cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The L polymerase protein of parainfluenza virus 3 forms an oligomer and can interact with the heterologous Sendai virus L, P and C proteins.

Abstract We recently showed that the L protein of Sendai virus is present as an oligomer in the active P–L polymerase complex [Smallwood et al., Virology 304 (2002) 235]. We now demonstrate using two different epitope tags that the L protein of a second respirovirus, human parainfluenza type 3 virus (PIV3), also forms an L–L complex. L oligomerization requires the coexpression of the differentially epitope tagged L proteins. By exploiting a series of C-terminal truncations the L–L binding site maps to the N-terminal half of L. There is some complex formation between the heterologous PIV3 and Sendai L and P proteins; however, the heterologous L protein does not function in transcription of either the PIV3 or Sendai template. The PIV3 C protein binds PIV3 L and inhibits RNA synthesis in vitro and in vivo. Significant homology exists between the C proteins of PIV3 and Sendai and complex formation occurs between the PIV3 and Sendai heterologous C and L proteins. In addition, the heterologous C proteins can inhibit transcription at ∼50% of the level of the homologous protein. These data suggest that while the C proteins may be functionally somewhat interchangeable, the L and P proteins are specific for each virus.
AirSense: A Portable Context-sensing Device for Personal Air Quality Monitoring

Health effects attributed to air pollution, especially ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), become a global issue. The central environment monitoring networks provide limited spatial coverage and no contextual information. However, there is no solution to take contextual information, such as environmental and user behavioral factors, into account, which is highly associated to the variability of air quality level and the complex relationship between air quality and human activities. In this paper, we design, implement, and evaluate a new context-sensing device for personal air quality monitoring, namely AirSense. AirSense is a portable and cost-effective platform, which is equipped with a dust sensor, a global position system (GPS) sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, and an accelerometer sensor. The development of such a user-centered and geographical-information integrated platform enables us to collect fine-grained air quality along with contextual information. We evaluate the platform across a set of focused settings, such as the indoor vs outdoor, walking vs in-vehicle, moving vs stationary, and an environment with various levels of dust. Meanwhile, a user study is conducted to verify that AirSense is capatable of performing the ambient air quality monitoring in daily life. We also discuss several other applications with the new context-sensing platform.
Positron annihilation in indium telluride

Positron annihilation studies have been carried out on InTe(II), metal phase. Our results are in fair agreement with NMR work of Brog, Jones and Milford.
Empreintes génétiques du chou-fleur par RAPD et vérification de la pureté hybride F1 d'un lot de semences

Les varietes hybrides F 1 de chou-fleur (Brassica oleracea var botrytis), permettant des recoltes homogenes, sont tres appreciees des producteurs. Toutefois, la production de ces semences hybrides est delicate et les lots peuvent etre contamines par des graines issues de l'autofecondation de la lignee parentale femelle. Le taux d'inbreds est donc determine avant la commercialisation d'un hybride pour eviter tout accident de recolte. Actuellement, ceci est realise par un test phenotypique []
Peptidic trifluoromethyl alcohols and ketones a general synthesis and application as renin inhibitors

Abstract Preparation of the tripeptidic trifluoromethyl alcohol 9 and ketone 10 and their evaluation as renin inhibitors is described. The key step is the Curtius rearrangement of the beta-silyloxy acid 6 prepared via condensation of trifluoroacetaldehyde with the dianion of cyclohexane propionic acid.
Differential Intraocular Pressure in Strabismus Diagnosis

An evaluation of the differential intraocular pressure test in the diagnosis of non-comitant strabismus is described and the results compared with findings in ten normal subjects. Increased intraocular pressure occurring when an eye cannot complete a full duction indicates both the existence of a restriction and the presence of underlying muscle force generation. The differential intraocular pressure test is easily performed, non-invasive, generally reliable, and can be performed on children who are unlikely to cooperate with other types of diagnostic procedures. Although false-negative results may occur, this test nevertheless provides useful additional information to that normally obtained in a motility examination. When combined with passive forced ductions, an accurate picture of both active and passive components of the strabismus may be determined.
35-Year-Old Woman With Ulcerating Skin Lesions

