cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristics of recombinant human CD4 as deduced from polymorphic crystals.

Abstract We have grown crystals of a soluble recombinant form of human CD4, a transmembrane glycoprotein found predominantly on the surface of helper T cells. Crystals composed of the entire extracellular portion of CD4 exhibit extensive polymorphism. Of the five crystal types that have been grown, the best diffracts to Bragg spacings of 4.9 A. Symmetry considerations and characterization of the asymmetric unit by volume-specific amino acid analysis lead to the suggestion that a tetramer is the fundamental unit of crystallization. The characterization also showed that several of the crystal types have unusually high solvent contents. Because high solvent content and weak diffraction are indicative of an extended flexible structure, we examined the molecular shape of the recombinant CD4 with ultracentrifugation and found that it has an axial ratio of roughly 6, when modeled as a prolate ellipsoid. These results, combined with crystal packing constraints, suggest dimensions of approximately 25 x 25 x 125 A for a monomer. The structural features deduced here may be relevant to the biological function of CD4 as a receptor mediating cell-cell and cell-virus interactions.
The effect of austerity on institutional litigation

When we approach the subject of courts and institutional reform, we should remember that it is not the institutions but the people they serve that are our primary concern. The kinds of people our public institutions affect are primarily the poor, the elderly, the families headed by women with children, and the nonwhite members of this society who make less, own less and, relative to their means, owe more.' These are the clients of the social institutions with which we are concerned. The failure of these services must have a disproportionate impact on the elderly, the disabled, and the minorities of our society. Racism and poverty are facts of American life that the courts do not ignore. Institutional reform means doing more for the poor and minorities at the expense of the more well-to-do. Strict Fourteenth Amendment scrutiny will not be invoked where discrimination is economic, even though racial disparities in financial position mean that such economic discrimination leads indirectly to racial distinctions in services rendered by the state. Professor Tribe has accurately synthesized the current view: there is on the part of the Supreme Court, "a determined . . . commitment to preserve for the non-poor ways of purchasing distance and distinction from the less fortunate-to preserve, in effect, plenty of room at the top, without wholly abandoning protection at the bottom. "2 In their recent article in the Harvard Law Review, Professors Eisenberg and Yeazell state
Industrial production, health and disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

Industrial development in Africa has carried with it significant health costs. These costs are normally defined rather narrowly by those concerned about occupational or industrial health and safety and refer only to the health consequences of worker exposure to specific hazardous processes, materials or environmental conditions associated with the workplace. A more comprehensive measurement of industrial health costs, however, must also include an assessment of the impact which industrial development and the creation of an industrial workforce has on ecological relationships, environmental conditions and patterns of sickness and health in the areas surrounding industrial centers. Traditional definitions of occupational health also tend to focus attention on the immediate causal linkages which exist between the development of particular industrial processes and specific health hazards. Yet any attempt to fully understand the causes of industrial health problems in Africa must look beyond these immediate causal linkages and examine the wider political and economic forces which determine the shape of industrial development and the extent to which the health costs of this development are borne by industrial workers and their families, as well as by people who may not be directly or even indirectly connected to industrial development, but may, nonetheless, be exposed to its health risks. The paper surveys the direct and indirect health costs of mining, large scale agriculture, and manufacturing in Africa and examines the economic and political interests which have determined the distribution of these costs.
Alcohol dehydrogenase from Methylobacterium organophilum.

The alcohol dehydrogenase from Methylobacterium organophilum, a facultative methane-oxidizing bacterium, has been purified to homogeneity as indicated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. It has several properties in common with the alcohol dehydrogenases from other methylotrophic bacteria. The active enzyme is a dimeric protein, both subunits having molecular weights of about 62,000. The enzyme exhibits broad substrate specificity for primary alcohols and catalyzes the two-step oxidation of methanol to formate. The apparent Michaelis constants of the enzyme are 2.9 × 10−5 M for methanol and 8.2 × 10−5 M for formaldehyde. Activity of the purified enzyme is dependent on phenazine methosulfate. Certain characteristics of this enzyme distinguish it from the other alcohol dehydrogenases of other methylotrophic bacteria. Ammonia is not required for, but stimulates the activity of newly purified enzyme. An absolute dependence on ammonia develops after storage of the purified enzyme. Activity is not inhibited by phosphate. The fluorescence spectrum of the enzyme indicates that it and the cofactor associated with it may be chemically different from the alcohol dehydrogenases from other methylotrophic bacteria. The alcohol dehydrogenases of Hyphomicrobium WC-65, Pseudomonas methanica, Methylosinus trichosporium, and several facultative methylotrophs are serologically related to the enzyme purified in this study. The enzymes of Rhodopseudomonas acidophila and of organisms of the Methylococcus group did not cross-react with the antiserum prepared against the alcohol dehydrogenase of M. organophilum. Images
Sexual Identity and Gender Differences in Substance Use and Violence: An Exploratory Study

In this study, we examine rates of alcohol and illicit drug use, related problems, and experiences of interpersonal violence among 71 heterosexual men and women, gay and bisexual men, and lesbian and bisexual women. Rates of substance use and violence were high among the participants, with notable gender and sexual identity differences, particularly in rates of illicit drug use and drug-related problems. Based on our findings concerning substance use and interpersonal victimization, we propose a number of areas of future research and implications important for counselors working with LGB clients.
Effects of systemic ethanol on medullary vasomotor neurons and baroreflexes.

