cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two novel mutations in the αIIb calcium-binding domains identify hydrophobic regions essential for αIIbβ3 biogenesis

The recently published crystal structure of the external domains of αVβ3 confirms the prediction that the aminoterminal portion of αV, which shares 40% homology with αIIb, folds into a β-propeller structure and that the 4 calcium-binding domains are positioned on the bottom of the propeller. To gain insight into the role of the calcium-binding domains in αIIb biogenesis, we characterized mutations in the second and third calcium-binding domains of αIIb in 2 patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia. One patient inherited a Val298Phe mutation in the second domain, and the other patient inherited an Ile374Thr mutation in the third domain. Mammalian cell expression studies were performed with normal and mutant αIIb and β3 cDNA constructs. By flow cytometry, expression of αIIb Val298Phe/β3 in transfected cells was 28% of control, and expression of αIIbIle374Thr/β3 was 11% of control. Pulse-chase analyses showed that both mutant pro-αIIb subunits are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and degraded. Mutagenesis studies of the Val298 and Ile374 residues showed that these highly conserved, branch-chained hydrophobic residues are essential at these positions and that biogenesis and expression of αIIbβ3 is dramatically affected by structural variations in these regions of the calcium-binding domains. Energy calculations derived from a new model of the αIIb β-propeller indicate that these mutations interfere with calcium binding. These data suggest that the αIIb calcium-binding domains play a key structural role in the β-propeller, and that the structural integrity of the calcium-binding domains is critical for integrin biogenesis.
Applying Models for Vertical Inequity in the Property Tax to a Non-Market Value State

The objective is to contribute to the discussion on property tax inequity by employing the methodologies developed to test for vertical inequity in a tax system that currently does not rely on some...
A Cognitive Substrate for Natural Language Understanding

Our goal is to understand human language use and create systems that can use human language fluently. We argue that to a achieve this goal, we must formulate all of the problems for language use from morphology up to pragmatics using the same cognitive substrate of reasoning and representation abilities. We propose such a substrate and described systems based on it. Our arguments, results with real-world systems and ongoing work suggest that the cognitive substrate enables a significant advance in the power of cognitive models and intelligent systems to use human language.
PROLONGED SURVIVAL TIME OF HUMAN LEUKEMIC LYMPHOCYTES IN VITRO.

SummaryPunned suspensions of human blood lymphocytes in 50% normal human serum were incubated at 37°C in small test tubes and the number of viable lymphocytes were counted weekly with a phase contrast microscope. The tubes were not shaken and the medium not changed. In suspensions from hematologically normal individuals, 24% of the lymphocytes survived 2 weeks and 5%, 3 weeks. In blood cell suspensions derived from 13 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 29% of the lymphocytes survived 3 weeks and some of the cells survived 7 weeks. The percentages of leukemic lymphocytes that survived 3 weeks varied considerably for the 13 patients and were directly correlated with the absolute lymphocyte counts of the patients.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: defining the learning curve.

Background: Increasing numbers of laparoscopic surgeons are performing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGB). Our aim was to determine the length of the learning curve for a skilled laparoscopic surgeon. Methods: The study population consisted of the first 225 consecutive LGB procedures attempted by one laparoscopic surgeon (HJS). Outcome parameters included mortality, morbidity, operative time, and conversion to an open procedure. Results: Average operative time decreased from 189 min (first 75 patients) to 125 minutes (last 75 patients). Most of the improvement in operative time occurred over the first 75 patients. The perioperative complication rate decreased from 32% (first 75 patients) to 15% (second and third groups of 75 patients). Complication rates did not significantly decrease after the first 75 patients. Low mortality and conversion rates were achieved early in the series. Conclusion: Low mortality rates and low conversion rates can be achieved early in the learning curve for LGB. Complication rates plateau after approximately 75 LGBs, and operative times decrease substantially over the initial 75 cases. Operative times continue to decrease at a slower rate beyond 75 cases.
Influence of Several Metal lons on the Gelation Activation Energy of Silicon Tetraethoxide

The effects of nine metal cations (Li(+), Na(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Cu(2+), Al(3+), La(3+), and Y(3+) on silica gel formation has been investigated by studying the hydrolysis and polycondensation of silicon tetraethoxide (TEOS) in the presence of metal nitrates. The influence of water: TEOS mole ratio, metal ion concentration, and the reaction temperature has been investigated. The overall activation energy for gel formation has been determined from the temperature dependence of the time of gelation for each system. The activation energy for -Si-O-Si- network formation is found to be 54.5 kJ/mol. The gel formation time as well as the activation energy sharply increase in the presence of Cu(2+), Al(3+), La(3+) and Y(3+). In contrast, the presence of Li(+), Na(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), or, Sr(2+) lowers the gelation time, but has no appreciable effect on the activation energy. This difference may be attributed to the participation or nonparticipation of the metal ions in the formation of the three-dimensional polymeric network during the polycondensation step. The concentration of metal ion (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Y(3+) or the water: TEOS mole ratio had no appreciable effect on the gelation activation energy. A simple test has been proposed to determine whether a metal ion would act as a network intermediate or modifier in silica and other glassy networks.
Set and different degrees of ambiguity of the "wife and mother-in law" figures.

