cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pe-1, a novel ets oncogene family member, localizes to chromosome 1q21-q23

Abstract The v-ets\ oncogene family shares a conserved peptide motif called the ETS domain that mediates sequence-specific DNA binding. This motif is unique among transcription factor families. Using partially degenerate oligonucleotides from conserved regions of the ETS domain and the polymerase chain reaction, we isolated a new member of the v-ets family designated PE-1 from HL60 cells. PE-1 was expressed as an approximately 7.5-kb transcript in most cell lines tested. In the hairy cell leukemia line Eskol, there was an additional 1.8-kb transcript observed. PE-1 was the most common ETS domain gene found in CD34+HLA-DR- hematopoietic progenitors. PE-1 was localized to human chromosome 1q21-q23 using both in situ chromosomal hybridization and human-hamster hybrids.
High sensitivity C-reactive protein in systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to disease activity, clinical presentation and implications for cardiovascular risk

Measurement of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), has been used in the assessment of disease activity in numerous rheumatic conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the utility of hs-CRP measurement in patients with lupus is uncertain. This study examined if hs-CRP can be used to assess disease activity, severity and cardiovascular risk in SLE. Serum samples from 601 visits of 213 SLE patients and 134 controls were analysed for hs-CRP by nephelometry. Detailed demographic data were obtained from all subjects and medication history and key laboratory parameters were collected. Disease activity was assessed using the SLEDAI. High sensitivity CRP was not associated with disease activity (SLEDAI), number of ACR SLE criteria or presence of any particular organ involvement. hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated with standard cardiovascular risk factors including body weight (P = 0.0002), hypertension (P = 0.001), and apolipoprotein A-I (P < 0.0001). Interestingly an inverse correlation was seen between hs-CRP levels and antimalarial use (P = 0.0018). Our results suggest that measurement of hs-CRP, though not valuable as marker of disease activity in SLE may be of some use in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. We speculate that antimalarials may help to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with SLE.
Strengths of strong and other interactions

The requirement of compatibility of vector-meson dominance and partial conservation of axial-vector current in ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay [along with $\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{W}$ symmetry] determines the absolute value of the $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ coupling constant. The strength of strong interactions results inversely proportional to the number of postulated quarks. In dynamical models of spontaneous symmetry breaking the electromagnetic, weak, and gravitational interactions are found also to have strengths inversely proportional to the corresponding numbers of fundamental fermions.
PREDICTING HOUSEHOLD VICTIMIZATION UTILIZING A MULTI-LEVEL ROUTINE ACTIVITY APPROACH

ABSTRACT Previous studies utilizing the “routine activity approach” have been relatively unsuccessful at predicting household victimization. This study discusses some of the limitations of previous research and eliminates several methodological problems by employing a multivariate, multi-level analysis of household victimization utilizing the household as the unit of analysis. Specifically, we combine household-level measures and routine activities and household-level perceptions of the neighborhood and crime prevention behaviors to better predict household larceny and burglary. Data for this study were derived from the National Crime Survey: Victim Risk Supplement (VRS), a nationally representative sample of 14,258 households in the United States. The findings argue for disaggregated measures of household victimization and the existence of unique opportunity structures for burglary and larceny victimization events.
The structural characterization of oxidized celluloses by thermogravimetric analysis

The oxidation of cellulose may lead to polymers of more or less complex structure according to the type of oxidizing agent used. No practical methods are available for a quick structural characterization of these compounds. The only reliable method is chemical in nature and very time-consuming. The object of this paper is to present some results obtained by the thermogravimetric analysis of oxidized celluloses used as a means of characterization for these compounds.
A comparison of approximate solutions for the axial free vibrations of uniform rods

Abstract The solution of the wave equation, which describes the axial free vibration of uniform rods, in terms of its eigenfunctions and eigenvalues is used as a basis to compare the approximate solutions yielded by discretization methods such as the finite element and the finite difference methods. It is shown that the mode shapes obtained by the approximate methods are insensitive to the choice of the mass lumping scheme. However, the frequencies obtained by the discretization methods are influenced significantly by the mass lumping method used. Explicit expressions for the discretization errors in the frequencies, mode shapes and the axial displacement of the rod obtained by the discrete methods are given. The behavior of the discretization errors, their dependence on the mass lumping scheme used, proof of convergence, the character of convergence, and the requirements of shape functions for convergence are all discussed.
Protection against programmed electrical stimulation-induced ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death by NE-10064, a class III antiarrhythmic drug.