Abstract The acute effects of systemic ethanol on reticulospinal sympathoexcitatory neurons were examined in vivo in anesthetized, paralyzed rats. Ethanol (0.45 g/kg, i.v.) potentiated the depressant effect of locally applied γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) but attenuated the excitatory effect of l -glutamate. The baroreflex-mediated inhibition of these neurons and sympathetic nerve activity were partially depressed by the agent while aortic nerve activity and its sensitivity to changes in arterial pressure were not altered. These results suggest that systemic ethanol may markedly influence cardiovascular function by interfering in medullary GABAergic and glutamatergic transmissions involved in central control of the cardiovascular system.
Biological transformation pathways of 2,4-dinitro anisole and N-methyl paranitro aniline in anaerobic fluidized-bed bioreactors

The US Army is evaluating new, insensitive explosives to produce safer munitions. Two potential new components are 2,4-dinitro anisole (DNAN) and N-methyl paranitro aniline (MNA), which would eventually make their way to waste streams generated in the production and handling of new munitions. The effectiveness of anaerobic fluidized-bed bioreactors (AFBB) was studied for treatment and transformation of these two new chemical components in munitions. Each compound was fed into a separate reactor and monitored for removal and transformation, using ethanol as the electron donor. The results show that both were degradable using the AFBB system. DNAN was found to transform into diaminoanisole and MNA was found to transform into N-methyl-p-phenylenediamine. Both of these by-products appeared to form azobond polymers after exposure to air. To test the resilience of the reactors, the compounds were removed from the feed streams for 3 week and then reintroduced. DNAN showed that a re-acclimation period was necessary for it to be degraded again, while MNA was removed immediately upon reintroduction. The AFBB technology was shown here to be an effective means of removing the new munitions, but produce secondary compounds that could potentially be just as harmful and require further study.
Disordered Gambling: Characteristics and Treatment Strategies for Special Subgroups

The National Research Council defines problem gambling as a behaviour that does not meet the criteria for pathological gambling but results in harmful effects to gamblers and their social network. The study investigated disordered gambling including its characteristics and treatment strategies for special subgroups. The study used the descriptive research design including content analysis and interviews of key informants. Results showed little evidence about subgroup characteristics and special personal traits. The study concludes that affected and at-risk groups have not been adequately intervened directly. Keywords: Social Psychology, gambling, disordered gambling, at-risk groups, descriptivedesign, Philippines
Ten strategies to reduce blood loss in orthopedic surgery

In any operative procedure, careful surgical dissection with precise hemostasis is one of the most effective ways to minimize surgical blood loss and reduce the need for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion. Several other techniques contribute to reduce blood loss in major orthopedic procedures. These techniques are reviewed and include rehearsal of the procedure and positioning the patient to reduce venous engorgement. In addition, a case report is presented that demonstrates the feasibility of revision hip replacement surgery without the use of transfusion in a Jehovah's Witness patient.
Deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty in 10 horses

Objective To describe and evaluate a surgical technique utilized for the therapy of deep corneal stromal abscesses (DSA) in horses. The DSA is excised and replaced with a partial thickness corneal lamellar allograft. Methods A retrospective clinical study describing the indications for the surgical technique utilized and the outcomes of this procedure in 10 eyes of 10 horses. Results Each affected eye had a discrete DSA within the posterior stroma. An initial partial thickness semicircular corneal incision was made at the limbus, followed by anterior stromal lamellar dissection over the lesion. After excision of the DSA and replacement with a larger diameter split-thickness donor button, the anterior stroma was replaced into its original position and the initial corneal incision was repaired. All of the animals that underwent deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) procedure healed appropriately and with subjectively less postoperative scarring and complications than previously described surgical approaches to DSA. Conclusions This procedure is an effective technique for surgical removal of DSA in horses and, in most cases, results in a visual and cosmetically acceptable globe. The advantages of this technique compared to other surgical approaches to DSA are the peripheral location of the incision, shortened anesthesia times, the resultant minimal scarring and shorter healing times associated with DLEK.
Compartmentalized ATP pools produced from adenosine are nuclear pools