-A series of 6 ambiguous wife and mother-in-law figures were presented to two groups of Ss who initially saw either the unambiguous wife or mother-in-law. The evidence generally supported the effect of prior experience in influencing the perceptual organization of ambiguous forms. However, the data also indicated that some forms were resistant to one of the experiential sets. Further, an ambiguous form did noc show the effect of set afcer a 1-wk. interval.
No arbitrary product β([0, ∞)) − [0, ∞) contains a nondegenerate hereditarily indecomposable continuum

Let X = [0, ∞) the space of nonnegative real numbers, let βX denote the Stone-Cech compactification of X, and let X∗ = βX − X. Then for any index set J no arbitrary topological product ∏jϵJ X∗ contains a nondegenerate hereditarily indecomposable continuum.
Forecasting and Verifying in a Field Research Project: DOPLIGHT '87

Abstract Verification of forecasts during research field experiments is discussed and exemplified using the DOPLIGHT '87 experiment. We stress the importance of forecast verification if forecasting is to be a serious component of the research. A direct comparison and contrast is done between forecasting for field research and forecasting in the operational sense, highlighting the differences between them. Ale verification of field research program forecasting is also different from that done in operations, as a result of those forecasting differences. DOPLIGHT '87 was a field project conducted jointly by the National Severe Storms Laboratory and the Oklahoma City National Weather Service Forecast Office, and is described in detail. During the experimental design, special attention was given to forecast design, to ensure that verification would be unambiguous and that the data collected would be appropriate for validating the forecasts. This a priori design of the forecasts to consider proper objective ver...
Flavin specificity and subunit interaction of Vibrio fischeri general NAD(P)H-flavin oxidoreductase FRG/FRase I.

Abstract Apoenzyme of the major NAD(P)H-utilizing flavin reductase FRG/FRase I from Vibrio fischeri was prepared. The apoenzyme bound one FMN cofactor per enzyme monomer to yield fully active holoenzyme. The FMN cofactor binding resulted in substantial quenching of both the flavin and the protein fluorescence intensities without any significant shifts in the emission peaks. In addition to FMN binding ( K d 0.5 μM at 23°C), the apoenzyme also bound 2-thioFMN, FAD and riboflavin as a cofactor with K d values of 1, 12, and 37 μM, respectively, at 23°C. The 2-thioFMN containing holoenzyme was about 40% active in specific activity as compared to the FMN-containing holoenzyme. The FAD- and riboflavin-reconstituted holoenzymes were also catalytically active but their specific activities were not determined. FRG/FRase I followed a ping-pong kinetic mechanism. It is proposed that the enzyme-bound FMN cofactor shuttles between the oxidized and the reduced form during catalysis. For both the FMN- and 2-thioFMN-containing holoenzymes, 2-thioFMN was about 30% active as compared to FMN as a substrate. FAD and riboflavin were also active substrates. FRG/FRase I was shown by ultracentrifugation at 4°C to undergo a monomer-dimer equilibrium, with K d values of 18.0 and 13.4 μM for the apo- and holoenzymes, respectively. All the spectral, ligand equilibrium binding, and kinetic properties described above are most likely associated with the monomeric species of FRG/FRase I. Many aspects of these properties are compared with a structurally and functionally related Vibrio harveyi NADPH-specific flavin reductase FRP.
Postprocessing algorithms to minimize fixed-pattern artifact and reduce trigger jitter in swept source optical coherence tomography

We propose methods to align interferograms affected by trigger jitter to a reference interferogram based on the information (amplitude/phase) at a fixed-pattern noise location to reduce residual fixed-pattern noise and improve the phase stability of swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) systems. One proposed method achieved this by introducing a wavenumber shift (k-shift) in the interferograms of interest and searching for the k-shift that minimized the fixed-pattern noise amplitude. The other method calculated the relative k-shift using the phase information at the residual fixed-pattern noise location. Repeating this wavenumber alignment procedure for all A-lines of interest produced fixed-pattern noise free and phase stable OCT images. A system incorporating these correction routines was used for human retina OCT and Doppler OCT imaging. The results from the two methods were compared, and it was found that the intensity-based method provided better results.
Substrate vs. free surface: Competing effects on the glass transition of polymer thin films

Abstract The glass-transition temperature ( T g ) of polymer thin films can be strongly influenced by the combined effects of the supporting solid substrate and the free surface. The relative importance of these two effects, which often compete with each other, depends on the strength of the substrate–film interactions. Utilizing an atomistically informed coarse-grained model for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), here we uncover the relationship between the substrate–film interfacial energy and the spatial distribution of T g across thin films. We find that above a critical interfacial energy , the linear dependence of film T g on the interfacial energy breaks down and film T g attains an asymptotic value. Analyses on the spatial variation of T g across the thin film reveal that the short-range interface near the cohesive surface generates a long-range interphase that leads a spatially uniform appreciation of T g throughout the film, unlike weakly cohesive surfaces that show sharp gradients along the depth of film. These findings explain recent experiments and reveal a versatile approach for tuning film T g via engineered substrate-film interactions.
On the fundamental importance of relating operating and planning objectives in the changing electric power industry

