cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccines: Can Transparency Increase Confidence and Reduce Hesitancy?

* Abbreviations: Hib — : Haemophilus influenzae type b IOM — : Institute of Medicine MMR — : measles, mumps, and rubella Vaccines are one of the most successful public health achievements of the 20th century1–3 and have contributed to improved health and longevity for millions of people in the United States.2–4 Between 1900 and 2000 the average life expectancy in the United States increased by >30 years, from 43.7 to 76.8 years, and infant mortality through 12 months of age decreased from 100 per 1000 population to <7 per 1000 population.2,5 The decrease or elimination of vaccine-preventable infections played a critical role in these population outcomes that have positively influenced the health, growth, and economy of our nation. An evaluation of the US vaccine program from 1900 to 1998 demonstrated reduction or elimination of many infectious diseases that had resulted in substantial childhood morbidity and mortality, including smallpox, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).2 Newer vaccines, including those that target pneumococci, human papilloma virus, influenza, rotavirus, and varicella, are also reducing morbidity and mortality. Modeling of vaccine impact demonstrates that routine childhood immunizations in the 2009 US birth cohort would prevent ∼42 000 deaths and 20 million cases of disease and save $13.5 billion in direct health care costs and $68.8 billion in societal costs.3 The Vaccines for Children program, operating since 1994 to provide vaccines at no cost to low-income children, has eliminated racial … Address correspondence to Carrie L. Byington, MD, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 26 2000 East, HSEB Suite 5515, Salt Lake City, UT. E-mail: carrie.byington{at}hsc.utah.edu
Characteristics and nitrogen value of stratified bedded pack dairy manure.

"Compost" dairy barns are relatively new, and this manure, which we refer to as stratified bedded pack (SBP) dairy manure, has neither been characterized in detail nor defined in terms of its N supply. We measured physical characteristics, nutrient concentration, N mineralization, and N supply to corn (Zea mays L.) of SBP dairy manure from eight Minnesota farms. Concentrations of N, P, and K were generally higher than standard "book values" for solid dairy manure, were lower for P and K than typical solid dairy composts, and were highly variable within and among buildings. Average bulk density of SBP dairy manure was 58.2 lb/ft³. All SBP dairy manures produced nitrate during a 4-month-long incubation in soil, but the four with highest C:N ratios (19 to 21) immobilized N for 30 to 60 days. Infield fertilizer N equivalents to corn ranged from 1.4 to 12.1 lb/ton for quickly incorporated manure, but only -0.3 to 5.3 lb/ton when incorporation was delayed until spring. Guidelines for solid dairy manure were not reliable for predicting N availability from SBP dairy manure. Until validated prediction equations are available, we recommend farmers apply moderate rates of SBP dairy manure, incorporate it immediately to improve N supply, apply a basal rate of fertilizer N near planting time, and sidedress fertilizer N based on recommended soil or plant analysis for their region.
Monitoring of plantar pressure in gait based on hetero-core optical fiber sensor

Abstract In this paper, a sensitive shoe for gait evaluation is described, in which hetero-core optical fiber sensors are embedded in the insole for detecting plantar pressure. The sensitive shoe can obtain important factors indicative of weight shift and foot rolling for gait evaluation by monitoring plantar pressure without constraint to walking. The hetero-core optical fiber sensor has been proposed to have many advantages which are high sensitivity to macro-bending, lightweight, independent on temperature fluctuations, and no electric contact. Gait of three subjects has been monitored who wear the sensitive shoe in walking on the treadmill. As a result, the proposed sensitive shoe could successfully detect different gait characteristics.
Diol metabolism and diol dehydratase in Clostridium glycolicum.

Abstract Levels of the five enzymes involved in the fermentation of 1,2-ethanediol and 1,2-propanediol in the strictly anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium glycolicum , were investigated. All enzymes with the exception of the first enzyme in the pathway, diol dehydratase, were found to be constitutive, stable to exposure to oxygen, and present in the cytosol. Diol dehydratase was found to be extremely oxygen sensitive and strongly associated with the cell membrane. Treatment with ionic and nonionic detergents, butanol, phospholipase A 2 , or osmotic shock procedures failed to solubilize any diol dehydratase activity. Limited proteolysis using subtilisin released small amounts of activity. Diol dehydratase was found to be specific for 1,2-ethanediol and 1,2-propanediol and required the addition of a reducing agent for maximal activity. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by low concentrations of EDTA, ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)- N,N,N′,N′ -tetraacetic acid, o -phenanthroline, hydroxylamine, hydroxyurea, and sulfhydryl reagents. Addition of adenosylcobalamin or high levels of intrinsic factor did not affect the reaction rate. Irradiation with light also did not inhibit the enzyme activity. These results suggest that the catalytic mechanism of diol dehydratase from C. glycolicum does not involve a cobamide coenzyme.
The qualities of a profession: As outlined in a recent address delivered before American Engineering Council

IN 1937, at Milwaukee, I attempted an analysis of the organization of the engineering profession.∗ Here I wish to develop that theme somewhat and I intend to trace briefly the relationship of engineering to the other professions, the professional traditions which engineers inherit, and the outlook for the engineering profession in view of its unique relationship to society. I plan to review the history of professions very sketchily; but through this history runs a thread to which I wish especially to direct your attention.
Reconstitution and characterization of a sodium-stimulated active aminoisobutyric acid transport system derived from partially purified plasma membranes from mouse fibroblasts transformed by simian virus 40: comparison of reconstituted vesicles with native membrane vesicles.

