cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The professional volunteer versus the volunteer professional.

This paper reviews some partial findings of on empirical study relating to the differential perceptions laymen and professionals have of each other. Such differences are accounted for by reference to professional norms associated with clinical and/or community organizational practice. The impact of these lay/professional differences on the voluntary association in which they are mutually implicated is discussed together with the organizational place and position afforded professionals in different communities. A final note touches on the potential for professional powerwielding in community voluntary organizations.
Structural Adjustment, Agricultural Development, and the Poor: Lessons from the Malawian Experience

This report examines the complex problems faced by an economically well managed but small, poor and landlocked country in trying to achieve equitable growth while coping with great external shocks. Malawi's problems of adjustment have been made difficult by dualism within dualism - a structure whereby the country's agriculture sector is sharply divided by legal restrictions into estates and smallholders, and smallholders are de facto divided on the basis of holding size into a small minority producing a marketable surplus and capable of taking risks and, a preponderant majority experiencing stagnation or near economic paralysis. The report also analyzes the effect on the smallholder sector of structural adjustment measures most immediately relevant to agricultural and rural development : producer pricing adjustments, fertilizer policies, grain marketing liberalization, and withdrawal of donor support from the National Rural Development Program. It then discusses policies addressing the country's dualism, licensing, pricing, land and taxation - which the government would need to adopt in support of equitable growth.
Expression Levels of a Kinesin-13 Microtubule Depolymerase Modulates the Effectiveness of Anti-Microtubule Agents

BACKGROUND Chemotherapeutic drugs often target the microtubule cytoskeleton as a means to disrupt cancer cell mitosis and proliferation. Anti-microtubule drugs inhibit microtubule dynamics, thereby triggering apoptosis when dividing cells activate the mitotic checkpoint. Microtubule dynamics are regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs); however, we lack a comprehensive understanding about how anti-microtubule agents functionally interact with MAPs. In this report, we test the hypothesis that the cellular levels of microtubule depolymerases, in this case kinesin-13 s, modulate the effectiveness of the microtubule disrupting drug colchicine. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used a combination of RNA interference (RNAi), high-throughput microscopy, and time-lapse video microscopy in Drosophila S2 cells to identify a specific MAP, kinesin-like protein 10A (KLP10A), that contributes to the efficacy of the anti-microtubule drug colchicine. KLP10A is an essential microtubule depolymerase throughout the cell cycle. We find that depletion of KLP10A in S2 cells confers resistance to colchicine-induced microtubule depolymerization to a much greater extent than depletion of several other destabilizing MAPs. Using image-based assays, we determined that control cells retained 58% (+/-2%SEM) of microtubule polymer when after treatment with 2 microM colchicine for 1 hour, while cells depleted of KLP10A by RNAi retained 74% (+/-1%SEM). Likewise, overexpression of KLP10A-GFP results in increased susceptibility to microtubule depolymerization by colchicine. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results demonstrate that the efficacy of microtubule destabilization by a pharmacological agent is dependent upon the cellular expression of a microtubule depolymerase. These findings suggest that expression levels of Kif2A, the human kinesin-13 family member, may be an attractive biomarker to assess the effectiveness of anti-microtubule chemotherapies. Knowledge of how MAP expression levels affect the action of anti-microtubule drugs may prove useful for evaluating possible modes of cancer treatment.
Gene structure and upstream regulatory regions of human CYP2C9 and CYP2C18.

Abstract There is a genetic polymorphism in humans in the metabolism of S-mephenytoin which has been suggested to be mediated by either CYP2C18 or CYP2C9. We have isolated genomic clones for CYP2C9 and CYP2C18 from the liver of an individual phenotyped in vitro as an extensive metabolizer of S-mephenytoin. Analysis of the genes reveals nine coding exons spanning approximately 55 kb. The intron-exon organization was similar to that of other members of the CYP2C subfamily. Analysis of 2200 bp of 5′ upstream sequence for CYP2C9 and 1300 bp 5′ upstream sequence for CYP2C18 reveals canonical TATA boxes situated 57 bp upstream from the first codon, multiple consensus sequences for glucocorticoid regulatory elements, and identification of a 15 base sequence with high homology to a 5′-flanking sequence responsible for barbiturate-inducible expression of P450BM-3 in Bacillus megaterium. The upstream region for CYP2C9 was highly homologous (75%) to that of human CYP2C8 through most of the 2200 bp sequenced, but the upstream region of CYP2C18 was similar to CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 for only the first 200 bases. The availability of the sequences of the upstream regions and intron-exon junctions of CYP2C9 and CYP2C18 will allow future analysis of these genes in humans which differ in their ability to metabolize S-mephenytoin and other drugs.
Effect of exchange anisotropy on the hysteresis behavior of Co particles

