cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capsule Commentary on Jackson et al., The Quality of Written Feedback by Attendings of Internal Medicine Residents

In this retrospective study by Jackson et al.,1 500 evaluations of internal medicine residents by their attending physicians were randomly selected (from 6,603 available evaluations), and the written feedback coded and categorized. Criteria for effective feedback developed by small groups were independently applied by group participants and investigators to rate the feedback as low, moderate, or high quality. Of 2,056 unique utterances, many were non-specific (29 %) or personality-related (20 %). The authors conclude that most written feedback comments are of moderate (65 %) or low (13 %) quality; only 22 % were rated as high quality. Investigator ratings showed high inter-rater reliability; those from the groups did not. Higher-quality comments tended to be more discriminating, and included lower ratings of residents over a greater range. Finally, negative written comments on medical knowledge correlated with lower in-service training scores. Feedback is an important area for research in education. The strengths of this study include the development and application of criteria to rate the quality of written feedback, the large number of evaluations for analysis, and the use of mixed methods. To advance this field, it is important to examine feedback exchanges (verbal or written) and to design interventions that result in performance improvement. The feedback criteria developed by the groups do not differ significantly from those previously described.2,3 A limitation of this study is the focus on written comments on summative evaluations and correlation with in-service scores. Such comments reflect neither a formative feedback exchange between teachers and learners—especially when the evaluators are not provided with a structure or guidelines—nor the content and effectiveness of such conversations.4 For medical educators, some principles of feedback are worth emphasizing. Feedback is best exchanged within an institutional culture that emphasizes professional growth, encourages a feedback dialogue, focuses on observed behaviors, uses non-judgmental language of strengths and areas for improvement rather than positive/negative, and uses learning goals as the basis for feedback.4,5 The feedback loop is incomplete without self-reflection and action plans, especially in this era of competency-based education.4 Finally, feedback is best detached from evaluation, as the two are not synonymous.3–5
A profile-analytic approach for classifying debt reschedulings in the Asia pacific region

For years, international lenders have looked for new methods for evaluating both the ability and willingness of sovereign borrowers to repay their external debt obligations. This paper presents an application of a classification technique, known as profile-analysis, which might be used as an early warning indicator for the interruption of sovereign debt payments. The potential usefulness of this technique was demonstrated by successfully classifying the Philippines as a candidate for debt rescheduling one year prior to its 1984 debt restructuring agreement. Although preliminary in scope, this study suggests that profile-analysis might be an important supplement in the management of an international loan portfolio.
The Frequency and Severity of Cardiovascular Toxicity From Targeted Therapy in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients

Objectives The purpose of this study was to document the incidence and extent of cardiovascular toxicity among advanced renal cell carcinoma patients treated with newer targeted cancer agents. Background The potential for targeted cancer agents to induce cardiovascular toxicity has been increasingly recognized, but the overall incidence and extent of toxicity have not been well characterized. Early detection of asymptomatic patients could preempt symptomatic toxicity and reduce treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Methods The incidence of hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, and heart failure was assessed for all advanced renal cell carcinoma patients treated with targeted therapies at our institution between 2004 and 2011. Grading was performed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Results Cardiovascular toxicity developed in 116 of 159 patients (73%), including 52 of 159 patients (33%) when hypertension was excluded. Toxicity varied from occurrences of asymptomatic drops in left ventricular ejection fraction to rises in N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to severe heart failure. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib was the agent most frequently used, with 66 of 101 sunitinib-treated patients (65%) developing a form of cardiovascular toxicity, including 32 of 101 patients (32%), excluding hypertension. Other VEGF inhibitors such as bevacizumab, sorafenib, and pazopanib also elicited significant cardiovascular toxicity with incidences ranging from 51% to 68%. Conclusions The frequency and severity of cardiovascular toxicity in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients treated with targeted cancer therapies are high.
Emotion Dysregulation and Academic Resilience in Maltreated Children

Maltreated children frequently experience academic difficulties. In the past, this has been attributed to placement instability, length of involvement with the child welfare system, and numerous other factors that disproportionately affect maltreated children. Maltreated children are also prone to emotion regulation (ER) difficulties and patterns of emotion dysregulation. Resilience (i.e., normative functioning despite having experienced maltreatment) among maltreated children is rare, particularly across multiple domains. ER has been found to predict academic performance in non-maltreated samples. In this study, the relationship between emotion dysregulation and academic performance was analyzed in a sample already at risk for academic difficulties (maltreated children). Measures of emotion dysregulation and academic performance were analyzed in a sample of maltreated children (n = 158). Linear regression analysis indicated that the absence of emotion dysregulation was significantly related to academic resilience. Late adolescence, race, and placement stability were also significantly related to academic resilience. Implications for child welfare professionals and educators of maltreated children are discussed.
Stimulation of autophagic protein degradation by nutrient deprivation in a differentiated murine teratocarcinoma (F9 12-1a) cell line

