cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 5 Measuring Changes in Coordination and Control

Publisher Summary This chapter explains measuring changes in coordination and control. Dependent measures for assessing changes in coordination and control as a function of practice and associated variables are presented. Examples are drawn from the literature on gait, sports skills, and laboratory aiming tasks to illustrate how coordination and control have been operationally defined. Some suggestions are made as to how the magnitude of change in coordination can be evaluated. Despite their increasing facility with movement analysis techniques, motor behavior researchers appear to be reluctant to focus their attention on the traditional issues of motor learning and motor development. It is possible that lack of theorizing about learning and development is hindering work in these areas. Alternatively, it is possible that appropriate research designs and movement measurement procedures are impediments to progress. Finally, it is proposed that single-case research designs should be considered by motor behavior researchers as an alternative to large between-subject designs.
On the Literary Interest of Mathematical Texts

In this essay I show a way in which some mathematical texts may be read in productive conjunction with literary texts. It might be thought that if one suggests that the texts of mathematics and literature can be mutually enriching, one thereby implicitly endorses a claim that mathematics just is a kind of literature or that literature is somehow mathematical. I do not, however, make either of those claims. I shall show that productive paired readings of mathematical and literary texts are possible because mathematical texts can possess certain minimally literary qualities. By minimally literary, I shall mean a quality of a text that is necessary but (perhaps) not sufficient for the text to be considered literary. I am therefore agnostic as to whether, all things considered, mathematical texts may properly be regarded as literary; the claims of this essay do not presuppose a substantive view about philosophy of literature or philosophy of mathematics. In particular, no equivalence claim about mathematics and literature is here defended; rather, my aim is to establish the possibility and value of reading prima facie dissimilar kinds of texts together.
Stability of Distributed Algorithms in the Face of Incessant Faults

For large distributed systems built from inexpensive components, one expects to see incessant failures. This paper proposes two models for such faults and analyzes two well-known self-stabilizing algorithms under these fault models. For a small number of processes, the properties of interest are verified automatically using probabilistic model-checking tools. For a large number of processes, these properties are characterized using asymptotic bounds from a direct Markov chain analysis and approximated by numerical simulations.
Compound Inhibitory to Clostridium botulinum Type E Produced by a Moraxella Species

A Moraxella strain, A-43, produced a compound inhibitory to the outgrowth of Clostridium botulinum type E spores. The inhibitor could be produced in various laboratory media, and the outgrowth of germinated spores was inhibited by a 1/10th dilution of the A-43 spent medium. Germination was not affected. Molecular weight of the inhibitor was estimated at 800 to 1,000. The inhibitor was dialyzable and could be concentrated by lyophilization. It was stable at 37, 25, and 5 C, but was 70% inactivated when heated at 65 C for 10 min. The inhibitor was not volatile and could not be vacuum-distilled at 40 C. Solutions of acids with pH values below 2.0 destroyed the activity. The A-43 inhibitor appears to be similar, in molecular weight and inhibition characteristics, to tylosin.
Biogeochemistry: Ocean biomes blended.

The ratio of nutrient elements in marine subsurface waters is much the same everywhere, even though biogeochemically distinct ocean biomes exist. A modelling study that includes mixing solves this conundrum. See Article p.550 Nitrogen to phosphorus ratios of oceanic plankton and seawater nitrate and phosphate concentrations are consistently close to a mean value of 16 to one. The processes responsible for this global relationship — which exists despite the wide range of nitrogen to phosphorus ratios at the organism level — remain unknown. Thomas Weber and Curtis Deutsch use an ocean circulation model and observed nutrient distributions to show that variations in the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio of biological nutrient removal across Southern Ocean surface waters are governed by regional differences in the species composition of the plankton community, and that the covariation of dissolved nitrate and phosphate is maintained by ocean circulation.
Origin of a "bridge" intron in the gene for a two-domain globin.

Abstract Red cells of the clam Barbatia reeveana express two hemoglobins, one composed of 16- to 17-kDa chains and the other of 35-kDa chains. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA encoding the 35-kDa chain shows that the polypeptide has two very similar heme-binding domains, which are joined without use of an additional bridging sequence. Two novel introns occur in the gene for the two-domain globin: one, the "precoding" intron, is located two bases 5' from the start codon, and the other, a "bridge" intron, separates the DNA sequences encoding the two domains. Close correspondence exists between the 3' end of the precoding intron and the 3' end of the bridge intron and between parts of the 3' noncoding region of the cDNA for the two-domain globin and the 5' end of the bridge intron. These observations indicate that the bridge intron arose by unequal crossing-over between two identical or very similar genes for a single-domain globin. This conclusion, together with the proposal that exons were initially independent "minigenes" [Gilbert, W. (1987) Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 52, 901-905], suggests that many introns may have evolved from the 5' noncoding region of one gene and/or the 3' noncoding region of a second gene. This hypothesis implies that splice junctions would be associated with the original NH2 and COOH termini of proteins and provides an explanation for the observation that splice junctions usually map to protein surfaces. They do so because most NH2- and COOH-terminal residues are usually located on or near the surfaces of proteins.
Can shear stress direct stem cell fate

