cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methyl Jasmonate and 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment Effects on Quinone Reductase Inducing Activity and Post-Harvest Quality of Broccoli

Effect of pre-harvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and post-harvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments on broccoli floret glucosinolate (GS) concentrations and quinone reductase (QR, an in vitro anti-cancer biomarker) inducing activity were evaluated two days prior to harvest, at harvest and at 10, 20, and 30 days of post-harvest storage at 4 °C. MeJA treatments four days prior to harvest of broccoli heads was observed to significantly increase floret ethylene biosynthesis resulting in chlorophyll catabolism during post-harvest storage and reduced product quality. Post-harvest treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), which competitively binds to protein ethylene receptors, maintained post-harvest floret chlorophyll concentrations and product visual quality in both control and MeJA-treated broccoli. Transcript abundance of BoPPH, a gene which is responsible for the synthesis of pheophytinase, the primary enzyme associated with chlorophyll catabolism in broccoli, was reduced by 1-MCP treatment and showed a significant, negative correlation with floret chlorophyll concentrations. The GS, glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, and gluconasturtiin were significantly increased by MeJA treatments. The products of some of the GS from endogenous myrosinase hydrolysis [sulforaphane (SF), neoascorbigen (NeoASG), N-methoxyindole-3-carbinol (NI3C), and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)] were also quantified and found to be significantly correlated with QR. Sulforaphane, the isothiocyanate hydrolysis product of the GS glucoraphanin, was found to be the most potent QR induction agent. Increased sulforaphane formation from the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin was associated with up-regulated gene expression of myrosinase (BoMyo) and the myrosinase enzyme co-factor gene, epithiospecifier modifier1 (BoESM1). This study demonstrates the combined treatment of MeJA and 1-MCP increased QR activity without post-harvest quality loss.
Future benefits and cost‐effectiveness of prostate carcinoma screening

BACKGROUND Estimates of cost-effectiveness for prostate carcinoma screening require a review of current data, modeling efforts, and perspectives on societal impact and costs. METHODS Recent data from the cancer registry of the Michigan Department of Community Health was assessed for incidence trends in relation to age groups and racial differences. Differences in tumor biology between African-American men (AAM) and white men were assessed from a large clinical biopsy series. A review of the literature addressing Markoff modeling to obtain estimates of treatment, screening efficacy, and costs were evaluated. RESULTS The decline in the incidence of prostate carcinoma since 1992 primarily affected men age > 70 years whereas younger men (age 45-70 years) maintained a 100% greater incidence of localized disease than in 1989, when prostate specific antigen screening became more common. The rate of distant disease has decreased by 60% for both age groups. In the current biopsy series, AAM have distinctly more cores involved with carcinoma and have a higher number of carcinoma cores involved with a Gleason score ≥ 7 in men age ≤ 70 years with a PSA level ≤ 10 ng/mL (P < 0.05). Markoff models reviewed in the literature demonstrated significant sensitivity to progression, complication, and comorbidity rates. Recent models suggested significant increases in quality-adjusted life expectancy for men choosing radical prostatectomy over watchful waiting if they were age < 70 years and had no severe comorbidities. Original cost estimates from benefit-cost analysis showed similar results of cost per carcinoma and cost per quality-adjusted life-year extension as later cost-effectiveness models. CONCLUSIONS Current diagnostic trends toward the persistent increased detection of localized prostate carcinoma in younger men, combined with a marked reduction in distant stage disease, suggest significant potential mortality reductions. These trends may have greater implications for AAM, but further research is needed to produce models of mortality reduction from emerging data. Cancer 1997; 80:1864-70. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Weighted essentially non-oscillatory schemes

Abstract In this paper we introduce a new version of ENO (essentially non-oscillatory) shock-capturing schemes which we call weighted ENO. The main new idea is that, instead of choosing the "smoothest" stencil to pick one interpolating polynomial for the ENO reconstruction, we use a convex combination of all candidates to achieve the essentially non-oscillatory property, while additionally obtaining one order of improvement in accuracy. The resulting weighted ENO schemes are based on cell averages and a TVD Runge-Kutta time discretization. Preliminary encouraging numerical experiments are given.
Differential effect of proIGF-II and IGF-II on resveratrol induced cell death by regulating survivin cellular localization and mitochondrial depolarization in breast cancer cells