A 35-year-old female day-care worker sought medical assis­ tance because of a history of small tender nodules develop­ ing on the left lateral buttock area. These nodules had appeared 4 days earlier, after the patient had been working in her garden; therefore, they were ascribed to a possible insect bite. The skin lesions began as red, warm, tender, and indurated areas (Fig. 1) associated, 4 to 5 days later, with spontaneous drainage of serosanguineous fluid. For the next few months, multiple ulcerated lesions (up to 3 by 2 em) developed on the buttocks and thighs (Fig. 2). The lesions then stopped draining and healed, but subcutaneous atrophy and hyperpigmentation remained. A skin biopsy specimen obtained by her local physician revealed nonspecific chronic dermatitis. Topically applied corticosteroids seemed to ex­ acerbate the lesions. During this time, she remained afebrile and had no chills, sweats, cough, arthralgia, fatigue, or dyspnea. During the 3 months before the patient was exam­ ined at our institution, several regimens of antibiotics and oral corticosteroid therapy yielded no appreciable improve­ ment or cessation of recurrent ulcerations. 1. Which one of the following is the most likely dermatologic diagnosis at this point? a. Erythema nodosum b. Pyoderma gangrenosum c. Panniculitis d. Bacterial cellulitis e. Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa Eruption due to erythema nodosum can be associated with various disease processes, although it is not character­ ized by ulcerating lesions. Recurrence, as noted in this patient, is uncommon in erythema nodosum. Pyoderma gangrenosum, considered noninfectious in origin, clinically exhibits a painful nodule or pustule that ulcerates and drains a purulent exudate and has a necrotic base. In our patient, the lesions did not demonstrate the rapid expansion and ulcer
Originalism 2.0 Meets the First Amendment: The “New Originalism,” Interpretive Methodology, and Freedom of Expression

Constitutional originalism emerged as a legal and political movement in the last quarter of the twentieth century largely as a conservative reaction to perceived excesses of the Supreme Court of the United States. Early originalist attempts to formulate a coherent constitutional methodology were met with stinging criticism from many scholars. In recent years, a group of constitutional scholars has championed a different approach under the rubric “the New Originalism.” One of the key methodological innovations of New Originalism has been to reject the search for the intentions of the framer or ratifiers of constitutional provisions and instead seek to identify the “original public meaning” of such provisions. This article explores New Originalism in the context of the First Amendment speech and press clauses. The article also analyzes originalist opinions by Supreme Court justices to determine if New Originalism is affecting how the justices approach First Amendment interpretation.
Cost and quality-of-life issues associated with different surgical therapies for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding

Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding by abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy has been partially replaced by operative endoscopy (i.e., laparoscopy and hysteroscopy) Used appropriately, operative endoscopy offers several advantages, such as decreased hospital stay fewer complications, and less discomfort. Some matters, such as cost, quality-of-life issues, and indications for health-care utilization, are not as well understood for operative endoscopy as they are for traditional surgical methods.
Estimating groundwater storage changes in the Mississippi River basin (USA) using GRACE

Based on satellite observations of Earth’s time variable gravity field from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), it is possible to derive variations in terrestrial water storage, which includes groundwater, soil moisture, and snow. Given auxiliary information on the latter two, one can estimate groundwater storage variations. GRACE may be the only hope for groundwater depletion assessments in data-poor regions of the world. In this study, soil moisture and snow were simulated by the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and used to isolate groundwater storage anomalies from GRACE water storage data for the Mississippi River basin and its four major sub-basins. Results were evaluated using water level records from 58 wells set in the unconfined aquifers of the basin. Uncertainty in the technique was also assessed. The GRACE-GLDAS estimates compared favorably with the well based time series for the Mississippi River basin and the two sub-basins that are larger than 900,000 km2. The technique performed poorly for the two sub-basins that have areas of approximately 500,000 km2. Continuing enhancement of the GRACE processing methods is likely to improve the skill of the technique in the future, while also increasing the temporal resolution.
Temporal- and Location-Specific Alterations of the GABA Recycling System in Mecp2 KO Mouse Brains

Rett syndrome (RTT), associated with mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2), is linked to diverse neurological symptoms such as seizures, motor disabilities, and cognitive impairments. An altered GABAergic system has been proposed as one of many underlying pathologies of progressive neurodegeneration in several RTT studies. This study for the first time investigated the temporal- and location-specific alterations in the expression of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (GAT-1), vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT), and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67kD (GAD67) in wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice in the Mecp2tm1.1Bird/y mouse model of RTT. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) co-labeling of GAT-1 with vGAT identified GABAergic synapses that were quantitated for mid-sagittal sections in the frontal cortex (FC), hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and striatum (Str). An age-dependent increase in the expression of synaptic GABA transporters, GAT-1, and vGAT, was observed in the FC and DG in WT brains. Mecp2 KO mice showed a significant alteration in this temporal profile that was location-specific, only in the FC. GAD67-positive cell densities also showed an age-dependent increase in the FC, but a decrease in the DG in WT mice. However, these densities were not significantly altered in the KO mice in the regions examined in this study. Therefore, the significant location-specific downregulation of synaptic GABA transporters in Mecp2 KO brains with unaltered densities of GAD67-positive interneurons may highlight the location-specific synaptic pathophysiology in this model of RTT.
High-frequency callus induction and plant regeneration in Tripsacum dactyloides (L.)