Mechanical forces are important signals in the development and function of the heart and lung, growth of skin and muscle, and maintenance of cartilage and bone. The specific mechanical force "shear stress" has been implicated as playing a critical role in the physiological responses of blood vessels through endothelial cell signaling. More recently, studies have shown that shear stress can induce differentiation of stem cells toward both endothelial and bone-producing cell phenotypes. This review will highlight current data supporting the role of shear stress in stem cell fate and will propose potential mechanisms and signaling cascades for transducing shear stress into a biological signal.
Designed intramolecular competition in a chromophore-biquencher complex

Competitive energy and electron transfer occur following excitation of the chromophore−biquencher [ReI(MebpyCH2OCH2An)(CO)3(MQ+)](PF6)2 (MebpyCH2OCH2An is 4-[(9-anthrylmethoxy)methyl]-4‘-methyl-2,2‘-bipyridine; MQ+ is N-methyl-4,4‘,-bipyridinium ion). Following excitation with a 392-nm, 4-ns laser pulse in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE), the initial excited state energy is distributed in a ∼2:1 ratio between 3An* and the lower lying ReII(MQ·) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state. The appearance of the two states was monitored by transient absorption spectroscopy, which detected the triplet−triplet band for 3An* at λmax = 420 nm (τ = 35 ± 2 μs, k = (2.9 ± 0.2) × 104 s-1) and a π → π* band of MQ• at 610 nm (τ = 37 ± 2 ns, k = (2.7 ± 0.2) × 107 s-1). These states result from a competitive partitioning in the initial excited state or states. They do not interconvert to any significant degree on the time scale of the shorter lived, higher energy ReII(MQ*) state.
Combinations of drugs which interact as inhibitors of DNA biosynthesis.

Abstract In an attempt to gain further insight into the mechanisms responsible for drug interactions, specific inhibitors of DNA biosynthesis were studied in combination using leukemia L-1210 cells growing in suspension culture. The concentrations of each drug, alone and in selected combinations, required to achieve 50% inhibition of growth were measured using an electronic cell counter. The type of interaction, synergistic, additive or antagonistic effects, were readily interpreted by plotting the data as an isobologram for each pair of inhibitors. The inhibitors selected for study were: 1-β- d -arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) and 1-β- d -arabinofuranosyladenine (Ara-A), competitive inhibitors of DNA polymerase; 1-formylisoquinoline thiosemicarbazone (IQ-1), a non-competitive inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase; 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR), a competitive inhibitor of thymidylate synthetase; and methotrexate (MTX), a stoichiometric inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase. The observation of the marked antagonism resulting from the combination of MTX with Ara-C led to an acute awareness of the limitations in using the patterns of sequential or concurrent inhibition as a basis for the prediction of antagonism or synergism. Despite the complications introduced by the feedback control of these metabolic pathways, an attempt was made to construct a primitive mathematical model which includes such circuits in an effort to understand this complex phenomenon. Encouraged by reasonably good correlation between predictions based on the mathematical model and the actual data on cell growth, an attempt was made to evaluate the role of feedback loops in determining the type of interaction that results from a combination of inhibitors. The extent to which the primitive model mimics the complex cell culture experiments seems to depend more upon structure and overall shape than on the presence or absence of individual components. Simulation of complex experiments can guide the investment of laboratory effort and additional laboratory data should be used continually to modify or validate the mathematical model.
An integer goal programming model for determining capital expenditures for correctional facilities

Abstract The selection of capital expenditure projects for the construction of state correctional facilities is often complicated by the existence of multiple and conflicting objectives on the part of the various interest groups involved in the decision-making process. While some groups view the limited availability of state funds to construct such facilities as the paramount consideration, others might consider having adequate capacity to house prisoners in a satisfactory manner, and the effect of prison overcrowding on prisoner sentencing as the primary factors in the decision to construct new facilities. As such. it is imperative that the limited funds available for constructing correctional facilities be allocated in the most efficient and satisfactory manner possible. In this paper, integer goal programming is demonstrated via a case example as a means for allocating funds for capital expenditures for new and renovated correctional facilities. Sensitivity analysis is performed using the model in order to demonstrate its capability for testing various planning scenarios including alternative priority structures, goal constraints and goal levels.
Properties of octadecylsilyl-coated electrodes in ionic micellar solutions

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry of ferrocene, hexaammineruthenium(III) and hexacyanoferrate(II) in micellar solution sof sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was studied at platinum and pyrolytic graphite electrodes treated with octadecyltrichlorosilane. The charge-transfer rates and surface spectra were consistent with near monolayer coverage of the electrodes with an octadecylsilyl (ODS) layer bound to the surface through SiOgroups. Both SDS and CTAB were detected by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on ODS-coated electrodes treated with micellar solutions. Compared with bare electrodes, the signal-to-noise ratio and reproducibility were better on ODS electrodes, which were stable when stored in air. Some control over electrochemical selectivity and reversibility was achieved with ODS-coated electrodes in ionic micellar solutions. For surfactant and electroactive ions of the same charge sign, significant inhibition to charge transfer was found. Ions of opposite charge from the surfactant had enhanced charge-transfer rates. The results are qualitatively consistent with the kinetic effects of an adsorbed layer of ionic surfactant on the ODS electrodes.
Family illness narratives of inherited cancer risk: Continuity and transformation.