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) plays a pivotal role in fetal and cancer development by signaling through the IGF-I and insulin receptors and activating the estrogen signaling cascade. We previously showed that precursor IGF-II (proIGF-II, the predominant form expressed in cancer) and not mature IGF-II (mIGF-II) blocks resveratrol (RSV) (a phytoalexin/anticancer agent)-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells. We hypothesize that proIGF-II regulates antiapoptotic proteins and/or the mitochondria to inhibit RSV actions and promote cell survival. This study examines the effect of mIGF-II and proIGF-II on survivin expression and mitochondrial polarization in response to RSV. RSV inhibits survivin expression and stimulates mitochondrial depolarization, caspase 7 activation and cell death. These effects were completely blocked by the addition of proIGF-II. RSV treatment had no effect on transfected MCF-7 cells constitutively expressing proIGF-II, while IGF-II siRNA transfection decreased survivin levels. Our results provide new insights for the potential use of proIGF-II as target for new anticancer therapies.
Shelf Sedimentation Across Precambrian-Cambrian Boundary: Chapel Island Formation, Southeastern Newfoundland: ABSTRACT

The upper Precambrian-Lower Cambrian Chapel Island Formation consists of medium- and fine-grained siliciclastics and minor limestones that record the early evolution of shelly fossils and complex trace fossils. Deposition of these Avalonian sediments occurred in a variety of shelf environments. Temporal and spatial changes in the conditions of sedimentation during the deposition of this sequence resulted in a wide spectrum of sedimentary and biogenic structures. Facies transitional with underlying terrestrial and shallow-marine red beds were deposited in foreshore and upper-shoreface settings under tidal influence and display tidal channels, shrinkage cracks (desiccation and synaersis), abundant current ripples (bimodal-bipolar current distribution), and phosphatic nodules. Sandstones and siltstones deposited in shoreface to outer-shelf settings contain evidence of storm and wave reworking. Features present include: gutter casts, thin granule lag zones, phosphate nodules, slump-fold zones, hummocky cross-stratified beds, and thin to medium-grained sandstones with sharp bases and gradational tops, wave-rippled upper surfaces, climbing wave ripple laminations, and draping laminations. These features indicate deposition on a storm- and wave-dominated shelf with locally variable topography. Thick massive siltstone beds and pebbly mudstones are interpreted as debris flows formed on a gentle slope. Red and green mudstones, nodular limestones, and medium to thick (up to 60 cm) limestones were deposited during periods of low siliciclastic input. The limestone beds--micrites to packed biomicrites--contain oncolitic and planar stromatolites, sheet-crack cavities (containing the oldest known coelobiontic fauna), iron-manganese encrusted surfaces, authigenic barite, mudcracks, intraformational and extraformational conglomerate layers, and small channels. These are interpreted as intertidal and supratidal deposits. End_of_Article - Last_Page 291------------
Research on Psychological and Personal Aspects of Albinism: A Critical Review

Objective: The authors conducted a critical review of the research literature, examining factors associated with adaptation to the albinism condition. Research Method: Through electronic and manual searches, the authors identified research articles on albinism that covered a period of more than 20 years. Results: People with albinism were reported to experience many physical, mental/emotional, and social challenges. Data from the research literature suggest that most individuals with albinism have average cognitive abilities and achievement skills. Personal adaptation studies were mixed and indicated that many of these individuals struggle with the social impact of visible differences associated with the albinism condition. Public attitudes toward albinism reflected a general lack of information and a related degree of negativism. Conclusions: The authors conclude that available studies lack the methodological soundness to produce findings that lead to better understanding of this phenomenon. Moreover, certain contextual variables, such as culture, socioeconomic level, and severity of disability, have been overlooked and need to be incorporated in subsequent research on factors impacting the adaptation of individuals with albinism. Implications for rehabilitation research and practice are discussed.
Role of segregating dopants on the improved creep resistance of aluminum oxide

Recent studies have demonstrated that p.p.m. levels of rare-earth dopant ions (e.g. Y, La, Nd) wield a beneficial and highly potent influence on the creep properties of alumina. In addition, codoping with ions of disparate sizes (Nd, Zr) resulted in even further enhancement of the creep behavior. In all cases, the dopant ions were found to strongly segregate to grain boundaries. Creep rates were not influenced by the presence of second phase precipitates, verifying that the creep improvement is a solid solution effect. In an attempt to clarify the exact mechanism(s) that controls creep behavior of the doped aluminas, various advanced characterization techniques have been applied including: secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy, orientation image microscopy, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure as well as atomistic computer simulation and studies of the creep kinetics. Although no definitive mechanism has been established, a logical explanation is that outsize ions segregate to more energetically favorable grain boundary sites, and improve creep resistance by blocking a few critical diffusive pathways. This mechanism is sufficiently general that it may be applicable to other ceramic systems.
Character‐state space versus rate of evolution in phylogenetic inference

