cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct Parsing of Text

Traditionally, parsing of text is based on an explicit grammar and an associated parsing procedure. Examples of grammars are Context Free, Context Sensitive, Transformational, etc. The grammars are specified in a generative mode, A parsing procedure is then designed for the grammar in question (e.g. LR parsing, CYK parsing, Early parsing, etc) and is supposed to reverse the process: given text, find the particular generative sequence whose result was the text.
A product decomposition of infinite symmetric groups

First published in Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society in volume 131, issue 6, published by the American Mathematical Society.
Choice of Law for Unlawful Searches

As the number of states having their own constitutional privacy theories about searches increases, more criminal cases may raise choice-of-law issues. This article argues that, apart from the fourth amendment, the Constitution does not impose significant limitations upon the interstate use of evidence, although some state constitutions may impose more significant limitations. Courts should adopt civil choice of law approaches for analyzing search and privacy issues in criminal cases, inquiring particularly whether there are circumstances in the case calling for the forum to displace forum law. This article also explores some of the problems that arise from the deterrence rationale.
Modeling patient flow operation of a US urban county hospital

System dynamics modeling methodology is well suited to address the constantly changing complexity that characterizes designing a modern urban hospital's patient flow operation. It involves the development of simulation models that portray process flows and feedback that may be tested to find effective designs to overcome ineffective means of healthcare delivery. An urban county hospital UCH in Minnesota, USA is used to demonstrate a modular system dynamics modeling approach to simulate and optimize internal patient and process flow where major costs are also considered. This allows decision makers to visualize overall efficiencies through optimal bed capacity for peak patient flow of emergency and routine patients in a large healthcare delivery operation.
Efficacy, Agency, and Self-Esteem

A perusal of the self-esteem literature will reveal an abundance of research that focuses on the differences between low and high self-esteem individuals with respect to their perceptions of and reactions to positive and negative events. Questions that have received considerable attention over the years include these: Do high self-esteem persons self-enhance in response to positive events and self-protect in response to threatening events more than do low self-esteem persons? Are there self-esteem differences in the tendency to seek out positive vs. negative self-relevant information or to embrace positive or negative self-aspects? Such questions are important and deserving of the attention that they have received. Unfortunately, however, the emphasis on them has left some gaps in our understanding of self-esteem processes. It is hoped that the diversity of issues addressed in this volume will foster an expansion of the types of questions focused on by people who are interested in self-esteem. Though time will tell how successful this endeavor has been, my experience editing this book has convinced me more than ever that such expansion is both necessary and viable.
Cross-Country Determinants of Declines in Infant Mortality:A Growth Regression Approach

This paper examines the determinants of infant mortality rates in a cross section of countries using a "growth regression" approach. The paper argues that infant mortality is a valid measure of living standards, worthy of study in its own right. It also shows that first order differential equation implicit in the standard growth regression is appropriate to studies of infant mortality rates, perhaps more so than those of GDP. From the perspective of identifying possible determinants of declines in infant mortality, these results are rather discouraging. Only two policy variables, primary school enrolments and DPT vaccination rates for infants, show any consistent correlation with declining infant mortality, and even those correlations are not robust to the inclusion of fixed effects, a simple way to pick up time invariant unobserved variables. From the perspective of the growth regression literature, a more interesting "non-result" is the fact that there is no evidence at all that the black market premium, the M2/GDP ratio, inflation, or the real exchange rate, all policy variables that typically explain economic growth, help to explain declining infant mortality, and only weak evidence that real GDP per capita itself is correlated with these declines. We have long known from microeconomic data that income is not a very good predictor of children's health status. These results confirm that in a growth regression context. They also suggest that the determinants of progress of nations in one welfare dimension, economic growth, are distinct from those in another, infant mortality.
Accessibility, availability, and quality of online information for US radiation oncology residencies.

Abstract Purpose Radiation oncology (RO) residency applicants commonly use Internet resources for information on residency programs. The purpose of this study is to assess the accessibility, availability, and quality of online information for RO graduate medical education. Methods and materials Accessibility of online information was determined by surveying databases for RO residency programs within the Fellowship Residency Electronic Interactive Data Access System (FREIDA) of the American Medical Association, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and Google search. As of June 30, 2015, websites were assessed for presence, accessibility, and overall content availability based on a 55-item list of desired features based on 13 program features important to previously surveyed applicants. Quality scoring of available content was performed based on previously published Likert scale variables deemed desirable to RO applicants. Quality score labels were given based on percentage of desired information presented. Results FREIDA and ACGME databases listed 89% and 98% of program websites, respectively, but only 56% and 52% of links routed to a RO department-specific website, respectively. Google search obtained websites for 98% of programs and 95% of links routed to RO department-specific websites. The majority of websites had program descriptions (98%) and information on staff. However, resident information was more limited (total number [42%], education [47%], previous residents [28%], positions available [35%], contact information [13%]). Based on quality scoring, program websites contained only 47% of desired information on average. Only 13% of programs had superior websites containing 80% or more of desired information. Conclusions Compared with Google, the FREIDA and ACGME program databases provide limited access to RO residency websites. The overall information availability and quality of information within RO residency websites varies widely. Applicants and programs may benefit from improved content accessibility and quality from US RO program websites in the residency application process.
Barriers to physical activity experienced by low-income mothers of young children: a pilot study (1021.1)