Abstract A Na + -specific and Na + -stimulated active α-aminoisobutyric acid transport system was reconstituted from plasma membranes isolated from mouse fibroblast BALB/c 3T3 cells transformed by simian virus 40. The plasma membranes were treated with dimethylmaleic anhydride and then extracted with 2% cholate. The cholate-solubilized supernatant proteins were combined with exogenous phospholipids and eluted through a Sephadex G-50 column. This yielded reconstituted vesicles which in the presence of Na + could actively transport α-aminoisobutyric acid as shown by the transient accumulation above the equilibrium level (overshoot). The overshoot was not obtained with other monovalent cations such as K + , Li + , and choline + . The electrochemical effect of the lipophilic anion, SCN − , led to greater α-aminoisobutyric acid uptake as compared to that observed with Cl − or SO 4 2− . The Na + -stimulated transport of a-aminoisobutyric acid was a saturable process with an apparent K m of 2 m m . Studies of the inhibition of α-aminoisobutyric acid transport by other amino acids showed that methylaminoisobutyric acid [specifically transported by A system (alanine preferring)]had a pronounced inhibitory effect on a-aminoisobutyric acid uptake in contrast to the slight inhibitory effect produced by phenylalanine [primarily transported by L system (leucine preferring)]. The results show that the reconstituted vesicles, prepared from partially purified membrane proteins and exogenous phospholipids, regained the same important transport properties of native membrane vesicles, i.e., Na + -specific and Na + -stimulated concentrative α-aminoisobutyric acid uptake.
PS1-44: Experiences in Designing a Simple Education Interface for Shared Decision Support for Cardiovascular Risk.

Background/Aims Shared decision making (SDM) tools are advantageous to support clinical decisions consistent with patient values and preferences. Numerous tools that convey cardiovascular risk have been developed and tested while showing mixed results.
An inter-laboratory comparison assessing the quality of seawater carbon dioxide measurements

Abstract Seawater CO 2 measurements are being made with increasing frequency as interest grows in the ocean's response to changing atmospheric CO 2 levels and to climate change. The ultimate usefulness of these measurements depends on the data quality and consistency. An inter-laboratory comparison was undertaken to help evaluate and understand the current reliability of seawater CO 2 measurements. Two seawater test samples of different CO 2 content were prepared according to the usual method for the creation of seawater reference materials in the Dickson Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. These two test samples were distributed in duplicate to more than 60 laboratories around the world. The laboratories returned their measurement results for one or more of the following parameters: total alkalinity ( A T ), total dissolved inorganic carbon ( C T ), and pH, together with information about the methods used and the expected uncertainty of the measurements. The majority of laboratories reported A T and C T values for all their measurements that were within 10 μmol kg −1 of the assigned values (i.e. within ± 0.5%), however few achieved results within 2 μmol kg −1 (i.e. within ± 0.1%), especially for C T . Results for the analysis of pH were quite scattered, with little suggestion of a consensus value. The high-CO 2 test sample produced results for both C T and pH that suggested in many cases that CO 2 was lost during analysis of these parameters. This study thus documents the current quality of seawater CO 2 measurements in the various participating laboratories, and helps provide a better understanding of the likely magnitude of uncertainties in these measurements within the marine science community at the present time. Further improvements will necessarily hinge on adoption of an improved level of training in both measurement technique and of suitable quality control procedures for these measurements.
Glucuronide conjugation of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil and other antithyroid drugs by guinea pig liver microsomes in vitro.

Abstract Guinea pig liver microsome UDP glucuronyl transferase and UDPGA were incubated with the radioactive antithyroid drugs 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). 1-methy1-2-mercaptoimidazole (methimazole, MMI) and 2-thiouracil (TU). Radioactive metabolites were produced with PTU and thiouracil and, in each case, were identified as the corresponding β-glucuronide conjugate. No measurable glucuronidation of MMI was observed. Kinetic studies with the microsomal preparation demonstrated a Km rmvalue of 7.2 × 10−4 M for PTU and 6.7 × 10−3 M for thiouracil. Glucuronide conjugation of PTU was linear for 1 hr. declining thereafter while conjugation of phenolphthalein was linear for 2 hr. Conjugation of phenolphthalein by microsomes stored in 0.154 M KCl at −20° for 14 days was 41 per cent higher than in fresh microsomes, whereas conjugation of PTU was 67.4 per cent lower. PTU glucuronidation did not occur in the absence of UDPGA and was essentially linear with respect to enzyme concentrations. Under the same conditions, spontaneous N-glucuronidation of PTU by glucuronate was not measurable. The pH optimum for PTU glucuronidation was 8.0 and similar to the broad optimums of 7.3 to 7.9 for UDP glucuronyl transferases from a variety of sources rather than to non-enzymatic N-glucuronidation, which has a reported pH optimum of 3–4. The conjugating enzyme for PTU was located primarily in the guinea pig liver microsomes with this fraction exhibiting 75 per cent of the total activity of whole homogenates. PTU conjugation was inhibited by MMI but not by thiouracil, thiourea or 6-methy1-2-thiouracil. The results obtained demonstrate that β-glucuronide conjugation of the antithyroid drugs PTU and thiouracil, but not MMI. is readily catalyzed by a guinea pig liver microsomal UDP glucuronyl transferase in vitro.
Ultrastructural studies of chlamydial infection in guinea-pig urogenital tract