Abstract Fine particles of fcc Co have been prepared in the size range of 50–350 A by using the vapor deposition technique. The dependence of coercivity on particle size and temperature has been studied. The effect of surface passivation on the coercivity and its temperature dependence has also been investigated. A maximum coercivity of 1650 Oe and a saturation magnetization of 125 emu/g was obtained for a particle size of 275 A. A very strong exchange anisotropy ( shift ∼ 10.7 kOe ) at cryogenic temperatures was found due to the core-shell morphology of the particles. The effect of particle size and temperature has been studied on the exchange anisotropy and on the hysteresis behavior of the particles.
Spatial integration in position acuity

Abstract To determine whether and how spatial integration takes place in position acuity, bisection and Vernier thresholds were measured in the fovea of four normal observers with spatially “undersampled” dark lines (i.e. lines comprised of discrete samples). The size, contrast, and density of samples, and the separation of the lines were varied. For a given sampling density, sample size (0.17–2.72 min) has negligible effect on position threshold. For all sample sizes, position threshold decreases as sampling density increases, indicating that spatial integration takes place. The form of spatial integration depends on line separation. At the optimal line separation (2 min for bisection and 0 min for Vernier), position threshold decreases as sampling density increases with a slope of about −0.8 on log axes, steeper than a slope of −0.5 as would be expected from statistical position averaging. This effect of sampling density can be completely explained by spatial contrast summation for visibility. At the 16 min line separation , position threshold also decreases as sampling density increases but with a slope shallower than −0.5. However, this effect of sampling density can not be explained by contrast summation. Position thresholds decrease even after discounting the effect of contrast summation on visibility, suggesting a genuine position averaging. These findings are independent of line orientation (horizontal or vertical), and hold for both random and uniform dot distributions, and for both bisection and Vernier. Thus, two separate mechanisms of position acuity are suggested. A spatial filter mechanism operates at the optimal (or narrow) line separation where position threshold is critically dependent on stimulus visibility. A local sign mechanism operates at the relatively wider line separation where position acuity benefits from local sign position averaging. For both mechanisms, spatial integration is not perfect.
Hydrophilic peptides derived from the transframe region of Gag-Pol inhibit the HIV-1 protease.

The HIV-1 transframe region (TFR) is between the structural and functional domains of the Gag-Pol polyprotein, flanked by the nucleocapsid and the protease domains at its N and C termini, respectively. Transframe octapeptide (TFP) Phe-Leu-Arg-Glu-Asp-Leu-Ala-Phe, the N terminus of TFR, and its analogues are competitive inhibitors of the action of the mature HIV-1 protease. The smallest, most potent analogues are tripeptides: Glu-Asp-Leu and Glu-Asp-Phe with Ki values of ∼50 and ∼20 μM, respectively. Substitution of the acidic amino acids in the TFP by neutral amino acids and d or retro-d configurations of Glu-Asp-Leu results in an >40-fold increase in Ki. Protease inhibition by Glu-Asp-Leu is dependent on a protonated form of a group with a pKa of 3.8; unlike other inhibitors of HIV-1 protease which are highly hydrophobic, Glu-Asp-Leu is extremely soluble in water, and its binding affinity decreases with increasing NaCl concentration. However, Glu-Asp-Leu is a poor inhibitor (Ki ∼ 7.5 mM) of the mammalia...
Tissue factor and PAR signaling in tumor progression

Tumor development depends on multiple reciprocal interactions of tumor cells with the host cell compartment. Tumor cells initiate TF-dependent crosstalks with the tumor microenvironment by releasing procoagulant microparticles, soluble cytokines and angiogenic growth factors. Conversely, the hemostatic system in the host compartment provides multiple circuits that regulate tumor growth and sustain angiogenesis. A combination of experimental models of spontaneous and transplanted tumor development and metastasis start to delineate the role of TF in tumor progression and identified potential therapeutic approaches to target the TF pathway.
Supplemental melatonin increases clonal lifespan in the protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia

The hypothesis that melatonin supplementation can increase the lifespan of a single-celled organism was tested by the administration of melatonin to the ciliated protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia. Melatonin supplementation in dim red light at a dose of 0.043 mM (10 mg/L) of nutrient media (bacterized Cerophyl) per day, followed by incubation for 23 hr in darkness, increased the mean clonal lifespan of Paramecium tetraurelia in days by percentages ranging from 20.8% (P < 0.01, two-tailed t-test) to 24.2% (P < 0.01, ANOVA) over controls. Maximum clonal lifespan in days was also increased in melatonin-supplemented cells, from 14.8% to 24.0% over controls. Mean clonal lifespan in fissions was not significantly greater in melatonin-supplemented cells, with values ranging from 6.0% to 15.5% over controls. Maximum clonal lifespan in fissions did not differ appreciably, with values ranging from 1.0% to 9.1% over controls, except in the case of cells selected for rapid division rates, in which melatonin-supplemented cells (393 fissions) lived 20.9% longer than controls (325 fissions) in terms of cumulative cell doublings during the clonal lifespan. The finding that melatonin supplementation increased clonal lifespan in Paramecium tetraurelia, an aerobic, single-celled organism, suggests that the mechanism of melatonin's longevity-promoting effects may be intracellular.
Genetic modifiers of obesity and bariatric surgery outcomes

