cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ASPECTS OF MUTUAL EXCLUSION IN TETRAHYMENA

SUMMARY Mutual exclusion of genetic potentialities is an aspect of the organization of gene-action in multi-gene systems. Several examples of mutual exclusion in Tetrahymena have been studied, and these may be classified into three major categories, depending upon the genetic geography of the elements in the mutual exclusion system. The first category is designated as intra-locus repression, with the term “locus” used loosely in the sense of a cistronic cluster; mating type differentiation is interpreted as illustrating this phenomenon. The second category is termed inter-locus repression and is applied to the mutual exclusion of non-allelic serotype specificities. The third category is called allelic repression and encompasses the mutual exclusion of allelic serotype antigens, two sets of esterases and one set of acid phosphatases. Intra-locus and allelic repression are, at least superficially, very similar. In both cases differentiations may be maintained in the absence of expression, they are localized in the subnuclei of the compound macro-nucleus, and they are remarkably stable. Interlocus repression appears to be relatively labile and, perhaps for this reason, has not been definitely localized as an intra-nuclear phenomenon. In each of these systems the mutually exclusive genetic elements are—or may be supposed to be—homologous, in the sense that they are of common descent and are similar in structure. This genetic homology and current concepts of repression mechanisms provide the basis for a generalized, but as yet unsupported, interpretation of mutual exclusion.
IT-driven clinical improvement processes: The skunkworks

In 1977, a group of doctors and computer scientists, known as the Hardhats, collaborated to build an innovative system at the Veterans Administration (VA) network. Using new devices called personal computers, they envisioned a health care information technology (IT) program that would be safer and l
A SINGLE HEART BEAT REVEALS ARRHYTHMOGENIC RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSPLASIA/CARDIOMYOPATHY: A RARE BUT UNDER-RECOGNIZED CLINICAL ENTITY

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) is an inherited cardiomyopathy with fibro fatty replacement of right ventricle (RV). It causes ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Electrical conduction delay and repolarization abnormalities that manifest as QRS
Disentangling the effects of habitat biogeochemistry, food web structure, and diet composition on mercury bioaccumulation in a wetland bird

Abstract Methylmercury (MeHg) is a globally pervasive contaminant with known toxicity to humans and wildlife. Several sources of variation can lead to spatial differences in MeHg bioaccumulation within a species including: biogeochemical processes that influence MeHg production and availability within an organism’s home range; trophic positions of consumers and MeHg biomagnification efficiency in food webs; and individual prey preferences that influence diet composition. To better understand spatial variation in MeHg bioaccumulation within a species, we evaluated the effects of habitat biogeochemistry, food web structure, and diet composition in the wetland-obligate California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus) at three wetlands along the Petaluma River in northern San Francisco Bay, California, USA. The concentration of MeHg in sediments differed significantly among wetlands. We identified three sediment and porewater measurements that contributed significantly to a discriminant function explaining differences in habitat biogeochemistry among wetlands: the porewater concentration of ferrous iron, the percent organic matter, and the sediment MeHg concentration. Food web structure and biomagnification efficiency were similar among wetlands, with trophic magnification factors for MeHg ranging from 1.84 to 2.59. In addition, regurgitation samples indicated that black rails were dietary generalists with similar diets among wetlands (percent similarity indices > 70%). Given the similarities in diet composition, food web structure, and MeHg biomagnification efficiency among wetlands, we concluded that variation in habitat biogeochemistry and associated sediment MeHg production was the primary driver of differences in MeHg concentrations among black rails from different wetlands.
Atrioventricular Dissociation during Ventricular Fibrillation.

Atrioventricular Dissociation during Ventricular Fibrillation A 50-year-old woman with a history of cardiac transplantation had acute cellular rejection of the transplanted heart. Transthoracic ech...
Characterizing Variation in Toxic Language by Social Context.

How two people speak to one another depends heavily on the nature of their relationship. For example, the same phrase said to a friend in jest may be offensive to a stranger. In this paper, we apply this simple observation to study toxic comments in online social networks. We curate a collection of 6.7K tweets containing potentially toxic terms from users with different relationship types, as determined by the nature of their follower-friend connection. We find that such tweets between users with no connection are nearly three times as likely to be toxic as those between users who are mutual friends, and that taking into account this relationship type improves toxicity detection methods by about 5% on average. Furthermore, we provide a descriptive analysis of how toxic language varies by relationship type, finding for example that mildly offensive terms are used to express hostility more commonly between users with no social connection than users who are mutual friends.
The Role of Motivation in Language Learning and Teaching: Tongue Twisters, Technology and Open Access Education