Incubation of African green monkey kidney (BS-C-1) cells and mouse fibroblasts (3T6) in the presence of adenosine for 4 hours resulted in increases in the nuclear compartment pools of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and nuclear ATP/adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) ratios. Adenine and inosine, which yield increases in total cellular ATP pools and ATP/ADP ratios similar to those promoted by adenosine, do not produce similar increases in the nuclear compartment. Adenosine-promoted increases in nuclear ATP pools were higher in the untransformed, serially propagated, BS-C-1 cells than in the spontaneously transformed 3T6 cells. Adenosine-promoted compartmentalized ATP pools in primary chick embryo fibroblasts were reduced upon transformation of these cells with Rous sarcoma virus, resulting in free mixing of all of the ATP pools synthesized from various salvage precursors. The growth regulatory properties of the nuclear compartment pools of adenine nucleotides is suggested by the big increases in nuclear ATPase and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) deaminase activities upon the entry of 3T6 cells into the S phase of their cycle. These enzymatic activities would tend to lower the nuclear ATP/ADP ratios and reduce the total adenine nucleotide pools in these nuclei respectively--conditions which were shown by earlier in vitro studies to be favorable to DNA replication.
Information theory and scientific communication

Informal and formal communication processes are documented in the primary journal literature. Both processes impose structures on the authors who publish their research, and the formal process imposes a structure on the journals which publish scientific papers. In this paper, it is shown that information theory can be applied to these structures for the purpose of evaluating the contribution that authors and journals make to the communication of scientific information. Experimental results identify the most communicative authors and journals in an area of active research.
Heart transplantation for adults with congenital heart disease: Results in the modern era

Background Heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has historically been associated with sub-optimal survival compared with other indications for transplantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate survival outcomes after heart transplantation in a contemporary cohort of adults with CHD and to identify risk factors for mortality that may help guide recipient and donor selection. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of our adult heart transplant database, from January 2001 to February 2011, identifying 19 patients who underwent transplantation for CHD. These patients were compared with a control group of 428 patients who underwent transplantation for indications other than CHD. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression modeling were performed. Results The mean age for the CHD group was 39.4 ± 13 years vs 54.7 ± 12 years ( p p = 0.5567), 1 year (84% vs 86%, p = 0.6976) or 5 years (70% vs 72%, p = 0.8478). The only significant predictor of death in the CHD group was donor organ ischemic time >4 hours (HR 13.26, 95% CI 1.3 to 132.2, p = 0.028). There was no significant correlation with recipient age, history of failed Fontan surgery, pre-operative ventilator use, donor:recipient weight ratio 10%. Conclusions In the modern era, with careful donor and recipient selection, adults with CHD have excellent early and mid-term survival after heart transplantation, rivaling that of recipients with other indications for transplantation.
Some concluding thoughts

So what does color do for the human animal? Jack Werner and Lois Swirnoff say that it helps delimit form. Rolf Kuehni disputes this, arguing that achromats are able to discern form, as are the rest of us when we view achromatic images. Closer examination shows that both are right. For the most part, achromatic contrasts suffice. But there are situations, particularly in the dappled environment of a forest floor, when the achromatic image is ambiguous, and color helps one to segment it: I see bits of lion behind that bush! In her "Dimensional Color" work, Lois makes a similar point by showing how different applications of color will disambiguate a figure in different ways. Roif might well reply that the examples that Jack and Lois produce are minor as compared with the great variety of scenes for which achromatic contrast suffices to detect significant forms. Were these worth the evolutionary cost of innovating chromatic vision?
Uniform channel decomposition for MIMO communications

Assuming the availability of the channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) and receiver (CSIR), we consider the joint optimal transceiver design for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communication systems. Using the geometric mean decomposition (GMD), we propose a transceiver design that can decompose, in a strictly capacity lossless manner, a MIMO channel into multiple subchannels with identical capacities. This uniform channel decomposition (UCD) scheme has two implementation forms. One is the combination of a linear precoder and a minimum mean-squared-error VBLAST (MMSE-VBLAST) detector, which is referred to as UCD-VBLAST, and the other includes a dirty paper (DP) precoder and a linear equalizer followed by a DP decoder, which we refer to as UCD-DP. The UCD scheme can provide much convenience for the modulation/demodulation and coding/decoding procedures due to obviating the need for bit allocation. We also show that UCD can achieve the maximal diversity gain. The simulation results show that the UCD scheme exhibits excellent performance, even without the use of any error correcting codes.
Essential work of fracture and failure mechanisms of polypropylene–clay nanocomposites

Abstract The fracture behavior of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) based on a polypropylene with organo-modified clays (2 wt.%) and different coupling agents was studied by means of essential work of fracture (EWF). The PNC microstructure was characterized by clay particle dispersion at the micron scale (>1 μm) and sub-micron scale (200 nm to 1 μm), with good intercalation and partial exfoliation (
Towards a Cultural Understanding of the Disability and Deaf Experience: Implications of a Content Analysis of Introductory Special and Multicultural Education Textbooks

