cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COR TRIATRIATUM WITH CONNECTION OF THE ACCESSORY ATRIAL CHAMBER TO THE CORONARY SINUS.

Abstract A case is reported of cor triatriatum associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. The communication of the common pulmonary vein (accessory atrial chamber) with the coronary sinus has not been previously reported. This anomaly resulted in a normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Under such circumstances the presence of a third atrial chamber can be detected only by angiographic study.
Hypsographic Demography Across Scale

The typical framework for assessing human population distribution is across a flat, two-dimensional landscape. We alter this perspective by examining population distribution with respect to a third dimension, elevation. This alternative framework, termed hypsographic demography, conceptually provides a more complete visualization and understanding of population distribution. We apply hypsographic demography to North Carolina from the scale of the entire state to streams of different sizes. At the state scale, elevation and population are generally inversely correlated. The flat coastal plain contains the majority of the population at low elevations, whereas higher elevations contain smaller populations due to steep topography, which limits development. At the county scale, the historic location and expansion of cities was more closely correlated with observed patterns of hypsographic demography than elevation or topography. At the scale of the stream, the influence of topography on hypsographic demographi...
Axial rotation mechanics in a cadaveric lumbar spine model: a biomechanical analysis.

Abstract Background context Postoperative patient motions are difficult to directly control. Very slow quasistatic motions are intuitively believed to be safer for patients, compared with fast dynamic motions, because the torque on the spine is reduced. Therefore, the outcomes of varying axial rotation (AR) angular loading rate during in vitro testing could expand the understanding of the dynamic behavior and spine response. Purpose To observe the effects of the loading rate in AR mechanics of lumbar cadaveric spines via in vitro biomechanical testing. Study design An in vitro biomechanical study in lumbar cadaveric spines. Methods Fifteen lumbar cadaveric segments (L1–S1) were tested with varying loading frequencies of AR. Five different frequencies were normalized with the base line frequency (0.125 Hz n=15) in this analysis: 0.05 Hz (n=6), 0.166 Hz (n=6), 0.2 Hz (n=10), 0.25 Hz (n=10), and 0.4 Hz (n=8). Results The lowest frequency (0.05 Hz) revealed significant differences (p 0.75, p Conclusions Evidences suggest that measurements at very small frequencies (0.05 Hz) of torque, SAV, AV, RF, and EL are significantly reduced when compared with higher frequencies (0.166 Hz, 0.2 Hz, 0.25 Hz, and 0.4 Hz). Higher frequencies increase torque, RF, passive SAV, and AV. Higher frequencies induce a greater IDP in comparison with lower frequencies.
Treponema pallidum: doing a remarkable job with what it's got

Since the recognition of venereal syphilis as a distinct clinical entity in the late 15th century, physicians have marveled at, and been baffled by, its protean manifestations15xTramont, E.C. : 2117–2133See all References15. Unraveling the genetic basis for the remarkable invasiveness and complex tissue tropisms of this bacterium15xTramont, E.C. : 2117–2133See all References15 is the ultimate objective of pathogenesis-related research. Perhaps the greatest disappointment of the genomic sequence is how little insight it provides into the parasitic strategies used by this spirochete. Although T. pallidum does contain open reading frames (ORFs) encoding putative hemolysins/cytotoxins of uncertain pathogenic significance, it does not contain orthologs for any well-known virulence factors. Also lacking are the components of a secretory apparatus, which would be needed to deliver virulence determinants into the host environment. Thus, the sequence confronts us with the realization that the enigma of T. pallidum is actually twofold. It not only points to our need for new physiological paradigms to explain how this unorthodox bacterium copes with the demands of life within a hostile host milieu but it also points to the enormous gaps in our understanding of the distinctive, yet highly successful, brand of human parasitism employed by this bacterium. Many of the solutions to these biological conundrums are likely to reside in the >40% of the genome that consists of functionally uncharacterized genes. The development of experimental strategies to decipher this information and integrate it into a coherent picture will be the new frontier for syphilis research.
Breast MRI Wire-Guided Excisional Biopsy: Specimen Size as Compared to Mammogram Wire-Guided Excisional Biopsy and Implications for Use