Obesity is a highly heritable trait. While acute and chronic changes in body weight or obesity-related comorbidities are heavily influenced by environmental factors, there are still strong genomic modifiers that help account for inter-subject variability in baseline traits and in response to interventions. This review is intended to provide an up-to-date overview of our current understanding of genetic influences on obesity, with emphasis on genetic modifiers of baseline traits and responses to intervention. We begin by reviewing how genetic variants can influence obesity. We then examine genetic modifiers of weight loss via different intervention strategies, focusing on known and potential modifiers of surgical weight loss outcomes. We will pay particular attention to the effects of patient age on outcomes, addressing the risks and benefits of adopting early intervention strategies. Finally, we will discuss how the field of bariatric surgery can leverage knowledge of genetic modifiers to adopt a personalized medicine approach for optimal outcomes across this widespread and diverse patient population.
Captopril-induced hyponatremia with irreversible neurologic damage

A 61-year-old Chinese-American man with a history of congestive heart failure and hypertension was admitted to the San Francisco Veterans Administration Hospital with confusion, cortical blindness, and generalized flaccidity. Serum sodium level on admission was 114 meq/liter. Administration of captopril had been begun for afterload reduction two weeks before admission with a concomitant fall in serum sodium level from 137 meq/liter to 126 meq/liter in one week. A history of marked thirst with consumption of large volumes of water was reported for over one week prior to hospitalization. Despite correction of the hyponatremia within 24 hours at a rate of 0.9 meq/liter per hour, the patient remained semi-comatose and died four days later with a gastrointestinal bleed. It is suggested that the thirst phenomenon and hyponatremia were caused by the introduction of captopril. This lead to irreversible neurologic damage and death, despite the correction of the serum sodium level.
Note on the two-nucleon stripping reaction

Abstract The magnitude of the two-nucleon stripping reactions is calculated using the pairing interaction model. The calculation also is applied to final states of collective type. For some types of reaction a collective enhancement of the reaction cross section is predicted.
One-month histologic response of transmyocardial laser channels with molecular intervention

Background. Transmyocardial revascularization reduces the symptoms and morbidity of patients with endstage ischemic heart disease. The mechanism is postulated to be the formation of transmural left ventricular channels through which oxygenated blood directly perfuses the myocardium. New techniques for molecular enhancement of angiogenesis and endothelial cell motility may represent strategies to augment this clinical benefit. Methods. Triads of transmyocardial revascularization channels were placed in eight separate nonischemic sites on the hearts of 7 pigs weighing 68 to 78 kg, which were allowed to recover and were then sacrificed at 28 days. In addition, one triad pair was injected with vascular endothelial growth factor, and two triad pairs received an adenovirus vector with or without the gene encoding for human profilin, which increases endothelial cell motility and adhesion. The remaining triad pair stood untreated (laser only). The histologic changes were graded (0 through 3) by an independent pathologist without knowledge of the treatment modality. Profilin production and vascular endothelial growth factor activation using a tyrosine kinase assay were monitored. Results. Transmyocardial revascularization alone resulted in a significant injury response ( p p Conclusions. The clinical benefit of transmyocardial revascularization may result simply from a nonspecific histologic response to injury. Molecular interventions appear to stimulate more inflammation but no additional angiogenesis. Further improvement in the clinical benefit of transmyocardial revascularization awaits the successful stimulation of a true angiogenic response.
Nitrous oxide alters oxidative metabolic activities of rat neocortex in situ

Nitrous oxide was shown by dual wavelength reflection spectrophotometry to decrease the ratio of reduction/oxidation of cytochrome a,a3 and to increase local blood volume in the cerebral cortex of rats in situ. These changes were in contrast to the decreased local blood volume and increased reduction of cytochrome a,a3 produced by pentobarbital. These effects of nitrous oxide were similar to those produced by respiration of 95% O2 with 5% CO2 except that such inspiration resulted in hemoglobin oxygenation while N2O produced some disoxygenation of hemoglobin. We conclude that the N2O effect on metabolism is likely due to increased energy demand. These results also provide some indication that changes in oxidative functioning in brain tissues may occur without alteration in the concentrations of high energy phosphate compounds.
Four‐parameter beta distribution estimation and skewness test