Barriers to Physical Activity Experienced by Low-Income Mothers of Young Children: A Pilot Study Het Desai, Debra Palmer-Keenan: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. It has been reported that mothers of young children engage in less physical activity than those without dependent children. This issue is likely exaggerated in low-income communities, due to the increased impact of physical activity barriers. This pilot study sought to examine barriers that mothers, aged 18-44 with children aged 15 or less, report as well as to identify specific activity barriers, they report affect them to a greater degree than they affect their counterparts without dependent children. The mothers (N=59) were predominantly Black (61%), Hispanic (12%) or White (25%) and approximately 70% had no post-secondary education. More than 50% of the mothers reported that six out of seven child-related barriers mothers have previously reported kept them from exercising sometimes, nearly always, or always. The...
Pichia stipitis Genes for Alcohol Dehydrogenase with Fermentative and Respiratory Functions

Two genes coding for isozymes of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH); designated PsADH1 and PsADH2, have been identified and isolated from Pichia stipitis CBS 6054 genomic DNA by Southern hybridization to Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADH genes, and their physiological roles have been characterized through disruption. The amino acid sequences of the PsADH1 and PsADH2 isozymes are 80.5% identical to one another and are 71.9 and 74.7% identical to the S. cerevisiae ADH1 protein. They also show a high level identity with the group I ADH proteins from Kluyveromyces lactis. The PsADH isozymes are presumably localized in the cytoplasm, as they do not possess the amino-terminal extension of mitochondrion-targeted ADHs. Gene disruption studies suggest that PsADH1 plays a major role in xylose fermentation because PsADH1 disruption results in a lower growth rate and profoundly greater accumulation of xylitol. Disruption of PsADH2 does not significantly affect ethanol production or aerobic growth on ethanol as long as PsADH1 is present. The PsADH1 and PsADH2 isozymes appear to be equivalent in the ability to convert ethanol to acetaldehyde, and either is sufficient to allow cell growth on ethanol. However, disruption of both genes blocks growth on ethanol. P. stipitis strains disrupted in either PsADH1 or PsADH2 still accumulate ethanol, although in different amounts, when grown on xylose under oxygen-limited conditions. The PsADH double disruptant, which is unable to grow on ethanol, still produces ethanol from xylose at about 13% of the rate seen in the parental strain. Thus, deletion of both PsADH1 and PsADH2 blocks ethanol respiration but not production, implying a separate path for fermentation.
Advances in the development of retinoids as chemopreventive agents.

With the inclusion of brief discussions of retinoid drug development in animal carcinogenesis models (e.g., skin, breast, oral cavity, lung, prostate or bladder) and clinical trials (e.g., head and neck or cervix), this review will focus on recent advances in retinoid molecular targeting studies designed primarily to develop retinoids with reduced toxicity, while maintaining or enhancing activity in the context of chemoprevention. Major current retinoid molecular targets include the six known nuclear retinoid receptors (RAR and RXR). Receptor numbers, distinct functions, tissue-expression patterns, ligand specificities, functional redundancy and regulation of multiple pathways make retinoid signaling highly complex. Development of receptor-selective synthetic retinoids is a major focus of molecular retinoid development. RAR heterodimerize with RXR and mediate classic retinoid activity/toxicity. RXR are more promiscuous, heterodimerizing with several other members of the steroid receptor superfamily [e.g., peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) or vitamin D receptors]. RXR-selective ligands are less toxic and more active in animal breast cancer prevention studies and less toxic than RAR ligands in clinical trials. Other new avenues of retinoid molecular drug development include newly identified retinoid-regulated genes, orphan-receptor ligands/functions, novel retinoid mechanisms involving potent receptor-independent apoptosis-inducing activity (e.g., 4-HPR or anhydroretinol), synergistic combinations [e.g., RXR agonists plus selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM)], activity in other diseases and novel delivery systems.
Resilient Modulus Behavior of Rubberized Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