A protocol for high-frequency callus, somatic embryogenesis, and plant regeneration for Tripsacum is described. Plants were regenerated from complete shoot meristems (3–4 mm) via organogenesis and embryogenesis. In organogenesis, the shoot meristems were cultured directly on a high cytokinin medium comprising 5–10 mgl−1 (22.2–44.4 μM) 6-benzyladenine (BA). The number of multiple shoots varied from six to eight from each meristem. The time required for production of plants from organogenesis was rapid (4–6 wk). In contrast, callus was induced on an auxin medium and continuously cultured on an auxin medium for production of somatic embryos. Prolific callus with numerous somatic embryos developed within 3–4 wk when cultured on an auxin medium containing 5 mgl−1 (22.6μM), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The number of shoots induced varied from two to five per callus. Regardless of the cultivars used, the frequency of callus induction and plant regeneration was between 48% and 94%. The seed germination procedures also were modified and resulted in a maximum of 60–80% seed germination. Finally, the rate of T-DNA transfer to complete shoot meristems of Tripsacum was high on the auxin medium and was independent of whether super-virulent strains of Agrobacterium were used or not.
Environmental effects on the structure of metal ion-DOTA complexes: an ab initio study of radiopharmaceutical metals.

Quantum chemical calculations were performed to study the differences between the important radiopharmaceutical metals yttrium (Y) and indium (In) bound by DOTA and modified DOTA molecules. Energies were calculated at the MP2/6-31+G(d)//HF/6-31G(d) levels, using effective core potentials on the Y and In ions. Although the minimum energy structures obtained are similar for both metal ion−DOTA complexes, changes in coordination and local environment significantly affect the geometries and energies of these complexes. Coordination by a single water molecule causes a change in the coordination number and a change in the position of the metal ion in In−DOTA, but Y−DOTA is hardly affected by water coordination. When one of the DOTA carboxylates is replaced by an amide, the resulting structures show a large variation between the Y and In ions. A six-residue model of the active site containing metal ion−DOTA showed that the Y−DOTA structure optimized to a structure similar to the crystal structure but that the wa...
In Situ Examination of the Structure of Model Reversed-Phase Chromatographic Interfaces by Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

Model reversed-phase chromatographic interfacial systems were examined using sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy to study the effect of solvent on the structure and conformation of the stationary phase. Monolayers formed from mixed C18 and C1 alkysilanes (both polymeric octadecyltrichlorosilane-methyl trichlorosilane mixed monolayers and monomeric octadecyldimethylchlorosilane-trimethylchlorosilane mixed monolayers) on fused silica were examined in contact with air, deuterated acetonitrile (CD3CN), D2O, and mixtures of CD3CN and D2O. When mixed composition (C18 and C1) monolayers were examined, significant disorder was observed in the alkyl chains for all solvents examined at intermediate alkyl chain densities for the polymeric materials, and at all chain densities for the monomeric materials. Maximum order for intermediate polymeric chain densities was found to occur in contact with 40−50 vol % D2O solutions. These results indicate that solvent microheterogeneity has a large effect on alkyl chain...
Fast method for calculating the self-consistent electronic structure of random alloys

We describe a computationally efficient method for performing self-consistent-field calculations of the electronic structure of random solid-solution alloys within the multiple-scattering coherent-potential-approximation formalism (KKR-CPA). We utilize a cluster method for solving the KKR-CPA equations and integrate along a contour in the complex-energy plane to reconstruct the single-site electronic densities.
A numerical investigation of non-uniform film flow

Abstract The problem of non-uniform film flow is considered and numerical solution of an approximated equation of motion and the mechanical energy equation are compared. The study is restricted to “convergent” films. Solution of the equation of motion indicates that away from an “entrance” region in which the velocity profile undergoes major rearrangement the profile is given by: This is termed “similarity” and occurs at positions away from the equilibrium film thickness. The position of a specified approach to “similarity” and the film thickness at that point are shown to be unique functions of the initial film thickness and correlations are presented. The usual assumptions in the derivation of the mechanical energy equation are discussed in detail. It is demonstrated that the basic assumption is that of profile “similarity”.
Pulmonary nitrogen clearance in the first two years of poliomyelitis with respiratory muscle paralysis.

Abstract Lung gas distribution and mixing during artificial respiration were studied in 35 patients with respiratory muscle paralysis caused by poliomyelitis. The onset of their disease had occurred within 2 years before the time of study. The results were contrasted to those obtained during natural breathing in 50 healthy persons of similar ages, sexes, and physical characteristics. In general, but not invariably, the values of clearance equivalent of the patients were lower than those obtained in good health. It is assumed that in these patients some decrease in anatomic dead space and regional changes in the alveoli take place. We postulate from this study that the prevailing pulmonary condition in the early course of artificial respiration and respiratory muscle paralysis is one of a reduced total number of ventilated alveoli that may be larger than normal and have increased “accessibility” to tidal ventilation. These are probably interspersed with small atelectatic areas. This situation may change with time and the extent to which natural breathing can be resumed. The significance of these findings for pulmonary gas exchange and diffusion is unknown.
Providencia rettgeri-associated Septicemia and Meningoencephalitis in Juvenile Farmed American Alligators Alligator mississippiensis

