cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymic joining of polynucleotides: IV. Formation of a circular deoxyadenylate-deoxythymidylate copolymer☆

The polynucleotide-joining enzyme from Escherichia coli catalyzes an intra-molecular joining reaction with linear deoxyadenylate-deoxythymidylate oligomers leading to the formation of single-stranded circular molecules. The rate of circle formation from oligomers in the range of 34 to 60 nucleotide residues increases with increasing chain length and temperature. The smallest circle thus far synthesized is composed of 34 to 36 nucleotides.
On the rectification of measurement errors for complex chemical plants: Steady state analysis

Abstract An algorithmic approach is developed in the present work, which allows: (i) the classification of the measured and unmeasured process variables, (ii) The estimation of the desired unmeasured variables (using available measurements) in a complex chemical plant and (iii) the rectification of the process measurements. The method is very general and unlike the previous works it can be used in conjunction with linear and nonlinear mass and heat balances. The size of the estimation problem has been reduced significantly. Different algorithms are presented which permit the solution of special practical problems, and stochastic tests are proposed to check the consistency of the process data and detect gross measurement errors. Several examples demonstrate the developed algorithms and indicate the usefulness of the proposed approach, in classifying and estimating the processing variables and adjusting the process data through the utilization of mass and heat balances.
The selective use of vaginal hysterectomy in the management of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium

Abstract Vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 56 patients with Stage I adenocarcinoma of the endometrium who were selected because of obesity or major medical problems that placed the patients at high risk for morbidity and death with an abdominal operation. Seventy percent of the patients were hypertensive and 29% were diabetic. The median weight for the 56 patients was 211 pounds. Ten patients who were age 40 or younger were included, and all showed signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. This subgroup of patients was significantly more obese, with a median weight of 331 pounds. Adjuvant radiation therapy was used in 32 of the 56 patients. There was one postoperative death from a pulmonary embolus, but there were few other major complications. The actuarial survival probability was 94% for all patients. With grade 1 tumors, the 5-year survival rate was 98%; with grade 2 tumors, it was 78%; and with grade 3 tumors, it was 84%. Although we do not recommend that vaginal hysterectomy become routine, it has cure rates comparable to those with abdominal hysterectomy and should be considered in patients who are a poor surgical risk, particularly patients with grade 1 tumors.
Compatibility of intraocular lenses with blood and connective tissue cells measured by cellular deposition and inflammatory response in vitro

Injection molded poly(methyl methacrylate) (IM-PMMA), lathe-cut PMMA (LC-PMMA), heparin surface modified PMMA (HSM-PMMA), silicone, and polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (polyHEMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) were incubated with platelets, granulocytes, mouse macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells and mouse fibrosarcoma L929 cells to examine their compatibility. The number of cells attached to the IOL was counted after the central IOL area (0.04 mm2) was photographed with an inverted light microscope. Cell morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). More platelets and granulocytes were attached to the IM-PMMA and silicone IOLs than to the HSM-PMMA and polyHEMA IOLs (P less than .05). RAW 264.7 and L929 cells grew on PMMA-based and silicone IOLs, whereas HSM-PMMA and polyHEMA IOLs did not support an abundant growth of these cells. Granulocytes were incubated with the IOLs in the presence of Luminol and the generation of chemiluminescence was measured. Poly(methyl methacrylate)-based IOLs caused granulocytes to release significant amounts of oxygen radicals, while the polyHEMA IOL was almost inactive in stimulating granulocytes. Silicone and HSM-PMMA IOLs showed an intermediate level of stimulating activity. The light intensity reached a peak within 14 minutes with the IM-PMMA IOL, and in about 18 minutes with the other IOLs. Our results suggest that IOL hydrophilicity prevents attachment of cells and that a hydrophilic, soft surface can discourage granulocyte stimulation.
Co-linearity of β-Galactosidase with Its Gene by Immunological Detection of Incomplete Polypeptide Chains

Many nonsense mutants that map in the β-galactosidase structural gene produce material that forms precipitin lines when tested by double diffusion on agar against antiserum prepared from native β-galactosidase. Relative sizes of the cross-reacting materia!s measured by sucrose density gradient centrifugation are the same as sizes calculated from genetic mapping of nonsense mutants. Orientation of the protein to its gene is also indicated.
Electrostatic modes as a diagnostic in Penning-trap experiments.

A subset of the electrostatic modes of a cold cloud of electrons, a non-neutral electron plasma, trapped in a Penning trap has been observed and identified using a recent theoretical model. The detection of these modes is accomplished using electronic techniques which could apply to any ion species. The modes are observed in the low-density, low-rotation limit of the cloud where the cloud approaches a two-dimensional charged disk. We observe both axially symmetric and asymmetric drumhead modes. The shape, rotation frequency, and density of the cloud are found in a real-time nondestructive manner by measuring the frequency of these modes. In addition, it is found that radio-frequency sideband cooling compresses the cloud, increasing its density. The ability to measure and control the density of a trapped ion cloud might be useful for experiments on low-temperature ion\char21{}neutral-atom collisions, recombination rates, and studies of the confinement properties of non-neutral plasmas.
Optical characteristics of femtosecond laser micromachined periodic structures in Si .