ABSTRACT The resilient modulus is the modulus to be used with the elastic theory during any analysis of a flexible pavement. It is well known that most paving materials (e.g., asphalt pavements) are not elastic but experience some permanent deformation after each load application. With respect to the complexity of the Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), the Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) and resilient modulus evaluation of modified mixtures are important to understand. The aging of binder containing crumb rubber obviously alters the visco-elastic and plastic characteristics of the modified mixtures. The deformation of the mixture under repeated loading, nearly completely recoverable, should also be considered. The experimental design included the use of two aggregate sources, one rubber type (ambient), four rubber contents (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%), one crumb rubber size (-40 mesh [-0.425 mm]), and four RAP contents (0%, 15%, 25%, and 30%). The findings indicated t...
Asymmetric long memory GARCH in exchange return

Abstract The new class of asymmetric fractionally integrated family generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (FIFGARCH) are applied to the exchange rate returns. They give more flexibility onto the lag structure through the asymmetric long memory GARCH. The study finds significant asymmetric long memories with mean-reverting impulse response with easy systematic functional form tests.
Development of a scale to measure adolescents' beliefs and attitudes about postponing sexual initiation.

Abstract Purpose To develop a scale to measure adolescent beliefs and attitudes about postponing sexual initiation (PSI). Methods A theory-based, 12-item scale measuring beliefs about PSI was developed and administered via a mailed questionnaire to those participants in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of adolescents who had not yet initiated sexual intercourse. Internal consistency reliability, content validity, factorial validity, and construct validity were assessed using cross-sectional data. Results Mean age for boys was 14.4 (± 1.6) years and for girls 14.3 (±1.6) years (range 11 to 19 years), and 93% of respondents were white. The beliefs about PSI rated as most important by both girls and boys were concern about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. Cronbach alpha for the scale was 0.83 for girls and 0.88 for boys. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the items loaded on four factors consistent with the theoretical basis of the model and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good fit of the overall model. The PSI scale score was associated with hypothesized sociodemographic, psychological, and behavioral variables, supporting construct validity of the scale. A higher score was associated with female gender; age ≤ 14 years; higher global and social self-esteem; more frequent attendance at religious services; less peer pressure to have sexual intercourse; nonuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, and cigarettes; and no intention to initiate sexual intercourse in the next year. Conclusions The PSI scale demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. Future research is needed to evaluate the utility of this scale in predicting sexual initiation and in interventions aimed at postponing sexual initiation.
Gifts of the sea

The great microbiological soup found in the oceans is a remarkable resource for antibiotics and antibacterials. Resident pathogenic microorganisms present a threat to marine organisms. This battle for survival requires potent molecules endowed with antibacterial activity to be stable under harsh conditions of high salt content to aid the embattled marine organisms. Metabolites such as ribosomal and non-ribosomal peptides, alkaloids, polyketides, and terpenes exhibit antibacterial activity. The need for antibacterials is enhanced by the occurrence of human bacterial pathogens that are no longer controlled by available antibiotics. Antibacterials inhibit bacterial growth (bacteriostatic). Of the 98 small molecule antibacterials marketed between 1981 and 2005, 74 are attributed to discrete structural motifs found in nature. Nine of the twelve antibacterial classes are formulated on a template derived from nature. The vast sea remains virtually unexplored for antibacterial therapeutics in contrast to the terrestrial environment, which has been harvested for the past 50 years. Numbers of taxa in the ocean dwarf the species characteristic of a tropical rain forest. Ocean water contains 10 bacteria, and 10 fungal cells per mL. The surfaces of most marine organisms are populated with specific microbes. Candidate antibacterials have been found in some rather obscure places such as a microbe in a marine annelid. Examples of antibacterial terpenes are pseudopterosin P found in association with soft coral, and axisonitrile 3 and manoalide from marine sponges. The structural diversity apparent in these few examples exemplifies the importance of the sea’s microbial diversity to humankind’s need for therapeutic pharmaceuticals.
Observation of Low-Field Feshbach Resonances in Collisions of Cesium Atoms

We observe several Feshbach resonances in magnetic fields below 40 G for Cs atoms trapped in a 1D optical lattice. One resonance occurs in the lowest-energy ground state $F\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}3$, ${m}_{F}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}3$ which is stable against inelastic binary collisions. This opens new possibilities for Bose condensation of Cs. When the elastic collision rate far exceeds the radial vibration frequency, we enter a 2D hydrodynamic regime where the thermalization rate is independent of density and temperature. Other resonances are also observed in the $F\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}3$, ${m}_{F}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\ensuremath{-}3$ state through a dramatic increase in the dipolar relaxation rate.
Data processing as a tool for generalizing communications systems

