cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study of Parent Health-Related Quality of Life before and after Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective To determine how infant illness and parent demographics are associated with parent health-related quality of life (HRQL) during and 3 months after hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We hypothesized that parents of extremely preterm infants would report lower NICU HRQL than other parents, and that all parents would report improved HRQL after discharge. Study design This prospective study of parent–infant dyads admitted to a level IV NICU for ≥14 days from 2016 to 2017 measured parent HRQL before and 3 months after discharge using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module. Multivariable regression was used to identify risk factors associated with HRQL differences during hospitalization and after discharge. Results Of the 194 dyads, 167 (86%) completed the study (24% extremely preterm; 53% moderate to late preterm; 22% term). During the NICU hospitalization, parents of extremely preterm infants reported lower adjusted HRQL (−7 points; P = .013) than other parents. After discharge, parents of extremely preterm infants reported higher HRQL compared with their NICU score (+10 points; P = .001). Tracheostomy (−13; P = .006), home oxygen (−6; P = .022), and readmission (−5; P = .037) were associated with lower parent HRQL 3 months after discharge, adjusted for NICU HRQL score. Conclusions Parents of extremely preterm infants experienced a greater negative impact on HRQL during the NICU hospitalization and more improvement after discharge than parents of other infants hospitalized in the NICU. Complex home care was associated with lower parent HRQL after discharge. The potential benefit of home discharge should be balanced against the potential negative impact of complex home care.
Does Genetic Programming Inherently Adopt Structured Design Techniques

Basic genetic programming (GP) techniques allow individuals to take advantage of some basic top-down design principles. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques, we define a design as an evolutionary frozen root node. We show that GP design converges quickly based primarily on the best individual in the initial random population. This leads to speculation of several mechanisms that could be used to allow basic GP techniques to better incorporate top-down design principles.
Population-specific sequence and expression differentiation in Europeans

Abstract Much of the enormous phenotypic variation observed across human populations is thought to have arisen from events experienced as our ancestors peopled different regions of the world. However, little is known about the genes involved in these population-specific adaptations. Here we explore this problem by simultaneously examining population-specific sequence and expression differentiation in four human populations. In particular, we design a branch-based statistic to estimate population-specific differentiation in four populations, and apply this statistic to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RNA-seq data from Italian, British, Finish, and Yoruban populations. As expected, genome-wide estimates of sequence and expression differentiation each independently recapitulate the known demographic history of these four human populations, highlighting the utility of our statistic for identifying genic targets of population-specific adaptations. Application of our statistic reveals that genes containing large copy number variations (CNVs) have elevated levels of population-specific sequence and expression differentiation, consistent with the hypothesis that gene turnover is a key reservoir of adaptive variation. Further, European genes displaying population-specific sequence and expression differentiation are enriched for functions related to epigenetic regulation, immunity, and reproduction. Together, our findings illustrate that population-specific sequence and expression differentiation in humans may preferentially target genes with CNVs and play important roles in a diversity of adaptive and disease-related phenotypes.
Variation in avenanthramide content in spring oat over multiple environments

Abstract Avenanthramides (AVNs), a group of phytochemicals which are unique to oats, provide health benefits through antioxidant activity and other bioactivities. In this study, we explored genotype-by-environment interactions and heritability for AVN concentrations in oats. Avenanthramide concentrations were quantified for 100 breeding lines and cultivars at three locations over two years. While year and environment had an influence on AVN concentrations, with the influence of year being more apparent than that of environment within a year, genotype had the largest impact on AVN concentration. All three major AVNs were found to be heritable. Two methods of calculating heritability on a line mean basis were used. The statistical method yielded heritability estimates of 0.34, 0.39, and 0.41 for AVN 2c, AVN 2p, and AVN 2f, respectively. By comparison the traditional plant breeding method yielded heritability estimates of 0.82, 0.88, and 0.89 for AVN 2c, AVN 2p, and AVN 2f, respectively, indicating that expected gains will be dependent on the scale of the breeding program, the number of target environments, and climate variability. The estimated heritabilities and the 11-fold range in AVN concentrations in the 100 genotypes studied provided evidence that variability for AVN concentration should allow breeding progress for higher AVN concentration.
Chinese tourism practices and heritage development: A tale of two books and one recommendation: World heritage craze in China: universal discourse, national culture, and local memory, by Haiming Yan, New York & Oxford, Berghahn, 2018, 229 pp., $120.00 (hardcover), ISBN 9781785338045.Heritage and romantic consumption in China, by Yujie Zhu, Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Press, 2018, 165 pp., € 85.00/$95.96 (hardcover), ISBN: 9789462985674.