A frequency doubled Ti:sapphire laser of 400 nm wavelength, 160 fs pulse width, and 1 kHz repetition rate, combined with a high resolution computer-controlled X-Y stage, was used to direct write periodic structures on Si . Laser pulses of ~130 nJ energy were focused using an objective lens of 0.65 NA. Laser micromachining yielded lines of 700 nm width and ablation depths of 600 nm. One- and two-dimensional periodic structures of 5 and 5×5 μm spacing were fabricated, and the structures were characterized by using optical and atomic force microscopy. The light diffraction characteristics of the periodic 1D and 2D patterns were examined. The diffraction properties of the 1D structures were highly dependent upon the light polarization orientation with respect to the micromachining direction.
Clouds of the polar middle atmosphere

Clouds have been observed at great heights in the polar regions for a century or more. Recently this series of ground-based observations has been greatly extended by limb viewing satellite systems. A major result has been the discoveries of more pronounced, more pervasive cloud phenomena extending all the way across the poles themselves. This review focuses on the results of more than three years of observation and analysis of polar mesospheric (or noctilucent) clouds by the Solar Mesosphere Explorer satellite and team. We present an updated climatology of cloud radiances and occurrence frequencies using a conservative background removal process. We also review a quite recent study of cloud heights and show how relatively little variation occurs on all time scales investigated, except perhaps for differences between the hemispheres themselves.
Urban political ecology I: The urban century

It has been over 15 years since the term ‘urban political ecology’ (UPE) was coined. While still often not incorporated into larger discussion of political ecology, its growing visibility in the pu...
Numerical evaluation of moments and shapes of magnetic resonance lines for crystals and powders

Abstract Van Vleck's moment equations have been numerically evaluated to obtain analytical expressions for the second and fourth moments of dipole-broadened magnetic resonance lines for cubic crystals and powders as functions of the spin concentration. Line shapes are obtained from these moments using the information theory of Powles and Carazza for high concentrations and a truncated Lorentzian curve for low concentrations. Line widths are exhibited as a function of the spin concentration, and practical limits on resolution enhancement are discussed.
Management of pregnancy in patients with congenital heart disease and systemic ventricular failure

Abstract Systemic ventricular function is a key determinant for maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy, especially in women with congenital heart defects. Women with decreased systemic ventricular function and decreased functional capacity are at higher risk for adverse outcomes. Preconception assessment of the ventricular function and dilatation, functional class and other risk factors is therefore essential. Tailored management aimed at improving ventricular function and/or interventions to correct underlying defects may improve outcome. Elective induced vaginal delivery with careful hemodynamic monitoring and assisted second stage of labor are preferred. Optimal titration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to target dose is recommended before and after pregnancy. Other heart failure medications that are relatively safe for the fetus may be used judiciously during pregnancy. There is cumulative effect of all pregnancies, including miscarriages and abortions, on the systemic ventricular function. Women with severely decreased ventricular function should be advised against pregnancy.
Metabolic Engineering of an Aerobic Sulfate Reduction Pathway and Its Application to Precipitation of Cadmium on the Cell Surface

The conversion of sulfate to an excess of free sulfide requires stringent reductive conditions. Dissimilatory sulfate reduction is used in nature by sulfate-reducing bacteria for respiration and results in the conversion of sulfate to sulfide. However, this dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway is inhibited by oxygen and is thus limited to anaerobic environments. As an alternative, we have metabolically engineered a novel aerobic sulfate reduction pathway for the secretion of sulfides. The assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway was redirected to overproduce cysteine, and excess cysteine was converted to sulfide by cysteine desulfhydrase. As a potential application for this pathway, a bacterium was engineered with this pathway and was used to aerobically precipitate cadmium as cadmium sulfide, which was deposited on the cell surface. To maximize sulfide production and cadmium precipitation, the production of cysteine desulfhydrase was modulated to achieve an optimal balance between the production and degradation of cysteine.
A theoretical and experimental study of the percussive drilling of rock Part II—force-penetration and specific energy determinations

Abstract Force-penetration and energy per unit rock crater volume were determined ‘statically’ by repeated forced indentations into the rock, rotating (indexing) the bit equally between each indentation, so as to ‘drill’ a shallow hole in the rock. Similar dynamic tests were conducted using a ‘drop tester’ in which the bit is attached to a heavy mass and allowed to free-fall onto the rock. Indexing angles of 10°, 20°, 30° and 40° were used. The static energy per unit volume for the three rocks (Tennessee marble, Swedish West Coast granite, Charcoal Grey granite) tested was found to be much less than the dynamic. Similarly, the slope of the force-penetration curves for tests on smooth surfaces were much higher dynamically than statically. The difference was less noticeable for blows on a previously surface. An explanation based on rate of loading effects is given.
Reduced‐variable mechanical characterization of styrene‐butadiene rubber with varying crosslink density, temperature, and finite strain states

