cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of peace education into early childhood education programs

Les educateurs prescolaires observeront peut etre que cette periode historique, unique est une occasion pour integrer l’education a la paix dans le programme educatif. La communication qui s’est developpee grâce a une technologie nouvelle a offert l’opportunite d’une transformation. L’enseignement, de la nonviolence, la resolution des conflits le bien etre, economique, la participation politique et l’interet pour l’environnement peuvent etre consideres comme des concepts d’education pour la paix. Cette idee visionaire inclut l’education globale, la prevention de la violence l’education du caractere et l’education morale. Le programme educatif et les methodes d’education pour la paix des enfants d’âge prescolaire (de la naissance a 8 ans) comprennent differents themes: 1) promouvoir la cooperation et la resoundre les conflits 2) le respect de soi et desauties; 3) l’appreciation de la diversite 4) le role d’impregnation de la violence culturelle incluant la television, les jeux video, les films et les jeux dramatiques stimules par des jouets et les representations d’actions violentes. Ces themes centraux contiennent l’espoir de voir appliquer les principes contenus dans la Convention des Nations Unies sur les Droits de l’enfant. La participation des parents vue comme agents essentiels, pour la prise de decisions concernant leurs enfants est un concept fondamental. L’etude de cet evenement produit un modele visionnaire, identifie comme l’education pour la paix, avec la participation des parents. Les membres de l’OMEP ont serir comme catalyseurs dans les eforts d’education pour la paix en mettant l’accent sur l’education interculturelle. L’education pour la paix etait, est et sera un objectif d’education prescolaire et primaire pour tous les educateurs a travers le monde. Il existe un grand besoin d’activites dans les programmes prescolaires-et primaires et dans les autres programmes educatifs, pour reduire les tensions de maniere pacifique.
Effects of target enhancement and distractor suppression on multiple object tracking capacity

Mounting evidence suggests that visual attention may be simultaneously deployed to multiple distinct object locations, but the constraints upon this multi-object attentional system are still debated. Results from multiple object tracking (MOT) experiments have been interpreted as revealing a fixed attentional capacity limit of 4 objects, while other evidence has suggested that attentional capacity may be more fluid. Here, we investigated the influence of target stimulus factors, such as speed and size, and of distractor filtering factors, such as number of distractors and screen density, on MOT performance. Each factor had significant effects on capacity, producing values that ranged from above 6 objects down to one object, depending on the task demands. Although our results support the view that crowding effects modulate the effective capacity of attention, we also find evidence that central processes related to distractor suppression and target enhancement modulate capacity.
A DNA metalloenzyme with DNA ligase activity

Single-stranded DNA can fold into well-defined sequence-dependent tertiary structures that specifically bind a variety of target molecules, raising the possibility that some folded single-stranded DNAs might exhibit catalytic activities similar to those of ribozymes and protein enzymes. Derivatives of the hammerhead ribozyme that contain a majority of deoxyribonucleotides retain the ability to cleave RNA, and a 'deoxyribozyme' was generated by leaving all essential ribonucleotides of the hammerhead on the RNA 'substrate'. Recently in vitro selection has been used to isolate a DNA sequence that shows Pb(2+)-dependent RNA-cleaving activity. Here we report the isolation by in vitro selection of a small single-stranded DNA that is a Zn2+/Cu(2+)-dependent metalloenzyme. The enzyme catalyses the formation of a new phosphodiester bond by the condensation of the 5'-hydroxyl of one oligodeoxynucleotide and a 3'-phosphorimidazolide on another oligodeoxynucleotide, and shows multiple turnover ligation.
Differentiation-dependent and stimulus-specific expression of ILA, the human 4-1BB-homologue, in cells of mesenchymal origin

Summary Objective Examine the expression of ILA, a member of the human NGF/TNF receptor family and the homologue of the murine 4-1BB, in mesenchymal cells. Methods ILA mRNA was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Northern blotting in human articular chondrocytes and fibroblasts. ILA protein expression was examined by flow cytometry. Results The proinflammatory stimuli interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interferon (IFN) γ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced ILA mRNA in primary human articular chondrocytes. TGF β and dexamethasone inhibited IL-1 induced ILA expression. Chondrocytes expressed the 4.9, 4.0 and 1.9 kb isoforms of ILA mRNA which had previously been observed in lymphocytes and additional isoforms at 3.2, 1.5 and 1.2 kb. Cycloheximide alone induced ILA mRNA in primary chondrocytes while the combination of IL-1 and cycloheximide resulted in ILA superinduction. In contrast to primary chondrocytes, activated human synovial or skin fibroblasts did not express ILA mRNA. Furthermore, ILA was no longer inducible by IL-1 in subcultured, dedifferentiated chondrocytes. However, repression of ILA in fibroblasts and dedifferentiated chondrocytes was overcome by cycloheximide and IL-1 further increased ILA mRNA levels in the presence of cycloheximide. Flow cytometric analysis of ILA protein expression with monoclonal antibodies revealed increased cell-surface expression on IL-1 or TNFα, but not on TGFβ stimulated chondrocytes. Conclusion ILA is not only expressed in the immune system but also in mesenchymal cells. ILA expression is induced by specific stimuli and modulated by the differentiation status of the cells. ILA can serve as a model and marker to analyze differentiation-dependent gene expression in mesenchymal cells.
Watershed Modeling to Assessing Impacts of Potential Climate Change on Water Supply Availability