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been implemented as a screening tool for early detection and as a diagnostic test in the management of breast cancer. Lesions identified by MRI but not amenable to conventional biopsy techniques require MRI wire-guided excisional biopsy (MRIbx). We hypothesized that more tissue would be resected with MRIbx compared to Mammobx. We also sought to evaluate factors that might predict the presence of breast cancer in patients undergoing MRIbx. We reviewed consecutive cases of breast MRIbx from 2004 to 2006 performed by seven surgeons. MRI was performed in patients with either a synchronous breast cancer or significant risk factors. Lesions visualized only by MRI underwent diagnostic MRIbx. The control group was comprised of consecutive cases that underwent diagnostic Mammobx during the same time period. The volumes of tissue resected, overall and by pathologic outcome, were compared. Seventy-one patients, with a mean age of 48, underwent MRIbx. Eleven (15.5%) invasive breast cancers and eight cases (11.3%) of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were identified. The median volume of tissue resected was significantly greater than that in the Mammobx group (28.8 cm3 vs 21.1 cm3, respectively). DCIS-containing MRIbx specimens were significantly larger than benign or invasive cancer-containing specimens. There was no significant overall association between either the indication for MRIbx or the size of the MRI lesion and the frequency of cancer. In patients undergoing breast MRIbx, 27% were found to have DCIS or invasive breast cancer. MRIbx was associated with significantly larger specimen volumes than Mammobx.
APPRAISING THE COGNITIVE FEATURES OF SUBJECT TESTS

The study's aim was to develop a procedure that could be used to appraise the cognitive features of subject (achievement) tests. Cognitive taxonomies and an accompanying coding scheme were developed and applied to the GRE Subject Tests in Psychology and Literature in English. The cognitive profiles of these two tests were found to be strikingly different, indicating that the taxonomies were operating as intended. Ways of improving and extending the procedure are discussed.
Professional Development and High-Stakes Testing: Disparate Influences on Student Writing Performance

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of professional development at a site of the National Writing Project (the Tampa Bay Area Writing Project), on student writing achievement. Student writing samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year from 22 classes of students in grades 3-12. Statistical analysis, using Repeated Measures ANOVA, of a stratified random sample of papers from each class, revealed significant differences between students in classrooms of writing project trained teachers and students in classrooms of closely matched control group teachers, with students in treatment group classrooms demonstrating higher writing achievement at the end of the year. Effect sizes for the treatment group were consistently higher than those of the control group. Significant differences were not in evidence until April, two months after the state writing assessment, following which the teachers had changed their practices from a prior focus on test preparation. Results from statistical analysis and teacher interviews suggest that the pressures and requirements which educators and legislators believe will improve writing performance may actually impede teachers from doing their best work, and consequently, the students from achieving their best writing performance.
Immunization by particle-mediated transfer of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene into autologous tumor cells in melanoma or sarcoma patients: report of a phase I/IB study.

The primary objective of this phase I study was to determine the safety of an autologous tumor vaccine given by intradermal injection of lethally irradiated granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene-transfected autologous melanoma and sarcoma cells. Secondary objectives included validation of the gene delivery technology (particle-mediated gene transfer), determining the host immune response to the tumor after vaccination, and monitoring patients for evidence of antitumor response. Sixteen patients were treated with either of two different doses of GM-CSF-treated tumor cells. One patient received treatment with both doses of tumor cells. No treatment-related local or systemic toxicity was noted in any patient. Patients administered 100% treated cells (i.e., with a preparation of tumor cells that had all been exposed to GM-CSF DNA transfection) had a more extensive lymphocytic infiltrate at the vaccine site than did patients given 10% treated cells (a preparation of tumor cells in whic...
Performance of a high-resolution wavefront control system using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator

We have developed a high-resolution wavefront control system based on an optically addressed nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator with several hundred thousand phase control points, a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor with two thousand subapertures, and an efficient reconstruction algorithm using Fourier transform techniques. We present quantitative results of experiments to characterize the performance of this system.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The mathematical origins of Aristotle's syllogistic

In 1936, BENEDICT EINARSON called attention to a number of similarities, terminological and otherwise, between the language of ARISTOTLE'S logical writings and that of ancient Greek mathematics) The significance of this research has not, I think, generally been recognized; indeed, EINARSON's paper has not elicited much comment from other scholars. 2 I want to propose an interpretation of the syllogistic theory presented in Prior Analytics 1.4-7 which takes account of EINARSON'S work. I claim that this syllogistic theory is more properly regarded as mathematics than as logic as understood by most contemporary logicians. These results, if correct, will require some major revisions in our interpretation of ARISTOTLE'S logical works and in our account of his development as a logician: in particular, the profusion of recent work 3 interpreting the syllogistic by constructing formal models for it in the style of contemporary logic must be given a hard second look. Moreover, some questions will be raised about the place of the syllogistic theory in ARISTOTLE's conception of logic. I would like to suggest what I think some of the answers might be, although this is a problem that must await further research. EINARSON has gathered from the Organon an impressive list of terms with technical mathematical associations. Some of these terms concern the techniques
Resonant Topographic Waves in Barotropic and Baroclinic Flows