Abstract GPIC agent ( C. psittaci ) inoculated into the vagina of guinea-pigs produced cervical and oviductal infection. The cells infected were all juxtaluminal in position and included ciliated oviductal cells and squamous cervical cells, many of which were extensively tunnelled with interconnecting phagosomes that contained all stages of the GPIC developmental cycle. Some EB within these phagosomes revealed modifications of their surfaces that were surmised to be involved in chlamydial interaction. Columnar cells, both mucous and non-mucous, constituted the other infected cervical cells. Chlamydia in the mucous cells were noted to be predominantly in the RB stage. Inoculation of GPIC agent into the urethra of male guinea-pigs resulted in infections that were detected in juxtaluminal cells of bladder and urethral epithelium. The Chlamydia observed in both the male urethra and bladder epithelial cells diverged somewhat from the usual forms observed. The organisms in the urethra appeared crenated. In the bladder epithelial cells, miniature reticulate bodies were noted, intermixed with profiles of the chlamydial developmental cycle.
Hide and Seek in the Cloud

Google's January 2010 news of apparent attacks from China on its Gmail service is one of many hints that we should think harder about cloud computing's merits. Touted by its advocates as the answer for many needs, the cloud triggered security concerns early. However, these concerns have been overwhelmed by the assurances offered with the hype. So let's pause to consider the alter ego of the cloud as panacea: the cloud as a platform for malice. How bad could it get?
SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM OF AN UNUSUALLY FAST-ACTING CRUSTACEAN MUSCLE

The fast-acting, synchronous "remotor" muscle of the lobster second antenna was examined by light and electron microscopy and was found to have a more profuse sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) than any other muscle known. Myofibrils are widely separated from one another and occupy only about one-fourth of the volume of the muscle; most of the remaining volume is taken up by the SR, which resembles the smooth-surfaced reticulum of steroid-secreting cells. Dense granules (0.03–0.1 µ in diameter) are scattered through the reticulum. T-tubules penetrate into the fibers and form dyads along the A bands of myofibrils; however, ferritin-labeling experiments show that the volume of the T-system is very small compared with that of the SR. Myofibrils are ∼0.5 µ x 1.0 µ in cross section and consist of thick filaments, which appear tubular except at the M region, and thin filaments, which are situated midway between neighboring thick filaments. The ratio of thin to thick filaments is 3:1. The extreme development of the SR in this muscle is discussed in relation to the exceedingly short duration of the contraction-relaxation cycle.
Self-, collateral- and clinician assessment of depression in persons with cognitive impairment.

Objectives: This investigation examined the associations between self-reports, collateral-source reports and a clinician's diagnosis of depression in persons with cognitive impairment. Method: Responses on the Geriatric Depression Scale – 15 (GDS-15) from 162 participants with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (n = 78) or Alzheimer's Dementia and a Mini-Mental State score ≥15 (n = 84) were compared with both their collateral sources’ report on either the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (n = 93) and/or the collateral-source GDS-15 (n = 67), or a clinician's diagnosis of Major Depression (MD). Results: Significant differences were seen between self- versus collateral-source reports of depression in these participants. Participants’ reports of loss of interest (anhedonia) significantly increased the odds of disagreement with their collateral sources (OR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.3–11.2) while reports of negative cognitions significantly decreased the odds of such a disagreement (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0....
Molecular spectroscopy of uranium(IV) bis(ketimido) complexes. rare observation of resonance-enhanced raman scattering from organoactinide complexes and evidence for broken-symmetry excited states.

Electronic absorption and resonance-enhanced Raman spectra for ketimido (azavinylidene) complexes of tetravalent uranium, (C5Me5)2U[−NC(Ph)(R)]2 (R = Ph, Me, and CH2Ph), have been recorded. The absorption spectra exhibit four broad bands between 13 000 and 24 000 cm-1. The highest-energy band is assigned to the ketimido-localized p⊥(N)→π*(NC) transition based on comparison to the spectra of (C5H5)2Zr[−NCPh2]2 and (C5Me5)2Th[−NCPh2]2. Upon excitation into any of these four absorption bands, the (C5Me5)2U[−NC(Ph)(R)]2 complexes exhibit resonance enhancement for several Raman bands attributable to vibrations of the ketimido ligands. Raman bands for both the symmetric and nominally asymmetric NC stretching bands are resonantly enhanced upon excitation into the p⊥(N)→π*(NC) absorption bands, indicating that the excited state is localized on a single ketimido ligand. Raman excitation profiles for (C5Me5)2U[−NCPh2]2 confirm that at least one of the lower-energy electronic absorption bands (Emax ∼ 16300 cm-1) is ...
Design and assessment of a tissue-engineered model of human phalanges and a small joint.