With only four alternative character states, parallelisms and reversals are expected to occur frequently when using nucleotide characters for phylogenetic inference. Greater available character-state space has been described as one of the advantages of third codon positions relative to first and second codon positions, as well as amino acids relative to nucleotides. We used simulations to quantify how character-state space and rate of evolution relate to one another, and how this relationship is affected by differences in: tree topology, branch lengths, rate heterogeneity among sites, probability of change among states, and frequency of character states. Specifically, we examined how inferred tree lengths, consistency and retention indices, and accuracy of phylogenetic inference are affected. Our results indicate that the relatively small increases in the character-state space evident in empirical data matrices can provide enormous benefits for the accuracy of phylogenetic inference. This advantage may become more pronounced with unequal probabilities of change among states. Although increased character-state space greatly improved the accuracy of topology inference, improvements in the estimation of the correct tree length were less apparent. Accuracy and inferred tree length improved most when character-state space increased initially; further increases provided more modest improvements. © The Willi Hennig Society 2004.
A look at the prosthesis-cartilage interface: design of a hip prosthesis containing pressure transducers.

The human hip joint is capable of carrying loads exceeding several times body weight. The distribution of these loads over the load-bearing cartilage surfaces in the hip is of considerable interest in terms of studying the behavior of cartilage under various loading conditions. A modified Moore prosthesis has been designed which is capable of measuring in vivo the spatial and temporal pressure variations generated by the loads carried by the hip. The pressures as measured by this device will not only give a good indication of the pressure distributions that occur in the normal hip but will yield quantitative data on the pressures generated between the cartilage surface in the acetabulum and the ball of the prosthesis. The instrumented prosthesis consists of three main elements: a network of pressure transducers distributed over the surface of the ball, a multichannel telemetry device located inside the ball to transmit the information from the transducers to external receiving and recording equipment, and an electromagnetic power induction system which provides an external source of power for the telemetry device inside the prosthesis. A prototype has been fabricated which demonstrates the satisfactory functioning of the complete pressure measuring system.
The mathematical properties of the quasi-chemical model for microorganism growth–death kinetics in foods

Knowledge of the mathematical properties of the quasi-chemical model [Taub, Feeherry, Ross, Kustin, Doona, 2003. A quasi-chemical kinetics model for the growth and death of Staphylococcus aureus in intermediate moisture bread. J. Food Sci. 68 (8), 2530-2537], which is used to characterize and predict microbial growth-death kinetics in foods, is important for its applications in predictive microbiology. The model consists of a system of four ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which govern the temporal dependence of the bacterial life cycle (the lag, exponential growth, stationary, and death phases, respectively). The ODE system derives from a hypothetical four-step reaction scheme that postulates the activity of a critical intermediate as an antagonist to growth (perhaps through a quorum sensing biomechanism). The general behavior of the solutions to the ODEs is illustrated by several examples. In instances when explicit mathematical solutions to these ODEs are not obtainable, mathematical approximations are used to find solutions that are helpful in evaluating growth in the early stages and again near the end of the process. Useful solutions for the ODE system are also obtained in the case where the rate of antagonist formation is small. The examples and the approximate solutions provide guidance in the parameter estimation that must be done when fitting the model to data. The general behavior of the solutions is illustrated by examples, and the MATLAB programs with worked examples are included in the appendices for use by predictive microbiologists for data collected independently.
Stimulated phosphorylation of non-histone phosphoproteins in SV-40 transformed WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts

Because the phosphorylation of non-histone proteins has been suggested to play a role in the regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription, we have compared the phosphorylation of these proteins in normal and SV-40 transformed WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts. The rate of phosphorylation was found to be roughly ten-fold higher in the transformed cells, and this striking difference could not be accounted for by either an increased rate of phosphate transport or by the synthesis of new species of non-histone proteins which subsequently become phosphorylated. To our knowledge this is the most dramatic alteration in non-histone protein phosphorylation ever described, and therefore may have important implications for our understanding of malignant transformation.
Rethinking the Right Teaching Methods that Work for Online Learners

This article addresses the phenomenon of why andragogical instructional approaches should work for online learners in the 21st century. As some senior faculty members and institutional administrators are reluctant to embrace education delivered via web 2.0 technologies, this article reveals discussions that will change these misconceptions. This article prompts readers to rethink their instructional strategies that will work well for online learners in particular. Even for face to face courses, instructors should incorporate an online component, as the principles of adult learning lend themselves well to an online environment.
Early detection of cardiac dysfunction: use of the myocardial performance index in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Overview: Patients with anorexia nervosa have functional cardiac abnormalities secondary to their nutritionally depleted state. These abnormalities include decreased left ventricular (LV) mass and varying degrees of LV systolic dysfunction. Assessment of LV diastolic function and quantitative assessment of right ventricular function are not routinely performed. The myocardial performance index (MPI) is a relatively new, simple, quantitative measure of global myocardial function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate left and right ventricular function in 13 patients with anorexia nervosa with the MPI and compare it to more commonly used echocardiographic measures of ventricular function.
Issues in the Genesis and Organization of Cultural Diplomacy: A Brief Critical History