We have evaluated the participation of the lysosomal degradation pathway in the increased protein degradation induced by nutrient deprivation in transformed cells. To this end we used a clone, 12-1a, derived from a murine teratocarcinoma cell line (F9 12-1) induced to differentiate by culture in retinoic acid. Culture of 12-1a cells, prelabeled with L-[U-14C]valine, in nutrient-deprived medium (Hanks' balanced salt solution plus Ca++) stimulated the protein degradation rate from 0.9% hr to 1.4% hr. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that during nutrient deprivation, the volume density of lysosomes increased 3-fold; the numerical density of lysosomes increased 2-fold; the mean area of lysosomal profiles increased 1.7-fold (1.40 microns2 vs 0.81 microns2). The volume density and numerical density of the dense bodies tended to decrease by approximately 60% without any change in the mean volume of the dense bodies. These data indicate that nutrient deprivation increases protein degradation in transformed cells by increasing the sequestration of cytoplasm into the lysosomes. The decrease in the number of dense bodies indicates that these structures (also termed residual bodies) are functional in transformed cells and merge with the lysosomes to provide more degradative enzymes to enhance proteolysis. This study provides direct evidence that serum factors and nutrients play a crucial role in modulation of lysosomal protein degradation in transformed cells.
The surgical management of achalasia in the morbid obese patient.

Introduction: Morbid obesity and achalasia may coexist in the same patient. The surgical management of the morbidly obese patient with achalasia is complex, and the most effective treatment still remains controversial. The goal of our report is to provide our evidence-based approach for the surgical management of the patient with achalasia and morbid obesity.
Mucin mRNA expression in normal and vasomotor inferior turbinates

Mucins are the major glycoprotein component of respiratory tract secretions. Little is known about their expression in the upper respiratory tract. In order to define this expression, in situ hybridization was performed on 19 normal and 4 vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) inferior turbinates to identify mucin mRNA. MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC7 were expressed in both the normal and VMR turbinates. MUC4 and MUC5AC were the most highly expressed mucins. MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5AC were expressed mainly by the epithelial border, whereas MUC5B and MUC7 were expressed by the submucosal glands. MUC1 and MUC4 exhibited a diffuse expression by multiple cell types along the mucosal border, whereas MUC2 and MUC5AC expression appeared to be limited to a subpopulation of epithelial cells, most likely goblet cells. Although MUC1, MUC4, and MUC5AC showed sporadic submucosal glandular expression, MUC5B and MUC7 appeared to be the predominant submucosal gland mucins in the inferior turbinates. MUC3 and MUC6 expression, which have been found primarily in the gastric mucosa, were not seen in any of the inferior turbinate samples examined. The only difference seen between normal and VMR turbinates was a slight decrease in MUC1 expression in the VMR group. The variety of mucins expressed and the diversity of their expression patterns may have significance in terms of the rheologic and particle clearance properties of nasal secretions. Understanding the expression patterns in normal turbinates will serve as the foundation for further study of these mucins in disease states.
Activation of a Cysteine Protease in MCF-7 and T47D Breast Cancer Cells during β-Lapachone-Mediated Apoptosis

beta-Lapachone (beta-lap) effectively killed MCF-7 and T47D cell lines via apoptosis in a cell-cycle-independent manner. However, the mechanism by which this compound activated downstream proteolytic execution processes were studied. At low concentrations, beta-lap activated the caspase-mediated pathway, similar to the topoisomerase I poison, topotecan; apoptotic reactions caused by both agents at these doses were inhibited by zVAD-fmk. However at higher doses of beta-lap, a novel non-caspase-mediated "atypical" cleavage of PARP (i.e., an approximately 60-kDa cleavage fragment) was observed. Atypical PARP cleavage directly correlated with apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and was inhibited by the global cysteine protease inhibitors iodoacetamide and N-ethylmaleimide. This cleavage was insensitive to inhibitors of caspases, granzyme B, cathepsins B and L, trypsin, and chymotrypsin-like proteases. The protease responsible appears to be calcium-dependent and the concomitant cleavage of PARP and p53 was consistent with a beta-lap-mediated activation of calpain. beta-Lap exposure also stimulated the cleavage of lamin B, a putative caspase 6 substrate. Reexpression of procaspase-3 into caspase-3-null MCF-7 cells did not affect this atypical PARP proteolytic pathway. These findings demonstrate that beta-lap kills cells through the cell-cycle-independent activation of a noncaspase proteolytic pathway.
Isolation and characterization of the proteoglycans and collagens synthesized by cells in culture

Abstract Methods are described for isolating and characterizing the proteoglycans and collagens synthesized by cells or tissues in culture. Previous studies have established that there are different proteoglycans and collagens in the body. Disorders may involve changes in a single specific macromolecule or several.
ON BALANCED SETS AND CORES

This Memorandum establishes a direct correspondence between the balanced sets of coalitions of a multi-person game and the conditions that determine whether the game has a core.
cDNA Cloning of the E1α Subunit of the Branshed-Chain α-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase and Elucidation of a Molecular Basis for Maple Syrup Urine Diseasea