Sequential tolerance control (STC) is a tolerance control methodology used in discrete parts manufacturing. Recently, an adaptive sphere-fitting method for STC (ASF–STC) was developed to account for potential skewness in manufacturing operations' distributions, a factor not considered in conventional STC. ASF–STC offers significant improvements over conventional STC when such skewness exists. The direction of skewness of an operations' distribution is a necessary input to ASF–STC. Thus, a novel approach to determining the skewness of a distribution for small sample sizes is presented here. ASF–STC has an additional requirement of distribution information for each operation. The beta distribution is an ideal candidate here, as it is very flexible in shape. The literature on four-parameter beta estimation is very limited, and their performance for small sample sizes is poor. STC was designed for low-volume production, thus the estimation for small sample sizes is necessary here. This study presents a heuristic, based on the method of moments estimates for a beta distribution, that estimates the four parameters for a beta distribution with small sample size. Several computational results are provided to compare this heuristic to the best-known procedure, with the heuristic found to perform better for the test problems considered. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical utility of the percent of positive prostate biopsies in predicting biochemical outcome following external-beam radiation therapy for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose: An investigation was performed of the clinical utility of the percent of positive prostate biopsies in predicting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) outcome following external-beam radiation therapy (RT) for men with PSA-detected or clinically palpable prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: A Cox regression multivariable analysis was used to determine whether the percent of positive prostate biopsies provided clinically relevant information about PSA outcome following external beam RT in 473 men while accounting for the previously established risk groups based on the pretreatment PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, and the 1992 American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) clinical T stage. Results: Controlling for the known prognostic factors, the percent of positive prostate biopsies added clinically significant information ( p = 0.02) regarding time to PSA failure following RT. Specifically, 76% of the patients in the intermediate risk group (1992 AJCC T 2b or biopsy Gleason 7 or PSA > 10 ng/mL and ≤ 20 ng/mL) could be classified into either an 30% or 85% 5-year PSA control cohort using the preoperative prostate biopsy data. Conclusion: The previously validated stratification of PSA outcome following radical prostatectomy (RP) using the percent of positive prostate biopsies in intermediate-risk patients is also clinically significant for men treated with external beam RT. The percent positive prostate biopsies should be considered in conjunction with the PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, and 1992 AJCC clinical T stage when counseling patients with newly diagnosed and clinically localized prostate cancer about PSA outcome following RP or external beam RT.
Correlation of atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and sinus rhythm with incidences of new coronary events in 1,359 patients, mean age 81 years, with heart disease

Abstract The Framingham Study reported that the incidence of deaths from cardiovascular causes was 43% in men with atrial fibrillation and 21% in men with sinus rhythm (risk ratio = 2.0), and 41% in women with atrial fibrillation and 15% in women with sinus rhythm (risk ratio = 2.7). 1 At 34-month mean follow-up of 118 patients with global T-wave inversion, Walder and Spodick 6 demonstrated that the mortality rate was 58% in 12 patients with atrial fibrillation detected by electrocardiograms, and 35% in 106 patients with sinus rhythm (p = 0.005). Data from this study show that atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of new coronary events in elderly patients with heart disease. The time to onset of new coronary events was also significantly shorter in patients with atrial fibrillation than in patients with sinus rhythm or supraventricular tachycardia. After controlling for other prognostic variables, patients with atrial fibrillation and heart disease had a 2.2 times higher probability of developing new coronary events than those with heart disease without atrial fibrillation.
Toward an Integrated Theory of Probation

Efforts to strengthen probation programs are often hampered by the lack of a normative theory for probation practice. This study sought to generate a theory of probation practice from the perspective of officers who currently supervise delinquent juveniles on probation. A grounded theory approach was employed with 31 officers who participated in semistructured interviews about their probation practices. Results of the study were synthesized into a comprehensive framework for probation called the participation process model of probation. The participation process model describes change mechanisms that are hypothesized by officers to link their use of specific tactics and strategies with two long-term objectives: risk/need reduction and accountability. Key change mechanisms include youth participation/cooperation, relationship strength, parental support, and motivational processes. The participation process model provides a framework to guide future research and program development.
Long-haul microwave analog link with shot-noise-limited performance above the Stimulated Brillouin Scattering threshold

We have assembled and characterized a microwave frequency analog fiber link that offers shot-noise-limited performance at input powers above the stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold. The 20 km span of fiber consists of three pairs of alternating fibers, with each pair separated by isolators. The measured SBS threshold using the backscatter approach is 14 dBm; however, the measured relative intensity noise from 1-8 GHz remains at the shot-noise level until the input power exceeds 16 dBm. When compared to a single fiber link of the same length, the link gain, RF noise figure, and SFDR at 1 GHz all improve by 8.1 dB, 4.1 dB and 2.8 dB, respectively.
Diffraction-limited large X-ray optics

It is shown that the technologies required to produce large normal-incidence multilayer x-ray mirrors with diffraction-limited resolution are now available. Applications of these mirrors in x-ray astronomy and x-ray lithography are discussed.
Kinetic-energy induced smoothening and delay of epitaxial breakdown in pulsed-laser deposition