Automatic data processing is a tool for transforming, processing, and calculating information. If one accepts this fact, one should be prepared to describe the fundamental capabilities of automatic data processing. Since communications is itself a tool, it is instructive to attempt to describe its fundamental nature in a similar frame of reference and compare the two. The results of such a simple analysis lead to a viewpoint which has important implications on system and equipment design.
Neuromuscular control of trout swimming in a vortex street: implications for energy economy during the Kármán gait

Approximating the complexity of natural locomotor conditions provides insight into the diversity of mechanisms that enable animals to successfully navigate through their environment. When exposed to vortices shed from a cylinder, fishes hold station by adopting a mode of locomotion called the Karman gait, whereby the body of the fish displays large, lateral oscillations and the tail-beat frequency matches the vortex shedding frequency of the cylinder. Although field studies indicate that fishes often prefer turbulent flows over uniform currents, the effect of hydrodynamic perturbations on the mechanics, control and energetics of locomotion is still poorly understood. In this study, electromyography is used to measure red and white axial muscle activity for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) holding station in a vortex street. When trout Karman gait, they show a significantly reduced but still rhythmic pattern of muscle activity compared with that seen when they swim steadily in uniform flow. Specifically, trout selectively activated only their anterior red axial muscles and abandoned the antero-posterior wave of red muscle activity that drives undulatory locomotion in uniform flow. This supports a previously proposed hypothesis that trout are not just swimming in the reduced flow behind a cylinder (drafting). Anterior axial muscle activity was correlated to head amplitude during steady swimming but not during the Karman gait, indicating that while activation of muscles during the Karman gait may aid in stability and control, vortices determined overall head motion. Furthermore, anterior red axial muscle activity, the only region of muscle activity shared between both the Karman gait and steady swimming, had a lower intensity and longer duration during the Karman gait. At times when paired fins were active during the Karman gait, there was no axial muscle activity measured, lending support to a passive mechanism of thrust generation in oscillating flows. Comparisons with dead trout towed behind a cylinder confirm this intriguing observation that live trout may temporarily adopt the Karman gait with no axial muscle activity, revealing paradoxically that at times fish can passively move against turbulent flow. To Karman gait for prolonged periods, however, trout must adapt to the demands of turbulence by eliciting a shift in neural control strategy. By decoupling motor output both down and across the body, the pattern of rhythmic Karman gait muscle activity may reflect the entrainment of a central pattern generator to environmental vortices.
Errors in Infiltration Calculations in Volume-Balance Models

Abstract Volume-balance models of surface irrigation calculate the infiltrated volume at a given time as a product of the stream length, upstream infiltration, and shape factors. The best-known expression of this type was derived by combining the Lewis-Milne equation with empirical power-law expressions for infiltration and advance as functions of time. This expression results in systematic errors that are not well understood by users of volume-balance methods. This article examines those errors in furrow irrigation by comparison with infiltrated volumes computed with zero-inertia simulation. The potential for errors is greatest with light soils and where the bottom slope is large enough to produce kinematic flow conditions. An example is presented to show how these errors in a parameter-estimation problem based on a volume balance can be corrected iteratively with the help of zero-inertia simulation.
Limitation of Imaging in Identifying Iatrogenic Aortic Coarctation following Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

A 21-year-old male suffered blunt trauma from a motor vehicle accident causing thoracic aorta tear. The smallest available stent graft was deployed. Definitive repair was later performed using a 22 × 22 × 116 mm Talent Thoracic Stent Graft. The postoperative course was uneventful. Seventeen months later, he presented with dizziness, chest pain, acute renal failure, malignant hypertension, and troponin elevation. Computed tomography (CT) angiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram did not reveal any dissection, stent stenosis or collapse. Cardiac catheterization showed normal coronary arteries but a 117 mm Hg gradient across the stent graft. Iatrogenic coarctation of the aorta was confirmed with a second measurement during arch angiogram. A Palmaz stent was deployed over the distal end of the previous stent graft with complete resolution of symptoms and gradual normalization of kidney function. This case report demonstrates a need for wider availability and selecting appropriate stent graft in treating traumatic aortic injuries in young patients. It is the first case report of the inability of current imaging modalities in confirming stent collapse. Pressure gradient is a useful tool in confirming stent collapse when clinical scenario does not match CT findings.
Effects of community substance abuse treatment services on clients' criminal arrests

This study explored the effects of specific types of substance abuse treatment services on clients remaining arrest free for the year following services. The sample consisted of clients admitted to the Lucas County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (LC-ADAS) community service system in calendar year 2000. The findings of the study suggest that residential detoxification and intensive outpatient can be influential forces in reducing the future likelihood of crime among clients.
The spacing between binding sites controls the mode of cooperative DNA-protein interactions: implications for evolution of regulatory circuitry.