ABSTRACT Cultural Diplomacy did not begin until the later 1930s as a permanent function at the State Department. However, owing to circumstances then prevailing in the world, it, along with public diplomacy, became increasingly important in the 1940s−1960s. This Golden Age came to an end thereafter not only because of new conditions at home and abroad, but also because of the way the practice of cultural diplomacy was structured into the foreign policy machinery and subordinated to other ends. Changing fiscal priorities also had a hand in diverting resources into alternative uses. However, the challenges facing the United States, and the West in general, since 9/11 have the potential for restoring cultural policy to a place of prominence in the armamentarium of policies for dealing with the rest of the world—though its revival is by no means assured.
Culturally specific tobacco use and South Asians in the United States: a review of the literature and promising strategies for intervention.

Over the past two decades, the United States has attracted large South Asian populations, who have imported tobacco products previously unique to the native subcontinent. South Asian cigarette use prevalence is consistently lower than other U.S. Asian subgroups; however, most surveys fail to capture smokeless products accurately. In part because of the pervasive use of popular smokeless cultural products resulting in greater population attributable risk of oral malignancies, many countries outside the United States have developed surveillance systems to capture these products and implemented effective population-level or community-based intervention strategies. This minority population in the United States continues to be “at risk” of suffering from a disproportionate burden of diseases, which are plausibly linked to the use of these products. The primary focus of this article is to provide an exhaustive literature review of tobacco use patterns and existing tobacco control strategies among South Asians in the United States. Framed within the social ecological model, the article suggests that there needs to be more detailed assessment of cultural tobacco products, a concurrent increase in cultural competencies of health care providers and provision of cessation resources outside the clinical setting. At the policy level, future efforts should adequately regulate these products and oversight must include such products in efforts to reduce rates of use. Concurrently, communitybased efforts are needed to change social norms related to perceived health benefit and lack of stigma. This will help ensure that appropriately framed messages around use rates and burden of disease are addressed through culturally valued institutions and leaders.
Advanced Compton Scattering Light Source R&D at LLNL

We report the design and current status of a monoenergetic laser-based Compton scattering 0.5-2.5 MeV γ-ray source. Previous nuclear resonance fluorescence results and future linac and laser developments for the source are presented.
Beyond the Two-Sciences Settlement Giambattista Vico’s Critique of the Nature–Politics Opposition

The Perestroika movement recently reopened longstanding debates about the scholarly and political implications of orienting political science research around a scientific ideal derived from the natural sciences. Many Perestroikans, like earlier critics of “naturalized” political science, turned to ontology, opposing the political world to the natural world to espouse what I call a two-sciences settlement: a separate-but-equal arrangement in which political science and natural science would each operate according to distinct methodological imperatives dictated by their distinctive objects. In this article, I critically appraise this divided settlement and the two-worlds ontology that underwrites it. I recover an alternative, less dualistic vision of politics and nature from Giambattisa Vico, challenging received views of him as an early architect of the two-sciences settlement. Vico’s vision of ontological hybridity, I argue, offers more robust support to the Perestroikan goals of methodological pluralism ...
Approximating trigonometric functions with the laws of sines and cosines using the logarithmic number system

A new algorithm is given for computing trigonometric functions using the logarithmic number system (LNS). Based on the laws of sines and cosines, the algorithm uses novel addressing of ROMs with the middle-order bits of the LNS representation. Error analysis and simulation show the algorithm is accurate to 22 bits when intermediate steps are performed with 23-bit precision LNS. A VLIW software implementation having throughput of one trigonometric result every 17 cycles is suggested that uses special instructions to access small ROMs containing logarithmic sines and cosines. Also, the proposed algorithm can be implemented fully in hardware having throughput of one trigonometric result every one or two cycles using minor low-cost modifications to an existing LNS ALU design.
An adaptive fuzzy system for control and clustering of arbitrary data patterns

A modular, unsupervised neural network architecture is described. It can be used for data clustering and classification. The adaptive fuzzy leader clustering (AFLC) architecture is a hybrid neural-fuzzy system which learns online in a stable and efficient manner. The system consists of a fuzzy k-means learning rule embedded within a control structure similar to that found in the adaptive resonance theory (ART-1) network. AFLC adaptively clusters analog inputs into classes without prior knowledge of the entire data set or of the number of clusters present in the data. The classification of an input takes place in a two-stage process; a simple competitive stage and a euclidean metric comparison stage. The AFLC algorithm and its operating characteristics are described. The algorithm is compared to an adaptive Bayesian classifier for some real data. >
Kinetics of Aggregation in Suspensions: Effects of Added Electrolytes on the Aggregation Rates of Latex Particles in Aqueous Ionic Surfactant Solutions