We have isolated the effect of kinetic energy of depositing species from the effect of flux pulsing during pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) on surface morphology evolution of Ge(001) homoepitaxy at low temperature $(100\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C})$. Using a dual molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) PLD chamber, we compare morphology evolution from three different growth methods under identical experimental conditions except for the differing nature of the depositing flux: (a) PLD with average kinetic energy $300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ (PLD-KE); (b) PLD with suppressed kinetic energy comparable to thermal evaporation energy (PLD-TH); and (c) MBE. The thicknesses at which epitaxial breakdown occurs are ranked in the order $\mathrm{PLD}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{KE}g\mathrm{MBE}g\mathrm{PLD}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{TH}$; additionally, the surface is smoother in PLD-KE than in MBE. The surface roughness of the films grown by PLD-TH cannot be compared due to the early epitaxial breakdown. These results demonstrate convincingly that kinetic energy is more important than flux pulsing in the enhancement of epitaxial growth, i.e., the reduction in roughness and the delay of epitaxial breakdown.
Pedal Timing and Tempo in Expressive Piano Performance: A Preliminary Investigation

The timing of pedal depressions and releases was measured relative to key depressions and releases in two pianists' performances of Robert Schumann's Tr-dutnerei on an electronic instrument. Each pianist provided nine complete performances, three at each of three tempi, which were analysed by examining in detail those positions in the music in which the pedal was used consistently. The principal questions were whether and how pedal timing adjusts to changes in global tempo (across performances) and in local tempo (within performnances): Do pedal-release times, onset times, or change (onset minus release) times exhibit absolute orrelative invariance across either or both of these tempo changes? The results do not suggest any simple answer, since neither type of invariance was observed consistently. Pedal timing emerges as having a complex pattern that is sensitive to local and global tempo changes in varying degrees, yet exhibits consistency across repeated performances by the same pianist. There were stri...
Expert Consensus on Characteristics of Wisdom: A Delphi Method Study

Purpose: Wisdom has received increasing attention in empirical research in recent years, especially in gerontology and psychology, but consistent defini tions of wisdom remain elusive. We sought to better characterize this concept via an expert consensus panel using a 2-phase Delphi method. Design and Methods: A survey questionnaire comprised 53 Likert scale statements related to the concepts of wisdom, intelligence, and spirituality was developed to determine if and how wisdom was viewed as being distinct from the latter 2 concepts. Of the 57 international wisdom experts contacted by e-mail, 30 completed the Phase 1 survey and 27 also completed the Phase 2 survey. Results: In Phase 1, there were significant group differences among the con cepts of wisdom, intelligence, and spirituality on 49 of the 53 items rated by the experts. Wisdom differed from intelligence on 46 of these 49 items, whereas wisdom differed from spirituality on 31 items. In Phase 2, we sought to define wisdom further by selecting 12 items based on Phase 1 results. Most experts agreed on many of the suggested characteristics of wisdom—that is, it is uniquely human; a form of advanced cognitive and emotional development that is experience driven; and a personal quality, albeit a rare one, which can be learned, increases with age, can be measured, and is not likely to be enhanced by taking medication. Implications: There was considerable agreement among the expert participants on wisdom being a distinct entity and a number of its characteristic qualities. These data should help in designing additional empirical research on wisdom.
Low use of contraception among poor women in Africa: an equity issue

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of contraception in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa; to assess changes in met need for contraception associated with wealth-related inequity; and to describe the relationship between the use of long-term versus short-term contraceptive methods and a woman's fertility intentions and household wealth. METHODS: The analysis was conducted with Demographic and Health Survey data from 13 sub-Saharan African countries. Wealth-related inequities in the use of contraception were calculated using household wealth and concentration indices. Logistic regression models were fitted for the likelihood of using a long-term contraceptive method, with adjustments for: wealth index quintile, fertility intentions (to space births versus to stop childbearing), residence (urban/rural), education, number of living children, marital status and survey year. FINDINGS: The use of contraception has increased substantially between surveys in Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia but has declined slightly in Kenya, Senegal and Uganda. Wealth-related inequalities in the met need for contraception have decreased in most countries and especially so in Mozambique, but they have increased in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia with regard to spacing births, and in Malawi, Senegal, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia with regard to limiting childbearing. After adjustment for fertility intention, women in the richest wealth quintile were more likely than those in the poorest quintile to practice long-term contraception. CONCLUSION: Family planning programmes in sub-Saharan Africa show varying success in reaching all social segments, but inequities persist in all countries.
Functional consequences of animal-to-animal variation in circuit parameters