Haiming Yan’s World Heritage Craze in China: Universal Discourse, National Culture, and Local Memory fills a critically important gap in the English language literature on world heritage and the Pe...
Regulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis by myosin light chain kinase after activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) phagocytosis mediated by FcgammaRII proceeds in concert with activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK2. We hypothesized that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) could be phosphorylated and activated by ERK, thereby linking the MAP kinase pathway to the activation of cytoskeletal components required for pseudopod formation. To explore this potential linkage, PMNLs were challenged with antibody-coated erythrocytes (EIgG). Peak MLCK activity, 3-fold increased over controls, occurred at 4 to 6 minutes, corresponding with the peak rate of target ingestion and ERK2 activity. The MLCK inhibitor ML-7 (10 micromol/L) inhibited both phagocytosis and MLCK activity to basal values, thereby providing further support for the linkage between the functional response and the requirement for MLCK activation. The MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD098059 inhibited phagocytosis, MLCK activity, and ERK2 activity by 80% to 90%. To directly link ERK activation to MLCK activation, ERK2 was immunoprecipitated from PMNLs after EIgG ingestion. The isolated ERK2 was incubated with PMNL cytosol as a source of unactivated MLCK and with MLCK substrate; under these conditions ERK2 activated MLCK, resulting in phosphorylation of the MLCK substrate or of the myosin light chain itself. Because MLCK activates myosin, we evaluated the effect of directly inhibiting myosin adenosine triphosphatase using 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and found that phagocytosis was inhibited by more than 90% but MLCK activity remained unaffected. These results are consistent with the interpretation that MEK activates ERK, ERK2 then activates MLCK, and MLCK activates myosin. MLCK activation is a critical step in the cytoskeletal changes resulting in pseudopod formation.
Original ContributionsEpidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in American veterans

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the findings of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a large Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System in suburban Northern California. METHODS: All veterans who had anti-HCV (EIA II) tested during a 6-yr period (7/92 to 6/98) were included in this study. To estimate the seroprevalence of anti-HCV among our population, 126 consecutive bloodborne pathogen exposure accidents were studied. RESULTS: Of 8558 veterans tested for anti-HCV (EIA II), 2985 (35%) veterans were positive with a mean age of 48.4 yr (range, 28–89 yr). Sixty percent were between the age of 41 and 50 yr. Risk factors for HCV infection identified in 409 consecutive veterans were intravenous drug abuse (81%), unknown (11%), blood transfusion (3%), sexual/household contact (2%), transfusion and intravenous drug use (2%), and tattoo (1%). Of 215 consecutive anti-HCV-positive veterans whose sera were tested by polymerase chain reaction, 96% were viremic. The most common HCV genotypes were 1a (50.5%), 1b (22.8%), 3a (12.1%), 2b (9.7%), 2a (1.9%), undetermined (1.9%), and mixed infection (1%). Veterans infected with genotype 1b were significantly older. Among 126 consecutive bloodborne pathogen exposure accidents, hepatitis C serology was available for 72 index veterans involved in the accidents and 18% were positive. CONCLUSIONS: We found the epidemiology of hepatitis C infection was different in the veteran population when compared to other published data on nonveterans. Hepatitis C infection was much more common among veteran, within a very narrow age distribution and intravenous drug use was the major risk factor.
Lyophilized xenogenic products for skin replacement

Abstract: This chapter describes the need for purified skin substitutes derived from animals. It discusses the difference in products for temporary and permanent skin replacement. Using both porcine and bovine derivatives, skin and tissue replacement has been performed safely, effectively and in most areas of the human body, with great results.
Creative AI: From Expressive Mimicry to Critical Inquiry

L’incipient camp del que es coneix com a «IA creativa» consisteix en una serie d’activitats en les interseccions de les noves arts mediatiques, la interaccio persona-computadora i la intel·ligencia artificial. Aquest article proporciona una descripcio general de projectes recents que emfatitzen l’us dels algorismes d’aprenentatge automatic com a mitja per identificar, replicar i modificar caracteristiques en els mitjans existents, facilitar noves assignacions multimodals entre les entrades de l’usuari i les sortides dels mitjans, ampliar els limits en les experiencies de l’art generatiu i investigar criticament el paper de les tecnologies de deteccio de caracteristiques i identificacio de patrons en la vida contemporania. Malgrat la proliferacio de projectes d’aquest tipus, els avencos recents en l’aprenentatge automatic aplicat encara no han estat incorporats o questionats per projectes creatius d’IA, i aquest article tambe destaca les oportunitats per als artistes computacionals que treballen en aquesta area. L’article conclou imaginant com la practica creativa d’IA podria incloure delimitar els limits del que es pot i no es pot aprendre extraient caracteristiques d’artefactes i experiencies, explorant com les noves maneres d’interpretacio poden codificar-se en xarxes neuronals i definint com la interaccio de multiples maquines amb algorismes d’aprenentatge es poden utilitzar per generar una nova visio dels sistemes sociotecnics entrellacats presents a les nostres vides.
What Does "Mind-Wandering" Mean to the Folk? An Empirical Investigation.

