cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paying for enhanced service: comparing patients' experiences in a concierge and general medicine practice.

Background: Concierge medical practice is a relatively new and somewhat controversial development in primary-care practice. These practices promise patients more personalized care and dedicated service, in exchange for an annual membership fee paid by patients. The experiences of patients using these practices remain largely undocumented. Objective: To assess the experiences of patients in a concierge medicine practice compared with those in a general medicine practice. Methods: Stratified random samples of patients empanelled to each of the four doctors who practice at both a general medicine and a concierge medicine practice separately situated at an academic medical center were drawn. Patients were eligible for the study if they had a visit with the physician between January and May 2006. The study questionnaire (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group Survey, supplemented with items from the Ambulatory Care Experiences Survey) was administered by mail to 100 general medicine patients per physician (n = 400) and all eligible concierge medicine patients (n = 201). Patients who completed the survey and affirmed the study physician as their primary-care physician formed the analytic sample (n = 344) that was used to compare the experiences of concierge medicine and general medicine patients. Models controlled for respondent characteristics and accounted for patient clustering within physicians using physician fixed effects. Results: Patients’ experiences with organizational features of care, comprising care co-ordination (p < 0.01), access to care (p < 0.001) and interactions with office staff (p < 0.001), favored concierge medicine over general medicine practice. The quality of physician-patient interactions did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the patients of the concierge medicine practice were more likely to report that their physician spends sufficient time in clinical encounters than patients of the general medicine practice (p < 0.003). Conclusion: The results suggest patients of the concierge medicine practice experienced and reported enhanced service, greater access to care, and better care co-ordination than those of the general medicine practice. This suggests that further study to understand the etiology of these differences may be beneficial in enhancing patients’ experience in traditional primary-care practices.
A DNase I hypersensitive site near the murine γ1 switch region contributes to insertion site independence of transgenes and modulates the amount of transcripts induced by CD40 ligation

Several cis-acting elements regulate the expression of germline transcripts of heavy chain constant region genes and their subsequent switch recombination. To study such elements in the murine gamma1 gene, we have utilized a transgenic approach. In this study we focused on a DNase I hypersensitive site (termed 'Site II') that lies about 2 kb 3' of the gamma1 promoter region and I exon, just 5' to the gamma1 switch region. We have reported that gamma1 transgenes with Site II display the characteristics of a locus control region (LCR) in that they are insertion site independent and copy number dependent. For the present study we prepared six lines of transgenic mice that have the promoter region and I exon, but lack Site II. Expression of RNA from gamma1 transgenes that lack Site II is not correlated with transgene copy number; expression is insertion site dependent. This result indicates that DNase hypersensitive Site II is an important part of the LCR-like elements in the murine gamma1 gene. RNA expression from the gamma1 transgenes that lack Site II is inducible by IL-4 and by CD40 ligation. However, the induction of transgenic RNA expression by CD40 ligation is greater than expected, suggesting that elements within Site II participate in negative regulation of the amount of germline transcripts after CD40 ligation.
Retrieval of inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir from the bladder

We report a rare complication of a penile prosthesis reservoir removed from the urinary bladder in a patient with a history of radiation therapy and previous abdominal surgery. The reservoir was retrieved by open cystotomy 13 years after original placement.
Person-centered theory and the contemporary practice of psychological testing

Abstract This paper examines the effects of person-centered theory on contemporary psychological testing. Seven basic ideas or assumptions, which are integral to and guide the testing process, are identified and briefly discussed. Each idea is considered to have been affected either directly or indirectly by person-centered philosophy. Some of the ways in which these ideas are reflected in contemporary testing practice are indicated.
Maternal behavior, pup vocalizations, and pup temperature changes following handling in mice of 2 inbred strains

A cross-fostering design was used to examine maternal behavior, pup vocalizations, and pup temperature changes following an infantile procedure in C57BL/6J (C) and A/J (A) mice. In Experiment I, maternal behavior of C and A mothers after infantile handling differed in a number of ways irrespective of the strain of the foster pups. In addition, A pups were retrieved faster but licked less than were C pups by mothers of both strains. Handling appeared to increase the probability that strain differences would occur in that no differences between the lines, in either the behavior of the mothers or the capacity of the pups to elicit maternal behavior, were found during observations made just prior to daily handling. These observations also revealed that mothers of both strains treated same-strain foster pups differently than they treated foster pups of another strain. In Experiment II, A pups were found to emit more ultrasound following handling than were C pups, suggesting that retrieval but not pup-licking was stimulated by ultrasonic signals. Measurement of pup temperature during and following the handling procedure showed that (1) strain differences in ultrasonic signaling were not related to strain differences in the degree of hypothermia experienced by the pups; (2) recovery of body temperature following handling was slow for pups of both strains, and depended to some degree on the strain of the pups' foster mother; and (3) development of thermoregulation occurred more rapidly in C than A pups.
Progress Report on Two Unusual Alaskan Sediments--Recent Beach Carbonate From Three Entrance Bay, and Polished Grains From Easter Egg Hill: ABSTRACT