One of the tools for effectively teaching Yoruba language is through the use of tongue twisters. They are short, precise, sometimes funny and loaded with meaning, cultural, and quick. They are not just a sequence of words meant for rapid production. They help learners develop their auditory and verbal skills, and enrich their vocabulary. In a Yoruba classroom, a teacher can become a speech therapist by helping learners overcome pronunciation difficulties, which include Yoruba tones and speech sounds. Inability to distinguish between sounds can frustrate a learner and make him/her an object of ridicule in and outside of the classroom. This paper discusses how through tongue twisters, learners of Yoruba language at the beginning level at UT Austin progress in learning perceived difficult sounds such as kp and gb, and the different tones. For pedagogically implications, teachers can turn the tongue twisters into dramatic pieces just like UT Austins students of Yoruba did, placing their tongue twister skits on YouTube! Motivationally, learners are not only fascinated by the sounds of the tongue twisters but also by their musicality. Consequently, teachers can turn the tongue twisters into musically derived speech. Besides, tongue twisters can be provided as free, printable and downloadable teaching/learning materials, using Open Access publishing, which allows teachers not only to freely share learning materials but also to expand and further develop already published learning materials. Open Access has been rightly described as likely the wave of the future, and tongue twisters are great in motivating learners of Yoruba language through open access publishing.
Discrete spherical harmonic functions for texture representation and analysis

A basis of discrete harmonic functions for efficient representation and analysis of crystallographic texture is presented. Discrete harmonics are a numerical representation of the harmonics on the sphere. A finite element formulation is utilized to calculate these orthonormal basis functions, which provides several advantageous features for quantitative texture analysis. These include high-precision numerical integration, a simple implementation of the non-negativity constraint and computational efficiency. Simple examples of pole figure and texture interpolation and of Fourier filtering using these basis sets are presented.
The Regulation of Ferroptosis by Tumor Suppressor p53 and its Pathway

Tumor suppressor p53 plays a key role in tumor suppression. In addition to tumor suppression, p53 is also involved in many other biological and pathological processes, such as immune response, maternal reproduction, tissue ischemia/reperfusion injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. While it has been widely accepted that the role of p53 in regulation of cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis contributes greatly to the function of p53 in tumor suppression, emerging evidence has implicated that p53 also exerts its tumor suppressive function through regulation of many other cellular processes, such as metabolism, anti-oxidant defense and ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a unique iron-dependent form of programmed cell death driven by lipid peroxidation in cells. Ferroptosis has been reported to be involved in cancer, tissue ischemia/reperfusion injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis can be regulated by p53 and its signaling pathway as well as tumor-associated mutant p53. Interestingly, the regulation of ferroptosis by p53 appears to be highly context-dependent. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the regulation of ferroptosis by p53 and its signaling pathway. Further elucidation of the role and molecular mechanism of p53 in ferroptosis regulation will yield new therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and tissue ischemia/reperfusion injuries.
PEER TEACHING IN DIGITAL MARKETING COURSES: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The evolution of modern technologies in digital environments has led to a growing demand for marketing educators to stay innovative and prepare students to adapt to the challenges of today’s market...
Narratives of Single, Black Mothers Using Cultural Capital to Access Autism Interventions in Schools.

Lack of access to autism treatment has deepened the disparities for Black children with ASD. Limited resources and lack of advocacy skills in Black families are reasons given for these service gaps...
Specific Detection of Prostate Cancer Cells in Urine by RNA In Situ Hybridization.

Purpose:Noninvasive tests that can accurately detect prostate cancer are urgently needed for prostate cancer diagnosis, surveillance and prognosis. Exfoliated prostate cells captured in urine repre...
Artifact: distribution-aware testing of neural networks using generative models

The artifact used for the experimental evaluation of Distribution-Aware Testing of Neural Networks Using Generative Models is publicly available on GitHub and it is reusable. The artifact consists of python scripts, trained deep neural network model files and data required for running the experiments. It is also provided as a VirtualBox VM image for reproducing the paper results. Users should be familiar with using VirtualBox software and Linux platform to reproduce or reuse the artifact.
Revisiting the Effect of Supermajority Requirements on Fiscal Outcomes

I use matching methods on a panel of U.S. states over the period 1960 -- 2008 to test whether the adoption of a supermajority requirement impacts state-level expenditures and tax revenue. I find evidence that the growth rate of welfare expenditures per capita is lower five year after adoption of a supermajority requirement, but that this reduction is not sustained over a longer horizon. I also find little evidence that a supermajority requirement has a robust effect on other types of expenditures or tax revenue. These results support existing evidence showing that a supermajority requirement can reduce redistributive spending, but conflict with evidence showing that supermajority requirements affect tax revenue and other types of government expenditures.
The role of frailty in the association between depression and fall risk among older adults

Although there is a recognized association between depression and greater fall risk among older adults, the mechanisms explaining this association are unclear. This study evaluated the role of frai...
Cyclin kinase inhibitors and interferons in lupus