We have cloned cDNAs encoding human and rat liver BCKDH E1 alpha subunits and deduced the primary structure of the mature protein. The sequences of the cDNA and protein are highly conserved between the two species. Significant sequence similarity has also been found between human BCKDH and PDH E1 alpha subunits. We have studied the molecular basis of MSUD by determining the enzyme activity and levels of BCKDH protein and mRNA, and by enzymatic amplification and sequencing of BCKDH E1 alpha-specific mRNA, from an MSUD patient and his parents. Different mutant alleles were identified in the two parents. The patient was a compound heterozygote, inheriting an allele encoding an abnormal E1 alpha from the father and an allele containing a defect in regulation from the mother. Our results demonstrate that a case of MSUD was caused by structural and regulatory mutations involving the E1 alpha subunit.
The sublingual crescent extension and its relation to the stability and retention of mandibular complete dentures

The extension of the flange in the sublingual crescent region is an important factor for mandibular denture stability and retention. Making the impression with minimal pressure on the floor of the mouth while the tongue is at rest allows greater mobility of the underlying muscles without denture dislodgment and without occlusion of the sublingual gland ducts. The anatomy of the sublingual crescent region and the clinical procedure for recording the anterior lingual seal region are described. Upon completion of the impression, resistance to dislodgment is usually achieved.
Observation of H- and He- like x-ray line emission in high density tokamak plasmas

Characteristic x-ray spectra of plasma impurity ions have been measured in the region $\ensuremath{\lambda}=4.3\ensuremath{-}5.1$ \AA{}. The observation of strong principal $n=2$ to $n=1$ x-ray lines for H-like sulfur and for He-like sulfur and chlorine in the density range (1-6) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ is reported. Dielectric recombination and inner-shell excitation satellite lines are weak. The results, which are of interest for both atomic physics and plasma diagnostic applications, are compared with atomic calculations of line spectra and transition rates.
Histamine suppression of in vivo eosinophil accumulation and histamine release in human allergic reactions

Abstract Although it has been shown that histamine inhibits antigen-induced in vitro histamine release from basophils, it is unclear whether histamine inhibits in vivo mediator release in human allergic reactions. We report effects of exogenous histamine on histamine release and inflammatorv cell responses in antigen-challenged skin sites in eight ragweed-sensitive individuals. Four heat-suction blisters in each subject were unroofed, and a collection chamber was appended to each blister base. Chamber A contained 1000 PNU/ml ragweed extract: chamber B contained buffered saline (control fluid); chamber C contained 1000 PNU/ml ragweed and 50 ng (5 × 10 −7 M) of histamine; and chamber D contained histamine alone (50 ng). Comparative analyses of chamber histamine levels in individual subjects showed that (1) histamine levels in chamber A were significantly greater than those in chamber B (p 0.5). Likewise, comparison of eosinophils attaching to membrane filters appended to the chamber- bases for 2 hr showed that there were significantly more eosinophils in chamber A than in chamber B (p
Riboflavin status: Dietary intake, urinary excretion, and erythrocyte glutathione reductase coefficient activity of female university students

Abstract The riboflavin status of 58 healthy, non-pregnant female university students was investigated. Riboflavin nutriture was assessed by using dietary intake and biochemical data. Riboflavin intakes were calculated from three-day diet records using a computer program based on nutrient values from Agriculture Handbook No. 8. Urinary riboflavin (24 hr) was determined by fluorometric analysis. Erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficients (EGRACs) were obtained using the automated flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent glutathione reductase assay. The mean riboflavin intake was 1.39±0.49 mg/day (mean±SD). The mean urinary riboflavin was 0.44±0.32 mg/day, and the mean EGRAC was 1.21±0.12. There was a significant positive correlation between dietary riboflavin intake with energy intake (r=0.581, p
Rate Constant and Temperature Dependence for the Reaction of Hydroxyl Radicals with 2-Fluoropropane (HFC-281ea)

Relative rate experiments were used to measure the rate constant and temperature dependence of the reaction of OH radicals with 2-fluoropropane (HFC-281ea), using ethane, propane, and ethyl chloride as reference standards. Measurements were made using both infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC). Results from the two measurement techniques were in good agreement, with the GC data being more precise. The rate at 298 K for HFC-281ea, based on the GC experiments, was found to be 5.7 × 10-13 cm3/(molecule s), with Arrhenius A factor = 3.06 × 10-12 cm3/(molecule s) and E/R = 503 K. A previously described estimation technique, along with an improved method to estimate the Arrhenius parameters, is used to predict a rate constant and temperature dependence for 2-fluoropropane, which is in good agreement with the experimental value. A prediction is also made for 1-fluoropropane, for which there are no data.
Bone formation and the response of bone to implant insertion