Modern southeastern Alaska cold-water skeletal carbonates are composed chiefly of whole and fragmented mollusks, barnacles, echinoderms, and foraminifers mixed with basalt pebbles and sand from the island bedrock. Average CaCO3 content is about 80 percent by weight and increases from 0 percent at -4^phgr (16.0 mm) to 88 percent at 4^phgr (0.0625 mm). Texturally this beach sediment is polymodal, with two dominant modes: a gravel mode about -4^phgr and a sand mode about 2^phgr (0.25 mm). Traces of carbonate mud are present. Fractionating this sediment into carbonate and silicate mineral phases shows that these gravel and sand modes are present in each mineral phase. This suggests that selective size sorting in the beach environment, rather than fragmentation into certain size classes, may be the chief process involved in the formation of modal size classes for this sediment. Highly polished particles occur in (?)Pleistocene pebbly sandy loess on a topographic ridge in interior Alaska. Most polished particles have near-perfect roundness and occur in all sizes between -5.1^phgr (34 mm) and 4^phgr (0.0625 mm). Polished grain surfaces essentially are smooth, with some pits and very few facets. Rounded and polished grains are mixed with totally angular and dull grains. Polished grains seem to have bimodal size distribution, being abundant about -3.6^phgr (12 mm) and 0.5^phgr (0.25 mm). Modes from size analysis of loess do not correspond to modes for abundance of polished grains. Attempts to duplicate polished grains by tumbling unpolished grains from the same locality with wet and dry loess failed. Most polished grains are quartz; some are chert. Origin of the e polished grains is uncertain. The following origins have been rejected: polish by wind-blown silt or ice crystals, solifluction, in situ chemical polish, and inheritance. It is believed that these polished grains are gizzard stones produced by Pleistocene bird(s). Gizzard stones collected from grouse and ptarmigan in late winter are highly polished. Unfortunately, modal classes of gizzard stones from birds now living in interior Alaska do not coincide with modes of polished grains from the loess; average size of grouse gizzard stones is -1.0^phgr (2.00 mm) and of ptarmigan stones is -1.3^phgr (2.5 mm). End_of_Article - Last_Page 532------------
A NATURALISTIC THEORY OF ARCHAIC MORAL ORDERS

. Cultural evolution, producing group-level adaptations, is more problematic than the cultural evolution of individually confirmable skills, but it probably has occurred. The “conformist transmission,” described by Boyd and Richerson (1985), leads local social units to become homogeneous in anadaptive, as well as adaptive, beliefs. The resulting intragroup homogeneity and inter-group heterogeneity makes possible a cultural selection of adaptive group ideologies. All archaic urban, division-of-labor social organizations had to overcome aspects of human nature produced by biological evolution, due to the predicament of genetic competition among the cooperators. The universal norms found in archaic moral systems are seen as curbs to this human nature, reinforced by beliefs in invisible sanction systems and rewarding and punishing afterlives (as in heaven or reincarnation). Perhaps the ubiquity of lavishly wasteful royal funerals is to be explained as contributing to this function.
An Analytical Model for the Threshold Voltage of Polysilicon Mosfet’s

An analytical model is developed to describe quantitatively the increase in the threshold voltage of n-channel polysilicon (poly-Si) MOSFET’s. The model takes into account charge-coupling between the gate and grain boundary traps. This charge-coupling appears in Poisson’s equation and a charge neutrality equation. A drift-diffusion mode of conduction is used to describe the turn-on characteristics that occur beyond the strong inversion threshold.
Paradoxes of diaspora, global identity and human rights: the deportation of Nigerians in Ireland

Abstract This article examines the contemporary reversal and rupture of the Nigerian diasporic flow to Ireland through the circumstances of deportation; emphasizing the utility of deportations in the discursive context of national identity, global standing, human rights and racism. Through an examination of the unique relationship between the Nigerian and Irish diasporas, it is argued that the state-level discourse and public policy regarding the deportation of Nigerian migrants in Ireland highlight the presence of ‘parallel’ and ‘catalytic’ diasporas that form what can be considered paradoxes of diaspora. The article also maintains that deportations: 1) facilitate the proliferation of national racisms and human rights violations through the legitimating mechanisms of international law; 2) expose the attempt at insuring a national Irish identity that is racialized as White; 3) bring into sharp relief the simultaneous determination of Nigeria to secure a reputation as democratic and Ireland to preserve its...
Fault localization using execution traces

This paper describes an approach to the automatic localization of program faults using execution traces. The traces are used to construct a directed graph that models the propagation of values during execution. Knowledge of which output values are incorrect is then used to narrow the region that must be examined by the person debugging the program. Algorithms to construct and analyze the graph have been designed and implemented.
Weak > Strong The Ironic Effect of Argument Strength on Supportive Advocacy