In this paper we emphasize the fundamental importance of relating the short-term efficiencies in utilizing the existing equipment to the capital cost of candidate new investments. We suggest that the systematic assessment of candidate investments based on understanding the break-even cumulative short-term system performance with the capital cost of the investments is the key to selecting the investments which enhance system-wide utilization of the existing and the new resources. The two-part tariff underlying guaranteed revenue recovery is compared with the peak-load-pricing-based approach in both the regulated and the deregulated industry. We point out that the economic policy regulation is needed to give incentives for near-optimal investments.
Conversion of atrial fibrillation to atrial flutter as a manifestation of digitalis toxicity.

Abstract A patient in whom atrial fibrillation was converted to atrial flutter as a manifestation of digitalis toxicity is described. The withdrawal of digitalis and the intravenous administration of potassium facilitated the re-establishment of the original rhythm.
Maternal pain and anxiety in genetic amniocentesis: expectation versus reality.

Objective To investigate maternal perceptions of both pain and anxiety before and after genetic amniocentesis. Study design This prospective study of midtrimester, singleton pregnancies was conducted between March 2000 and July 2000. Study variables included patient demographics, medical and obstetric histories, indication for amniocentesis and a description of the source of information used by the patient regarding the procedure and technical degree of difficulty. Maternal pain and anxiety associated with performing amniocentesis were subjectively quantified with the use of the visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test, anova, and simple and stepwise regression analyses. Results One hundred and eighty-three women participated in the study. Perception of pain before amniocentesis was significantly higher compared to that expressed immediately after the procedure, with a mean VAS score of 3.7 ± 2.5 vs. 2.1 ± 2.0 (P < 0.0001). Similarly, perception of anxiety was significantly greater prior to the procedure, with a mean VAS score of 4.6 ± 2.8 vs. 2.8 ± 2.4 after the amniocentesis (P < 0.0001). Perceptions of pain and anxiety were significantly and positively correlated to each other both before and after the procedure (P < 0.0001). History of a prior amniocentesis was the only variable associated with reducing expected pain and anxiety (negative correlation, P < 0.001), whereas the technical degree of difficulty was the only significant variable impacting on the actual pain and anxiety (positive correlation, P < 0.005). Conclusions Preamniocentesis counseling should emphasize the fact that, for most women, the actual pain and anxiety experienced during the procedure are significantly lower than expected. In fact, on a scale of 0–10, the mean level of pain was only 2.1, with a slightly higher mean level of anxiety. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
When Saying Yes Leads to Saying No: Preference for Consistency and the Reverse Foot-in-the-Door Effect

A requester using the foot-in-the-door (FITD) tactic begins by gaining compliance with a small request and then advances to a related, larger request. Previous work has demonstrated that a strong preference for consistency among targets of the tactic can enhance the FITD effect. Other work has indicated that an inadequate delay between the requests can produce resistance and can significantly reduce the effect. Study 1 found that high levels of preference for consistency (PFC) were sufficient to override this resistance, provided that participants’ prior helpfulness in complying with the initial request was made salient. Study 2 replicated this finding among high-PFC participants and showed that low-PFC participants demonstrated a reverse FITD effect when their prior helpfulness was made salient. The authors conclude that high- and low-PFC individuals are likely to become more or less consistent with an action (respectively) when focused on the personal implications of that action.
On resonant non linearly coupled oscillators with two equal frequencies

This paper contains a detailed study of the flow that the classical Hamiltonian $$H = \tfrac{1}{2}(x\begin{array}{*{20}c} 2 \\ 1 \\ \end{array} + y\begin{array}{*{20}c} 2 \\ 1 \\ \end{array} ) + \tfrac{1}{2}(x\begin{array}{*{20}c} 2 \\ 2 \\ \end{array} + y\begin{array}{*{20}c} 2 \\ 2 \\ \end{array} ) + \mathcal{O}_3 $$ induces inR4,\(\mathcal{O}_3 \) representing a convergent power series that begins with a third order term.
THE NEUTRAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM IN NEARBY DWARF GALAXIES. II. NGC 185, NGC 205, AND NGC 147