This basic introductory discussion has sought to outline the embryology and development of bone and has stressed both its function and structure. I have, also, outlined the sequence of fracture healing and discussed some of the problems of implant acceptance in the musculoskeletal system. With this information, I hope you as basic scientists will be able to better understand some of the problems our patients pose with respect to implant design and function. It should be reiterated that many men have contributed to this very vital and important field of Orthopedic Surgery. Moreover, I would like to stress that not withstanding the complications previously discussed, the availability of biologic and metallic implants has contributed immensely to the high level of patient care we know today; and they have a very important role in the future improvement of our ability to care for our patients.
Determining fluvial sediment virtual velocity on the Mojave River using K-feldspar IRSL: Initial assessment

Abstract The Mojave River of Southern California was chosen as a field site to investigate the applicability of luminescence dating to sediment transport rate problems. Grains in the active channel of the river are expected to show signs of partial bleaching and this makes it difficult to determine time since deposition accurately. A modification of the multiple elevated temperature post-IR IRSL (METpIRIR) procedure, (Buylaert et al., 2009; Li and Li, 2011), was used for K-feldspar grains (175–200 μm) at temperature increments of 50, 95, 140, 185, and 230 °C in order to provide more information about relative signal bleaching among samples. The measurements show an exponential decrease in equivalent dose (De) with distance down the Mojave River. Higher temperature pIRIR signals are bleached more slowly than lower temperature ones (Buylaert et al., 2009). The De for samples at 50 °C is roughly constant along the river. These results suggest cyclical bleaching and burial as grains are transported downriver and higher energy (deeper) traps are vacated. The pattern of De values for the Mojave River can be used to constrain the sediment transport rate for this river by building a model of growth and bleach for each temperature increment. A bleaching experiment was run with multiple aliquot samples for direct sunlight exposure times of 0, 10, 30, 300, 1000, 3000, 10,000, and 30,000 s. The MET-pIRIR procedure was applied at each temperature increment for each exposure time aliquot and the results for all exposure times were fit to the general order kinetics equation using a non-linear regression. The bleaching parameters were used in conjunction with the SAR growth curves to build a model of partial bleaching of grains during transport that is fitted with a χ 2 test to the pIRIR data from the Mojave River. This model is not a unique solution, but can be used to assess the likelihood of various sediment transport regimes.
Homolytic Base-Promoted Aromatic Alkylations by Alkyl Halides1

Electron-transfer chain reactions leading to regioselective alkylations of benzenes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents can be observed with alkyl halides in the presence of the radical initiator (Bu3Sn)2 and the proton acceptor 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). Yields vary from low to high depending on the benzene derivatives. The role of DABCO is to abstract a proton from the substituted cyclohexadienyl adduct radical to form a radical anion which then transfers an electron to RX and is converted to the alkylated product itself. The rate of this electron-transfer step is probably not fast enough to sustain a good radical chain reaction so that further generation of R• from excess (Bu3Sn)2 and RX is necessary.
A Numerical Study of Storm Surge in the Cape Fear River Estuary and Adjacent Coast

Abstract The Cape Fear River Estuary (CFRE) region is a coastal domain that has experienced considerable threats and impacts from tropical cyclones. It is also an important nursery for juvenile fish, crabs, shrimp, and other biological species. Thus, predictions about the physical responses of the CFRE system to extreme weather events are important to the protection of life and property and to the economical well-being of local residents. In this study, the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) is used to simulate tropical cyclone storm–induced surge, inundation, and coastal circulation in the CFRE and the adjacent Long Bay using a three-level nesting approach. Hindcasts of the hydrodynamic responses of the CFRE system to historic events were performed for Hurricanes Fran, Floyd, Bertha, and Charley. Comparisons were also made for the modeling results and the observations.
Properties of a tonically active, sodium-permeable current in mouse urinary bladder smooth muscle

Urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) elicits depolarizing action potentials, which underlie contractile events of the urinary bladder. The resting membrane potential of UBSM is approximately -40 mV and is critical for action potential generation, with hyperpolarization reducing action potential frequency. We hypothesized that a tonic, depolarizing conductance was present in UBSM, functioning to maintain the membrane potential significantly positive to the equilibrium potential for K(+) (E(K); -85 mV) and thereby facilitate action potentials. Under conditions eliminating the contribution of K(+) and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, and with a clear separation of cation- and Cl(-)-selective conductances, we identified a novel background conductance (I(cat)) in mouse UBSM cells. I(cat) was mediated predominantly by the influx of Na(+), although a small inward Ca(2+) current was detectable with Ca(2+) as the sole cation in the bathing solution. Extracellular Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Gd(3+) blocked I(cat) in a voltage-dependent manner, with K(i) values at -40 mV of 115, 133, and 1.3 microM, respectively. Although UBSM I(cat) is extensively blocked by physiological extracellular Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), a tonic, depolarizing I(cat) was detected at -40 mV. In addition, inhibition of I(cat) demonstrated a hyperpolarization of the UBSM membrane potential and decreased the amplitude of phasic contractions of isolated UBSM strips. We suggest that I(cat) contributes tonically to the depolarization of the UBSM resting membrane potential, facilitating action potential generation and thereby a maintenance of urinary bladder tone.
RS domain-splicing signal interactions in splicing of U12-type and U2-type introns