Many investigators have directly examined the role of deleted/blocked or overexpressed immune-related genes in lupus background mice. The effects of such manipulations have provided important insights into the crucial molecules and pathways involved in this disease and into the development of new therapies. We report here on the effects of two classes of genes: cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and interferons (IFNs). A characteristic feature of lupus in humans and mice is the accumulation of activated/memory T cells and B cells. These G1-arrested cells express high levels of p21, are resistant to proliferation and apoptosis, and express high levels of proinflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that accumulation of these cells results from repetitive engagements by self-molecules in vivo, and that deletion of p21 may lead to their reduction. Indeed, lupus-prone BXSB mice lacking p21 have enhanced T-cell and B-cell proliferation but, importantly, have increased apoptosis, resulting in a net reduction of activated/memory cells and marked inhibition of disease. Increased apoptosis of p21-deleted cells is mediated by engagement of both the extrinsic (Fas/FasL) and intrinsic (Bcl2) related pathways. Modulation of the cell-cycle pathway may be a novel approach to reduce activated/memory-resistant and apoptosis-resistant pathogenic T cells and B cells, and to ameliorate systemic autoimmunity. Another class of molecules to ameliorate lupus is type I and type II IFNs, since considerable evidence exists that these pleiotropic molecules are important effectors in this disease. Our earlier studies showed decreased serologic, cellular and histologic disease characteristics and increased survival of MRL-Faslpr mice deleted of the IFN-γ gene or treated, even at advanced stages, with cDNA encoding IFN-γR-Fc. More recently, we created congenic NZB mice lacking the α-chain of IFN-α/βR, the common receptor for the multiple IFN-α/β species. Compared with littermate controls, homozygous-deleted mice had significantly reduced anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies, erythroblastosis, hemolytic anemia, anti-DNA autoantibodies, kidney disease and mortality. These reductions were intermediate in the heterozygous-deleted mice. The disease-ameliorating effects were accompanied by reductions in several immune cell subsets (including B1 cells) and reduced dendritic cell maturation. The cumulative data indicate that both type I and type II IFNs are important mediators in the pathogenesis of murine lupus, and that reducing their activity in the human counterpart may be beneficial.
Insulin Biosynthesis I. ON THE MECHANISM OF GLUCOSE STIMULATION

Abstract [3H]Leucine incorporation into insulin was studied in isolated rat pancreatic islets to determine whether glucose stimulates insulin biosynthesis at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. A rapid and specific immunoprecipitation technique for measuring [3H]leucine incorporation into insulin and proinsulin is presented. Islets incubated in 15.3 mm glucose incorporated twice as much [3H]leucine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable protein as in low glucose (2.8 mm) over a 90-min incubation; [3H]leucine incorporation into insulin was increased 7- to 8-fold by high glucose (15.3 mm). At 2.8 mm glucose, 6.1% of the label incorporated into islet protein appeared in insulin, and this fraction was increased to 21.8% in 15.3 mm glucose. [3H]Leucine incorporation into insulin was linear at 2.8 mm glucose over a 2-hour incubation. At 15.3 mm glucose, the rate of incorporation of labeled amino acid into insulin increased during the first 45 min and was then linear for the rest of the incubation; this indicated a lag in achieving the maximal rate of insulin synthesis in high glucose which was not present in low glucose. Next [3H]leucine incorporation into insulin at 2.8 and 15.3 mm glucose was studied in the presence of actinomycin D which blocked islet RNA synthesis by 90%. Under these conditions there was a constant 2-fold increase in insulin synthesis in 15.3 mm glucose. Islets in 15.3 mm glucose and actinomycin D incorporated label into insulin at a linear rate, and inhibition of RNA synthesis inhibited the glucose-stimulated increased rate of insulin synthesis during the 2nd hour of incubation. Further evidence that glucose stimulates insulin synthesis at the transcriptional level was obtained by previously incubating islets in 2.8 or 15.3 mm glucose for 45 min in the presence of cycloheximide sufficient to inhibit islet protein synthesis by 90%. Cycloheximide was then washed out and and the islets incubated in high (15.3 mm) glucose and [3H]leucine for 45 min. The islets previously incubated in high glucose incorporated twice as much label into insulin as did islets previously incubated in low glucose. Actinomycin D added during the preliminary incubation period obliterated this difference, which provided presumptive evidence that glucose induces mRNA for insulin. The conclusions from these experiments are (a) that glucose can increase insulin synthesis on previously existing mRNA (i.e. a post-transcriptional effect), and (b) that glucose stimulates insulin mRNA which further increases insulin synthesis (i.e. a transcriptional effect).
Gender Issues and Teaching

As part of this theme panel on “Minding the Gender Gap in Political Science,” I hope to direct our attention to the role of teaching and evaluations of teaching in professional advancement in the discipline. Many female faculty believe that they face prejudice in student evaluations of teaching (SETs), and that this prejudice may be exaggerated by developments such as online evaluations and the prevalence of sites such as RateMyProfessor. However, systematic studies of SETs are mixed in their findings of gender bias.
Multiple DNA-binding estrogen receptor forms resolved by interaction with immobilized metal ions. Identification of a metal-binding domain.