We present new, high-resolution observations of the interstellar medium (ISM) in the two dwarf elliptical galaxies NGC 185 and NGC 205, as well as a new upper limit on the H I content of the dwarf elliptical galaxy NGC 147. The data consist of VLA observations of H I emission at ~80 pc resolution (a factor of 3.5 improvement over older data), CO spectra at ~80 pc resolution in NGC 185 and NGC 205, an image of CO emission in NGC 205 at 40 ? 20 pc resolution from the BIMA array, and H? images of NGC 185 and NGC 205. These observations represent the intersection of two separate fields of inquiry: (1) the distribution, kinematics, and origin of neutral gas in giant ellipticals, which are structurally similar to the dwarf ellipticals but cannot currently be studied at such high linear resolution; and (2) the physical properties of the ISM in the Galaxy and its neighbors, which can be studied at very high linear resolution but which might have very different interstellar media than elliptical galaxies. The new H I images show that the neutral gas and stars of NGC 205 are two distinct dynamical systems, whereas in NGC 185 the gas and stars may be parts of the same dynamical system. The H I distributions in these galaxies are less extended than the optical emission and do not appear to be stable rotating disks, a result that is very different from the pattern established for giant ellipticals. An internal gas origin (mass loss from evolved stars) may be plausible for NGC 185. No H I emission is detected in NGC 147 with an upper limit of 3 ? 103 M? for an unresolved source with a line width of 8 km s-1. Furthermore, the H I distributions in NGC 185 and 205 are extremely clumpy on size and mass scales less than 200 pc and ~104 M?, with H I velocity dispersions ranging from 3 to 15 km s-1. We present evidence that the molecular gas in these galaxies is associated with individual clumps or clouds of atomic gas, similar to many Galactic giant molecular clouds. However, the H I column densities in the dwarf ellipticals are factors of 5-10 less than the 1021 cm-2 thought to be necessary to shield Galactic giant molecular clouds against photodissociation. Images of NGC 185 in H? + [N II] show an extended region of emission 50 pc in diameter near the center of the galaxy and the H I column density peak.
Measurement of Pellet volume in the analytical ultracentrifuge

Abstract The analytical ultracentrifuge is ordinarily used to observe sedimentation equilibrium or to measure sedimentation velocity. This paper describes its use for measuring the volume of sedimented material. By means of a transparent plastic rotor cell this volume, of the order of 0.004 ml, can be measured to about ± 1%. When purified influenza virus was sedimented in this cell, the pellet volume was related to rotor speed in an elastic manner. The nature of the adjustment of pellet volume to rotor speed can be followed continouusly by photographic means.
Changes in fat body urate synthesizing capacity during the larval-pupal transformation of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract Large quantities of uric acid or urates are deposited in the fat body of tobacco hornworms, Manduca sexta , between the larval and pupal stages in development. The cause of this increased deposition was investigated by measuring fat body urate synthesizing capacity (USC) during the larval-pupal transformation (LPT). An 85% loss in USC occurs between the late-feeding larval and newly-ecdysed pupal stages. Urate synthesizing capacity, per se , is not responsible for the increase in fat body urate deposition, as evidenced by comparable rates of urate deposition in insects whose USCs differ by a factor of three. Rather, the increased deposition is caused by an increase in substrate availability. The loss in USC is programmed in two steps. The first programmed loss occurs by the end of the feeding fifth larval instar, since hornworms ligated at the pink stripe (PS) stage and measured at the time of the larval-pupal ecdysis (LPE) exhibit an increased retention of USC relative to controls. The second programmed loss in USC occurs between PS + one and PS + two day stages in development. A single administration of 20-hydroxyecdysone to hornworms ligated at the PS stage causes a restoration of this loss in USC by PS + two days, which is further sustained until the LPE. Unexpectedly, when measured immediately after the LPE, the second programmed loss in USC can be delayed until PS + 3 days if non-ligated hornworms are daily administered 20-hydroxyecdysone. The possibility is raised that 20-hydroxyecdysone does not act alone in causing the loss in fat body USC.
Disclosure control of confidential data by applying pac learning theory

With the rapid development of information technology, massive data collection is relatively easier and cheaper than ever before. Thus, the efficient and safe exchange of information becomes the renewed focus of database management as a pervasive issue. The challenge we face today is to provide users with reliable and useful data while protecting the privacy of confidential information contained in the database. Our research concentrates on statistical databases, which usually store a large number of data records and are open to the public where users are allowed to ask only limited types of queries, such as Sum, Count and Mean. Responses for those queries are aggregate statistics that intends to prevent disclosing the identity of a unique record in the database. My dissertation aims to analyze these problems from a new perspective using Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) learning theory which attempts to discover the true function by learning from examples. Different from traditional methods from which database administrators apply security methods to protect the privacy of statistical databases, we regard the true database as the target concept that an adversary tries to discover using a limited number of queries, in the presence of some systematic perturbations of the true answer. We extend previous work and classify a new data perturbation method---the variable data perturbation which protects the database by adding random noises to the confidential field. This method uses a parametrically driven algorithm that can be viewed as generating random perturbations by some (unknown) discrete distribution with known parameters, such as the mean and standard deviation. The bounds we derive for this new method shows how much protection is necessary to prevent the adversary from discovering the database with high probability at small error. Put in PAC learning terms we derive bounds on the amount of error an adversary makes given a general perturbation scheme, number of queries and a confidence level.
Structure of a β-Alanine-linked Polyamide Bound to a Full Helical Turn of Purine Tract DNA in the 1:1 Motif

