cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Vitamin B12-binding Proteins Using Affinity Chromatography III. PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF HUMAN PLASMA TRANSCOBALAMIN II

Transcobalamin II has been isolated from Cohn Fraction III derived from 1,400 liters of pooled human plasma, using affinity chromatography on vitamin B12-Sepharose and several conventional purification techniques. The final preparation was purified 2 million-fold relative to human plasma with a yield of 12.8% and was homogeneous based on polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis, sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation, and chromatography on Sephadex G-150. Transcobalamin II binds 28.6 µg of vitamin B12 per mg of protein and contains one vitamin B12-binding site per 59,500 g of protein as determined by amino acid analysis. The molecular weight determined by sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation was 53,900 and by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 was 60,000. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis disclosed two peptides with molecular weight values of 38,000 and 25,000 which suggests that transcobalamin II contains 2 subunits. When vitamin B12 binds to transcobalamin II there is a shift in the peak of vitamin B12 absorption from 361 nm to 364 nm. Analysis of transcobalamin II for carbohydrate content using gas-liquid chromatography and amino sugar analysis by the amino acid analyzer suggest that this trace plasma protein is not a glycoprotein.
Modified Runge-Kutta Integration Algorithm for Improved Stability and Accuracy in Real Time Hybrid Simulation

Stability in Real Time Hybrid Simulation (RTHS) has been shown to be largely affected by system dynamics and associated phase lags. This lag typically originates in the physical components and considerable research has been conducted to compensate for it. Within the computational component of RTHS, different time integration algorithms are employed to achieve a more stable and accurate solution, mostly focusing on dissipating the high frequency content in the model. However, in RTHS, an inherent computational delay exists in the force measurement due to the sequential nature of communication between the numerical and experimental sub- structures. In this article, it is demonstrated that this computational delay affects performance and stability of closed loop RTHS even when no other delays or phase lags are present. This finding is validated through theoretical derivation and simulation results. A modified Runge-Kutta (MRK) integration algorithm is proposed to reduce the effect of computational delay.The ...
The Evolution of Big Data and Learning Analytics in American Higher Education

Data-driven decision making, popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, is evolving into a vastly more sophisticated concept known as big data that relies on software approaches generally referred to as analytics. Big data and analytics for instructional applications are in their infancy and will take a few years to mature, although their presence is already being felt and should not be ignored. While big data and analytics are not panaceas for addressing all of the issues and decisions faced by higher education administrators, they can become part of the solutions integrated into administrative and instructional functions. The purpose of this article is to examine the evolving world of big data and analytics in American higher education. Specifically, it will look at the nature of these concepts, provide basic definitions, consider possible applications, and last but not least, identify concerns about their implementation and growth. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)
Successful management of stuttering priapism using home self-injections of the alpha-agonist metaraminol

Low-flow priapism can result in impotence if treatment is delayed, yet patients with recurrent priapism often suffer delay before therapy. We describe management of recurrent priapism using self-administered injections of intracavernosal metaraminol (Aramine, Merck), a long-acting vasoconstricting amine that is considered safer than epinephrine. The patient injects as often as once daily using 5-10 mg of drug. Our patient reports rapid detumescence and has not required emergency room visits since starting injections. He denies complications. Treatment of priapism using metaraminol has been suggested in the hospital setting; however, this is the first report of successful home self-administration of the drug.
Ab initio electronic structure calculations on highly charged cations of the C60 cluster

Abstract Ab initio electronic structure calculations on C 60 and its cations, carried out at the HF/6-311G* level of approximation, predict that within I h symmetry the C 10+ 60 , C 18+ 60 and C 28+ 60 species are stable with respect to fragmentation. The bonds in these cations lengthen with the increasing positive charge. The lengthening is more pronounced for the bonds connecting the five-membered rings than for those within the rings. The C 60 cluster is capable of losing more than 28 electrons, absorbing at least 1379 eV of energy in the process, before undergoing a highly symmetrical fragmentation. Such a fragmentation is predicted to involve preferential breaking of the “double” bonds, leading to positively charged C 5 fragments.
High-Resolution Simulation of Multidimensional Crystal Growth

Many of the crystals in the pharmaceuticals, photographic, and other industries are multidimensional; that is, their growth is associated with the change of multiple internal coordinates. The main governing equation for such systems is a highly nonlinear multidimensional population balance equation that must be solved for a wide range of length scales. For population balance equations, it is well-known that the standard first-order schemes give diffusive solutions while the commonly used second-order schemes give spurious oscillations. This paper presents a high-resolution simulation algorithm that provides short computation times and high accuracy. The high-resolution algorithm is compared to the upwind difference and Lax-Wendroff methods through simulations of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP, KH 2 PO 4 ) crystal nucleation and growth. No spurious oscillations or numerical diffusion occurred, in contrast to the upwind method and Lax-Wendroff methods. The numerical stability of the algorithm is assessed using the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy condition.
Measurement of the production cross section in proton-nucleus collisions at HERA – B