Abstract Providencia rettgeri was found to be associated with high mortalities in farmed American alligators Alligator mississippiensis being grown under intensive culture conditions on a commercial aquaculture facility. The outbreak was likely precipitated by an episode of severe temperature stress resulting from a thermostat that was improperly set. Animals were lethargic and in poor physical condition, and exhibited neurologic signs, including head tilt and circling. Histopathology findings revealed heterophilic meningoencephalitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and splenitis. The epizootic was successfully resolved by adding neomycin sulfate to the diet. Providencia rettgeri is recognized as an infrequent opportunistic pathogen of captive American alligators and the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus in Australia. Meningoencephalitis in alligators has not previously been attributed to P. rettgeri.
Effect of intravenous injection of tuberculin on leucocytes of normal and tuberculous rabbits.

SummaryFollowing the intravenous injection of P.P.D. into tuberculous rabbits there is a decrease in the total number of white cells and lymphocytes. The maximum decrease occurs in 6 to 9 hours and is followed by a gradual return to normal. There is also frequently a delayed increase in neutrophiles.
The role of aqueous alteration in the formation of martian soils

Abstract Martian equatorial dark regions are dominated by unweathered materials and it has often been assumed that they have not been significantly altered from their source lithology. The suite of minerals present is consistent with a basaltic composition and there has been no need to invoke additional processes to explain the origin of these compositions. We have begun to question this result based on detailed observations using a variety of datasets. Locally derived dark soils have a mineralogy distinct from that of adjacent rocky surfaces; most notably a lower olivine content. This pattern is common for many surfaces across the planet. Previous work using detailed measurements acquired within the Gusev Plains has shown that olivine dissolution via acidic weathering may explain chemical trends observed between rock rinds and interiors. Mineralogical trends obtained from rocks and soils within the Gusev Plains are more prominent than the elemental trends and support previous results that indicate that dissolution of olivine has occurred. However, clear differences are also present in elemental abundances that indicate a variety of inputs and processes are likely responsible for the formation of martian dark soils. Despite the potential complexity of source materials and processes, it appears that most martian dark regions have likely experienced aqueous alteration and chemical weathering appears to be closely linked to the mechanical breakdown of materials. Regardless of the responsible mechanism, there appears to be a general, though not perfect, correlation between elevated olivine abundance and high-thermal inertia surfaces on Mars.
IC vision: a VLSI-based holographic display system

This paper describes the design of a full-color, full-parallax, true holographic display system which will be fabricated as the top layer of an optically flat massively parallel computer. The individual processors of the parallel computer are themselves connected via free-space optical interconnects. The holographic display, which is called the Hoxel Display, utilizes electrostatic fields created by the parallel computer to modulate a thin layer of liquid crystal material, which forms the diffractive display. The computation performed by the embedded processors are used to drive very fine electrodes on the surface of the chip which modulate the liquid crystal. The entire system is fabricated using standard Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuit technology. There are two major innovations in this work. First, the display will be a low power, low cost, rugged, flat panel holographic display. Second, integrating the processor with the display into a single substrate removes the need for electrical interconnections between the processor and display unit. Each processor/display element contains a photodetector and data extractor circuit, and all information enters the system optically, thus obviating the need for any connections other than power and ground.
Fundamental considerations in creep-based determination of dislocation density in semiconductors grown from the melt

Abstract The suitability of the Alexander and Haasen (AH) creep model for calculation of dislocation multiplication rates in melt grown GaAs and InP crystals is analyzed. To this end, a model consisting of two deformation stages is identified: (a) stage-I corresponding to the period immediately following solidification of the material and (b) stage-II corresponding to the subsequent evolution of the thermal strain field in the crystal. Comparison of calculated and observed density of dislocations and fundamental considerations suggests that dislocation multiplication occurs, primarily, away from the growth interface and not immediately upon solidification. CRSS-based thermoelastic calculations, as well as quantitative approaches for reduction of dislocation density identified by this formulation, are shown to be consistent with the AH model.
Malignant proximal fibular tumors: surgical management of 112 cases.