Following procedures developed earlier involving the Coulter counter, the rates of aggregation of polystyrene and polyvinyltoluene particles in aqueous ionic surfactant solutions have been studied. The two surfactants were sodium lauryl sulfate and myristyl- γ -picolinium chloride. The rates were determined as a function of both the surfactant concentration and the added electrolyte concentration for different electrolytes. The results of the experiments have been examined by the Derjaguin-Verwey-Overbeek theory. While the data are qualitatively in agreement with the theory, the decrease in rates observed with increasing surfactant concentration at high salt concentrations, particularly for sodium lauryl sulfate, suggests that electrical repulsion is not the only significant factor contributing to the repulsive part of the particle-particle interaction.
Compliance with required pesticide-specific protective equipment use.

BACKGROUND: This study measured compliance with pesticide-specific protective gear use requirements practiced by farmers applying pesticides to field crops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty randomly selected dairy farmers were interviewed 1 week after pesticide application to determine use of personal protective equipment while applying at least 1 of 15 possible restricted use pesticides (response rate = 82.4%). RESULTS: Among the three most common pesticides used (dicamba, atrazine, and cyanazine), the proportions of farmers fully complying with gear use requirements were 8.8, 8.6, and 2.5%, respectively. For those same pesticides, the proportions (and 95% CI) using none of the required gear were 56.9% (47.3-66.5%), 38.6% (27.2-50.0%), and 47.5%(32.0-63.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both full and partial compliance with required personal protective equipment was low for each of the 15 chemicals applied by the applicators in this sample.
Probing the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGlu5) Positive Allosteric Modulator (PAM) Binding Pocket: Discovery of Point Mutations That Engender a “Molecular Switch” in PAM Pharmacology

Positive allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) is a promising novel approach for the treatment of schizophrenia and cognitive disorders. Allosteric binding sites are topographically distinct from the endogenous ligand (orthosteric) binding site, allowing for co-occupation of a single receptor with the endogenous ligand and an allosteric modulator. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) inhibit and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) enhance the affinity and/or efficacy of the orthosteric agonist. The molecular determinants that govern mGlu5 modulator affinity versus cooperativity are not well understood. Focusing on the modulators based on the acetylene scaffold, we sought to determine the molecular interactions that contribute to PAM versus NAM pharmacology. Generation of a comparative model of the transmembrane-spanning region of mGlu5 served as a tool to predict and interpret the impact of mutations in this region. Application of an operational model of allosterism allowed for determination of PAM and NAM affinity estimates at receptor constructs that possessed no detectable radioligand binding as well as delineation of effects on affinity versus cooperativity. Novel mutations within the transmembrane domain (TM) regions were identified that had differential effects on acetylene PAMs versus 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine, a prototypical NAM. Three conserved amino acids (Y658, T780, and S808) and two nonconserved residues (P654 and A809) were identified as key determinants of PAM activity. Interestingly, we identified two point mutations in TMs 6 and 7 that, when mutated, engender a mode switch in the pharmacology of certain PAMs.
Is the North American monsoon self-limiting?

[1] The North American monsoon is accompanied by large-scale changes in circulation and precipitation over much of Mexico and the United States during summer. Here, the influence of the North American monsoon is analyzed in terms of midlevel changes to the thermodynamic energy equation, circulation, and precipitation associated with the monsoon onset in northwest Mexico, for the 1948–2004 period. In addition to the well-known strong increase in rising motion over the core region of the monsoon during the onset, there is also a decrease in upward motion over the northern Baja California Peninsula and into the southwest United States, directly in the path of monsoon development. This area of decreased vertical motion is linked to cold advection caused by the onset itself, as the Gill-Matsuno response to the monsoon precipitation thermodynamically interacts with the mean circulation. It is in this sense that we propose that the monsoon is self-limiting.
Effective Two-Point Function Approximation for Design Optimization

Anew,two-pointapproximationofafunctionthatisverystraightforwardtobuildandthatprovidesaccurateand stable approximation is presented. Earlier developments of the two-point approximations had either incomplete matches at two data points or needed the solution of additional equations to get all of the parameters. The present two-point approximation is an incomplete second-order Taylor-series expansion in terms of intervening variables; theHessianmatrixhasonlydiagonalelements,anditdependsondesignvariables.Theexponentofeachintervening design variable and the unknown constant of the second-order terms are evaluated by matching the derivatives and the value of the approximation with the previous data point gradients and the value of the original function, respectively.All of theunknownsareidentie ed in aclosedform.Both thefunctionandthegradientof thetwo-point approximation are equal to those of the original function at two data points. Several examples are given to show the accuracy and efe ciency of this method.
Composition Textbooks: Ethnography and Proposal.