A single master logarithmic stress relaxation curve of reduced modulus as a function of reduced time is established for a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) system, accounting for the effects of crosslinking density, temperature, and time. The results from recent tests involving uniaxial and various biaxial strain states at finite strain levels may be represented by a unique strain-energy function W of the Valanis-Landel separable symmetric type, where the λi are principal extension ratios. These two representations demonstrate that the mechanical response of whole families of elastomeric materials may be predicted once a single member of the family is fully characterized.
Diffusion of 51Cr in MgO Crystals

An arc fusion technique was used to grow single crystals of MgO with an aliovalent impurity level of ∼ 250 ppm. Diffusion coefficients for Cr3+ in single-crystal MgO were measured from 1353° to 1553°C using a high-specific-activity isotope,51 Cr. The diffusion coefficient of 51Cr for both arc-grown and vapor-deposited MgO crystals can be characterized by an activation energy of 70.0±2.1 kcal/mol. These results are comparable with the interdiffusion coefficients in Cr2O3-MgO when the interdif-fusion D is extrapolated to low Cr concentrations.
Grappling with the androgen receptor: a new approach for treating advanced prostate cancer.

In this issue of Cancer Cell , Andersen et al. report on a small molecule that interacts with and blocks transactivation of the androgen receptor amino-terminal domain. This agent can overcome the shortcomings of clinically used antiandrogens, an important advance in the development of effective therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
A multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors for blunt cerebrovascular injury

Introduction The diagnosis of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) has improved with widespread adaptation of screening protocols and more accurate multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT-A) angiography. The population at risk and for whom screening is indicated is still controversial. To help determine which blunt trauma patients would best benefit from screening we performed a comprehensive analysis of risk factors associated with BCVI. Methods All patients with BCVI from June 12, 2000 (the date at which our institution began screening for these injuries) to June 30, 2009 were identified by the primary author (JDB) and recorded in a prospective database. Associated injuries were identified retrospectively by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code and compared with similar patients without BCVI. Demographic information was also compared from data obtained from the trauma registry. Univariate analyses exploring associations between individual risk factors and BCVI were performed using Fisher's exact test for dichotomous variables and Student's t test for continuous variables. Additionally, relative risk (RR) was calculated for dichotomous variables to describe the strength of the relationship between the categorical risk factors and BCVI. Multivariate logistic regression models for BCVI, BCAI (blunt internal carotid artery injury), and BVAI (blunt vertebral artery injury) were developed to explore the relative contributions of the various risk factors. Results One hundred two patients with BCVI were identified out of 9935 blunt trauma patients admitted during this time period (1.03% incidence). Fifty-nine patients (0.59% incidence) had a BVAI and 43 patients (0.43% incidence) had a BCAI. Univariate analysis found cervical spine fracture (CSI) (RR = 10.4), basilar skull fracture (RR = 3.60), and mandible fracture (RR = 2.51) to be most predictive of the presence of BCVI (P Conclusions Blunt trauma patients with a high risk mechanism and a low GCS, high injury severity score, mandible fracture, basilar skull fracture, or cervical spine injury are at high risk for BCVI should be screened with MDCT-A.
Chicano Poetics: Heterotexts and Hybridities

Chicano Poetics: Heterotexts and Hybridities examines the crossing of literary and social forces – be they linguistic, political, poetic - that forms the context for being Chicano. It reveals how a poetry of the cross can influence identity, in readings ranging from the poetry of gender and race by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz to that of the fragmentary, postmodern subject of Juan Felipe Herrara. How the text of Spanish and Indian miscegenation and the story of Aztlan propagate identity is demonstrated in texts from Bernal Diaz del Castillo to Gloria Anzaldua. The international space and the interlingual language of the borderlands are read as factors of nationalism and postcoloniality in discussion ranging from cowboy lingo to the essential Mexicanism of Octavio Paz. Heterotextuality is the medium in which xicanismo is articulated and comes to be a hybrid subject of textual difference.
Functional behavioral homology between rat 5-HT1B and guinea pig 5-HT1D receptors in the modulation of prepulse inhibition of startle