This paper summarizes and discussing the findings of two content analyses of introductory textbooks to special education and multicultural education conducted to determine the extent to which disability and Deaf culture are represented and discussed. Findings of both studies indicated minimal discussion of Disability and Deaf culture, a heavy reliance on perspectives of persons who are not disabled or Deaf about the Disability and Deaf experience, and inaccurate representations and information about Disability and Deaf culture. This paper is a follow-up discussion of the implications of the findings of these studies. A rationale and recommendations for supporting a cultural understanding of the Disability and Deaf experience are presented. In addition, recommendations are suggested for engaging disabled and deaf persons about their shared and collective experience and for promoting cultural competence and proficiency with respect to the Disability and Deaf experience.
Measuring the difference limen for identification of order of onset for complex auditory stimuli

The approximately 20-msec perceptual threshold for identifying order of onset for components of auditory stimuli has been considered both as a possible factor contributing to the perception of voicing contrasts in speech and as no more than a methodological artifact. In the present research, we investigate the identification of the temporal order of onset of spectral components in terms of the first of a sequence of thresholds for complex stimuli (modeled after consonant-vowel [CV] syllables) that vary in degree of onset. The results provide clear evidence that the difference limen (DL) for discriminating differences in onset time follows predictions based on a fixed perceptual threshold or limit at relatively short onset differences. Furthermore, the DL seems to be a function of context coding of stimulus information, with both the DL and absolute threshold probably reflecting limits on the effective perception and coding of the short-term stimulus spectrum.
Selective Predation by Muskrats on Freshwater Mussels in 2 Minnesota Rivers

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) predation has been hypothesized to influence the structure of freshwater mussel assemblages. We compared the species composition and sizes of mussels collected from middens and in situ at 3 locations in the St. Croix River and 1 location in the Mississippi River. Species diversity was greater for mussels collected from the rivers compared to those collected from middens. Logistic regression revealed mussel species composition and mussel size differed significantly between the rivers and middens, which suggested that muskrats were both size-selective and species-specific feeders. A significant interaction between species and size may result from muskrats taking large individuals from small species and small individuals from large species. There was selection for the small species, Truncilla truncata, at the 2 sites where it was the dominant species, and avoidance at the other 2 sites. This result suggested that muskrats may be using a strategy to maximize energy by choosing pre...
Shifts in Peptide and Protein Charge State Distributions with Varying Spray Tip Orifice Diameter in Nanoelectrospray Fourier Transform Ion Cycltron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

The influence of the diameter of the spray tip employed for nano-electrospray mass spectrometry (nano-ES-MS) upon mass spectral charge state distributions was investigated using angiotensin I (Mr = 1296), insulin (Mr = 5774), and ubiquitin (Mr = 8560) as test analytes. Under a variety of experimental conditions, the charge state distributions of the test peptides and protein consistently shifted toward higher values as the tip orifice diameter decreased. This finding indicates that the use of narrow diameter capillaries can promote the formation of higher charge state ions that are more reactive precursors in tandem mass spectrometry experiments. A detailed comparison of charge state distributions obtained for nanospray capillaries of varying diameters was undertaken while systematically varying experimental parameters such as sample flow rate, analyte concentration, solvent composition, and electrospray current. The general tendency to obtain higher charge states from narrow diameter capillaries was cons...
In vivo responses of female snakes (Natrix fasciata) and female turtles (Chrysemys picta) to ovine gonadotropins (FSH and LH) as measured by plasma progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol levels ☆

Changes in plasma progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol-17β in serially bled female snakes (Natrix fasciata) and female turtles (Chrysemys picta) in response to single iv injections of ovine LH or FSH were measured by RIA. In snakes, both FSH and LH increased the levels of all three steroids in plasma, though considerable individual variation in response to either hormone was encountered. The apparent differences in the responses to the gonadotropins may have been due to differences in the stage of follicular development in different animals. In contrast, in female turtles, ovine FSH was clearly most active in stimulating steroid (testosterone and estradiol) synthesis, although LH has a consistent, though minor, stimulatory effect on estradiol secretion 30 min after injection. Neither hormone stimulated progesterone secretion at the time of year tested. In snakes, but not in turtles, it was possible to correlate preinjection plasma levels of estradiol with the stage of follicular development, high levels of hormone being found in animals with large follicles and low levels in animals with small follicles.
Language History for Teaching and Learning German