When people seek support for a cause, they typically present the strongest case they can muster. The present research suggests that under some conditions, the opposite strategy may be superior—in particular, presenting weak rather than strong arguments might stimulate greater advocacy and action. Across four studies, we show that when individuals already agree with a cause (i.e., it is pro-attitudinal), receiving weak arguments in its favor can prompt them into advocating more on its behalf. Perceived argumentation efficacy mediates this effect such that people exposed to weak arguments are more likely to think they have something valuable to contribute. Moreover, consistent with the notion that it is driven by feelings of increased efficacy, the effect is more likely to emerge when initial argumentation efficacy and attitude certainty are moderate or low. Individuals with high argumentation efficacy and high certainty generally advocate more, regardless of the strength of arguments received.
Numerical Simulation of Modal Vibration Response of Wavy Carbon Nanotubes

The potential use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in applications such as reinforcing materials in nanocomposites has motivated interest in the measurement of their mechanical properties. Several researchers have used the experimentally measured resonance frequencies of CNTs, along with classical beam theory for straight beams to `back out' CNT modulus values. However, from photomicrographic images of CNTs, it is clear that they are not straight, and that they typically have significant waviness or curvature associated with them. This research involves the development of carbon nanotube models using the finite element (FE) approach and the benchmarking of the developed models against results from other models and experiments. Subsequently, the FE models were used to study the effect of waviness and aspect ratio on the modal vibration response of CNTs, so that a better understanding of the characterization of their mechanical properties can be established. It was found that significant errors in `backed out' mo...
Geraniol interferes with membrane functions in strains ofCandida andSaccharomyces

Geraniol, an olefinic terpene, was found to inhibit growth ofCandida albicans andSaccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Geraniol was shown to enhance the rate of potassium leakage out of whole cells and also was shown by fluorescence polarization to increaseC. albicans membrane fluidity. Biophysical studies using differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence polarization and osmotic swelling of phospholipid vesicles demonstrated that geraniol decreased the phase-transition temperature of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles, affected fluidity throughout the bilayer, particularly the central portion of the bilayers, and caused an increase in bilayer permeability to erythritol. Geraniol may have potential use as an antifungal agent.
FORAMINIFERA OF HYDROCARBON SEEPS, GULF OF MEXICO

One hundred and eighty-three species of benthic Foraminifera were identified in a study of sediment substrates and tubeworm surfaces in (a) the Green Canyon, Garden Banks and Mississippi Canyon (245–1081 m) and (b) the Alaminos, Farnella and De Soto Canyons (1848–2918 m), Gulf of Mexico; the samples were obtained from submersibles in both seep and non-seep (control) areas. None of the species is endemic to seeps, but 20 species were previously unknown in the Gulf of Mexico. The imprint of water depth on foraminiferal assemblages is clearly detectable, because the species are recruited from the surrounding non-seep habitats. The two high-level surface-sample groups (clusters) recognized by numerical data analysis are distinguishable based on the bathymetric location of the sample sites. The shallower-water group contains all samples (seep and non-seep) from depths of 245–1081 m; the deeper-water (deepest-bathyal and abyssal) group contains all samples from 1848–2918 m. Foraminiferal species of wide-ranging morphologic and taxonomic affinities are able to maintain sizeable populations at sites of hydrocarbon seepage; the high bacterial productivity at the seeps could be a major factor in the sustenance of these populations. The most conspicuous dominants at seep-influenced substrates (bacterial mats) in the shallower cluster are endobenthic species, especially species of Bolivina , which are possibly facultative anaerobes. The pattern is not as clear in the deepest-bathyal and abyssal group, because some epibenthic species (e.g., Nuttallides decorata ) are present among the dominants. In the shallower areas, the diversity (species richness) of both calcareous and agglutinated Foraminifera is higher in non-seep than in seep substrates. This distinction too is not clear in the deepest-bathyal and abyssal areas. Post-mortem mixing of species from different microhabitats could have elevated the diversity at some sites. Twelve sessile, epibenthic Foraminifera have been found to colonize surfaces of vestimentiferan tubeworms (and possibly other elevated microhabitats) at the seeps, centimeters to decimeters above the sediment-water interface. These attachment points are sufficiently above locations of gas escape in the seafloor to provide the species with an oxic microhabitat with little or no H2S.
Comparative in Vitro Activities of Cefmenoxime (SCE-1365) and Newer Cephalosporin Derivatives of Clinical Utility

The minimal inhibitory concentrations of cefmenoxime (SCE-1365), cefotaxime, cefoperazone, and moxalactam against various species of aerobic bacteria were determined. The activities of cefmenoxime, cefotaxime, and moxalactam were generally similar and slightly higher than the activity of cefoperazone.
Fully 3D Bayesian image reconstruction for the ECAT EXACT HR