Family narratives of genetic disease address multigenerational legacies of illness, guide expectations about future diagnoses and anticipated losses, and promote continuity and coherence. Yet contemporary families with histories of genetic disease face the challenge of integrating long-standing family illness narratives with technological advances in the detection and treatment of the identified disease. The authors recommend the use of narrative methods to (a) integrate multiple or competing perspectives into a comprehensive story of the illness experience, (b) accommodate historically based illness narratives to modern technological advances that enable novel trajectories, and (c) identify pathways to sustained physical and mental health through enhanced medical decision making. A case example illustrates the use of a medical genogram to track patterns of illness expression and narrative construction over multiple generations, and implications for family therapy and research are discussed.
The nonmetro/metro context of racial/ethnic outmarriage: some differences between African Americans and Mexican Americans.

Data from the 1990 U.S. Census are used to examine nonmetro-metro distinctions in the outmarriage patterns of the nations two largest minority groups--African Americans and Mexican Americans....Consistent with notions suggesting that persons in metro areas are less traditional and perhaps more tolerant of those different from them we find that African Americans living in metro areas are more likely to be married to someone from another racial/ethnic group than their peers in nonmetro areas even after residential differences in individual and community characteristics are taken into account. On the other hand controlling for other factors Mexican Americans living in metro areas are not any more likely than those living in nonmetro settings to be exogamous. One possible explanation for this divergent pattern is the relatively recent urbanization of the Mexican American population. (EXCERPT)
99. Antioxidant neuroprotection with hematopoietic cell transplantation in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked peroxisomal disorder of very long chain fatty acid accumulation. The cerebral form of ALD is associated with inflammatory brain demyelination producing visual, auditory and cognitive processing defects along with loss of motor function. Death occurs within two to five years of clinical onset, unless the patient receives hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).As bothALDandHCTare associated with oxidative stress, we reasoned that adjunctive therapy with an antioxidant agent, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC; used for several decades as mucolytic agent in bronchopulmonary illnesses and as an antidote for liver injury from acute acetaminophen toxicity), may provide protection from neurological decline observed prior to stabilization after successful HCT. Our previous findings suggested that peri-transplant administration of NAC improves survival in advanced cerebral ALD (as defined by MRI severity score, MRISS, e 10). Thus, we investigated the safety of NAC administration in boys with early cerebral ALD (MRISS 100 days after HCT. The implication of our findings is that administration of NAC is safe in childhood ALD recipients of HCT. NACmerits investigation as a therapeutic strategy to reduce oxidative stress within the central nervous system in HCT recipients with lysosomal storage disorders affecting the central nervous system.
Is Protection for Sale? Evidence on the Grossman-Helpman Theory of Endogenous Protection

Grossman and Helpman (1994) present a theory of endogenous protection by explicitly modeling government-industry interactions for which mere “black-box” models previously existed. They obtain a Ramsey pricing-type solution to the provision of protection which emphasizes the role of inverse import penetration ratios and import elasticities. On the lobbying side, the model makes predictions about lobbying competition and lobbying spending according to deadweight costs from protection. The model not only makes for richer theory in terms of rigor and elegance, but its predictions are directly testable. Whether the Grossman-Helman model stands up to real-world data is investigated in this paper. Predictions from both the protection side and lobbying side are tested using cross-sectional U.S. nontariff barrier data. We also compare the “second-generation” Grossman-Helpman model with a more traditional specification. Our results call for serious consideration of this model in the political economy literature.
Reversible guest molecule encapsulation in the 3-D framework of a heteropolynuclear luminescent Zn4Eu2 cage complex.