The serotonin (5-HT) 1B receptor in rats and mice appears to be homologous to the 5-HT1D receptor found in other mammals, such as guinea pigs and humans. The present series of experiments explored the functional similarity between the rat 5-HT1B receptor and the guinea pig 5-HT1D receptor on two behavioral measures known to be influenced by 5-HT1B receptor manipulations in rats: prepulse inhibition of the startle response (PPI) and locomotor activity. Because the 5-HT1B agonist RU 24969 disrupts PPI and stimulates locomotor behavior in rats, it was predicted that the 5-HT1D agonist, SDZ 219–964, would demonstrate a similar behavioral profile in guinea pigs. In support of this hypothesis, SDZ 219–964 was found to disrupt PPI dose-dependently (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) without significantly affecting startle amplitude and to increase locomotor activity (0.5–2.0 mg/kg) in guinea pigs. In guinea pigs, RU 24969 failed to affect PPI, although it did increase locomotor activity, indicating that RU 24969 may have activity at the 5-HT1D receptor. As expected, RU 24969 in rats disrupted PPI (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) and significantly increased locomotor activity (1.25–5.0 mg/kg). In rats, however, SDZ 219–964 had generalized, stimulatory effects on startle reactivity, without independent effects on PPI or locomotor activity. The spatial patterns of locomotion exhibited by guinea pigs treated with SDZ 219–964 versus those of rats treated with RU 24969 demonstrate important qualitative differences in structure, indicating that the neural substrates subserving these effects may be different. It is concluded that a functional similarity exists between 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B receptors with regard to the modulation of sensorimotor inhibition and, to a lesser extent, locomotor activity.
Artificial urinary sphincters: plain radiography of malfunction and complications.

Inflatable artificial urinary sphincters provide excellent voluntary continence. Eighty-four consecutive patients underwent implantation of artificial urinary sphincters for intractable urinary incontinence; 33 patients had 58 episodes of sphincter malfunction, and eight patients had eight complications involving a functional prosthetic sphincter. Retrospective analysis was performed to determine the value of plain radiography of the pelvis in patients with sphincter malfunction or complication. The cause of malfunction in the majority of patients was a system leak and subsequent loss of hydraulic fluid (31 occurrences; 53%). Plain radiography permitted correct identification of all instances of fluid leakage in patients with opacified prostheses. Plain radiographs were of no value in examining patients with nonopacified prostheses or the complications of cuff erosion or wound infection. Due to the low cost and noninvasive nature of plain radiography of the pelvis, we conclude that it should be used as th...
Pancreas and Intestine Weights of Turkey Poults Fed Corn and Barley Grain-based Rations and the Effect of Oleandomycin and Enzyme Supplements

Abstract IT IS well known that Western barley seriously depresses the growth of chicks and poults. This growth depression is apparently limited to the young bird (Moran and McGinnis, 1966) and can be significantly altered by adding “effective” antibiotic and/or bacterial (B. subtilis) enzyme concentrates to the diet (Moran and McGinnis, 1965). Burnett (1966) concluded that the poor nutritional value of growth depressing barleys is related to the glucan and β-glucan hemicellulose components which give rise to stable highly viscous gels in the small intestine. Because of the beneficial results obtained with antibiotics, Moran and McGinnis (1965) suggested an “unfavorable” gastrointestinal microflora as the primary reason for the growth depression and the β-glucan component of the carbohydrate as the predisposing factor for the condition. Arscott et al. (1965) have observed a “pancreatic enlargement” with chicks given barley rations a result which they suggest was due either to a protein or carbohydrate . . .
A histochemical study of experimentally induced malignant skin tumours.

SUMMARY.— The histochemistry of benzpyrene-induced malignant skin tumours has been studied. The metabolism of these cells appeared to involve suppression of the succinic dehydrogenase-cytochrome oxidase system; enhanced activity for enzymes of the pentose cycle and increased reaction for enzymes associated with the glycolytic pathway. The inhibition of the “succinoxidase” system has been discussed in relation to the possibility of deletion of the enzyme system by the carcinogen. This might result in the release of the metabolism of these cells from the normal regulatory control of the cytochrome pathway thus producing an enhancement of the growth potential of these cells.
Improving connectivity between freshwater and marine environments for salmon migrating through the lower Snake and Columbia River hydropower system

Abstract Snake River stream-type Chinook salmon smolts migrate >1000 km from rearing habitats to the Pacific Ocean and return 1–3 years later for their upstream spawning migration. Construction of 8 mainstem dams on the Snake/Columbia River that fish must pass has greatly altered the connectivity between their freshwater spawning and rearing habitats and the ocean. In addition to direct mortality to smolts passing through turbines, these dams along with over 200 additional dams and storage reservoirs above them affect the volume, timing and turbidity of river flows and the size of the plume entering the ocean. At mainstem dams, improvements to fish ladders have largely eliminated problems for upstream migrants, while construction of screened bypass systems, a spill program, and transport of smolts by barge have greatly improved direct survival of juveniles. However, smolt-to-adult returns have not shown the same improvement and have been highly variable in recent years. While direct survival for juveniles passing 8 dams is now as high or higher than historically when they passed only 4, survival downstream of the last dam has changed in part due to altered timing and condition of smolts upon ocean entry. Recent additions of surface passage structures at dams have reduced travel time through the system to more closely approach historical rates prior to dam construction. However, substantial additional improvement in direct survival of smolts through the hydropower system does not appear achievable with existing knowledge and technology. Restoring conditions in the plume might improve survival but would require increased flow volume.
The effect of Fe on Si adsorption by Bacillus subtilis cell walls: insights into non-metabolic bacterial precipitation of silicate minerals