Although mind-wandering research is rapidly progressing, stark disagreements are emerging about what the term "mind-wandering" means. Four prominent views define mind-wandering as (a) task-unrelated thought, (b) stimulus-independent thought, (c) unintentional thought, or (d) dynamically unguided thought. Although theorists claim to capture the ordinary understanding of mind-wandering, no systematic studies have assessed these claims. Two large factorial studies present participants (N = 545) with vignettes that describe someone's thoughts and ask whether her mind was wandering, while systematically manipulating features relevant to the four major accounts of mind-wandering. Dynamics explains between four and 40 times more variance in participants' mind-wandering judgments than other features. Our third study (N = 153) tests and supports a unique prediction of the dynamic framework-obsessive rumination contrasts with mind-wandering. Our final study (N = 277) used vignettes that resemble mind-wandering experiments. Dynamics had significant and large effects, while task-unrelatedness was nonsignificant. These results strongly suggest that the central feature of mind-wandering is its dynamics.
Noel Canning and Remedial Obligation Under the Constitution

There is a pervasive assumption that the Supreme Court's ruling in NLRB v. Noel Canning has rendered void the decisions of the Board during the period when it lacked a quorum because a majority of its members held their posts through unconstitutional recess appointments. The assumption is unfounded. The question of remedy for the wrong identified in Noel Canning should not be decided in the air; it should be decided contextually, as one involving whether and how to provide relief to parties affected by a wholly concluded constitutional violation, in a manner that is akin to harmless- and plain-error review.
Two novel marine thruster concepts based on the Coanda effect

The present work addresses the conceptual development as well as the numeric simulation of two unconventional marine thrusters that employ the Coanda effect. The first concept uses this effect to obtain the phenomenon of flow amplification, being a water-jet thruster that eliminates the need for an impeller. The second one uses the Coanda effect to direct the discharged jet of water, being able to eliminate the need for a rudder. The aim is to verify the occurrence of the Coanda effect for devices using water as working fluid and analyse the suitability of the concepts. To achieve that, first, a review of the state-of-the-art on the employment of the Coanda effect toward propulsion is carried out. The numeric model consists of the solution of the time-averaged conservation equations of mass and momentum and the turbulence closure equations by the finite volume method. Results have shown close correspondence with previous predictions from the literature. Both thruster concepts have shown to be promising for the application in manoeuvrability and propulsion marine systems, although deeper studies are still required.
Content bias in the cultural evolution of house finch song

Abstract In this study, we used a longitudinal dataset of house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) song recordings spanning four decades in the introduced eastern range to assess how individual-level cultural transmission mechanisms drive population-level changes in birdsong. First, we developed an agent-based model (available as a new R package called TransmissionBias) that simulates the cultural transmission of house finch song given different parameters related to transmission biases, or biases in social learning that modify the probability of adoption of particular cultural variants. Next, we used approximate Bayesian computation and machine learning to estimate what parameter values likely generated the temporal changes in diversity in our observed data. We found evidence that strong content bias, likely targeted towards syllable complexity, plays a central role in the cultural evolution of house finch song in western Long Island. Frequency and demonstrator biases appear to be neutral or absent. Additionally, we estimated that house finch song is transmitted with extremely high fidelity. Future studies should use our simulation framework to better understand how cultural transmission and population declines influence song diversity in wild populations.
Phenomenological Model of Gate-Dependent Kink in I-V Characteristics of MoS 2 Double-Gate FETs

A phenomenological model, accounting for interface states at metal-semiconductor contacts, is proposed to explain particular gate-bias-dependent kinking in I-V characteristics sometimes observed in MoS2 FETs. The effect is studied in double-gate FETs by varying top-gate voltage (VTG) and bottom-gate voltage (VBG), with the MoS2 semiconductor layer overlying source/drain (S/D) metal contacts in contact regions. The kink in ID-VTG characteristics is observed for small negative VBG but not for large negative VBG. The model divides the FET into S/D and channel regions, with bias-dependent S/D resistance (RSD) and channel resistance (RCHAN), and with S/D regions having an additional interface state distribution (additional to any interface states associated with semiconductor/dielectric interfaces in the channel region) due to an imperfect metal-semiconductor interface where MoS2 overlies S/D metal. The additional interface states are modeled as a Gaussian distribution of acceptor-like states in the upper region of the semiconductor bandgap. When RSD ≥ RCHAN (VBG less negative), filling of these acceptor-like states as VTG increases creates a kink in ID-VTG characteristics since RSD is a major component of overall resistance limiting drain current, ID. Conversely, when RSD << RCHAN (VBG more negative), filling of these acceptor-like states as VTG increases does not create an ID-VTG kink since RSD is not the major component of resistance limiting ID. The model highlights 1) metal-semiconductor interface states need to be accounted for when modeling MoS2 FETs, and 2) importance of forming metal-semiconductor interfaces with low interface state density to avoid I-V kinks which are detrimental for analog applications.
Toto Benchmarking the Efficiency of a Cloud Service