Abstract Immobilized metal ions have been used to characterize and locate metal ion-specific binding domains on the surface of the DNA-binding form of the estrogen receptor protein. Soluble estrogen receptors in calf uterine cytosol were labeled with [3H]estradiol and transformed to the DNA-binding configuration by brief exposure (30 min) to 3 M urea at 0-4 degrees C. The transformed receptors were purified in the presence of 3 M urea using single-stranded calf thymus DNA-agarose and characterized by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (Stokes radius of 7.0-7.5 nm) and sucrose density gradient centrifugation (4.25 S) as dimers of 130,000 Da. Such receptor preparations subsequently labeled with [3H]desmethylnafoxidine aziridine by ligand exchange revealed one major peak of radioactivity (67 kDa) by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. When analyzed by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography on iminodiacetate (IDA)-agarose loaded with Cu(II), Ni(II), or Zn(II) ions, the receptor was bound with various degrees of affinity and metal interaction heterogeneity even in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl to neutralize electrostatic interactions. The intact DNA-binding receptor dimers were most tightly bound to IDA-Cu(II) and IDA-Ni(II), but were eluted with 100-200 nM imidazole. The receptors were bound less tightly to IDA-Zn(II), and four separate peaks of receptor activity were resolved by elution with 10, 15, 30, and 100 mM imidazole (n = 27). Limited trypsin digestion of the DNA-binding receptor forms resulted in the generation of a 2.8-nm fragment with both the DNA-binding and metal-binding domains removed or destroyed. These results demonstrate that DNA-binding estrogen receptor dimers have high affinity metal ion-binding sites which are located at the DNA-binding domain. We have found (Zn(II) interaction chromatography to be unique thus far in its ability to resolve separate DNA-binding receptor forms.
Effects of selective reduced uterine perfusion pressure in pregnant rats

Abstract Introduction To assess the effects of selective reduced uterine perfusion pressure (SRUPP) in pregnant rats. Methods 20 pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated either to an intervention group, exposed to SRUPP (n = 10) or a control group, exposed to sham surgery (n = 10). Such procedures were performed on gestational day (GD) 14. The Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured on GD14 (before surgery) and GD20. We measured 18 h proteinuria on GD20. On GD21, mean fetal (MFW) and placental (MPW) weights were obtained. Oxidative stress and angiogenic markers were measured in placental tissue and urine. Mann Whitney U or Independent samples T test were used when appropriate. A two-sided P Results MAP on GD20 was higher in the intervention group (109 ± 1.7 mmHg) when compared with the control group (83 ± 1.5 mmHg) (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in urinary protein excretion (117 ± 3.1 mg/24 h versus 136 mg ± 2.8/24 h, P = 0.18), MFW (4.14 ± 0.05 versus 4.39 ± 0.04 g, P = 0.19) or MPW (0.43 ± 0.008 versus 0.44 ± 0.006 g, P = 0.73) between the intervention and the control groups, respectively. The oxidative stress was increased; whereas, the sFLT1 expression was not increased when the SRUPP group was compared with controls. Discussion SRUPP is associated with an increase in maternal MAP and oxidative stress and therefore it may become a useful tool in the study of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.
Myth and Misguided Faith? Women's Experiences in a Literacy Program

This article portrays the contextualized experiences of five women of Mexican American heritage within a literacy program. In-depth interviewing and shadowing within an ethnographic, feminist perspective were used to collect their stories. From inductive analysis of these data a structure of myth framework emerged, which was then used to examine the women's stones of their il/literacy journey, the terrains of magical consciousness, and naive consciousness toward possible critical consciousness (praxis). Resume Cet article decrit les experiences contextuelles de cinq femmes d'origine mexicano-americaine impliquees dans un programme d'alphabetisation. Des entrevues structurees et des donnees ethnographiques vues sous un angle feministe furent utilisees pour constituer leur profil. Une analyse inductive de ces donnees a mene a la facture d'un cadre de reference qui fut ensuite utilise pour examiner les profils de l'alphabetisation de ces femmes dans leur cheminement vers un nouvel epanouissement et un monde de decouvertes et de pratiques.
The forgotten movement: The Vietnam antiwar movement

Utilizing recent research and monographs from participants and observers, this paper reports on the underanalyzed Vietnam antiwar movement. Key events are placed in a historical context that help to explain the origins of the movement. Particular attention is given to the various responses of the state to the challengers and the complex interrelationships with the media. As the antiwar movement grew and developed, there were multiple factors that contributed to solidarity and factionalism within the movement. Despite state repressive actions and internal factionalism, the movement was successful in helping to end the war. The effects on U.S. policies were more indirect than direct. The antiwar movement mobilized millions of citizens to public protest. The demonstrations helped to shift public opinion away from supporting the war and activated third parties to question and demand an end to war policies. The political system did respond to the antiwar movement's demands.
β-Endorphin stimulates the secretion of insulin and glucagon in diabetes mellitus