Using the HERA - B detector, the b b ¯ production cross section has been measured in 920 GeV proton collisions on carbon and titanium targets. The b b ¯ production was tagged via inclusive bottom quark decays into J /ψ by exploiting the longitudinal separation of J /ψ → l + l − decay vertices from the primary proton-nucleus interaction. Both e + e − and μ + μ − channels have been reconstructed and the combined analysis yields the cross section b b ¯ nb/nucleon.
Longitudinal study to evaluate the association between thermal environment and Salmonella shedding in a midwestern US swine farm.

Abstract The objective of this study was to document the association between the thermal environment in the barn and Salmonella shedding in finishing pigs. For this purpose, individual fecal samples from 900 finishing pigs (8 collections per pig) were repeatedly collected from 18 cohorts (50 pigs per cohort) on 3 sites of a multi-site farrow-to-finish production system in a longitudinal study. Pen temperature and humidity were measured every 2 min during the study period. The thermal parameters of interest were: hourly average temperature, minimum and maximum temperature, hourly temperature variation, temperature humidity index (THI) and cumulative number of hours/degree above and below the thermal neutral zone at the pen level prior to fecal sampling for 6 time periods (12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week and 1 month). Additional potential risk factors at the individual (e.g., sex, health events), cohort (e.g., mortality, morbidity, Salmonella status of the nursery) and pen level (e.g., type of pen) were also evaluated. Multilevel logistic models using generalized linear models, with random intercepts at pig, pen and cohort levels to account for clustering (individual samples nested within pigs, pigs nested within pens, pens within cohorts) were constructed. Site (A, B, C) was considered as a fixed effect in order to control for clustering within site. The outcome variable was Salmonella fecal status of the individual sample. Cold exposure (temperatures below the thermal neutral zone) and exposure to a THI > 72 were both positively associated with risk Salmonella shedding. Nursery Salmonella status was positively associated with Salmonella shedding and pig age was negatively associated with Salmonella shedding. In the multilevel intercept-only model the largest proportion of model variance was associated with the individual fecal sample (44.8%) followed by cohort (24.5%), pen (20.5%) and pig (10.2%). The present study allowed the investigation of the association of time-variant thermal factors and Salmonella shedding. Interventions that target the thermal environment may have an effect on reducing Salmonella shedding in swine and also improve pig well-being and production efficiency. Alternatively, thermal parameters may be used to identify groups of pigs at high risk for Salmonella shedding. Future studies should be performed to investigate the cost-efficacy of interventions to improve the thermal environment of swine.
Fussell's folly: academic standards and the case of Mary Putnam Jacobi.

In 1864, Dean Edwin Fussell of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania tried to prevent Mary Putnam (later the eminent physician Mary Putnam Jacobi) from graduating. He claimed she had not fulfilled the requirements, and that granting her degree would give critics ammunition for their charges tha
Decreased Aquaporin Expression Leads to Increased Resistance to Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cells undergoing apoptosis are characterized by decreased cell size due to changes in intracellular ion concentration and rapid, aquaporin (AQP)-dependent water movement out of the cell, events required for the activation of pro-apoptotic enzymes. The current study demonstrates AQP 8 and 9 expression is significantly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) versus normal liver. Isolation of hepatic tumor cells (H4IIE) and hepatocytes confirmed a lack of water movement across the H4IIE cell membrane via AQPs and identified an inherent resistance of H4IIE cells to apoptotic stimuli. In contrast, hepatocytes rapidly responded to osmotic challenge through AQP-dependent water movement and underwent cell death following apoptotic stimulation.
Effects of continuous high dose rhgm‐csf infusion on human monocyte activity

In this study we describe the time-dependent effects of a high dose (750 micrograms/ml/24 hr) continuous infusion of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) on monocyte number, cytokine release, and superoxide anion production. Blood was taken from patients prior to rhGM-CSF infusion (day 0), and on days 1, 7, and 14 of infusion. The mean concentration of monocytes per ml of blood increased progressively from 4.3 x 10(5) on day 0 to 21 x 10(5) on day 14 of infusion. There was no significant change in the basal release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) induced by rhGM-CSF. However, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated release of TNF-alpha by monocytes increased significantly on day 1 of infusion, and by day 14 had increased 8-fold. IL-1 beta release from LPS-stimulated monocytes increased slightly by day 7, and by almost 10-fold by day 14 of infusion. When maximally stimulated with phorbol dibutyrate, the monocytes demonstrated an increased (although not significant) capacity to produce superoxide anion on days 7 and 14 of infusion. No change in basal superoxide anion production was seen at any day of infusion. These GM-CSF-induced changes in stimulated cytokine and superoxide anion release could not be reproduced by treating monocytes with rhGM-CSF in vitro. In summary, a two week, high dose infusion of rhGM-CSF resulted in increases in circulating monocyte concentration, and in the stimulated release of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, and superoxide anion production from these monocytes. These primed monocytes could enhance the ability of neutropenic patients to fight infection.
Some talk: Money in politics. A (partial) review of the literature