Microsoft aims to increase the efficiency of Azure SQL DB by maximizing the number of databases that can be hosted in a cluster. However, resource contention among customers increases when changing the configurations, policies, and features that control database co-location on cluster nodes. Tuning and evaluating the efficiency and customer impact of these variables in a scientific manner in production, with a dynamic system and customer workloads, is difficult or infeasible. Here, we present Toto, a benchmark framework for evaluating the efficiency of any cloud service that leverages orchestrators like Service Fabric or Kubernetes. Toto allows for reliable and repeatable specification of a benchmarking scenario of arbitrary scale, complexity, and time-length. An implementation of Toto is deployed in all SQL DB staging clusters and is used to evaluate system efficiency and behaviors. As an example of Toto's capabilities, we present a study to explore the balance between cluster database density and quality of service.
Downscaling satellite soil moisture for landscape applications: A case study in Delaware, USA

Abstract Study region Delaware, USA and its surrounding watersheds. Study focus An ensemble using multiple Kernel K-nearest neighbors (KKNN) models was trained to predict daily grids of SSM at 100-meter resolution based on SSM estimates from the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative Soil Moisture Product, terrain data, soil maps, and local meteorological network data. Estimated SSM was evaluated against independent in situ SSM observations and were investigated for relationships with land cover class and vegetation phenology (i.e., NDVI). New hydrological insights for the region Downscaled daily mean SSM estimates had lower error in space (27%) and greater predictive performance over time compared to the raw, coarse resolution remotely sensed SSM dataset when calibrated to field observed values. Downscaled SSM identified stronger and more widespread temporal relationships with NDVI than other estimation methods. However, both coarse and fine resolution datasets greatly underestimated SSM in wetland areas. The findings highlight the need for enhanced in situ SSM monitoring across diverse settings to improve landscape-level downscaled SSM. The downscaling methodology developed in this study was able to produce daily SSM estimates, providing a framework that can support future SSM modeling efforts, hydroecological investigations, and agricultural studies in this and other regions around the world when used in conjunction with ground-based monitoring networks.
UV Monitoring Program at the U.S. EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a program to develop and operate a monitoring network to measure ultraviolet (UV) radiation flux at the earth’s surface and to provide for public awareness of exposure to UV radiation through adaptation and publication of a predictive UV “exposure Index.” This Index, similar to the one developed and publicized by Canada in 1992, is being developed in conjunction with the National Weather Service for possible public distribution this year. Current plans call for a fifteen-site monitoring network to measure UV intensities on a spectrally-resolved basis, together with other parameters (e.g., total column ozone, cloud cover, interfering tropospheric pollutants, etc.) that affect UV flux. Eleven urban sites will provide data to validate the Index predictions in proximity to ~25% of the U.S. population. The combination of urban (polluted) and four rural (less polluted) sites will enable EPA to improve the algorithms upon which the Index predictions are based. A series of instrumental intercomparisons with other agencies are also planned to ensure comparability of data and good quality assurance/quality control. EPA’s intent is to coordinate its efforts with other federal agencies and with the international community.
12 Liver Glycogen Synthase

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews knowledge of mammalian liver glycogen synthase and its short-term regulation by covalent phosphorylation mechanisms. Elevated concentrations of insulin and glucose promote glycogen synthesis and the activation of glycogen synthase. Liver glycogen synthesis during recovery from fasting does not involve direct conversion of glucose to glycogen but passage through 3-carbon intermediates. However, irrespective of the history of the carbons of the UDP glucose precursor, the effect of glucose to stimulate glycogen synthesis is likely to be an important regulatory interaction. Fasting rapidly depletes liver glycogen and the primary positive stimulus is glucagon. Liver glycogen can be mobilized by other hormones, such as epinephrine, vasopressin, and angiotensin II. All of these glycogenolytic hormones suppress glycogen formation by inactivating glycogen synthase. It is now clear that liver and muscle glycogen synthases, though closely related proteins, are distinct isozymes, differing in primary structure and therefore coded by separate genes.
Distributed cognition and interactions in the context of bioengineering design

Distributed cognition is ubiquitous in design practice, yet most studies of design occur in isolation, resulting in a sequestered view. We examine in-situ student teams learning to design in a culturally-diverse bioengineering course, exploring students' negotiation of roles and differing interactions in a distributed cognition system. Via triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data, we examine how students learn to design. Characteristics of authentic student design experiences have emerged and have implications for teaching design.
A Formalized Theory for Verifying Stability and Convergence of Automata in PVS