Administration of human beta-endorphin (2.5 mg IV bolus) to three subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II) induced prompt and simultaneous increments in the plasma concentrations of insulin and glucagon lasting up to 90 minutes. In contrast to the hyperglycemic response previously observed in normal subjects following beta-endorphin, these diabetics showed a progressive decline in plasma glucose throughout the study period. This disparity may be related to a relatively greater release of insulin and lesser rise in glucagon observed in diabetic subjects than in nondiabetic subjects. These preliminary findings suggest that further studies to elucidate the role of pancreatic beta-endorphin on glucoregulation may be rewarding.
The Mechanism of Active Chloride Secretion by Airway Epithelia

ung Fluids and Secretions” was chosen as the topic for the 24th Aspen Lung Conference because of the major advances which have taken place in improving our understanding of their important role in health and disease. As in previous conferences, the multidisciplinary approach was evident as clinicians, cell biologists, anatomists, biochemists, physiologists, and pathologists exchanged information on the current state of knowledge of mechanisms of ion transport, secretion by submucosal glands, and biochemistry of bronchial secretions. The breadth of the conference was further exemplified by sessions devoted to other lung fluids, dealing with neutrophil-mediated lung edema, secretion by alveolar cells, and the use of alveolar constituents as a bioassay of lung injury, followed by timely studies of possible injurious effects of volcanic ash derived from the Mt. St. Helens eruption. The chairmen introduced each session with an overview of the topic, which set the stage for generally excellent presentations and the lively discussion which followed. For economic reasons, it is not possible to include the discussion in this publication. I would like to thank Dr. Jay Nadel not only for his excellent performance as this year’s conference summarizer, but also for his support and advice regarding the organization of the conference. I am also grateful to Drs. Tom Petty and John Repine, as well as members of the program committee, for their help during the preparation of the conference; Virginia Carpenter for the excellent handling of local arrangements; Wayne Silvers and Mary Lutz for the many jobs and little things all of which added up to make my job easier; and Louise Nett for her guidance and inimitable management of social arrangements, thereby assuring a successful conference.
Molecular changes in the d-bifunctional protein cDNA sequence in australasian patients belonging to the bifunctional protein complementation group

The cDNA sequence for the human d-bifunctional protein (D-BP: 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase IV) was investigated in patients with peroxisomal disorders belonging to the BP complementation group (CG). In three cases, analysis of polymerase chain reaction products generated from the patients' cDNA indicated the presence of a deletion within the region corresponding to nucleotides 209–537 of the normal cDNA sequence. Subsequent sequencing revealed that, in two of the patients, 47 base pairs were missing, with the deletion corresponding to nucleotides 302/3–349/50 of the normal sequence. In the third patient, a smaller deletion of 22 bp (nucleotides 280/1–302/3) was characterized. Only the mutant sequence was detected in each of these cases, consistent with parental consanguinity. Both deletions cause a frameshift, and would lead to premature termination of the BP. Available family members were also investigated, and the findings conformed with expectations for an autosomal recessive disorder. In addition to the deletions, a number of other base changes have been identified in this series of patients. In particular, one patient, whose parents were also consanguineous, was homozygous for a base change, which results in a nonconservative substitution of serine 177 with a phenylalanine residue. The functional significance of this amino acid substitution, as well as the other identified changes, is still to be determined. Nevertheless, our data provide strong support for the hypothesis that defects in the gene for the D-BP are responsible for the β-oxidation defect in patients belonging to the BP CG.
Deuterium Isotope Effects on13C NMR Chemical Shifts of Amides

Exchange of amide protons with deuterium results in changes of13C chemical shifts for carbon atoms near the site of substitution (CH—N and N—C=O). There is a measurable decrease in the isotopic shifts of CH—N for cycloalkylacetamides as ring size increases from 3 to 8 and for lactams as ring size increases from 5 to 9. The isotopic shifts of N—C=O for lactams also decrease as ring size increases from 5 to 9 but remains fairly constant for cycloalkylacetamides (three- to eight-membered rings).
Life table parameters of large white butterfly Pieris brassicae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on different cabbage varieties

Effect of four different cole crops (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Brassica oleracea var. italica and Brassica oleracea var. viridis) on biological parameters of the large white butterfly Pieris brassicae was evaluated at temperature 26 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% R. H. and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L:D) h. The shortest larval and pupal period stages were recorded on B. oleracea var. botrytis (22.18 ± 0.20 days) and (13.32 ± 0.17 days), respectively. The life span was longest on B. oleracea var. viridis (60.43 ± 2.34 days) and shortest on B. oleracea var. botrytis (50.19 ± 0.51 days). The highest percentage of larval and pupal mortality was observed on B. oleracea var. viridis (74%), and (53%), respectively. We found that P. brassicae prefers B. oleracea var. botrytis and B. oleracea var. capitata among cole crops; it is due to the lowest percentage of larval and pupal mortality and the highest rate of life table parameters, including survival rate (lx) and life expectancy (ex), whic...
Patients’ experiences of acquiring information related to genomics: A pilot study