How different are the neuronal circuits for a given behavior across individual animals? To address this question, we measured multiple cellular and synaptic parameters within individual preparations to see how they correlate with circuit function, using neurons and synapses within the pyloric circuit of the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of the crab Cancer borealis. There was considerable preparation-to-preparation variability in the strength of two identified synapses, in the amplitude of a modulator-evoked current, and in the expression of six ion channel genes. Nonetheless, across preparations we found strong correlations among these parameters and attributes of circuit performance. These data illustrate the importance of making multidimensional measurements from single preparations to understand how variability in circuit output is related to the variability of multiple circuit parameters.
Inward Potassium Channel in Guard Cells As a Target for Polyamine Regulation of Stomatal Movements

A number of studies show that environmental stress conditions such as drought, high salt, and air pollutants increase polyamine levels in plant cells. However, little is understood about the physiological function of elevated polyamine levels. We report here that polyamines regulate the voltage-dependent inward K+ channel in the plasma membrane of guard cells and modulate stomatal aperture, a plant “sensor” to environmental changes. All natural polyamines, including spermidine, spermine, cadaverine, and putrescine, strongly inhibited opening and induced closure of stomata. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed that intracellular application of polyamines inhibited the inward K+ current across the plasma membrane of guard cells. Single-channel recording analysis indicated that polyamine regulation of the K+ channel requires unknown cytoplasmic factors. In an effort to identify the target channel at the molecular level, we found that spermidine inhibited the inward K+ current carried by KAT1 channel that was functionally expressed in a plant cell model. These findings suggest that polyamines target KAT1-like inward K+ channels in guard cells and modulate stomatal movements, providing a link between stress conditions, polyamine levels, and stomatal regulation.
Genetic susceptibility to childhood leukaemia

The aetiology of leukaemias among children is believed to be distinct from that of adults, mainly due to the clearer role for early life exposures, including those in utero. However, few risk factors have been established, because of the challenge of studying a disease with relatively low incidence. Identified risk factors, including ionizing radiation, chemotherapeutic agents and specific genetic abnormalities, explain <10% of incidence(1,2). Although the causes for the remaining 90% are unknown, it is possible that genetic susceptibility factors, either alone or in conjunction with environmental factors, may be involved. In this paper, the authors (a) review the evidence surrounding genetic susceptibility factors, with emphasis on the genes' main effects; (b) review some recent developments in the Northern California Childhood Leukaemia Study (NCCLS) as a case study of design and practical considerations in genetic epidemiology research and (c) highlight both challenges and future directions in this exciting research area.
An electrophysiological approach to the evaluation of regional sympathetic dysfunction: a proposed classification.

Background The importance to physicians of maintaining a level of understanding of illnesses and their treatment continues to reveal itself in a most striking fashion when it comes to the progressive interest recently directed to disorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In particular, the relevance to pain practitioners of disease states which directly involve the sympathetic portion of the ANS has increased markedly following the international renaming of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and causalgia to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type I and Type II respectively, as well as sympathetically maintained pain (SMP). Subsequently it has become better understood that many other forms of neuropathic pain also demonstrate local abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous supply to the skin within the painful territory, thereby increasing the diagnostic value of these (often subtle) cutaneous clinical signs. Objectives The objectives of this presentation include (a) a concise review of laboratory tests that are currently used in the evaluation of the autonomic nervous system, (b) a discussion of those procedures that were developed for the assessment of sympathetic sudomotor function, (c) a review of the anatomic pathways subserving those electrophysiological methods for sudomotor testing, and (d) the current diagnostic classification for regional abnormalities of sympathetic sudomotor dysfunction. Methods Methods used in the preparation of this article have included a review of (a) historic clinical and laboratory articles (or translations thereof) regarding the medical importance of disorders of the autonomic nervous system, dating back to more than 155 years ago (b) anatomic and electrophysiological basis for electroneurodiagnostic sudomotor testing, and (c) the author's proposal for a diagnostic classification of regional sympathetic sudomotor dysfunction.
Would It Kill West to Include the Same Information on WestlawNext and Westlaw Classic that It Includes in West Reporters

West's topic and key number system has been used in print reporters and digests for over one hundred years and it is available on both Classic Westlaw and WestlawNext; however, Westlaw presents it differently than what is found in the print reporters (the West National Reporter System) and this leads to a lot of unnecessary confusion. For the sake of continuity and clarity, Westlaw should present the topic and key number system online as they do in the print reporters.
Preliminary observations on the role of the sympathetic nervous system in development and maintenance of experimental renal hypertension.

