cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal requirements of the enzymes catalyzing conversion of glutamate to delta-aminolevulinic acid in extracts of Chlorella vulgaris and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Abstract In the biosynthetic conversion of glutamate to the tetrapyrrole precursor, δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), glutamate is activated at C-1 by glutamyl-tRNA synthetase-catalyzed ligation to tRNA Glu . Glutamyl-tRNA reductase next catalyzes reduction of the activated glutamate to glutamate-1-semialdehyde (GSA), which is then converted to ALA by GSA aminotransferase. Glutamyl-tRNA synthetase is known to require a divalent metal (usually Mg 2+ ) for activity, but it has not been established whether Mg 2+ or another metal ion is also required for glutamyl-tRNA reductase or GSA aminotransferase, because these enzymes have previously been assayed in combined incubations containing all factors required for conversion of glutamate to ALA. We now report the metal requirements individually for each of the three enzyme reactions. Glutamyl-tRNA reductase activity in extracts from both Chlorella vulgaris and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was stimulated by Mg 2+ and inhibited by EDTA. EDTA-pretreated Chlorella glutamyl-tRNA reductase-containing fraction had very little activity in the absence of added Mg 2+ , but recovered full activity in incubations containing added Mg 2+ . The divalent metal requirement could be met by Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ , or Ca 2+ . Maximum activity was reached at approximately 15 mM concentration of each of these metals, and higher concentrations were inhibitory. Zn 2+ was inhibitory at micromolar concentrations. Chlorella glutamyl-tRNA synthetase showed a metal requirement that could be met by Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ but not Ca 2+ . Maximum activity was reached at approximately 15 mM Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ . Although the presence of 10 mM Ca 2+ did not affect the Mg 2+ concentration optimum, Ca 2+ increased the effectiveness of low concentrations of Mg 2+ . In contrast to glutamyl-tRNA synthetase and glutamyl-tRNA reductase, Chlorella GSA aminotransferase did not show a metal requirement or inhibition by EDTA. However, EDTA decreased nonenzymatic transformation of GSA to ALA.
The mammary epithelial cell secretome and its regulation by signal transduction pathways.

Extracellular proteins released by mammary epithelial cells are critical mediators of cell communication, proliferation, and organization, yet the actual spectrum of proteins released by any given ...
Thyroid hemiagenesis: a case series and review of the literature ☆

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a case series and review recommendations within the literature concerning thyroid hemiagenesis. Materials and Methods This is a (1) retrospective case series review of 5 patients and (2) literature review (using Medline) on thyroid hemiagenesis. Results Most reported cases are female with the left thyroid lobe absent. Compensatory hypertrophy occurs in most thyroid remnants. Associated diagnoses in the remaining lobe include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, simple and multinodular goiter, and carcinoma. There is no increased risk for the subsequent development of cancer in the remaining lobe, and empiric thyroidectomy is not justified. Conclusions Thyroid hemiagenesis is an uncommon presentation that is frequently asymptomatic and detected incidentally when imaging for another condition. Awareness of its existence can help prevent unnecessary interventions associated with incorrect assumptions in patient care.
Stochastic operation security with demand response and renewable energy sources

This paper proposes a day-ahead scheduling model which incorporates demand response (DR), intermittent renewable energy sources, load forecast errors, and random outages of generating units and transmission lines. Economic and emergency DR options and operating characteristics of loads such as bidding curves, DR reserves, and physical load constraints are taken into account. Numerical results are offered as part of the presentation.
Growth of Xanthium (Compositae) internodes at different positions on the stem

Internode growth of vegetative Xanthium plants was studied at various levels on the stem with application of the plastochron index. The bottom internodes were of small size and they displayed small rates of growth. Both, the size of the internodes and their growth rates increased proceeding in the acropetal direction. Rates of cortical cell elongation followed a bell shaped curve, starting with a rate of 7 µm per day, reaching a peak of 15 µm per day and stopping after leaf plastochron index 14. Young internodes, smaller than 25 mm, grew at a constant relative elemental rate of 0.2 day -1 throughout. Internodes larger than 30 mm displayed an acropetal pattern of elongation.
Asymptotic investigation of a weakly nonlinear multifrequency oscillating system

We consider a weakly nonlinear multifrequency autonomous system of differential equations with a small parameter on the right-hand side under the condition that the unperturbed system has a quasiperiodic general solution. The system is reduced to a simpler form by averaging and separation. We establish sufficient conditions for the preservation of an invariant torus under a small perturbation.
Developing Reading Comprehension and Academic Vocabulary for English Language Learners Through Science Content: A Formative Experiment

This formative experiment explored the extent to which two instructional frameworks that varied in the explicitness of academic vocabulary instruction, comprehension strategy instruction, and supports for student autonomy influenced reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, perceptions of autonomy supports, and reading engagement in fourth-grade English-language learners (ELLs). In the contextualized vocabulary instruction (CVI) framework, four reading comprehension strategies were integrated with two autonomy-supportive (motivation) practices and implicit instruction of academic science vocabulary. In the intensified vocabulary instruction (IVI) framework, students experienced explicit instruction of academic science vocabulary in relation to reading, without explicit strategy instruction or attention to autonomy supports. Results indicated that the IVI framework increased students’ academic vocabulary even 3 weeks after the intervention was over, whereas CVI benefited students’ reading comprehensio...
Normal-Sized Primary Lysosomes Are Present in Chediak-Higashi Syndrome Neutrophils