Health care professionals recognize that nurses will need to provide a significant proportion of patient education regarding genomics and health care. The research question investigated involved determining factors most important in facilitating patients’ understanding of the relation between genomics and their health care status and to examine the quality of the current patient education experience. Methodology involved conducting semistructured interviews with a sample of eight adults diagnosed with congenital heart defects or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy being seen as outpatients. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data analysis included studying the interviews for compelling themes related to the patient education process. By identifying desirable elements of genomics patient education, future interventions can be adapted to maximize patients’ learning experiences.
Sociology Out to Lunch: Grad Students' Treat.

This collective effort (the order of authors is purely alphabetical) explores our particular sociological perspective, explains the harriers we are encountering in developing that perspective, and describes the strategies we are employing to create a participatory educational environment. Our paper concludes that our alienation has decreased as our participation has increased. Now, three months after the paper went to the printer, developments in our department have to some extent reversed the sense of community and participation we discuss below. Our task is larger than we first thought, though we still hope to succeed.
Refractory status epilepticus secondary to CNS vasculitis, a role for epilepsy surgery

Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is a rare group of disorders that affect vessels of the brain parenchyma and meninges. It presents with headache, cognitive changes, or seizures, yet without aggressive management, it carries a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Refractory status epilepticus (SE) has been reported with CNS vasculitis. Patients are treated with immunosuppression, antiepileptic drugs (AED), and anesthetic agents. Outcomes are usually poor. Epilepsy surgery for refractory partial SE has succeeded in patients. We present a comparison of two patients with refractory partial SE due to CNS vasculitis. One patient was treated medically and died, while the other underwent epilepsy surgery to remove the epileptic focus along with medical therapy and the patient had substantial recovery. We describe clinical, electrophysiological, pathological, and treatment features of both patients and discuss rationale for surgical intervention. This is the first case report of the use of epilepsy surgery for the treatment of refractory SE associated with CNS vasculitis.
The electrical response of the planarian photoreceptor.

Abstract 1. 1. Slow negative potential changes in response to illumination have been recorded extracellularly through micropipette electrodes which penetrated the eyespots of the planarian, Dugesia tigrina. 2. 2. As in other photoreceptors the response amplitude increased and the latent period decreased with increasing stimulus intensity. Dark-adaptation was half complete in 3 or 4 min. 3. 3. A transient decrease in amplitude complicated the response of the dark-adapted eye to a high-intensity stimulus. A small positive deflection or a notch was present at the beginning of some responses. 4. 4. Occassionally a shift in baseline and polarity reversal were observed in association with vertical electrode displacement. These events might be related to penetration of the membrane covering the pigment cup.
GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF2α activates NF-κB in response to UV irradiation

In response to UV irradiation, mammalian cells elicit a gene expression programme designed to repair damage and control cell proliferation and apoptosis. Important members of this stress response include the NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) family. However, the mechanisms by which UV irradiation activates NF-κB are not well understood. In eukaryotes, a variety of environmental stresses are recognized and remediated by a family of protein kinases that phosphorylate the α subunit of eIF2 (eukaryotic initiation factor-2). In the present study we show that NF-κB in MEF (murine embryo fibroblast) cells is activated by UV-C and UV-B irradiation through a mechanism requiring eIF2α phosphorylation. The primary eIF2α kinase in response to UV is GCN2 (general control non-derepressible-2), with PEK/PERK (pancreatic eIF2α kinase/RNA-dependent-protein-kinase-like endoplasmic-reticulum kinase) carrying out a secondary function. Our studies indicate that lowered protein synthesis accompanying eIF2α phosphorylation, combined with eIF2α kinase-independent turnover of IκBα (inhibitor of κBα), reduces the levels of IκBα in response to UV irradiation. Release of NF-κB from the inhibitory IκBα would facilitate NF-κB entry into the nucleus and targeted transcriptional control. We also find that loss of GCN2 in MEF cells significantly enhances apoptosis in response to UV exposure similar to that measured in cells deleted for the RelA/p65 subunit of NF-κB. These results demonstrate that GCN2 is central to recognition of UV stress, and that eIF2α phosphorylation provides resistance to apoptosis in response to this environmental insult.
Fuzzy Logic for Harmonic Distortion Diagnosis in Power Systems

Harmonic distortion in power systems is an old problem which continues to grow in importance due to the proliferation of non-linear loads and of sensitive electronic devices. Thus, the need of standards to limit such distortion is required. Due to the time-varying nature of the distortion more advanced techniques are required to properly quantify their impact. This paper proposes the utilization of fuzzy logic to analyze, compare, and diagnose harmonic distortion indices in a power system.
Clostridium difficile plasmid isolation as an epidemiologic tool.

