cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequence and uptake specificity of cloned sonicated fragments of Haemophilus influenzae DNA

Our data support the conclusion that all tight binding of DNA by competent cells of Haemophilus influenzae is due to 9 base pairs (bp) of the 11-bp motif 59-AAGTGCGGTCA or its inverse complement, TGACCGCACTT. Sonicated chromosomal DNA of H. influenzae was absorbed and extracted from competent cells to prepare a subpopulation of uptake fragments enriched for single uptake (binding) sequences. This DNA was inserted into the plasmid pUC18 and cloned into Escherichia coli. Whole sonicated chromosomal DNA was also cloned in pUC18 as a population of control fragments. Seventy-one plasmids were labeled with 3H and tested for DNA binding, and the inserts of 28 of them were sequenced. The control plasmid pUC18 was absorbed to competent H. influenzae cells at low levels of 5 to 10% of DNA added. The plasmids containing uptake inserts were mostly absorbed at levels of 70 to 80%, but a significant number contained inserts with an intermediate level of binding, 20 to 30%. The inserts of 15 plasmids were excised and tested for DNA uptake to demonstrate good agreement between uptake of these plasmids and their insert fragments. Sequencing of inserts revealed that the presence of 9 bp of the 11-bp motif was associated with tight binding. Some inserts with intermediate levels of binding had no significant similarities to the 9-bp sequence. The 9-bp sequence appeared to account for most of the binding to competent cells, but appreciable binding occurred with fragments without 9-bp homology. About one-third of the 9-bp uptake sequences were found as inverted repeats that could form strong stem-loop structures. It has been suggested by Goodman and Scocca (Proc. Nal. Acad. Sci. USA 85:6982-6986, 1988) that in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, uptake sequences occur as palindromes and act as transcription terminators. Although consistent, the data are insufficient to make this conclusion for uptake sequence palindromes in H. influenzae.
Intradaily periodicity and volatility spillovers between international stock index futures markets

This paper examines short-run information transmission between the U.S. and U.K. markets using the S&P 500 and FTSE 100 index futures. Ultrahighfrequency futures data are employed—which have a number of advantages over the low-frequency spot data commonly used in previous studies—in establishing that volatility spillovers are in fact bidirectional. The generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic model (GARCH) is employed to estimate the mean and volatility spillovers of intraday returns. A Fourier flexible function is utilized to filter the intradaily periodic patterns that induce serial correlation in return volatility. It was found that estimates of volatility persistence and speed of information transmission are seriously affected by intradaily periodicity. The bias in parameter estimation is removed by filtering out the intradaily periodic component of the transaction data. Contrary to previous findings, there is evidence of spillovers in volatility between the U.S. and U.K. markets. Results indicate that the volatility of the U.S. market is affected by the most recent volatility surprise in the U.K. market. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 25:553–585, 2005
Quantum theory and the electromagnetic world-view

ABSTRACT: This paper has two goals: to use the electromagnetic world-view as a means of probing what we now know as the quantum theory, and to use the case of the quantum theory to explicate the practices of the electromagnetic program. It focuses on the work of Arnold Sommerfeld (1868––1951) as one of the leading theorists of the so-called ““older”” quantum theory. By 1911, the year he presented a paper on the ““Quantum of action”” at the Solvay Conference, Sommerfeld vocally espoused the necessity of some form of a quantum hypothesis. In his earlier lectures, however, his reservations about Max Planck9s position were far more apparent. Section 1 argues that Sommerfeld9s hostility towards Planck9s derivation of the Black-body law, and his support for the result achieved by James Jeans and rederived using the electron theory by Lorentz, can be traced to his commitment to the programmatic aims of the electromagnetic world-view. Section 2 suggests that this conclusion has deep implications for our understanding of the ““conversion”” of several leading physicists to the quantum theory after around 1908. Section 3 traces a partial continuation of Sommerfeld9s deeply held beliefs. Sommerfeld9s Solvay paper is best understood as an attempt to reconcile the programmatic aims of the electromagnetic world-view with the necessity of recourse to the quantum hypothesis. No longer a universalizing vision, the attempt to prove the necessity of electromagnetic theory at all levels of explanation remained a key element of Sommerfeld9s research agenda until (and even beyond) the advent of Niels Bohr9s ““planetary”” model of the atom in 1913.
Prevention of Kernicterus in South Asia: role of neonatal G6PD deficiency and its identification.