A fully 3D Bayesian method is described for high resolution reconstruction of images from the Siemens/CTI ECAT EXACT HR+ whole body positron emission tomography (PET) scanner. To maximize resolution recovery from the system the authors model depth dependent geometric efficiency, intrinsic detector efficiency, photon pair non-colinearity, crystal penetration and inter-crystal scatter. They also explicitly model the effects of axial rebinning and angular mashing on the detection probability or system matrix. By fully exploiting sinogram symmetries and using a factored system matrix and automated indexing schemes, the authors are able to achieve substantial savings in both the storage size and time required to compute forward and backward projections. Reconstruction times are further reduced using multi-threaded programming on a four processor Unix server. Bayesian reconstructions are computed using a Huber prior and a shifted-Poisson likelihood model that accounts for the effects of randoms subtraction and scatter. Reconstructions of phantom data show that the 3D Bayesian method can achieve improved FWHM resolution and contrast recovery ratios at matched background noise levels compared to both the 3D reprojection method and an OSEM method based on the shifted-Poisson model.
Surface coil artifact attenuation and normality testing of MRI data

One niche for image processing is in the attenuation of image artifacts, especially those resulting from surface coil use. An algorithm is introduced which successfully reduces surface coil artifacts while maintaining useful image information. The artifact-suppression procedure has been tested on images from both breast and spine coils. The corrected images exhibit improvement in tissue class statistics. >
Hyperoxia reduces proliferation and increases the protein content of human bronchial smooth muscle cell cultures. † 1825

Oxygen-induced lung injury is frequently associated with increased airway smooth muscle wall thickness. Recent animal studies show that both the length of exposure and O2 concentration influence whether the smooth muscle cell response is hyperplastic or hypertrophic. To determine the effect of these variables in vitro, we investigated the response of human bronchial smooth muscle cells to 1-5 days of O2. METHODS: Cells were plated 2×104 cells/ml and placed in either 21% O2 (CON), 70% O2 (70%), or 95% O2 (95%) plus 5%CO2. Data was collected at 24, 72, and 120 hours. Proliferative indices measured were3 H-thymidine incorporation (dpm/well), colorimetric determination of bioreduced dehyrogenase-dependent MTS tertrazolium (MTS, absorbance), and direct cell counts. Protein content was assessed using a BCA colorimetric assay standardized for cell number (μg/104 cells). Plates were run in replicates of 5 and significance of relationships tested by repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison testing. RESULTS:Table 3H-thymidine counts were similar between O2 groups, however, O2 was associated with decreased counts over time and compared to CON (p<0.001, ANOVA). Protein increased over time and 70% and 95% O2 displayed greater increases than CON (p<0.001, ANOVA). MTS followed a similar trend, although 95% showed a greater reduction at 120 hrs than 70% O2. CONCLUSIONS: High dose O2 inhibits proliferation of human bronchial smooth muscle cells and increases cellular protein content. Lower MTS values at 120 hrs in 95% than 70% O2 implies concentration-dependent alterations of enzyme translation/induction processes. These findings indicate that, in human cell lines, O2 toxicity is responsible for airway smooth muscle hypertrophy while other exogenous factors induce smooth muscle hyperplasia.
Neurogenic origin of an experimental myopathy induced by the ionophore A23187

Abstract An experimental myopathy was induced in frog skeletal muscle incubated in vitro with the calcium ionophore A23187. This myopathy could be prevented if Ca 2+ ions in the incubating medium were replaced by either Mg 2+ or Co 2+ ions. Similarly, preincubation of the preparation with acetylcholine (ACh) receptor blockers such as d -tubocurarine ( d -TC) or α-bungarotoxin (α-ButX) prevented the development of muscle damage. In muscles that had been previously denervated or treated with botulinum toxin (BTX) the ionophore failed to induce morphological alterations. These results suggest that spontaneous transmitter release, greatly increased by the ionophore A23187, triggers Ca 2+ influx into the muscle fibres at the endplate region. Elevated levels of intracellular Ca 2+ presumably activate proteolytic systems leading to myofilament disassembly.
Mélange in the Trondheim Nappe suggests a new tectonic model for central Norwegian Caledonides

Extensive melange exists near the base of the Trondheim Nappe, indicating tectonisation of syndepositionally deformed chaotic deposits. The melange is associated with other features that are characteristic of forearc accretionary prisms. Such a tectonic setting for the Trondheim Nappe has profound implications for the evolution of the Scandinavian Caledonides.
Elise plans and progress