Correctness of many hybrid and distributed systems require stability and convergence guarantees. Unlike the standard induction principle for verifying invariance, a theory for verifying stability or convergence of automata is currently not available. In this paper, we formalize one such theory proposed by Tsitsiklis [27]. We build on the existing PVS metatheory for untimed, timed, and hybrid input/output automata, and incorporate the concepts about fairness, stability, Lyapunov-like functions, and convergence. The resulting theory provides two sets of sufficient conditions, which when instantiated and verified for particular automata, guarantee convergence and stability, respectively.
Stability of Black Holes

There is often something to be learned from a look back in history. From a current point of view, most would argue that our methods have become more sophisticated over the years. I would contend, and as you will surely see here, it is our problems which have become more sophisticated over the years, and our methods have changed so that we can continue to answer them. I doubt if this trend will alter substantially. Rather, I suggest that new challenges will keep rising to the fore. Let me give a recent, specific example1.
Part 4.3 Justice and Autonomy

The value of autonomy - even personal autonomy - cannot be confined to the private sphere. Because autonomy bears a reciprocal relation to equal opportunity, it must be counted among the cardinal political values.
The Political Economy of Counterinsurgency Violence

Classical counterinsurgency theory explains why discriminate counterinsurgency violence is effective, but does not convincingly explain why many counterinsurgents resort to indiscriminate violence and why it sometimes appears effective. Political scientists explain the motivation for indiscriminate counterinsurgency violence, but do not convincingly explain when it should be inefficient relative to discriminate violence. I formalize the model of insurgency found in the classical counterinsurgency literature to derive predictions over the discrimination of violence that the counterinsurgent uses. The theory explains when discriminate violence is more/less efficient from the counterinsurgent’s perspective and how enforcement behavior on the part of the rebels and population affects the counterinsurgent’s strategy. The counterinsurgent defeats the insurgency by deterring cooperation between the rebels and population. It targets the actor—be it the rebel group or the population—with the greater short term temptation to defect from its accomplice, regardless of the consequences. Thus, the counterinsurgent targets the actor who profits most from war, where profit is the temptation for wartime opportunism minus the costs. I discuss two examples of this pattern occurring during insurgencies in Guatemala and Turkey.
2.5D dual contouring: a robust approach to creating building models from Aerial LiDAR point clouds

We present a robust approach to creating 2.5D building models from aerial LiDAR point clouds. The method is guaranteed to produce crack-free models composed of complex roofs and vertical walls connecting them. By extending classic dual contouring into a 2.5D method, we achieve a simultaneous optimization over the three dimensional surfaces and the two dimensional boundaries of roof layers. Thus, our method can generate building models with arbitrarily shaped roofs while keeping the verticality of connecting walls. An adaptive grid is introduced to simplify model geometry in an accurate manner. Sharp features are detected and preserved by a novel and efficient algorithm.
Abelian Varieties over Q and Modular Forms

Let C be an elliptic curve over Q. Let N be the conductor of C. The Taniyama conjecture asserts that there is a non-constant map of algebraic curves X 0 (N) — C which is defined over Q. Here, X o (N) is the standard modular curve associated with the problem of classifying elliptic curves E together with cyclic subgroups of E having order N.
Food Irradiation--The Neglected Solution to Food-Borne Illness

Despite an international consensus on its safety and its potential to promote public health by effective killing of microbial pathogens, the United States has lagged behind in approving irradiation of foods. This Policy Forum discusses the reasons for the delays and recommendations for the future.
Search strategy for groundwater contaminant plume delineation

[1] The definition of the boundary of a groundwater contaminant plume can be best viewed as a search strategy objective. To this end, a new approach to plume boundary identification based upon the goal of a stepwise reduction in the overall uncertainty in the location and geometry of the boundary can be used. Through the sequential selection of investigatory well locations based on the criteria of maximizing plume boundary uncertainty reduction and on updated field information, a least cost plume boundary investigation can be realized. The effectiveness of this approach can be investigated using a realistic hypothetical example and demonstrated via a field application.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF LIGHT, TEMPERATURE, AND NITROGEN SOURCE ON TRANSCRIPTION OF GENES FOR CARBON AND NITROGEN METABOLISM IN THE CENTRIC DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

The effects of nitrogen source, temperature, and light level on transcription of five genes from three pathways of carbon and nitrogen metabolism were determined for the centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) Hasle et Heimdal. The targeted genes were NR (nitrate reductase) and GSII (glutamine synthetase II), both required for nitrate utilization; PGP (phosphoglycolate phosphatase) and GDCT (glycine decarboxylase T-protein), both required for photorespiration; and SBP (sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphatase), required for carbon fixation (Calvin cycle). Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR was used to compare transcript abundances for these genes from T. pseudonana cells grown at two light intensities (50 or 300 μmol photons·m -2 ·s -1 ), at two temperatures (12 or 22° C), and on two different nitrogen sources (nitrate or ammonium). Transcript abundance (normalized to 18S rRNA) was higher for all five genes at the higher light intensity. At 12° C, fewer transcripts were detected for the Calvin cycle gene, whereas more transcripts were detected for the photorespiration and nitrate utilization genes. Nitrogen source affected transcript accumulation of the photorespiration and nitrate utilization genes but not the Calvin cycle gene. Extracellular concentrations of glycolate, a photorespiratory-specific product, were determined under the high light conditions and were found to decrease at 12° C and when cells were grown on ammonium. A hypothetical model is presented to explain the patterns of transcript accumulation and glycolate release in terms of energy balance within the cell.
The step to individuation