Polyamides composed of N-methylpyrrole (Py), N-methylimidazole (Im) and N-methylhydroxypyrrole (Hp) amino acids linked by β-alanine (β) bind the minor groove of DNA in 1:1 and 2:1 ligand to DNA stoichiometries. Although the energetics and structure of the 2:1 complex has been explored extensively, there is remarkably less understood about 1:1 recognition beyond the initial studies on netropsin and distamycin. We present here the 1:1 solution structure of ImPy–β–Im–β–ImPy–β-Dp bound in a single orientation to its match site within the DNA duplex 5′-CCAAAGAGAAGCG-3′·5′-CGCTTCTCTTTGG-3′ (match site in bold), as determined by 2D 1H NMR methods. The representative ensemble of 12 conformers has no distance constraint violations greater than 0.13 A and a pairwise RMSD over the binding site of 0.80 A. Intermolecular NOEs place the polyamide deep inside the minor groove, and oriented N–C with the 3′–5′ direction of the purine-rich strand. Analysis of the high-resolution structure reveals the ligand bound 1:1 completely within the minor groove for a full turn of the DNA helix. The DNA is B-form (average rise=3.3 A, twist=38°) with a narrow minor groove closing down to 3.0–4.5 A in the binding site. The ligand and DNA are aligned in register, with each polyamide NH group forming bifurcated hydrogen bonds of similar length to purine N3 and pyrimidine O2 atoms on the floor of the minor groove. Each imidazole group is hydrogen bonded via its N3 atom to its proximal guanine's exocyclic amino group. The important roles of β-alanine and imidazole for 1:1 binding are discussed.
NASA Solar Probe mission and system concepts

Abstract Major evolutionary steps have occurred recently and will be reviewed in the design of the Solar Probe mission resulting in a new lightweight and low cost concept that will change the earlier perceptions of this scientifically exciting mission. NASA program guidelines emphasize low life-cycle-costs which include the launch vehicle and mission operations costs. The new Solar Probe concept reflects these guidelines and is consistent with a realistic life-cycle cost of less than four hundred million dollars for a dual spacecraft mission. This has been possible with the inheritance of high technology systems that have been developed for other missions during the past decade. In addition, a proposed scientific instrument payload with significantly reduced mass was accommodated on the smaller spacecraft. New mission design concepts have optimized the encounter (perihelion) trajectory conditions allowing a new parabolic shield concept. The perihelion radius is specified at four solar radii to capture as many of the scientific objectives consistent with the thermal environmental constraints. The trajectory with these perihelion conditions relies on Jupiter to provide the energy change necessary to achieve the final orbit. With the new low mass concept for the Solar Probe, a small launch vehicle such as a Delta can provide the required launch energy. System design concepts consistent with these mission requirements and small and low cost system elements will be discussed in the context of three case studies describing the evolution of the spacecraft and mission design concepts and their accommodation of scientific experiments over the past two decades. Details of some of the principal technology elements of the spacecraft will also be presented.
Parasites FeS Up: Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biogenesis in Eukaryotic Pathogens

Iron-sulfur (FeS) clusters are among the most ancient andversatile protein cofactors. They are used by a large and diversegroup of proteins, serving both structural and catalytic roles. Theyfunction in central metabolic processes such as electron transfer,redox chemistry, enzyme catalysis, and sensing environmental orintracellular conditions to regulate gene expression [1,2]. Ferrousiron and sulfur were readily available in the reducing atmospherein which life first evolved, but when oxygen levels rose with theadvent of photosynthetic algae, these building blocks becamescarce. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species generated asbyproducts of aerobic respiration are highly damaging to FeSclusters, and free iron and sulfide released by FeS clusters are, inturn, toxic to cells. For these reasons, complex mechanismsevolved to coordinate and regulate the biogenesis of these simplecofactors, and these pathways are compartmentalized in theendosymbiotic organelles of eukaryotic cells.All FeS cluster biogenesis pathways follow the same basicprinciples (reviewed in [2]). The first step is the liberation of sulfurby a cysteine desulfurase, which forms a persulfide intermediate ona conserved cysteine residue. Iron is donated by iron-bindingproteins, such as frataxin. The cluster is then assembled on scaffoldproteins with the help of electron donors, which are needed for thereduction of sulfur to sulfide. The fully formed cluster istransferred to apoproteins via chaperones that facilitate the correctsubstrate specificity and proper assembly of the cluster to form themature holoprotein.FeS cluster biogenesis pathways are extremely well conserved,and are invariably essential for viability. Among eukaryoticpathogens, all endosymbiotic organelles studied to date appearto contain FeS cluster biogenesis machinery, and, in some cases,this seems to be the sole reason for retention of the organelle.Typically, the ISC (Iron-Sulfur Cluster formation) pathway residesin the mitochondrion, the CIA (Cytosolic Iron-sulfur proteinAssembly) pathway functions in the cytosol and nucleus, andplastid-containing organisms have an additional pathway, the SUF(SUlFur mobilization) system (Figure 1). In this article, we willcompare the subcellular organization of FeS cluster biogenesispathways in the diverse organelles of eukaryotic pathogens.
Cox models with smooth functional effect of covariates measured with error