Abstract The problem of resonant, topographic quasi-geostrophic waves is examined analytically by exploiting simplifications that arise when the flow is nearly resonant. The barotropic and (two-layer) baroclinic problems are studied. In each case the topographic linear stability problem is solved explicitly and analytic expressions are given for the growth rate. The bifurcation problem in finite amplitude also is described. Some differences with earlier treatment are noted. In particular, in the barotropic problem subresonant instability may occur if the zonal wavelength is long enough. In both the barotropic and baroclinic problems the critical point at which multiple equilibria occur does not correspond to the stability thresholds of the linear problem. In the baroclinic problem Reynolds stresses are found to be of equal importance with eddy heat fluxes in altering the zonal flow although only the latter can transfer energy to the wave field for the zonal velocity profile considered. Analysis of the mar...
PtII-Catalyzed Ethylene Hydrophenylation: Influence of Dipyridyl Chelate Ring Size on Catalyst Activity and Longevity

Expansion of the dipyridyl ligand from a five- to six-membered chelate for PtII-catalyzed ethylene hydrophenylation provides an enhancement of catalyst activity and longevity. Mechanistic studies of [(dpm)Pt(Ph)(THF)][BAr′4] [dpm = 2,2′-dipyridylmethane, and Ar′ = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3] attribute the improved catalytic performance at elevated temperatures to a favorable change in entropy of activation with an increase in chelate ring size. The PtII catalyst precursor [(dpm)Pt(Ph)(THF)][BAr′4] is among the most active catalysts for ethylene hydrophenylation by a non-acid-catalyzed mechanism.
Fentanyl inhibits GABAergic neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus

Fentanyl citrate is a synthetic opiate analgesic often used clinically for neonatal anesthesia. Although fentanyl significantly depresses heart rate, the mechanism of inducing bradycardia remains unclear. One possible site of action is the cardioinhibitory parasympathetic vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus (NA), from which originates control of heart rate and cardiac function. Inhibitory synaptic activity to cardiac vagal neurons is a major determinant of their activity. Therefore, the effect of fentanyl on GABAergic neurotransmission to parasympathetic cardiac vagal neurons was studied using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. Application of fentanyl induced a reduction in both the frequency and amplitude of GABAergic IPSCs in cardiac vagal neurons. This inhibition was mediated at both pre- and postsynaptic sites as evidenced by a dual decrease in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous miniature IPSCs. Application of the selective micro-antagonist CTOP abolished the fentanyl-mediated inhibition of GABAergic IPSCs. These results demonstrate that fentanyl acts on micro-opioid receptors on cardiac vagal neurons and neurons preceding them to reduce GABAergic neurotransmission and increase parasympathetic activity. The inhibition of GABAergic effects may be one mechanism by which fentanyl induces bradycardia.
Precision measurement: A search for electrons that do the twist.

One might think that physicists know everything about the electron. But the latest measurement of its shape could alter expectations for results at high-energy particle accelerators. See Letter p.493 The electron is spherical — well, nearly. The standard model of particle physics predicts a slightly aspheric electron, with a distortion characterized by the electric dipole moment (EDM) that is far too small to be detected at current experimental sensitivities. However, some extensions to the standard model predict much larger EDM values that should be detectable. New experiments, using the dipolar ytterbium fluoride rather than spherical thallium, achieve the highest precision measurement of the EDM to date. At this new level of precision the EDM is consistent with zero, and the electron is indeed a sphere. This finding should help to constrain theories of particle physics and cosmology beyond the standard model.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for refractory ascites: an analysis of the literature on efficacy, morbidity, and mortality.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for refractory ascites: an analysis of the literature on efficacy, morbidity, and mortality
The medicinal use of water in renal disease

Although water is essential for life, its use for medicinal purposes is not universally accepted. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to determine where the evolving state of knowledge lies regarding the benefits of water as a therapy for renal diseases. In the past two decades, water has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent in nephrolithiasis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in particular. In nephrolithiasis, the benefit of drinking water beyond that demanded by thirst is a cornerstone of therapy for both primary and secondary disease. In CKD, recent observational studies suggest a strong, direct association between preservation of renal function and fluid intake. In PKD, increased water intake slows renal cyst growth in animals via direct vasopressin suppression, and pharmacologic blockade of renal vasopressin-V2 receptors has recently been shown to be efficacious in retarding cyst growth in PKD patients. Although evidence is lacking to support increased water intake in the general population, available evidence indicates that individuals who are at risk for nephrolithiasis as well as those with CKD and PKD may benefit from 3 to 4l of urine output each day, a level of excretion that is likely to be safe.
Open Source Kinesin-1 Stochastic Simulation and Gliding Assay Tracking Software