Serine-arginine (SR) proteins are general metazoan splicing factors that contain an essential arginine/serine-rich (RS) domain. On typical U2-type introns, RS domains contact the branchpoint and 5' splice site to promote base-pairing with U small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). Here we analyze the role of SR proteins in splicing of U12-type introns and in the second step of U2-type intron splicing. We show that RS domains contact the branchpoint and 5' splice site of a U12-type intron. On a U2-type intron, we find that the RS domain contacts the site of the U6 snRNA-5' splice site interaction during the first step of splicing and shifts to contact the site of the U5 snRNA-exon 1 interaction during the second step. Our results reveal alternative interactions between the RS domain and 5' splice site region that coincide with remodeling of the spliceosome between the two catalytic steps.
Synthesis of ferrocene-grafted poly(p-phenylene-ethynylenes) and control of electrochemical behaviors of their thin films.

New ferrocene-coated poly(p-phenylene-ethynylenes) (PPEs) with end capping groups of protected thiol were prepared by a palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction. Ferrocene groups were covalently attached to polymers A and B through ethylene oxide tethers and to polymer C through methylene tethers. Polymers A and B are soluble in common solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform, methylene chloride, acetone, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and polymer C is soluble in toluene, THF, chloroform, and methylene chloride. Polymers A−C display low quantum yield, caused by electron-transfer quenching of ferrocene groups as electron donors. The polymer thin films were prepared through incubation of gold electrodes in THF solutions containing the polymers for 2 days. Ferrocene in thin films of polymers A and B display significantly faster electron-transfer rate than that of polymer C. Hydrophilic ethylene oxide side chains of polymers A and B decrease formal potential of teth...
VO2 nanosheets exhibiting a well-defined metal―insulator phase transition

The ultrafast first-order metal–insulator phase transition in VO2 is characterized by a several orders of magnitude change in optical transmittance and electrical conductivity, which makes this material an attractive candidate for use in a wide variety of applications ranging from Mott field-effect transistors to thermochromic coatings and optical waveguides. However, relatively little progress has been achieved in fabricating VO2nanostructures exhibiting a well-defined metal–insulator transition despite the potential attractiveness of such structures as building blocks for novel nanoscale electronic devices. Herein, we present a solution-based approach for the synthesis of monoclinic single-crystalline VO2nanosheets exhibiting a well-defined metal–insulator phase transition by combining the facile hydrothermal reduction of V2O5, an inexpensive and abundant precursor, with an annealing process. The controlled hydrothermal reduction of bulk V2O5 using small molecule aliphatic alcohols and ketones as reducing agents yields metastable nanostructures of VO2(B) that can be readily transformed to monoclinic VO2 exhibiting a sharp metal–insulator phase transition via an annealing process. The morphology and size of the obtained VO2nanostructures are found to depend on the reaction time and concentration of the added structure-directing agent, providing substantial insight into the nanowire formation process.
ATP1A3 mutations: what is the phenotype?

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP) occurs in children older than 18 months of age, teens, and adults, and alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) occurs in children younger than 18 months. They appear to be different diseases, but both are caused by mutations in ATP1A3 .1–4 ATP1A3 encodes the α subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase that is partially responsible for maintaining the electrical gradient in neurons. Motor symptoms, particularly dystonia, are obvious in both RDP and AHC, but RDP is predominantly fixed and AHC is known for its episodic and fluctuating course. There is now a broader phenotypic spectrum of RDP than originally described in 1993,5,6 including psychosis,7 new phenotypes in children,8 and late onset.9 The nonmotor phenotypes of both RDP (cognitive and psychiatric) and AHC (developmental delay, cognitive, and behavioral)10,11 suggest that ATP1A3 mutations may play a role in other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Mutations causing RDP or AHC cause symptoms such as dystonia, parkinsonism, epilepsy (including status epilepticus), hemiplegic episodes, abnormal ocular movements, developmental delay, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and gait disorders in ages ranging from newborns to 87 years. It is likely that there will be a broad continuum of patients found, and even a role for the gene in polygenic disorders.
Colonialism: The Case of the Mexican Americans

“Colonialism” has been increasingly used by minority ideologues to account for their situation in the United States. Adapting the concept for social sciences involves serious conceptual analysis. This is an attempt to specify the concept in the case of Mexican Americans, with political participation on the elite and on the mass level illustrating the varieties of internal colonialism to which this population has been subjected. Three “culture areas” are delineated: New Mexico, with “classic colonialism;” Texas, with “conflict colonialism;” and California, with “economic colonialism.” Ecology of settlement; historical discontinuities; and proportions of voluntary-immigrant as compared with charter-member descendants in the minority are among the factors distinguishing the three types. The chicano militant ideology incorporates symbols which attempt to transcend these regional differences.
Rats average entire vectors when navigating toward a hidden goal: a test of the vector sum model in rodents.