Structured Abstract Authors – Landis WJ, Jacquet R, Hillyer J, Lowder E, Yanke A, Siperko L, Asamura S, Kusuhara H, Enjo M, Chubinskaya S, Potter K, Isogai N. Objectives – To develop models of human phalanges and small joints by suturing different cell-polymer constructs that are then implanted in athymic (nude) mice. Design – Models consisted of bovine periosteum, cartilage, and/or tendon cells seeded onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds of either polyglycolic acid (PGA) or copolymers of PGA and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) and PLLA. Constructs were fabricated to produce a distal phalanx, middle phalanx, or distal interphalangeal joint. Setting and Sample Population – Studies of more than 250 harvested implants were conducted at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Experimental Variable – Polymer scaffold, cell type, and implantation time were examined. Outcome Measure – Tissue-engineered specimens were characterized by histology, transmission electron microscopy, in situ hybridization, laser capture microdissection and qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, magnetic resonance microscopy, and X-ray microtomography. Results – Over periods to 60 weeks of implantation, constructs developed through vascularity from host mice; formed new cartilage, bone, and/or tendon; expressed characteristic genes of bovine origin, including type I, II and X collagen, osteopontin, aggrecan, biglycan, and bone sialoprotein; secreted corresponding proteins; responded to applied mechanical stimuli; and maintained shapes of human phalanges with small joints. Conclusion – Results give insight into construct processes of tissue regeneration and development and suggest more complete tissue-engineered cartilage, bone, and tendon models. These should have significant future scientific and clinical applications in medicine, including their use in plastic surgery, orthopaedics, craniofacial reconstruction, and teratology.
Of leaves, trees, forests, and primary care.

We all recognize that we are not the same doctor from day to day. Although we like to think that the quality of care we deliver stays constant, the focus with which I attend to my patients varies e...
Comparing software fault predictions of pure and zero-inflated Poisson regression models

Predicting the software quality prior to system tests and operations has proven to be useful for achieving effective reliability improvements. Poisson (pure) regression modelling is the most commonly used count modelling technique for predicting the expected number of faults in software modules. It is best suited to when the distribution of the fault data (dependent variable) is not biased, that is equidispersed fault data, whose mean equals the variance. However, in software fault data we often observe a large portion of zeros (no faults), especially in high-assurance systems. In such cases a pure Poisson regression model (PRM) may yield inaccurate fault predictions. A zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model changes the mean structure of a PRM, resulting in improved predictive quality. To illustrate the same, we examined software data collected from a full-scale industrial software system. Fault prediction models were calibrated using both pure Poisson and ZIP regression techniques. To prevent claims based on ...
Synapse Scaffolding: Intersection of Endocytosis and Growth

The Drosophila dynamin-associated protein Dap160, homolog of the vertebrate Intersectins, is thought likely to act as a molecular scaffold in the synaptic periactive zone. New mutant analyses have revealed separable roles for Dap160 in the regulation of vesicular endocytosis and synaptic growth.
6-Aminohexyl glycopyranosides as ligands for the preparation of affinity adsorbents for the purification of carbohydrate-binding proteins

Abstract Syntheses are described of 6-aminohexyl and 2-aminoethyl glycopyranosides of the monosaccharides commonly found in glycoproteins and glycolipids. The ligands have been coupled to agarose, and the adsorbents so formed have been used in the isolation of the lectin from wheat-germ extracts. Various procedures for the formation of glycopyranosides from 14C-labelled per-O-acetylglycosyl halides and 6-(trifluoroacetamido)hexanol have been examined. Silver carbonate with a trace of iodine is the best catalyst found thus far for glycosidation of simple sugars, and mercuric cyanide for that of 2-acetamido-2-deoxyaldoses. With other catalysts, higher proportions of ortho esters are obtained. The rearrangement of an ortho ester by p-toluenesulfonic acid gives the glycoside, a partially deacetylated glycoside, and a substantial proportion of the aglycon acetate. A simple procedure for isolation of the deacetylated glycosides by use of chromatography on Dowex-50 (pyridinium form) is described.
COMPARISON OF INTEGRATION, TSIS/CORSIM, AND WATSIM IN REPLICATING VOLUMES AND SPEEDS ON THREE SMALL NETWORKS

INTEGRATION, TSIS/CORSIM, and WATSim can simulate traffic operations on mixed arterial and freeway networks. Comparisons are presented here using three small networks in Honolulu for which detailed, simultaneous, and contemporaneous flow conditions are known. The models produced reasonable and comparable results on most network links. Of the three software programs, only INTEGRATION can simulate U-turns, but it also is least able to model complex signal operations. TSIS/CORSIM is best at replicating lane-changing behavior, but its percentile input for off-ramps is both inconvenient and inaccurate. WATSim needed the least calibration for producing good results, but its animation is inferior and its capacity-based car-following parameters are undesirable. The default parameters off all three software programs never offered satisfactory results.
Amplitude mask patterned on an excimer laser mirror for high intensity writing of long period fibre gratings