The financing of political campaigns is an area of active scholarly study. I review some of the recent literature and discuss important methodological issues that arise in empir- ical research on campaign expenditures and campaign contributions. The effects of campaign expenditures and advertising on candidate and ballot-measure elections are summarized, as are the impacts of contributions on contributors' welfare. Many states have changed their campaign finance laws in the past few years, and I describe work that exploits variations in these laws. A discussion of the strategies used by interest groups to allocate their campaign contributions provides insights into contributors' motives.
Acute leukemia in Hodgkin's disease

Three cases of Hodgkin's disease terminating in acute leukemia are described and the literature reviewed. All 3 patients were diagnosed within the past year and were noted among 1095 patients with Hodgkin's disease seen during the last 15 years at Memorial Hospital in New York. The interval from the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease to the documentation of leukemia was 8 years, 10 months, and 7 years in the 3 patients, respectively. Two patients developed myelomonocytic leukemia, and the 3rd monocytic leukemia. All 3 patients died within 6 months from the diagnosis of leukemia with no significant response to treatment. Two patients had radiotherapy and chemotherapy prior to the diagnosis of leukemia, and a 3rd patient had only chemotherapy for their Hodgkin's disease. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy as possible leukemogens are considered.
Investigation of the Tip Clearance Flow Inside and at the Exit of a Compressor Rotor Passage—Part I: Mean Velocity Field

A stationary two-sensor hot-wire probe has been used in combination with an ensemble averaging technique to measure the flow in the tip clearance region of a compressor rotor with emphasis on the leakage flow development inside the tip-clearance region and at the exit of the rotor. It is found that the presence and interaction of leakage flow, annulus boundary layer, and the scraping vortex is the dominant feature at mid-chord position. The rotation of the blade augments the leakage flow, resulting in the movement of the leakage jet toward the mid-passage. The blade-to-blade distribution of properties is shown to be highly nonuniform, except in the downstream and upstream regions.
Preparation of stable colloidal suspensions of superdisintegrants via wet stirred media milling

Abstract Superdisintegrants are cross-linked polymers that can be used as dispersants for fast release of drug nanoparticles from nanocomposite microparticles during in vitro and in vivo dissolution. Currently available superdisintegrant particles have average sizes of approximately 5–130 μm, which are too big for drug nanocomposite applications. Hence, production of stable superdisintegrant suspensions with less than 5 μm particles is desirable. Here, we explore the preparation of colloidal suspensions of anionic and nonionic superdisintegrants using a wet stirred media mill and assess their physical stability. Sodium starch glycolate (SSG) and crospovidone (CP) were selected as representative anionic and nonionic superdisintegrants, and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were used as a steric stabilizer and a wetting agent/stabilizer, respectively. Particle sizing, scanning electron microscopy, and zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the suspensions. Colloidal superdisintegrant suspensions were prepared reproducibly. The extensive particle breakage was attributed to the swelling-induced softening in water. SSG suspensions were stable even in the absence of stabilizers, whereas CP suspensions required HPC–SDS for minimizing particle aggregation. These findings were explained by the higher absolute (negative) zeta potential of the suspensions of the anionic superdisintegrant (SSG) as compared with those of the nonionic superdisintegrant (CP).
A Q-invariant, &#969; 0 -invariant active resonator

A new RC-amplifier resonator has the Q invariance shown possible by Geffe, and in addition it is ω 0 invariant (resonant frequency independent of amplifier gain) and requires 4Q2times less amplifier bandwidth. The independence of ω 0 and Q makes it easy to design tunable, variable-Q filters with noninteracting controls.
SUBUNIT COMPOSITION DETERMINES THE SINGLE CHANNEL KINETICS OF THE EPITHELIAL SODIUM CHANNEL