the term (the sense which we shall adopt in the following), it is an open question whether the object has been really individuated. The ques tion is whether the concept of identity has been used, so that the object has been picked out as a single thing. I am interested in the question of what is necessarily involved in having the ability to individuate. In the following, we shall investigate the conceptual relationships between the abilities to individuate, to grasp demonstrative concepts, and to draw the distinction between how things seem and how they really are. I shall argue that while it is possible to be able to recognize universals and not be able to in dividuate,1 having the ability to individuate is necessary to grasp either demonstrative distinctions, or the distinction between ap pearance and reality. It is also sufficient to grasp both kinds of distinctions. In other words, the three conceptual abilities go together. These results show that the "step to individuation" is "larger" than we might have expected. To appreciate what is involved in having the ability to individuate, we must of course understand what not having the ability entails. To reach this understanding, we must avoid overestimating the difference caused by lacking the concept of identity. We wish, so to speak, to come as "close" as possible to the individuative level without quite reaching it. It is not immediately obvious what this would be like. In an attempt to reach this level, let us begin by critically examining Strawson's attempt to do the same. In Individuals, Strawson describes which he calls a level of thought more primitive than that in which the concept of identity has a place.2 These thoughts are expressed by "feature-placing" sentences, so labelled because they link general terms with demonstratives, as in, "There is gold there", "It's cold now", and, "There is water here".
Nonverb: an IBM basic program for recording frequency and duration of interaction behaviours across time

Abstract Social science researchers can use the microcomputer to replace a behavioural event recorder in order to code the frequency and duration of theoretically interesting behaviours of interest. A program called NONVERB is described that makes direct coding of nonverbal behaviours from videotapes easier and more accurate than using time-duration counters and event recorders.
Cloning, Expression, and Ontogeny of Mouse Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide-5, a Kidney-Specific Organic Anion Transporter ☆ ☆☆

The full-length coding sequence of mouse organic anion-transporting polypeptide (designated mouse Oatp-5) has been cloned from mouse kidney cDNA library. Analysis of the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of Oatp-5 cDNA through capsite cloning reveals two possible transcription start sites that are 4-bp apart. The 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of Oatp-5 cDNA contains an early polyadenylation signal, indicating the possibility that mRNAs with different 3′-UTR lengths may coexist. Deduced amino acid sequence of mouse Oatp-5 protein contains 670 amino acids and has 10 putative transmembrane domains, multiple potential glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. Tissue-specific expression studies indicate that mouse Oatp-5 is expressed only in kidney. Studies on the developmental expression reveal that there is no significant expression of Oatp-5 mRNA in mouse kidney for at least 3 weeks after birth, and adult levels of Oatp-5 mRNA expression are attained more than 6 weeks after birth. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that mouse Oatp-5 is an ortholog of rat Oatp-5.
Interaction of Cholesterol with Dibenzanthracenes at Air-Water Interface

A film balance approach using continuous compression was used to study the interaction of the carcinogen 1,2:5,6-dibenzanthracene and the noncarcinogen 1,2:3,4-dibenzanthracene with insoluble monolayers of cholesterol. Surface pressure and surface potential of mixed dibenzanthracene-cholesterol films spread on water and saline were studied. Results showed an association of 1,2:5,6-dibenzanthracene and no association of 1,2:3,4-dibenzanthracene with cholesterol. Surface potential data support the concept of carcinogen-cholesterol association. The data show a useful difference between a carcinogenic and a noncarcinogenic isomer at the air-water interface.
Research in data security: policies and projects

This session will begin with presentations and a panel discussion by representatives of various governmental agencies involved with research or funding of research in data security. They will present their views on the policies and goals of federally funded research in the area of data security and how this relates to privately funded research and development in this and related areas. They will also have the opportunity to point out new directions which should be pursued. There will be discussion on both the technological and social impact of such funding.
Stabilization of Creatine Kinase Encapsulated in Silicate Sol-Gel Materials and Unusual Temperature Effects on Its Activity

The enzyme creatine kinase (CK) is stabilized by encapsulation in silicate sol−gel monoliths. Its activity is measured as a function of long-term storage time at both room temperature and at elevated temperatures and is compared to that in solution. At room temperature, the activity of the encapsulated enzyme decreases to 50% of its initial value after more than 5 months, whereas in solution it decreases to 50% after 10 days. At 47 °C, the immobilized enzyme retains 50% of its maximum activity after 5 days of constant heating compared to that at 13 h in solution. At 60 °C, the immobilized enzyme retains 50% of its maximum activity after 5 h of heating as compared to that for less than an hour in solution. Surprisingly, a 4-fold increase in activity is observed after short exposures to the elevated temperatures. This increase is explained by structural changes in both the enzyme and the sol−gel matrix. The structural integrity and conformational changes of the encapsulated enzyme are observed by circular d...
Effect of ultrasound transducer face reflectivity on the light fluence inside a turbid medium in photoacoustic imaging.