The electrophysiologic and antifibrillatory properties of NE-10064 were studied in vivo in a conscious canine model of sudden cardiac death. Purpose bred male mongrel dogs weighing 14.5-21.5 kg were anesthetized, and surgical anterior myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by a 2-h occlusion, with reperfusion, of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Three to 5 days after induction of anterior wall MI, animals were subjected to testing by programmed electrical stimulation (PES). As compared with predrug incidence (12 of 12), NE-10064 (10 mg/kg intravenously, i.v.) reduced (p < 0.05) the incidence (8 of 12) of PES-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT). All but 1 control animal remained inducible after vehicle (5% dextrose in water). The cycle length of induced VT was not prolonged by NE-10064 (0.245 +/- 0.046 s predrug vs. 0.301 +/- 0.060 s postdrug). NE-10064 increased ventricular effective refractory period (VERP 166 +/- 5 ms predrug vs. 194 +/- 13 ms postdrug, p = 0.013), prolonged QTc interval (310 +/- 12 ms predrug vs. 350 +/- 16 ms postdrug, p = 0.004) and prolonged the effective refractory period (ERP) of noninfarcted myocardium (p = 0.045). The drug did not affect ECG-indexes of conduction velocity: QRS and P-R intervals were not affected, nor were activation delay and conduction time of noninfarcted and infarcted myocardium. In the sudden cardiac death protocol, NE-10064 protected (p = 0.018) against ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF, 75% survival with drug vs. 25% survival without drug). NE-10064 afforded protection (p = 0.040) throughout 14 h posterolateral ischemia in the presence of the previous anterior infarct.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nucleotide sequence and structural analysis of the rat RT1.Eu and RT1.Aw3l genes, and of genes related to RT1.O and RT1.C.

A cDNA library was constructed using mRNA isolated from the R21 strain of rats which have the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype RT1.A l B l D l E u and the growth and reproduction complex (grc) genotype grc + . The cDNA clones that hybridized with the class I probes pAG64c and pARI.5 and were 1.3–1.7 kilobases were selected. Full-length clones were identified by sequencing partially the 5′ and 3′ ends of each clone, by the presence of a start codon at the 5′ end, and by a polyadenylation sequence at the 3′end. The full-length cDNA clones were examined for in vitro transcription by transfection into human CIR cells using electroporation, and expression was detected by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies specific to the heavy chains and polyclonal antibody to β2-microglobulin. The RT1.E u gene was transcribed and expressed optimally, and its nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences differed significantly from the RT1.A a , RT1.A l , RT1.A u , LW2, and 11/3R genes but only slightly from the RT1.K gene. The high level of sequence similarity between RT1.E u and RT1.K suggests that the two genes may have originated from a common ancestral gene. In addition, three new genes (RT1.Aw3 l , RT1.C-type, and RT1.O-type) were identified. The RT1.Aw3 l gene is almost identical to RT1.A l with the exception of an in frame deletion of 21 nucleotides in exon 2 leading to a 7 amino acid deletion in the α1 domain of the deduced amino acid sequence and 11 nucleotide substitutions and insertions in the rest of the sequence. It transcribed optimally, but no significant expression was detected. The RT1.C-type gene 119 is very similar (97%) to the LW2 gene in the 3′ untranslated region, which suggests that it is in the RT1.C region. It transcribed optimatically, but no significant expression was detected. The RT1.O-type gene 149 has all the features of a class Ib gene, but a premature stop codon in the α1 domain causes incomplete translation. Its in vitro transcription was very low, and no expression was detected. These studies, combined with previous work, indicate that in the MHC of the R21 strain three class Ia genes (E u , A l , Aw3 l ) and three class Ib genes (C-type, O-type, N) are transcribed but only two class Ia genes (E u , A l ) are expressed.
The relaxation pathways of CdSe nanoparticles monitored with femtosecond time-resolution from the visible to the IR: Assignment of the transient features by carrier quenching

The relaxation dynamics of photoexcited CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) were studied with femtosecond pump−probe spectroscopy in the spectral range from 450 nm to 5 μm. Thus, the intraband relaxation of the electron and the hole were monitored with femtosecond time resolution. The transition from delocalized electronic to localized defect states and the slower relaxation through the trapping sites (trap hopping mechanism) were followed by time-resolved emission on time scales from picoseconds to milliseconds in the spectral range from the visible into the mid-infrared. The spectral dynamics in the visible, near-infrared (NIR), and infrared (IR) range give a mechanistic picture about the relaxation pathway of the excited charge carriers in CdSe NPs. In addition, by using electron and hole quenchers to the photoexcited nanoparticles, we could assign the observed dynamics to the electron or the hole. In the visible range, bleach features (negative signals in the differential transient absorption measurements) were ...
Effects of different leaf traits on growth rates of insect herbivores on willows.

