sophistication. Also, several analytical theories have been derived to describe the size, temperature and pressure dependence of this phase transition. However, in most cases a pure carbon-onion or nanodiamond is not the final product. More often than not an intermediary is formed, known as a bucky-diamond, with a diamond-like core encased in an onion-like shell. This has prompted a number of studies investigating the relative stability of nanodiamonds, bucky-diamonds, carbon-onions and fullerenes, in various size regimes. Presented here is a review outlining results of numerous theoretical studies examining the phase diagrams and phase stability of carbon nanoparticles, to clarify the complicated relationship between fullerenic and diamond structures at the nanoscale.
Speculative attacks and defenses as wars of attrition

Abstract This paper extends the currency crisis models in Obstfeld [Obstfeld, M., 1994. The logic of currency crises. Cahiers Economiques et Monetaries], [Obstfeld, M., 1996. Models of currency crises with self-fulfilling features. European Economic Review 40, 1037–1047] by modeling both the government's side and speculators' side and introducing uncertainty about each party's payoff. We argue that a speculative attack (defense) can be well modeled as a war of attrition between the government and speculators under asymmetric information. We then solve for a pure strategy, weakly perfect, Bayesian rational expectation equilibrium in which each party's time until concession depends on her benefits from winning and her costs of fighting. Using this model, we are able to explain important facts of currency crises. First, the model shows that failed defenses (attacks) can be ex-ante rational for governments (speculators). Second, the model predicts systematic variations in the durations of defenses. Finally, we also show that currency crises can be self-fulfilling in the sense that there exist multiple rational expectation equilibria in our model.
Introduction to Neuropathic Pain Syndromes

Chronic pain impairs the quality of life for millions of individuals and therefore presents a serious ongoing challenge to clinicians and researchers. Debilitating chronic pain syndromes cost the US economy more than $600 billion per year. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes for craniofacial, spinal, and peripheral neurologic pain syndromes. Although the authors recognize that the diagnosis and treatment of the chronic forms of neuropathic pain syndromes represent a clinical challenge, there is an urgent need for standardized classification systems, improved epidemiologic data, and reliable treatment outcomes data.
Protein film voltammetry and co-factor electron transfer dynamics in spinach photosystem II core complex

Direct protein film voltammetry (PFV) was used to investigate the redox properties of the photosystem II (PSII) core complex from spinach. The complex was isolated using an improved protocol not used previously for PFV. The PSII core complex had high oxygen-evolving capacity and was incorporated into thin lipid and polyion films. Three well-defined reversible pairs of reduction and oxidation voltammetry peaks were observed at 4 °C in the dark. Results were similar in both types of films, indicating that the environment of the PSII-bound cofactors was not influenced by film type. Based on comparison with various control samples including Mn-depleted PSII, peaks were assigned to chlorophyll a (Chl a) (E m = −0.47 V, all vs. NHE, at pH 6), quinones (−0.12 V), and the manganese (Mn) cluster (E m = 0.18 V). PFV of purified iron heme protein cytochrome b-559 (Cyt b-559), a component of PSII, gave a partly reversible peak pair at 0.004 V that did not have a potential similar to any peaks observed from the intact PSII core complex. The closest peak in PSII to 0.004 V is the 0.18 V peak that was found to be associated with a two-electron process, and thus is inconsistent with iron heme protein voltammetry. The −0.47 V peak had a peak potential and peak potential-pH dependence similar to that found for purified Chl a incorporated into DMPC films. The midpoint potentials reported here may differ to various extents from previously reported redox titration data due to the influence of electrode double-layer effects. Heterogeneous electron transfer (hET) rate constants were estimated by theoretical fitting and digital simulations for the −0.47 and 0.18 V peaks. Data for the Chl a peaks were best fit to a one-electron model, while the peak assigned to the Mn cluster was best fit by a two-electron/one-proton model.
The complete nucleotide sequence of the ilvGMEDA cluster of Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract The ilvGMEDA gene cluster of Escherichia coli K-12 has been the focus of intensive genetic and biochemical analysis for the past 30 years. Genetic regulation of the ilvGMEDA cluster involves attenuation, internal promoters, internal Rho-dependent termination sites, a site of polarity in the ilvG pseudogene of the wild-type organism, and autoregulation by the ilvA gene product, the biosynthetic l -threonine deaminase. We have now completed the nucleotide sequence of the 6600-bp cluster and have analyzed it, along with the ilvYC, ilvBN, and ilvIH genes, for codon frequencies and possible evolutionary relationships. The isoleucine content of each of the gene products of the ilvGMEDA cluster is quite similar (less than a two-fold variation), thus excluding one possible interpretation of the isoleucine-specific downstream amplification phenomenon. There is no evidence for retrograde evolution in the cluster since no significant homologies are detectable among genes that catalyze sequential reactions of the pathway. A highly significant homology does exist, however, between the threonine deaminases of yeast mitochondria and E. coli. The sequence at the boundary of the ilvA and ilvD genes is TAATAATG, so that the second TAA stop codon of ilvD overlaps the ATG initiation codon of ilvA.
An endothelial apelin-FGF link mediated by miR-424 and miR-503 is disrupted in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by vascular remodeling associated with obliteration of pulmonary arterioles and formation of plexiform lesions comprised of hyperproliferative endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, we describe a novel, microRNA-dependent association between APLN and FGF2 pathways in the pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs), where disruption of APLN signaling results in a robust increase in FGF2 expression. We show that this link is mediated by two microRNAs, miR-424 and miR-503, that are regulated by APLN and significantly downregulated in PAH. MiR-424 and miR-503 exert anti-proliferative effects by targeting FGF2 and FGFR1. Overexpression of miR-424 and miR-503 in PAECs promoted cellular quiescence and inhibited the capacity of PAEC conditioned media to induce proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. We show that reconstitution of miR-424 and miR-503 can ameliorate pulmonary hypertension in experimental models. These studies demonstrate the importance of APLN-miR-424/503-FGF axis in maintaining pulmonary vascular homeostasis.
A computer program for calculating respiratory anatomic dead space