Kinesin-1 (conventional kinesin) is a homodimeric motor protein important for axonal transport. It has been well studied through ensemble and single-molecule assays. However, the enzymatic stepping cycle is complex, with many rate constants that are modulated by interaction of the two motor domains. This makes it difficult to predict how changes in a given rate constant may affect observable properties such as processivity, velocity, or stall force. We have written a simulation of kinesin walking using a Stochastic Simulation Algorithm. The model allows for interactions between the heads, and includes states that are not considered part of the normal cycle. This adds to the complexity of the model but also allows for probing rare events, such as those that lead to a finite processivity. Also included are rate constant dependencies on force and concentrations of ATP, ADP, and Pi, which may provide insight into other processes under investigation, such as kinesin backstepping. We intend to use the simulation to aid in interpreting our own gliding motility assay results and to place upper and lower limits on values for rate constants. Our source and executable codes will be freely available. This work was supported by the DTRA CB Basic Research Program under Grant No. HDTRA1-09-1-008.
Surgical outcomes of inflammatory glaucoma: a comparison of trabeculectomy and glaucoma-drainage-device implantation

Purpose Our aim was to compare surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy and nonvalved glaucoma-drainage-device (GDD) implantation in eyes with chronic inflammatory glaucoma and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP).
Pre-programming analysis tutors help students learn basic programming concepts

In this paper, we describe a scaffolding technique - pre-programming-analysis guided programming (PAGP) - developed to help students grasp basic programming concepts. Two different ways to implement the PAGP process in a classroom were developed and then compared: one for students to fill out an analysis form, and the other for students to interact with online cognitive tutors. Our results show that the PAGP process helps students learn better and faster, especially with the assistance of the online tutors.
Health related quality of life before and after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The viability of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) as a surgical treatment for prostate cancer depends on oncological and health related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes. We present a prospective assessment of HRQOL in 122 patients before and after LRP using the validated Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire.Materials and Methods: EPIC data were collected preoperatively, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after LRP, and all were normalized to patient preoperative baseline responses.Results: Using traditional single question responses, 93.4% of patients were continent (0 to 1 pads) at postoperative month 12. Of previously potent men who underwent bilateral nerve sparing 78.9% reported engaging in sexual intercourse within postoperative year 1. However, EPIC domain scores provided a more comprehensive assessment of functional outcomes. For the urinary incontinence subdomain, the majority of functional recovery was achieved by postoperative month 6, reaching a 74% retu...
CCL2 upregulation triggers hypoxic preconditioning-induced protection from stroke

Background A brief exposure to systemic hypoxia (i.e., hypoxic preconditioning; HPC) prior to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) reduces infarct volume, blood-brain barrier disruption, and leukocyte migration. CCL2 (MCP-1), typically regarded as a leukocyte-derived pro-inflammatory chemokine, can also be directly upregulated by hypoxia-induced transcription. We hypothesized that such a hypoxia-induced upregulation of CCL2 is required for HPC-induced ischemic tolerance.
Chemical approaches for profiling dynamic palmitoylation

Protein palmitoylation is a critical post-translational modification important for membrane compartmentalization, trafficking and regulation of many key signalling proteins. Recent non-radioactive chemo-proteomic labelling methods have enabled a new focus on this emerging regulatory modification. Palmitoylated proteins can now be profiled in complex biological systems by MS for direct annotation and quantification. Based on these analyses, palmitoylation is clearly widespread and broadly influences the function of many cellular pathways. The recent introduction of selective chemical labelling approaches has opened new opportunities to revisit long-held questions about the enzymatic regulation of this widespread post-translational modification. In the present review, we discuss the impact of new chemical labelling approaches and future challenges for the dynamic global analysis of protein palmitoylation.
Effect of External Ultrasound Frequency on Thrombus Disruption In Vitro.

Objectives: This in vitro study assesses the effect of different external ultrasound frequencies on the disruption of human thrombi. Background: Ultrasound energy has been shown to disrupt human thrombi in vitro. However, there have been no previous studies to assess the effect of a range of different ultrasound frequencies on the rate and extent of thrombus disruption. Methods: In vitro, we exposed 56, 1- to 3-hour-old human blood thrombi to continuous wave ultra-sound (2.9 W/cm2) for 3 minutes. Seven different frequencies, ranging from 243 kHz to 25 kHz, were used. Results: There was a gradual increase in the total reduction of thrombus weight as well as the percent thrombus disruption with the use of lower ultrasound frequencies, reaching 99% at 25 kHz (p < 0.001) and 86% (p < 0.001) at 39 kHz, compared with 25% at 243 kHz. The average particle size of the disrupted thrombi was 3.26 μm (range 2.8–3.8). Conclusions: Our in vitro data with external ultrasound show that for a given power intensity of ultrasound, the extent and magnitude of thrombus disruption is progressively increased as frequencies decrease from 243 to 25 kHz. This might be related to the fact that larger acoustic bubbles are induced by lower frequency ultrasound, which gives rise to greater mechanical energy for thrombus disruption during bubble vibration and their collapse.
Father Wilhelm Senn and the Legacy of Brown Priests

How did Nazism attract some of those German Catholic clergy whose political sympathies lay with the right? The following biographical study documents how Father Wilhelm Maria Senn was drawn into the orbit of National Socialism; how this fact caused discomfort for many of Senn's parishioners, fellow clergymen, and Church superiors; and how Nazi nationalism, anti-liberalism, and antisemitism continued to pose temptations for other Catholic clergymen.*
Enhancement of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) toxicity by acetohydroxamic acid analogues of 3-nitropyrazole in vitro.