ABSTRACT. Azurophil granules of normal neutrophils are known to be primary lysosomes and contain myeloperoxidase activity. The present study has used ultrastructural cytochemistry to selectively stain myeloperoxidase containing granules of normal and Chediak-Higashi syndrome neutrophils and serial thin sections to determine if all peroxidase-positive organelles in Chediak-Higashi syndrome cells are protrusions of the huge inclusions characteristic of the disorder. Peroxidase-positive organelles in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from three patients with Chediak-Higashi syndrome varied in size from vesicles and normal-sized lysosomes to the huge bodies filling the cytoplasm. Serial sections demonstrated that the small and normal-sized organelles were commonly present and independent of the giant granules. One type of the normalsized lysosomes contained small vesicles free of peroxidase activity, conveying a honeycomb-like appearance to the matrix. This variety, in particular, was identified in various stages of fusion with giant organelles in circulating Chediak-Higashi syndrome neutrophils.
Fluorescent Microscopy in Nasal Cytology

Fluorescent microscopy has achieved permanent significance in basic as well as in clinic research. The acridine orange method is generally used in exfoliative cytology. Its significance in gynaecologic cytology is very much discussed and the opinions of different authors vary. The present investigation in nasal cytology has shown that it has no advantages over other methods used in routine investigation, such as for instance Papanicolaou's staining method. On the other hand it is of importance in basic research when additional information about the physiological and pathological changes in the mucous membrane is sought. In my opinion — which deviates from statements found in the literature on the subject — the acridine orange method also gives a clear picture of morphological cell structures. The histochemical findings through the use of the acridine orange method did not really contribute anything specifically new, but they were very interesting on their part. Thus the DNA and RNA contents were clearly v...
Recent Advances in Pharmaceutical Analysis with Potentiometric Membrane Sensors

Abstract The development and applications of ion-selective membrane electrodes continue to provide excitement in expanding areas of analytical chemistry, including analytical pharmaceutical research and analysis, because these sensors offer the advantages of simple design, construction, and manipulation, reasonable selectivity, fast response time, applicability to colored and turbid solutions, and possible interfacing with automated and computerized systems. The combination of membrane sensors with flow injection analysis (FIA) for the determination of various organic ions of biological interest (e.g., drugs) is a new promising area with many applications. This review covers the material that is of interest to those who deal with ion-selective electrodes in organic and pharmaceutical analysis.
Empirical Evidence of Factors Affecting Experience Modification Rate Used by the U.S. Insurance Industry

ABSTRACT The improvement of safety programs is of significant importance to the economy of countries that move toward a global perspective. The objective of Experience Modification Ratings (EMR) is to encourage employers, through management incentives, to reduce the frequency and severity of work-related injuries. The insurance industry uses EMR to assess premiums. A U.S. national survey was conducted to investigate EMR determinants. EMR and its average (AEMR) are hypothesized to vary inversely with the number of training hours, number of safety audits, the company's annual revenue, and the annual cost of safety training per employee. The empirical findings indicated the number of training hours was significant while revenue was highly significant. This paper offers practical and policy implications with respect to these findings.
The Daughter of Logic: Coleridge's “Essays on the Principles of Method”

(1989). The daughter of logic: Coleridge's “essays on the principles of method“. Prose Studies: Vol. 12, Essayists and the Essay, pp. 224-239.
Use of diamond for photo-stimulated ultraviolet radiation dosimetry

Abstract Natural diamond with a suitable trap distribution, induced by neutron bombardment, is shown to have u.v. dosimetric capabilities, based on the measurement of i.r. photo-stimulated current pulses.
Orbital Complexity, Short‐Time Lyapunov Exponents, and Phase Space Transport in Time‐Independent Hamiltonian Systemsa

This paper compares two alternative characterizations of chaotic orbit segments, one based on the complexity of their Fourier spectra, as probed by the number of frequencies n(k) required to capture a fixed fraction k of the total power, and the other based on the computed values of short-time Lyapunov exponents chi. An analysis of orbit ensembles evolved in several different two- and three-dimensional potentials reveals that there is a strong, roughly linear correlation between these alternative characterizations, and that computed distributions of complexities, N[n(k)] and short-time chi, N[chi] often assume similar shapes. This corroborates the intuition that chaotic segments which are especially unstable should have Fourier spectra with particularly broad-band power. It follows that orbital complexities can be used as probes of phase space transport and other related phenomena in the same manner as can short-time Lyapunov exponents.
An NMR investigation of the interaction of NiCl2 with amino acids