We examined relative effects of traits of leaf quality of ten willow species (Salix: Salicaceae) on growth rates of five species of insect herbivores found in interior Alaska (a willow sawfly, Nematus calais; the tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio canadensis; and three species of chrysomelid beetles, Gonioctena occidentalis, Calligrapha verrucosa, and Chrysomela falsa). Leaf traits examined were water content, toughness, total nitrogen contnet, pubescence, and presence or absence of phenolic glycosides. Of ten Salix species, four species contain phenolic glycosides in their leaves. We examined relative effects of water content, toughness, and nitrogen content of the Salix leaves on larval growth rates at three different levels, i.e., on a single host species, between different host species, and between herbivore species. The within-host analyses showed that effects of water content, toughness and/or nitrogen content on herbivore growth rates were generally significant in early-season herbivores but not in late-season herbivores. For each herbivore species, differences in growth rates between hosts were not explained by differences in water content, toughness, or nitrogen content. The between-herbivore analysis showed that the interspecific difference in larval growth rates were related to difference in water and nitrogen content of the hosts. Pubescence of Salix leaves had little effects on herbivore growth rates. Presence of phenolic glycosides had a positive effects on growth rates of a specialist, N. calais, but no effect on the other specialist, Ch. falsa. Presence of phenolic glycosides had, in general, negative effects on growth rates of nonspecialists, G. occidentalis, C. verrucosa, and P. canadensis.
The normal approximation to the multinomial with an increasing number of classes

For a fixed number of classes and the number of trials increasing, the approach of the multinomial cumulative distribution function to a normal cumulative distribution function is familiar. In this paper we allow the number of classes to increase as the number of trials increases, and show that under certain circumstances the probabilities assigned to arbitrary regions by the multinomial distribution are all close to the probabilities assigned by the distribution of “rounded off” normal random variables. As the number of trials increases, the amount rounded off approaches zero. The result can be used to study the asymptotic distribution of functions of multinomial random variables.
Odd-parity topological superconductor with nematic order: Application to Cu x Bi 2 Se 3

Inspired by recent experiments, the author makes a strong theoretical case for odd-parity superconductivity in Cu${}_{x}$Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$. In particular, he shows that the spin-orbit interaction plays a crucial role in removing would-be gap nodes, thus creating a fully-gapped superconducting state.
The Irony of Western Ideas in a Multicultural World: Russians' Intellectual Engagement with the “End of History” and “Clash of Civilizations”

International ideas can make important contributions to how local cultures and civilizations perceive each other. Indeed, ideas formulated in one society can be misunderstood by the domestic publics of another society when they are framed in an ethnocentric or culturally exclusive manner. This essay examines the discursive engagement of the Russian political elite with two prominent Western visions regarding the post-Cold War world order: Fukuyama's “End of History,” and Huntington's “Clash of Civilizations.”
Determining Diets of Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Contents of Frass

ABSTRACT Among the methods to evaluate field diets of insect predators is frass analysis. The potential of this infrequently used method was explored for determining prey consumption by adult ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., fields. A laboratory experiment revealed that at 20°C, within 48 h after consumption of prey [either pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), or larvae of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)], almost all prey fragments had been voided by adults of five ladybird beetle species commonly occurring in Utah alfalfa fields. Among the five ladybird beetle species, aphid and weevil fragments were detected in frass of 80–95 and 29–73% of adults, respectively. A second laboratory experiment with adults of the most common of these predators (the introduced Coccinella septempunctata L.) more fully identified and enumerated diagnostic fragments for specific types of prey (aphids, weevil larvae, and conspecific larvae) as they occurred in fras...
Detection of hemoglobin variants using surface enhanced Raman scattering

Hemoglobin variants are abnormal hemoglobin molecules and some of them elude current methods of detection, making proper diagnosis rather difficult. We investigate SERS as an alternative for hemoglobin variant detection.
Continuous Progress Concept of Instruction with University Students

Performance and attitudes of Ss who had completed either a traditionally organized university course or an experimental course which held mastery as a requirement for progressing through the course were compared. There were three replications of the experiment, one each in courses in biology, philosophy, and psychology. In all three comparisons the performance of Ss in the E group was higher and their attitudes toward the instructional procedures were more favorable than the performance and attitudes of controls.
A systematic review of validated methods to capture acute bronchospasm using administrative or claims data

Abstract Purpose To identify and assess billing, procedural, or diagnosis code, or pharmacy claim-based algorithms used to identify acute bronchospasm in administrative and claims databases. Methods We searched the MEDLINE database from 1991 to September 2012 using controlled vocabulary and key terms related to bronchospasm, wheeze and acute asthma. We also searched the reference lists of included studies. Two investigators independently assessed the full text of studies against pre-determined inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted data regarding participant and algorithm characteristics. Results Our searches identified 677 citations of which 38 met our inclusion criteria. In these 38 studies, the most commonly used ICD-9 code was 493.x. Only 3 studies reported any validation methods for the identification of bronchospasm, wheeze or acute asthma in administrative and claims databases; all were among pediatric populations and only 2 offered any validation statistics. Some of the outcome definitions utilized were heterogeneous and included other disease based diagnoses, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which are typically of an infectious etiology. One study offered the validation of algorithms utilizing Emergency Department triage chief complaint codes to diagnose acute asthma exacerbations with ICD-9 786.07 (wheezing) revealing the highest sensitivity (56%), specificity (97%), PPV (93.5%) and NPV (76%). Conclusions There is a paucity of studies reporting rigorous methods to validate algorithms for the identification of bronchospasm in administrative data. The scant validated data available are limited in their generalizability to broad-based populations.
An iron-modified silica nanofiltration membrane: Effect of solution composition on salt rejection