Climate change could have impacts on hydrologic systems threatening, availability of water supply resources. In Illinois, regional water supply planning efforts are attempting to better understand potential impacts on low flow and surface water availability through analysis of hydrologic sensitivity to a range of climate scenarios. This paper explores the development, calibration and validation of Fox River watershed model using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) and the model’s application to assess impacts of potential climate change. The watershed model is calibrated and validated using daily flow records at three gauging stations. Automatic model calibration followed by manual refinement of parameter values was performed. Calibration results were generally good for monthly and annual time step but only satisfactory for daily simulations. Based on simulations of global climate models produced for IPCC fourth assessment report, climate scenarios were prepared by the Illinois State Water Survey for water supply planning initiatives in north-east and east-central Illinois. These scenarios showed ranges of temperature change between 0°C to +3.3°C and annual precipitation changes between −127 to +127 mm in the next 50 years, excluding the 5% extreme ends of those climate model simulations considered. Changes in climate were reflected using adjustments to the historical record, instead of using direct outputs from individual climate models. The watershed model was used to assess the impact of potential climate change. Application results indicate that annual precipitation change of 127 mm on average increases annual water yield and 7-day low flows by 28% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, a temperature change of +3.3°C results in average reductions of annual water yield by 13% and 7-day low flows by 10%. Seasonal effects were investigated through evaluation of changes in average monthly flows. Increasing precipitation resulted in significant changes in streamflows in late summer and fall months where as increasing temperature greatly affects winter flows due to snowmelt. The key implication is that climate change-induced variability of streamflows could have major impacts on water supply availability in the Fox River watershed and in particular, increased periods of drought could result in deficit of supplies during seasons of peak water use. It must be noted that this analysis does not examine the potential impacts of population growth and water use on water supply availability, which are also expected to have substantial influences in the region.
Characterization of a suppressor mutation complementing an acid-sensitive mutation in Streptococcus mutans

We isolated a spontaneous suppressor mutant complementing the acid-sensitive phenotype of Streptococcus mutans strain Tn-1, a mutant previously generated in this laboratory, defective in the activity of the dgk-encoded putative undecaprenol kinase. A relatively simple genetic method was developed to identify the suppressor mutation, based on selection for transformants containing two closely linked markers: a selectable allele of the unknown suppressor gene and an antibiotic resistance gene introduced on a suicide plasmid at random sites into the chromosome via homologous recombination. While we have not actually identified the original suppressor mutation, another mutated gene restoring acid resistance has been isolated, which suggests a possible mechanism of suppression.
Role of the microtrabecular lattice in axoplasmic transport

Abstract High voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) stereo images of whole mounted cells have revealed that the cytoplasmic ground substance comprises a three-dimensional lattice of slender strands from 4 to 10 nm dia. (termed microtrabeculae). The lattice, in effect, forms an integral cytoskeletal component that cross-links other filamentous elements to function in one fashion or another as a framework for the maintenance of cell anisometry. In Neuroblastoma, the lattice emerges from the subplasmalemmal surfaces as one of the main cytoskeletal elements involved in growth cone formation and axonal elongation. Most importantly, the microtrabeculae cross-link axonal microtubules in parallel arrays to form linear channels that direct the bidirectional flow of particles from the cell soma to the growth cone. The microtrabeculae (3–7 nm dia.) also seem to interconnect particles (lipid, lysosomal, vesicular, mitochondrial) with microtubules to facilitate their translocation. In time lapse studies, the particles in nearby channels are seen to move simultaneously by linear saltations in opposite directions, and often to reverse their direction of motion in subsequent saltations. This suggests that microtrabeculae behave as nonstatic structures capable of constantly changing, and displaying localized contractions and extensions which result in particle transport through the lattice. Further, the apparently non-ordered process of particle motion suggests that highly localized cellular control mechanisms exist to regulate lattice structure and function within individual microtubule channels. We have investigated how changes in divalent cation ratios (Ca2+Mg2+) affect both lattice organizational properties and the saltation of particles along microtubule channels. Based on these studies, possible mechanisms controlling the behavior of nerve cells in general are discussed.
Monitoring CO2: The quest for a clean signal (examples from UT Austin BEG research)☆