Many endoscopic, intravascular, and transvaginal applica- tions require light to be delivered through optical fibers in a reflection mode. For photoacoustic imaging in reflection geometry, the front- face reflectivity of the ultrasound transducer face imposes a boundary condition that affects the light fluence and its distribution inside a turbid medium. Understanding and characterizing this boundary con- dition is critical for maximizing tissue illumination and therefore the signal-to-noise ratio of the photoacoustic signal. We systematically analyze the light fluence under three typical commercial transducer faces having reflection coefficients of 1.4, 18, and 28%, and compare the results to a transducer face with 60% coefficient at the laser wave- length of 750 nm. Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results show that light fluence and distribution obtained inside a turbid me- dium with the use of the 60% reflection coefficient transducer face has a significant improvement over the others, especially at shallower depths. © 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING: DEVELOPMENT, ISSUES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This article is designed as a survey of international accounting for accountants and others, describing its development and scope, problems, and current attempts at international standardization. Because standardization has not progressed very far, discrepancies cause financial and managerial accounting problems for multinational enterprise – such as, the need to keep several sets of records. Selected issues – such as, translation, inflationary adjustments, and segment reporting – are examined briefly, and the need to develop managerial accounting and information systems appropriate for MNE decision making is outlined. This approach, it is hoped, will provide an overview and also allow the identification of research needs and possibilities. The article concentrates on selected issues of Western industrialized countries, in which most MNEs operate, and attempts to identify major practical and theoretical dimensions of international accounting.
Semiconductor stocks: Signaling a bear market?

The S & P 500 index has been in an up-trend since March 2000. But during the same period, semiconductor stocks have had a flat performance. Since many analysts see semiconductor stocks as leading market indicators, is the recent broad market up-trend just a cyclical bounce in a bear market? © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmental support for autonomy in the institutionalized elderly

The climate for autonomy in four urban proprietary nursing homes was investigated as part of a larger study of the relationship between perceived control and morale. Data from 113 residents, 137 caregivers, and 10 administrative personnel revealed that caregivers see themselves as the predominant decision makers. Although they prefer a slightly higher level of self-determination for residents, only in one-to-one and solitary activities do they prefer giving residents the primary decision making role, possibly because they see most residents as not capable of making decisions. Residents saw themselves as having more control than did staff. Grooming and eating were identified by both groups as areas where residents had the least control. A substantial proportion of caregivers and administrative staff did not emphasize the availability of options to residents.
Women's satisfaction with couplet care nursing compared to traditional postpartum care with rooming‐in

The purpose of this study was to compare patient satisfaction with two types of nursing care postpartum: traditional nursing care with rooming-in versus mother–baby (couplet) nursing care. A descriptive comparative research design was used. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 71 women who received traditional postpartum care with rooming in and 64 women who received couplet care on the same unit 6 months later. Women in both groups were satisfied with nursing care given to themselves and infants, with no difference in satisfaction between groups. The traditional model of having a nurse for the baby and different nurse for the mother can be as satisfying to women as having one nurse for the mother–baby couplet when rooming-in is encouraged and implemented.
The PUMILIO-RNA interaction: a single RNA-binding domain monomer recognizes a bipartite target sequence

Translational repression of hunchback (hb) mRNA in the posterior of the Drosophila embryo requires two copies of a bipartite sequence, the Nanos Response Element (NRE), located in the 3' untranslated region of the mRNA. The PUMILIO (PUM) protein is thought to bind the NREs and thereby repress hb translation. The RNA-binding domain of PUM defines an evolutionarily conserved family of RNA-binding proteins, the PUM-Homology Domain (PUM-HD) proteins, which have been identified in yeast, plants, and animals. The PUM RNA-binding domain, the Drosophila PUM-HD (DmPUM-HD), has been shown previously to recognize nucleotides in both the 5' and 3' halves of the NRE, suggesting that a dimer of PUM might recognize one NRE. Here, we analyze the RNA-binding affinity and stoichiometry of the DmPUM-HD and find that one DmPUM-HD monomer binds independently and with equal affinity to each NRE (KD approximately 0.5 nM). We detect no cooperative interactions between DmPUM-HD monomers bound at adjacent sites. Our results imply that a single DmPUM-HD protein recognizes nucleotides in both the 5' and 3' NRE half-sites. Based on our estimate of the intraembryonic concentration of PUM (>40 nM), we propose that in vivo nearly all NREs are occupied by a PUM monomer.
Research design issues in grouping-based tests☆