Masks have been produced for long period fibre grating fabrication from commercial dielectric laser mirrors. The masks, which were produced by direct patterning of a photoresist using an argon laser, can withstand in excess of 200 MJ/cm/sup 2/ per 15 ns pulse of 248 nm laser light. The use of these masks decreased exposure times by 90%, and nearly doubled the attenuation (dB) of a long period grating produced by a given UV fluence compared to chrome-on-silica masks.
Symmetry and Marginal Homogeneity of an r×r Contingency Table

Abstract The principle of minimum discrimination information estimation is employed to obtain RBAN (Regular Best Asymtotically Normal) estimates of the cell frequencies of an r×r contingency table under hypotheses of either symmetry or marginal homogeneity. For the latter, a convergent iterative procedure is given to compute the estimates. The associated minimum discrimination information statistics are distributed asymptotically as χ2 under the null hypotheses. The procedures differ from those previously presented in the literature and permit of extension to multidimensional contingency tables. An example is given.
Aqueous Mo(IV): formation, disproportionation and properties

Abstract A number of reactions relating to the solution chemistry of Mo(IV) are discussed.
CHARACTERIZATION OF HYPOTHALAMIC SUBCELLULAR PARTICLES CONTAINING LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASING HORMONE AND THYROTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE

— The 900 g supernatant fluid prepared from male rat hypothalamic homogenates was fractionated by means of continuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Thyrotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone in the gradient fractions were quantified by radioimmunoassays. TRH was associated with two populations of particles separable by means of nonequilibrium density centrifugation (100,000 g for 30min). However, after‘equilibrium’centrifugation (100,000 × g for 180 min), a single peak of TRH was observed at 1.07 M-sucrose. Hypo-osmotic shock as well as treatment with 0.1% Triton X-100 or 0.1% deoxycholate (DOC) released TRH from both sets of particles. LRH, as TRH, was associated with two populations of particles which were separable by means of nonequilibrium density gradient centrifugation. After‘equilibrium’centrifugation, both sets of LRH-containing particles banded at 1.27M-sucrose as a single symmetrical peak. Although 0.1% Triton X-100 released LRH from both populations of particles, hypo-osmotic shock or 0.1% DOC released LRH only from the large LRH-containing particles. The small LRH-containing particles were resistant to hypo-osmotic shock and to 0.1% DOC. Based on these criteria, it is concluded that in hypothalamic homogenates the TRH-containing particles and the large LRH-containing particles are synaptosomes. The small LRH-containing particles may be of different cellular and/or subcellular origin.
On the translation of a cylinder in a long tube

We study the motion of a cylindrical particle translating slowly in a long tube as a function of the particle’s dimensions and placement both in the presence and the absence of external pressure gradients. The cylinder acts as a “leaky” piston, generating both fluid recirculation and through flow. When the particle is long, analytic expressions are obtained for both the velocity field and the force needed to sustain the particle’s motion as functions of the particle’s position and dimensions. When the particle is short, a superposition-based algorithm is outlined to facilitate economical numerical calculations. When the particle is placed off center in the tube, torque will act on the particle. When the particle is unguided, this torque will preclude coaxial motion and cause the particle to follow an oscillatory trajectory.
The Absorption Spectrum of Manganese Vapor in the Visible and Ultraviolet

With an absorbing column of the vapor about 3 cm long heated to temperatures between 1200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 1600\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, absorption was observed at 31 lines. Grotrian had previously reported absorption at 6 of these lines. All of the absorptions are from manganese atoms in the normal state ($1^{6}s$ term) and occur in groups of 1, 2 and 3 lines. Five absorption lines represent $1^{6}s\ensuremath{-}^{6}d^{\ensuremath{'}}$ combinations for which the rule of inner quantum numbers is obeyed but the azimuthal quantum number changes by 2. Four lines are $1^{6}s\ensuremath{-}^{8}p$ combinations and twelve are $1^{6}s\ensuremath{-}^{6}p$ combinations. Some of the remainder are perhaps $1^{6}s\ensuremath{-}^{4}p$ and $1^{6}s\ensuremath{-}^{2}p$ combinations.
Bayesian analysis of a simple multinomial logit model

Abstract A simple three-state multinomial logit model, studied intensively by Hausman and McFadden is analyzed from the Bayesian point of view. Exact finite sample posterior distributions and optimal point estimates based on informative and diffuse prior distributions are derived and shown to be easily computed.
Histological and Molecular Structure Characterization of Annular Collagen after Intradiskal Electrothermal Annuloplasty