Extreme hyperbilirubinemia (EHB) caused by neonatal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is strongly associated with mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, yet there are limited national strategies to reduce this burden in South Asia. Current known and predicted prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan ranges from 3.8 to 15 %, with regional “hot spots” exceeding 22 %. Annually, 3.14 million infants are born at risk for this condition. In 2010, South Asian countries reported 37 million (27 %) of world-wide livebirths ≥ 32 wk gestational-age and G6PD deficiency accounted for > 33 % of the global EHB burden, in contrast to 2.2 % for those born in high-income nations. Traditional national approach includes universal newborn screening in malaria-endemic countries or those with prevalence >3.5 %. However, screening implementation should be best optimized using timely quantitative enzyme assay and identification of at-risk female newborns. Furthermore, economic and social constraints, in context of sub-regional variances, call for flexible problem-solving methods in anticipation of changing community demographics. Thus, incremental and need-based newborn screening programs could be the most optimal approach. A human-centered design (HCD) approach, as an alternate pathway, could build the evidence to translate the complex biology of G6PD deficiency and the biodesign of affordable technologies, allowing facilitation of access to knowledge and services, in order to deliver on a long-term public health mandate. Key steps would encompass the initiation of local inquiry of both quantitative and qualitative data to identify at-risk communities and to prospectively design for local innovative solutions.
Process evaluation and proximal impact of an affect-based exercise intervention among adolescents

The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation and proximal impact of an intervention designed to enhance adolescents’ affective experience during Physical Education (PE). Healthy adolescents (N = 74) were randomly assigned to an affect-based or a traditional exercise prescription. Intervention logs, observations and interviews documented the implementation of the intervention. Participants completed a 30-min exercise task at an intensity that felt “good” to them before and after the intervention. Study procedures were implemented successfully and students enjoyed study participation. The intervention had no impact on exercise intensity during PE or during the “feels-good” exercise task. Among adolescents who manifested a negative affective response to moderate-intensity exercise at baseline, the selected intensity during the “feels-good” task increased over time. The intervention may have been too weak to impact behavior over and above a high-quality PE program. The results do suggest, however, that reluctant exercisers may choose to exercise at a higher intensity after experiencing a high-quality PE program in combination with heart rate monitoring.
Early age of menopause in young women with fatal acute myocardial infarction

Abstract The records of 500 autopsied patients who died with acute myocardial infarction have been reviewed and data pertaining to the possible relationship between sex hormonal factors and acute myocardial infarction have been presented. Sixteen young women in this series died with acute myocardial infarction before the age of 53, and 14 of these had reached menopause. Only 6 of 13 women of nearly similar age in a control group had reached menopause. This difference (14 out of 16 compared with 6 out of 13) is statistically significant. Although the significance test does not establish the comparability of the two groups, it does appear that young women who die with myocardial infarction usually have had an early menopause. The conclusion seems warranted that some factor associated with the menstrual cycle possibly protects young women against acute myocardial infarction.
Seroconversion rates in healthcare workers using a latex agglutination assay after varicella virus vaccination.

OBJECTIVES To determine the seroconversion rate after varicella immunization of healthcare workers (HCWs) and the effect of seroconversion rate on current cost-based recommendations for universal vaccination. METHODS A voluntary vaccination program for HCWs was performed at a tertiary-care cancer center in New York City. A commercial latex agglutination assay was used to test postvaccination antibody response. Costs for vaccination and postvaccination serological testing were compared to potential costs of postexposure employee furloughs. RESULTS Of 263 seronegative HCWs, 96 (36.5%) began the vaccine program. Thirty-nine HCWs received only one dose of vaccine. Seven returned for follow-up antibody testing, of whom 4 were seropositive. Of the 57 HCWs who received two doses, 38 returned for follow-up serology. Thirty-one (81.6%) HCWs were seropositive for varicella-zoster virus antibodies, and seven HCWs (18.4%) remained seronegative. Total cost of vaccination for all 263 seronegative HCWs was estimated and compared to the cost of varicella-related furloughs at our institution. CONCLUSIONS We found a considerably lower rate of vaccine-induced seroconversion at our hospital compared to that of the published literature. Despite this finding, universal varicella vaccination remained an extremely cost-effective alternative to the furloughing of exposed, seronegative HCWs. Projected hospital savings exceeded $53,000 in the first year after vaccination alone.
Rose Bengal aggregation in rationally synthesized dimeric systems

— Rose Bengal derivatives (I-VI) have been synthesized as part of a program to study the spectroscopy of model systems for Hpd dimer. The absorption and emission spectra as a function of solvent are diagnostic for the formation of aggregated conformers. Based on our spectroscopic results we conclude that these compounds exist in open conformation in ethanol and other organic solvents, and that they form intramolecular dimers in aqueous solution.
FORMATION OF SEXUPARAE IN THE APHID, ERIOSOMA PYRICOLA, ON PEAR ROOTS1