A critical area in the advancement of literacy is the production of textbooks that reflect recent insights on language and discourse. However, this project is problematic within the established pro...
The rules of Facebook friendship: A two-stage examination of interaction rules in close, casual, and acquaintance friendships

The present study examined friendship rules on the online social networking site Facebook. Study 1 used focus group data to inductively create a list of 36 Facebook friendship rules. Study 2 utilized survey data to examine college students’ endorsement of the various rules in close, casual, and acquaintance friendships. Results indicated five categories of Facebook friendship rules, which included rules regarding communication channels, deception and control, relational maintenance, negative consequences for the self, and negative consequences for a friend. Additionally, close friends, casual friends, and acquaintances significantly differed in their endorsement of four of the five rules categories. Results suggested that interaction rules provide a useful framework for the study of online social networking sites.
Adaptive stochastic iterative rate selection for wireless channels

A stochastic algorithm for channel adaptive rate selection (modulation and coding scheme or MCS) is proposed. The algorithm learns the optimal policy by iteratively augmenting a rate selection probability vector. While simple to implement, this technique requires no explicit channel estimation phase. The single bit ACK/NACK signal feedback from the data link layer is used as the input to the stochastic algorithm. As shown in the convergence theorems, the algorithm achieves the optimal rate in "static" channels. A time varying channel is seen as a "quasi-static" channel, and adaptively converged to optimal rates as channel state changes.
DISCRIMINATION OF DNA BINDING SITES BY MUTANT P53 PROTEINS

Critical determinants of DNA recognition by p53 have been identified by a molecular genetic approach. The wild-type human p53 fragment containing amino acids 71 to 330 (p53(71-330)) was used for in vitro DNA binding assays, and full-length human p53 was used for transactivation assays with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. First, we defined the DNA binding specificity of the wild-type p53 fragment by using systematically altered forms of a known consensus DNA site. This refinement indicates that p53 binds with high affinity to two repeats of PuGPuCA.TGPyCPy, a further refinement of an earlier defined consensus half site PuPuPuC(A/T).(T/A) GPyPyPy. These results were further confirmed by transactivation assays of yeast by using full-length human p53 and systematically altered DNA sites. Dimers of the pentamer AGGCA oriented either head-to-head or tail-to-tail bound efficiently, but transactivation was facilitated only through head-to-head dimers. To determine the origins of specificity in DNA binding by p53, we identified mutations that lead to altered specificities of DNA binding. Single-amino-acid substitutions were made at several positions within the DNA binding domain of p53, and this set of p53 point mutants were tested with DNA site variants for DNA binding. DNA binding analyses showed that the mutants Lys-120 to Asn, Cys-277 to Gln or Arg, and Arg-283 to Gln bind to sites with noncanonical base pair changes at positions 2, 3, and 1 in the pentamer (PuGPuCA), respectively. Thus, we implicate these residues in amino acid-base pair contacts. Interestingly, mutant Cys-277 to Gln bound a consensus site as two and four monomers, as opposed to the wild-type p53 fragment, which invariably binds this site as four monomers.
Regulators of Vps4 ATPase Activity at Endosomes Differentially Influence the Size and Rate of Formation of Intralumenal Vesicles

Recruitment of endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) to the cytosolic face of endosomes regulates selective inclusion of transmembrane proteins into the lumenal vesicles of multivesicular bodies (MVBs). ESCRT-0, -I, and -II bind directly to ubiquitinated transmembrane cargoes of the MVB pathway, whereas polymerization of ESCRT-III at endosomes is thought to bend the membrane and/or provide the energetic force that drives membrane scission and detachment of vesicles into the endosome lumen. Disassembly of the ESCRT-III polymer and dissociation of its subunits from endosomes requires the Vps4 ATPase, the activity of which is controlled in vivo by regulatory proteins. We identify distinct spatiotemporal roles for Vps4-regulating proteins through examinations of subcellular localization and endosome morphology. Did2 plays a unique role in the regulation of MVB lumenal vesicle size, whereas Vtal and Vps60 promote efficient membrane scission and delivery of membrane to the endosome lumen. These morphological effects probably result from Vps4-mediated manipulations of ESCRT-III, because we show dissociation of ESCRT-0, -I, and -II from endosomes is not directly dependent on Vps4 activity.
Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Signal Preference for Advance Information about Upcoming Rewards