Abstract Electrolyte rejection measurements with single salt solutions of NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, and MgSO4 were performed to determine the effects of solution composition on the separation performance of an iron-modified silica nanofiltration ceramic membrane. The unsupported membrane material was characterized with respect to pore structure and zeta potential, whereas the supported membrane was utilized to evaluate gas diffusion properties, water flux and salt rejection. Charge exclusion mechanisms were determined to be the basic mode of salt rejection, and a qualitative relationship was constructed to relate salt rejection to the zeta potential of the membrane. The results obtained agree with the Donnan exclusion principle of electrically charged membranes. The data shows that the membrane zeta potential is not constant but depends extensively on the type of electrolyte in solution. For example, there is a dramatic drop in zeta potential when the membrane is exposed to magnesium salts as opposed to sodium salts. This drop in potential at the membrane surface leads to little rejection of magnesium salts. Results also show a charge reversal of the membrane zeta potential at high pH values due to specific adsorption of magnesium.
Structural evolution during the gel to glass conversion

Abstract We have used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure quantitatively enthalpic changes which accompany gel densification and have related these changes to the evolving gel structure using Raman spectroscopy, gas adsorption, and thermal analysis. We show that the network structure, which results principally from skeletal dehydration (via condensation) during gel densification, is considerably different from the melt-glass structure. A dramatic reduction in viscosity and the formation of metastable MOM bonds as a product of condensation reactions are examples of these differences. Despite the complex manner in which the gel evolves toward a glass, once the gel has been densified and heated above T g , its structure and properties, e.g. viscosity and distribution of relaxation times, become indistinguishable from those of the conventionally melted glass.
Application of Thin-Plate Spline Transformations to Finite Element Models, or, How to Turn a Bog Turtle into a Spotted Turtle to Analyze Both

Finite element (FE) models are popular tools that allow biologists to analyze the biomechanical behavior of complex anatomical structures. However, the expense and time required to create models from specimens has prevented comparative studies from involving large numbers of species. A new method is presented for transforming existing FE models using geometric morphometric methods. Homologous landmark coordinates are digitized on the FE model and on a target specimen into which the FE model is being transformed. These coordinates are used to create a thin-plate spline function and coefficients, which are then applied to every node in the FE model. This function smoothly interpolates the location of points between landmarks, transforming the geometry of the original model to match the target. This new FE model is then used as input in FE analyses. This procedure is demonstrated with turtle shells: a Glyptemys muhlenbergii model is transformed into Clemmys guttata and Actinemys marmorata models. Models are loaded and the resulting stresses are compared. The validity of the models is tested by crushing actual turtle shells in a materials testing machine and comparing those results to predictions from FE models. General guidelines, cautions, and possibilities for this procedure are also presented.
Hydrodynamic Sorting of Avian Skeletal Remains

Abstract Sorting by current is an important taphonomic process which may bias archaeological and paleontological bone assemblages. Determining whether an assemblage has been sorted is crucial to its interpretation. Previous field and flume studies have documented behaviour of mammalian skeletal elements under conditions simulating those within a natural channel. Avian bones are structurally different from mammalian bones; thus their hydrodynamic properties may be different. This study examines the hydrodynamic behaviour of bones of the domestic pigeon (or rock dove), Columba livia . Interactions with bedforms (even very small ones) affect the dispersal potential of pigeon bones. A ranking of relative dispersal potential is offered and bones of this taxon are divided into dispersal groups. These sorting groups are compared to those for soft-shelled turtles and for mammals of various sizes. Velocity profile data from the flume studies are used to demonstrate that bones of avian taxa differing greatly in size (body mass) may not vary significantly in their boundary-layer interactions and dispersal behaviour. Thus the results from this experiment may be applied, albeit with caution, to other avian taxa.
Temperature dependence of the birefringence of SiC

Measurements of the birefringence of 6H-SiC, as well as its temperature dependence, are presented. The results are used to explore the possibilities this material presents as a mid-infrared non-linear optical parametric oscillator.
Near roadway concentrations of organic source markers