Si adsorption onto Bacillus subtilis and Fe and Al oxide coated cells of B. subtilis was measured both as a function of pH and of bacterial concentration in suspension in order to gain insight into the mechanism of association between silica and silicate precipitates and bacterial cell walls. All experiments were conducted in undersaturated solutions with respect to silicate mineral phases in order to isolate the important adsorption reactions from precipitation kinetics effects of bacterial surfaces. The experimental results indicate that there is little association between aqueous Si and the bacterial surface, even under low pH conditions where most of the organic acid functional groups that are present on the bacterial surface are fully protonated and neutrally charged. Conversely, Fe and Al oxide coated bacteria, and Fe oxide precipitates only, all bind significant concentrations of aqueous Si over a wide range of pH conditions. Our results are consistent with those of Konhauser et al. [Geology 21 (1993) 1103; Environ. Microbiol. 60 (1994) 49] and Konhauser and Urrutia [Chem. Geol. 161 (1999) 399] in that they suggest that the association between silicate minerals and bacterial surfaces is not caused by direct Si–bacteria interactions. Rather, the association is most likely caused by the adsorption of Si onto Fe and Al oxides which are electrostatically bound to the bacterial surface. Therefore, the role of bacteria in silica and silicate mineralization is to concentrate Fe and Al through adsorption and/or precipitation reactions. Bacteria serve as bases, or perhaps templates, for Fe and Al oxide precipitation, and it is these oxide mineral surfaces (and perhaps other metal oxide surfaces as well) that are reactive with aqueous Si, forming surface complexes that are the precursors to the formation of silica and silicate minerals.
Heat Transfer in Liquid Helium II by Internal Convection

The heat transfer in liquid helium II by internal convection is calculated on the basis of Tisza's two-fluid model. One arrives at the following differential equation for the heat current density, q: $\mathrm{curl}\mathrm{curlq}=\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Lambda} \mathrm{grad}T$
MAPK dependence of DNA damage repair: ionizing radiation and the induction of expression of the DNA repair genes XRCC1 and ERCC1 in DU145 human prostate carcinoma cells in a MEK1/2 dependent fashion.

Purpose : To examine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling on the induction by ionizing radiation of the nucleotide excision repair gene (ERCC1), the X-ray cross-complementing group 1 protein (XRCC1) and the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage. Materials and methods : The expression of ERCC1 and XRCC1 was examined in DU145 human prostate cancer cells following exposure to ionizing radiation. We characterized the MAPK dependence of this expression through RT-PCR analysis, Western analysis, transcription inhibition and measurement of the activation of each promoter. Pre-exposure with the specific MEK1/2 inhibitor PD980059 (10 w M) was used to blunt radiation induction of MAPK without suppressing basal levels of MAPK activity. In addition, we examined the MAPK dependence of DNA damage repair by measuring radiation-induced micronucleus formation and the removal of and nicking activity associated with AP sites. Results : Irradiation caused a time-dependent, MAPK-dependent increase i...
Deficit in figure-ground segmentation following closed head injury.

Abstract Patient CB showed a severe impairment in figure-ground segmentation following a closed head injury. Unlike normal subjects, CB was unable to parse smaller and brighter parts of stimuli as figure. Moreover, she did not show the normal effect that symmetrical regions are seen as figure, although she was able to make overt judgments of symmetry. Since she was able to attend normally to isolated objects, CB demonstrates a dissociation between figure-ground segmentation and subsequent processes of attention. Despite her severe impairment in figure-ground segmentation, CB showed normal ‘parallel’ single feature visual search. This suggests that figure-ground segmentation is dissociable from ‘preattentive’ processes such as visual search.
DSM-III personality diagnosis in bulimia☆☆☆

Abstract The authors report the results of a systematic examination of DSM-III personality disorder in 24 normal-weight subjects with bulimia. Using a self-report personality questionnaire as a guide to a comprehensive personality interview, two psychiatrists reached a consensus personality diagnosis. The majority of subjects met criteria for one or more DSM-III personality disorders. Fifteen of 24 subjects showed pathology in the Histrionic/Borderline spectrum and seven showed predominant Compulsive/Avoidant pathology. These findings did not correlate to RDC diagnosis or eating behavior. The authors conclude that individuals with bulimia are heterogeneous with regards to their Axis II diagnoses and that these differences may have implications for treatment response.
Carnitine transport in submitochondrial particles and reconstituted proteoliposomes

Abstract Influx and efflux measurements of carnitine with submitochondrial particles lead to the conclusion that carnitine can cross the inner mitochondrial membrane by either facilitated diffusion or more rapidly by a carnitine-carnitine exchange. Both, the facilitated diffusion and the exchange are inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide or mersalyl at low concentrations. Reconstituted particles prepared from liposomes and either submitochondrial particles or an octyl β-glucoside-solubilized preparation were active in catalyzing carnitine-carnitine exchange.
Case-based reasoning in comparative effectiveness research