The approach to CO2 monitoring is maturing as a result of knowledge gained from U.S. DOE NETL-funded, research-level CO2 injection demonstration projects, especially the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships. These project have demonstrated successful storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the test durations. Here we present results from remediated and active oil and gas sites to get a better understanding of potential leakage signals, and to provide partial analogues for CO2 monitoring best practices. Geochemical sampling of the surface and shallow subsurface is attractive for monitoring CO2 storage for three reasons. First it is less expensive to sample the shallow subsurface (<1 m to 10s or 100s of meters) than it is to access the deep subsurface (100s of meters or kilometers). Second, protection of groundwater for drinking water supply is a key requirement of U.S. and international regulations and geochemical sampling is a well-known approach to documenting this protection. Third, the air/land surface interface is the horizon used for accounting for leakage from the subsurface to atmosphere in several reporting systems. Case studies show that natural processes create dynamic conditions that can mimic impacts from deep CO2 injection or obscure a subtle leakage response. Examples include biogenic degradation of methane (CH4) that produces CO2 and consumes oxygen (O2), water-rock interactions, and climate change. Additional complexity introduced by spatial and temporal changes at oilfield and other developed sites further complicate interpretation of shallow subsurface monitoring data. Other examples of induced change, which might suggest CO2 leakage, include seasonal variations in chemical analytes due to agricultural activities or increased chloride (Cl-) concentration in shallow groundwater that do not appear to be a result of CO2 injection operations. Experience with diverse types of monitoring in near surface environments provides a substantive but previously underutilized resource that can help guide effective monitoring for CO2 storage. Key lessons are to prepare and budget for the expected spatial and temporal complexity that will undoubtedly be encountered during shallow subsurface monitoring in order to extract an accurate and unambiguous (i.e. clean) signal for reporting to stakeholders.
High-performance liquid chromatographi determination of tornalate® in solution dosage forms; a specificity study

Abstract A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been applied utilizing ion-pairing to measure Tornalate ® in solution dosage forms. Specificity of the method was demonstrated by selectivity for Tornalate analysis, analysis of stressed samples and by peak homogeneity tests. These included the diode-array derived spectral overlay test and fraction collection with rechromatography in an alternate normal phase system. Linearity was also demonstrated in terms of recovery from synthetic samples and detector response.
Values and symbols in orientations to the Olympics

In this study, survey data are used to support the argument that, consistent with Durkheim's theory, the modern Olympic games are secular religious festivals. The public's thinking about the 1984 Summer Games showed a relatively consensual core of values, ideas, and sentiments that affirm the Olympic tradition and are distinct from the public's thinking about professional sports. These ideas were reinforced, and the prevalence of cynicism was reduced by the games. The conclusion addresses the relevance of Durkheimian theory to communication studies and the relevance of norms in social life and social theory.
A re-examination of the community of inquiry framework: Social network and content analysis

Abstract This study provides a simultaneous examination of all components of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework (Garrison, Anderson & Archer, 2000; Anderson, Rourke, Garrison & Archer, 2001; and Rourke, Garrison, Anderson & Archer, 1999) and seeks to extend previous work into the nature, development, and relationships between the constructs of “presence” hypothesized in the model. To accomplish this goal we use content and social network analysis to examine the discourse produced among all participants in two semester-length online asynchronous college courses. Coding for the existence and relative intensity of forms of presence we identify patterns and relationships between instructors' and students' teaching presence and social presence and the corresponding quantity and levels of the cognitive presence that emerges. The study reveals complex relationships between these variables that have implications for the development of higher order thinking and meaningful learning in online environments. Study findings also have implications for online teaching practice and ongoing research on the CoI framework.
Solution Structure of the Covalent Duocarmycin A-DNA Duplex Complex

Duocarmycin A is an antitumour antibiotic that binds covalently to the minor groove N-3 position of adenine with sequence specificity for the 3'-adenine in a d(A-A-A-A) tract in duplex DNA. The adenine ring becomes protonated on duocarmycin adduct formation resulting in charge delocalization over the purine ring system. We report on the solution structure of duocarmycin A bound site specifically to A12 (designated *A12+) in the sequence context d(T3-T4-T5-T6).d(A9-A10-A11-*A12+) within a hairpin duplex. The solution structure was solved based on a combined NMR-molecular dynamics study including NOE based intensity refinement. The A and B-rings of duocarmycin are positioned deep within the walls of the minor groove with the B-ring (which is furthest from the covalent linkage site) directed towards the 5'-end of the modified strand. Duocarmycin adopts an extended conformation and is aligned at approximately 45 degrees to the helix axis with its non-polar concave edges interacting with the floor of the minor groove while its polar edges are sandwiched within the walls of the minor groove. The T3.*A12+ modification site pair forms a weak central Watson-Crick hydrogen bond in contrast to all A.T and G.C pairs, which align through standard Watson-Crick pairing in the complex. The helical parameters are consistent with a minimally perturbed right-handed duplex in the complex with minor groove width and x-displacement parameters indicative of a B-form helix. A striking feature of the complex is the positioning of duocarmycin A within the walls of the minor groove resulting in upfield shifts of the minor groove sugar protons, as well as backbone proton and phosphorus resonances in the DNA segment spanning the binding site.
Basic helix–loop–helix protein E47-mediated p21Waf1/Cip1 gene expression regulates apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells

Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase by DFMO (α-difluromethylornithine) and subsequent polyamine depletion increases p21Cip1 protein, induces cell cycle arrest and confers resistance to apoptosis on intestinal epithelial cells. However, the mechanism by which polyamines regulate p21Cip1 expression and apoptosis is unknown. On the basis of the involvement of p21Cip1 as an anti-apoptotic protein, we tested the role of p21Cip1 in providing protection from apoptosis. Simultaneously, we investigated the role of E47, a basic helix–loop–helix protein, in the regulation of p21Cip1 gene transcription. Gene-specific siRNA (small interfering RNA) decreased E47 protein levels, increased p21Cip1 promoter activity and protein levels and protected cells from TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α)-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of p21Cip1 protein by siRNA resulted in cells becoming more susceptible to apoptosis. In contrast, incubation with EGF (epidermal growth factor) stimulated p21Cip1 mRNA and protein levels and rescued cells from apoptosis. During apoptosis, the level of E47 mRNA increased, causing a concomitant decrease in p21Cip1 mRNA and protein levels. Polyamine depletion decreased E47 mRNA levels and cell survival. Caspase 3-mediated cleavage of p130Cas has been implicated in p21Cip1 transcription. The progression of apoptosis led to a caspase 3-dependent cleavage of p130Cas and generated a 31 kDa fragment, which translocated to the nucleus, associated with nuclear E47 and inhibited p21Cip1 transcription. Polyamine depletion inhibited all these effects. Transient expression of the 31 kDa fragment prevented the expression of p21Cip1 protein and increased apoptosis. These results implicate p21Cip1 as an anti-apoptotic protein and suggest a role for polyamines in the regulation of p21Cip1 via the transcription repressor E47. Caspase-mediated cleavage of p130Cas generates a 31 kDa fragment, inhibits p21Cip1 transcription and acts as an amplifier of apoptotic signalling.
Thermal Analysis and Heat Capacity Study of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Thermal stability and heat capacity of several metal–organic frameworks and their corresponding organic ligands have been investigated systematically using TGA-DSC technique. A simple notation system was created to present the local coordination environment around metal atoms in a secondary building unit (SBU). The heat capacity contributions of organic functional groups and SBUs were examined using the group-contribution method. Our results suggest that the thermal stability of MOFs is determined by the coordination number and local coordination environment instead of framework topology. Specific heat capacities (Cp) of all examined MOFs exhibit comparable values as other solids including carbon nanotubes, zeolites, and minerals. The molar heat capacity contributions of SBUs in MOFs indicate similar abnormal thermal behavior as negative thermal expansion of MOFs.
Applying skills in general surgery: Preparing medical students for careers in surgery

Introduction. Applying Skills in General Surgery is an elective course designed to encourage student interest in general surgery and to prepare students for surgical residency through daily didactic sessions, daily cadaveric simulations of common surgical procedures, and a porcine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods. Fifteen third- and fourth-year medical students enrolled in the elective were given pre- and postcourse surveys with Likert scale questions evaluating perceptions of preparedness for residency and medical specialty choice. Survey results were compared using paired Student’s t-test where P 90%) and to prepare for residency (40%). Subjective data evaluating preparedness for residency are presented in the table. TABLE—ABSTRACT 64. Pre-course Post-course P-val AVG SD AVG SD I understand the: Underlying anatomy 3.47 0.92 4.67 0.62 0.002 Role of radiology 3.60 0.83 3.80 0.86 0.424 Diagnostic algorithm 3.07 1.16 4.13 0.74 0.008 Treatment algorithm 2.80 1.01 4.07 0.70 0.004 I am comfortable with my: Suturing skill level 3.00 0.93 4.33 0.62 0.001 Conclusions. Although the Applying Skills in General Surgery course does not appear to influence medical students’ choice of specialty, this innovative educational model is excellent preparation for surgical residency based upon reported improvement in medical students’ surgical skills and fund of knowledge regarding underlying surgical anatomy and algorithms of surgical diagnosis and treatment.
Semipolar AlN on bulk GaN for UV-C diode lasers

The use of nonpolar or semipolar AlGaN for UV-C diode lasers avoids the compromises in gain, injection efficiency, and ohmic losses imposed on c-plane lasers by the unusual valence band structure of AlGaN alloys.
Prosthodontic management of the cleft-palate patient

Unlike some of the disciplines involved in the treatment of the cleft-palate patient, prosthodontics can have application from birth to death. Prosthodontic care never ends. Once surgical care or speech therapy has been completed, the need for follow-up care is ended unless specific problems manifest. With prosthodontic care, not only a restoration of the anatomic, physiologic, and cosmetic deficiencies but also a continual vigilance for signs of dental and periodontal problems must be undertaken. Preventive care is imperative if long-term preservation of the supporting structures and the well-being of the patient are to be attained.
MCNP5 evaluation of dose dissipation in tissue-like media exposed to low-energy monoenergetic X-ray microbeam