Abstract Elise is a heavy-ion induction linear accelerator that will demonstrate beam manipulations required in a driver for inertial fusion energy. With a line charge density similar to that of heavy-ions drivers, Elise will accelerate a beam pulse (duration of 1 μs or more) of K + ions from an initial energy of 2 MeV to a final energy 5 MeV or more. In the present design, the Elise electrostatic quadrupoles (ESQs) will have an aperture of radius 2.33 cm operating at ± 59 kV. The half-lattice periods range from 21 to 31 cm. The entire machine will be approximately 30 m long, half of which is the induction accelerator with the remaining half being the injector (including the Marx generator) and the matching section. Elise will be built in a way that allows future expansion into the full Induction Linear Accelerator Systems Experiments (ILSE) configuration, so it will have an array of four ESQ focusing channels capable of transporting up to a total of 3.2 A of beam current. Elise will also have an active alignment system with an alignment tolerance of less than 0.1 mm. Initially, only one beam channel will be used during nominal Elise operation. At the currently expected funding rate, the construction time will be 4.75 years, with FY95 being an extra year for research and development before construction. Total project cost is estimated to be US$25.9m, including contingency costs.
The Prevalence of Clergy Sexual Advances Toward Adults in Their Congregations

We use the 2008 General Social Survey to estimate the prevalence of clergy sexual advances toward adults in their congregations. Overall, 3.1 percent of women who attend religious services at least monthly reported being the object of a sexual advance by a clergyperson or religious leader in their own congregation since turning 18; 2.2 percent of regularly attending women reported a sexual advance from a married leader that did not lead to an openly acknowledged relationship. We examine differences in the prevalence of this experience by education, region, religious tradition, marital status, age, and race.
What the future holds for women after menopause: where we have been, where we are, and where we want to go

With an increasing world population of postmenopausal women, providers of health care need to focus on improving the quality of life as well as the longevity of women. This review emphasizes the importance of health care for postmenopausal women, particularly the role of menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT), from the perspective of where we have been, where we are now, and where we can expect to be in the future. Use of MHT increased dramatically in the 1980s and then fell very abruptly in the early 2000s with the publications of various randomized hormonal trials, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). The recent publications from the WHI with 13 years of follow-up are different from the initial reports and do not show an increase in cardiovascular risk in any age group (with the exception of venous thrombosis). Breast cancer risk increased marginally with estrogen/progestogen therapy, related to duration of use, but with estrogen-alone therapy, breast cancer risk decreased significantly, as did mortality. For younger women receiving estrogen alone, there is great consistency between all randomized trials, including the WHI and observational data showing a coronary benefit and a decrease in all-cause mortality. Recent data also confirm the 'timing hypothesis', suggesting that younger women benefit from MHT, while older women do not exhibit this effect. In the future, we will have many more genetic and molecular tools to guide therapy and risk assessment, as we move into an era of personalized medicine. An important opportunity presents at the onset of menopause to prevent diseases which usually occur some 10 years later. Part of this preventative strategy may involve MHT.
Evidence-based teaching practice: implications for behavioral health.

Educational practices and strategies have changed very little over the years, and even emerging advances in technology have become the prisoners of traditional academic norms. Thus, while there is increasing emphasis on evaluating and aligning caregiving processes with the strongest evidence of effectiveness, there is little demonstration or role-modeling of this same expectation in either the formal or continuing educational processes of behavioral healthcare providers. This “disconnect” is a significant problem in the field. This paper addresses the urgent need to inform the education and training of the behavioral health workforce with current theories regarding the teaching–learning process and evidence about the effectiveness of various teaching strategies. The relevant theories and available bodies of evidence are described, and the implications for workforce education and training are identified.
Micromachined quartz resonator-based high performance thermal sensors

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of temperature sensitive quartz resonators fabricated using heterogeneous integration methods for realizing high-density, thermal conductance fluctuation limited thermal sensors for infrared imaging and biochemical sensing applications. An integrated quartz sensor array using CMOS-compatible micromachining techniques has been designed and fabricated. 241 MHz micromachined resonators from F-cut quartz crystal cuts were fabricated with a temperature sensitivity of 22.162 kHz/°C. Infrared measurements on the resonator pixel resulted in a noise equivalent power (NEP) of 3.90 nW/Hz1/2, detectivity D* of 9.17 ×107 cmHz1/2/W, and noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) in the 8–12 µm wavelength region of 4 mK and a response time of < 30 Hz. In a unique new application a remotely coupled thermal sensor configuration was used to monitor biochemical reactions in real time.
Crystal structures of a halophilic archaeal malate synthase from Haloferax volcanii and comparisons with isoforms A and G