Abstract Cheng and colleagues ( Cheng, 1988 , Cheng, 1989 , Cheng, 1990 , Cheng and Sherry, 1992 , Spetch et al., 1992 ) have shown that birds use vector information from landmarks to return to hidden goal locations. Cheng (1994) subsequently showed that pigeons average the distance and directional components of landmark-to-goal vectors separately, rather than as a single entity (distance-averaging model). Cheng reasoned that other animals might also average the distance and directional components of landmark-to-goal vectors separately, in part, given commonalities in the neural architecture of visual systems. We used procedures developed by Cheng (1994) to examine how rats utilize landmark-to-goal vectors. In contrast to the results with pigeons, we found evidence indicating that rats average whole vectors rather than their separate scalars (vector-averaging). The ways that pigeons and rats use vectors may be related to evolved differences in the visual systems between these two species. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: CO3 2013.
Salicornia bigelovii Torr.: a seawater-irrigated forage for goats

Dry biomass of the halophyte Salicornia bigelovii was substituted for rhodesgrass as the forage component (approx. 50% as consumed) of diets fed to Damascus kid goats in the United Arab Emirates. Because of the high NaCl content of the biomass it was tested in two forms designed to bring the NaCl content within acceptable levels. In one treatment it was presented in a 1:1 (w/w) mixture with rhodesgrass to dilute the NaCl content. In the second treatment the S. bigelovii biomass was washed in seawater, pressed and redried to reduce the NaCl content; it was presented as the sole forage component in that treatment. The washing procedure reduced the NaCl content of the S. bigelovii biomass by approximately half, from 23–30% to 8–13%, but also removed cell solubles. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) among diet treatments in weight gains of animals, which ranged from 63 to 90 g day−1 for males and 50 to 57 g day−1 for females. Goats consumed significantly (P < 0.01) more washed S. bigelovii biomass than either rhodesgrass or unwashed S. bigelovii/rhodesgrass mixture. They also required significantly (P < 0.05) more feed per unit of weight gain on that treatment which was attributed to the lowered protein content and partial loss of cell solubles of washed S. bigelovii biomass. Differences in water consumption among treatments were non-significant. It was concluded that S. bigelovii biomass is an acceptable substitute for rhodesgrass in coastal arid zones where fresh water for forage production is limited but where saline water resources can be exploited.
Characteristics of InGaN quantum wells light-emitting diodes with thin AlGaInN barrier layers

The characteristics of InGaN quantum wells light-emitting diodes with thin large bandgap AlGaInN barriers were analyzed with taking into account the carrier transport effect, which resulted in efficiency-droop suppression.
The role of mitochondria in sulfolipid biosynthesis by Euglena chloroplasts

Abstract Chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris lack sulfate-activating enzymes. A mutant lacking chloroplasts and proplastids (W10BSmL) lacks the sulfolipid, indicating that sulfolipid accumulation is associated with the presence of plastids. Mitochondria or chloroplasts from Euglena incubated alone with 35SO42− and ATP fail to incorporate label into sulfolipid, but the two organelles incubated together under the same conditions accumulate labeled sulfolipid in the chloroplasts. Euglena chloroplasts alone incubated with [35S]cysteine form labeled sulfolipid. If Euglena mitochondria are incubated with 35SO42− and ATP and the mitochondria are removed by centrifugation, incubation of the supernatant fluid with Euglena chloroplasts results in labeling of the sulfolipid. The compound(s) responsible that pass from mitochondria to plastids appear to be sulfite, and to a lesser extent, cysteine. In agreement with this, incubation of Euglena chloroplasts alone with [35S]sulfite results in labeling of the sulfolipid; incubation with [35S]cysteine is less effective. Two new inhibitors of sulfolipid labeling in Euglena were identified in the present work, S-sulfocysteine and cysteine sulfinic acid. Both are effective in blocking the further conversion of labeled adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (AP35S) to labeled reduced products in Euglena mitochondria; they were also effective in blocking sulfolipid labeling from 35SO42− in spinach chloroplasts.
An oxide dispersion strengthened Ni-W-Al alloy with superior high temperature strength

An experimental oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy, WAZ-D, derived from the WAZ-20 composition was produced by the mechanical alloying process. Cast WAZ-20 is strengthened by both a high refractory metal content, and 70 volume percent of gamma prime. The ODS alloy WAZ-D was responsive to variables of alloy content, of attritor processing, of consolidation by extrusion, and of heat treatment. The best material produced had large highly elongated grains. It exhibited tensile strengths generally superior to a comparable cast alloy. The ODS alloy exhibited high temperature stress rupture life considerably superior to any known cast superalloy. Tensile and rupture ductility were low, as was intermediate temperature rupture life. Very low creep rates were noted and some specimens failed with essentially no third stage creep. Also the benefit derived from the oxide dispersion, far out-weighed that from the elongated microstructure alone.
IVUS image segmentation based on contrast