Various authors have proposed that instruc tors' knowledge of the history of a foreign language should facilitate their students' learning, and the literature on teaching German has been no excep tion (e.g., Hosford; Hosford and Rolfe; Smith; Wolff).1 This essay updates the rationale for in structors' usage of the history of the language in the German classroom. I summarize a sampling of his torical points from the literature that may be utilized in the classroom to introduce the reader to re sources. The paper then notes further language history points which could supplement the previ ous works, and I provide commentary on method ological concerns regarding language-history ex planation. An activity appears in the appendix which elaborates on the history of the German lan guage and may be used in the classroom. The examples and explanations discussed here will hopefully enrich learning the German lan guage for students and teachers and enlighten teacher trainers, textbook authors, and curriculum designers. Though this article should prove useful for teachers in the classroom, it cannot serve as a substitute in the long run for a full course or inten sive self study in the history of the German lan guage. Every teacher of German should have such exposure.2 While both secondary and postsecond ary students of German are potential target groups for the inclusion of language history in the class room, I assume that advanced-level leamers will be able to benefit more from the linguistic information than will beginning students.3
Incorrect use of peak flow meters: are you observing your patients?

AbstractBackground: Monitoring peak expiratory flow (PEF) values is one option as part of asthma action plans per national guidelines. PEF assessment is also recommended in emergency department and hospitalized patients. Incorrect use of peak flow meters (PFM) has obvious implications for appropriate decisions by patients and clinicians. Methods: We searched the English literature via PubMed and SCOPUS using the following search terms: PEF maneuver; incorrect use of PFM. When pertinent articles were found, we assessed publications cited in those papers. All studies related to incorrect use of PFM in patients with asthma were included. Results: Nine studies have reported errors in performing the PEF maneuver, including three pediatric and six adult studies. Errors were found at most steps of the maneuver, and inability to perform all steps correctly was common in these investigations. Examples of errors included failure to inhale fully or give maximum effort on exhalation, accelerating air with the tongue ...
Localized structural fluctuations promote amyloidogenic conformations in transthyretin

The process of transthyretin (TTR) misfolding and aggregation, including amyloid formation, appears to cause a number of degenerative diseases. During amyloid formation, the native protein undergoes a tetramer-to-folded monomer transition, followed by local unfolding of the monomer to an assembly-competent amyloidogenic intermediate. Here we use NMR relaxation dispersion to probe conformational exchange at physiological pH between native monomeric TTR (the F87M/L110M variant) and a small population of a transiently formed amyloidogenic intermediate. The dispersion experiments show that a majority of the residues in the β-sheet containing β-strands D, A, G, and H undergo conformational fluctuations on microsecond-to-millisecond timescales. Exchange broadening is greatest for residues in the outer β-strand H, which hydrogen bonds to β-strand H' of a neighboring subunit in the tetramer, but the associated structural fluctuations propagate across the entire β-sheet. Fluctuations in the other β-sheet are limited to the outer β-strand F, which packs against strand F' in the tetramer, while the B, C, and E β-strands of this sheet remain stable. The structural changes were also investigated under more forcing amyloidogenic conditions (pH6.4-3.7), where β-strand D and regions of the D-E and E-F loops were additionally destabilized, increasing the population of the amyloidogenic intermediate and accelerating amyloid formation. Strands B, C, and E appear to maintain native-like conformations in the partially unfolded, amyloidogenic state of wild-type TTR. In the case of the protective mutant T119M, the conformational fluctuations are suppressed under both physiological and mildly acidic conditions, indicating that the dynamic properties of TTR correlate well with its aggregation propensity.
Evolution in parliamentary procedure

(1962). Evolution in parliamentary procedure. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 26-39.
Multigene DNA prime‐boost vaccines for SHIV89.6P

We assessed four prime-boost vaccine regimens with a Gene Gun component for SHIV89.6P in Macaca nemestrina. A dosing experiment using beta-galactosidase plasmid showed that 30 or 45 shots per dose elicited higher titer antibody than smaller doses. For SHIV89.6P, we administered a six-plasmid vaccine capable of producing non-infectious virions in vivo in combination with either vaccinia recombinants or inactivated virus. DNA prime/vaccinia boost, or the reverse, elicited strong immune responses. The SHIV89.6P challenge virus was grown in M. nemestrina peripheral blood mononuclear cells and titered in vivo intrarectally. As has been observed for SHIV89.6P in M. mulatta, the infected M. nemestrina experienced rapid and severe loss of circulating CD4+ T cells. Vaccinated macaques were challenged three weeks after the last boost. DNA prime/vaccina boost or vaccina prime/DNA boost protected 11/12 animals from acute CD4+ T cell depletion and disease, while other regimens were not effective.
The Tavistock Group: Empirical Findings and Implications for Group Therapy.