Background: Malignant tumors of the proximal part of the fibula are rare. We sought to analyze the presenting characteristics, postoperative complications, and local recurrences of malignant tumors in the proximal part of the fibula in a large series of patients. Methods: We identified 112 histologically confirmed malignant tumors of the proximal part of the fibula from the time period between 1910 and 2007. The sex ratio was nearly equal (fifty-four male, fifty-eight female). The average age of the patients was 27.6 years, and the average follow-up period was 5.7 years. Results: Osteosarcoma (44%) was the most common diagnosis. Pain (86%), palpable mass (51%), and peroneal nerve symptoms (12%) were the most common presenting symptoms. One hundred and three (92%) of 112 underwent curative surgical treatment. The two most common procedures were amputation in fifty (45%) of 112 patients and Malawer type-II resection in twenty-four (21%) of 112 patients. Deliberative sacrifice of the peroneal nerve was performed in seventy-four patients (66%). Postoperative complications occurred in fourteen (12.5%) of 112 patients, including wound issues (ten of 112), peroneal nerve palsy despite nerve preservation (two of twenty-nine), and posterior tibial artery thrombosis (two of 112). No long-term knee instability was seen in the fifty-three patients who underwent resection with lateral collateral ligament reconstruction. Fifty-six patients (50%) developed distant metastases and twelve (11%) had local recurrences. Conclusions: Osteosarcomas are the most common malignant tumor of the proximal fibula. Complication rates are modest and long-term knee instability was not seen in patients undergoing reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. Local recurrence following resection is not uncommon and metastatic dissemination is the main cause of death. This series represents the largest collection of such tumors for which there is extended follow-up and data on surgical complications. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The stabilization of two-dimensional non-symmetric half-plane recursive filters via the discrete Hilbert transformations

The discrete Hilbert transform (DHT) relations for 2D semicausal signals have been introduced. an alternative algorithm to stabilize non-symmetric half-plane (NSHP) recursive filters by applying the DHT directly in the nonsymmetric half-plane is presented. the results of the direct DHT (DDHT) stabilization procedure are compared with the method of quarter-plane DHT (QDHT) stabilization after transforming the NSHP polynomial into the quarter-plane by application of an appropriate transformation. It is observed that the proposed scheme produces the same stable NSHP filter as that obtained through the QDHT method.
CEPM 1: lean construction and simulation

This paper explores the relationship between simulation and the emerging topics of Lean Thinking and lean construction. The ideas which have motivated the evolution of lean construction concepts are presented. The use of simulation as a means of evaluating the benefit of using lean construction techniques is discussed. Two examples of lean thinking based re-design of common construction processes are described and evaluated using construction process simulation. The paper is designed to promote consideration of the similarities between simulation based process improvement and process re-design related to the application of the principles of lean construction.
Flight qualification and performance testing of SIM precision optical mechanisms

The SIM-Lite project has designed and built PZT driven precision optical mechanisms for pointing and optical pathlength phasing. This paper will discuss the designs, the flight qualification, and performance in a space representative environment of these dynamic optical devices. We will also discuss performance of the strain gauges bonded to the PZTs of the SIM Fine Steering Mirror.
Comparing the Performance of the DASH and Cedar Multiprocessors for Scientific Applications

Scalable shared-memory multiprocessors are attractive because they achieve large-scale parallel processing without surrendering much programmability. Several such machines have been built or are currently being built, for instance RP3, Cedar, KSR1, DASH, DDM1, Alewife, Cray T3D, or the Tera computer system. While all these machines support the shared-memory paradigm, they differ significantly. For example, some of them use hardware to support cache coherence, while others rely on the compiler or the programmer to do so. Furthermore, a subset of the machines are hierarchical, and some have the processors grouped in clusters. In addition to these and other hardware issues, machines also differ in software issues. For instance, the most natural model of parallelism supported by compilers and the operating system can be task- or loop-based.
Response of the Heart to Increased Peripheral Resistance

Changes in the resistance to left ventricular outflow were produced in the anesthetized, open-chest dog by constriction of the descending thoracic aorta, the brachiocephalic artery, or a combination of the two. With constriction of the brachiocephalic artery alone, left ventricular stroke work and peak power were considerably enhanced, left atrial pressure increased insignificantly, and cardiac output remained constant. With aortic or combined constriction, cardiac output diminished and left atrial pressure rose, but peak power and stroke work did not change significantly. The enhancement of peak power and stroke work by brachiocephalic constriction may be ascribed in part to the supervention of reflex and humoral inotropic mechanisms.
Comparison of rural and urban residents' implicit and explicit attitudes related to seeking medical care.

: Context: The decision whether or not to consult a physician draws from a variety of attitudes within an individual’s health schema. While rural Americans are in greater need of health care, many of them have fewer external resources than urbanites available to them. Purpose: The objective of this study was to elicit implicit and explicit attitudes related to seeking medical treatment for a condition described as fairly serious. Participants were asked to rate how often they comply with treatment regimens and practice good health habits. Methods: The sample of rural (N = 586) and urban (N = 433) North Carolina residents was derived based on random-digit dialing. Multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate how attitudes associated with perceived compliance and health behaviors. Findings: While rural and urban residents offered very similar responses, the associations between attitudes and behaviors were different. One healthy and 2 unhealthy schema patterns emerged. First, fear of hospitals was associated with effective compliance for rural residents and good health habits for urbanites. Second, affordability concerns were ascribed to rural community residents but seemed to reflect personally relevant implicit attitudes since they were associated with poor health adherence and habits for rural residents. Third, mistrust of doctors predicted low adherence for both groups and was also associated with poorer health habits for urbanites. With inconsistencies among implicit and explicit attitudes and behaviors, some residents seemed to be ambivalent about seeking health care.
Erasure decoding in burst-error channels