A series of acetohydroxamic acid derivatives of 3-nitropyrazole were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to potentiate (chemosensitization) the activity of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) against EMT-6 mouse mammary tumor cells in vitro. The compounds were designed to test the hypothesis that the chemosensitizing activity of the analogues would be proportional to the rate of isocyanate formation via a Lossen rearrangement, in part a function of the leaving group at the N terminus of each acetohydroxamate. Substitution of acetohydroxamic acid side chains at the N-1 position of the parent 3-nitropyrazole resulted in compounds which were preferentially toxic to cells treated under hypoxic conditions, and which were capable of enhancing the toxicity of CCNU in hypoxia. As was observed for cytotoxicity, the enhancement of CCNU toxicity by these sensitizing agents was significantly reduced under aerobic treatment conditions. A strong correlation was established between hypoxic toxicity and chemosensitizing potency. The activity of the analogue, however, was not proportional to their excepted rates of Lossen rearrangement. Nevertheless, several potent chemosensitizing compounds were identified; some of which were 10–50 x 's more potent on a molar basis than Misonidazole, the reference chemosensitizing compound.
Hillbilly nationalists, urban race rebels and black power: community organizing in radical times

by Amy Sonnie and James Tracy, Brooklyn, Melville House, 2011, 256 pp., $16.95 (paperback), ISBN 1935554662 Speaking to a black power conference in 1969 in San Francisco, William “Preacherman” Fesp...
Learning and transfer of relational matching-to-sample by pigeons.

We trained pigeons on a relational matching-to-sample task to see whether a nonprimate species can discriminate higher-order “relations between relations.” We required the birds to relationally match arrays of 16 items that were chosen from five nonoverlapping sets of 20 colored computer icons. On each trial, randomly selected icons from one set were placed into a 4×4 grid to form a sample; onsame trials, all 16 icons were identical to each other, whereas ondifferent trials, all 16 icons were different from each other. After 10-20 pecks, 16-itemsame anddifferent testing arrays were presented that were created from an entirely different icon set. Because no icons were common to the sample and testing arrays, discriminating higher-order relations was required for success on the tests. As have primates in similar tasks, pigeons successfully learned and transferred this relational discrimination, suggesting that both birds and mammals possess the cognitive antecedents of analogical reasoning.
Pet Food Information: Resources for Making Healthy Choices for Our Best Friends

Many of us who are guardians for companion animals were struck with fear when we heard about the massive recall of cat and dog foods during the spring of 2007. Even premium brands were being added to the recall list. Dogs and cats were becoming ill and many died from what appeared to be some sort of food contamination. Eventually, the cause of these pet illnesses and deaths was linked to the intentional adding of melamine to wheat gluten and rice protein imported from China. The melamine combined with cyanuric acid—a by-product of melamine and an additive in some animal feed—caused the formation of crystals in the kidneys of cats and dogs that consumed the tainted food (Dobson et al., 2008). Shortly after the pet food recalls of 2007, Congress worked to promote better food safety, including the safety of pet food. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) chaired hearings on the pet food recall (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2007). New pet food legislation was included and passed as part of the Food and Drug Adm...
Effective Mentoring for New Music Teachers: An Analysis of the Mentoring Programs for New Music Teachers as Described in the Literature

The purpose of this review was to examine the effectiveness of mentoring programs in the induction of new music educators. The literature found that most mentoring programs, although beneficial for general classroom teachers, are often perceived as ineffective by new music educators. In addition to describing inconsistent mentoring standards, the literature found that ill-fitting mandated mentoring programs frequently do not combat the feelings of isolation or address the lack of emotional support often experienced by new music teachers. Without the guidance of mentoring programs that address these concerns, many new music educators may fall prey to frustration, burnout, and attrition.
Generation of contact-printing based poly(ethylene glycol) gradient surfaces with micrometer-sized steps