We have further characterized at the single channel level the properties of epithelial sodium channels formed by coexpression of α with either wild-type β or γ subunits and α with carboxy-terminal truncated β (βT) or γ (γT) subunits in Xenopus laevis oocytes. αβ and αβT channels (9.6 and 8.7 pS, respectively, with 150 mM Li+) were found to be constitutively open. Only upon inclusion of 1 μM amiloride in the pipette solution could channel activity be resolved; both channel types had short open and closed times. Mean channel open probability (Po) for αβ was 0.54 and for αβT was 0.50. In comparison, αγ and αγT channels exhibited different kinetics: αγ channels (6.7 pS in Li+) had either long open times with short closings, resulting in a high Po (0.78), or short openings with long closed times, resulting in a low Po (0.16). The mean Po for all αγ channels was 0.48. αγT (6.6 pS in Li+) behaved as a single population of channels with distinct kinetics: mean open time of 1.2 s and closed time of 0.4 s, with a mean Po of 0.6, similar to that of αγ. Inclusion of 0.1 μM amiloride in the pipette solution reduced the mean open time of αγT to 151 ms without significantly altering the closed time. We also examined the kinetics of amiloride block of αβ, αβT (1 μM amiloride), and αγT (0.1 μM amiloride) channels. αβ and αβT had similar blocking and unblocking rate constants, whereas the unblocking rate constant for αγT was 10-fold slower than αβT. Our results indicate that subunit composition of ENaC is a main determinant of Po. In addition, channel kinetics and Po are not altered by carboxy-terminal deletion in the β subunit, whereas a similar deletion in the γ subunit affects channel kinetics but not Po.
Public health in transition.

Looks at public health in developing countries as of September 1, 2005. Details of demographic, economic, and epidemiological changes occurring in developing countries; Impact of improved medical care, including access to vaccines and medication, on public health; Impact of chronic diseases on world health; View that public health issues in developing and developed countries are increasingly similar; Use of data on chronic diseases in the formation of international public health policies; Importance of preventive medicine to world health; Recommendations for key world health priorities. INSETS: CROSSROADS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH;CHANGING PATTERNS OF GLOBAL HEALTH;NO PLACE TO HIDE;EIGHT CRITICAL STEPS
Sequence elements that affect mRNA translational activity in developing Dictyostelium cells

Post-transcriptional controls, including changes in both mRNA translational activity and stability, play an important role in the regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression in developing Dictyostelium discoideum cells. Previously we have shown that the mechanisms which regulate the translational activity of the r-protein mRNAs operate at the level of translational initiation and do not involve changes in polyadenylation or capping. By analysing the translational behavior of chimeric and mutant mRNAs in transformed cells, we have now been able to localize the determinants of translational activity of one of the r-protein mRNAs to the 5′-untranslated region. Although this and other r-protein mRNAs differ strikingly from the Dictyostelium consensus in the region of the initiator AUG codon, we find that improving the match to that consensus does not increase the translational activity of the message in developing cells. Current experiments are designed to determine whether translational regulation is mediated by strong interactions with specific inhibitors or by weak interactions with translational initiation factors.
Interrelationships between energy and fat metabolism and hypophagia in rats treated with perfluorodecanoic acid.

Energy metabolism and body composition were investigated in perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)-treated rats (single i.p. dose of 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg) and their respective pair-fed counterparts 7 days after dosing. Cumulative feed intake and body weight were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. However, PFDA-treated rats either gained less weight or lost more weight (dependent on the dose administered) than their pair-fed, vehicle-treated counterparts, even though feed intake in these two treatment groups was similar. Energy expenditure, determined indirectly by quantifying oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, decreased in a dose-dependent fashion, yet it was similar in PFDA-treated rats and their pair-fed counterparts at a given dose. Body composition analysis indicated a dose-dependent decrease in carcass water and protein content in both PFDA-treated rats and pair-fed partners, while total amount of ash remained unchanged in all treatment groups. These alterations in body composition are compatible with a negative energy balance. Even though PFDA-treated rats had a lower body weight than their pair-fed counterparts at each dose level, they were found to have a greater carcass fat content. Thus, at maintenance (i.e., zero change of body weight) PFDA-treated rats require a higher caloric intake associated with a greater body fat content than vehicle-treated animals.
Stage III and localized stage IV breast cancer: irradiation alone vs irradiation plus surgery

Abstract One hundred forty-seven patients with non-inflammatory, Stage III and IV breast cancer were treated with irradiation alone (54 patients) or with a combination of irradiation and mastectomy (93 patients). In the T 3 category, the local failure rate was 45% ( 5 11 ) for the irradiation alone patients vs 12% ( 3 25 ) for the irradiation plus surgery patients; in the T 4 category these figures were 65% ( 28 43 ) vs 13% ( 9 68 ), respectively. Corresponding local failure rates by size of primary tumor were 50% ( 2 4 ) vs 15% ( 5 29 ) for tumors 0–5 cm, 43% ( 9 21 ) vs 14% ( 6 45 ) for 5–8 cm tumors, and 75% ( 22 29 ) vs 54% ( 1 20 ) for tumors ≥8 cm. The rates of regional failure for the two treatment methods were compared according to N stage; they were 9% ( 2 23 ) for irradiation alone vs 11% ( 8 76 ) for irradiation plus surgery in the N 0–1 category, and 58% ( 18 31 ) vs 18% ( 3 17 ), respectively, for the N 2–3 category. A dose response analysis for patients with tumors greater than 5 cm treated with irradiation alone did not show a decrease in local failure rate with increasing total tumor dose over a range of 4000 to 7000 rad, suggesting that doses in this range are too low for these large tumors. Since a significant late complication rate has been reported with doses higher than this, patients with non-inflammatory, but large (>5 cm) tumors, should be treated with a combination of surgery and irradiation whenever possible to achieve maximum local-regional control with a minimum probability of complications. In 36 patients with inflammatory carcinoma, the rates of local and regional failure were 52% ( 15 29 ) and 38% ( 11 29 ), respectively, for patients treated with irradiation alone, and 14% ( 1 7 ) and 29% ( 2 7 ), respectively, for patients receiving irradiation plus surgery. Since none of these differences were statistically significant, one cannot conclude that surgery should necessarily play a role in the treatment of inflammatory carcinoma.
Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Structural Joints Using Nuts and Bolts