Following a significant increase in the number of facilities in the world having and developing low- and high-linear energy transfer (LET) microbeams for experimental radiobiological studies, it is useful and demanding to establish reliable computational models to analyze such experiments. This paper summarizes initial MCNP5 calculations of the basic parameters needed to study X-ray microbeam penetration, dose deposition and dose spatial dissipation in tissue-like media of micro and macro scales. The presented models can be used to predict doses delivered to neighboring cells and analyze the cause of bystander cell deaths. In the case of low-LET radiation, dose distribution is more homogenized when compared to high-LET that deposits almost all of its energy in the cell hit by radiation. Results are presented for a microbeam of monoenergetic soft (2–10 keV) X-rays for two different micro-models: (a) single-cells of homogeneous and uniform chemical compositions, and (b) single-cells of heterogeneous structures (nucleus and cytoplasm) with different chemical compositions. In both numerical models, only one cell is irradiated and the electron and X-ray doses in all cells are recorded. It was found that surrounding cells receive approximately five orders of magnitude less dose than the target cell in the homogenized cell model. The more detailed, heterogeneous model showed that the nucleus of the target cell receives more than 95% of the dose delivered to the entire cell, while neighboring cell nuclei receive approximately 65% of their total cell dose. Results of the macroscopic behavior of a soft X-ray microbeam using a cylindrical phantom 5 cm tall and 1 cm in diameter are also presented. Three-dimensional dose profiles indicate the spatial dose dissipation. For example, a 10 keV X-ray microbeam dose scatters to a negligible level at 0.3 cm radially from the center while it reaches an axial depth of 2 cm.
Solidification of acoustically levitated o-terphenyl crystals: a Raman study

Abstract Ultrasonic levitation of millimeter size o -terphenyl (OTP) crystals was carried out in a variable temperature enclosure. Levitated crystals were melted (MP = 331 K), undercooled and then seeded in order to initiate solidification. The incidence of an oargon laser beam on the sample, during containerless processing, allowed elastic and low frequency ( −1 ) shifted inelastic Raman scattering to be monitored. The Raman spectra undergo remarkable changes during thermal processing, enabling the tracking of inter-molecular structural reconfigurations occurring in the solid and liquid states. Furthermore, the Raman scattered light proved to be a reliable tool for monitoring the kinetics of phase transformation. Thus tracking the peak intensity of a Raman feature allowed a measure of volume fraction transformation rates, during solidification initiated at different undercooling levels. Growth rates as a function of undercooling were inferred from these measurements and are compared to existing models.
Examining multiprotein signaling complexes from all angles.

Dynamic protein–protein interactions are involved in most physiological processes and, in particular, for the formation of multiprotein signaling complexes at transmembrane receptors, adapter proteins and effector molecules. Because the unregulated induction of signaling complexes has substantial clinical relevance, the investigation of these complexes is an active area of research. These studies strive to answer questions about the composition and function of multiprotein signaling complexes, along with the molecular mechanisms of their formation. In this review, the adapter protein, linker for activation of T cells (LAT), will be employed as a model to exemplify how signaling complexes are characterized using a range of techniques. The intensive investigation of LAT highlights how the systematic use of complementary techniques leads to an integrated understanding of the formation, composition and function of multiprotein signaling complexes that occur at receptors, adapter proteins and effector molecules.
Effects of Progesterone and Estradiol Sex Hormones on the Release of Microparticles by RAW 264.7 Macrophages Stimulated by Poly(I:C)

Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane-bound vesicles that display proinflammatory and prothrombotic properties. These particles can be released by macrophages stimulated by ligands of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in a process that depends on nitric oxide (NO) production. Since sex hormones can modulate macrophage responses, we investigated the effects of progesterone and estradiol on macrophage particle release in vitro, comparing the responses with those induced by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. As a model system for particle release, RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated in vitro with poly(I:C), a ligand of TLR3. Microparticles were measured by flow cytometry, while NO was measured by the Griess reaction. As the results of these studies showed, progesterone but not estradiol can block particle release by RAW264.7 cells treated with poly(I:C); dexamethasone was also active. Furthermore, while progesterone and dexamethasone inhibited NO production under the same culture conditions, neither agent blocked the production of particles stimulated by the NO donors dipropylenetriamine NONOate {(z)-1-[N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-(3-ammoniopropyl)amino] diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate} and (z)-1-[(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino] diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate. Studies using RU486 to assess the role of hormone receptors indicated that while this agent blocked the inhibition of particle and NO production by dexamethasone, it did not affect the inhibition by progesterone. Together, these results indicate that progesterone but not estradiol can inhibit particle release by stimulated macrophages and suggest a mechanism that may contribute to the immunomodulatory effects of this sex hormone.
Day‐Care Participation as a Protective Factor in the Cognitive Development of Low‐Income Children