A surface with a density gradient of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is an attractive substrate for combinatorial studies of biological phenomena. In this study, the generation of discrete step-wise density gradients of PEG utilizing a contact-printing approach is reported. The step-wise gradient template is achieved by contact-printing n-octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) to a glass from a hemispherical elastomeric stamp when the stamp is brought into contact with the substrate, and then step-wisely increasing the contact area as the corresponding contact-printing time for the step decreases. A PEG-silane is then used to backfill the unoccupied spaces of the contact printed OTS gradient to generate the OTS-PEG density gradient. Various characterizations, including water contact angle measurement, lateral force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, are conducted and confirmed that the surface coverage of OTS increases (or the coverage of PEG decreases) with the increase of contact-printing time of OTS. The step-wise gradient is illustrated by adsorption of a bovine serum albumin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and subsequent attachment of fibroblasts. The amounts of protein adsorption and cellular attachment increase with the decrease of the surface coverage of PEG.
Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) evolved without 3-transmembrane segment unit rearrangements

Based on alleged functional residue correspondences, a recent study proposed a model of 3-transmembrane segment (TMS) repeat unit rearrangements in Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) carriers (1). A rebuttal of “Evolutionary mix-and-match with MFS transporters” (1) is currently in press in the Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (2). In their follow-up paper, “Evolutionary mix-and-match with MFS transporters II” (3), Madej and Kaback extend their postulate (1) to xylose (XylE), peptide (PepT) (4), and phosphate (PiPT) (5) porters by suggesting additional 3-TMS unit rearrangements (3). In this letter, we suggest that these transporters are all homologous throughout their lengths, having evolved from a common ancestor without 3-TMS unit rearrangements.
The conceptualization of validity: Current perspectives

Abstract Virtually all recent discussions of validity in the sociological literature deal with techniques for validity assessment, rather than with clarification of the concept of validity. These new techniques have successfully utilized statistical methods, principally factor analysis and path analysis, in developing sophisticated and rigorous techniques for validity assessment. Unfortunately, however, a great deal of confusion surrounds the basic definition of validity. Thus, the conceptual underpinning lacks the rigor and precision of the statistical techniques. Unfortunately, the statistical rigor of the assessment techniques will not compensate for the conceptual weakness of validity. The present paper attempts to rectify this by clarifying the notion of validity. It is shown that much of the confusion in the extant literature stems from the fact that sociologists virtually always utilize a two-level measurement model (e.g., conceptual/empirical or conceptual/operational), when the actual process of measurement necessarily utilizes three levels (the conceptual, empirical, and operational). A three-level model is proposed which lessens the confusion surrounding validity and which shows that three types of validity exist—Type a validity, Type B validity, and Type C validity. Utilization of these three types greatly clarifies the concept of validity.
Habitat complexity impacts persistence and species interactions in an intertidal whelk

Although experiments have shown that habitat structure may influence the distribution of species and species interactions, these effects are still not commonly integrated into studies of community dynamics. Since habitat structure often varies within and among communities, this may limit our understanding of how various factors influence communities. Here, we examined how mussel bed complexity (the presence and thickness of mussel layers) influenced the persistence of whelks (Nucella emarginata) and interactions with a top predator (ochre sea stars, Pisaster ochraceus) and prey (mussels, Mytilus californianus). Results from a mark–recapture experiment indicate that whelk recapture rates are higher in more complex habitats, and laboratory experiments demonstrate that habitat complexity affects whelk feeding, growth, and nonconsumptive interactions with a keystone predator. Habitat complexity therefore has direct effects on species and also may lead to trade-offs among feeding, refuge, and other factors, potentially influencing the distribution of whelks and the effects of both whelks and sea stars on intertidal communities. These results demonstrate that habitat structure may play an important role in intertidal communities and other habitats and should be further considered in the experimental design of future studies of community dynamics.
Asthma burden in a citywide, diverse sample of elementary schoolchildren in Chicago.