The majority of the structural failures of mechanical structures and systems are found in joints rather than continuous material. Joints have historically consisted of assemblies involving nuts, bolts, screws, etc. and the design and analysis of these joints can be quite challenging. This work provides two baselines on the finite element modeling (FEM) methods and analysis of a nut and bolt joint. The first baseline involves a basic modeling method using linear calculation of 2D plates and bar elements, and the second baseline involves one of the more complex methods using non-linear calculation of 3D solids. The two methods are described for modeling of a joint for two test conditions, namely the double shear joint in tension with two different bolt sizes and two plate thicknesses. First, the simplified method of rigid elements and equivalent strength beam elements is considered. This technique lacks the simulation of bearing stresses, stress concentration at the bolt hole location, and bending stiffness of the bolt. The second method, uses 3D models that provides the actual nut and bolt surfaces, bearing stresses are introduced in the joint modeling. Classical hand calculations are carried out on the static tests and compared with the FEM results. Additionally, the effects of element mesh refinement on the nut and bolt contact surfaces, and types of contacts are analyzed for the 3D models. A parametric study is carried out on the stresses developed and stress concentration factors.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Desire and Subcritical Life: An Attempted Rapprochement between Renaud Barbaras and Contemporary Systems Science

Recent work by Renaud Barbaras on the definition of life has shown the fecundity of a phenomenological approach that sees absence as having a positive status. This phenomenon allows Barbaras to identify life with “desire,” the indefinite exploration of the exterior world. It also allows Barbaras to defeat competing definitions of life in the sciences, particularly biology. In this paper, I propose a mutual complementarity between the work of Barbaras and that in contemporary systems science, namely by Stuart Kauffman, suggesting that scientific concepts of subcriticality may allow for more overlap between phenomenological and scientific definitions of life than Barbaras acknowledges.
Foliar nitrogen patterns following stand-replacing fire in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) forests of the Rocky Mountains, USA

Abstract Little previous work has been conducted on effects of natural, high-severity wildfires on nitrogen (N) dynamics. We measured aboveground plant biomass, foliar N, and net N mineralization 2 years after stand-replacing fires in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) forests in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA. We detected a five-fold difference in foliar N (% dry weight) among 14 species, from 0.77% in the native grass Calamagrostis rubescens, to 3.4% in the native N-fixer Lupinus argenteus and the non-native forb Lactuca serriola. We also observed higher foliar N in the burned stands for four of six species that occurred in both burned and unburned areas. Mean net N mineralization ranged from −23 to +27 mg-N kg soil−1 year−1, and was predominantly NO3−. However, total biomass and foliar N, for all species combined, showed no relationships with site, fire severity, or net N mineralization—possibly because of (i) lack of inorganic N limitation, (ii) methodological shortcomings, (iii) spatial structure existing at different scales than we measured, or (iv) insufficient plant biomass at this early stage of post-fire development to respond to local variation in N availability.
Explanation for the insensitivity to tilts of the electron diffraction patterns of amphibole asbestos fibers

The previously reported observation that the electron diffraction patterns of single amphibole UICC asbestos fibers are insensitive to tilts of ± 20° along and perpendicular to the fiber axis (Skikne, M. I., et al. (1971). Electron diffraction patterns of UICC asbestos sample Environ. Res.4, 141–145) are experimentally confirmed. An explanation for this effect is proposed based on thin sample effects for small tilts and on the pseudohexagonal symmetry of these crystals for larger tilts. Because of this effect it is difficult to distinguish the three monoclinic forms of single amphibole asbestos fibers without previous study of standard (naturally occurring) single crystals.
All signals go: investigating how individual differences affect performance on a medical diagnosis task designed to parallel a signals intelligence analyst task