Abstract An investigation has been made of α-amino acid—metal ion complexes in aqueous solution for which the ligand was present in large excess. In these systems there is observed a linear correlation between the metal ion concentration and the line width of the NMR signal. This correlation has been used to study the complexation of a series of six amino acids with NiCl2 in D2O solution at several pD values.
Rate Motifs Tune Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid Degradation Dynamics

Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation is a common feature in diverse plant cell signaling pathways; however, the factors that control the dynamics of regulated protein turnover are largely unknown. One of the best-characterized families of E3 ubiquitin ligases facilitates ubiquitination of auxin (aux)/indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) repressor proteins in the presence of auxin. Rates of auxin-induced degradation vary widely within the Aux/IAA family, and sequences outside of the characterized degron (the minimum region required for auxin-induced degradation) can accelerate or decelerate degradation. We have used synthetic auxin degradation assays in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and in plants to characterize motifs flanking the degron that contribute to tuning the dynamics of Aux/IAA degradation. The presence of these rate motifs is conserved in phylogenetically distant members of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Aux/IAA family, as well as in their putative Brassica rapa orthologs. We found that rate motifs can act by enhancing interaction between repressors and the E3, but that this is not the only mechanism of action. Phenotypes of transgenic plants expressing a deletion in a rate motif in IAA28 resembled plants expressing degron mutations, underscoring the functional relevance of Aux/IAA degradation dynamics in regulating auxin responses.
Nonmalignant papillary lesions of the breast at US-guided directional vacuum-assisted removal: a preliminary report

This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of US-guided directional vacuum-assisted removal (US-DVAR) in evaluating nonmalignant papillary breast lesions. This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board at our institution; patient consent was not required. We reviewed the clinical and pathology findings from a total of 39 papillary lesions diagnosed at vacuum-assisted removal in 37 patients (age range, 26–60 years; mean age, 44.5 years). Over the follow-up period, we evaluated whether any histologic upgrade occurred and whether or not residual lesions were detected on follow-up imaging. US-DVAR of 39 lesions yielded tissue that was classified as benign in 35 and atypical in 4. Of the 35 lesions that were diagnosed as histologically benign at US-DVAR, 2 were surgically excised. Both of them yielded benign results. Of the 33 benign lesions that were not surgically excised, 28 (85%) were not seen at radiographic follow-up. Of the four lesions diagnosed as atypical at US-DVAR that were surgically excised, all the four were benign. None proved to be malignant. The upgrade rate was 0.0% (95% confidence interval, 0–9%). Among our patients, diagnosis by US-DVAR of benign papillary lesions proved to be accurate, and benign papillary lesions at US-DVAR did not need to be surgically excised for accurate diagnosis.
The Geriatric Patient and Long-term Care: An Opportunity and Challenge for Pharmacy

A significant interest in the elderly population has occurred over the last decade as evidenced by the increase in journals, journal articles, books, and research regarding the aged patient. This explosion of data concerning the elderly is essential since our educational background in disease process and therapy is generally learned from the young adult perspective. Additionally, the elderly patient represents a high-risk patient to health care professionals for a variety of reasons: (1) the elderly person has in many cases multiple chronic diseases; (2) has complicated, multiple drug regimens; (3) has an increased incidence of adverse drug reactions compared to younger adults; (4) exhibits atypical presenting symptoms of disease and adverse drug reactions; (5) is at risk for iatrogenic disease; and (6) is neglected generally due to negative stereotypical attitudes held by health care professionals. The elderly population, however, represents an opportunity for pharmacy services due to the increasing numb...
The Effect of Sensor Health on State Estimation

In this paper, we consider the problem of state estimation using the standard Kalman filter recursions which takes account of the available sensor health information. Given a stochastic description of the sensor health, we are able to show that the expected error covariance converges to a unique value for all initial values, while the available previous work only showed the upper bound of the expected error covariance converges. Our approach provides both theoretical value to the analysis as well as the potential to get tighter upper bound. Our results provide a criterion of evaluating the sensor measurement. In the multisensor fusion problem, depending on the system error tolerance levels, it can then be determined whether to fuse a particular sensor measurement or not. Examples and simulations are provided to assist the theory.
Science & the promise of democracy in America

Les faits et les theories scientifiques sont-ils socialement construits avec verite, une connaissance objective et une methodologie propre. La credibilite scientifique anime en effet les scientifiques et cree des rivalites qui doivent etre gerees
Small interfering RNA-mediated functional silencing of vasopressin V2 receptors in the mouse kidney.