A large hospital outbreak ofClostridium difficile diarrhea at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center (MVAMC) was studied by plasmid profile typing. Plasmids were obtained from 30 (37 %) of 82 clinical isolates from MVAMC patients and 10 (67 %) of 15 non-MVAMC isolates. While bacteriophage plus bacteriocin typing and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) plus bacterial agglutination typing proved more universally applicable, plasmid profiles may be useful for tracing isolated epidemic outbreaks, reinfections and relapses caused by plasmid-bearing strains.
Current oscillations during copper electrodissolution under solution sparging in acidic NaCl solutions

Potentiostatic current oscillations were observed during electrodissolution of a helical coiled copper wire electrode in acidic sodium chloride when nitrogen was sparged through the solution. The oscillations were studied as a function of solution pH, chloride ion concentration and sparging rate over the potential range of 0.2 to 0.7 V versus Ag/AgCl (3 M NaCl). The surface morphology of the copper was observed during the oscillatory process using in situ, real-time optical microscopy, and the formation of a surface film was correlated with the oscillations.
Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test Scores from Two Eastern Peruvian Samples

Summary Children's drawings from two Peruvian samples were scored by the Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test. A modified IQ estimate was devised to eliminate the influence of clothing style on intelligence quotients. Variations in clothing style, however, did not account entirely for observed group differences. Differential exposure to formal academic education seemed to provide a more appropriate explanation for the differences in mean performances.
Aluminum—1. A review of resistive mechanisms in aluminum

Abstract Various mechanisms affecting the electrical resistivity of aluminum are reviewed. Brief treatments are given of the theory, experimental techniques, and the results of experiments to measure the effect of phonons, electron-electron interactions, boundaries, vacancies and interstitials, chemical impurities, dislocations, and stacking faults on the resistivity of aluminum at room temperature and below. Also reviewed are experimental data on superconductivity, magnetoresistivity, and the effect of interactions between the various mechanisms. Where appropriate, suggested values are given for the resistivity contribution of a particular mechanism
Reforming the new economic mechanism in Hungary

The paper evaluates the reform measures taken in 19810 and 1981 that aim at the further development of the Hungarian New Economic Mechanism, introduced on January 1, 1968. The paper also examines possible future changes. The guidelines for these reform measures envisaged the transformation of the price structure to correspond to world market price relationships, the acceptance of profits reflecting performance at those prices as the sole success criterion for the firm, and reduction in the scope of government interventions in the firm's operations and in its investment decisions. The reform measures specifically concern price setting, the exchange decisions, and the organizational structure. It is concluded that the measures taken represent important steps towards improving the efficiency of the Hungarian economy but would need to be complemented by further steps in future years.
Disclosure and Informed-Consent: Does it Matter How We Tell it?

Traditionally, informed consent has been handled by the physician in a one-to-one interchange with the patient. As standards for adequate disclosure become more rigid and demands on physician time increase, however, the physician-patient model may cease to be practical. This study evaluated four alterative disclosure models: a formal discussion, a videotape, a pamphlet, and an informal discussion, each designed and executed by a team of health educators. Study results suggest that the informed consent process is little affected by disclosure medium and that it may be possible to strive for cost-efficiency in disclosure without compromising the quality of the consent obtained. Based on these results, a two-part disclosure process is proposed which allocates certain aspects of the disclosure to the treating physician, others to health education.
Fluidization of marine mud by waves

Abstract The structure of cohesive sediments is controlled by the energy input. At low oscillatory strains, cohesive sediment structure is completely described as an elastic solid. At higher oscillatory strains, the sediment structure is viscoelastic and at very high strain amplitudes the sediment behaves as a viscous fluid. Rheological measurements of cohesive sediments provide a quantitative evaluation of these viscoelastic properties as functions of clay minerology, solution ionic strength, solid concentration and oscillatory frequency. This viscoelastic representation of sediment structure is used to predict the response of such sediments to oscillatory shear. The model predicts bottom sediment fluidization and wave energy damping.
Clinical and Economic Consequences of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Increasing drug resistance rates among gram-negative pathogens that frequently cause ventilator-associated pneumonia have resulted in increased hospital mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher inpatient health care costs. There is an urgent need for effective therapies that lessen the clinical and economic consequences of this nosocomial infection. In a randomized, multicenter, prospective, phase 3 trial, medical resource use associated with doripenem was compared with that associated with imipenem for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Analysis of medical resource use revealed that patients who received doripenem had a significantly shorter duration of hospital stay (22 vs. 27 days; P = .01) and duration of mechanical ventilation use (7 vs. 10 days; P = .03) than did patients who received imipenem. In addition, the duration of intensive care unit stay tended to be shorter for patients who received doripenem. The reduced medical resource use achieved with use of doripenem for treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia may provide not only clinical benefits to patients but also economic benefits to hospitals and health care systems.
Enhanced bioethanol production from pretreated corn stover via multi-positive effect of casein micelles.