Signals intelligence analysts play a critical role in the United States government by providing essential information regarding potential threats to national security to government leaders. Analysts perform complex decision-making tasks that involve gathering, sorting, and analyzing information. The current study aimed to evaluate how individual differences influence performance in an Internet search-based medical diagnosis task designed to simulate a signals analyst task. The individual differences of interest included working memory capacity and previous experience with elements of the task, specifically health literacy, prior experience using the Internet, and prior experience conducting Internet searches. Preliminary results indicated that working memory significantly predicted performance on this medical diagnosis task; conversely, medical literacy, prior experience using the Internet, and Internet search experience were not significanant predictors of performance. These results support previous research and provide additional evidence that working memory capacity greatly influences performance on cognitively complex decision-making tasks, whereas experience with elements of the task may not. These findings suggest that working memory capacity should be considered when screening individuals for signals intelligence analyst positions. Future research should aim to generalize these findings within a broader sample of individuals, ideally utilizing a task that directly replicates those performed by intelligence analysts.
Moisture Stress Effects on the Yield and Water Use of Sorghum Hybrids and their Parents

Little is known of the relationship between hybrids and parental material with respect to water use and drought resistance. Responses of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) F1 hybrids to moisture deficits are partially determined by parental material. The yield and water use of six sorghum hybrids and their respective male and female parents were evaluated under stressed and well irrigated conditions during 1980 and 1981 at Tucson, Arizona. The soil was Comoro loamy sand (coarse-loamy, mixed, calcareous, thermic typic Torrifluvent) with an average available soil moisture of 16 % at field capacity. Changes in soil moisture were monitored semi-weekly by neutron modulation. Meteorological data were collected daily. The 1980 season had higher maximum temperatures and pan evaporation than the 1981 season. Differences in cumulative water use among entries were apparent within the same water treatments during 1981. Mean cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) for the stressed treatment was 248 and 281 mm for 1980 and 1981, respectively, and ET under well irrigated conditions was 419 and 528 mm for 1980 and 1981, respectively. Hybrids produced greater grain yield than their parents under both water treatments. This was due to greater seed number for hybrids. Seed numbers were more stable for hybrids over both treatments than for parents. Hybrids four and seven had the greatest grain yield in 1980 and 1981, respectively, under stressed conditions. Water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly different within water treatments but was not so between the irrigated and stressed treatments. Hybrids WUE was generally greater than that of parents except for hybrid five under irrigated conditions in 1981. Hybrids with WUE and stable yields were not necessarily reflective of parental material under stressed and non-stressed environments.
Technical Decision-Making with Higher Order Structure Data: Specific Binding of a Nonionic Detergent Perturbs Higher Order Structure of a Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody

Robust higher order structure (HOS) characterization capability and strategy are critical throughout biopharmaceutical development from initial candidate selection and formulation screening to process optimization and manufacturing. This case study describes the utility of several orthogonal HOS methods as investigational tools during purification process development. An atypically high level of residual detergent in a development drug substance batch of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody triggered a root cause investigation. Several orthogonal biophysical techniques were used to uncover and characterize a specific interaction between the detergent and the antibody. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to quantify the molar ratio and affinity of the binding event, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate corresponding impacts on secondary/tertiary structure and thermal stability, respectively. As detergents are used routinely in biopharmaceutical processing, this case study highlights the value and power of HOS data in informing technical investigations and underlines the importance of HOS characterization as a component of overall biopharmaceutical analytical control strategy.
An Empirical Model of Gastric Evacuation Rates for Fish and an Analysis of Digestion in Piscivorous Brown Trout

Abstract The gastric evacuation rates of brown trout Salmo trutta (0.9–1.6 kg) feeding on fingerling rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (3.5–7.6 g) were measured in the laboratory at five temperatures (4.5, 9.0, 14.0, 19.0, and 22.5°C). Instantaneous gut evacuation rates (R e ) increased exponentially with temperature (T): R e = 0.053·e 0.073·T, r 2 = 0.98; they varyied from 7%·h–1 at 4.5°C to 29%·h–1 at 22.5°C. Linear regressions described the relationship between time and qualitative measures of fish digestion, thus allowing investigators to determine how long an ingested fish would be identifiable at different temperatures. An analysis of published evacuation rates (N = 121) of 22 fish species indicated that both temperature and prey size (PS, g wet weight) significantly affected digestion rate (R e ): R e = 0.049·e 0.072·T– 0.060 log e (PS) R 2 = 0.52. Predator size did not significantly affect rates of evacuation.
Systematic home-based physical and functional therapy for older persons after hip fracture