The mechanism of pain relief of intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET) in the treatment of lumbar diskogenic pain is uncertain. Theories include sealing of annular fissures via collagen denaturation and contraction. Prior studies offer conflicting qualitative data on the ability of IDET to denature collagen. The objective of the present study is to evaluate IDET treatment effect onannular collagen using quantitative data supplied by Fourier-transform infrared imaging spectroscopy. The posterior annulus of disks (n = 3) from an intact human cadaveric spine at room temperature were treated with two different radiothermal catheters using standard intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET) heating protocols. Disks were dissected free with catheters in place and fixed in formalin. Channels created by the catheters were marked and catheters were removed. Tissue samples of treated areas adjacent to the channels and internal control areas from the same disk were stained for light microscopy and placed on barium sulfate windows for Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) analysis. Treated areas showed evidence of disruption in the fibrillar organization of annular collagen by light microscopy compared to intact stroma from control areas. Quantitative FT-IRIS analysis compared ratios of wavenumber regions known to be sensitive to collagen denaturation. Mean values for the ratios amide II/1,338 cm−1 (137.21 ± 25.84 treated, 76.94 ± 16.77 control) and 1,640/1,660 cm−1 (0.98 ± 0.03 treated, 0.89 ± 0.03 control) were significantly different between treated and control samples (p < 0.001), indicating a breakdown in collagen integrity. Separate analysis by catheter type suggests that catheter design may impact treatment effect.
Calsequestrin mutant D307H exhibits depressed binding to its protein targets and a depressed response to calcium.

Objective: A point mutation in human cardiac calsequestrin (CSQ-D307H) is responsible for a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT). When overexpressed in heart cells, the mutated CSQ leads to diminished Ca 2+ transients, consistent with defective regulation of intralumenal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ . Methods: To analyze the D307H mutant and determine whether the D307H mutation results in loss of normal protein-protein interactions, we prepared recombinant human wild-type (WT) and D307H forms of CSQ in mammalian cells. Results: Although we found the two proteins to undergo similar glycosylation and phosphorylation, we discovered that Ca 2+ -dependent binding of the D307H mutant to both triadin-1 and junctin was reduced by greater than 50% compared to WT. Reduced binding of the D307H mutant CSQ to target proteins was similar throughout a complete range of Ca 2+ concentrations. To investigate the mechanism of reduced Ca 2+ -dependent binding, Ca 2+ -dependent changes in intrinsic fluorescence emission for the two protein forms were compared. Intrinsic fluorescence of the D307H mutant was highly reduced, reflecting significant alteration in the tertiary protein structure. Moreover, the changes in fluorescence caused by increasing the Ca 2+ concentration were very significantly blunted, indicating that the Ca 2+ -dependent conformational change was virtually lost. Conclusions: We conclude that the point mutation D307H leads to a profoundly altered conformation that no longer responds normally to Ca 2+ and fails to bind normally to triadin and junctin.
Permeability changes in the blood-brain barrier induced by nortriptyline and chlorpromazine.

Abstract Intracarotid injections of nortriptyline and chlorpromazine evoked striking changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier of barbiturate-anesthetized rats. Alterations in permeability were dose-dependent, the threshold being between 5 and 10 μmol. Quantities 4 times threshold elicited 30-fold increases in the brain uptake of [ 14 C]dopamine. From the LD50 values, it appears that the concentrations of nortriptyline and chlorpromazine which produced barrier changes were in the toxic range. The penetrabilities of [ 14 C] d -mannitol and [ 14 C]inulin were similarly enhanced by the drugs. The maximum uptake of mannitol was about twice that of inulin, indicating that barrier penetration may depend partially on molecular weight. This factor, in addition to the nonspecificity of uptake, suggests that the labeled compounds traversed the brain barrier by a drug-induced free-diffusion mechanism. Formation of micellar aggregates has been proposed as a causative factor in membrane lysis at the ultrastructural level; the effects of the pharmacologic agents on barrier permeability described in this study were correlated with the extent to which these compounds formed aggregates in aqueous solutions. Thus, the marked permeability changes might be related to disruptive effects of aggregates on brain endothelial membranes.
Animal Cities: Beastly Urban Histories

The ‘animal turn’ in the social sciences and humanities has been gathering increasing steam in recent years. Researchers are broadly examining the myriad human–animal relationships that occur and/o...
Nucleic Acid Chaperone Activity of Retroviral Gag and Nucleocapsid Proteins

Retroviral reverse transcription involves multiple nucleic acid rearrangements catalyzed by the nucleocapsid protein (NC). Ensemble and single-molecule studies have been used to gain mechanistic insights into the chaperone activity of retroviral NC proteins. The Gag polyprotein also appears to be a nucleic acid chaperone protein, a property that is likely to facilitate RNA genome dimerization and tRNA primer annealing. Using point mutations, truncated constructs, and individual domains of Gag, we have investigated the role of Gag's structural domains in chaperone function. HIV Gag mediates tRNA annealing at a reduced rate relative to NC. The NC domain is essential for Gag-mediated annealing, while the matrix (MA) domain appears to inhibit Gag's chaperone activity. Interestingly, inositol phosphates (IPs), which are known to bind to basic residues within MA and facilitate Gag particle assembly in vitro, stimulate the chaperone activity of Gag. Stimulation by IPs was shown to depend on the presence of MA residues K30 and K32, and the maximum effect was achieved at a 1:1 Gag:IP ratio. Taken together with previous data, these results suggest that IP or membrane binding by MA results in a conformational switch that stimulates Gag's ability to facilitate annealing of the tRNA primer. This work was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research.
Careers of Graduates of Combined Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine Programs