The antidiuretic effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on the kidney are mediated by V2 subtype AVP receptors (V2R). To investigate the role of regulation of V2R in water and sodium homeostasis, we...
A Configuration Theory Assessment of Marketing Organization Fit with Business Strategy and Its Relationship with Marketing Performance

Abstract Theory posits that organizing marketing activities in ways that fit the implementation requirements of a business’s strategy enhances performance. However, conceptual and methodological problems make it difficult to empirically assess this proposition in the holistic way that it is theoretically framed. Drawing on configuration theory approaches in management, the authors address these problems by assessing marketing organization fit with business strategy as the degree to which a business’s marketing organization differs from that of an empirically derived ideal profile that achieves superior performance by arranging marketing activities in a way that enables the implementation of a given strategy type. The authors suggest that marketing organization fit with strategic type is associated with marketing effectiveness in prospector, defender, and analyzer strategic types and with marketing efficiency in prospector and defender strategic types. The study demonstrates the utility of profile deviatio...
Elbow Arthritis: Current Concepts

The purpose of this article is to provide an update and analyze current management, treatment options, and outcomes of elbow arthritis. This article focuses on studies that have been published in the past 5 years. Nonoperative management may provide symptomatic relief in the early stages of the disease process for most patients. Surgical treatment is guided by disease etiology and severity, patient age, and functional demands. Arthroscopic or open synovectomy, debridement arthroplasty, and interposition arthroplasty are generally recommended for the young and active patient population, whereas for low-demand and elderly patients with end-stage painful arthritis, total elbow arthroplasty is considered a more suitable surgical option. Advances in arthroscopic techniques and implant design have led to substantial improvements in treatment of elbow arthritis.
Comparison of bi-directional relaying protocols

In a bi-directional relay channel, two nodes wish to exchange independent messages over a shared wireless channel with the help of a relay. In this paper, we derive achievable rate regions for four new half-duplex protocols and compare these to four existing half-duplex protocols and outer bounds. In time, our protocols consist of either two or three phases. In the two phase protocols, both users simultaneously transmit during the first phase and the relay alone transmits during the second phase, while in the three phase protocol the two users sequentially transmit followed by a transmission from the relay. The relay may forward information in one of four manners; we outline existing Amplify and Forward (AF) and Decode and Forward (DF) relaying schemes and introduce novel Compress and Forward (CF), and Mixed Forward schemes. We derive achievable rate regions for the CF and Mixed relaying schemes for the two and three phase protocols. Finally, we provide a comprehensive treatment of 8 possible half-duplex bi-directional relaying protocols in Gaussian noise, obtaining their respective achievable rate regions, outer bounds, and their relative performance under different SNR and relay geometries.
Late quaternary activity of the Laguna Salada fault in northern Baja California, Mexico

Faulted alluvial fans and bajadas along the central Laguna Salada fault zone in northernBajaCaliforniarecordarecurrent history of oblique-slip Holocene earthquakes.Alluvialsurfaces,whichrangefrom late Pleistocene to historic in age have been progressively displaced along the base of the crystalline rangefront, as well as along more basinward fault splays in alluvium. The recurrence interval determined from displacedalluvialdepositsthataredatedby soil profile development is in the range of 1‐2 ka, with a corresponding right lateral slip rate of ;2‐3 mm/yr, similar to that of thesouthernElsinorefaultinsouthernCalifornia. The most recent event along the fault zone is probably the widely felt earthquake of February 23, 1892. At least 22 km ofthefaultzonerupturedduringthisevent, along both an oblique-dextral section of the northwest-strikingLagunaSaladafaultand
Reach For What You Like: The Body's Role in Shaping Preferences

The position of individuals' bodies (e.g., holding a pencil in the mouth in a way that either facilitates or inhibits smiling musculature) can influence their emotional reactions to the stimuli they encounter, and can even impact their explicit preferences for one item over another. In this article we begin by reviewing the literature demonstrating these effects, explore mechanisms to explain this body-preference link, and introduce new work from our lab that asks whether one's bodily or motor experiences might also shape preferences in situations where the body is not contorted in a particular position, or when there is no intention to act. Such work suggests that one consequence of perceiving an object is the automatic and covert motor simulation of acting on this object. This, in turn, provides individuals with information about how easy or hard this action would be. It transpires that we like to do what is easy, and we also prefer objects that are easier to act on. The notion that judgments of object ...
THE physiology of jaundice: Molecular and functional characterization of the Crigler‐Najjar syndromes

Crigler-Najjar (CN) disease is classified into two subtypes, type I and II. The molecular basis for the difference between these types is not well understood. Several mutations in the bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (B-UGT) gene of six CN type I and two CN type II patients were identified. Recombinant cDNAs containing these mutations were expressed in COS cells. B-UGT activity was measured using HPLC and the amount of expressed protein was quantitated using a sandwich ELISA. This enabled us to determine the specific activities of the expressed enzymes. All type I patients examined had mutations in the B-UGT1 gene that lead to completely inactive enzymes. The mutations in the B-UGT1 gene of patients with CN type II only partially inactivated the enzyme. At saturating concentrations of bilirubin (75 μM) CN type II patient A had 4.4 ± 2% residual activity and CN type II patient B had 38 ± 2% residual activity. Kinetic constants for the glucuronidation of bilirubin were determined. The affinities for bilirubin of B-UGT1 expressed in COS cells and B-UGT from human liver microsomes were similar with Km of 5.1 ± 0.9 μM and 7.9 ± 5.3 μM, respectively. B-UGT1 from patient B had a tenfold decreased affinity for bilirubin, Km = 56 ± 23 μM. At physiological concentrations of bilirubin both type II patients will have a strongly reduced conjugation capacity, whereas type I patients have no B-UGT activity. We conclude that CN type I is caused by a complete absence of functional B-UGT and that in CN type II B-UGT activity is reduced. (J. Clin. Invest. 1994. 94:2385–2391.) Key words: hereditary diseases · site directed mutagenesis · enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay · enzyme kinetics · enzyme activity. (Reproduced from The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1994, vol. 94, pp. 2385–2391 by copyright permission of The Society for Clinical Investigation.
Digitizing the dragon: challenges facing China's broadcasting industry