A medical case, as defined by the medical field, is the fundamental building block of medical knowledge. We combine the concept of medical case with indirect evidence from similar patients so as to enable the performance of CER (comparative effectiveness research) treatment comparisons for personalization of medical care. We propose that the vehicle by which this goal is achieved is provided by the integration of case-based reasoning and CER considerations. We discuss the challenges involved and propose a roadmap for creating scientifically sound real-world evidence for assisting personalized treatment decisions.
Understanding Why Therapy Allegiance Is Linked to Clinical Outcomes

Researchers and practitioners have long debated the meaning and importance of the relation between therapy allegiance and clinical outcomes. Leykin and DeRubeis (2009) make a meaningful contribution to this discussion and their observations will help sharpen future discourse on the topic. This commentary builds upon their observations and argues that efforts to identify and understand the mechanisms underlying the relation between therapy allegiance and therapy outcome may inform the ongoing debate and benefit the field of psychological therapy. Two potential mechanisms—investigators (via training) and therapists (via attitudes and motivation)—are reviewed and the potential yield from such research underscored.
Noncommittal barrier synchronization

Barrier synchronization is a fundamental operation in parallel computation. In many contexts, at the point a process enters a barrier it knows that it has already processed all work required of it prior to the synchronization. It then commits to the barrier, in the sense that the process blocks until every other process has also committed to the barrier. This paper treats the alternative case, when a process cannot enter a barrier with the assurance that it has already performed all necessary pre-synchronization computation. The problem arises when the number of pre-synchronization messages to be received by a process is unknown, for example, in any computation that is largely driven by an unpredictable exchange of messages. We describe a O(log2 P) time barrier algorithm for such problems, study its performance on a large-scale parallel system, and consider extensions to general associative reductions, as well as associative parallel prefix computations.
Teaching educational action research: a tale of three cities

Abstract The three tales told here concern my experiences of teaching educational action research. I first became involved in action research in 1973 while a doctoral student working on peace and cultural studies education curriculum in Northern Ireland where project teachers inquired into their own classrooms so as to facilitate the teaching of contentious social and political issues for mutual understanding across the religious–political divide. My three tales of teaching action research are rooted in three very different settings: one working with gypsy education projects in inner-city Dublin; the second as part of a small university–school collaborative in rural North Carolina, and the last a tale of a doctoral seminar at East Carolina University.
Boards at Work: How Corporate Boards Create Competitive Advantage

The article reviews the book “Boards at Work: How Corporate Boards Create Competitive Advantage,” by Ram Charan.
Contact-independent measurement of electrical conductance of a thin film with a nanoscale sensor.

Contact effects are a common impediment to electrical measurements throughout the fields of nanoelectronics, organic electronics, and the emerging field of graphene electronics. We demonstrate a no...
The effect of wind on nighttime radiational cooling

Results obtained by Brunt, Frost, Jaeger, and Knighting are briefly reviewed, and it is shown that the exact results of Jaeger and Knighting are closely duplicated by a much simpler expression obtained primarily through use of two simplifying assumptions: (1) A finite depth of modification of the lower layers of the atmosphere is assumed which increases through the night and below which heat flux is constant with height. (2) Starting at sunset, the diffusive flux of heat from the soil and from the lower atmosphere is constant through the night. The expression is compared with experimental data obtained by the University of Texas, and it is found to yield results which agree well with observation in the absence of such complicating factors as cloudiness and condensation.
Chiral Anomalies of Higher-Derivative Theories from Stochastic Quantization

The chiral anomalies in higher-derivative fermion theories are studied in the framework of stochastic quantization. This method with a suitable choice of kernel of Langevin equations yields the correct gauge-covariant anomalies in arbitrary even space-time dimensions.
Scattering of carriers by ionized impurities in semiconductors

Abstract The cross-sections for scattering of carriers by ionized impurities have been calculated by the partial wave method. The potential used to describe the scattering center was the screened Coulomb potential suggested by B rooks , H erring and D ingle . The surfaces of constant energy in k space were assumed to be spheres. The results have been compared to those obtained by application of the Born approximation. At small carrier energies, that is low temperatures, the Born approximation leads to incorrect results, the correct cross-sections being significantly less than the approximate results. In that energy range majority impurities scatter much more effectively than minority impurities. Under certain conditions transmission resonances can occur. It is unlikely, however, that these resonances could produce a pronounced effect on the mobility although they might be observable. Detailed calculations of the Hall and drift mobilities are presented for two special cases. It is found that the mobility exhibits a minimum at a rather low temperature. This minimum is probably obscured in practice by such effects as neutral impurity scattering and impurity band conduction. At higher temperatures the mobility increases with temperature less rapidly than T 3 2 . In fact, the temperature dependence of the mobility cannot be expressed in terms of a simple power law although at high temperature it appears to approach a T 3 2 behavior. At temperatures between liquid air and room temperature the Hall and drift mobilities increase with temperature less rapidly than T 3 2 . Significant deviations from the T 3 2 law occur even in that range in which the Born approximation gives the correct scattering cross-sections. The usual assumption of a T 3 2 law for ionized impurity scattering is believed to be due to unwarranted approximate procedures in the evaluation of certain integrals over the Boltzmann distribution.
An Experimental Method for Testing Reactivity Models: A High-Pressure Discharge-Flow Study of H + Alkene and Haloalkene Reactions