Abstract Concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and 33 organic source markers (12 alkanes, 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones, and 3 hopanes) are reported near a highway in Raleigh, NC with an annual average daily traffic count of approximately 125,000 vehicles. Daily samples (24-h) were collected at two locations, one approximately 10 m and the other 275 m perpendicular from the road. Concentrations of OC were similar between near (mean = 7.6 μg m−3) and far (8.0 μg m−3) locations, but concentrations of most organic species at the near site were between 1.5 and 2 times higher than those at the far site.
Performance of two-dimensional error detection on digital HF and troposcatter channels

The problem of applying horizontal and/or vertical parity checks for error detection to actual burst channels is considered. It is demonstrated that a single-dimension parity check will achieve two to four orders-of-magnitude improvement, and, within the limit of the data sample, both dimensions together detect all errors.
A Collaborative Project to Influence Nursing Faculty Interest in Simulation

Background Despite its popularity, many nurse educators are reluctant or unprepared to use manikin-based simulation in their teaching. The purposes of this article are to describe a state-wide collaborative project to help baccalaureate and associate degree program faculty develop and utilize manikin-based simulations in online and face-to-face nursing courses and to share assessment findings regarding the effectiveness of the project in influencing faculty interest in simulation. Method Faculty completed a simulation interest and usefulness survey at the start and end of the project year. Results/conclusions Trends of increased comfort in creating and using simulation in courses were observed and all faculty teams reported developing simulations. Challenges and suggested solutions for maintaining faculty interest and engagement in learning new teaching pedagogies are discussed.
Metabolism of kaurene in cell-free extracts of immature pea seeds

Abstract Geranylgeraniol, (—)-kaurene, (—)-kaurenol, (—)-kaurenal and (—)-kaurenoic acid were tentatively identified as products synthesized from mevalonic acid-2 14 C in cell-free reaction mixtures containing 10,000 g supernatant of extracts of cotyledons of immature pea ( Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) seeds. The identity of (—)-kaurenol was confirmed by co-crystallization of the radioactive product with authentic kaurenol to constant specific radioactivity. Repeated efforts to observe cell-free metabolism of exogenous (—)-kaurene in a variety of enzyme extracts consistently resulted in failure. Only when (—)-kaurene was synthesized in situ from mevalonic acid in reaction mixtures containing 10,000 g supernatant from cotyledon extracts could the metabolism of (—)-kaurene be observed. Thus, the procedure employed most extensively was to allow (—)-kaurene to be formed from mevalonic acid-2 14 C for 60 min, then to inhibit its further synthesis by the addition of AMO-1618, and finally to assay the carbon monoxide-sensitive oxidation of (—)-kaurene which occurred during a subsequent 60-min incubation. By this procedure it was demonstrated that the oxidation of (—)-kaurene which was formed in situ was enzymic, or at least heat labile; markedly sensitive to inhibition by carbon monoxide; and greater in extracts prepared with insoluble polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) than in extracts prepared without PVP. Possible reasons for the failure of exogenous (—)-kaurene to be oxidized are discussed.
Comparability of lexical corpora: Word frequency in phonological generalization

Statistical regularities in language have been examined for new insight to the language acquisition process. This line of study has aided theory advancement, but it also has raised methodological concerns about the applicability of corpora data to child populations. One issue is whether it is appropriate to extend the regularities observed in the speech of adults to developing linguistic systems. The purpose of this paper is to establish the comparability of lexical corpora in accounting for behavioural effects of word frequency on children's phonological generalization. Four word frequency corpora were evaluated in comparison of child/adult and written/spoken sources. These were applied post-hoc to generalization data previously reported for two preschool children. Results showed that the interpretation of phonological generalization was the same within and across children, regardless of the corpus being used. Phonological gains were more evident in low than high frequency words. The findings have implications for the design of probabilistic studies of language acquisition and clinical treatment programmes.
Process characterization of powder blending by near-infrared spectroscopy: Blend end-points and beyond

The purpose of this paper is to utilize near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to characterize powder blending in-line. A multivariate model-based approach was used to determine end-point and variability at the end-point of blending processes. Two monitoring positions for NIR spectrometers were evaluated; one was located on the top of the Bin-blender and the other was on the rotation axis. A ternary powder mixture including acetaminophen (APAP, fine and coarse powder), lactose (LAC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, Avicel 101 and 200) was used as a test system. A Plackett–Burman design of experiments (DOE) for different blending parameters and compositions was utilized to compare the robustness of end-point determination between the multivariate model-based algorithm and reference algorithms. The end-point determination algorithm, including root mean square from nominal value (RMSNV) and two-tailed Student's t-test, was developed based on PLS predicted concentrations of all three constituents. Mean and standard deviation of RMSNV after end-point were used to characterize blending variability at the end-point. The blending end-point and variability of two sensors were also compared. The multivariate model-based algorithm proved to be more robust on end-point determination compared to the reference algorithms. Blending behavior at the two sensor locations demonstrated a significant difference in terms of end-point and blending variability, indicating the advantage to employ process monitoring via NIR spectroscopy on more than one location on the Bin-blender.
The effect of the Hofmeister series on the deswelling isotherms of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide)