Abstract The CI repressors of lambdoid phages bind cooperatively to adjacent binding sites. Although these binding sites are found at complex operators containing three binding sites, cooperative binding occurs only between dimers bound at two of the sites, a mode of binding termed pairwise cooperativity. At the level of regulation, pairwise cooperativity allows the proper operation of the genetic switch. At the mechanistic level, it has been proposed to result from steric distortion of the complex, such that a protein dimer bound to a central site cannot contact both flanking dimers because it “leans” towards one of the two sites. We have tested this model using the CI repressor of phage HK022. Previous work suggested that reducing the spacing between adjacent operators might allow cooperative interaction among three dimers, a mode of cooperativity we term extended. Using a set of synthetic templates, we have shown that reducing the spacing allows extended cooperativity among three binding sites. Accordingly, the mode of cooperativity changes qualitatively in response to changes in the inter-site spacing. That is, the change in spacing has major functional consequences for the properties of the complex. We suggest that such changes can play important roles in the evolution of gene regulatory circuitry and of other processes involving nucleoprotein complexes.
Pulsed metallic-plasma generators

A pulsed metallic-plasma generator is described which utilizes a vacuum arc as the plasma source. The arc is initiated on the surface of a consumable cathode which can be any electrically conductive material. Ignition is accomplished by using a current pulse to vaporize a portion of a conductive film on the surface of an insulator separating the cathode from the ignition electrode. The film is regenerated during the ensuing arc. Over 108ignition cycles have been accomplished by using four 0.125-in (0.318-cm) diameter zinc cathodes operating in parallel and high-density aluminum-oxide insulators. A plasma consisting of cathode material is emitted at the rate of about 10-7kg for each coulomb of charge emitted. The plasma is ejected in the form of a high-velocity highly directional conical plume through a ring-shaped anode. One or more magnetic field coils may be used to control the impedance and the direction of the plume. The normal pulsed operating parameters for the generator are a few hundred volts and a few hundred amperes with pulsewidths ranging from 50 to 500 µs and repetition frequencies up to 300 pulses per second (pps). Among the applications being investigated for the generator are metal deposition, vacuum pumping, electric propulsion, and high-power dc arc interruption.
ON THE MECHANISM OF AMEBOID MOVEMENT.

SYNOPSIS. Current theories for explaining movement in Amoeba are the contraction-hydraulic and the fountainstreaming theories. The first assumes that plasmasol is pushed by hydraulic pressure developed by contraction of posterior gel. The second assumes that plasmasol is pulled by a condensation process at the anterior end of the gel tube. By means of time exposures (5–10 seconds) under dark-field illumination it has been possible to obtain direct photographic traces of the movement of particles of the sol and of the gel. These demonstrate that: 1) Some advancing pseudopods display no background movement of particles at the tip. 2) Some granules move straight to the very tip in the central portion of an advancing pseudopod, and do not curve to either side until later. 3) In one withdrawing pseudopod, all of the granules of the gel moved simultaneously inward and perpendicularly to the flowing plasmasol along the entire length of the pseudopod. 4) In the anterior portion of the pseudopod the large granules of the gel may move forward. Furthermore, 5) There is a general anteriorly directed fluid flow detectable by observation of very fine granules through the interstices of the gel tube and also through the hyaline ectoplasm. 6) There is a forward flow throughout the entire cross section of the anterior portion of an advancing pseudopod, namely gel, interstices of the gel, sol, ectoplasm, and plasmalemma. It is concluded that the fountain-streaming theory is incompatible with the above facts, and that these can be explained by the contraction-hydraulic theory.
The Role of Cellular Proliferation in an Experimental Model of Massive Periretinal Proliferation

Transplantation of from 10,000 to 750,000 autologous and homologous dermal fibroblasts into the vitreous cavity of rabbit eyes resulted in identical clinical findings leading to massive periretinal proliferation. A dose-response relationship between the number of cells injected and the extent of retinal traction that developed was established. The second phase of the experiment evaluated the effects of formalin and cobalt irradiation on the fibroblasts' ability to cause traction retinal detachment. Cell proliferation or the attainment of a critical mass of living cells was necessary for the development of traction retinal detachment.
The awareness of thirst: proposed neural correlates.

The neural and endocrine bases of the generation of thirst are reviewed. Based on this review, a hierarchical system of neural structures that regulate water conservation and acquisition is proposed. The system includes primary sensory-receptive areas; secondary sensory structures (circumventricular organs), which detect levels of hormones, including angiotensin II and vasopressin, which are involved in generating thirst; preoptic and hypothalamic structures; and an area within the ventrolateral quadrant of the periaqueductal gray matter. Hodological and other data are used to determine the hierarchical organization of the system. Based on studies of the effects of lesions to various structures within the hierarchy of the system, it is proposed that the awareness of thirst in rodents is either entirely or predominantly due to neuronal activities in a subsection of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter. It is also hypothesized that the awareness of thirst in primates is due to neuronal activities in both the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and in a region within the medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex.
Alteration of rat splenic lymphocyte migration in vitro by the state of microtubule integrity.