China's aggressive strategy to develop a modern economy is matched only by an even more ambitious program of technological development. The Chinese government has earmarked digital broadcasting as the pre-eminent media technology to emerge in China's expanding and diversifying mediascape. Yet, in spite of predictions of 30 million subscribers by 2005 and $220 billion in revenue by 2015, there is still much to do to sell digital broadcasting to consumers and achieve these targets. This study examines the challenges facing China's digital broadcasting industry using the theory of controlled commodification to critique implementation strategies. Emerging from this analysis is a deeper understanding of the contested role of media in China's socialist market economy, which has had an impact on the successful adoption of digital broadcasting at a crucial stage of development.
Bedrock Plateaus within the Ross Embayment and beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, Formed by Marine Erosion in Late Tertiary Time

Ice penetrating radar (mostly airborne) and marine seismic surveys have revealed plateaus and terraces about 100–350 m below sea level beneath parts of the Ross Embayment including the West Antarctic ice sheet, the Ross Ice Shelf, and the eastern Ross Sea. These surfaces cover many thousands of square kilometers and are separated by bedrock troughs occupied by the West Antarctic ice streams. We interpret these surfaces as remnants of a level surface formed by wave erosion when the coastal regions of Antarctica were relatively free of ice. The flat and level nature of the surfaces that are near the same depth over large distances supports an origin by marine rather than glacial erosion. Marine seismic reflection profiles over one of the plateau remnants show thin, flat-lying glacial marine sediments draped with angular unconformity over gently dipping sediments of early Miocene age. Ice sheet and global sea level histories suggest that the shallower plateaus were last eroded in the middle Miocene, possibly within a warm interval from about 17 to 14 Ma, prior to formation of the modern West Antarctic ice sheet. The plateau surfaces cannot be directly correlated to Ross Sea unconformities but they may be extensions of ∼14-Ma unconformity RSU4. The plateaus along the Siple Coast, with depths around 350 m, do not rebound to close to sea level for models of removing past and present ice load. Another possible factor is that western Marie Byrd Land lithosphere was heated in Oligocene time due to substantial extension or intensified mantle plume activity. Subsequent cooling has caused a moderate amount of crustal subsidence since then. These plateaus are similar to the emergent wave cut platforms interrupted by deep fjords, termed “strand” flats that rim the coasts of Norway.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm

Although BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)--and especially myelofibrosis (MF)--are recognized to be associated with autoimmune phenomena, immune derangements in MPN have been much less studied. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are one type of important immune modulator cell. Therefore, we studied MDSCs in MPN disease. MDSCs were studied in two cohorts: the first cohort was 55 patients including 16 primary myelofibrosis (PMF), 7 post-polycythemia vera (PV)-MF, 2 post-essential thrombocythemia (ET)-MF, 11 ET, 17 PV, 2 undefined MPN disorder, and 23 normal controls; the second cohort included 38 patients: 17 ET, 7 PMF, 3 ET-MF, 2 PV-MF, 9 PV patients, and 20 normal volunteers. The second cohort was studied using freshly collected specimens and a comparable age group as controls. CD11b(+), CD14(-), and CD33(+) cells were defined as MDSCs in both cohorts by flow cytometry. Since there are no differences in MDSC levels among different MPN categories, they were grouped as MPNs. The results showed that MDSCs were significantly elevated in MPNs compared with controls in both cohorts. We also performed RT-PCR and found that MPN patients have significantly elevated arginase-1 mRNA compared with controls, and sorted MDSCs were found to have suppressor T cell activity in MPNs, substantiating the hypothesis that levels of MDSCs are, in fact, deranged in MPNs. MDSC levels were not correlated with JAK2 status, white blood cells, Hb levels, platelet counts, splenomegaly, or the degree of bone marrow fibrosis (in MF). Further studies in immune therapy involving MDSC inhibitors or differentiation may be developed to treat MPN disease.
Application of bayesian simulation framework in quantitatively measuring presence of competition in living species

This article uses Bayesian simulation algorithms in a checkerboard matrix framework in order to study whether competition can be statistically detected among living species. We study an exhaustive set of binary co-occurrence matrices for habitation data. We categorize the living species into five distinct groups: (1) Mammals; (2) Plants; (3) Birds; (4) Marine Life; and (5) Reptiles. We implement the Holding-swap and Metropolis-swap simulation algorithms to statistically detect the presence of competition for habitation. We find that for ~50% of our dataset, there is statistically significant presence of competition. We observe the following ranking for percentage of dataset with significant level of competition: (1) 90% of birds show competition; (2) 50% of the dataset of reptiles show competition; (3) 40% of mammals and plants; and (4) 20% of the marine life exhibit statistically significant presence of competition. We conclude that birds value habitation more strongly than marine life.
Imaging luminous objects through a single optical fiber