SummaryThe influence of the sympathetic nervous system upon the course of experimental renal hypertension was examined in normal and immunologically sympathec-tomized rats. Blood pressures were recorded directly in the unanesthetized animal through indwelling catheters in the abdominal aorta. Immunological sympathectomy did not prevent the development of the acute phase of renal hypertension. Blood pressures of the hypertensive sympathectomized animals returned to normotensive levels 4-5 weeks following renal artery clamping, while untreated animals remained hypertensive at the termination of the experiment. It was concluded that the sympathetic nervous system is not required for development of renal hypertension, but may play a role in maintaining the chronic phase of the hypertensive state.
Relative success of self and outcross pollen comparing mixed- and single-donor pollinations in Aquilegia caerulea

Flowers frequently receive both self (S) and outcross (OC) pollen, but S pollen often sires proportionally fewer seeds. Failure of S pollen can reflect evolved mechanisms that promote outcrossing and/or inbreeding depression expressed during seed development. The relative importance of these two processes was investigated in Aquilegia caerulea, a self-compatible perennial herb. In the field I performed single-donor (S or OC) and mixed-donor (S plus OC) pollinations to compare the relative success of both pollen types at various stages from pollen germination to seed maturity. Single-donor S pollinations produced significantly fewer and lighter seeds (x decrease = 12% and 3%, respectively) than OC pollinations. Abortion rates differed by an average of 38% whereas fertilization rates differed by only 5%, indicating that most differences in seed number arose postzygotically. This suggests that inbreeding depression was responsible for most failure of S pollen. One prezygotic effect measured was that 10% fewer S than OC pollen tubes reached ovaries after 42 hr, suggesting S pollen might fertilize proportionately fewer ovules after mixed pollination. Using allozyme markers, I found mixed-donor pollinations produced significantly more and heavier outcrossed than selfed seeds. However, the proportion of selfed seed, fertilized ovules, and aborted seeds for mixed-donor fruits were each predictable from pollen performance in single-donor fruits, suggesting that differential paternity is best explained by inbreeding depression during seed development. Even given these similarities between mixed- and single-donor fruits in the relative performance of S and OC pollen, both individual seed weight and seed set were significantly higher in multiply-sired fruits.
Parent Diet Quality and Energy Intake Are Related to Child Diet Quality and Energy Intake.

Abstract Background Parents' diets are believed to influence their children's diets. Previous studies have not adequately and simultaneously assessed the relationship between parent and child total diet quality and energy intakes. Objective Our aim was to investigate whether parent and child diet quality and energy intakes are related. Design We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline dietary intake data from the Neighborhood Impact on Kids study collected in 2007 to 2009. Participants/setting Participants were parents and 6- to 12-year-old children from households in King County (Seattle area), WA, and San Diego County, CA, targeted by Neighborhood Impact on Kids were recruited. Eligible parent−child dyads (n=698) with two or three 24-hour dietary recalls were included in this secondary analysis. Main outcome measures Child diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2010, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, and energy density [for food only]) and energy intake were derived from the dietary recalls using Nutrition Data Systems for Research. Statistical analyses performed Multiple linear regression models examined the relationship between parent diet quality and child diet quality, and the relationship between parent energy intake and child energy intake. In both analyses, we controlled for parent characteristics, child characteristics, household education, and neighborhood type. Results Parent diet quality measures were significantly related to corresponding child diet quality measures: Healthy Eating Index-2010 (standardized β=.39; P P P P Conclusions Parent and child intakes were closely related across various metrics of diet quality and for energy intake. Mechanisms of influence are likely to be shared food environments, shared meals, and parent modeling.
The Impact of Heat on the Near and Far-Field Pressure Skewness in Supersonic Jets

The dominant component of turbulent mixing noise in high speed jets is the Mach wave radiation generated by large turbulent structures i n the shear layer of the jet plum, traveling at supersonic convective speeds relative to the amb ient speed of sound. Petitjean et al. proved that OASPL in the farfield peaks in a direct ion near to the Mach wave angle. ‘Crackle’ is another component of high speed jet no ise identified first by Ffowcs Williams et al. in 1975. Crackle cannot be recognized in the sp ectrum of the pressure signal, but in the temporal waveform of the pressure. Skewness levels of the pressure and dP/dt have been used as a measure of crackle in high specific thrus t engines and rockets. In this paper, we focus on recognizing a technique that identifies th e impact of different test conditions on the near-field and far-field statistics of the pressure and dP/dt signals of a Md=1.5 C-D conical nozzle. Cold and hot jets, T0=300K and 600K, are tested at over, design, and underexpanded conditions, NPRs=2.5, 3.671, 4.5, respecti vely. Second, Third and Forth order statistics are examined in the near and far fields. Rms, skewness and kurtosis intensity levels and propagation are better identified in the dP/dt than in the pressure signal. Statistics of the dP/dt demonstrate to be a better measure for Mach wave radiation and Crackle.
Spills of Hydraulic Fracturing Chemicals on Agricultural Topsoil: Biodegradation, Sorption, and Co-contaminant Interactions