Guest molecules of diethyl ether or methanol are reversibly encapsulated in cavities formed by the 3-dimensional supramolecular framework of heteropolynuclear, luminescent [Eu2Zn4L4(OAc)6(NO3)2(OH)2]·2Et2O.
Nest site selection by fire ant queens

We examined nest site selection by foundresses of the polygyne form ofSolenopsis invicta. In the laboratory, foundresses were allowed to nest in control soil vs. soil inoculated with refuse from a colony ofPheidole dentata, a natural enemy. In a second experiment foundresses chose between control andS. invicta soil. More foundresses (100%) avoided the soil of a natural enemy than the soil of a conspecific colony (79%) that may accept them into the nest. Foundresses from this polygyne ant appear to avoid other colonies in general, but avoid heterospecific colonies more.
Ranking in Tournaments and Group Decisionmaking

This paper fully discusses methods for ranking a set of alternatives in the fairest possible way according to a minimum violations criterion. New methods, based on finding paths and circuits in graphs, are presented for ranking participants in round-robin and generalized tournaments, and for consensus and group decisionmaking problems. The objective of the paper is to review existing methods for tackling these problems, and compare them with the new methods, according to a "fairness" criterion, and the amount of computing required to reach a solution. It is shown that the new methods often exceed the existing methods in both fairness and reduced computing requirements. In particular, the new methods are generally more versatile than existing methods. This allows organizations to obtain the fairest ranking of a number of alternatives, according to their managers' or employees' wishes. Particular attention is given to incomplete rankings where insufficient exposure of an individual to some alternatives restricts that individual to ranking only the remaining alternatives.
Sulfation, the up-and-coming post-translational modification: its role and mechanism in protein-protein interaction.

Tyrosine sulfation is a post-translational modification entailing covalent attachment of sulfate to tyrosine residues. It takes place in the trans-Golgi, is necessary for the bioactivity of some proteins, and improves their ability to interact with other proteins. In the present work, we show that a protein containing a sulfated tyrosine with a delocalized negative charge forms a salt bridge with another protein if it has two or more adjacent arginine residues containing positive delocalized charges. These noncovalent complexes are so stable that, when submitted to collision induced dissociation, the peptides forming the complex dissociate. Just one covalent bond fragments, the covalent bond between the tyrosine oxygen and the SO3 sulfur, and is represented by the appearance of a new peak (basic peptide + SO3), suggesting that in some instances covalent bonds will break down before the noncovalent bonds between the arginine guanidinium and SO3 dissociate. The data implies that the dissociation pathway is ...
Identification of an amino acid substitution in the benA, β-tubulin gene of Aspergillus nidulans that confers thiabendazole resistance and benomyl supersensitivity.

We are using molecular genetic techniques to identify sites of interaction of beta-tubulin with benzimidizole anti-microtubule agents. We have developed a marker-rescue technique for cloning mutant alleles of the benA, beta-tubulin gene of Aspergillus nidulans and have used the technique to clone two mutant benA alleles, benA16 and benA19. These are the only A. nidulans alleles known to confer resistance to the benzimidazole antimicrotubule agent thiabendazole and supersensitivity to other benzimidazole antimicrotubule agents including benomyl and its active breakdown product, carbendazim. benA16 has been shown, moreover, to reduce thiabendazole binding to beta-tubulin. We have sequenced the two mutant alleles and have found that they carry different nucleotide changes that cause the same single amino acid substitution, valine for alanine at amino acid 165. Since thiabendazole and carbendazim differ at only one side chain, the R2 group, we conclude that the region around amino acid 165 is involved in the binding of the R2 group of benzimidazole antimicrotubule agents to beta-tubulin.
650. The influence of temperature on the generation time of bacteria commonly found in milk: II. Examination of partial contributions over the full lactation period of two cows

An attempt to show the effect of temperature on the rate of growth of bacteria in milk was made by finding the generation times of Salmonella typhosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, Micrococcus pyogenes aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Alcaligenes faecalis at temperatures ranging from 4 to 60°C. Growth was quantitatively measured by means of plate counts during the logarithmic period which was previously determined for each organism. The following is a summary of the results obtained:At 4° C. none of the micro-organisms showed evidence of multiplication during the 6hr.incubation.As temperatures of 5–45° C. were approached the generation time decreased until the optimum temperature for each organism was reached; beyond this point a slowing of growth was observed, until at 60° C. viability was apparently lost by all the organisms.Streptococcus haemolyticus and Micrococcus pyogenes aureus have a generation time of 37–23 min.Salmonella typhosa and Shigella dysenteriae have a generation time of 50–26 min.Escherichia coli and Alcaligenes faecalis have a generation time of 41–16 min.Bacillus subtilis grows at about the same rate as Alcaligenes faecalis.The slowest organism of all appears to be Lactobacillus acidophilus with a generation time of 52–125 min.
X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy study of photocatalyzed, heterogeneous As(III) oxidation on kaolin and anatase