The impact of day-care participation during the first 3 years of life on the cognitive functioning of school age children was examined. 867 5- and 6-year-old children from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth who completed the 1986 assessment were included in the sample. The dependent measures were scores on the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) subtests of mathematics and reading recognition. In addition to day-care participation, the impact of the pattern of day-care was examined by analyzing the effect of the number of years in day-care, the timing of initiation of day-care, and type of day-care arrangement. After controlling for confounding factors, there were significant interactions between all 3 measures of day-care patterning and family income for reading recognition performance. This association was further examined by exploring the interaction between the pattern of day-care participation and the quality of the home environment. Initiation of day-care attendance before the first birthday was associated with higher reading recognition scores for children from impoverished home environments and with lower scores for children from more optimal environments. In addition, a significant interaction between the type of day-care arrangement and the quality of the home environment emerged for mathematics performance. Center-based care in particular was associated with higher mathematics scores for impoverished children and with lower mathematics scores for children from more stimulating home environments. These findings are discussed in the context of developmental risk.
The appearance of brief communications in JASN

With this issue of JASN , we introduce a new feature for original manuscripts, the Brief Communication. These articles are short, about 1500 words, and written in letter format followed by concise methods and no more than four figures; some of the dataset may be submitted supplemental to the
Imagined Evidence and False Imperatives.

Pressing questions about the merits of market accountability in K–12 education have spawned a large scholarly literature. Unfortunately, much of that literature is of limited relevance, and much of it is misleading. The studies most widely cited in the United States used intense scrutiny of a few small-scale, restriction-laden U.S. school choice programs, and a handful of larger, but still restriction-laden foreign school choice expansions, to assert general conclusions about the effects of “choice,” “competition,” and “markets.” The most intensely studied programs lack most or all of the key elements of market systems, including profit, price change, market entry, and product differentiation—factors that are normally central to any discussion of market effects. The school choice literature is partly driven by a self-fulfilling prophesy. Large steps toward full-blown market accountability are widely seen as too radical to be worthy of study, especially in the absence of directly relevant data. The studies...
Indigestible Recipe: Rice, Chicken Wings, and International Financial Institutions Or Hunger Politics in Haiti

Food riots in Haiti in early April 2008 brought to the attention of the international community the plight of the Haitians. These events are neither unique to Haiti nor the product of happenstance. Instead, policies imposed on Haiti by international financial institutions (i.e., the World Bank and International Monetary Fund) since the 1980s, such as currency devaluation and trade liberalization, had a “double whammy” negative impact: They negated Haitian agricultural performance and the capacity of the Haitian state to manage the economy, thus exacerbating the current food crisis.
Reversible and permanent effects of tobacco smoke exposure on airway epithelial gene expression

Background Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the US. The risk of dying from smoking-related diseases remains elevated for former smokers years after quitting. The identification of irreversible effects of tobacco smoke on airway gene expression may provide insights into the causes of this elevated risk.
Dr. Conrad L. Pirani, In Memoriam

February 2005Dr. Conrad L. Pirani, one of the founding fathers of renal pathology, died on 28 May 2005 at the age of 90. It seems very fitting that this 2006 USCAP Companion Session, sponsored join...
An Attentional Application of Socioemotional Selectivity Theory in College Students

Socioemotional selectivity theory posits that emotions become increasingly salient as individuals approach endings. Recent findings have linked the theory with biases in information processing in the context of aging. However, these studies all confounded advancing age and the motivational impact of endings. This study represented an attempt to disentangle the effects of large age differences from those of endings on the processing of emotional information by investigating differences in attention to emotional stimuli between college seniors and college first-years. Seniors represented a group approaching the social ending of graduation from college and first-years served as a comparison group not facing an ending. Following recent findings in the literature on aging, it was hypothesized that seniors would selectively avoid negative images in an effort to better regulate their emotions in the face of this social ending. First-years were found to spend a significantly larger portion of their time viewing sad faces than did seniors. Seniors also exhibited significantly higher levels of positive affect than did first-years. These findings are discussed within the context of emotion regulation in the face of impending endings across the lifespan.
Carbochlorination of metal oxides with phosgene

Kinetics of the carbochlorination with phosgene of an alumina-silica material are reported for a temperature range of 723 to 1,023 K and a phosgene partial pressure range of 4 to 90 kPa. The oxides react in a constant ratio over most of the conversion range and the grain model accurately predicts conversion as a function of time.
The New York Yankees and the conservative use of space

A New York, le « Canyon des Heros », la partie de Broadway qui s’etire entre Wall Street et l’Hotel de Ville, sert souvent d’espace de celebration pour des evenements sportifs, militaires ou politiques. Cet article presente une analyse du deroulement de l’un de ces defiles — celle de la victoire des Yankees de New York en 1998 — et de sa (re)presentation par NBC. A partir du concept de « la perruque » de Michel de Certeau, cet article soutient que la combinaison des niveaux de lecture multiples de cet espace (macro, micro et entre-deux) nous permet de comprendre comment s’entremelent et se tissent plusieurs echeveaux de symboles pour aboutir a une representation spatiale conservatrice sur les plans politique et economique. Cet article presente les implications de cet usage conservateur de l’espace dans l’elaboration de la theorie de l’espace et de l’intervention critique.
Empowering patients using computer based health support systems.