Rat splenic lymphocytes exhibit a positive chemokinetic response to colchicine and vinblastine. Both agents elicit a dose-dependent increase in chemokinesis with their peak effect at 2 to 4 × 10−7 M being 3.5 times baseline random migration. The distance traveled by the leading front and the total movement of rat splenic lymphocytes is maximal in the absence of a gradient at all effective concentrations of colchicine or vinblastine. Checkerboard analysis established this response as entirely chemokinetic without any chemotactic component. That this chemokinetic response was due to a shift in the dynamic state of microtubules toward disassembly was supported by the inactivity of lumicolchicine and the capacity of heavy water to reverse the effect in a dose-response fashion. Cytochalasin B suppressed baseline random migration and reversed the chemokinetic response of the rat splenic lymphocytes to 4 × 10−7 M colchicine. The chemokinetic motility of rat splenic lymphocytes may depend not only on microtubule disassembly but also on the contractile activity of microfilaments.
Photo-isomerization of polymer monolayers and multi-layers on water

Abstract The kinetics of trans-cis photo-isomerization of azo-dye-functionalized polymer films deposited at the air-water interface is studied by optical second harmonic generation. The azo dyes are found to isomerize with two distinct rate constants depending on their local environment. For the first polymer monolayer absorbed on water, isomerization occurs with roughly the same rate as in dilute solutions. For polymers deposited above this monolayer, the reaction rate is nearly two orders of magnitude slower, resembling that in a bulk polymer film. Environmental differences leading to the difference in the amount of free volume is presumably responsible for the two different reaction rates.
Lucky draw in the gene raffle.

The Cancer Genome Project intends to search every human gene for cancer-related mutations. Its first success is the discovery of such mutations in the BRAF gene.
Alcohol expectancies, protective behavioral strategies, and alcohol-related outcomes: A moderated mediation study

Aims: The influence of alcohol expectancies on alcohol consumption and the negative consequences of alcohol consumption among college students has been well documented. Protective behavioral strategies are associated with decreases in alcohol use and related consequences. This study examined the extent to which the use of protective behavioral strategies mediated the influence that alcohol expectancies had for alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences.Methods: Measures of expectancies about alcohol consumption, protective behavioral strategies used when consuming alcohol, amount of alcohol consumed and negative consequences associated with alcohol use were completed by 679 traditional age undergraduate students via a secure website. A moderated mediation data analytic strategy was employed because of the gender differences that have been observed for alcohol expectancies, consumption, and consequences.Findings: The use of protective behavioral strategies was found to mediate the associ...
A putative signal peptidase recognition site and sequence in eukaryotic and prokaryotic signal peptides

Presecretory signal peptides of 39 proteins from diverse prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources have been compared. Although varying in length and amino acid composition, the labile peptides share a hydrophobic core of approximately 12 amino acids. A positively charged residue (Lys or Arg) usually precedes the hydrophobic core. Core termination is defined by the occurrence of a charged residue, a sequence of residues which may induce a beta-turn in a polypeptide, or an interruption in potential alpha-helix or beta-extended strand structure. The hydrophobic cores contain, by weight average, 37% Leu: 15% Ala: 10% Val: 10% Phe: 7% Ile plus 21% other hydrophobic amino acids arranged in a non-random sequence. Following the hydrophobic cores (aligned by their last residue) a highly non-random and localized distribution of Ala is apparent within the initial eight positions following the core: (formula; see text) Coincident with this observation, Ala-X-Ala is the most frequent sequence preceding signal peptidase cleavage. We propose the existence of a signal peptidase recognition sequence A-X-B with the preferred cleavage site located after the sixth amino acid following the core sequence. Twenty-two of the above 27 underlined Ala residues would participate as A or B in peptidase cleavage. Position A includes the larger aliphatic amino acids, Leu, Val and Ile, as well as the residues already found at B (principally Ala, Gly and Ser). Since a preferred cleavage site can be discerned from carboxyl and not amino terminal alignment of the hydrophobic cores it is proposed that the carboxyl ends are oriented inward toward the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum where cleavage is thought to occur. This orientation coupled with the predicted beta-turn typically found between the core and the cleavage site implies reverse hairpin insertion of the signal sequence. The structural features which we describe should help identify signal peptides and cleavage sites in presumptive amino acid sequences derived from DNA sequences.
CGC using a programmable electronic pressure controller