Results of a factor analysis for subjects participating in a Tavistock Group indicate the importance of the emergence of workable structures for leaders and members and the expression of affection and commentary on group processes. Output, input, self-understanding, and catharsis were the most valued factors. Comparisons with group therapy research are presented.
Computational Issues Associated with Gear Rattle Analysis

This paper proposes a new procedure for formulating the gear rattle type problem analytically before attempting a numerical solution. It also outlines appropriate evaluation criteria for direct time domain integration algorithms used to solve such problems. The procedure is necessary due to the non-analytical nature of the mathematical formulation describing vibro-impacts, which can lead to numerical “stiffness” problems. The method is essentially an “intelligent” pre-processing stage and is based on our experience in simulating such systems. Important concepts such as model order reduction, gear or clutch stiffness contact ratio, appropriate choice of non-dimensionalization parameters are illustrated through examples. Several case studies of increasing complexity are solved using various well known numerical algorithms; solutions are compared qualitatively and quantitatively using the proposed evaluation criteria, and specific numerical problems are identified. Some of the simulation models have also been validated by comparing predictions with experimental data.
The incidence of repeat uterine surgery following myomectomy.

Objective: To determine the incidence of subsequent leiomyoma surgery following myomectomy in a population-based cohort. Methods: All women, ages 20–75 years, enrolled in a large HMO in Washington ...
Independent elements and asymptotic sequences

Abstract Some properties of a frequently used ring homomorphism are determined and then used to characterize asymptotic sequences in a Noetherian ring A. Then it is shown that elements b1,…, bh in the Jacobson radical of A are an asymptotic sequence if and only if b1n,…, bhn are ((b1,…, bh)nA)a-independent for all n ⩾ 1.
Interferon Production with Different Multiplicities of Semliki Forest Virus.

SummaryThe yield of interferon in chick embryo cell cultures infected with Semliki Forest virus is dependent upon the multiplicity of virus employed. Optimal yields of interferon were found when a multiplicity of about 0.2 was used. Higher multiplicities of virus resulted in decreasing yields of interferon.
Synergistic scaffolds as a means to support preservice teacher learning

Abstract This study investigates the role of synergistic scaffolds in supporting preservice teachers’ knowledge of self-as-teacher. Data include preservice teacher papers written before and after the introduction of scaffolds, surveys, and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze differences in the quality of the papers, the relationship between the scaffolds and the preservice teachers’ revisions, and the preservice teachers’ perceptions of which scaffolds best supported their learning. We conclude that carefully designed synergistic scaffolds can support preservice teachers in their exploration of self-as-teacher. Implications of our findings for teacher education and suggested areas for further research and development are discussed.
Value Systems of Volunteer and Non-Volunteer Subjects

Much of what is known about psychological phenomena is the result of experiments performed using volunteer Ss. When generalizations to the entire pop ulation are made based on data from volunteers only, conclusions may be biased, especially where the experiments concern variables which operate differentially with volunteers and non-volunteers. A study conducted by Raymond and Unger ( 1972) showed that shoppers in a supermarkec were less like?y to comply with a request for change of two nickels for a dime made by unconventionally dressed youths than by their conventionally dressed counterparts. One possible explanation for this differential treatment was, in terms of Rokeach's theory of belief congruity, that the shoppers believed that the deviantly dressed youths held values incongruent with their own, and, on that basis refused to cooperate with them. In order to test this hypothesis, Raymond, Unger, and Stone (1972) attempted to have the shoppers rank their own value systems, the value systems they attributed to the different youths, and then compared these. Ss leaving a supermarket were approached and asked to participate in a study of values using the Rokeach Instrumental Value Scale, but despite many attempts to increase the response rate, only 29% of 510 Ss approached agreed to fill out the scale. Since there were no data available as to whether value systems of volunteers and non-volunteers differed on the scale, no results were reported as the investigators questioned the validity of generalizing responses obtained from such a low percentage of Ss, all volunteers. The present study seeks to explore any differences in ranking between volunteers and non-volunteers on the Value Scale. Although the scale is widely used in research, it is rare to find a study reporting how many Ss refused to answer, a fact which does not seem to bother many researchers (Raymond, Unger, & Stone, 1972). Inferences from data gathered in studies testing a small percentage of the population, all volunteers, would be more acceptable if data were available indi'The authors are grateful to Myn Weiss for her assistance in data collection and analysis.
The Nuclear Quadrupole Moment of N 14 and the Structure of Nitrogen Trifluoride from Microwave Spectra

Measurements of the $J=1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2$ rotational transitions of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ yield the following molecular and nuclear properties. For ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{0}$=10,680.96 Mc/sec., ${I}_{\mathrm{B}}=78.5475\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}40}$ g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$; for ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{B}}_{0}$=10,629.35 Mc/sec., ${\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{B}}$=78.9291\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}40}$ g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. The molecular dimensions are: ${d}_{\mathrm{NF}}=1.371$ A and \ensuremath{\angle}FNF=102\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} 9\ensuremath{'}. The nuclear quadrupole coupling of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ is -7.07 Mc/sec. This yields +0.01\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ as the most probable value of the nuclear quadrupole moment of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$.
Endogenous ouabain: Role in the pathogenesis of hypertension