Objective The purposes of this study are to describe and develop preliminary models of the burden of diagnosed asthma and symptoms of possible undiagnosed asthma in a large, citywide, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of Chicago elementary schoolchildren. We hypothesized that considering possible asthma would give a more complete picture of race/ethnic disparities in pediatric asthma. Methods We studied 35583 students aged 6 to 12 years attending Chicago Public and Archdiocese elementary schools for the Chicago Initiative to Raise Asthma Health Equity (CHIRAH) study. The full enrollments of 105 schools were surveyed for asthma and possible undiagnosed asthma by the Brief Pediatric Asthma Screen Plus (BPAS+) respiratory symptoms. The child had to be 6 to 12 years old, the valid age range for the BPAS+. Questionnaires included the BPAS+, basic demographic information, and household asthma information; they were sent home with each schoolchild for completion by the parent and returned to school for collection and scoring. Results Overall, 13.9% of students had diagnosed asthma. For children aged 6 to 12 years, rates of diagnosed asthma varied from 13.1% to 14.5%, whereas the rates of possible undiagnosed asthma varied from 14.8% to 10.9%. The rate of diagnosed asthma was 21.2% for African Americans, 9.7% for whites, 11.8% for Hispanics, with similar rates of possible undiagnosed asthma. By multinomial logistic regression, African Americans were more than twice as likely and Hispanics were 1.57 times more likely than whites to have diagnosed asthma at all school district income levels and controlling for other household members with asthma, type of school, age of the child, gender, and language preference. The odds of African Americans being diagnosed with asthma rather than having possible asthma were 76% higher and for Hispanics were 46% higher compared with whites, at all school district income levels and controlling for other household members with asthma, type of school, age of the child, gender, and language preference. Conclusions Our study confirms national disparities in diagnosed asthma by race/ethnicity. Respiratory symptoms consistent with possible undiagnosed asthma increase the total potential burden of asthma overall to more than one-quarter of the school enrollees. Among students with respiratory symptoms, African Americans, Hispanics (controlling for language), and families where another person has asthma are more likely to have diagnosed rather than possible asthma. Improved knowledge about asthma, recognition of symptoms, and access to high-quality care are necessary to ascertain how much of the possible undiagnosed asthma represents additional cases of asthma requiring treatment.
Energy-efficient cognitive access approach to convergence communications

This article studies the cognitive access in convergence communications. Convergence communications provide upper-layer applications with uniform communication service, converging different lower-layer networks into a uniform access pattern such as all-IP communications. As an import access in convergence communications, the cognitive access provides users with a flexible and dynamic access to networks. In this article, we do not only take into account the spectrum usage of convergence communication networks, but also consider theirs energy efficiency. An energy-efficient access algorithm is proposed to improve network performance and efficiency. Different from the existing cognitive access, we regard energy efficiency as the optimal objective to turn the energy-efficient cognitive access into an optimal problem. The collision avoidance and sleeping mechanisms are used to reduce energy consumption and raise network throughput. The utility function is proposed to maximize networks’ energy efficiency and then achieve the energy-efficient cognitive access. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is effective and feasible, which can significantly improve networks’ energy efficiency.
Super-Experienced Bidders in First-Price Common-Value Auctions: Rules of Thumb, NASH Equilibrium Bidding, and the Winner's Curse

Super-experienced bidders have learned to overcome the winner's curse but still earn less than 50% of Nash equilibrium profits. Subjects deviate from the complicated Nash strategy, employing piecew...
Omitted-Variables Bias when Using State Tax Rates to Estimate the Tax Price Effect on Itemized Deductions:

The use of state tax rates to provide a source of variation in the tax price of deductible goods and services may lead to biased estimates if other important state characteristics are not held constant. Omitting public welfare expenditures and religious membership is found to have little effect on the estimated price elasticity of charitable contributions. In contrast, the sensitivity of interest deductions to tax rate (price) changes is overstated when state differences in housing market characteristics are ignored.
A novel strategy for Selective Harmonic Elimination based on a sine-sine PWM model

SHE (Selective Harmonic Elimination) method does not allow elimination of harmonics in real time. The switching angles are calculated offline using iterative computations and programmed into a digital processor. In this paper we propose a novel harmonic elimination technique where real time modulation is used to eliminate the undesired harmonics. The method uses sine-sine modulation as a base model. The switching angles determined through the model are perturbed to compute the angles necessary to eliminate the selected harmonics, thus reducing the complexity of computation. Using these switching angles, we are advancing a method of finding a modified carrier as a means to provide a low cost comparison-based solution to harmonic elimination. The reference sinusoid with the desired signal frequency is compared against the modified carrier that has same time period as the reference. Simulation/experimental studies verify the proposed method.
Discriminant analysis as an instrument for political analysis

The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology which could be used to isolate influential variables in a political campaign. A survey of voters’ attitudes on issues of the 1972 presidential election was analyzed with discriminant analysis, and the results indicated that the three most influential variables in the campaign were cutting the defense budget, federal support of social programs, and foreign military commitments. The discriminant model derived from this analysis correctly classified voter preference in more than 80% of the observations.
Considering multiple-surface hypotheses in a Bayesian hierarchy