Malate synthase, one of the two enzymes unique to the glyoxylate cycle, is found in all three domains of life, and is crucial to the utilization of two-carbon compounds for net biosynthetic pathways such as gluconeogenesis. In addition to the main isoforms A and G, so named because of their differential expression in E. coli grown on either acetate or glycolate respectively, a third distinct isoform has been identified. These three isoforms differ considerably in size and sequence conservation. The A isoform (MSA) comprises ~530 residues, the G isoform (MSG) is ~730 residues, and this third isoform (MSH-halophilic) is ~430 residues in length. Both isoforms A and G have been structurally characterized in detail, but no structures have been reported for the H isoform which has been found thus far only in members of the halophilic Archaea. We have solved the structure of a malate synthase H (MSH) isoform member from Haloferax volcanii in complex with glyoxylate at 2.51 A resolution, and also as a ternary complex with acetyl-coenzyme A and pyruvate at 1.95 A. Like the A and G isoforms, MSH is based on a β8/α8 (TIM) barrel. Unlike previously solved malate synthase structures which are all monomeric, this enzyme is found in the native state as a trimer/hexamer equilibrium. Compared to isoforms A and G, MSH displays deletion of an N-terminal domain and a smaller deletion at the C-terminus. The MSH active site is closely superimposable with those of MSA and MSG, with the ternary complex indicating a nucleophilic attack on pyruvate by the enolate intermediate of acetyl-coenzyme A. The reported structures of MSH from Haloferax volcanii allow a detailed analysis and comparison with previously solved structures of isoforms A and G. These structural comparisons provide insight into evolutionary relationships among these isoforms, and also indicate that despite the size and sequence variation, and the truncated C-terminal domain of the H isoform, the catalytic mechanism is conserved. Sequence analysis in light of the structure indicates that additional members of isoform H likely exist in the databases but have been misannotated.
OPTIMAL DESIGN WITH DISCRETE VARIABLES: SOME NUMERICAL EXPERIMENTS

Continuous–discrete variable non-linear optimization problems are defined and categorized into six different types. These include a full range of problems from continuous to purely discrete and non-differentiable. Methods for solution of these problems are studied and their characteristics are catalogued. The branch and bound, simulated annealing and genetic algorithms are found to be the most general methods for solving discrete problems. After some enhancements, these and two other methods are implemented into a program for certain applications. Several example problems are solved to study performance of the methods. It is concluded that solution of the mixed variable non-linear optimization problems usually requires considerable more computational effort compared to the continuous variable optimization problems. In addition, there is no guarantee that the best solution has been obtained; however, good practical solutions are usually obtained. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing RNA Kissing Interactions at Single-Molecule and Ensemble Levels

Single-molecule and ensemble techniques are employed to take different perspectives to complex, heterogeneous systems. The challenge remains whether we can interpret results from the two different approaches using a unified thermodynamic framework, despite the differences in experimental procedures and conditions? In RNA mediated gene regulations, RNA kissing complexes, a type of loop-loop interaction, play a critical role in speeding RNA-RNA interactions. However, to form a kissing complex, a regulatory hairpin must compete with RNAs for various targets and non-targets. To probe such an interacting network, we use optical tweezers to determine thermodynamics of each type of kissing complexes one molecule at a time, and use mass spectrometry to take a snapshot of simultaneous equilibria of multiple kissing interactions by many molecules. Especially, we examine strength of relatively weak kissing interactions at single-molecule level and monitor their competition with formation of stronger kissing structures at ensemble level. To compare the two types of measurements, we take into account different experimental conditions, including salts, concentrations of RNAs, time vs. numerical averaging, equilibrium vs. non-equilibrium, and difference between intra- and intermolecular interactions. With these adjustments, we establish a quantitative correlation between two types of measurements, which can be used to accurately predict abundance of subpopulations, especially that of rare species, in a heterogeneous mixture. These results show that complementary information of an interacting network, generated by the two-pronged methodology, can be unified in a thermodynamic framework.
Upper limb ischemia resulting from arterial thromboembolism

Acute ischemia of the upper limb is commonly caused by trauma and embolic arterial occlusion. However, primary atherosclerotic thrombosis is found infrequently and concern regarding its incidence, recognition, and treatment prompted a review of our clinical experience. Of 36 patients with acute ischemia of the upper limb, 17 (47.2 per cent) had embolic occlusion, 9 (25 per cent) iatrogenic thrombosis in the brachial artery, and 10 (27.8 per cent) primary arterial thrombosis. Of the total group, noncardiac arterial emboli (two patients) and primary atherosclerotic thrombosis (six patients) accounted for 8 of 36 (22.2 per cent) ischemic limbs. Including 2 additional patients who had atherosclerotic thrombosis associated with trauma, the total number represented 10 of 36 (27.8 per cent). An aggressive approach to the undiagnosed patient with acute ischemia of the upper limb is warranted, including the use of arteriography in most cases. In patients with iatrogenic thrombosis in the brachial artery, we believe that the routine use of intraoperative arteriograms may improve the operative results.
Inconsistency in inventory loss measurements under the LCM rule

Abstract This paper demonstratess that the propensity for student to rely on memorized measuremrnt shortcuts in the application of the LCM rule is attributable to a lack of clear measurement objectives for inventory losses in the professional standards. Any one of three possible definitions of loss might be applicable to a valuation case and there is no criterion for the selection of which loss concept is applicable until after the valuations have been made. Without an intelligble conceptual guide, students are left with only memorized rules in solving LCM problems.
The Relation of the Slave and the Client to the Master or Patron in Medieval Islam