We have used X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (XAFS) to investigate As(III) adsorption on bulk Georgia kaolin (KGa-1b), Wyoming smectite (SWy-2), anatase (TiO2), gibbsite [Al(OH)3], and amorphous silica (am-SiO2) with the goal of identifying the oxidants responsible for As(III) oxidation in KGa-1b. After 30 h of reaction, ≥30% of the added As(III) was oxidized to As(V) in KGa-1b and anatase experiments, whereas only ≈10% of the added As(III) was oxidized in experiments using bulk SWy-2 and gibbsite. As(III) oxidation was negligible in experiments using am-SiO2. The proportion of As(III) oxidized by KGa-1b increased with increasing equilibration time, decreased significantly with increasing pH (up to pH 8), and decreased slightly with increasing ionic strength. Although Mn has been proposed as the potential oxidant of As(III) in KGa-1b, it can account for only ≈2% of the As(V) produced under the conditions of our experiments because of its low concentration in this material (3 ppm). Proof that ...
Acidification of formula reduces bacterial translocation and gut colonization in a neonatal rabbit model

Abstract Background/Purpose: The authors hypothesized that gastric acidity is protective because it is bactericidal. They tested acidified formula for protection against gut colonization and bacterial translocation. Methods: In vitro: Formula was acidified to pH of 2, 3, 4, 5 and innoculated with Enterobacter . Growth over time was quantitatively assessed. In vivo: 442 premature rabbit pups were sorted randomly and fed formula of pH 2, 3, 4, or 7, with ranitidine. Two models were utilized: (1) with bacterial challenge using a known acid sensitive organism, (2) without bacterial challenge to simulate natural gut colonization and to test against organisms of unknown acid sensitivity. Normal acid animals received pH 7 formula, no ranitidine. On day 3, the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen, liver, and cecum were harvested and cultured. Results: Bacterial growth was inhibited at pH 2 and 3, growth was logarithmic above pH 4 ( P P P Conclusion: Acidification of formula below pH 4 is bactericidal to enteric organisms. Acidified formula decreases bacterial translocation and gut colonization. J Pediatr Surg 36:56-62. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Straining for Shared Meaning in Organization Science: Problems of Trust and Distrust

We present a problem-centered organizing framework of trust, in which prominent conceptualizations of trust and distrust from the organizational and allied social sciences are categorized based on the questions they attempt to answer. The framework we outline here is intended to complement earlier typologies by suggesting alternative strategies for employing the diverse trust literature, identifying questions that could be profitably addressed through interdisciplinary research efforts, and distinguishing disagreements where debate and research would seem to be especially worthwhile from those where such activities would appear to be much less useful.
Arborization of Dendrites by Developing Neocortical Neurons Is Dependent on Primary Cilia and Type 3 Adenylyl Cyclase

The formation of primary cilia is a highly choreographed process that can be disrupted in developing neurons by overexpressing neuromodulatory G-protein-coupled receptors GPCRs or by blocking intraflagellar transport. Here, we examined the effects of overexpressing the ciliary GPCRs, 5HT6 and SSTR3, on cilia structure and the differentiation of neocortical neurons. Neuronal overexpression of 5HT6 and SSTR3 was achieved by electroporating mouse embryo cortex in utero with vectors encoding these receptors. We found that overexpression of ciliary GPCRs in cortical neurons, especially 5HT6, induced the formation of long (>30 μm) and often forked cilia. These changes were associated with increased levels of intraflagellar transport proteins and accelerated ciliogenesis in neonatal neocortex, the induction of which required Kif3a, an anterograde motor critical for cilia protein trafficking and growth. GPCR overexpression also altered the complement of signaling molecules within the cilia. We found that SSTR3 and type III adenylyl cyclase (ACIII), proteins normally enriched in neuronal cilia, were rarely detected in 5HT6-elongated cilia. Intriguingly, the changes in cilia structure were accompanied by changes in neuronal morphology. Specifically, disruption of normal ciliogenesis in developing neocortical neurons, either by overexpressing cilia GPCRs or a dominant-negative form of Kif3a, significantly impaired dendrite outgrowth. Remarkably, coexpression of ACIII with 5HT6 restored ACIII to cilia, normalized cilia structure, and restored dendrite outgrowth, effects that were not observed in neurons coexpressing ACIII and dominant-negative form of Kif3a. Collectively, our data suggest the formation of neuronal dendrites in developing neocortex requires structurally normal cilia enriched with ACIII.
A simplified approach to admittance-type haptic device impedance evaluation

Evaluating the transparency, or output impedance more generally, of admittance-type haptic devices is challenging due to their inherently non-back-drivable mechanical characteristics. To address this, we describe a new, simplified evaluation approach that eliminates the need for external test fixtures. The simplified approach relies on the easily obtainable closed-loop position control response of the device in combination with a device/system dynamic model. In addition to evaluating output impedance, the approach can be used of evaluate the overall stable rendering range of the device. Finally, the limitations of the approach are discussed.
Univariate Nonparametric Regression in the Presence of Auxiliary Covariates

This article addresses the problem of finding a relationship between the univariate predictor and the response when regression errors, created in part by known auxiliary covariates, are too large for a reliable regression estimation. A typical example is a controlled random design experiment with a large number of covariates, where the statistician is interested in the effect of a particular covariate and this effect is blurred by a large regression noise created by other covariates. This article develops a theory of asymptotically optimal nonparametric univariate regression estimation in the presence of auxiliary covariates. Here optimality means mimicking the performance of an oracle that knows the effects of auxiliary covariates on the response. The asymptotic theory shows that such an optimal estimation is possible, and also explains how to evaluate the noise created by auxiliary covariates and how to develop an estimator for the interesting case of small sample sizes. The concept of modeling regressi...
Application of hierarchical thermodynamic interactions to the protonation equilibria of organic polyprotic acids.