Abstract Objective: To describe the development, implementation, and results of a home-based rehabilitation protocol for older persons after hip fracture. Design: Demonstration study. Setting: Community. Participants: One hundred forty-eight community-living, nondemented participants at least 65 years of age who underwent repair of a fractured hip at two local hospitals. Intervention: A linked assessment-intervention, home-based rehabilitation strategy. The physical therapy (PT) component of the intervention was designed to identify and ameliorate impairments in balance, strength, transfers, gait, and stair climbing; the functional therapy (FT) component was designed to identify and improve unsafe and/or inefficient performance of specific activities of daily living (ADL). Main Outcome Measures: The percentage of participants able to complete each component and the extent of progress noted in strength, balance, transfers, gait, and daily functioning. Results: A total of 104 of the 148 participants (70%) completed the 6-month PT and FT program; 4 completed only PT and 6 refused both PT and FT. The remaining 32 participants (22%) received partial PT and FT that was terminated by death, hospitalization, or institutionalization. Seventy-seven percent of participants reported performing at least half of the recommended daily exercise sessions. Ninety-four percent and 96% of participants progressed in upper and lower extremity conditioning respectively; 33% progressed to the highest level in the graduated resisted exercise program. All participants progressed in the competency-based graded balance program, with 55% progressing to the fifth (most difficult) level. Similarly, the majority progressed in transfer maneuvers, stair climbing, and outdoor gait. One repetition maximum (RM) elbow extension increased from a mean of 5.8 (SD 4.6) pounds at baseline to 7.2 (SD 3.8) pounds at 6mo ( t 2.22; p t = 8.06; p p t = 16.6; p t = 17.03; p = .0001). Conclusions: This systematic assessment and intervention protocol, targeting impairments and ADL, was feasible, safe, and effective. Protocols such as the one presented should enhance the ability to implement rehabilitation programs for the increasing number of multiply impaired older persons receiving home-based therapy and to document the process and outcomes of this care.
Prevention of Slip-Related Backward Balance Loss: The Effect of Session Intensity and Frequency on Long-Term Retention

Abstract Bhatt T, Pai Y-C. Prevention of slip-related backward balance loss: the effect of session intensity and frequency on long-term retention. Objective To examine the effects of session intensity (number of slip exposures) and frequency on the retention of acquired adaptation for prevention of backward balance loss after repeated-slip training. Design A 4-group, randomized, and controlled study. Setting Biomechanics research laboratory. Participants Healthy young subjects (N=46; 21 men). Interventions Twenty-four subjects experienced a high-intensity session of 24 repeated right-side slips; 12 received additional single-slip sessions at a frequency of 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month, whereas the rest got no ancillary training. Another 24 subjects received a low-intensity initial session of a single slip; 12 received the same high-frequency ancillary training, whereas the rest got none. All groups were retested with a single slip 4 months after the first session. Main Outcome Measures The incidence of backward balance loss, gait stability, and limb support. Results The high-intensity groups, irrespective of ancillary training, displayed similar improvements in all 3 outcome measures. Remarkably, the low-intensity group receiving ancillary training also significantly improved in all measures, with retention comparable to that observed in the other 2 groups. A single-slip exposure without ancillary sessions was insufficient to yield a longer-term effect. Conclusions Frequent ancillary sessions may be unnecessary for slip-related fall prevention up to 4 months if the initial session intensity is sufficient. Furthermore, the minimum of a single slip may be as effective if the subject is exposed to frequent ancillary sessions.
Magic bullet, part III?

In this issue of Blood , Oliveri and colleagues and Magro and colleagues report pilot trials using imatinib for steroid refractory sclerotic cGVHD, showing response rates of 79% and 50%.[1][1],[2][2] Although there have been several phase I/II trials of new therapies for chronic graft-versus-host
Viability of the Encysted Metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni Judged by Light Microscopy Versus Chemical Excystation

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of encysted metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni stored in Locke's solution 1:1 at 4 C for 1–24 wk. Viability was judged by light microscopy (LM) based on morphological characteristics of the encysted metacercariae versus chemical excystation of the cysts in a trypsin–bile salts excystation medium. The percent viability was very similar under both methods of assessment at 4, 8, and 16 wk poststorage. At 1 and 24 wk poststorage, viability was found to be about 2× greater based on excystation than using LM. We concluded that LM alone underestimated the viability of cysts and that determination of cyst viability was more accurate under assessment by chemical excystation.
SOME NEW FRONTIERS IN PERSONNEL SELECTION RESEARCH

Current research developments in several areas of personnel selection methodology are reviewed. The areas reviewed represent attempts to develop alternatives to traditional paper-and-pencil methods of test development. These areas include computer-interactive tests in the employment situation, new ways of using life-history information, the use of physical tests in selecting individuals for physically demanding jobs, and the development of job-related medical standards for job assignment.
On the role of van der Waals interaction in chemical reactions at low temperatures

It is shown that van der Waals interaction potential plays a crucial role in chemical reactions at low temperatures. By taking the Cl+HD reaction as an illustrative example, we demonstrate that quasibound states of the van der Waals potential preferentially undergo chemical reaction rather than vibrational predissociation. Prereaction occurs even when the wave functions of the quasibound states peak far out into the entrance channel, outside the region of the van der Waals well. It is found that chemical reaction dominates over nonreactive vibrational quenching in collisions of vibrationally excited HD molecules with ground state chlorine atoms at ultracold temperatures.
The celestial fire of conscience -- refusing to deliver medical care.