Hydraulic fracturing frequently occurs on agricultural land. Yet the extent of sorption, transformation, and interactions among the numerous organic frac fluid and oil and gas wastewater constituents upon environmental release is hardly known. Thus, this study aims to advance our current understanding of processes that control the environmental fate and toxicity of commonly used hydraulic fracturing chemicals. Poly(ethylene glycol) surfactants were completely biodegraded in agricultural topsoil within 42–71 days, but their transformation was impeded in the presence of the biocide glutaraldehyde and was completely inhibited by salt at concentrations typical for oil and gas wastewater. At the same time, aqueous glutaraldehyde concentrations decreased due to sorption to soil and were completely biodegraded within 33–57 days. While no aqueous removal of polyacrylamide friction reducer was observed over a period of 6 months, it cross-linked with glutaraldehyde, further lowering the biocide’s aqueous concentrat...
Comparative Research on the Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Three Labor Groups

It is significant to figure out which factors affect job satisfaction because more job satisfaction produces higher work motivation and more harmonious management-labor relation. As white collars and blue collars have different requirements on job satisfaction,Chinese work force are divided into three groups in the article: professional white-collars,classical white-collars and industrial workers. Then the author tests the determinants of job satisfaction among the three groups based on China General Social Survey Data 2006. The result shows that for the three groups,income satisfaction has a positive correlation with job satisfaction while work environment and promotion have no significant relation with job satisfaction. In addition,for the professional white-collars,ages and social insurance are positively correlated with job satisfaction,and for the classical white-collars,ages and education have a positive correlation with job satisfaction. For the industrial workers,however,job autonomy has a negative correlation with job satisfaction,and employee involvement is not closely related with job satisfaction.
WE-H-207B-00: MRgRT

In recent years, steady progress has been made towards the implementation of MRI in external beam radiation therapy for processes ranging from treatment simulation to in-room guidance. Novel procedures relying mostly on MR data are currently implemented in the clinic. This session will cover topics such as (a) commissioning and quality control of the MR in-room imagers and simulators specific to RT, (b) treatment planning requirements, constraints and challenges when dealing with various MR data, (c) quantification of organ motion with an emphasis on treatment delivery guidance, and (d) MR-driven strategies for adaptive RT workflows. The content of the session was chosen to address both educational and practical key aspects of MR guidance. Learning Objectives: 1.Good understanding of MR testing recommended for in-room MR imaging as well as image data validation for RT chain (e.g. image transfer, filtering for consistency, spatial accuracy, manipulation for task specific); 2.Familiarity with MR-based planning procedures: motivation, core workflow requirements, current status, challenges; 3.Overview of the current methods for the quantification of organ motion; 4.Discussion on approaches for adaptive treatment planning and delivery. T. Stanescu - License agreement with Modus Medical Devices to develop a phantom for the quantification of MR image system-related distortions.; T. Stanescu, N/A
Petrophysical characterization of the South Georgia Rift Basin for supercritical CO2 storage: a preliminary assessment

The Triassic–Jurassic South Georgia Rift (SGR) Basin, buried beneath Coastal Plain sediments of southern South Carolina, southeastern Georgia, western Florida, and southern Alabama, consists of an assemblage of continental rift deposits (popularly called red beds), and mafic igneous rocks (basalt flows and diabase sills). The red beds are capped by basalts and/or diabase sills, and constitute the target for supercritical CO2 storage as part of a Department of Energy funded project to study the feasibility for safe and permanent sequestration. The purpose of this research is to evaluate subsurface suitability for underground CO2 storage in terms of the local and regional distribution of porous and permeable reservoirs. In addition, unlike shale-capped CO2 reservoirs, very little is known about the ability of basalts and diabase sills to act as viable seals for CO2 storage. New results demonstrate the presence of confined porous rocks that may be capable of storing significant quantities of supercritical CO2. Reservoir thicknesses as high as 420 m and an average porosity as high as 14 % were obtained. The SGR Basin manifests distinct porosity–permeability regimes that are influenced by the depositional environments. These are: a high-porosity, medium/low-permeability zone associated with lacustrine deposits, a medium/low-porosity, low-permeability zone dominated by fluvial fine- to very fine-grained sandstone, and an extremely low porosity and permeability zone characterized by fluvial and alluvial-fan deposits. Analyses further show that the basalt flows and diabase sills are characterized by low porosity as well as high seismic velocities and densities that are favorable to caprock integrity.
Enhancing Access to Diabetes Self-management Education in Primary Care:

PurposeThe purpose of this continuous quality improvement project was to improve access to diabetes self-management education (DSME) and to evaluate the impact on glycemic and weight control by translating an academic medical center’s DSME program, accredited per the Education Recognition Program (ERP) of the American Diabetes Association, into a program offered at primary care clinics (PCCs).MethodsCertified diabetes educators from the medical center trained PCC registered dietitian nutritionists, registered nurses, and social workers to provide DSME in their community-based clinic. Main outcomes of this retrospective, pretest/posttest, observational project were to evaluate enrollment in DSME classes and change in A1C and weight as patients underwent a combined intervention of diabetes education classes with or without consultation and support from a PCC registered dietitian nutritionist or registered nurse.ResultsPCC DSME was associated with increased enrollment in DSME classes and a significant reduct...