We demonstrate the possibility of image transmission through a single optical fiber, where spatial positions are converted to spectral codes that span the full bandwidth of the object spectrum.
The Relationship between Computer Self-Efficacy and Human-Automation Integrated Performance

Computer self-efficacy (CSE) has been identified as a major determinant of computer-related ability and usage in organizational contexts. However, there has been little research on the impact of CSE on the use of high level automation. In order to examine this relationship, participants completed a visual search task with the assistance of an automated diagnostic aid which varied in reliability from moderately reliable (70%) to highly reliable (90%). After completion of the task, a median split was performed on participants' CSE scores to divide participants into high-CSE and low-CSE groups. We examined the relationship between CSE and trust and utilization of the aid. High-CSE participants trusted the system more and generated significantly more hits than low-CSE participants, particularly on trials in which the aid was highly reliable. This study provides insight into the potential significance of personality factors in shaping human-automation interaction and has implications for designers of automated...
Akicita of the Thunder: Horses in Black Elk's Vision

The process of spiritual transformation may be the most compelling "theme" of Black Elk Speaks, just as it is the supreme experience of Lakol wicho'an (Lakota ways) in ceremonies, dances, songs, and oral narratives. Some illuminating interpretations of the holy man's visionary experience and ceremonial description have been contributed by Castro, Lincoln, and Sayre. But for the most part these critics approach the book as if it were primarily an English language literary work by John Neihardt. A deeper understanding of the hanbloglaka (vision talk) of Hehaka Sapa (Black Elk) is made possible through the study of specific Lakota symbols in such richly detailed sources as Deloria, Densmore, and Walker. These works can provide an implicit comparative context. And in The Sixth Grandfather, his edition of the original manuscript upon which Black Elk's "autobiography" was based, Raymond J. DeMallie reveals an explicit misunderstanding between Black Elk and Neihardt: "Neihardt conceived of the project as writing Black Elk's life story, whereas Black Elk conceived of it as making a record of the Lakota religion."1 If the message of Black Elk's vision is to be received with sincere respect, readers must remember that Black Elk is not the author of his visions. The woksape (wisdom) which Black Elk "speaks" is larger than any one person's wookahnige (understanding) and was sent through Black Elk by the spirits. DeMallie's extensive editing pinpoints Neihardt's alterations of Black Elk's report. Although the revelation speaks to all humanity, it was given to a specifically Lakota consciousness and its symbolic associations can only flourish when rooted in the matrix of Lakota culture. Neihardt faithfully recorded much of Black Elk's narration, but he also made some obscuring deletions and additions because he did not understand the fundamental meaning of certain parts of his material. He may not have felt it necessary to learn more about Lakota culture than he got directly from Black Elk and he trusted his mystical rapport with the wicasa wakan (holy man) to provide as much truth as was spiritually valid.2 He was quite explicit about his intent to use what he had
Possible evidence for exchange effects in the /sup 16/O(/sup 6/Li,. cap alpha. )/sup 18/F reaction at E/sub /sup 6/Li/ = 34 MeV

Fifty-four-point angular distributions in the angular range 2.5/sup 0/ to 170/sup 0/ have been measured for the /sup 16/O(/sup 6/Li, ..cap alpha..)/sup 18/F reaction to the 1/sup +/ (0.0 MeV), 3/sup +/ (0.937 MeV), and 0/sup -/ + 5/sup +/ (1.1 MeV) states in /sup 18/F at a bombarding energy of 34 MeV. In addition, forward angle data have been measured for the 2/sup -/ (2.101 MeV), 1/sup +/ (3.725 MeV), 3/sup -/ (3.791 MeV), and 2/sup +/ (3.836 MeV) states. The angular distributions for all of the above states are forward peaked and have little structure at back angles. The general structure of the first 60/sup 0/ of the angular distributions can be reproduced by zero-range two-particle transfer distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations; however, the calculations are generally 3/sup 0/ and as much as 10degree out of phase with the data past the first maximum. A zero-range distorted-wave Born-approximation normalization factor of 100 is obtained assuming the 5/sup +/ state to be a pure (d/sub 5;2/)/sup 2/ configuration. Finite-range distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations which include the 2S and 1D components of /sup 6/Li do not improve the fits to the data and are similar to zero-range calculations at forward angles. The 1Dmore » component was shown to have little effect on the calculated angular distributions. The absolute magnitudes of the cross sections are predicted to within a factor of 2 when the /sup 18/F shell model wave functions of Kuo and Brown are used in the finite-range distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations. Two-particle and cluster form factors used in the finite-range calculations gave equivalent fits to the data. The magnitude of the cross section at angles greater than 90/sup 0/ and the phase of the forward angle data could not be reproduced by any of the calculations. The failure of the distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations at back angles suggests that a more complete description of the reaction mechanism which includes the exchange of an ..cap alpha.. particle in /sup 16/O with the /sup 6/Li projectile is necessary. (AIP)« less
Diffusion Mechanisms of Molecules on Structured Surfaces