In this paper, we present a new method to segment the walls of coronary arteries in IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) images based on a deformable model, which integrates both edge and region information. The whole image is supposed to have three regions - lumen, vessel wall, and adventitia plus surroundings, which are separated by two closed contours - the inner and outer boundaries. Our method has two steps: firstly, the outer vessel wall boundary is detected by minimizing an energy function of the contrast along it; secondly, by minimizing another energy function that considers the different gray level distributions of the lumen and the vessel wall, and the contrast along the edge between these two regions, the inner vessel wall is located. Dynamic programming is adopted to implement this method. Experimental results show that contrast information is a good feature for boundary detection in IVUS images.
Transfer of a Toe to the Hand

Figure 1. A 38-year-old woman's left thumb was amputated by a boat propeller while she was scuba diving, and it was not retrieved. Panel A shows her left hand three weeks after the accident. Four months after the accident skin from the groin was attached to the thumb stump and web area, and three months later a toe was transferred microsurgically. Panel B, Panel C, and Panel D show the result five years after the reconstructive surgery. By that time the new thumb had adequate sensibility (two-point discrimination of 15 mm) and 50 percent of the adduction power of the . . .
Computer simulations of phase transitions of bulk and confined colloid polymer systems

Abstract Grand canonical Monte Carlo, histogram reweighting and finite-size scaling methods are used to determine the phase transitions of bulk (three-dimensional) and confined (quasi-two-dimensional) neutral colloid–polymer systems. The colloids are modeled as hard spheres and the polymer molecules as hard chains, and the only attractive forces are effective ones induced by depletion effects. In contrast to the predictions of mean field and other approximate theories, the nature of the coexistence phases is found to not depend solely on the polymer-to-colloid size ratio, q, but on the colloid diameter, the polymer radius of gyration, and the polymer monomer size. The threshold values of q for the onset of liquid–liquid phase separation differ significantly from earlier predictions, and depend strongly on the dimensionality of space. Extrapolation to the “protein limit” of very small colloid and very long polymer indicates that immiscibility persists at this limit in three dimensions, while it does not always do so for confined systems.
The giant-dipole and spin-dipole resonances: A coexistence problem

Abstract We present numerical and analytical results both indicating that giant-dipole states have no appreciable transition strengths for spin-dipole operators if these states exhaust almost all their sum rule. We also show that two-body spin-orbit and tensor interaction components have a fairly large influence on spin-dipole states but a very limited one on (S = 0) giant-dipole states. Implications regarding the relative scale of cross section for S = 0 and S = 1 dipole excitations are also discussed.
Electro-optically tunable vertically integrated chalcogenide interferometer on LiNbO 3

A vertically integrated As 2 S 3 Mach-Zehnder interferometer side-coupled to a Ti:LiNbO 3 waveguide is electro-optically tuned utilizing asymmetric coplanar strip electrodes along the chalcogenide path. Tuning of the TM polarization is demonstrated with V π = 19.6 V.
Pharmacophoric Requirements for Cannabinoid Side Chains: Multiple Bond and C1‘-Substituted Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinols

Accumulated evidence indicates that within the cannabinoid structure the aliphatic side chain plays a pivotal role in determining cannabimimetic activity. We describe the synthesis and affinities for the CB1 and CB2 receptors of a series of novel Δ8-THC analogues in which the side-chain pharmacophores are conformationally more defined than in the parent molecule. No analogue has the side-chain pharmacophore in a fully restricted conformation. However, our design serves to narrow down the scope of options for conformational requirements at the receptor active sites. All the analogues tested showed nanomolar or subnanomolar affinities for the receptors; 2-(6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-1-hydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyranyl)-2-hexyl-1,3-dithiolane was found to possess very high affinity for both cannabinoid receptors (CB1, Ki = 0.32 nM; CB2, Ki = 0.52 nM).
Automated domain decomposition for computational fluid dynamics

Automation of flow-field zoning in two-dimensions is an important step towards easing the three-dimensional grid generation bottleneck in computational fluid dynamics. A knowledge-based approach works well, but several aspects of flow-field zoning make the use of such an approach challenging. A proposed model and language to describe the process of zoning a flow field are presented, followed by a discussion of the implementation of EZGrid, a knowledge-based two-dimensional (2-D) flow-field zoner. Results are shown for representative two-dimensional aerodynamic configurations. Finally, an approach to the evaluation of flow-field zonings is described and used to compare the performance of EZGrid with that of a human expert.
The AMS in agricultural trade negotiations; a review

Abstract This article reviews the role of the Aggregate Measure of Support (AMS) in the agricultural trade negotiations of the Uruguay Round. Contrary to expectations at the start of these negotiations, the AMS only occupies a subsidiary position in the final agreement. In order to explain this, first an economic analysis is presented of the Producer Subsidy Equivalent (PSE), the basic AMS concept in the GATT discussions. Secondly, the political AMS debate is described and analysed, using information from unpublished GATT documents. Although the PSE concept is based on simple assumptions, its measurement already meets a number of difficult problems (policy coverage, product coverage, external reference prices, currency). Once these are solved, the concept may offer a brief insight into actual governmental support in agriculture. However, the calculations do not provide a sound measure of the trade distortions caused by agricultural policies. Mainly for that reason, the idea of a pure aggregated approach—based on the AMS—proved unsuccessful in the negotiations. Instead, the Contracting Parties accepted the framework of making binding agreements on three separate areas: internal support, market access and export support. While important and very specific commitments were made in the areas of agricultural imports and exports, the AMS has only found application in the internal support area.
Effects of specificity of probability information on human performance in a signal detection task