Alate sexuparae were produced in cultures of the aphid, Eriosoma pyricola Baker & Davidson, on the roots of pear plants treated to induce cessation of shoot growth. No sexuparae were produced as long as shoot growth continued. E. pyricola could be cultured on detached pieces of pear root. Sexuparae were not produced in such cultures exposed to constant temperatures over a range from 12° to 27° in continuous darkness. Nor were they produced on detached root pieces with either 16-hr or 10-hr photoperiods. No sexuparae were produced when plants were exposed for 4 weeks to environmental conditions that induced cessation of growth and their roots were detached and infested with virginoparous aphids. Nor were sexuparae produced on root pieces from dormant plants from the field. Zusammenfassung DIE BILDUNG VON SEXUPAREN BEI DER BLATTLAUS ERIOSOMA PYRICOLA AN BIRNBAUMWURZELN In Zuchten der Blattlaus Eriosoma pyricola auf den Wurzeln von Birnenpflanzen, deren Wachstum durch bestimmte Behandlung zum Stillstand gebracht worden war, wurden geflugelte Sexupare gebildet. Solange das Triebwachstum fortdauerte, wurden keine Sexuparen hervorgebracht. Wachstumsstillstand wurde bei den Birnensamlingen durch Behandlung mit Kurztagen, 10 Std Licht und 14 Std Dunkelheit, bei konstant 24° induziert. Birnensamlinge, die unter Langtag, 16 Std Licht bei 24° und 8 Std Dunkelheit bei 18°, gehalten wurden, blieben viel langere Zeit wuchsig. Bei der Induktion des Wachstumsstillstandes schienen die Nachttemperaturen wichtiger als die Tageslange zu sein. Unter den Birnensamlingen trat hinsichtlich ihrer Reaktion auf Umweltbedingungen genetische Variabilitat auf. Gelegentlich horte ein Samling unter Langtagbedingungen auf zu wachsen oder wuchs unter Kurztagbedingungen weiter. In diesen Fallen war die Produktion von Sexuparen in den Blattlauskolonien auf den Wurzeln vom Pflanzenwachstum und nicht von den Umweltfaktoren abhangig. E. pyricola konnte auf abgeschnittenen Birnenwurzelstucken gehalten werden. In solchen Zuchten wurden keine Sexupare erzeugt, wenn sie im Dauerdunkel konstanten Temperaturen zwischen 12 und 27° ausgesetzt waren. Diese wurden auf abgeschnittenen Wurzelstucken auch nicht hervorgebracht, wenn die Aphiden Photoperioden von 16 oder 10 Std Licht erhielten. Keine Sexupare entstanden, wenn Pflanzen fur 4 Wochen Umwelteinflussen ausgesetzt wurden, die das Wachstum zum Stillstand bringen, und ihre Wurzeln dann abgeschnitten und mit virginoparen Aphiden besiedelt wurden; noch wurden Sexupare auf Wurzelstucken von ruhenden Pflanzen aus dem Freiland erzeugt.
Queuing analysis of polling models

A polling model is a system of multiple queues accessed by a single server in cyclic order. Polling models provide performance evaluation criteria for a variety of demand-based, multiple-access schemes in computer and communication systems. This paper presents an overview of the state of the art of polling model analysis, as well as an extensive list of references. In particular, single-buffer systems and infinite-buffer systems with exhaustive, gated, and limited service disciplines are treated. There is also some discussion of systems with a noncyclic order of service and systems with priority. Applications to computer networks are illustrated, and future research topics are suggested.
Low-activation joining of SiC/SiC composites for fusion applications

Abstract Research at PNNL has been directed at high-strength, low-activation joints using solid-state displacement reactions. This paper reports on further development and optimization of displacement reaction joints for the TITAN collaboration. The results reveal that fully dense and high-quality joints between SiC-composite bars are fabricated at 1623 K–1723 K using 30 MPa pressure in purified argon atmospheres. Scanning electron micrographs reveal typical interpenetrating phase microstructures in the joints, which are about 10 μm thick. Blocky SiC particles are observed to nucleate preferentially at the SiC-joint interface but are more plate-like within the joint. X-ray spectroscopy reveals a uniform distribution of constituent elements consistent with the interpenetrating phases.
An evaluation of human act generation performance

Abstract Act generation is important in decision making in ill-defined problems where the subject must synthesize actions that might solve the problem. Two experiments explored human abilities to generate actions which might solve ill-defined decision problems. Subjects were given unlimited time to suggest as many solutions as possible. Their suggestions were compared to a hierarchical structural model of the actions developed by the experimenters that could be taken to solve the problem. Although subjects were capable of generating several actions that might be worth taking, their suggestions were far from complete. The second experiment replicated and extended these results by introducing instructions to generate quality actions. It employed a structural model derived from cluster analysis, an improved utility estimation technique, and offered substantial monetary incentives for quality or quantity of actions generated. This study confirmed the general conclusion that subjects fail to generate important high-utility actions. The implications of this result are discussed in respect to decision analysis in which a complete structural model of the decision problem is highly desirable.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein and its mRNA: Ultrastructural detection and determination of changes after CNS injury☆