The diffusion of ethane and n-pentane on metallic surfaces is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. On atomically smooth, faced centered cubic (111) crystal surfaces, n-pentane has several conformational states, each of which diffuses at a different rate. Diffusion barriers are distinct from intramolecular conformational isomerization barriers. Weak friction is observed. Hopping diffusion occurs near the diffusion threshold. As the temperature is raised, correlated barrier crossing and recrossing increases. n-Pentane slides, transverse to its axis, without changing its orientation with respect to the surface. Conformational changes occur on a longer time scale than diffusional barrier crossing and are restricted by the surface. Far above the diffusion threshold temperature, partial molecular desorption occurs and conformational isomerization is less restricted. The molecules slide, roll and tumble continuously across the surface. A similar pattern of temperature-dependent change in diffusion mechanisms occurs in ethane but without conformational changes.
Texas Nurse Staffing Trends Before and After Mandated Nurse Staffing Committees

This article describes the evolution of mandated nurse staffing committees in Texas from 2002 to 2009 and presents a study that analyzed nurse staffing trends in Texas using a secondary analysis of...
Simple Ideas and Hume’s Missing Shade of Blue

This paper provides support for the unorthodox view that Hume’s simple ideas are most fruitfully understood as theoretical posits by showing that adopting this interpretation solves a lingering interpretive difficulty, the missing shade of blue. The missing shade of blue is thought to pose a serious challenge to the legitimacy of Hume’s copy principle (the thesis that all simple ideas are copied from simple impressions). Thinking of Humean simple ideas as theoretical posits reveals a dialectical mismatch between Hume and his envisioned reader that, once understood, makes it clear that the case holds little sway against the copy principle. The solution developed and defended has some significant advantages over extant solutions.
On the Macroscopic Fractal Geometry of Some Random Sets

This paper is concerned mainly with the macroscopic fractal behavior of various random sets that arise in modern and classical probability theory. Among other things, it is shown here that the macroscopic behavior of Boolean coverage processes is analogous to the microscopic structure of the Mandelbrot fractal percolation. Other, more technically challenging, results of this paper include: (i) The computation of the macroscopic Minkowski dimension of the graph of a large family of Levy processes; and (ii) The determination of the macroscopic monofractality of the extreme values of symmetric stable processes.
Evaluation on Immune Level of Poliomyelitis in Healthy Floating Children in Beijing

To carry out the surveillance on immune level of floating children is an important content for working out a feasible preventive strategy,and it is also essential for keeping the state of polio-free.In 2002,we collected 337 serum specimens from 1-14 year old healthy floating children in four districts of Beijing base on different population density and geographical distribution.The neutralizing antibody positive rates of them were 98.52% for polio Ⅰ,99.70% for polio Ⅱ,95.25% for polio Ⅲ and the GMTs were 1∶123.03,1∶109.65 and 1∶58.88 respectively.The GMTs of age groups of 1 year and 2-4 years were evidently higher than that in age groups of 5-9 years and 10-14 years.The management level of EPI and the quality of vaccine inoculation had distance among the four districts.The GMT level of floating children was still lower than that of Beijing children.
Doctors, writing, and HIPAA

Editor’s Note: In this column, teachers who are currently using literary and artistic materials as part of their curricula will briefly summarize specific works, delineate their purposes and goals in using these media, describe their audience and teaching strategies, discuss their methods of evaluation, and speculate about the impact of these teaching tools on learners (and teachers). Submissions should be three to five double-spaced pages with a minimum of references. Send your submissions to me at University of California, Irvine, Department of Family Medicine, 101 City Drive South, Building 200, Room 512, Route 81, Orange, CA 92868-3298. 949-824-3748. Fax: 714-456-7984. jfshapir@uci.edu.
Investigations into the cause of vertigo in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

In this light microscopic study of the temporal bone, an attempt has been made to find a morphologic correlate of vertigo associated with idiopathic sudden sensori-neural hearing loss (ISSHL). Hair cell densities of the three cristae and both maculae, as well as vestibular ganglion cell (neuronal) count estimation, was done in nine ears that had documented histories of ISSHL. There were five ears with vertigo and four without. These quantitative data--i.e., hair cell densities and neuronal counts, of the vertiginous ears (group I) and nonvertiginous ears (group II)--was compared by histograms and statistically. Additionally, in each of the two groups, the data from three opposite normal hearing ears were taken as a control and used for comparison with the ISSHL ears. The differences between the vertiginous, nonvertiginous, and control ears were not significant at the 0.01 level, indicating that the vertigo was not caused by hair cell or neuronal degeneration. Gross morphologic alterations in the vestibular system, such as membrane ruptures, endolymphatic hydrops, etc., were also assessed, but no clear-cut pathology was identified in the vertiginous and nonvertiginous ears. The absence of a light microscopic morphologic correlate for vestibular disturbances associated with ISSHL suggests that the symptoms could result from ultrastructural changes in the hair cells and their synapses or from biochemical alterations in their environment.
Mindful and Engaged Citizenship