The influence of Na2SO4, NaCl, NaBr, and NaI was studied on the deswelling isotherms of thin films of photo-crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) to help elucidate the mechanisms by which ions of the Hofmeister series affect the solubility of neutral, amide-based polymers. The films were characterized with both ellipsometry and FTIR to determine both water content and the frequency of the CO, N–H, and CH3 vibrations associated with the polymers. When compared at the same water content, the frequency of the N–H bend in poly(NIPAAm) red-shifts in the order I− > Cl− > Br− > SO42−. The red-shift is consistent with disrupted hydrogen bonding of the N–H moiety due to an ion–dipole attraction. The CO stretch on the other hand is insensitive to the ion, suggesting that the ion pairs primarily with the partially positive end of the HN–CO dipole. For poly(DEAAm), which lacks an N–H moiety, the CO stretch is now sensitive to the ion, with the trend following the order of the ion in the Hofmeister series. Both of these findings signify that I− > Cl− > Br− > SO42− with respect to the strength of the ion–dipole interaction. Moreover, the ion–dipole interaction is stronger in poly(NIPAAm) than poly(DEAAm), suggesting that the specificity of the Hofmeister ions arises from the effect of vicinal groups on the amide dipole.
Design for a quantum cryptographic entangling probe

I present the design for an optimized entangling probe attacking the BB84 protocol of quantum key distribution and yielding maximum information to the probe. Probe photon polarization states become entangled with the signal states on their way between the legitimate transmitter and receiver. Based on an earlier optimization of the unitary transformation representing the probe for a set error rate induced by the probe, I derive the simplest quantum circuit which faithfully yields the correct entangled state produced by the probe. The quantum circuit consists of a single CNOT gate in which the control qubit is a photon polarization-basis state of the signal, the target is a probe photon polarization basis state, and the initial state of the probe is set by the error rate. A method is determined for measuring the appropriate correlated state of the probe, yielding maximum information to the probe. Finally, a possible implementation of the entangling probe is given.
261 ENDODERM-SECRETED FACTOR WHICH STIMULATES GROWTH OF STEM CELLS OF THE H6 EMBRYONAL CARCINOMA CELL LINE

Interactions between undifferentiated and differentiated cells may be important in regulating the growth of the embryo. Undifferentiated stem cells of the embryonal carcinoma cell (ECC) line called H6 can be induced to differentiate to parietal endoderm-like cells by retinoic acid (3×10−6 M). We have now found that these endoderm-like cells secrete a factor which stimulates the growth of stem cells. A dilute inoculum of H6 stem cells grew very poorly in 0.5-1.0% fetal calf serum-supplemented Eagle's MEM (a few small, unhealthy colonies), but in the presence of H6 endoderm-like cells they grew as well as in 5% serum-supplemented medium (39% plating efficiency). There was no reciprocal stimulation of endoderm by stem cells, unlike a recently defined factor of the PCl3 ECC line (Heath and Isacke, CSH abst., 9/84). Furthermore, the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into the DNA of stem cells growing on a coverslip in 0.5-1.0% serum-supplemented medium was stimulated up to 40-fold by the presence of endoderm underneath the coverslip. Considerably less stimulation occurred when stem cells or fibroblasts were substituted for endoderm. Finally, 0.5-1.0% serum-supplemented medium conditioned by exposure to endoderm for 20 hours gave a 2-fold stimulation of 3H-thymidine incorporation into stem cells as compared to unconditioned media. Again, less stimulation occurred with medium conditioned by stem cells or fibroblasts.
The client-oriented data acquisition process (CODAP-77).

This report describes the data collection system named Client Oriented Data Acquisition Process (CODAP) and illustrates its application.
Copper-deficiency disease of pear trees.

COPPER has long been considered as one of the essential trace elements connected with satisfactory growth and development of most higher plants1, and copper-deficiency in various top fruits has been established by workers in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The affected trees show varying amounts of leaf chlorosis, followed by the death of the terminal bud and the dieback of the vigorously growing shoots.
Development and resuscitation of a sedated, mature male miniature swine severe hemorrhage model.