Abstract A general method for formulating complex thermodynamic systems in terms of hierarchical interactions has been developed, and has been applied in a previous analyses to the theoretical analysis of cooperativity in a dimeric protein, to the statistical analysis of hemoglobin oxygen binding data, and to the protonation equilibria of inorganic polyprotic acids. Organic polyprotic acids have served as a demonstration system for the development of concepts and methods for treating complex biochemical equilibria. Glutamic acid is the classic test case for understanding proton–proton interactions in organic polyprotic acids, and this system is analyzed using the concept of hierarchical interactions. Second order interactions were apparent between all three possible proton interactions, as has been established previously. The third order interaction between the three protons was found to be insignificant, indicating that protonation of one site on glutamate has no effect on the interaction between the other two protonation sites. This further reinforces the premise that higher order terms, representing more complex interactions, are less likely to be significant than lower order terms. To allow correlation of the interaction values from glutamate with other organic acids, pairwise interaction values between protonation events were then calculated from known p K d values for a number of diprotic acids and bases. For simple straight chain acids and bases a linear log–log relationship was apparent between the number of intervening atoms between the protons and the p K d, hh (p K d of interaction). This relationship extended from three atoms (carbonate) up to 11 atoms (azelaic acid) and applied to both dicarboxylic acids and diamine bases. The pairwise interactions in glutamate also followed this simple relationship.
Project web sites with design management extensions

Web hosted project spaces offer dedicated collaboration and information sharing functions to dispersed members of design, engineering and manufacturing teams. During the recent dot.com boom these so‐called ‘e‐Project’ services became increasingly popular in the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry. This industry has started to refer to these products as ‘project web sites’. Their basic service component is a web enabled ‘information space’ for building teams offered through an Application Service Provider (ASP) business model, and accessible via an Extranet requiring only a standard web browser. An expanding set of web hosted applications is meanwhile included in most products, e.g. for messaging and calendaring, data and document management, design reviews and project management. This paper shows how the functionality of project web sites can be enriched by adding advanced task coordination features. Such features are especially relevant for design management. In particular, the paper deals with the need to support the formation and coordination of spontaneous short‐lived sub‐teams in the course of a project. A crucial element of these ‘self‐appointed’ teams is the need to establish rapid agreement on a shared coordination template for the execution of the task at hand. It will be demonstrated how task templates for that purpose can be defined and managed. The chosen solution serves as a task sensitive filter to the overwhelming amount of documents stored typically on a project web site. The approach will be demonstrated on a daily exercise in academic environments: the abstract and paper review process in the preparation of a conference.
Sinus Node Dysfunction

Scenario: A 78-year-old male is brought to the emergency department by his family, who states that he has been acting “very tired” for several days. The patient has a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The patient is lethargic and hypotensive (80/40), the radial pulse is thready and irregular, and he is jaundiced. The patient’s current medications include aspirin, metoprolol, lisinopril, and metformin. Notably, the family states that the patient has not been urinating for more than 1 week. Below is the initial ECG rhythm strip in lead II. A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for clinical practice. To send an eLetter or to contribute to an online discussion about this article, visit www.ajcconline.org and click “Respond to This Article” on either the full-text or PDF view of the article. We welcome letters regarding this feature.
Modifications target spliceosome dynamics

The splicing pathway is dominated by ATP-dependent RNA rearrangements promoted by DEAD-box helicases. Post-translational modifications have now been implicated in the regulation of two DEAD-box proteins that are required for catalytic activation of the spliceosome.
B-cell-Targeted Therapy for the Fibrotic Complications of Systemic Sclerosis

Lafyatis R, Kissin E, York M, et al.: B cell depletion in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheum 2009, 60:578–583. Daoussis D, Liossis SNC, Tsamandas AC, et al.: Experience with rituximab in scleroderma: results from a 1-year, proof-of-principle study. Rheumatology 2010, 49:271–280. Smith V, Van Praet JT, Vandooren B, et al.: Rituximab in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: an open-label clinical and histopathological study. Ann Rheum Dis 2010, 69: 193–197.
Improving learning in CS1 via tablet-PC-based in-class assessment

This paper describes two pilot studies, one completed and one ongoing, that evaluate the use of Tablet PCs and a Tablet-PC-based classroom presentation system in an introductory computer science class. The presentation system, Classroom Presenter [2, 3], supports student wireless submission of digital ink answers to in-class exercises. In these studies, we evaluate the hypothesis that the use of such a system increases student learning by: (1) increasing student focus and attentiveness in class, (2) providing immediate feedback to both students and instructor about student misunderstandings, (3) enabling the instructor to adjust course material in real-time based upon student answers to in-class exercises, (4) increasing student satisfaction. The studies evaluate each of the above four parameters by means of classroom observation, surveys, and interviews.
The future of an illusion--the illusion of the future: an historic dialogue on the value of religion between Oskar Pfister and Sigmund Freud.