Abstract With grouping, a sample is sorted by an observable variable and the mean values of the dependent variable in the extreme-ranked groups are compared. We show that test power is maximized when the two extreme groups each contain 27% of the sample, a much larger percentage than that typically used in the literature. This result is not sensitive to the distribution of the dependent variable. We also show that regression is unambiguously more powerful than grouping, even when the independent variable is measured with error.
Daily CT on Rails IGRT for Post-prostatectomy Rising PSA: Outcomes and Morbidity

Results: The average value and the percentage range of the prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose were 92.5 ± 3.5% and 89.0-99.1%, respectively, in POCT group and 93.1 ± 2.1% and 90.3-96.0%, respectively, in RTP group. The average value and the dose range received by 10% (D10) of the urethral volume were 13.9 ± 2.0 Gy and 10.7-17.5 Gy, respectively, in POCT group and 11.2 ± 0.4 Gy and 11.3-13.3 Gy, respectively, in RTP group. This indicated that the target coverage and urethral dose varied over a wide range in POCT but only within a very narrow range in RTP. The average urethral D10 was significantly lower in RTP than in POCT. Comparison of the incidences of acute GU toxicity, 11% of all patients developed grade 2 or worse acute GU toxicity but that the incidence was significantly lower in the RTP group (4%) than in the POCT group (16%). Conclusions: DVH parameters for the target and risk organs varied only slightly in RTP, indicating that RTP is useful for completingthetreatmentwithintheaimeddosedistribution.Hence,HDRbrachytherapywithRTPyieldsoptimalandmoresatisfactory dose distribution as comparedto the treatment with POCT. The results of this studysuggested that RTP is effectivefor reducingthe radiation-induced morbidity associated with HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
A technique for obtaining representative biokinetic parameter values from replicate sets of parameter estimates

The rational design and simulation of biotreatment systems requires sound mathematical models and reliable parameter estimates. Biodegradation kinetics are usually modeled using the Monod or Andrews equation, and model parameters are usually obtained by fitting an observed concentration-time profile to the model. Since the nature of the models and the method of parameter estimation result in correlation between the parameters, the question arose as to how to obtain a single set of Parameters Representing the Average μ-S response (referred to as PRAMUS values) from replicate sets of experimentally derived parameter estimates. The common approach of using the arithmetic mean parameter values was adequate only for data conforming to the Monod model, particularly when the variability among replicate parameter estimates was small. For the Andrews model, nonlinear regression was used to obtain PRAMUS values. The ability of the PRAMUS and mean parameter values to reproduce the average μ-S response and to simulate experimentally observed oxygen uptake was evaluated. On this basis, the use of PRAMUS values is recommended, particularly when dealing with systems modeled by the Andrews equation, with experimental data characterized by a high degree of experimental variability, and/or with process situations where high substrate concentrations are likely to be encountered, e.g. shock loads.
Making Statistics More Meaningful for Policy Research and Program Evaluation

This article focuses on the use of statistics in policy and evaluation research and the need to present statistical information in a form that is meaningful to mixed audiences. Three guidelines for formulating and presenting meaningful statistics are outlined. Understandability ensures that knowledge of statistical methods is not required for comprehending the information presented. Interpretability ensures that statistical information can be explained using familiar, non-abstract units. Comparability ensures that the magnitudes of different estimates can be directly compared within and across studies. Examples for improving popular effect size estimates from linear and non-linear models are included, and a general approach to presenting statistical information meaningfully for consumers of policy and evaluation research is explained.
The distributional impact of climate policy

The purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology for evaluating the distributional impacts of climate policy. This methodology builds directly on the framework introduced by Jorgenson, Slesnick, and Wilcoxen (1992), but generalizes it by including leisure time, as well as goods and services, in the measure of household welfare. We provide detailed results for 244 different types of households distinguished by demographic characteristics. In addition, we evaluate the overall impact of a cap-and-trade system, as represented in Energy Modeling Forum 22. While there is a wide range of outcomes for different demographic groups, the impact on economic welfare is regressive and generally negative but relatively small.
Effect of Pouring Temperature on the Microstructure of HCCI/Steel Composite Hammer

The hypereutectic HCCI/plain carbon steel bimetal composite hammer which has metallurgical combination layer were prepared by bimetal liquid casting method and the influence of the pouring temperatures on the microstructure of the hypereutectic HCCI and the combination layer were studied. The results show that lower pouring temperature was not benefit for refinement of primary carbide and formation of metallurgical combination layer. A bad metallurgical combination layer between two metals which were mixed along the interface exhibited at higher pouring temperature.