Burst-error channels have been used to model a large class of modern communication media, and the problem of communicating reliably through such media has received much study [1]-[9]. Existing techniques include two-way communication schemes that involve error detection and retransmission, and schemes that utilize error correcting codes in code interleaving. The error-detection and retransmission scheme is simple, but its applicability has been restricted to limited environments. On the other hand, the concept of code interleaving has proved to be versatile and effective. Code interleaving distributes the error detection and correction burden among the component codes and thus lowers the overall redundancy requirement. However, the memory characteristics of the burst-error channel have not been used. This omission has prompted the investigation presented in this paper to utilize the inherent information embedded in the code interleaving scheme when used with burst-error channels. The concept of erasure decoding is introduced, leading to some useful coding and decoding strategies. Theoretical formulations are devised to predict code performance, and their validity is verified with computer simulations.
Middle-School Students' Understanding of the Equal Sign: The Books They Read Can't Help

This study examined how 4 middle school textbook series (2 skills-based, 2 Standards-based) present equal signs. Equal signs were often presented in standard operations equals answer contexts (e.g., 3 + 4 = 7) and were rarely presented in nonstandard operations on both sides contexts (e.g., 3 + 4 = 5 + 2). They were, however, presented in other nonstandard contexts (e.g., 7 = 7). Two follow-up experiments showed that students' interpretations of the equal sign depend on the context. The other nonstandard contexts were better than the operations equals answer context at eliciting a relational understanding of the equal sign, but the operations on both sides context was best. Results suggest that textbooks rarely present equal signs in contexts most likely to elicit a relational interpretation—an interpretation critical to success in algebra.
Septic embolic actinobacillosis. A report of 2 cases in New World monkeys.

Infection with Actinobacillus equuli occurred in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and a spider monkey (Ateles paniscus). The disease in monkeys, characterized by widespread bacterial embolism and embolic suppurative nephritis, was similar to the disease caused by A. equuli in foals.
Mortality of eggs and larvae of the face fly (Diptera: Muscidae) after exposure of adults to surface treated with BAY SIR 8514 and penfluron.

Adult Musca autumnalis DeGeer exposed to surfaces treated with 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075 mg of penfluron or BAY SIR 8514 (2-chloro-N-[[[4-(trifluromethoxy)phenyl] amino] carbonyl] benzamide) per cm2 for 1, 3, or 6 h were evaluated for treatment effect on egg hatch and F1 larval mortality. Inhibition of egg hatch and F1 larval mortality were dependent on exposure time, concentration, mating regime, and elapsed time after exposure. Exposed female flies mated with untreated males demonstrated more greatly inhibited egg hatch than exposed male flies mated with untreated females. A greater inhibition of egg hatch resulted when exposed females and males were mated to each other. Inhibition of egg hatch decreased as the flies aged. Both compounds demonstrated a greater mortality against F1 face fly larvae than against egg hatch.
Computers versus Communism

Markets depend for their efficiency on the flow of information stimulated by entrepreneurial activity. The economic revolution stimulated by the advent of computers in the West could, argues Sheldon Richman of the Institute for Humane Studies, Fairfax, Virginia, lead to political revolution in the Eastern Bloc as governments become unable to restrict the flow of information to their citizens.
Ligand interactions by activating and inhibitory Ly‐49 receptors

Natural killer (NK) cells express families of homologous receptors, members of which either activate or inhibit NK cells. We demonstrate that mouse Ly-49D is an activating receptor for the MHC antigen H2-Dd, which is also a ligand for the related inhibitory receptor Ly-49A. To compare and contrast their interactions with class I MHC ligand, we studied each of these receptors expressed in a rat NK-cell hne, RNK-16, for their capacity to recognize wild-type or mutated H2-Dd. Our studies with Ly-49A reveal that functional interaction with H2-Dd depends on residues in the floor of the H2-Dd peptide-binding groove. The recent co-crystal of Ly-49A with H2-Dd indicates that these are not contact residues, thus they may contribute to allelic specificity through conformational changes in H2-Dd. We found that structural requirements for functional recognition of H2-Dd by Ly-49D differ markedly from those for recognition by Ly-49A. We note that H2-Dd expression on certain target cells is not sufficient to activate lysis mediated by Ly-49D, though the additional requirements for functional interaction are not yet identified. Here we review recent studies of Ly-49 receptor ligand specificities and their molecular basis. The functions of these related receptors with opposing functions and shared allospecificity remains unclear.
Linaclotide: evidence for its potential use in irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation

Both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by chronic and recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, and functional constipation are highly prevalent gastrointestinal problems for which many patients seek medical advice. A diverse number of treatment approaches are currently recommended to treat persons with chronic constipation as well as patients with IBS in which constipation is the main gastrointestinal symptom (IBS-C). These approaches have had somewhat limited success, and many patients remain dissatisfied with available therapy. Recently, linaclotide, a novel intestinal secretagogue, which works by activating the guanylate cyclase C receptor on the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium, has been demonstrated to be efficacious in patients with both chronic functional constipation and with IBS-C in a series of randomized, placebo-controlled studies in these populations. Evidence for this assertion is provided in this systematic review of the pharmacologic properties of this novel agent and the published pivotal studies which support the efficacy of this agent in targeted populations.
Artificial Muscles: Actuators for Biorobotic Systems

Biorobotic research seeks to develop new robotic technologies modeled after the performance of human and animal neuromuscular systems. The development of one component of a biorobotic system, an ar...
Studies on the energy coupling sites of photophosphorylation. IV. The relation of proton fluxes to the electron transport and ATP formation associated with photosystem II.

Abstract 1. By using dibromothymoquinone as the electron acceptor, it is possible to isolate functionally that segment of the chloroplast electron transport chain which includes only Photosystem II and only one of the two energy conservation sites coupled to the complete chain (Coupling Site II, observed P e 2 = 0.3–0.4 ). A light-dependent, reversible proton translocation reaction is associated with the electron transport pathway: H2O → Photosystem II → dibromothymoquinone. We have studied the characteristics of this proton uptake reaction and its relationship to the electron transport and ATP formation associated with Coupling Site II. 2. The initial phase of H+ uptake, analyzed by a flash-yield technique, exhibits linear kinetics (0–3 s) with no sign of transient phenomena such as the very rapid initial uptake (“pH gush”) encountered in the overall Hill reaction with methylviologen. Thus the initial rate of H+ uptake obtained by the flash-yield method is in good agreement with the initial rate estimated from a pH change tracing obtained under continuous illumination. 3. Dibromothymoquinone reduction, observed as O2 evolution by a similar flash-yield technique, is also linear for at least the first 5 s, the rate of O2 evolution agreeing well with the steady-state rate observed under continuous illumination. 4. Such measurements of the initial rates of O2 evolution and H+ uptake yield an H + e − ratio close to 0.5 for the Photosystem II partial reaction regardless of pH from 6 to 8. (Parallel experiments for the methylviologen Hill reaction yield an H + e − ratio of 1.7 at pH 7.6.) 5. When dibromothymoquinone is being reduced, concurrent phosphorylation (or arsenylation) markedly lowers the extent of H+ uptake (by 40–60%). These data, unlike earlier data obtained using the overall Hill reaction, lend themselves to an unequivocal interpretation since phosphorylation does not alter the rate of electron transport in the Photosystem II partial reaction. ADP, Pi and hexokinase, when added individually, have no effect on proton uptake in this system. 6. The involvement of a proton uptake reaction with an H + e − ratio of 0.5 in the Photosystem II partial reaction H2O → Photosystem II → dibromothymoquinone strongly suggests that at least 50% of the protons produced by the oxidation of water are released to the inside of the thylakoid, thereby leading to an internal acidification. It is pointed out that the observed efficiencies for ATP formation (P/e2) and proton uptake ( H + e − ) associated with Coupling Site II can be most easily explained by the chemiosmotic hypothesis of energy coupling.
Finding autonomy in activity: Development and validation of a democratic classroom survey

This paper developed a Democratic Classroom Survey to measure students’ perceived democratic environment of the classroom. Perceived democratic environment is one of the most important variables for understanding classroom activity and indeed any type of group activity, but actually measuring perceptions in an objective manner has been problematic. We developed the survey items from both a strong theoretical and a practical perspective, with the contention that Pleasing Authority/External Motivation, Performance Orientation, Cooperation/Collaboration, Integrated Activity, and Goals before Trust/Inter-subjective would be important factors for measuring individual students’ perceptions of the classroom along an authoritarian/democratic continuum. Factor analyses (Exploratory followed by Confirmatory analyses) confirmed the structure of the hypothesized subscales, and the good model fit indicated that the survey is valid. Also, correlation analyses with Classroom Community Scale showed good construct validity. Finally, reliability tests for each subscale and split-half reliability tests showed that the survey is a reliable tool to use in college classrooms. Implications and future directions are discussed.
The Impact of MYC Rearrangements and “Double Hit” Abnormalities in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is heterogeneous. Gene expression profiling (GEP) has identified two principal subtypes: germinal center B cell (GCB) and activated B cell (ABC). Most DLBCL cases are distinct from Burkitt lymphoma (BL), but a subset of tumors has a GEP profile between BL and DLBCL, suggesting a spectrum. In parallel, the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification included the category of B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between DLBCL and BL (BCL-U). MYC rearrangement and potential synergy with other genetic aberrations, particularly BCL2 or BCL6, so-called double hit lymphoma, have also been studied in DLBCL and gray zone lymphoma. These subsets have been associated with a poor patient outcome, with the data being strongest for MYC/BCL2 double hit lymphomas. This review summarizes the literature on the impact of MYC rearrangement, as well as MYC/BCL2 double hit, in patients with DLBCL and BCL-U. We also emphasize the evolving nature of these concepts, and outline suggestions for future studies.
Changes in programming over time in postmeningitis cochlear implant users