Abstract : Background: A sedated, mature male miniature swine hemorrhage model has been specifically developed to evaluate resuscitation products for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Surviving Blood Loss program. Methods: Animals were placed in a sling, sedated with midazolam, and hemorrhaged 60% of estimated blood volume (39 mL/kg) exponentially for 1 hour with no resuscitation (control; n = 16). An additional 26 swine were treated similarly, then resuscitated with 1 mL/kg/min of Hextend to a systolic blood pressure of either 65 mm Hg +/- 2 mm Hg (n = 7) or 80 mm Hg +/- 5 mm Hg (n = 7) and with 17 beta-estradiol (E2) at 1 mg/kg (n = 6) or 10 mg/kg (n = 6). Animals were observed for 3 hours with periodic blood sampling. Survival times for the two E2 groups were not significantly different (p = 0.59); therefore, the groups were combined for comparison with control. Results: Hemorrhage resulted in a characteristic hypotension and metabolic acidosis. Survival time for the control swine was 64 minutes +/- 11.5 minutes with a 6% survival at 180 minutes. The 180 minutes Hextend survival was 86% for 65 mm Hg and 100% for 80 mm Hg. E2 survival was 125 minutes +/- 15.3 minutes, significantly different from control (p = 0.01), but E2 survival of 25% at 180 minutes was not different from control. Conclusion: A sedated, sexually mature male miniature swine severe hemorrhage model has been successfully developed, resuscitated with Hextend and used to evaluate E2 as a small volume resuscitation product.
High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: To Treat or Not to Treat Is Not the Question

High blood pressure is an independent risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac and renal failure, and all-cause mortality in adults. Although these sequelae are uncommon in children and adolescents, their antecedents clearly begin in youth. For example, left ventricular hypertrophy is seen in 40% to 45% of children and adolescents with persistent primary hypertension or prehypertension. Compelling data from the Muscatine Study, the Bogalusa Heart Study, and the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth study report that target organ damage and pathologic evidence of premature coronary and aortic atherosclerosis in youth are associated with elevated blood pressure. In addition, high blood pressure in children and adolescents also begets hypertension in adults. Sun and associates reported that elevated systolic blood pressure in childhood predicted development of adult hypertension and the metabolic syndrome later in life. The Muscatine Study also showed that adult blood pressure was correlated with childhood blood pressure, body size, and changes in ponderosity from childhood to adult life. Although treating and controlling high blood pressure in children and adolescents is important, preventing the development of hypertension and its attendant risk factors in the first place is even more important. Recent trends, however, suggest that the prevalence of high blood pressure is on the rise.
The value of climate information when farm programs matter

Abstract Predictability of seasonal climate variations associated with ENSO suggests a potential to reduce farm risk by tailoring agricultural management strategies to mitigate the impacts of adverse conditions or to take advantage of favorable conditions. Federal farm policies may enhance or limit the usefulness of this climate information. A representative peanut–cotton–corn non-irrigated North Florida farm was used to estimate the value of the ENSO-based climate information and examine impacts of farm programs under uncertain conditions of climate, prices, and risk aversion levels. Yields from crop model simulations and historical series of prices were used to generate stochastic distributions that were fed into a whole farm model, first, to optimize crop selection and planting dates, and then, to simulate uncertain outcomes under risk aversion, with and without the use of climate information, and with and without the inclusion of farm programs. Results suggest that seasonal climate forecasts have higher value for more risk averse farmers when La Nina or El Nino ENSO phases are forecast. Highly risk averse farmers could benefit from the forecast by taking advantage of potential favorable conditions (offensive responses). The inclusion of Commodity Loan Programs (CLP) and Crop Insurance Programs (CIP) decreased the overall value of the forecast information even to negative levels. However, more risk averse farmers could still benefit moderately from El Nino and marginally from La Nina forecasts when they participate in CLP and CIP.
Short-term bus load forecasting and its intended use in scheduled outage analysis

Numerous articles and papers have been published in previous years on system load forecasting. These forecasts are used primarily for scheduling generation and future system development. With the development and implementation of state estimation programs, the ability to forecast on a node or bus basis seemed feasible. This paper examines a method of forecasting bus loading using the data computed by a state estimator program. This forecast is used in conjunction with future scheduled outages in a power flow program to evaluate the security of the system.
Against representative agent methodology

Garnett and Boettke both seek to identify the appropriate behavior for the representative scientist. The social structure of science is better represented, however, with a heterogeneous agent model. Social epistemology and epistemological naturalism provide context for the argument against representative agent methodology. Asking whether individual scientists should “commit themselves to an approach and pursue it doggedly” or make “a professional commitment to intellectual tolerance, openness, and broad-mindedness” is like asking whether it is better to be a bouncer or a bookkeeper. The question depends on particulars that vary from person to person. Down with representative agent methodology. Up with diversity.
Vapor sorption and liquid interactions with glassy polyblends of polystyrene and poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide)

Polystyrene, poly(phenylene oxide), and solution-cast blends of the parent homopolymers were exposed to normal hexane in the liquid and vapor phase. The kinetics of absorption and desorption, the sorption equilibria, and the kinetics of morphological changes were studied as a function of temperature and blend composition. Absorption kinetics of n-hexane vapor in all blends were largely controlled by polymer relaxations. The sorption rates from the vapor phase varied monotonically with blend composition and increased over a range of four orders of magnitude with increasing poly(phenylene oxide) content. The equilibrium n-hexane content similarly increased monotonically with poly(phenylene oxide) content although the increase was only by a factor of two over the entire range of compositions. These results were interpreted in light of and were completely consistent with earlier findings with pure polystyrene homopolymer. Films immersed in liquid n-hexane produced a white, opaque outer shell surrounding an essentially unaffected central core. The kinetics of this whitening process were much more rapid for each of the homopolymers than the kinetics characterizing morphological changes in the blends. These data suggest that film whitening is caused by crazing in the polystyrene-rich samples and that solvent-induced crystallization is involved in the whitening of the poly (phenylene oxide) rich material.
Accounting for unintended binding events in the analysis of quartz crystal microbalance kinetic data.