Between 1908 and 1939 Sigmund Freud and Oskar Pfister engaged in a lively dialogue on the dynamics and value of religion. This is an account of that dialogue replete with excerpts from their letters. Freud held a negative view: for him religion was an illusion that had no future. Pfitser viewed religion positively, seeing it as the only illusion with a future. The major differences in their positions are noted and the contemporary import of these issues is suggested.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a lymphangioma of the tongue

Lymphangioma of the tongue is a rare, benign malformation of the lymphatic channels. The clinical course is characterized by multiple recurrences after local excision. A review of the literature revealed no prior association of a head and neck lymphangioma with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with a history of a tongue base lymphangioma who developed a base of tongue SCC. Further confounding the pathophysiologic scenario was a history of nasopharyngeal irradiation for adenoid hypertrophy.
Low risk papillary thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing diagnoses; more cases of thyroid cancer are found every year than all leukemias and cancers of the liver, pancreas, and stomach. Most of these incident cases are papillary in origin and are both small and localized. Patients with these small localized papillary thyroid cancers have a 99% survival rate at 20 years. In view of the excellent prognosis of these tumors, they have been denoted as low risk. The incidence of these low risk thyroid cancers is growing, probably because of the use of imaging technologies capable of exposing a large reservoir of subclinical disease. Despite their excellent prognosis, these subclinical low risk cancers are often treated aggressively. Although surgery is traditionally viewed as the cornerstone treatment for these tumors, there is less agreement about the extent of surgery (lobectomy v near total thyroidectomy) and whether prophylactic central neck dissection for removal of lymph nodes is needed. Many of these tumors are treated with radioactive iodine ablation and thyrotropin suppressive therapy, which—although effective for more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer—have not been shown to be of benefit in the management of these lesions. This review offers an evidence based approach to managing low risk papillary thyroid cancer. It also looks at the future of promising alternative surgical techniques, non-surgical minimally localized invasive therapies (ethanol ablation and laser ablation), and active surveillance, all of which form part of a more individualized treatment approach for low risk papillary thyroid tumors.
Pairing in Asymmetrical Fermi Systems

We consider inter- and intra-species pairing interactions in an asymmetrical Fermi system. Using equation of motion method, we obtain coupled mean-field equations for superfluid gap functions and population densities. We construct a phase diagram across BCS-BEC regimes. Due to intra-species correlations, the BCS singlet superfluid state can sustain finite polarizations, P. For larger P, we find phase separations in BCS and BEC regimes. A superfluid phase exists for all P deep in BEC regime. Our results may apply to pairing in ultracold fermions, nuclear and quark matter physics.
Three- Phase Unsteady-State Relative Permeability Measurements in Consolidated Cores Using Three Immisicible Liquids

This paper discusses results from a series of two- and three-phase coreflooding experiments on consolidated cores using three immiscible fluids and using an unsteadystate relative permeability setup. The three-phase extension of the Buckley-Leverett theory proposed by Grader and O’Meara [1] and verified by Siddiqui et al. [2] was used for calculating three-phase relative permeabilities from the dynamic displacement data. From the results of three-phase displacement experiment, three-phase saturation trajectories are mapped and then compared against results of DDI (decreasing of water phase and oil or heavy phase and increasing of gas or light phase during a dynamic injection stage) runs found in the literature. The DID (decreasing of water phase, increasing of oil or heavy phase and decreasing of gas or light phase) runs presented in the current work are unique which map a wide range of the interior region of the ternary diagram. However, bypassing was observed during the IDD (Increasing of water phase and decreasing of oil or heavy phase and gas or light phase) runs, possibly due to fluids reaching the residual saturations before the dynamic water injection. In the petroleum industry, empirical models are often used to extrapolate three-phase relative permeabilities from two sets of two-phase relative permeability data. The experimental three-phase relative permeability data from the DDI and DID runs are compared with the model data, and it is found out that in some cases these models cannot adequately provide satisfactory matches with the experimental data.
The porphyria of heinrich Heine