Substantial evidence implicates impaired renal excretion of sodium as the major culprit in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The key question is: How does the impairment of Na+ excretion lead to increased peripheral vascular resistance and elevation of the blood pressure? Here we describe the evidence that elevated levels of a recently-discovered adrenal cortical hormone, endogenous ouabain, plays a central role in this process. This hormone inhibits the Na+ pump and raises intracellular Na+. Then, as a result of Na/Ca exchange, cytosolic Ca2+ and, more importantly, intracellular stores of Ca2+, are increased in vascular smooth muscle (VSM), vasomotor neurons, and endothelial cells, as well as in many other types of cells. Consequently, these cells become hyper-responsive because the cytosolic Ca2+ transients induced by cell activation are enhanced. The synergy of augmented sympathetic neuron transmitter release and augmented VSM cell responsiveness may account for the increased arterial tone and peripheral vascular resistance that is the hallmark of hypertension.
Leptomeningeal tumor in primary central nervous system lymphoma : recognition, significance, and implications

The true incidence of leptomeningeal tumor in primary central nervous system lymphoma is unknown. We studied prospectively the cerebrospinal fluid profile of 96 patients without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome but with primary central nervous system lymphoma at diagnosis, at completion of treatment, and at recurrence. Magnetic resonance images and pathology slides were examined for evidence of leptomeningeal tumor. Leptomeningeal tumor was diagnosed by (1) positive findings on cerebrospinal fluid cytology, (2) leptomeningeal or subependymal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, or (3) pathological evidence of leptomeningeal tumor. We recorded whether treatment directed against the leptomeninges was given. Cerebrospinal fluid was examined in 86 of 96 patients at diagnosis and 29 of 42 at recurrence. The incidence of leptomeningeal tumor was 42% at diagnosis and 41% at recurrence. Only elevated levels of protein and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-5 were significantly associated with leptomeningeal tumor (p = 0.012, p = 0.016, respectively). Treatment against the leptomeninges was significantly associated with the probability of achieving a complete response and a longer freedom from relapse. Patients older than 50 years had a worse disease-specific survival but a similar probability of responding to therapy as younger patients. Our data show that leptomeningeal tumor in primary central nervous system lymphoma is more prevalent than originally thought, and indicate the need for therapy inclusive of the leptomeninges in all patients.
Suggested oxidation state dependence for the activity of submicron structures prepared from tin/tin oxide mixtures

Submicron-sized particles of tin oxide (SnOx) were prepared via a high-temperature synthesis from the combination of zerovalent tin and tin oxide (SnO) in an inert carrier gas. The size, nature, and relative product yields of the structures produced are dependent upon the synthesis temperature and the ratio of metal/metal oxide in the starting materials. It is suggested that the surface oxidation states of these nanoparticles vary with the ratio of tin to tin oxide and the synthesis temperature so that the product ratio of SnO to SnO2 and the reactivity of these particles with the phenol hydroxylation reaction could be adjusted. An apparent higher reactivity per unit surface area is observed for the larger submicron particles.
Fiber optic fluorescence microscopy for functional brain imaging in awake, mobile mice

Fiber-optic based optical imaging is an emerging technique for studying brain activity in live animals. Here, we introduce a novel fluorescence fiber-optic microendoscopy approach to minimal invasively detect neural activities in a live mouse brain . The system uses a flexible endoscopic probe composed of a multi-core coherent fiber-bundle terminated with an approximately 1500-micron working distance objective lens. The fiber-optic neural interface is mounted on a 4-mm2 cranial window enabling visualization of glial calcium transients from the same brain region for weeks. We evaluated the system performance through in vivo imaging of GCaMP3 fluorescence in transgenic headrestrained mice during locomotion.
Two Social Psychologies: Is Segregation Inevitable or Acceptable?

Many social psychologists have delineated two distinguish- able branches of social psychology, usually called "psychological" and "sociological." These two types differ in focus; they tend to differ in methods, theories, and areas of interest as well. This segregation of the two has its basis in many aspects of disciplinary identification, but it greatly limits the potential of both social psychologies, as the example of social psychology of aging illus- trates. However, bridges can be built and integration fostered; indeed, prominent social psychologists of both types often do cross the boundaries. More conscious bridge-building can enhance the social psychological enterprise.
Aspherical Explosion Models for SN 1998bw/GRB 980425