Abstract Previous methods for analyzing protein–ligand binding events using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) fail to account for unintended binding that inevitably occurs during surface measurements and obscure kinetic information. In this article, we present a system of differential equations that accounts for both reversible and irreversible unintended interactions. This model is tested on three protein–ligand systems, each of which has different features, to establish the feasibility of using the QCM-D for protein binding analysis. Based on this analysis, we were able to obtain kinetic information for the intended interaction that is consistent with those obtained in literature via bulk-phase methods. In the appendix , we include a method for decoupling these from the intended binding events and extracting relevant affinity information.
Frequency scintillations of satellite signals before and after the Argus experiments

Satellite signals are effected by frequency scintillations in the same manner as radio star emissions. Therefore, the Doppler shift of such signals suffers fluctuations. These alterations are a function of the variations of the electron density distribution along the radio-ray path under observation. The number and the magnitude of these scintillations are used to measure the roughness of the ionosphere (formation of a scintillation index). The paper deals with the alteration of the established scintillation index during a time interval in August and September, 1958, i.e., before, during, and after the well known Argus experiments. The observations indicate that no long-living ionospheric inhomogeneities were produced within the zones of the ionosphere which could be checked from our ground station.
Classification accuracy of the wrist-worn gravity estimator of normal everyday activity accelerometer.

AB Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the published left-wrist cut points for the triaxial Gravity Estimator of Normal Everyday Activity (GENEA) accelerometer are accurate for predicting intensity categories during structured activity bouts. Methods: A convenience sample of 130 adults wore a GENEA accelerometer on their left wrist while performing 14 different lifestyle activities. During each activity, oxygen consumption was continuously measured using the Oxycon mobile. Statistical analysis used Spearman's rank correlations to determine the relationship between measured and estimated intensity classifications. Cross tabulations were constructed to show the under- or overestimation of misclassified intensities. One-way [chi]2 tests were used to determine whether the intensity classification accuracy for each activity differed from 80%. Results: For all activities, the GENEA accelerometer-based physical activity monitor explained 41.1% of the variance in energy expenditure. The intensity classification accuracy was 69.8% for sedentary activities, 44.9% for light activities, 46.2% for moderate activities, and 77.7% for vigorous activities. The GENEA correctly classified intensity for 52.9% of observations when all activities were examined; this increased to 61.5% with stationary cycling removed. Conclusions: A wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer has modest-intensity classification accuracy across a broad range of activities when using the cut points of Esliger et al. Although the sensitivity and the specificity are less than those reported by Esliger et al., they are generally in the same range as those reported for waist-worn, uniaxial accelerometer cut points
Construction of mutant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae lacking new antibiotic resistance markers using a two gene cassette with positive and negative selection

Abstract The pathogenesis of infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae , the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea, can be studied using experimental infection of human male volunteers. The desire to avoid introducing new antibiotic resistance markers into strains to be used in human experimental infection has complicated the construction of genetically defined mutants in which expression of potential virulence factors is inactivated. To facilitate construction of such mutants, we have used a two-step mutagenesis strategy that allows for gene replacements without introducing new selectable markers into the final strain. The method uses a two-gene cassette containing both a selectable marker ( ermC ′) and a counterselectable marker ( rpsL ). The cassette is cloned into the gene of interest and used to replace the wild-type gene on the chromosome by allelic exchange. A second transformation replaces the cassette-containing version of the gene with an engineered version with an unmarked deletion or other mutation. The rpsL gene of Escherichia coli functioned for the counterselection in the gonococcus, albeit with low efficiency. To improve the efficiency of the counterselection, we cloned the gonococcal rpsL gene and incorporated it into the cassette. This technique has been successful in creating defined mutants for human challenge, and also circumvents the limitation in the number of different selectable markers that are useful in Neisseria species.
A model for the analysis of multiple strategies

In many decision problems the decision-maker must ask a series of questions or select cues relevant to but prior to the decision. There are many strategies which would prescribe an order for asking such questions or selecting such cues. It is the purpose of the paper to describe a manner in which the strategy or strategies of the decision-maker can be analyzed. From this model can be derived limits corresponding to thepossible use of a particular strategy, and theeffective or observed use of the strategy or strategies by the decision-maker.