In 1991, the American Boards of Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine changed their credentialing requirements to recognize training common to both disciplines. This allowed the formation of a five-year track for dual board eligibility. From 1995 to 1998, 28 physicians graduated from eight emergency medicine/internal medicine (EM/IM) programs. This study was an analysis of career outcomes of these graduates. Objectives: To document career outcomes of EM/IM program graduates, establish a baseline for future studies of EM/ IM graduates, and elucidate the role of EM/IM graduates in medicine. Methods: The 28 EM/IM graduates were mailed a written questionnaire. Endpoints assessed included practice fields, practice environments, ongoing research, publications, academic appointments, board examination scores, career satisfaction, and career goals. Results: Surveys were obtained from 23 of 28 (82.1%) graduates. Seven (30.4%) practice EM and IM, 15 (65.2%) practice EM exclusively, and one (4.3%) practices IM exclusively. Twelve (52.2%) are involved in research. The graduates authored a total of 30 papers or chapters. Ten (43.5%) currently work in administrative positions, but many more aspire to. The most common reasons for having chosen an EM/IM program are to be a better physician (22/23, 95.7%), to practice in both fields (15/23, 65.2%), and to become better prepared for an academic career (15/23, 65.2%). The EM/IM graduates reported high career satisfaction. Conclusions: Although the majority of EM/IM graduates do not practice both IM and EM, many would prefer to. The graduates are highly satisfied with their choice of residency and career. Early in
An evaluation of the use of renewable energy to pump water in Sacala las Lomas, Guatemala

An evaluation has been conducted to establish if using renewable energy is technically and economically feasible to pump water in Sacala las Lomas, Guatemala. A deep groundwater well has been proposed and a multi-stage pump system is being considered to distribute groundwater to users’ homes. A weather station was erected in Sacala to collect site-specific data. Wind velocity, wind direction, solar insolation, temperature, precipitation, and barometric pressure data were collected over a 1-year study period. The analysis of the data indicated that the potential power generated by a photovoltaic array or wind turbine would be insufficient to economically pump water to the village under current conditions. Although there may be reasons other than economics that make the potential renewable energy applications attractive, the space and maintenance required to install and operate a sufficient off-grid system outweigh the benefits. A grid-intertie system would allow any number of solar panels to be used in the system while still providing the electricity demand using grid-power.
Rater agreement for the Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test

This report assesses the intrarater and interrater reliability of quantitatively scoring the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCF). The intrarater correlation coefficients were .96, .99, and .96, and the interrater correlation coefficients were .88, .97, and .96 for the Copy, Immediate Recall, and Delayed Recall, respectively. However, statistically significant mean differences in score were found between raters on the Copy, Immediate, and Delayed Recall. Though the majority of structural units within the RCF are reliably scored, several units had a greater magnitude of observed scoring differences compared to the other units after adjusting for expected differences. Overall, reliability estimates demonstrate high intrarater reliability and acceptable interrater reliability except for the potential for systematic scoring differences.
The intertemporal risk-return relation: A bivariate model approach

Abstract This paper examines the intertemporal risk-return relation using a more sensible empirical specification that is motivated by two concerns: the theoretical risk-return relation is an ex ante relation and the empirical method used to detect the relation should be reliable. We measure both the expected excess return and conditional variance jointly using the common information set based on a bivariate moving average representation of excess returns and variances. As a result, we can detect a significant positive relation between the expected excess return and the conditional variance. We also find that the positive relation is robust.
β-II conformation of all-β proteins can be distinguished from unordered form by circular dichroism

Abstract The CD spectrum of certain all-β globular proteins resembles that of unfolded proteins with a characteristic negative band around 200 nm. The conformation of this class is tentatively termed β-II, which had two features that were absent for unfolded proteins. First, β-II proteins usually had CD bands due to aromatic side groups in the near-ultraviolet region. Second, the CD intensities both in the far- and in the near-uv region of these compact and rigid proteins usually showed a sharp transition upon thermal denaturation, whereas those of an unordered form changed linearly with rising temperature.
A dual-process cognitive model for testing resilient control systems

We describe an agent-based model of individual human behavior that combines a dual-process architecture with reactive planning and mental models in order to capture a wide range of human behavior, including both behavioral and conceptual errors. Human operator behavior is an important factor in resilient control of systems that has received relatively little attention. Models of human behavior and decision making are needed in order to test existing control systems under a range of conditions or analyze possible new approaches. While the model we describe has been developed and applied in the area of cyber security, it is relevant to a wide range of resilient control systems that include human operation. We discuss an application to modeling operator behavior in a nuclear power plant.
The birA gene of Escherichia coli encodes a biotin holoenzyme synthetase.