R. Alta Charo describes how physicians, nurses, and pharmacists are increasingly claiming a right to the autonomy not only to refuse to provide services they find objectionable, but even to refuse to refer patients to another provider and, more recently, to inform them of the existence of legal options for care.
Social support for physical activity of middle school students.

Objective: To explore gender and age differences in social support and their relationship with physical activity. Design and sample: This cross-sectional study with enhanced reliability due to repeated measures involved 105 boys and 101 girls. Measurements: Information on sources and forms of social support, as well as physical activity, was obtained from students, who completed the same questionnaire twice, 2 weeks apart. Results: Boys, compared with girls, were more likely to name fathers and less likely to identify sisters. Compared with older boys, older girls were less likely to identify fathers. Older girls were less likely than both younger girls and older boys to name brothers. Students who identified fathers reported more minutes and days of physical activity and had a stronger physical activity self-definition than those who did not name fathers. Students who selected peers and sisters had more minutes of physical activity and a stronger physical activity self-definition, respectively, than those who did not name peers and sisters. Transportation and encouragement were related to physical activity. Conclusions: Gender differences in social support are not uniform across age groups. Awareness of these differences can inform the development of appropriate physical activity programs.
Stochastic modeling of carcinogenesis by state space models: a new approach

In this paper, we have developed some state space models for carcinogenesis involving multievent models and multiple pathways models. In these state space models, the stochastic system models are stochastic models of carcinogenesis expressed in terms of stochastic differential equations, whereas the observation models are statistical models based on the observed number of detectable preneoplastic lesions per individual over time and the observed number of detectable cancer tumors per individual over time. In this paper, we have applied some of the theories to some animal papillomas data from some initiation-promotion experiments on skin cancer in mice to estimate some unknown parameters. For this data set we have obtained excellent fit by a model with three piece-wise intervals.
Ultrafast absorption difference spectra of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson protein at 19 K: experiment and simulations

We describe simulations of absorption difference spectra in strongly coupled photosynthetic antennas. In the presence of large resonance couplings, distinctive features arise from excited-state absorption transitions between one- and two-exciton levels. We first outline the theory for the heterodimer and for the general N-pigment system, and we demonstrate the transition between the strong and weak coupling regimes. The theory is applied to Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) bacteriochlorophyll a protein trimers from the green photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aestuarii and then compared with experimental low-temperature absorption difference spectra of FMO trimers from the green bacterium Chlorobium tepidum.
The International Dimension of Subnational Self-Government

In recent decades, complex interdependence as well as domestic issues have encouraged many constituent governments of larger national polities to assert an international competence of their own, primarily in matters touching upon their respective jurisdictions, such as trade promotion, foreign investment, employment and rights offoreign workers, environmental and energy issues, and tourism. Two forms of the resulting paradiplomacy are identified: transborder regional regimes (dominantly based on informal consociational processes) and "global micro-diplomacy" which bring constituent governments, including those of major cities, into direct contact with foreign national and constituent governments. Examples of the latter include the permanent representations of U.S. states and Canadian provinces in Tokyo, Brussels, Frankfurt, and London. The international initiatives of constituent governments evoke various reactions from national governments, ranging from lack of concern to positive or highly negative responses, depending on their perception of these activities as being politically marginal, complementary with, redundant to, or conflicting with national foreign policy. From these activities there emerges the concept of a territorial state as a multivocal actor. Neither a blessing nor a curse, subnational presence on the international scene has become afact of life in an interdependent world.
Death Valley bright spot: A midcrustal magma body in the southern Great Basin, California?

A previously unrecognized midcrustal magma body may have been detected by COCORP deep seismic reflection profiles in the Death Valley region of the southern Great Basin. High-amplitude, relatively broad-band reflections at 6 s (15 km) are attributed to partially molten material within a subhorizontal intrusion. This “bright spot” extends laterally at least 15 km beneath central Death Valley. A moderately dipping normal fault can be traced from the inferred magma chamber upward to a 690 000-yr-old basaltic cinder cone. The fault zone is inferred to have been a magma conduit during the formation of the cinder cone. Vertical variations in crustal reflection character suggest that the Death Valley magma body may have been emplaced along a zone of decoupling that separates a faulted brittle upper crust from a more ductile and/or intruded lower crust. The Death Valley bright spot is similar to reflections recorded by COCORP in 1977 in the Rio Grande rift, where both geophysical and geodetic evidence support the inference of a tabular magma chamber at 20-km depth.