Abstract The Fowler technique for estimating anatomic dead space ( V D - the volume of the airway conducting system) on the basis of CO 2 changes in the expired air of a single breath was adapted to computer analysis. The areas above and below the sigmoid CO 2 curve in the region of transition from inspired to alveolar concentration were simultaneously integrated (forward and backward) on a time base until the sum of the two integrated values equalled the total area representing the transition. This point on the CO 2 curve was defined as the CO 2 midpoint. Expiratory flow was then integrated with time from its beginning to the CO 2 midpoint, and the resultant volume represented V D for that breath. The computer program was able to compensate for differences in response time between the gas monitor and the flow measuring device and was able to integrate the areas rapidly. The program provided a rapid calculation of V D , which compared well with values calculated by tedious, manual methods.
Novel Nanomaterials Synthesis by Laser-Liquid-Solid Interaction

A novel laser-liquid-solid interaction (LLSI) technique has been developed that is highly flexible and allows engineering nanomaterials in form of particles, rods, and tubes from liquid precursors....
Circuit modeling of the electrical impedance: I. Neuromuscular disease

Multifrequency electrical impedance myography (MFEIM) in the 3-300 kHz range was applied to 68 subjects representing 19 different neuromuscular diseases, and the impedances analyzed using the 5-element circuit model. Depending on severity, the 'cellular' parameters r(2), r(3), 1/c(1) and 1/c(2) were found to be as much as 10- to 20-fold larger than for normal subjects (taking age and girth into account), but in almost every case the extracellular fluid parameter r(1) was at most only marginally affected. Strong correlations are found between r(2) and 1/c(1,) but in the case of ALS that breaks down when c(1) (representing the muscle fiber membrane capacitance) falls below half the normal value. Also, c(2) (tentatively associated with intracellular organelle membranes) was found to be the most sensitive to disease progress in ALS, about three times more so than the 50 kHz phase, already suggested for use in clinical drug testing. We conclude that following parameters obtained using the combined MFEIM/5-element circuit analysis scheme offer a reliable, non-invasive and objective way of characterizing muscle in neuromuscular disease or during clinical drug testing.
Output feedback stabilization of an Inertia Wheel Pendulum using Sliding Mode Control

This paper investigates the application of a novel robust output feedback stabilizing controller to an Inertia Wheel Pendulum (IWP) - a bench mark problem in the control of under-actuated mechanical systems. The proposed scheme uses a Sliding Mode Control (SMC) design for the stabilization of an IWP having unstable zero dynamics. Starting with the system equations of motion in standard form, a normal form representation of the system is derived, and a sliding mode controller is synthesized for robust stabilization of the system. The state feedback control design is extended to an output feedback control using a high gain observer. It is shown that the system response under the output feedback controller converges to that of the state feedback controller and the estimated states converge to actual states arbitrarily fast.
Treatment of Persons who Self-Mutilate with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Abstract Prisoners, children with developmental disability, persons with psychoses, and persons with personality disorder, particularly borderline personality disorder, have been shown to self-mutilate. The behavior may exacerbate over time, becoming more frequent or more medically dangerous. There are psychological treatments, but the majority are either untested, tested on single subjects, or are based on constructs that do not lend themselves to scientific testing. An exception is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This is a therapy that emphasizes a dialectical view of the word, i.e., the ability to simultaneously perceive two opposing aspects of reality and to synthesize them into a new perspective. Although they're complex and numerous, some strategies of dialectical behavior therapy include: validating the client's emotions, gaining an understanding of the function of self-mutilation, reducing the client's motivation to self-mutilate, and teaching the client new means of managing emotional distres...
Attained adult height after childhood asthma: Effect of glucocorticoid therapy