The recent discovery of the unusual supernova SN 1998bw and its apparent correlation with the γ-ray burst GRB 980425 has raised new issues concerning both γ-ray bursts and supernovae. Although the spectra of SN 1998bw resemble those of Type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic), there are distinct differences. At early times the expansion velocities inferred by the Doppler shift of (unidentified) absorption features were very high, and SN 1998bw was unusually bright and red at maximum light (Galama et al.). These distinctions make SN 1998bw a candidate of a "hypernova," with explosion energies exceeding normal supernovae by a factor in excess of 10. We present an alternative picture that allows SN 1998bw to have an explosion energy and ejecta mass consistent with core-collapse supernovae, although at the bright end of the typical range. We specifically propose that all SNe Ic are significantly asymmetric and that SN 1998bw is a SN Ic that is distinguished principally by being viewed close to the symmetry axis. We investigate the hypothesis that SNe Ic and SN 1998bw are the results of aspherical explosions along the rotational axis of basically spherical, nondegenerate C/O cores of massive stars. Light curves for aspherical explosions are computed assuming an ellipsoidal geometry for the ejecta. Guided by the polarization observations of "normal" SN Ic and related events, we assume an axis ratio of 2 near maximum light. The evolution of the isodensity contours with time is discussed. We show that the light curve of SN 1998bw may be understood with an explosion energy of 2 × 1051 ergs, a total ejecta mass of 2 M☉, and a mass of 56Ni of 0.2 M☉ if it is observed at a large angle (≥60°) with respect to the plane of symmetry. In this picture, the high expansion velocities are a direct consequence of an aspherical explosion mechanism which, in turn, produces oblate isodensity contours. Prolate isodensity contours are ruled out. This interpretation suggests that the fundamental core-collapse explosion process itself is strongly asymmetric.
Discovery Learning and Discovery Teaching

(1997). Discovery Learning and Discovery Teaching. Cognition and Instruction: Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 485-529.
Cerebral Hemodynamic Predictors of Poor 6-Month Glasgow Outcome Score in Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Little is known regarding the cerebral autoregulation in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). We examined the relationship between cerebral hemodynamic predictors, including cerebral autoregulation, and long-term outcome after severe pediatric TBI. After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data (May 2002 to October 2007) for children age ≤16 years with severe TBI (admission Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 20 mm Hg), and hypotension (SBP <5th percentile and CPP <40 mm Hg). Six-month Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of ...
Generating Multimodal Grammars for Multimodal Dialogue Processing

This paper presents a new multimodal grammar generation system (MGGS) that allows defining a multimodal grammar in a very easy and intuitive way, overcoming the difficulties arising from the textual description of grammar production rules. The novelty of the proposed approach relies in adopting a “by example” paradigm to define a multimodal grammar. This paradigm consists in providing concrete examples of multimodal sentences, and enabling a grammar inference algorithm to automatically generate the grammar rules to parse those sentences. The main contribution of this approach is that it is general enough to be applicable for whatever modalities and in whichever domains. Moreover, the use of the grammar inference algorithm for automating the grammar writing and updating processes, reduces costs of the grammar development and maintenance. In the first part of this paper, we present the MGGS, describing in detail the methodology we have implemented in this system. More specifically, the multimodal attribute grammar and the grammar inference algorithm are illustrated. The second part describes the experiment aimed at observing participants while interacting with the system in order to provide some real data about the usability of the system. Results of this experiment showed that the proposed system facilitates the grammar definition and updating, and it is more suitable also for nonexpert people as it does not require the learning of the grammar notation.
Control not at initiation? Bah, humbug!

Initiation is often assumed to be rate-limiting for protein synthesis, but the presence of rare codons nonetheless can influence protein levels. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Chu et al report that when rare codons are positioned near the start of the coding region, ‘liberation’ of the initiation codon for loading of the next 40S subunit may be rate-limiting for initiation and therefore overall protein synthesis. The sequential nature of translation results in an interdependence in ribosome association either by de novo initiation or recycling. Thus, a more general view emerges where both elongation and initiation can contribute to protein expression.
The Role of Protestantism in Democratic Consolidation Among Transitional States

Previous studies have examined the causal link between Protestantism and democratization, primarily in shaping a nation-state's cultural ethos and its tendency to affect the outcome of democratic politics. Historically, Protestantism has also been linked to generating a political culture that promotes individualism, tolerance, the pluralism of ideas, and civic associationalism. Recent empirical evidence also shows how Protestant countries are more likely to be democratic compared to largely Islamic and Catholic states. Drawing from established cultural theories, the author empirically tests the argument whether or not transitional states with larger Protestant populations are more likely to strengthen their democracies. Findings indicate that transitional states that have higher Protestant populations are more likely to have higher levels of voice and accountability, political stability, citizenship empowerment, and civil society pluralism. The author contends that transitional states with higher Protesta...
Masking in Invertebrates

Masking effects are a common feature of daily rhythmicity in invertebrates; and, particularly with respect to activity/rest cycles in arthropods and mollusks, there are numerous examples of masking in response to external environmental stimuli. Internal masking, in which endogenous processes modulate circadian patterns, has also been documented in a few species. In general, however, because of the absence of appropriate experimental investigations on masking, the functional significance (in an ecological sense) of masking effects is not understood.