Abstract The effects of specificity of probability information on human performance were investigated in two experiments differing only in task difficulty. Subjects decided whether a stimulus was a ‘friend’ or ‘foe’. Four signal detection-aids presented the probability of a ‘foe’ according to differing levels of specificity: (a) two-categories, (b) four-categories, (c) six-categories, and (d) eight-categories. In the fifth condition, the control, no signal detection-aid was present. Hick's law applied to the unsure and correct response times for the four (2·0 bit), six (2·5 bit), and eight (3·0 bit) category aids for both experiments. An inverted U-shaped function was hypothesized for sensitivity (d a) as a function of aid specificity. In the easier task the eight-category aid and the two-category aid group sensitivity was not significantly different from the other aids. However, the eight-category aid group had greater confidence than the other groups. For the harder task there was no reduced sensitivity...
Ground-state β branching of gaseous fission products and their daughters for A=88-91

The ground-state $\ensuremath{\beta}$ branchings for several mass-separated Kr fission products and their daughters have been measured at the TRISTAN on-line separator facility at the Ames Laboratory Research Reactor. Absolute $\ensuremath{\beta}$ counting was done with a $4\ensuremath{\pi}$-geometry plastic scintillation detector and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectra were taken simultaneously with a Ge(Li) detector. The deduced values of the ground-state $\ensuremath{\beta}$ branching ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{gs}}$, expressed as a percentage of decays, are: $^{88}\mathrm{Kr}$, 14\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4; $^{88}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{b},$ 78.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2; $^{89}\mathrm{K}\mathrm{r},$ 23\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4; $^{89}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{b},$ 25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5; $^{90}\mathrm{K}\mathrm{r},$ 29\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4; $^{90}\mathrm{Rb}^{\mathrm{g}}$, 37\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5; $^{91}\mathrm{K}\mathrm{r},$ 10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4; $^{91}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{b},$ 5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5.
Characterization of a cDNA encoding the 55 kDa B regulatory subunit of Arabidopsis protein phosphatase 2A.

Type 2A serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PP2A) are key components in the regulation of signal transduction and control of cell metabolism. The activity of these protein phosphatases is modulated by regulatory subunits. While PP2A activity has been characterized in plants, little is known about its regulation. We used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify a segment of a cDNA encoding the B regulatory subunit of PP2A from Arabidopsis. The amplified DNA fragment of 372 nucleotides was used as a probe to screen an Arabidopsis cDNA library and a full-length clone (AtBα) of 2.1 kbp was isolated. The predicted protein encoded by AtBα is 43 to 46% identical and 53 to 56% similar to its yeast and mammalian counterparts, and contains three unique regions of amino acid insertions not present in the animal B regulatory subunit. Genomic Southern blots indicate the Arabidopsis genome contains at least two genes encoding the B regulatory subunit. In addition, other plant species also contain DNA sequences homologous to the B regulatory subunit, indicating that regulation of PP2A activity by the 55 kDa B regulatory subunit is probably ubiquitous in plants. Northern blots indicate the AtBα mRNA accumulates in all Arabidopsis tissues examined, suggesting the protein product of the AtBα gene performs a basic housekeeping function in plant cells.
HER-2/neu and topoisomerase IIα gene amplification and protein expression in invasive breast carcinomas: Chromogenic in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses

We studied HER-2/neu (HER-2) and topoisomerase IIα (topo2a) amplification (using chromogenic in situ hybridization) and overexpression (immunohistochemical analysis) in 113 invasive breast carcinomas. A gene copy number/chromosome 17 copy number ratio of 2.0 or higher indicated amplification. A topo2a /chromosome 17 ratio of less than 0.8 indicated gene deletion. HER-2 overexpression was scored according to standard HercepTest guidelines (DAKO, Carpinteria, CA). Overexpression of topo2a was identified when nuclear staining was found in more than 5% of tumor cells. Of 113 tumors, 104 were analyzed successfully for HER-2 and topo2a amplification. Of the 104, 64 showed HER-2 amplification; 25 of these (39%) also showed topo2a amplification. No amplification was found in 40 tumors. Deletion of topo2a was seen in 7 (11%) of 64 HER-2 –amplified tumors and 2 (5%) of 40 nonamplified tumors. Of 25 tumors with topo2a amplification, 18 (72%) overexpressed topo2a. Only 3 (4%) of 79 tumors without topo2a amplification overexpressed topo2a. Amplification of topo2a is associated with HER-2 amplification but not vice versa. Amplification of topo2a resulted in protein overexpression in 72% of tumors, but topo2a overexpression rarely occurred without gene amplification. Identification of topo2a and HER-2 status might have therapeutic and prognostic implications.