With the increased pressure to contain healthcare costs, it is critical to find more eVective ways of providing information, emotional support, decision making, and behaviour change assistance for patients. In the United States, a doctor spends approximately 18 minutes in face to face contact with the patient during each clinic appointment. 1 During morning hospital rounds, physicians spend on average just over four minutes in the patient’s room. 2 It has been proposed that ideal physician communication with patients with breast cancer should be tailored to patients’ needs or coping styles to reduce their distress. 3 However, in an environment of continued pressure to reduce healthcare costs, it is virtually impossible for doctors to give patients adequate information or even direct them to appropriate support resources. If costs are to be reduced while at the same time improving patient support we must find new ways to help patients to cope with their disease, make necessary decisions, and gain emotional support. Computer systems can help to fill this void. A key problem encountered by people facing a health crisis is that they are often given information when they are least able to take it in, such as at the time of diagnosis. SiminoV and others have concluded that nearly all studies point to serious gaps in patient recall and understanding of the information they are given. 34
A DR4:tBID axis drives the p53 apoptotic response by promoting oligomerization of poised BAX

The cellular response to p53 activation varies greatly in a stimulus- and cell type-specific manner. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms defining these cell fate choices will assist the development of effective p53-based cancer therapies and also illuminate fundamental processes by which gene networks control cellular behaviour. Using an experimental system wherein stimulus-specific p53 responses are elicited by non-genotoxic versus genotoxic agents, we discovered a novel mechanism that determines whether cells undergo proliferation arrest or cell death. Strikingly, we observe that key mediators of cell-cycle arrest (p21, 14-3-3σ) and apoptosis (PUMA, BAX) are equally activated regardless of outcome. In fact, arresting cells display strong translocation of PUMA and BAX to the mitochondria, yet fail to release cytochrome C or activate caspases. Surprisingly, the key differential events in apoptotic cells are p53-dependent activation of the DR4 death receptor pathway, caspase 8-mediated cleavage of BID, and BID-dependent activation of poised BAX at the mitochondria. These results reveal a previously unappreciated role for DR4 and the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in cell fate choice following p53 activation.
Reflection and emission models for clouds derived from Nimbus 7 earth radiation budget scanner measurements

Statistical results from 2.8 million pairs of broadband shortwave and longwave radiance measurements were used to develop reflectance and emittance models for low, middle, and high water clouds and high ice clouds. The reflectance model was a function of the sum and product of the cosine of solar and viewing zenith angles, and the emittance model was related by a power law of the cosine of the viewing zenith angle.
Discovery of novel and selective tertiary alcohol containing inhibitors of the norepinephrine transporter

A novel series of tertiary alcohol containing 2-substituted benzyl morpholines have been discovered as potent and selective inhibitors of the norepinephrine transporter. Efficient synthetic routes were developed featuring a highly diastereoselective nucleophilic addition of benzyl Grignard reagents to enantiopure (4-benzylmorpholin-2-yl)phenylmethanone (11) as the key synthetic step. In vitro binding affinity for the norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin transporters and in vivo examination of a select compound (16) in a pharmacodynamic animal model for norepinephrine reuptake inhibition are presented.
Neuronal GLP1R mediates liraglutide’s anorectic but not glucose-lowering effect

Glucose control and weight loss are cornerstones of type 2 diabetes treatment. Currently, only glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) analogs are able to achieve both weight loss and glucose tolerance. Both glucose and body weight are regulated by the brain, which contains GLP1 receptors (GLP1R). Even though the brain is poised to mediate the effects of GLP1 analogs, it remains unclear whether the glucose- and body weight–lowering effects of long-acting GLP1R agonists are via direct action on CNS GLP1R or the result of downstream activation of afferent neuronal GLP1R. We generated mice with either neuronal or visceral nerve-specific deletion of Glp1r and then administered liraglutide, a long-acting GLP1R agonist. We found that neither reduction of GLP1R in the CNS nor in the visceral nerves resulted in alterations in body weight or food intake in animals fed normal chow or a high-fat diet. Liraglutide treatment provided beneficial glucose-lowering effects in both chow- and high-fat–fed mice lacking GLP1R in the CNS or visceral nerves; however, liraglutide was ineffective at altering food intake, body weight, or causing a conditioned taste aversion in mice lacking neuronal GLP1R. These data indicate that neuronal GLP1Rs mediate body weight and anorectic effects of liraglutide, but are not required for glucose-lowering effects.
A Digital-Summing Feedforward Σ-Δ Modulator and its Application to a Cascade ADC