In antiquity and in the Middle Ages slavery played a significant role in the military, economic, political and social life of the Near East. Many studies have been made of these aspects of life, but little has been said in the context of Islam about the psychological bonds which, at least to some extent, characterize the relationship between slave or freedman and master. The institution of ‘mutual alliance’ also played an important part in Islamic history, and there were certain similarities between the relation of the ‘ally’ to the patron on the one hand, and of the freedman to the former master on the other. But it is the purpose of this discussion, in part, to point out some basic differences between the two relationships.
Neural mechanisms of complex-sound processing for echolocation

For echolocation, the mustached bat ( Pteronotus parnellii rubiginosus .) emits orientation sounds containing up to four harmonics, each of which consists of a long constant-frequency (CF) component followed by a short frequency-modulated (FM) component. An echo usually overlaps with the emitted sound. Therefore the bat must extract different types of biosonar information from the complex sound consisting of up to 16 components. Target-velocity information is carried by Doppler shift, i.e. the difference in frequency between the CF components in the emitted orientation sound and the returning echo. The CF/CF area in the auditory cortex of this species contains two types of CF/CF neurons which show a strong facilitation of response to the CF component of the echo combined with the CF component of the orientation sound with particular amounts of frequency differences. The CF/CF area has frequency vs. frequency co-ordinates by which Doppler-shift (target-velocity) information is systematically represented. On the other hand, target-range information is carried by the time interval (echo delay) between the FM components in the emitted orientation sound and the returning echo. The FM-FM area in the auditory cortex consists of three types of FM-FM neurons which show a strong facilitation of response to the FM component of the echo following the FM component of the orientation sound with particular time delays (best delays). These neurons are systematically arranged in the FM-FM area according to the values of their best delays and form the time axis, i.e. range axis.
NEATER2: a PL/I source statement reformatter

NEATER2 accepts a PL/I source program and operates on it to produce a reformatted version. When in the LOGICAL mode, NEATER2 indicates the logical structure of the source program in the indentation pattern of its output. Logic errors discovered through NEATER2 logical analysis are discovered much more economically than is possible through compilation and trial runs. A number of options are available to give the user full control over the output format and to maximize the utility of NEATER2 as an aid during the early stages of development of a PL/I source deck. One option, USAGE, causes NEATER2 to insert into each logical unit of coding a statement which will cause the number of times each one is executed to be recorded during execution. This feature is expected to provide a major aid in optimization of PL/I programs.
Hodgkin's disease of the esophagus: report of a case

Most esophageal malignancies are either squamous carcinomas or adenocarcinomas arising in the background of Barrett's esophagus. We describe a case of an 85-yr-old woman in whom the diagnosis of esophageal malignancy was difficult to confirm despite its endoscopic appearance and previous biopsies. This case illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing Hodgkin's disease of the esophagus. Despite the rarity of this entity, if clinically indicated by symptoms, large, deep biopsies by rigid esophagoscopy should be considered.
Effects of plasma sheet properties on storm‐time ring current

[1] Using an electrically self-consistent kinetic ring current model, we investigate how different conditions of plasma sheet distribution affect the ring current properties. Results include comparative studies in (1) varying the radial distance of the plasma sheet boundary; (2) varying local time distribution of the source population; (3) varying the source spectra, with #2 as our main focus. Our results show that a source that is farther away from Earth leads to a stronger ring current than a source that is closer to the Earth. Local time distribution of the source plays an important role in determining both the radial and azimuthal (local time) location of the ring current peak pressure. We found that postmidnight source locations generally lead to a stronger ring current. This finding is in agreement with Lavraud et al. (2008). However, our results do not exhibit any simple dependence of the local time distribution of the peak ring current (within the lower energy range) on the local time distribution of the source, as suggested by Lavraud et al. (2008). Instead, the local time distribution of source populations has to compete with the dynamically updated self-consistent electric field (through the coupling to the ionosphere) in controlling the ring current intensity and peak location. Our results also show that different source spectra lead to different (though the difference may not be very significant) ring current intensities and that low-energy plasma in the kiloelectron volt range at the boundary constitutes a dominant source population to the ring current. In addition, we found that the radial location of source population is also important to ring current development.
Resistance to multiple leaf spot diseases in wheat

Tan spot (TS), Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), and Septoria tritici blotch (STB) are three major leaf spot diseases of wheat worldwide. Host plant resistance (HPR) is one of the main components in the management of these diseases in wheat. The objective of this study was to identify new sources of resistance to TS (races 1 and 5), SNB, and STB. A total of 164 wheat genotypes developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico were individually evaluated for TS, SNB and STB in spring and fall of 2006 in the greenhouse. Two experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of 164 wheat genotypes planted in cones with three seedlings/genotype in each cone and disease reaction was assessed for each race or pathogen at the two- to three-leaf stage. Based on the disease reactions, three wheat genotypes were resistant to both TS and SNB, while 13 genotypes were resistant to TS and STB. Similarly, 13 genotypes were resistant to both SNB and STB. In addition, four wheat genotypes were highly resistant to TS, SNB, and STB. These results suggest that the resistant genotypes identified in this study possess high levels of resistance to multiple leaf spot diseases and could be valuable sources for wheat improvement programs.
Low temperature dynamic mechanical properties of polyurethane-polyether block copolymers