The desire to know what the future holds is a powerful motivator in everyday life, but it is unknown how this desire is created by neurons in the brain. Here we show that when macaque monkeys are offered a water reward of variable magnitude, they seek advance information about its size. Furthermore, the same midbrain dopamine neurons that signal the expected amount of water also signal the expectation of information, in a manner that is correlated with the strength of the animal's preference. Our data show that single dopamine neurons process both primitive and cognitive rewards, and suggest that current theories of reward-seeking must be revised to include information-seeking.
A Note on the Efficient Markets Hypothesis

In this paper I review the literature and discuss the current state of affairs in marketbased accounting research with respect to the Efficient Markets Hypothesis (EMH). Empirical documentation of the post-earnings announcement drift anomaly seems to have formalized a crisis for the efficient markets hypothesis among a select group of accounting scholars. The anomaly is most likely due to poor understanding or measurement problems rather than an actual market malfunction. Other reasons also exist to suggest that the efficient markets hypothesis is not truly threatened: the significance of the drift and other anomalies for researchers and market participants alike seems small; no alternative hypothesis is available; research from other knowledge paradigms and social costs are seemingly ignored; and judgements about the efficient markets hypothesis are usually based on an inapplicable philosophy. The weight of the evidence favors a useful and robust efficient markets hypothesis and philosophical arguments against it seem unjustified.
Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable childhood disease, caused by exposure to lead, which is found primarily in paint, soil, and household dust. Children come in contact with these sources of lead during normal indoor and outdoor play. Lead is especially dangerous to children under 7 years of age because this is a critical phase in the development of their neurological system. The implications of lead poisoning are vast, as the neurological damage it causes can lead to such problems as learning disabilities and emotional disturbances. Lead poisoning can damage a young child’s developing brain and nervous system, leading to reduced IQ and behavioral disabilities. Consequently, lead poisoning is associated with poor school performance and delinquent behavior.
An Evaluation of the Methods for Treating Non-malignant Uterine Bleeding in the Menopause

Summary While the opinions concerning the best method for treating benign uterine bleeding in a selected group of menopausal patients are divided, the data presented here indicate that irradiation, either by x-ray or radium has certain advantages over surgery. Even in a group of patients who are good surgical risks for the relatively simple operation of removing a normal sized uterus there will be operative deaths as well as postoperative complications. If irradiation can accomplish the same effect with a much lower morbidity and mortality rate, it might well be utilized more frequently. To achieve the best results from irradiation each case should be considered in the light of indications and contraindications before treatment is instituted and a plan of therapy, designed to produce permanent castration, should be drawn up in advance for each individual. Adequate treatment combined with a careful selection of cases should produce results favorably comparable to those with hysterectomy. The morbidity associated with the use of either radium or x-ray may be kept at a minimum. A careful evaluation of the history, a thorough pelvic examination and dilatation and curettage to rule out malignancy should precede either x-ray therapy or the insertion of radium. The haphazard use of radium by inexperienced operators may be followed by continuation of the bleeding, complications such as local or generalized sepsis, chronic discharge from radium destruction, cervical stricture, or death of the patient. The incidence of carcinoma developing in the uterus after irradiation is about 0.6 per cent or the same as that of carcinoma developing in the cervix after subtotal hysterectomy. The number in both groups is even lower when correction is made for those malignancies present when treatment was instituted. Since the deaths from carcinoma developing in the uterus added to the primary mortality associated with x-ray or radium castration must be fewer than the deaths following hysterectomy, it is doubtful that the potential development of carcinoma can be considered as a contraindication to irradiation.
Author’s response: evidence that suicide terrorists are suicidal: challenges and empirical predictions.

The Myth of Martyrdom: What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers proposes that suicide terrorists are psychologically and behaviorally similar to other people who commit suicide, due to a range of individual, social, and situational factors. Some commentators agree, while others are skeptical, given the lack of information about many attackers' lives. However, the book's position is not simply based on individual case studies; it is also supported by other independent assessments, the confirmation of empirical predictions, the paucity of contradictory evidence, and new applications of evolutionary theory. It is undisputed that human beings behave as the author suggests; it is unknown if they behave as the conventional wisdom suggests. Those who argue that suicide terrorists are psychologically normal and altruistically sacrificing their lives for an ideological cause should bear the burden of proof for those claims.
Liver Histology in Six Asymptomatic Siblings in a Family with Hemochromatosis; Genetic Implications