We have previously demonstrated that glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) containing intermediate filaments in retinal Muller cells undergo both quantitative induction and subcellular reorganization as a response to long-term retinal detachment (an induced CNS degeneration wherein the Muller cells form a multicellular scar). This study demonstrates by RNA blotting analysis that normal retina expresses a low basal level of GFAP mRNA, which is induced approximately 500% within 3 days of retinal detachment. At the cellular level, electron microscopic in situ hybridization analysis readily detects GFAP mRNA in Muller cells of detached retinas, but not in normal retinas. On the other hand, GFAP mRNA was readily detected in retinal astrocytes (which appear to express GFAP mRNA at high, constitutive levels). In both cell types, the ultrastructural localization of GFAP mRNA was the same. In the nuclei, the GFAP mRNA was associated with amorphous, electron-dense regions within the euchromatin. In the cytoplasm, the GFAP mRNA was associated with intermediate filaments near the nuclear pores, along the filaments when no other structures were apparent, and when the filaments appeared to be associated with ribosomes and polysomes. The ultrastructural location of the GFAP mRNA (especially along the intermediate filaments) may be unique to this mRNA or may represent a more generalized mRNA phenomenon.
Photosynthesis in Rhodospirillum rubrum. II. Photoheterotrophic Carbon Dioxide Fixation

The contribution of the reductive pentose phosphate cycle to the photometabolism of carbon dioxide and to carbon metabolism in Rhodospirillum rubrum grown photoheterotrophically with l-malate as the carbon source is nil, unlike autotrophically grown R. rubrum. Glycolic acid appears to be the first stable product of CO(2) fixation in R. rubrum cultured photoheterotrophically on l-malate. The results obtained in (14)CO(2) fixation experiments suggest that the photometabolism of CO(2) through glycolate into malate is a major pathway of CO(2) fixation in such cells. However, l-malate was a much more efficient precursor of phosphate esters, and of glutamic acid, than was carbon dioxide; l-malate is therefore, in this case, a far more important source of cell carbon than is carbon dioxide. The products of the light-dependent incorporation of CO(2) and of acetate were investigated in R. rubrum grown photoheterotrophically on acetate. Carboxylation reactions and the reductive pentose phosphate cycle are apparently of greater significance in the photometabolism of acetate heterotrophs than in malate heterotrophs; the photometabolism of the acetate photoheterotrophs seems to be intermediate between the photoheterotrophy of malate heterotrophs and strict autotrophy.
A dominant mutation that predisposes to multiple intestinal neoplasia in the mouse

In a pedigree derived from a mouse treated with the mutagen ethylnitrosourea, a mutation has been identified that predisposes to spontaneous intestinal cancer. The mutant gene was found to be dominantly expressed and fully penetrant. Affected mice developed multiple adenomas throughout the entire intestinal tract at an early age.
Mitochondrial complex III is required for hypoxia-induced ROS production and gene transcription in yeast.

To survive, respiring organisms must sense and respond to changes in environmental oxygen levels. Complex III of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) has been implicated in the O2 sensing pathway in mammals through its ability to increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during hypoxia. The present study tested whether Complex III in yeast also contributes to O2 sensing during hypoxia. Strains deficient in mitochondrial DNA (ρ0), the Rieske iron—sulfur protein (ΔRip1) in Complex III, or an enzyme responsible for coenzyme Q biosynthesis (ΔCoq2) were studied to determine the importance of Complex III activity in the transcriptional response to hypoxia. Loss of Complex III function abrogated the hypoxia-induced increase in ROS in each strain. Northern analysis identified a set of genes that are activated by hypoxia in wild-type but not in ρ0, ΔRip1, or ΔCoq2 strains. Yeast lacking the transcription factors Yap1p, Mga2p, and Msn2p were also deficient in hypoxic activation of gene transc...
The musselsMytilus galloprovincialis andM. trossulus on the Pacific coast of North America

Most recent authors have called the bay mussels of the Pacific coast of North AmericaMytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758. Thirteen samples ofedulis-like mussels were collected from California, Oregon, and Alaska, USA, in 1985, 1986 and 1987. Electrophoretic evidence from wight loci indicates that these samples consist of two genetically distinct groups, neither of which is similar toM. edulis from the Atlantic Ocean. Mussels in southern California are very similar toM. galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 from the Mediterranean Sea; it is probable thatM. galloprovincialis was introduced accidentally to southern California. Mussels in Oregon and Alaska are similar to those from the Baltic Sea and parts of eastern Canada; the nameM. trossulus Gould, 1850 has priority for this taxon. In central and nothern California,M. galloprovincialis, M. trossulus and their hybrids co-occur. Despite the presence of hybrids betweenM. galloprovincialis andM. trossulus, the genetic integrity which they maintain across large areas of the world warrants their recognition as two distinct species.
Embodied Translation: Dominant Discourse and Communication with Migrant Bodies-as-Text