Theories of barrier height control in radical−molecule reactions must be tested against data spanning a wide range in reactivity, by a method for separating multiple, correlated terms in the theories. Here we present an analysis technique designed to reveal reactant properties controlling reactivity and rate constant measurements for an extensive series of reactions where that control is very much in doubt. The measurements were made with a new high-pressure flow experiment designed specifically to facilitate the study of multiple radicals. The derivative technique consists of graphically analyzing partial derivatives of modeled barrier heights, using measured barriers and reactant properties. We use this technique to uncover the governing parameters for hydrogen atom abstraction reactions, which are dominated by an essentially ionic excited state of the reactants. More generally, multiple excited states contribute to barrier formation, with different states dominating for different classes of reactions. ...
Thermally induced optical bistability in Cr-doped Colquiriite crystals

We have shown that a very strong nonlinearity in the temperature dependence of the luminescence quantum yield in Cr-doped laser crystals of the Colquiriite family can lead to a temperature induced intrinsic optical bistability in these materials. The bistability and the hysteresis loop in the dependence of Cr luminescence intensity and transmission of the crystal on cw pumping power has been theoretically predicted and experimentally observed. The experimental results are in a good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the theoretical prediction.
Language and Gesture in Late Talkers

A 1-year follow-up of relationships between language and symbolic gesture in 10 children with delayed onset of early lexical skills (Thal & Bates, 1988a) is reported Original data are reevaluated i...
Modifications by light of synaptic density in the inner plexiform layer of the toad, Xenopus laevis.

Abstract Retinal differentiation was analyzed quantitatively in light- and dark-reared larvae of the toad Xenopus laevis. Simple and serial conventional synapses and bipolar cell synaptic ribbons in the inner plexiform layer were measured from electron micrographs and their volume densities calculated. Photoreceptor synaptic ribbons were measured from electron micrographs. Inner nuclear layer cell densities were determined and thicknesses of various retinal layers measured from light micrographs of thick-sectioned material. In light-reared larvae, simple synapse density is stable through Stage 52 of development ( X = 299 synapses 1000 μ m 3 ). At Stage 53 through Stage Meta+ (5 months postmetamorphic), synaptic density is low ( 200 synapses 1000 μ m 3 ). At Stage Meta++ (8 months postmetamorphic) it increases to the adult level ( 250 synapses 1000 μ m 3 ). In dark-reared larvae, simple synapse density is greater than in light-reared larvae at all stages examined ( X = 378 1000 μ m 3 ). When dark-reared larvae are exposed to cyclic light at Stages 46 and 48, synaptic density returns to light-reared larval values by Stages 52 and 53, respectively. Dark-reared larvae show partial recovery when exposed to light at Stage 51 but do not respond to light exposure at Stage Meta+. Serial synaptic density does not change significantly during development in light- or dark-reared larvae. Bipolar cell synaptic ribbon density is high in light-reared larvae through Stage 51. Ribbon density then decreases to a low level at Stage 52 which is maintained beyond metamorphosis. Dark-reared larvae exhibit the same pattern through Stage 51. By Stage 54, ribbon density is three times that in light-reared, Stage-54 larvae. In dark-reared Meta++ larvae, ribbon density is nearly four times that in the corresponding light-reared larvae. In dark-reared larvae exposed to cyclic light at Stage 46, ribbon density returns to normal, but at later stages (48, 51, and Meta+), dark-reared larvae do not respond to light during the time intervals allowed. The average lengths of rod cell outer segments and the thickness of the inner plexiform layer decrease significantly in dark-reared larvae.
Electrostatic Occlusion and Quaternary Structural Ion Pairing Are Key Determinants of Cu(I)-Mediated Allostery in the Copper-Sensing Operon Repressor (CsoR)