Capillary gas chromatographic separations were performed with an electronic pressure control system developed to provide precise closed-loop control of inlet pressure through the use of a solid state micro-machined pressure sensor and electronically controlled proportional valve. The closed-loop control of the electronic system provided better precision than the open-loop control achieved by manual pressure regulation. Closed-loop control can perform pressure programming, which can be combined with temperature programming to optimize separations. The pressure sensor monitors the integrity of the flow system and singals the controller to reduce flow in the presence of a sudden loss of system pressure.
An Exploratory Study of Cultural Identity and Culture-Based Educational Programs for Urban American Indian Students:

Extant survey data collected from 240 urban American Indian students were used to examine the impact of culture-based and universally accepted effective practices in education on American Indian educational outcomes. The results found that culture-based programs had a largely indirect effect, affecting students'educational outcomes via universal constructs, such as a safe and positive school climate, parent involvement in school, and instruction quality. Furthermore, individual students' cultural identification appears to moderate the effects of cultural programs. Cultural programming appeared to have greater influence on urban American Indian students who were most strongly identified with their American Indian culture.
Growth and survival of larval razorback suckers fed five formulated diets.

Abstract Sac fry of razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) were reared from 5 to 45 d posthatching on five commercial fry diets as first foods. Fish fed diets LIV and B-250 had 78% survival, and fish on diets AP-100, A-250, and 4200 had survivals of 59, 32, and 20%, respectively. Total lengths of fish at the completion of the study ranged from 11 to 27 mm; mean fish weight ranged from 0.026 to 0.092 g. Growth offish fed a limited ration (1–5% of body weight per day) was comparable to growth in other laboratory experiments with live foods. We recommend use of the diets producing the highest survival (LIV or B-250) as first foods for razorback sucker.
An economic analysis of the job search decisions for Canadian nurses

Abstract The goal of this study is to provide a detailed analysis of the job search decisions of nurses in Canada. The results of this study show that the most important variables influencing the probability of searching for a new job are annual earnings and satisfaction with pay. Socio-economic variables and individual attitudes have an effect for some groups, but these variables are less important. There are differences between women who are and are not currently employed as nurses and this could potentially be a beneficial group to study in terms of policies to recruit and retain nurses in the profession.
The electron capture decay of Gd149

Abstract The electron-capture decay of Gd149 has been studied with an intermediate-image β-ray spectrometer, scintillation spectrometers, prompt and delayed coincidence techniques and directional correlation measurements. The previously reported 650 and 937 keV transitions were found to be composite 646 and 660 keV, and 933 and 940 keV transitions. The assignment of 750 and 790 keV transitions to this activity was confirmed. Energy levels in Eu149 are proposed at 0 keV ( 5 2 + ) , 150 keV ( 7 2 + ) , 423 keV , 497 keV ( 11 2 − , T 1 2 = 2.42 μ s ) , 750 keV ( 5 2 , 9 2 − ) , 796 keV ( 9 2 ) , 940 keV ( 5 2 , 7 2 , 9 2 ) , 958 keV and 1083 keV. A gamma-gamma directional correlation on the (347 keV)–(150 keV) cascade is consistent with thepossibility of mixed multipolarity for either or both of the transitions.
Bispectral electroencephalographic analysis of head-injured patients in the emergency department.

Objectives: Bispectral analysis of single-lead electroencephalographs (BIS) has proven valuable in assessing the level of awareness in sedated patients. In this study, the authors sought to determine if BIS values had a predictive value in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Therefore, the objective was to determine in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with head trauma whether BIS and Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) prior to sedation would be sensitive and specific in predicting TBI. Methods: A convenience sample of patients with known or suspected head trauma presenting between June and August of both 2001 and 2002 were entered into the study by having a BIS monitor placed immediately on presentation to the ED. BIS and GCS scores were collected every 2 minutes. Head computed tomography (CT) results and discharge dictations were then evaluated to determine the presence of TBI. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were entered into the study; 13 were excluded due to receiving sedatives prior to enrollment. Of the remaining 39 patients, 14 had intracranial hemorrhage on initial head CT. Of these 14, two had BIS scores over 95. Both of these were neurologically intact at discharge. Eleven of the 12 remaining patients died or left the hospital neurologically impaired. Of the patients with no abnormalities on initial head CT, 19 of 25 had initial BIS scores >95 and all left the hospital neurologically intact. Of the patients with normal initial head CT and initial BIS scores 95 left the hospital neurologically intact. All patients with a GCS of 14 had BIS scores >95 and left the hospital neurologically intact. All patients with a GCS of 13 had initial BIS scores < 95 and were neurologically impaired at discharge. One patient with a GCS of 11 and a BIS score of 67 left the hospital neurologically intact; all other patients with a GCS < 12 had a BIS < 95 and left the hospital with a neurologic deficit. Conclusions: BIS scores obtained prior to sedative medicines in the face of trauma are predictive of TBI and neurologic outcome at discharge.
Anti-CD40L: biology and therapy in ITP