Summary 1.Six siblings of a patient with hemochromatosis have been investigated to determine early manifestations of the disease. 2.Liver biopsies in these asymptomatic siblings revealed iron deposition in all, with fully developed hemochromatosis in 1 male sibling, and additional histologic changes in the liver biopsy in 2 other males. 3.A review of previous family studies shows a sparsity of studies similar to the present one in which liver biopsies were obtained in asymptomatic siblings. The importance of this diagnostic technique in assessing the genetic manifestations of the disease is discussed. 4.Although it has been stated in the past that in this disease there has usually been incomplete penetrance with variable expressivity, study of this family demonstrates complete penetrance from a genetic point of view.
Exploring the possible and necessary in working memory development

This commentary considers Vanessa Simmering's monograph on a dynamic-systems theoretical approach to understanding working memory development, with reference to the past, present, and future. In the section on the past, I attempt to provide a further historical context for the work, discussing from where it stemmed and how it is unique. In a second section, I contemplate the purpose of the present modeling. The aim of the monograph may be primarily to establish a simple possible account of development based on neural connection strength and dynamic principles; it should not be judged as a proposal of what is necessarily true. Finally, in the section on the future, I suggest some phenomena that dissociate performance levels from stability over time and, therefore, appear to require modifications of the theory. Several suggestions are made as to where further refinement of the modeling effort could lead.
Beyond Foreign Policy: A Fresh Look at Cross-Cultural Negotiations and Dispute Resolution Based on the India-United States Nuclear Test Ban Negotiations

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) deals with nuclear arms control, and has the purpose of promoting legal certainty in arms control law. With the 1997 CTBT negotiations and the 2009 global movement efforts have reached a new high as developed and developing countries push for a nuclear free world. In the long history of nuclear disarmament negotiations between India and the U.S., the 1997 CTBT negotiations stand out as the most prominent, having failed to stop India’s attempt at becoming a nuclear power. This paper examines the impact cultural influence had on the CTBT negotiations.
The Role of Cognitive Ability and Preferred Mode of Processing in Students’ Calculus Performance

Background:This study has explored the relationships between cognitive abilities, preferred mode of processing, and calculus performance.Materials and methods:This is a quantitative study which sought to design calculus tasks to determine students’ preference for visual or analytic processing as well as examine the role of preferred mode of processing in calculus performance and its relationship to spatial ability and verbal-logical reasoning ability. Data were collected from 150 high school students who were enrolled in Advanced Placement calculus courses.Results:The measures of preferred mode of processing did not correlate with the measures of spatial ability and verbal-logical reasoning ability, suggesting that cognitive abilities did not predict the students’ preference for visual or analytic processing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that spatial visualization ability, verbal-logical reasoning ability, preference for visual processing contributed significantly to the variance in calculus performance.Conclusions:This study contributes to the existing research on factors affecting mathematics performance by generating new information about the relationships between measures of spatial ability, verbal-logical reasoning ability, calculus performance, and preferred mode of processing mathematical information. The calculus tasks and corresponding questionnaires, which were used in this study, have the potential to be used as a measure of students’ visual and analytic tendencies in calculus.
Indoor positioning systems: 3D virtual model visualization and design process of their assessment using mixed methods: Case study: World heritatge buildings and spatial skills for architecture students

The main objective of this paper is to explain an indoor positioning system and 3D visualization using mobile technologies and virtual reality methods. With our proposal we aim to improve the comprehension of historical World Heritage buildings by using advanced visual technologies during the visit as for example wearable devices. We will design a mixed method to assess them and the user's experience, in our case the Architecture and Building Engineering degree students, in order to improve their spatial skills of this type of emblematic architectural projects.
Latina/o Adolescents' Funds of Knowledge Related to Engineering

Background According to a growing body of research, many Latinas/os experience dissonance between their everyday cultural practices and the cultural practices prevalent in engineering. This dissonance contributes to many Latinas/os' sense that engineering is “not for me.” Purpose This study sought to explore the meaning in the relationship between engineering cultural practices and the funds of knowledge found in Latina/o adolescents' familial, community, and recreational settings. Design/Method This ethnographic study followed seven groups of Latina/o adolescents as they identified problems in their communities and solved them through engineering design processes. Using a modified form of constant comparative analysis, we analyzed three data sources: individual interviews, observations of group meetings, and concurrent or retrospective protocols. We developed a coding scheme that categorized the participants' funds of knowledge as they related to engineering. Results The participants' everyday skills and bodies of knowledge aligned with engineering practices. Specifically, their familial, community, and recreational funds of knowledge mapped onto the application of engineering design processes, systems thinking, ethical and empathetic reasoning, knowledge of production and processing, use of communication and construction tools, scientific and mathematical knowledge, and teamwork. Conclusions Engineering instruction for Latina/o adolescents can be reconceptualized as a third space of learning and knowing where adolescents' everyday familial, community, and recreational practices are actively solicited and connected with the cultural practices of engineering.