Citizen responsibility for immediate, regional, and global relations has a foundation of awareness, dispositions, and skills. Dispositions that support proactive responses to awareness of needs are mutuality, concern, stewardship, service, involvement, courage, and patience. Participatory skills enable proactive responses to conflict. In addition to awareness, supportive dispositions, and skills for civic participation, a positive vision of human relations stimulates active citizenship. Creative visioning processes include positive images of oneself and others, including the “other.” Construing peace builds crucial hope. Engaged citizenship for peace has social, environmental, ethical, geographic, economic, and political realms for student visioning, planning, and involvements.
7.3 Biophysics of Selectin-Mediated Cell Adhesion

Selectins (L-, P- and E-selectin) are Ca 2+ -dependent transmembrane glycoproteins presented on the surface of circulating leukocytes, activated platelets, and endothelial cells at sites of inflammation/infection. Selectins bind primarily to sialofucosylated glycoproteins and glycolipids (E-selectin only) on apposing cells, and mediate loose adhesive interactions pertinent to inflammatory disorders and blood-borne metastasis. The fast association and dissociation rates of selectin–ligand bonds coupled to their remarkably high tensile strengths enable them to initiate cell tethering and rolling interactions under physiological flow conditions. This chapter reviews mathematical models and experimental methodologies to highlight the biophysics of selectin-mediated cell adhesion. It summarizes experimental observations on selectin–ligand bond association and dissociation disclosed by different biophysical techniques including micropipette aspiration assays, atomic force microscopy and flow-based adhesion assays. The catch-to-slip selectin–ligand bond dissociation and its contribution to the shear threshold phenomenon are discussed. Understanding the kinetic and micromechanical properties of selectin–ligand bonds mediating cell adhesion pertinent to inflammation and hematogenous metastasis may provide guidelines for developing promising therapies and/or diagnostic tools to combat these disorders.
Genetic drift and mutational hazard in the evolution of salamander genomic gigantism

Salamanders have the largest nuclear genomes among tetrapods and, excepting lungfishes, among vertebrates as a whole. Lynch and Conery (2003) have proposed the mutational-hazard hypothesis to explain variation in genome size and complexity. Under this hypothesis, noncoding DNA imposes a selective cost by increasing the target for degenerative mutations (i.e., the mutational hazard). Expansion of noncoding DNA, and thus genome size, is driven by increased levels of genetic drift and/or decreased mutation rates; the former determines the efficiency with which purifying selection can remove excess DNA, whereas the latter determines the level of mutational hazard. Here, we test the hypothesis that salamanders have experienced stronger long-term, persistent genetic drift than frogs, a related clade with more typically sized vertebrate genomes. To test this hypothesis, we compared dN/dS and Kr/Kc values of protein-coding genes between these clades. Our results do not support this hypothesis; we find that salamanders have not experienced stronger genetic drift than frogs. Additionally, we find evidence consistent with a lower nucleotide substitution rate in salamanders. This result, along with previous work showing lower rates of small deletion and ectopic recombination in salamanders, suggests that a lower mutational hazard may contribute to genomic gigantism in this clade.
The role of community in restorative justice

In this research monograph – the result of a PhD study at the Centre for Criminology at the University of Oxford – Rosenblatt offers a succinct account of the issues surrounding community involveme...
Missed Opportunities for Preventing Perinatal Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Florida, 2007-2014.

Objectives Despite declining numbers of perinatally exposed infants, an increase in perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections from 2011 to 2013 prompted this study to identify missed perinatal HIV prevention opportunities. Methods Deidentified records of children born from 2007 through 2014, exposed to HIV perinatally, and reported to the Florida Department of Health were obtained. Crude relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with perinatal transmission, nondiagnosis of maternal HIV infection, and nonreceipt of antiretroviral medication were calculated. Results Of the 4337 known singleton births exposed to maternal HIV infection, 70 (1.6%) were perinatally infected. Among perinatal transmission cases, more than one-third of mothers used illegal drugs or acquired a sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy. Perinatal transmission was most strongly associated with maternal HIV diagnosis during labor and delivery (RR 5.66, 95% CI 2.31-13.91) or after birth (RR 26.50, 95% CI 15.44-45.49) compared with antenatally or prenatally. Among the 29 women whose infection was not known before pregnancy and whose child was perinatally infected, 18 were not diagnosed during pregnancy; 12 had evidence of an acute HIV infection, and 6 had no prenatal care. Conclusions Late diagnosis of maternal HIV infection appeared to be primarily the result of acute maternal infections and inadequate prenatal care. In Florida, effective programs to improve utilization of prenatal care and detection and primary prevention of prenatal acute infection are needed.