This article argues that intercultural communication scholars have unique contributions to offer discussions of migrant subject positions and subjectivity by focusing on communicative interactions between people. Specifically, the author proposes a theoretical framework for understanding how migrant bodies are translated in embodied contexts through dominant discursive meanings. The author argues that using a framework that demonstrates translations of foreign bodies-as-texts by actors who represent and enact the dominant discourse on immigration, such as law enforcement officials, provides a way to unpack the manner in which communication happens. Moreover, dissecting this embodied engagement also provides new ways to think about migrants that challenge dominant discursive constructions.
Hypoxia and the CNS: Maturation and adaptation at high altitude

The well known circulatory, including hemopoetic, and respiratory adjustments to high altitude often serve as classic examples of adaptation to specific environmental conditions. Less extensively studied are the contributions of the nervous and endocrine systems to such adaptive mechanisms even though their involvement in humans and animals is indisputed. Observations from our and other laboratories have identified in the rat a number of neurologic and endocrine responses to acute and prolonged exposure to high altitude attributable primarily to its hypoxic component. These responses include general retardation in maturation and function of the central nervous system as manifested by alterations in spontaneous and evoked electrical activity particularly in the limbic structures and involving selectively the synapse and are associated with impairment of brain protein and lipid metabolism, myelinogenesis and neurotransmission. Together with these neurologic disturbances, endocrine dysfunctions lead to alterations in growth, fertility and metabolism. Thus hypoxia, even of moderate severity, would affect profoundly the biochemical and functional maturation and activity of the brain and endocrines, and, reciprocally, prevention and treatment of these neuroendocrine imbalances might strengthen the adaptive competence of the individual.
Terahertz vibrational properties of water nanoclusters relevant to biology.

Water nanoclusters are shown from first-principles calculations to possess unique terahertz-frequency vibrational modes in the 1–6 THz range, corresponding to O–O–O “bending,” “squashing,” and “twisting” “surface” distortions of the clusters. The cluster molecular-orbital LUMOs are huge Rydberg-like “S,” “P,” “D,” and “F” orbitals that accept an extra electron via optical excitation, ionization, or electron donation from interacting biomolecules. Dynamic Jahn–Teller coupling of these “hydrated-electron” orbitals to the THz vibrations promotes such water clusters as vibronically active “structured water” essential to biomolecular function such as protein folding. In biological microtubules, confined water-cluster THz vibrations may induce their “quantum coherence” communicated by Jahn–Teller phonons via coupling of the THz electromagnetic field to the water clusters’ large electric dipole moments.
Group climate and group development in a community meeting on a short-term inpatient psychiatric unit

Group climate and group development of the community meeting on a short-term inpatient psychiatric unit are examined. The Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ) was administered to all staff and patients present at the weekly community meeting on an acute treatment unit in a teaching hospital over a 12-week period. Results show that staff and patients perceive the community meetings in relatively similar ways, that the group climate of a community meeting can attain a “positive working state,” and that, at times, the meeting can progress through developmental stages of group process. Behavioral observations support the GCQ as a measure of group interaction.
T. J. Rodman: Mid-19th century gun barrel research and design for the U.S. Army

Abstract The engineering contributions to heavy military ordnance of Captain (later Lieut.- General) Rodman are summarized from the seven technical reports he published during a 4-year period, 1856–1860, just before the American Civil War (see Fig. 1). His principal original contributions included, the internal or bore cooling of (hollow) cast guns, the introduction of the cutter gauge to measure gun powder pressure, studies of gun life endurance (fatigue) due to repeated firing and the development of prismatic gun powder, among many others. Rodman's name and work is little known among to-day's engineers and scientists (U.S. as well as British) though he may occasionally be recognized in connection with the development of the ‘soda bottle’ shaped gun, which is more usually attributed to Admiral J.H. Dahlgren [1] (see Fig. 2). The objective here is to identify Rodman's significant achievements and to illuminate the background to his contributions, to the development of the ‘soda bottle’ gun and his associated work in engineering science. An appended long Note 3 collects together some remarks about the books that were available for early 19th century engineering students at the Military Academy, West Point, in mechanics and strength of materials.
FTTdp: ONU complexity reduction

We define and evaluate two strategies for reducing the complexity of an optical network unit deployed in a hybrid PON/DSL access network. This complexity reduction will result in reduced energy consumption and cost.
Hydridic reductions of carbon monoxide to hydrocarbons on iron complexes

Treatment of Cp2Fe2(CO)4 with LiAlH4 produces CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8, C4H8 and C4H10. The exact ratio depends on the amount of LiAlH4 used and on the length of reaction. All reactions were carried out with LiAlD4, confirming that CO is reduced with LiAlH4 as the only hydrogen source. By preparing potential intermediates (CH3FeCp(CO)2, C2H5FeCp(CO)2 and CH3C(O)FeCp(CO)2) and treating them with LiAlD4, we have found evidence for a CO insertion mechanism in chain propagation. Other hydridic reagents were used, the reactivity for the reduction of CO decreases LiAlH4 > NaBH4 > LiEt3BH.
Quantifying aboveground biomass and estimating net aboveground primary production for wetland macrophytes using a non-destructive phenometric technique