This paper presents a probabilistic approach to segmentation that maintains a set of competing, plausible segmentation hypotheses. This is in contrast to previous approaches, in which probabilistic methods are used to converge to a single segmentation. The benefit of the approach is that belief values associated with segmentation hypotheses can be used to guide the recognition process, and the recognition process can, in turn, exert influence on the belief values associated with segmentation hypotheses in the network. In this way, segmentation and recognition can be coupled together to achieve a combination of expectation-driven segmentation and data-driven recognition. Algorithms were based on the formalism of Bayesian belief networks. By storing segmentation hypotheses in a tree structured network, the storage demands associated with maintaining the competing hypotheses can be limited. An implicit representation for segmentation hypotheses is introduced (without this implicit representation, the power set of region groupings would need to be enumerated). Likelihood measures are used both to control the expansion of the hypothesis tree and to evaluate belief in hypotheses. Local likelihood measures are used during an expansion phase, in which leaf nodes are refined into more specific hypotheses. Global likelihood measures are applied during an evaluation phase. The global likelihood measures are derived by fitting quadric surfaces to the range data. By using this expand and evaluate approach guided by a measure of entropy defined on the leaves of the tree, the application of costly numerical fitting algorithms can be limited to a small number of nodes in the tree.
Negative oxidation reduction potential as the limiting factor for exogastrulation in sea urchins

The underlying factor in all these experiments is the matter of energy levels as indicated by oxidation-reduction potentials, and the importance of a correct potential in controlling the activation of the enzyme systems upon which growth and development of living cells depends.
How do they get here?: Paths into physics education research

Physics education research (PER) is a relatively new and rapidly growing area of Ph.D. specialization. To sustain the field of PER, a steady pipeline of talented scholars needs to be developed and supported. One aspect of building this pipeline is understanding how students come to graduate and postdoctoral work in PER and what their career goals are. This paper presents the first study on the experiences and career pathways of students in PER. Data were collected through open-ended interviews with 13 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in PER. Results show that many of these PER graduate students and postdoctoral scholars were not aware of PER as undergraduates. PER graduate students that were aware of PER as undergraduates chose to study PER as they were applying to graduate schools. The graduate school experiences of the interviewees were overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting a positive climate that was facilitated by communicative and productive relationships with their advisors. However, some participants reported concerns about the acceptance of PER within some departments, including open hostility towards the field. The majority of participants were interested in pursuing a career as a university faculty member, with more participants preferring a position at a research-intensive university. These results suggest that a further large-scale study of graduate students in PER may be able to highlight the field as being a leader in student mentoring and community development while collecting important demographic information that could show PER to have more gender diversity than other subfields of physics.
Coming to Terms with the Keyword Method in Introductory Psychology: A “Neuromnemonic” Example

An introductory psychology course presents extensive new terminology to beginning students--a lexicon that may prove difficult to aster. A useful technique in this regard is the mnemonic keyword method. However, because textbook examples often focus on the acquisition of foreign vocabulary, students and instructors may not see the relevance of the keyword method for the learning of terminology in psychology. To illustrate this connection, we provide a set of "neuromnemonic" materials that we developed for terminology related to the central nervous system. Furthermore, we describe a simple experiment in which we compared 2 versions of our keyword approach to a repetition condition. The 2 mnemonic approached produced advantages on an immediate definition-memory test as well as on a task that required application of the material learned. These findings provide additional evidence that mnemonic strategies facilitate more than just rote memorization of facts.
Fatty Acid Composition of the Neutral Lipid and Phospholipid Fractions of Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat

Abstract The fatty acid profiles of the neutral lipid (NL) and seven phospholipid (PL) fractions were determined for raw and cooked mechanically deboned chicken meat using HPLC for separating PL and gas chromatography for quantitating fatty acids (FA). The FA concentrations for each fraction were reported on a weight (mg FA per 100 g meat) and percentage (percentage FA of total FA) basis. The FA from the NL fraction constituted 94% of the raw total lipid FA. The FA from the phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethaiiolamine (PC-LPE) fraction constituted 38% of the total PL FA. Lysophosphatidylcholine was the most unsaturated [70% unsaturated FA (UFA)] of the PL followed by phospriaadylethanolamine (59% UFA), PC-LPE (58% UFA), phosphatidylinositol (53% UFA), sphingomyelin (47% UFA), and phosphatidylserine (46% UFA). Fifty percent of the NLFA was unsaturated, yet this lipid fraction contained 20 times more unsaturated FA (2,846 mg FA per 100 g raw meat) than the combined PL (142 mg FA per 100 g raw meat).
Reduced Measurement-space Dynamic State Estimation (ReMeDySE) for power systems

Applying Kalman filtering techniques to dynamic state estimation is a developing research area in modern power systems. Compared to traditional steady state estimators, the Kalman filter is able to track dynamic state variables both efficiently and accurately. However, in large-scale and wide-area interconnected power systems, the combination of computational complexity—primarily due to the very large number of measurements—and slow processing speeds present a significant challenge. To help address this challenge we have developed an approach we call Reduced Measurement-space Dynamic State Estimation (ReMeDySE). We present the method in the context of the Kalman filter, however it can also be applied to other state estimation methods such as particle filters. In addition, although we present the method in the context of power systems, it is suitable for real-time and massive calculations in any large-scale state tracking systems. Finally, the method lends itself well to modern parallel computation techniques for further improvements.