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoantibody-mediated disease. Platelet-reactive T cells have been found in the blood of patients with this disorder, with the major target antigen being platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa); autoreactive CD4+ T cells are found in lesser
Quantitative Measurement and Design of Source-Location Privacy Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used in many areas for critical infrastructure monitoring and information collection. While confidentiality of the message can be ensured through content encryption, it is much more difficult to adequately address source-location privacy (SLP). For WSNs, SLP service is further complicated by the nature that the sensor nodes generally consist of low-cost and low-power radio devices. Computationally intensive cryptographic algorithms (such as public-key cryptosystems), and large scale broadcasting-based protocols may not be suitable. In this paper, we first propose criteria to quantitatively measure source-location information leakage in routing-based SLP protection schemes for WSNs. Through this model, we identify vulnerabilities of some well-known SLP protection schemes. We then propose a scheme to provide SLP through routing to a randomly selected intermediate node (RSIN) and a network mixing ring (NMR). Our security analysis, based on the proposed criteria, shows that the proposed scheme can provide excellent SLP. The comprehensive simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is very efficient and can achieve a high message delivery ratio. We believe it can be used in many practical applications.
What we know and don't know about the development of independent ingestion in rats.

Because suckling behavior differs in many ways from later ingestive behavior, the development of feeding and drinking in rats is best studied apart from the normal suckling situation. Newborn rat pups, separated from their mothers, will actively ingest diet infused into their mouths or spread on the floor beneath them. Such “independent” ingestion resembles the ingestive behavior of adult animals, but it also undergoes developmental changes in organization and control during the pre-and post-weaning periods: (a) When young, deprived pups are fed, they show generalized, non-directed behavioral excitement; but with increasing age, this generalized responding matures into directed and focused ingestive activity. (b) Early independent ingestion depends on a warm test environment; but with development, other familiar environmental and social cues come to influence responding. (c) The internal controls of ingestion also change. Only gastric distension and hydrational status seem to be involved in controlling intake volume during early ingestion, with other ingestive controls emerging later in development. Thus ingestion, independent of suckling from the mother, is a system undergoing revealing developmental changes. These changes offer opportunities for studying ingestion, its controls, and its neural basis at its simplest organizational stage in the newborn, and at higher levels of complexity as maturation adds new components to the feeding system.
Recent Trends in the Incidence, Treatment, and Prognosis of Patients With Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation (the Worcester Heart Failure Study)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are common cardiovascular diseases and the co-occurrence of AF and HF has been associated with reduced survival. Data are needed on the potentially changing trends in the characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF) and AF. The study population consisted of 9,748 patients hospitalized with ADHF at 11 hospitals in the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area during 4 study years (1995, 2000, 2002, and 2004). Of the 9,748 patients admitted with ADHF, 3,868 (39.7%) had a history of AF and 449 (4.6%) developed new-onset AF during hospitalization. The rates of new-onset AF remained stable (4.9% in 1995; 5.0% in 2004), but the proportion of patients with pre-existing AF (34.5% in 1995; 41.6% in 2004) increased over time. New-onset and pre-existing AF were associated with older age, but pre-existing AF was more closely linked to a greater co-morbid disease burden. The use of HF therapies did not differ greatly by AF status. Despite this, new-onset AF was associated with a longer length of stay (7.5 vs 6.1 days) and greater in-hospital death rates (11.4% vs 6.6%). In contrast, pre-existing AF was associated with lower rates of postdischarge survival compared to patients with no AF (p
Branching Morphology of the Rat Hepatic Portal Vein Tree: A Micro-CT Study

In contrast to the lung and the myocardium, the liver is a relatively homogeneous organ with fewer anatomic constraints on vascular branching. Hence, we hypothesize that the hepatic vasculature could more closely follow optimization of branching geometry than is the case in other organs. The geometrical and fractal properties of the rat hepatic portal vein tree were investigated, with the aid of three-dimensional micro-computed tomography data. Frequency distributions of vessel radii were obtained at three different voxel resolutions and fitted to a theoretical model of dichotomous branching. The model predicted an average junction exponent of 3.09. Hemodynamic model calculations showed that with generation, relative shear stress decreases. Branching angles were found to oscillate between those predicted by two optimality principles of minimum power loss and volume, and of minimum shear stress and surface. The liver shows a variation in branching morphology similar to that of other organs. Therefore, we conclude that anatomic constraints do not have a major perturbing impact.