We propose, develop, and implement a fully Bayesian inferential approach for the Cox model when the log hazard function contains unknown smooth functions of the variables measured with error. Our approach is to model nonparametrically both the log-baseline hazard and the smooth components of the log-hazard functions using low-rank penalized splines. Careful implementation of the Bayesian inferential machinery is shown to produce remarkably better results than the naive approach. Our methodology was motivated by and applied to the study of progression time to chronic kidney disease as a function of baseline kidney function and applied to the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, a large epidemiological cohort study. This article has supplementary material online.
Oestrone loaded poly(l-lactic acid) microspheres: preparation, evaluation and in vitro release kinetics

Poly(l-lactic acid) microspheres containing oestrone were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using methylene chloride as the casting solvent and poly(vinyl alcohol) as the emulsifier. Non-agglomerated microspheres with average diameters of 125-160 microns, containing 3-18 per cent oestrone were prepared successfully using a stirring rate of 650 rpm and a poly(vinyl alcohol) concentration as low as 0.15%. Drug loading decreased with an increase in the relative amounts of methylene chloride or emulsifier. Microspheres with 9 per cent loading released approximately 50 per cent of the drug in the first 12 h and the remainder at a much slower rate over several days. Initial examination revealed that the kinetic data followed both a first-order release pattern and the Higuchi matrix model. Differential rate treatment confirmed the Higuchi matrix model and the release mechanism was determined to be diffusion-controlled.
Partitioning of partially soluble volatiles between the vapor and liquid aerosol phase

Abstract A model is derived predicting the partition of partially soluble volatile compounds between the vapor and liquid aerosol phase. In the present model the activity of the volatile compound in the aerosol phase is described by Henry's Law for concentrations less than or equal to its solubility. It is shown that the partitioning of the volatile compound is dependent on two parameters: the aerosol to initial vapor mole concentration ratio, and the ratio of Henry's Law constant to initial vapor partial pressure. Representative calculations for a series of partially soluble volatile organic compounds show that the organic compounds favorably partition toward the vapor phase for most realistic aerosol mass concentrations.
Effects of murine tumors upon delayed hypersensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene: IV. Inhibition of elicitation of delayed hypersensitivity

Abstract Nonspecific suppressor cells (NSC) from the spleens of tumor-bearing C3H/HeJ mice when transferred into normal syngeneic mice inhibit primary delayed hypersensitivity responses to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Previous results suggest that these cells are splenic macrophages since they adhere to plastic, are radioresistant and phagocytic, but Thy 1.2 negative. Experiments were performed to determine if the NSC inhibits the induction or the elicitation phase of the delayed hypersensitivity response. Effector cells were sought in the spleens and lymph nodes of tumor-bearing mice that were previously demonstrated to be hyporesponsive to DNCB in a footpad assay. Ten million spleen or lymph node cells were adoptively transferred to normal mice which were immediately challenged with DNCB in a hind footpad. Measurement of footpads 24 hr later indicated that both spleen and lymph node cells from hyporesponsive tumor-bearing BALB/c and C3H/HeJ mice transferred DNCB hypersensitivity to syngeneic mice. Similarly, transfer of spleen and lymph node cells from hyporesponsive recipients of NSC also transferred positive footpad responses to normal mice. Kinetic analysis revealed that inhibition of delayed hypersensitivity to DNCB was induced by injection of nonspecific suppressor cells as late as 3, but not at 6 or 9, days after primary sensitization. Cotransfer experiments demonstrated that NSC do not directly inhibit the ability of effector cells to adoptively transfer delayed hypersensitivity to DNCB. Thus, splenic NSC from tumor-bearing mice prevent the elicitation of the efferent phase of delayed hypersensitivity and require at least 7 days residence in the host before mediating this inhibition. Progressive neoplastic outgrowth severely alters the performance of cell-mediated immunity to chemical sensitizers. These results suggest that manipulation of macrophage activity in tumor-bearing hosts may permit expression of immunity to antigens other than those associated with the neoplastic cells.
Piezo-optic behavior of forsterite, Mg2SiO4

Abstract The piezo-optic behavior of forsterite, crystallizing in the orthorhombic system, has been investigated up to a maximum pressure of 7 kbars. It is found that the variation of the refractive indices with pressure, dn/dP, are 0·035×10−3/kbar, 0·046×10−3/kbar, and 0·063×10−3/kbar for the nα, nβ, and nγ respectively. These values are the lowest on record. The corresponding values for the variation of the refractive indices with volume strain are 0·044, 0·059 and 0·080 respectively. These results are interpreted in terms of the bonding and coordination number of the oxygen ions.
Modern endovascular and aesthetic surgery techniques to treat arteriovenous malformations of the scalp: case illustration.