Abstract A non-destructive net aboveground primary production (NAPP) estimation technique which reduces the amount of labour required without sacrificing method accuracy was developed using phenometric models for nine species from freshwater Everglades wetlands. The predictive power of these models ranged from 90% to 97% and all were highly significant (p
Some perceptual factors in the learning of sequential patterns of binary events

Ss learned sequences of binary eventh (lights) produced by repetition of patterns of five elements. The stimuli were presented once every four sec, with immediate responding or delayed responding. A simple and a complex pattern were used, with each pattern started at each of its five possible starting points. Description of the pattern by S after learning shows that runs and alternations are critical determiners of the perceived organization. The point at which responding begins (with delayed responding) is related to the perceived organization, but is also affected by the accuracy of response to each position in the pattern. The difficulty of learning is affected by the particular pattern. The error rate per position indicates pattern expectancies, and these produce differences in learning difficulty with different starting positions. Comparison with previous research suggests that “learning” of slow patterns has much in common with “perception” of fast patterns.
Influencing versus Informing Design, Part 2: Macrocognitive Modeling

Cognitive-systems engineers study the cognitive work conducted in sociotechnical contexts and, from that understanding, provide guidance to software engineers. The previous essay in this department discussed how there can be a gap-the guidance from cognitive-systems engineers can inform design, but what software engineers actually need are designs. The gap has been successfully crossed in one direction, in projects in which cognitive-systems engineers expressed the requirements in a way that captured key functionalities and their rationale, thereby speaking to the software engineer's needs. This essay works in the other direction: providing systems engineers with an easy-to-use method-the macrocognitive modeling procedure-that might enable them to ramp up their understanding of the cognitive work. The procedure involves creating and then validating models of domain practitioners' reasoning. The method is easy to use and can enable software engineers to ramp up their understanding of end users' cognitive work.
Growth factors and chemotherapeutic modulation of breast cancer cells

A variety of molecules including growth factors are involved in the metastasis of breast cancer cells to bone. We have investigated the effects of osteoblast derived growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1), on doxorubicin (adriamycin)-induced apoptosis and growth arrest of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) (MCF-7) and negative (ER-) (MDA-MB-435) breast cancer cell lines. Human breast normal epithelial (MCF-10A), breast cancer (MCF-7) and metastatic breast cancer (MDA-MB-435) cell lines were exposed to different doses of doxorubicin (0.1, 1 or 10 microM) at various exposure times (12, 24 or 48 h). The doxorubicin cytotoxicity was found to be higher in cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7) compared with normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A cells). Doxorubicin appeared to exert a blockade of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 cells at the G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-435 (29 +/- 4.2% vs 3.4 +/- 1.9% control) as assessed by flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate and biotin nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assays. Estradiol (E2) stimulated the growth of MCF-7 cells and increased the distribution of the cells at the G2/M and S phases. Exogenous IGF-1 partially neutralized the doxorubicin cytotoxicity in both cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435). Similarly, TGF-beta1 partially neutralized the doxorubicin cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-435 cells by reducing the number of cells at the <G1 phase (from 29% to 6.4%) and enhanced the doxorubicin blockade of MCF-7 (E2-) at the G0/G1 phase. Results showed that the osteoblast-derived growth factors could affect the chemotherapy response of breast cancer cells, thereby allowing for the possibility of chemotherapeutic modulation.
The cultural expression of death and dying

Death and dying are universal experiences for people from all cultural groups. This collective experience is intertwined with issues involving mind, body, and spirit in the context of each person's unique culture. Case managers can be instrumental in teaching other members of the health care team regarding the cultural issues involved in the dying process of terminally ill clients. Successful management of the process for clients and the people important to them requires a culturally competent approach. Moreover, the managers need to understand the cultural process of dying and the death process both for themselves and their clients.
Poetry and Drama as Counter-Narrative

The focus of this study is about what lies at the intersection of critical race theory (CRT) and arts-based educational research (ABER). Our goal is to address the emotional terrain about race in s...
The pediatric cancer quality of life inventory-32 (PCQL-32): I. Reliability and validity.