The copper-sensing operon repressor (CsoR) is an all-α-helical disc-shaped D2-symmetric homotetramer that forms a 2:1 tetramer/DNA operator complex and represses the expression of copper-resistance genes in a number of bacteria. A previous bioinformatics analysis of CsoR-family repressors distributes Cu(I)-sensing CsoRs in four of seven distinct clades on the basis of global sequence similarity. In this work, we define energetically important determinants of DNA binding in the apo-state (ΔΔGbind), and for allosteric negative coupling of Cu(I) binding to DNA binding (ΔΔGc) in a model clade IV CsoR from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans (Gt) of known structure, by selectively targeting for mutagenesis those charged residues uniquely conserved in clade IV CsoRs. These include a folded N-terminal "tail" and a number of Cu(I)-sensor and clade-specific residues that when mapped onto a model of Cu(I)-bound Gt CsoR define a path across one face of the tetramer. We find that Cu(I)-binding prevents formation of the 2:1 "sandwich" complex rather than DNA binding altogether. Folding of the N-terminal tail (residues R18, E22, R74) upon Cu-binding to the periphery of the tetramer inhibits assembly of the 2:1 apoprotein-DNA complex. In contrast, Ala substitution of residues that surround the central "hole" (R65, K101) in the tetramer, as well R48, impact DNA binding. We also identify a quaternary structural ion-pair, E73-K101″, that crosses the tetramer interface, charge-reversal of which restores DNA binding activity, allosteric regulation by Cu(I), and transcriptional derepression by Cu(I) in cells. These findings suggest an "electrostatic occlusion" model, in which basic residues important for DNA binding and/or allostery become sequestered via ion-pairing specifically in the Cu(I)-bound state, and this aids in copper-dependent disassembly of a repression complex.
Low-power green-to-blue and blue-to-UV upconversion in rigid polymer films

Abstract Green light excitation of platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films containing 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) yielded emission of blue light under ambient conditions. This energy upconversion process was easily observed using low-power monochromatic excitation. The blue light emission arose from fluorescence of the lowest excited singlet state of DPA formed by spin-allowed annihilation of two DPA triplets excited by the transfer of the triplet energy from PtOEP to DPA. The upconversion emission intensity was proportional to the square of the excitation intensity, and an upconversion quantum efficiency of ∼0.0002 was measured at an excitation intensity of only 0.9 mW cm−2. High concentrations of molecularly doped emitter facilitated triplet energy migration in rigid PMMA. Upconverted fluorescence was also observed from other emitters and with other sensitizers, including blue-to-UV upconversion in a PMMA film containing the non-heavy metal sensitizer 2-methoxythioxanthone and the emitter 2,5-diphenyloxazole.
Transport and solubility of fluids into polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)

The solubility and transport of toluene and carbon disulfide into amorphous and crystalline polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was investigated. The rates of sorption, desorption, and resorption of both fluids were measured as a function of temperature. The sorption of these fluids into amorphous PPS produces a semi-crystalline material by solvent induced crystallinity (SIC). Although the rate of diffusion of carbon disulfide (CS2) into crystalline PPS, (produced either thermally or by SIC), is several orders of magnitude slower than that observed in amorphous PPS, the solubility is only slightly reduced, by approximately 10%. The PPS films exhibit highly stressed surface regions that rapidly sorb the penetrant. Thermal annealing at temperatures as high as 100°C (note Tg of PPS is 85°C) has little or no effect on the surface stress, the diffusion process or the solubility of toluene into PPS. In addition to SIC, PPS undergoes cold crystallization at 130°–140°C; however, the degree of crystallinity induced by cold crystallization is approximately 60% of that formed by cooling from the melt. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 615–625, 2003
Organizational Performance: The Future Focus of Leadership Development Programs:

Executive Summary This article analyzes 54 studies on leadership development research from 1984 — 2000 and determines the extent to which the intended outcomes of those leadership development progr...
Neural decoding of collective wisdom with multi-brain computing

Group decisions and even aggregation of multiple opinions lead to greater decision accuracy, a phenomenon known as collective wisdom. Little is known about the neural basis of collective wisdom and whether its benefits arise in late decision stages or in early sensory coding. Here, we use electroencephalography and multi-brain computing with twenty humans making perceptual decisions to show that combining neural activity across brains increases decision accuracy paralleling the improvements shown by aggregating the observers' opinions. Although the largest gains result from an optimal linear combination of neural decision variables across brains, a simpler neural majority decision rule, ubiquitous in human behavior, results in substantial benefits. In contrast, an extreme neural response rule, akin to a group following the most extreme opinion, results in the least improvement with group size. Analyses controlling for number of electrodes and time-points while increasing number of brains demonstrate unique benefits arising from integrating neural activity across different brains. The benefits of multi-brain integration are present in neural activity as early as 200 ms after stimulus presentation in lateral occipital sites and no additional benefits arise in decision related neural activity. Sensory-related neural activity can predict collective choices reached by aggregating individual opinions, voting results, and decision confidence as accurately as neural activity related to decision components. Estimation of the potential for the collective to execute fast decisions by combining information across numerous brains, a strategy prevalent in many animals, shows large time-savings. Together, the findings suggest that for perceptual decisions the neural activity supporting collective wisdom and decisions arises in early sensory stages and that many properties of collective cognition are explainable by the neural coding of information across multiple brains. Finally, our methods highlight the potential of multi-brain computing as a technique to rapidly and in parallel gather increased information about the environment as well as to access collective perceptual/cognitive choices and mental states.