Abstract Background Arteriovenous malformations of the scalp consist of abnormally connecting arterial feeding vessels and draining veins, devoid of a normal capillary bed within the subcutaneous fatty layer of the scalp. We present a case of a left temporal scalp AVM treated for aesthetic and pain-related concerns. A multidisciplinary approach combining endovascular AVM embolization and AVM excision with local flap reconstruction was chosen. Case Description The patient presented with a progressive painful pulsatile mass in the left temporal region. On examination, there was no evidence of any facial nerve compromise or any other neurologic deficits. Computed tomographic angiography revealed a 6-mm lesion located totally within the scalp and not associated with bone or periosteum. A recommendation was made to proceed with preoperative embolization to facilitate surgical resection. The AVM was occluded endovascularly using multiple detachable platinum coils, and the patient was neurologically intact. The following day, the patient was taken to the operating room. By that time, the mass was minimally pulsatile. The AVM was resected en bloc, and a 3-layered intermediate closure of the 5.5-cm defect was then performed. The procedure was well tolerated, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course. Conclusions Scalp AVMs are interesting lesions with heterogeneous anatomical features. Treatment can be optimized in a multidisciplinary environment, using a prescribed treatment algorithm to minimize the size of soft/hard tissue defect and enhance cosmesis. Careful selection of therapeutic modalities based on AVM anatomy and aesthetic concerns can lead to safe and durable results with high patient satisfaction rates.
Nonlinear forecasting of hepatitis and AIDS incidence

The simplex methods of nonlinear forecasting are used to study the data sets of hepatitis A and AIDS in various regions of the United States. The results are compared with those obtained from the traditional ARIMA methods. In many regions, the simplex methods developed from nonlinear dynamical system theory give smaller errors for the data of hepatitis A. A combination of the simplex methods and the traditional ARIMA methods can produce better results for the AIDS data sets.
The "Virtual" Panel: A Computerized Model for LGBT Speaker Panels.

Recent societal trends indicate more tolerance for homosexuality, but prejudice remains on college campuses. Speaker panels are commonly used in classrooms as a way to educate students about sexual diversity and decrease negative attitudes toward sexual diversity. The advent of computer-delivered instruction presents a unique opportunity to broaden the impact of traditional speaker panels. The current investigation examined the influence of an interactive “virtual” gay and lesbian speaker panel on cognitive, affective, and behavioral homonegativity. Findings suggest the computer-administered panel lowers homonegativity, particularly for affective experiential homonegativity. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.
A New Economic Strategy for the USA: A Framework of Alternative Development Notions

This paper seeks to provide a new economic strategy for the United States while considering a range of development-related impediments to the country’s recent economic performance. It is argued here that strategic industrial policy needs to come to the center stage if local production growth, competency upgrading, and competitiveness improvement are to be aggressively pursued. The first section outlines the present context of the US economy by discussing economic and socio-cultural aspects. The second main section frames an alternative development paradigm for the United States. Policy recommendations are discussed in the third section. Some brief conclusions end the paper.
Interrelationships of performance parameters for irrigation borders

Abstract The ability to determine irrigation performance parameters for a given set of hydralic variables facilitates optimum irrigation system design without requiring field trials. Relationships between several irrigation management parameters, specifically application efficiency, distribution uniformity, runoff and deep percolation, are presented. The field variables inflow, border length, time of cut-off, slope roughness and soil infiltration characteristics, are input variables for determining management parameters. They are applied through the use of dimensionless curves of runoff and equations of the ultimate distribution of infiltrated water. An example to illustrate the use of the developed relationships and dimensionless curves is included.
Slide Mounting Of Collembola

One of the difficulties encountered in the study of Collembola is the making of satisfactory and permanent slide mounts. If the specimens have been recently collected in 70 to 80 percent ethyl alcohol, the problem is not too great. Many preservatives used for other insects are so harmful to Collembola, that it is impossible to make satisfactory mounts if they are used. Most specimens collected in alcohol will float but when a drop or two of ether is added they will sink. It is imperative not to shake the vial to induce them to submerge, for the antennae especially break very easily. If vials are sent by mail or transported by any means, they should be full of alcohol, to prevent violent shaking and damage of specimens.
Screening of resins for use in a biparticle fluidized-bed bioreactor for the continuous fermentation and separation of lactic acid

A continuous particle fluidized-bed reactor is being developed for the simultaneous fermentation and purification of lactic acid. Unlike conventional fermentation schemes, the biparticle fluidized bed does not require the addition of salts for reactor pH control and product separation as the inhibitory product is removed directly from the reactor. This minimizes process waste and enhances reactor efficiency. This work has screened a series of adsorbents for possible utilization in the biparticle fluidized-bed fermentation of lactic acid by immobilizedLactobacillus delbreuckii. Capacity, specificity, regenerability, and kinetics were investigated. Although a resin exhibiting all of the desired properties has yet to be found, Reillex 425 appears satisfactory and will be utilized in initial process demonstration as resin screening continues.
Five-Connected Toroidal Graphs Are Hamiltonian

We prove that every edge in a 5-connected graph embedded in the torus is contained in a Hamilton cycle. Our proof is constructive and implies a polynomial time algorithm for finding a Hamilton cycle.
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block for Ambulatory Surgery