IOGRAPHIES are of special interest to psychiatrists, and the biographies of contributory and creative people command particular attention. Heinrich Heine’s life holds a special fascination. As Milton is considered second only to Shakespeare in English literature, so Heine follows only Goethe in German letters. Every high school student who has learned anything of the German language has fallen under the spell of his charming poetry. But he is probably uniyue amongst the greats of literature in the severity and duration of his suffering. Interestingly enough, the protracted illness with which he was afflicted has never been accurately diagnosed. This disease, apart from its intrinsic interest, is of importance with regard to the issue of whether or not it had anything to do with Heine’s creative ability and artistic talent. That it played a part in the shaping of his personality is without doubt. It is the intent of this essay to examine this illness in some detail, together with its relation to Heine’s personality structure and literary productivity. Heine ( 1797-1856) suffered throughout most of his life span of 59 years from an illness concerning which there has been no medical agreement. It is now clear that during the first half of the nineteenth century the diagnosis could not be made. Although the manifestations of this illness occupied approximately the last forty years of his life, became progressively more severe, caused the most intense suffering with resultant opium addiction, and made him bed-ridden for the last eight years of his life, it never stopped his creative output. It is now apparent, in the light of modern medical data, that new understanding of his disease is available, and that this comprehension is essential to a clear grasp of the man as a writer. The medical writings about Heine’s illness are unusually vague, and reveal not only many differences of opinion, but also a lack of understanding of the pathologic process. The modem clinician can only hope for a clear exposition of the observational facts unembellished by any diagnostic interpretation, so that he can arrive at his own conclusion, It is striking how many emphatic opinions have been expressed in the absence of conclusive data to warrant them. Fortunately Heine often made references in his letters to the details of his illness, and these remarks constitute some of the most reliable data on which to construct new pathologic interpretations. There follows a condensed account of the events in the illness culled from Heine’s own writings and various other sources.‘-’ From his youth until his death, Heine suffered from frequent and severe headaches. Often they incapacitated him for days at a time. He came to
Ischemic cardiomyopathy: A clinicopathologic study of fourteen patients

Abstract Ischemic cardiomyopathy has been defined clinically as congestive heart failure occurring in patients with coronary artery disease, without coexisting hypertension, primary valvular disease, ventricular aneurysm formation, or known causes of cardiomyopathy. Morphologic definition of this entity is scarce. We reviewed over 200 patients with coronary artery disease who came to autopsy at this hospital and identified 14 who met the above criteria. At autopsy all the hearts showed diffuse biventricular dilatation without aneurysm formation. All had evidence of recurrent infarction in more than one vascular distribution, and postmortem angiography revealed extensive coronary artery disease. The amount of infarcted myocardium determined by planimetry ranged from 8% to 46%. Although the hearts were enlarged with an average weight of 600 grams, the non-infarcted ventricular myocardium was thinner than seen in normals, in patients with ischemic heart disease without cardiomyopathy, in patients with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy, and in those with dilatation due to valvular regurgitation. The results suggest that ischemic cardiomyopathy does not merely reflect a critical amount of myocardium lost, but rather severe diffuse coronary artery disease accompanied by multiple sites of infarction which together lead to progressive dilatation, disproportionate wall thinning, and inadequate compensatory wall thickening. Thus, these patients appear to have a true cardiomyopathy in that the entire left ventricle (infarcted and non-infarcted tissue) appears to be adversely affected by the ischemic process, insofar as there is a diffuse globular remodeling of the heart.
A miniature microelectrode array to monitor the bioelectric activity of cultured cells

Abstract Electrical activity can be recorded extracellularly from contracting heart cells in vitro with the electrodes of 30-element microelectrode arrays built into the culture chambers. The arrays are fabricated in the laboratory by etching thin metal films deposited on glass coverslips; the fabrication employs techniques developed by the microelectronics industry.
Synaptic plasma membranes from rat brain synaptosomes: Isolation and partial characterization

Abstract We have isolated a highly purified plasma membrane fraction directly from synaptosomes prepared by centrifugation on a Ficoll-sucrose gradient. A critical feature of the preparation method is use of alkaline conditions to achieve effective osmotic shock so that membranes effectively resolve from mitochondria. If osmotic shock is carried out at alkaline pH, 70 % of the (Na + -K + )-activated-ouabain-sensitive ATPase (EC 3.6.1.4) of the synaptosomes can be recovered with only 7 % of total cytochrome oxidase (EC 1.9.3.1) in synaptosomal membrane fractions. In contrast, if osmotic shock is carried out at neutral pH, 50 % of the mitochondria overlays 85 % of the membranes. A fraction enriched in synaptic plasma membranes (SPM fraction) can be prepared on a simple discontinuous gradient in relatively good yield. The SPM fraction bands between 25–32.5 % sucrose; the yield is about 1.5 mg of protein per g tissue wet wt. An alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) is found in the SPM fraction. The distribution pattern of alkaline phosphatase parallels that of Na + -K + )-ATPase . 5′-Nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) and acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) sediment at lighter densities than (Na + -K + )-ATPase or alkaline phosphatase although there is considerable overlap. The SPM fraction contains β-N- acetylglucosaminidase . This enzyme is not completely washed out of the SPM fraction by salt treatment but is released by low concentrations of Triton X-100.