Dynamical mechanical relaxation spectra of a number of polyurethane-polyether block copolymers have been studied as a function of composition, temperature and frequency. At low temperatures these copolymers are characterized by a high glass-like modulus which decreases to a much lower typically elastomeric value in a narrow temperature range. The latter is a function in certain cases of the composition of the polymer. The rubbery plateau is maintained up to at least 140°C. In addition, a secondary relaxation is observed around −130°C. These observations can be interpreted in terms of an overall structure consisting of a polyether matrix containing segregated polyurethane domains, the latter serving as physical crosslinks in the system at ambient temperatures and above.
Laser Diode-based Lidar and Applications

Diode lasers have many properties which make them attractive for use in small laser remote sensing instruments.
Polyps in the large bowel in children

The presentation of large bowel polyps in children is discussed and a classification is presented. The retention polyp which is usually single and in the rectum, accounted for 85% of a series of 194 polyps. The types of polyps which are neoplastic, hamartomatous, inflammatory and lymphoid, are discussed. The method of double contrast enema used is described.
A 200 year sub-annual record of sulfate in West Antarctica, from 16 ice cores

Sixteen high-resolution ice-core records from West Antarctica and South Pole are used to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of sulfate for the last 200 years. The preservation of seasonal layers throughout the length of each record results in a dating accuracy of better than 1 year based on known global-scale volcanic events. A dual transport source for West Antarctic sea-salt (ss) SO4 2- and excess (xs) SO4 2- is observed: lower-tropospheric for areas below 1000 m elevation and mid-/upper-tropospheric/stratospheric for areas located above 1000 m. Our xsSO4 2- records with volcanic peaks removed do not display any evidence of an anthropogenic impact on West Antarctic SO4 2- concentrations but do reveal that a major climate transition takes place over West Antarctica at �1940. Global-scale volcanic eruptions appear as significant peaks in the robust-spline residual xsSO 4 2- records from sites located above 1000 m elevation but do not appear in the residual records from sites located below 1000 m.
More on Transformations and Moderated Regression Analysis: Advantages of Additivity and Homoscedasticity Transformations

This article addresses advantages of performing transformations that eliminate interactions in both moderated regression and analysis of variance models, when these transformations also result in homoscedasticity, and when the transformed scores attain at least the same level of measurement as the raw scores. It is shown that these transformations are in fact what have been called subgroup variance equating transformations (SVET), though equality of subgroup variances is a side effect of eliminating interactions and heteroscedasticity. Moderated regression analyses of these transformed data have the following advantages over comparable analyses of raw data: (a) greater tenability of the assumptions of analysis of variance (and moderated regression) models, (b) potentially much greater sensitivity of main effects significance tests, and (c) simpler (more parsimonious) interpretations.
Inflammation and the host response to injury, a large-scale collaborative project: Patient-oriented research core - Standard operating procedures for clinical Care. III. Guidelines for shock resuscitation

Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury, a Large-Scale Collaborative Project: Patient-Oriented Research Core—Standard Operating Procedures for Clinical Care: III. Guidelines for Shock Resuscitation Frederick Moore;Bruce McKinley;Ernest Moore;Avery Nathens;Michael West;Michael Shapiro;Paul Bankey;Bradley Freeman;Brian Harbrecht;Jeffrey Johnson;Joseph Minei;Ronald Maier; The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care
Planar nitric oxide (NO)-selective ultramicroelectrode sensor for measuring localized NO surface concentrations at xerogel microarrays

A planar ultramicroelectrode nitric oxide (NO) sensor was fabricated to measure the local NO surface concentrations from NO-releasing microarrays of varying geometries. The sensor consisted of platinized Pt (25 µm) working electrode and a silver paint reference electrode coated with a thin silicone rubber gas permeable membrane. An internal hydrogel layer separated the Pt working electrode and gas permeable membrane. The total diameter of the sensor was ≤50 µm, and demonstrated negligible analyte trapping effects. The sensitivity and response time of the ultramicroelectrode sensor to NO were 0.19 ± 0.07 pA nM−1 and 1–4 s, respectively, with a 5 nM limit of detection. The sensor was employed to correlate the steady-state NO surface concentration and observed platelet adhesion resistance. Results indicate that the required steady-state NO concentration necessary to inhibit platelet adhesion to the micropatterned xerogels depends on the xerogel geometry.
Aperture Filtering and Saturation of Scintillation

Simple dimensional analysis shows that many scintillation phenomena can be interpreted in terms of aperture filtering. The saturation of stellar scintillation at large zenith angles cannot be accounted for by dispersion, but can be accounted for by a combination of dispersion and seeing-disk filtering.