Abstract Mutations in the birA gene of Escherichia coli cause defects in biotin operon repression, biotin uptake and retention of intracellular biotin (Campbell et al. , 1972: Barker &, Campbell, 1980). We report here that the birA gene encodes the major biotin-fixing enzyme of this organism, the acetyl-CoA carboxylase biotin holoenzyme synthetase (EC 6.3.4.15). Unlike the situation in wild-type E. coli extracts, measurements of labeled biotin incorporation into protein in sonicated extracts reveal no in vitro activity. Three different mutants exhibit altered holoenzyme synthetase activity, including one clear instance of a thermolabile activity specified by birA361 . Amplification of birA gene expression by infection of cells with a λ phage bearing an Eco RI fragment of the E. coli chromosome which includes the gene results in a 20- to 40-fold increase in specific activity. When the λ birA phage carries the birA85 mutation, no activity increase is observed. Infection of cells with a λ birA 361 transducing phage results in a 20- to 40-fold increase in temperature-sensitive activity. We have purified the activity specified by birA 361 approximately 1000-fold and have shown that the purified enzyme is more thermolabile than similarly purified wild-type enzyme. Measurements of holoenzyme synthetase in extracts and biotin uptake by whole cells indicate that certain mutations located at the same chromosomal position as birA mutations but initially characterized as defective only in bio repression are also deficient in biotin holoenzyme synthetase and biotin uptake. This result indicates that all mutations at this location affect the same enzyme, and we have redesignated these “ bioR ” mutations as birA . Results of complementation analysis of birA mutations and biochemical characterization of the gene and its product, presented in the accompanying paper, support the view that the birA product functions both as the bio repressor and biotin holoenzyme synthetase.
Problems associated with short sleep: Bridging the gap between laboratory and epidemiological studies

summary Existing data from laboratory studies suggest a number of negative consequences of acute reductions in sleep time. Also, epidemiological data suggest links between shorter self-reported sleep duration and negative health outcomes. These bodies of work are growing, revealing several key points of convergence and opportunities for future exploration. In addition, they begin to highlight possible problems experienced by ‘‘short sleepers,’’ who sleep approximately 6 h or less per night. While it is likely that this group is heterogeneous, comprised both of individuals with less need for sleep and those not sleeping enough, the laboratory and epidemiological findings point towards directions that can be more fully explored in verified short sleepers. This paper discusses problems associated with the terminology used to describe ‘‘short sleep,’’ summarizes laboratory studies exploring neurobehavioral performance, metabolism and obesity, and psychological health and epidemiological studies exploring mortality risk, obesity and metabolism, cardiovascular disease, and general health/psychosocial stress, describes studies of verified short sleepers and explores areas of convergence, laying out possible future directions.
Different limits of phase separation and their applications

The process of phase separation leads to several well known display technologies such as Polymer Dispersed liquid crystals and Polymer Stabilized cholesteric and ferroelectric devices. Several new limits of the general phenomena of phase separation have been discovered in recent years. In one of the limits, a very simple and powerful process known as the phase separated composite structures method permits the construction of conventional devices; such as, TN, STN, and FLC devices with great ease and with flexible substrates. It has also been employed in the fabrication of one- and two-dimensional optical gratings and fly's eye lenses (micro-lens array) with electrically controllable focal length. In the second limit, one obtains microscopic polymer columns perpendicular to the substrates. These structures have been used to fabricate large area homeotropic nematic devices having very high-contrast.
The First‐Person: Participation in Argument and the Intentional Relationship

This paper supports Charles Siewert's criticism of those criticizing first-person approaches because they disagree by arguing that such critics adopt a noncommittal, third-person observer standpoint on the debates themselves before recommending only third-person natural scientific approaches to mind and that they oversimplify when they portray philosophy as contentious and natural science as ruled by consensus. Further, a complete account of first-person intentionality in terms of acts and their correlative objects in their temporal and bodily interrelationships make it possible to defend Siewert's theses: that thought is phenomenally conscious, that there is a phenomenal consciousness beyond sensing, that the Protean view that equates change in a shape's appearance with an apparent change in the shape of what appears is incorrect, and that Hume's two-dimensional phenomenalism is mistaken.
Business-to-business integration with tpaML and a business-to-business protocol framework

In business-to-business interactions spanning electronic commerce, supply chain management, and other applications, the terms and conditions describing the electronic interactions between businesses can be expressed as an electronic contract or trading partner agreement (TPA). From the TPA, configuration information and code that embody the terms and conditions can be generated automatically at each trading partner's site. The TPA expresses the rules of interaction between the parties to the TPA while maintaining complete independence of the internal processes at each party from the other parties. It represents a long-running conversation that comprises a single unit of business. This paper summarizes the needs of interbusiness electronic interactions. Then it describes the basic principles of electronic TPAs, followed by an overview of the proposed TPA language. The business-to-business protocol framework (BPF) provides various tools and run-time services for supporting TPA-based interaction and integration with business applications. Finally, we describe examples of solutions constructed using TPAs and BPF.