A new sigma-delta architecture employs feed-forward topology with digital summing. The feed-forward architecture reduces the signal swings of the integrators and hence modulator distortion while digital summing eliminates the need for a summing op-amp and makes the design more robust to comparator offsets. Applying this architecture to a 2-2 cascade ADC, we can achieve a 12b resolution over a 10MHz signal bandwidth with a sampling rate of 160 MSamples/sec. The topology is especially attractive for low-power and low-voltage applications.
Lean Blowout Features and Control in a Swirl-Stabilized, Partially Premixed Gas Turbine Combustor

*† Early prediction and effective extension of lean blowout (LBO) are desirable for both aero and stationary gas turbines. Due to the complexities of finite thermo-chemistry/turbulence interactions, fuel atomization, evaporation and air/fuel mixing, accurate theoretical prediction of LBO is usually difficult. This paper aims to predict the proximity to LBO based on the phenomenological observations of unique and universal near-LBO features, namely the intensified low frequency combustion oscillations and the increased heat release uniformity when approaching LBO. Several indices, such as the normalized chemiluminescence RMS, pressure RMS, time ratio of the LBO precursor events, modified kurtosis, and the two-point heat release ratio, are developed to quantify the LBO features. All these indices consistently increase when approaching LBO. A unified definition of the LBO proximity based on the online computation of these indices, and a conceptual control scheme capable of simultaneous LBO extension and emission reduction are presented. It is also shown that, in certain circumstances, active LBO control may have to combine with dynamic instability attenuation.
A Laboratory Approach to the Evaluation of Hereditary Hypercoagulability

The concept of hypercoagulability and especially its evaluation in the clinical laboratory has changed dramatically during the last few years. The genetic basis and the mechanisms of the various factors responsible for hypercoagulability are briefly reviewed with emphasis on the most common genetic deficiencies. The major thrust of this review centers on the cost-effective approach to examining patients with a personal or family history of venous thrombosis. Several new concepts dealing with thrombotic risk are presented with a focus on the theory that multiple factors cause thrombosis in affected patients. A proposal for a cost-effective sequential testing scheme for the accurate diagnosis of hereditary hypercoagulability is discussed. The knowledge of thrombotic risk factors is evolving rapidly, requiring the clinical laboratory to remain flexible. Ultimately, the clinical laboratory must take a leading role in the diagnosis of hereditary thrombotic disease by serving as the consultant to the primary caregiver by providing an up-to-date and cost-effective evaluation.
The Effect of Growth Temperature On The Microstructure of Movpe AlN/Si (111)

The epitaxy, defect structure, and heterointerface microstructure of MOVPE-grown A1N on oriented Si were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in an investigation of the affects of the growth temperature (925°C–1175°C) on the microstructure of low thickness (~0.2 urn) films. A film grown at 1175°C was single crystalline with the following orientation relationship: (0001)AIN||(111)si. % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqr1ngB % PrgifHhDYfgasaacH8srps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaqFr0x % c9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qqQ8fr % Fve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaacqGH8a % apcaaIXaGaaGymamaanaaabaGaaGOmaaaacaaIWaGaeyOpa4ZaaSba % aSqaaiaabgeacaqGSbGaaeOtaaqabaGccaGG8bGaaiiFaiabgYda8i % aaigdacaaIXaGaaGimaiabg6da+maaBaaaleaacaqGtbGaaeyAaaqa % baaaaa!4798! $$ _{{\text{AlN}}}}|| _{{\text{Si}}}}$$ and AIN|| si. All A1N films grown at temperatures below 1100°C were wire-textured polycrystals with (0001)AIN largely par-allel to (lll)si and some in-plane preferred orientation similar to that of 1175°C A1N epifilms. Columnar grains/domains with faceted top surfaces were observed for the entire growth tem-perature range. The mean column diameters decreased from 50 nm to 35 nm as the growth tem-perature decreased. The columnar grain/domain structure and the faceted tops resulted in peak-to-valley surface roughness on the order of 20 nm. Sharp interfaces of AIN/Si were generally ob-served in all A1N films studied by HREM except for the 1075°C film where a transitional layer of approximately 15A thick was observed at some interface regions. Defects typically encoun-tered in large lattice mismatched heteroepitaxial systems were observed.
Cartilage development disorder of bone growth plate in vitamin D deficient, calcium deficient chicken

Objective To observe the chondrocyte development disorder caused by vitamin D (VitD) and calcium deficiency Methods Chondrocyte apoptosis was documented by using the technique of in situ end labeling, flow cytometric analysis and DNA fragmentation Chondrocyte morphologic changes were observed by H E staining Results The results showed that 34 7 % of the normal hypertrophic chondrocytes were undergoing apoptosis, the percentage and the location of apoptosis between the calcium deficient group and the control group had no significant difference, but in VitD deficient group the percentage of hypertrophic chondrocytes apoptosis was significantly lower (19 77%) It was also found that there were chondrocytes architectural disarrangement in Vit D deficient group Conclusion The study demonstrated that there are different mechanism of bone growth disorder between VitD and calcium deficient chicken Significantly lower hypertrophic chondrocytes apoptosis may be the main reason of chondrocytes accumulation and cartilage thickning caused by VitD deficiency