Abstract Background: Although oral and inhaled glucocorticoid therapy may impair growth in children with asthma, the effect of glucocorticoid therapy and asthma on attained adult height has not been extensively studied in representative children in the community. Objectives: The study was designed to compare the attained adult height of children with asthma with the attained adult height of nonasthmatic children and to compare the attained adult height of asthmatic children treated with glucocorticoids with the attained adult height of asthmatic children who did not receive glucocorticoids. Methods: Residents of Rochester, Minnesota, with onset of asthma from 1964 to 1987 and age- and sex-matched nonasthmatic residents of Rochester were studied. Glucocorticoid exposure was assessed from medical records. The mean of 5 stadiometer measurements of adult height, adjusted for sex and parental height, was analyzed. Results: One hundred fifty-three patients with asthma (mean age at onset, 6.1 ± 4.8 years) and 153 age- and sex-matched nonasthmatic subjects were studied. Adult height of patients with asthma (mean age at measurement, 25.7 ± 5.2 years) was not significantly different from the adult height of nonasthmatic subjects; the overall difference, adjusted for mid-parental height, was –0.20 cm (95% confidence interval from –0.27 to 1.64). The adult height of asthmatic children treated with glucocorticoids was not significantly different from the adult height of patients with asthma not treated with glucocorticoids; the difference after adjusting for mid-parental height was –0.2 cm (95% confidence interval from –0.1 to 0.6). Conclusions: We conclude that the attained adult height of patients with asthma is not different from the adult height of age- and sex-matched nonasthmatic subjects and that the attained adult height of asthmatic children treated with glucocorticoids is not significantly different from the adult height of children not treated with glucocorticoids. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:466-74.)
Notes on the ‘LDC debt problem’

Abstract This paper reviews trends in trade, payments and debt of the non-oil developing countries in the 1974–1977 period. The aggregate figures indicate that, after massive increases in borrowing in 1974 and 1975, the current account balance-of-payments deficits had by 1977 been reduced to levels which should be manageable over the longer run. The experiences of the 18 most important non-oil LDC debtors are briefly reviewed. They are found to be highly varied, but the presence or absence of debt management problems depends more upon country economic management than upon external trends.
Contraception for cancer survivors

Women who have survived cancer may need guidance in choosing a method of contraception. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of available methods of contraception for cancer survivors and concludes that the Copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD), a highly effective, reversible, long-acting, hormone-free method should be considered a first-line contraceptive option for women with a history of a hormonally mediated cancer. However, the levonorgestrel-containing IUD may be preferable for women being treated with tamoxifen and women who have survived non-hormonally mediated cancers. Women with IUDs can undergo all forms of imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
A comparison of the pharmacological activity of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its monohydroxylated metabolites in man

Se hizo un estudio comparativo de la capacidad del Δ9-tetrahidro-cannabinol y de sus metabolitos monohidroxilados en producir effectos similares a los de la marihuana cuando son inyectados intravenosamente a humanos. Se encontro que la hidroxilacion en la posicion 11 no cambio la potencia, en la posicion 8β la redujo, y en la posicion 8α la abolio por completo.
Recent Development In Optical Data Storage

A number of recently developed optical data storage systems are reviewed in this paper. Each system utilizes some laser beam recording method as a means of permanently storing digital data on optical storage medium. The technical approaches and storage media employed by these systems vary considerably, ranging from ablative pit-creation on tellurium disc, or metalized glass slide to optical spot recording on silver halide film. Several performance characteristics and parameters of these optical data storage systems relevant to their applications in picture archiving are discussed. Also addressed are the developments of other types of optical data storage media such as bubble forming medium, dye film, and magneto-optic disc.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Alactic capacity and power: reliability and interpretation.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine test-retest reliability for measuring maximal values of alactic capacity (ALCmax) and alactic power (ALPmax). For this, 31 men and 13 women each completed two ALCmax and ALPmax tests. Test-retest correlation coefficients for ALCmax and ALPmax values were 0.78 and 0.90, respectively. In addition, for both variables no significant differences were found between test no. 1 and test no. 2. Mean ALCmax values of 429 and 317 J . kg-1, as well as mean ALPmax values of 3.79 and 3.08 W . kg-1 were found for the men and women, respectively. Both ALCmax and ALPmax values were lower (p less than 0.05) for women than men. However, for the capacity power ratio (ALCmax . ALPmax-1) no difference was found between men and women. A correlation coefficient of r = 0.61 was found between mean values for ALCmax and ALPmax . ALCmax values were discussed as being related to skeletal muscle phosphagen concentrations, and ALPmax values were discussed as being related to phosphagen splitting rate. The observed sex differences were suggested to reflect a greater percent body fat in women than men.