BACKGROUND Multidimensional measurement of pediatric cancer patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Phase III randomized controlled clinical trials is being recognized increasingly as an essential component in evaluating the comprehensive health outcomes of modern antineoplastic treatment protocols. The Pediatric Cancer Quality of Life Inventory-32 (PCQL-32) is a standardized patient self-report and parent proxy-report assessment instrument designed to assess systematically pediatric cancer patients' HRQOL outcomes. METHODS To validate a patient-report form and a parent-report form, the PCQL-32 was administered to 291 pediatric cancer patients and to their parents. Both forms yield a total score and five a priori multidimensional scales. Clinical validity was determined by the known-groups approach by comparing patients classified as either on or off treatment. To determine construct validity, a battery of standardized psychosocial measures was administered and a multitrait-multimethod matrix was constructed. RESULTS For both patient and parent forms, internal consistency reliability of the PCQL-32 total scale was high (0.91 and 0.92, respectively). The internal consistency reliabilities of the five component scales for both patient and parent forms were in the acceptable range for group comparisons. With regard to clinical validity, the PCQL-32 total scale and the disease/treatment and physical functioning scales of the PCQL-32 distinguished between patients on and off treatment for both patient- and parent-report. The results of the multitrait-multimethod matrix approach were consistent with hypotheses and lent evidence for the construct validity of the patient and parent forms of the PCQL-32 total scale and the psychological functioning, social functioning, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and disease/treatment scales. CONCLUSIONS The PCQL-32 has demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability, clinical validity, and construct validity for both patient-report and parent-report forms. Further field testing of the PCQL-32 will determine its practicality and utility in multisite pediatric cancer randomized controlled clinical trials. Cancer 1998;82:1184-96. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
The Natural History of Noncastrate Metastatic Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy

Objectives To characterise the natural history of metastatic prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients followed expectantly for rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (noncastrate metastases).
Synergistic toxicity between arsenic and methylated selenium compounds

Arsenite has been known for half a century to have a protective effect against selenium poisoning. Paradoxically, arsenite inhibits the conversion of inorganic selenium salts to methylated excretory products, although methylation has long been regarded as a detoxification mechanism for selenium. Moreover, there is evidence for a pronounced synergistic toxicity between arsenite and methylated selenium metabolites. We investigated the effect of arsenite on the acute toxicity of a variety of methylated or nonmethylated selenium compounds, as well as methylated forms of sulfur and tellurium. Adult male rats were injected with sodium arsenite (4 mg As/kg bw, s.c.) 10 min prior to injection of the test compounds; at the doses employed, none of the test compounds caused mortality, nor did arsenite, when given alone. When given with arsenite, the following methylated compounds produced toxic signs and high morality at the indicated dosages (mg Se/kg): Methylseleninic acid (2), dimethylselenoxide (2), trimethylselenonium chloride (3), selenobetaine (2), selenobetaine methylester (2, also 1 and 0.5), and Se-methylselenocysteine (2). Toxic signs but no mortality occurred when arsenite was given with selenomethionine (2 mg Se/kg). No enhancement of toxic signs or mortality occurred when arsenite was given with sulfobetaine (0.8 mg S/kg), dimethylsulfide (320 mg S/kg), or the following (nonmethylated) forms of selenium: sodium selenite (2), selenocystine (2), and phenylselenol (2). Arsenite also increased the toxicity of trimethyltelluronium chloride (4.8 mg Te/kg). Like arsenite, periodate-oxidized adenosine (100 μmoles/kg), which is known to inhibit the formation of dimethylselenide and trimethylselenonium ion in vivo, caused increased 24 h mortality when given with various methylated selenium compounds. The results show that arsenite markedly enhances the toxicity of methylated selenium compounds, in contrast to the effect of arsenite on inorganic selenium salts. Arsenite appears to have a number of different, sometimes opposing, effects on selenium metabolism. It may enhance the toxicity of partially-methylated forms by blocking some process in their detoxification, such as methylation.
Ribosomal proteins S12 and S13 function as control elements for translocation of the mRNA:tRNA complex

Translocation of the mRNA:tRNA complex through the ribosome is promoted by elongation factor G (EF-G) during the translation cycle. Previous studies established that modification of ribosomal proteins with thiol-specific reagents promotes this event in the absence of EF-G. Here we identify two small subunit interface proteins S12 and S13 that are essential for maintenance of a pretranslocation state. Omission of these proteins using in vitro reconstitution procedures yields ribosomal particles that translate in the absence of enzymatic factors. Conversely, replacement of cysteine residues in these two proteins yields ribosomal particles that are refractive to stimulation with thiol-modifying reagents. These data support a model where S12 and S13 function as control elements for the more ancient rRNA- and tRNA-driven movements of translocation.
Counselor Experience and Accuracy of Prediction of Client Behavior: Rehabilitation

This follow-up study investigated the effect of experience on a counselor's ability to forecast post-counseling client behavior. The client's stated plan or actual job status was compared to the counselor's prediction of the client's post-counseling behavior. Client follow-up questionnaires were completed and returned for 135 closed counseling cases. The results indicate experienced vocational rehabilitation counselors make the most accurate predictions of post-counseling client behavior. Implications of this finding to future research are discussed.
Design Factors Effecting Capacity of Rail and Transit Systems