Abstract Background and Objectives: Continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) can provide surgical anesthesia, prolonged postoperative analgesia, and acceptable side effects. Despite these advantages, CPNB is not in widespread use. Recently a new CPNB catheter system (Contiplex, B. Braun, Bethlehem, PA) was developed based on an insulated Tuohy needle, which allows for injection of local anesthetic and catheter insertion without disconnection or needle movement. At present, no clinical studies exist describing this system. Methods: Data were prospectively gathered for 1 year from 228 patients in an ambulatory surgery center. All CPNB were performed using the Contiplex system to provide anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. CPNB were performed using 5 upper and lower extremity techniques. Postsurgery local anesthetic was infused and at 24 hours, a rebolus of local anesthetic was performed. The CPNB catheter was removed and patients were examined for loss of sensation. Patients were then discharged. Results: Initial peripheral block was successful in 94% of patients. Failed nerve block requiring general anesthesia occurred in 6%. The catheter was patent and functional in 90% of patients at 24 hours, and 8% of patients required more than 10 mg of intravenous morphine by 24 hours postsurgery. In the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), only 4 patients (1.7%) required treatment for nausea. At 24 hours and 7 days postsurgery, no patient reported a dysesthesia. Conclusions: CPNB using the insulated Tuohy catheter system offered acceptable anesthesia and prolonged pain relief postsurgery. There were few side effects. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2001;26:209-214.
Relationship Between Degree of Left Ventricular Dysfunction, Symptom Status, and Risk of Embolic Events in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

Background and Purpose—Limited data exists regarding the relationship between left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and heart failure (HF) symptoms and embolic risk among patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods—Participants in the Atrial Fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial With Irbesartan for Prevention of Vascular Events (ACTIVE) trials with HF, but not randomized to oral anticoagulation, were categorized as having preserved versus reduced ejection fraction. If reduced, LVSD was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms were quantified using New York Heart Association class.The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and systemic embolism. Results—There were 3487 antiplatelet-treated patients with HF at baseline. Of these patients, 969 (46.8%) had HF with preserved ejection fraction and 1103 (53.2%) had HF with reduced ejection fraction. During 3.6 years of mean follow-up, first occurrence of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or systemic embolism occurred in 38...
Teachers’ voices concerning collaborative teams within an inclusive elementary school

This qualitative study examined aspects of the inclusive program in an elementary school in a rural section of the upper Midwest of the United States. This article describes a university and elementary school research partnership to study collaboration among the general education teachers and the special education staff (teachers and assistants) in the inclusive elementary school. Interviews, focus groups, and observations were analyzed to determine how the school approached the challenges of collaboration and then implemented solutions. The findings are interwoven through the teachers’ voices and the researcher’s observation notes about the challenges of scheduling, team‐teacher characteristics, and modeling and support in the classroom. The implications of the findings describe how the collected information is used to enlighten pre‐service teachers enrolled in a college course on collaboration.
Sex offender policies: Considering unanticipated consequences of GPS sex offender monitoring

There is little question that sex related crimes are a serious social problem. These forms of predation have devastating consequences for victims, families, and communities. Sexual-related crimes cause untold physical and psychological trauma to victims and need effective strategies for the community corrections field to supervise sex offenders in the community. This article first describes what is meant by unanticipated consequences as defined by Robert K. Merton. Following this discussion, the article describes five unanticipated consequences of recent legislation mandating the use of GPS monitoring for sex offenders. Criminal justice researchers should analyze the wide reaching policy effects of GPS sex offender laws. It is argued that the use of GPS tracking for sex offenders is an under researched and theorized criminal justice policy that should not be seen as a way of solving sex related crimes, but simply as another tool that may enhance community supervision.
Exponential determinization for Ω-automata with strong-fairness acceptance condition (extended abstract)

In [Saf88] an exponential determination procedure for Bu¨chi automata was shown, yielding tight bounds for decision procedures of some logics ([EJ88, Saf88, SV89, KT89]). In [SV89] the complexity of determinization and complementation of o-automata was further investigated, leaving as an open question the complexity of the determinization of a single class of o-automata. For this class of o-automata with strong fairness as acceptance condition (Street automata), [SV89] managed to show an exponential complementation procedure, but showed that the blow-up of the translation of these automata to any of the classes known to admit exponential determinization is inherently exponential. This might suggest that the blow-up of the determinization of Street automata is inherently doubly exponential.Surprisingly, we show an exponential determinization construction for any Streett automaton. In fact, the complexity of our construction is roughly the same as the complexity achieved in [Saf88] for Bu¨chi automata. Moreover, a simple observation extends this upper bound to the complexity of the complementation problem. Since any o-automaton that admits exponential determinization can be easily converted into a Streett automaton, we get one procedure that can be used for all of these conversions. This construction is optimal (up to a constant factor in the exponent) for all of these conversions.Our results imply that Streett automata (with strong fairness as acceptance condition) can be used instead of Bu¨chi automata (with the weaker acceptance condition) without any loss of efficiency.