Abstract Casein polypeptides containing substructures of αs 1 -casein, β -casein, k -casein, αs 2 -casein were used as a lignin-blocker at above critical micelles concentration to improve the bioethanol production of dilute acid, lime, alkali, extrusion and AFEX pretreated corn stover (CS). Application of 0.5 g/g glucan of casein was found to effectively increase the glucose yield of CS pretreated with dilute acid, lime, alkali, extrusion and AFEX by 31.9%, 17.0%, 22.7%, 29.5%, and 17.4%, respectively with no positive impact on Avicel. Consequently 96 h simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of these hydrolysates reduced the fermentation period by up to 48 h and increased the theoretical yield of ethanol by 8.48–33.7% compared to control. Application of casein during saccharification reduced the enzyme utilization by 33.0%. Recycling of hydrolysate from casein-treated CS for a 2nd round hydrolysis resulted in average glucose yield of 36.4% compared to 29.0% control.
Cellulosic ethanol from municipal solid waste: a case study of the economic, energy, and greenhouse gas impacts in California.

As cellulosic ethanol technologies advance, states could use the organic content of municipal solid waste as a transportation fuel feedstock and simultaneously reduce externalities associated with waste disposal. We examine the major processes required to support a lignocellulosic (employing enzymatic hydrolysis) municipal solid waste-to-ethanol infrastructure computing cost, energy, and greenhouse gas effects for California. The infrastructure is compared against the Business As Usual case where the state continues to import most of its ethanol needs from the Midwest. Assuming between 60% and 90% practical yields for ethanol production, California could produce between 1.0 and 1.5 billion gallons per year of ethanol from 55% of the 40 million metric tonnes of waste currently sent to landfills annually. The classification of organic wastes and ethanol plant operation represent almost the entire system cost (between $3.5 and $4.5 billion annually) while distribution has negligible cost effects and savings ...
Plane-wave scattering by a conducting cylinder partially buried in a ground plane II: TE case

The problem of plane-wave scattering by an infinitely long perfectly conducting circular cylinder that is partially buried in a perfectly conducting ground plane is studied by the method of images, for which the incident electric-field vector is assumed to be in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder (TE polarization). The incident field, the reflected field from the ground plane in the absence of the cylinder, and the scattered field from the cylinder and its image are expressed in terms of cylindrical vector wave functions. By imposing the boundary conditions on the surface of the cylinder, we obtain a set of two coupled infinite systems of equations for the even–and odd–mode expansion coefficients of the scattered field. We solve these equations numerically by truncating the infinite summations and using a subsequent Gaussian elimination procedure. The scattered power patterns in the far–field region are obtained, and their variations with the angle of incidence, height (or depth) above (or below) the ground plane, and the electrical radius are studied. Comparisons with the corresponding TM–case results are made.
A Projects Laboratory for Electrical Engineering Students

This paper describes a laboratory course in electric machines and power systems that is under development at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for senior electrical engineering students. The basic premise being followed is that students learn only by doing original work in which they are genuinely interested. Therefore, the assignments consist of original projects, selected by the individual students which require making and testing some novel assembly of machines and circuits. Examples of these projects are making a mercury electric pump, making and testing various forms of reactor with alnico, solid steel, or copper sections inserted in the ac flux path, developing a novel battery charging circuit for automobiles with ac power supply and a static current regulator in place of the usual voltage regulator, and testing a self-excited alternator of novel design with a static voltage regulator.
The Vision-Specific Optimization in Primary and Secondary Control (OPS) Scale

To successfully address the challenges of age-related visual impairment in rehabilitation and health care settings, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the psychological and behavioral adaptations that occur in these populations. The purpose of this study was to modify the optimization in primary secondary control (OPS) scale [Heckhausen et al., Optimization in primary and secondary control (OPS-Scales). Technical report, 1999] to assess the utilization of lifespan control strategies among older adults with visual impairment. The OPS scale [Heckhausen et al., Optimization in primary and secondary control (OPS-Scales). Technical report, 1999] was used to develop a vision-specific version of this measure (i.e., VIS-OPS). The VIS-OPS was administered to older adults with recent vision loss (N = 364; Mean age = 82.9 years). Theory-driven confirmatory factor analysis was used to help refine the instrument and confirm the scale’s four-factor structure. Items were removed from three of the four VIS-OPS subscales due to low squared multiple correlations and poor model fit. Inter-item reliabilities for the resultant subscales ranged from .61 to .72. The final four-factor model fit the data well (RMSEA = .06, 90 % CI .05–.06), with all items loading significantly on their associated factors (i.e., subscales). Correlational analyses provided criterion-related validity for the VIS-OPS with disability and psychosocial functioning measures in the expected directions. The VIS-OPS will allow researchers to more systematically and precisely measure control strategy use in reference to specific challenges associated with visual impairment, and may serve as a model for examining control strategy use in the context of other disabilities.