The overall impact on system “capacity” is typically described in terms of train control design. There are several other key factors that determine the ultimate system capacity of a rail line. Among the most influential of these are: vehicle type and configuration, stations and platform design and configuration, and overall civil alignment. In the analysis of the maximum capacity delivered from the train control system, all of these require optimization of design to achieve the highest throughput, and have a direct influenced by train control design as well. This paper describes how fully optimized design of non train control issues and factors have an impact on signal system design and have a consequence that is permanent once constructed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Competitiveness of developing and state trading countries

The foreign trade policies of the industrialized countries have become increasingly complex. The states in question do not apply uniform policies to all other countries but operate different arrangements for different groups of countries. The divergencies can be easily adduced as evidence in support of charges of discrimination against one group of countries for the benefit of another group. The state trading countries for instance claim—in partial explanation of their relatively small export achievements—that the foreign trade policy of the industrialized western countries puts them at a disadvantage compared with the developing countries. Is this charge justified? The following study answers this question for the EC which is the most important market for both these groups of countries in the industrialized world.
Estimation of effective ion temperatures in a quadrupole ion trap

A modified Finnigan LCQ quadrupole ion trap has been used to determine the equilibrium constant of the complexation reaction of thiophenolate with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. The process is particularly useful as a thermometer reaction because it has an exceptionally large temperature dependence. Using literature values for the thermochemistry, an effective ion temperature of 310 ± 20 K is indicated for the ion trap. This value is much lower than some earlier estimates for ion traps, but is consistent with a recent theoretical analysis and some previous interpretations of experimental data. The results suggest that quadrupole ion traps are suitable for studying gas phase reactions under nearly thermal conditions.
Confident in a Kiss

Summary This article describes an interactive activity for illustrating general properties of confidence intervals and the construction of confidence intervals for proportions. In completing this activity, students generate, collect and analyse data.
Glutamate induces the expression and release of tumor necrosis factor-α in cultured hypothalamic cells

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) affects several CNS functions such as regulation of sleep, body temperature, and feeding during pathology. There is also evidence for TNFα involvement in physiological sleep regulation, e.g., TNFα induces sleep and brain levels of TNFα increase during prolonged wakefulness. The immediate cause of enhanced TNFα production in brain is unknown. We investigated whether glutamate could signal TNFα production because glutamate is a neurotransmitter associated with cell activation and wakefulness. We used primary cultures of fetal rat hypothalamic cells to examine the expression and release of TNFα. Immunostaining for neuron specific enolase revealed that the cultures were 50–60% neuronal and 40–50% non-neuronal cells. TNFα was detected in both the media and cells under basal conditions. Stimulation of the cells with 1 mM glutamate for 2 h produced an increase in media content of TNFα, whereas cell content was elevated at earlier time points. Using trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays, there was no evidence of cell toxicity with this stimulation protocol. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that TNFα was expressed by ∼25% of the neurons and ∼75% of the glial cell in the culture. Stimulation of the cultures with glutamate did not increase the percentage of cells expressing TNFα. We conclude that TNFα is constitutively expressed and released by healthy cultures of hypothalamic cells and that activation of the cells with a non-toxic challenge of glutamate increases TNFα production. These findings support the hypothesis that TNFα can participate in normal physiological regulation of sleep and feeding.
PREDICTORS AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY

Ventricular arrhythmia after cardiac surgery (POVA) is uncommon. We sought to investigate the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of patients with POVA in a large cohort of patients. 14,720 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution between 1/1/04 and 7/31/10 were included
Medical Device Regulation: Time to Improve Performance

Sanket Dhruva and Rita Redberg comment on a research study evaluating the evidence regarding the performance of device regulatory systems. They argue that adequate funding and increased transparency are vital to future reform.
The growth of the mixed layer in a turbulent stably stratified fluid

Abstract Investigations are made of turbulence in a stably stratified fluid induced by a source of energy at the bottom. The problem is relevant to mixed layers in the upper oceans and lower atmosphere. When the source of turbulence begins, a growing mixed layer of thickness D appears in the lower portion of the fluid separated from the non-turbulent fluid above by an interfacial layer of thickness h. The lower mixed layer has a very weak buoyancy and the large buoyancy difference across the interface is Δb. The theoretical results depend on a Richardson. number [Rcirc]i = DΔb/u 2 1 or DΔb/w2 ∗ where the turbulent velocities in the mixed layer are of order u 1 or w ∗ in the cases of mechanical and thermal agitation, respectively. The theory contains a number of results for the case of the oscillating grid: (1) u e/u 1 ∼[Rcirc]i −7/4, where ue = dD/dt is the entrainment velocity. This -7 4 entrainment law compares with a -3 2 law suggested by several experimenters; (2) Turbulence in the interfacial layer i...