Objective Although successful cochlear implantation of patients with deafness following meningitis is expected, long-term stability of electrical current requirements has not been systematically evaluated. This study evaluated changes in programming for patients deafened by bacterial meningitis and stability of auditory performance over time. Study design and setting In this retrospective descriptive study, cochlear implant (CI) stimulation mode and performance of 14 patients deafened by meningitis were compared with those of an age-matched control group of patients deafened by other causes. Results There were no significant differences in mean performance between the meningitis group and control group ( P > 0.05). However, the postmeningitis group required progressively higher stimulation levels and higher programming modes over time as compared to the control group. Conclusions Even with deafness accompanied by labyrinthine ossification attributed to meningitis, neural elements were present and could be stimulated. Because increasing levels of stimulation were required over time, postmeningitic children with CIs, and those with cochlear ossification in particular, may need frequent programming adjustments to maintain performance. Significance These patients need close follow-up of stimulation levels and programming modes postoperatively in order to perform optimally with CIs. EBM rating: B-3.
Gallstones in inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic disease of the terminal ileum is associated with a high prevalence of gallstones. To decide whether the ileal location of the disease is responsible for this finding, we determined the prevalence of gallstones in 189 patients with all types of inflammatory bowel disease. The prevalence of gallstones in patients with disease involving the terminal ileum (regional enteritis and granulomatous ileocolitis) was 28.2% compared to a prevalcolon (ulcerative colitis and granulomatous colitis),P<.001. The prevalence of gallstones in a hospital comparison population, age and sex matched to the regional enteritis-granulomatous ileocolitis group, was 11.7%,P<.01. In patients with disease of the ileum, the presence of gallstones was correlated with the length of ileum involved (P<.001), ileal resection (P<.02), and duration of disease (P<.001). The data suggest that the ileal location of the disease is of major importance.
Attenuated adult biphasic shocks for prolonged pediatric ventricular fibrillation: support for pediatric automated defibrillators.

Objective: To evaluate published data regarding the treatment of prolonged pediatric defibrillation, with special emphasis on the use of attenuated adult biphasic shocks for pediatric defibrillation. Design: Review relevant human and animal literature. Results: Rhythm analysis algorithms from two manufacturers of automated external defibrillators can accurately distinguish shockable from nonshockable rhythms in children. Theoretical considerations and transthoracic impedance data from animals and children suggest that pediatric defibrillation doses should not necessarily vary in a simple weight-based manner. Two piglet studies have established that an attenuated adult biphasic dosage can be successfully used for 3.5- to 24-kg animals in ventricular fibrillation. One study established that the attenuated adult biphasic dosage was at least as safe and effective as the standard monophasic weight-based dosing. Conclusion: This review supports the American Heart Association's new guidelines for pediatric automated external defibrillator usage: Automated external defibrillators may be used for children 1 to 8 yrs of age who have no signs of circulation. Ideally the device should deliver a pediatric dose. The arrhythmia detection system used in the device should demonstrate high specificity for pediatric shockable rhythms, i.e., it will not recommend delivery of a shock for nonshockable rhythms.
The New World of Mycotoxins—Animal and Human Health

(1974). The New World of Mycotoxins—Animal and Human Health. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 161-177.
Synthesis, purification and biological evaluation of porcine corticotropin-releasing factor.

Abstract The 41-residue sequences of recently identified porcine corticotropin-releasing factors [I1e40]pCRF and [Asn40]pCRF were assembled on a benzhydrylamine resin support. Deprotection and cleavage from the resin were accomplished by HF treatment. The crude peptides were purified by HPLC. The homogeneity of the final materials, obtained in 0.2% and 0.4% overall yield for [I1e40]pCRF and [Asn40]pCRF respectively, was assessed after the isolation by HPLC and amino acid analysis. Both sequences of the synthetic 41-residue pCRF stimulated the release of corticotropin (ACTH) from superfused rat pituitary cells on a column, the responses being related to a log-dose of CRF in the range of 1–20 ng/ml. [I1e40]pCRF and [Asn40]pCRF also augmented the in vivo release of ACTH in rats pretreated with chlorpromazine, morphine and Nembutal. [I1e40]pCRF appeared to be equipotent to ovine CRF and about twice as active as [Asn40]pCRF. The data indicate that synthetic porcine [I1e40]pCRF and [Asn40]pCRF have high biological activity.