cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ribosome actuator via the SpoT/ppGpp pathway to mitigate gene overexpression burden

Abstract Gene overexpression causes a burden on ribosomes, which decreases the expression of other genes and growth rate. Here, we engineer a genetic ribosome actuator that increases gene expression rate and growth rate by over 150% and 80%, respectively. The actuator expresses the hydrolysis domain of the SpoT enzyme (SpoTH) in a bacterial strain with high basal levels of ppGpp, thus increasing ribosome availability. We use this actuator in a feedforward control arrangement, wherein SpoTH is co-expressed with a gene of interest (GOI). Without SpoTH co-expression, activation of the GOI decreases the expression of a constitutive gene and growth rate by over 80% and 40%, respectively. By contrast, with SpoTH co-expression, the ribosome binding site (RBS) of SpoTH can be tuned to achieve inappreciable change of either the expression of the constitutive gene or growth rate when the GOI is activated to the same level. We finally employ the actuator to keep growth rate constant while expressing dCas9 to a level that would otherwise decrease growth rate by more than 40% due to toxicity. This actuator will be relevant in applications where high cellular protein concentrations are desired without growth defects or global reduction of gene expression.
Ethics Education in COVID-19: Preclinical Medical Students' Approach to Ventilator Allocation.

Introduction COVID-19 has confronted clinicians with a potential need to ration ventilators. There is little guidance for training medical students to make such decisions in future practice. How students would make ventilator triage decisions remains unknown. Methods One hundred fifty-three medical students in 18 problem-based learning groups participated in a ventilator-rationing exercise in April 2020 as part of an ethics curriculum adapted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were provided with a prompt requiring fictional patients to be prioritized for ventilators in the face of scarce resources. The authors reviewed group responses, tallied triage criteria, and identified approaches to triage decisions. Results The most common triage criteria were patient comorbidities, clinical status, age/life stage, prognosis, life expectancy, and an individual's role in pandemic response. Additional criteria included quality of life, ventilator availability, public perception, and patient need. Students approached triage decisions by developing systems for triage, appealing to empirical evidence and academic literature, making value judgments, and identifying adjuncts and alternatives to triage. Discussion With minimal input from educators, students learned key ethical principles in triage medicine, recapitulated approaches to triage described in the clinical and bioethics literature, and suggested methods for tolerating distress of complex ethical decisions. Medical education should equip students to critically consider bioethical concerns in triage and prepare for possible moral distress during public health crises.
A Three-Part Synchronous Online Model for Middle Grade Mathematics Teachers’ Professional Development

In this chapter, we describe a three-part fully online model for the professional development of middle school mathematics teachers. While the model could be applied to any context, we created it for rural mathematics teachers to provide them access to high-quality professional development and to demonstrate that we could move face-to-face experiences to an online context without losing interactional qualities or intellectual rigor. We describe the model and how we researched it. This chapter contributes to understanding how online contexts provide opportunities to collect and analyze data in ways that would be difficult to accomplish in face-to-face settings.
Efficient solver for mixed finite element method and control-volume mixed finite element method in 3-D on Hexahedral grids

An efficient solver for the mixed finite element (MFE) method on 3-D distorted hexahedral cells has been implemented. The method relies on being able to define a divergence-free subspace. The divergence-free subspace is used to eliminate the pressure variable from the set of equations, resulting in a symmetric positive definite system. The pre-conditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method is used to solve the reduced system. A two-level additive Schwarz method is implemented as the preconditioner. We show that the same efficient solver can be used for the control-volume mixed finite element (CVMFE) method. The CVMFE method uses a discontinous vector test space which leads to more accurate velocities in the presence of discontinous anisotropic hydraulic conductivities on distorted hexahedral grids.
Abstract 19686: Cardioprotective Role of Paraoxonases in Heart Failure

Paraoxonases isoforms 1, 2, and 3 (PON-1, -2, -3) constitute a family of calcium-dependent esterases which exhibit arylesterase, paraoxonase, and lactonase activities. Decreased serum PON activity is associated with increased oxidant stress and adverse clinical outcomes in the setting of heart failure (HF), yet whether decreased PON is mechanistically linked to HF is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that PON is cardioprotective in the following studies. First we measured PON expression in explanted human hearts. Both PON2 and PON3 protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher (>2 fold, p
Prespawn mortality in adult spring Chinook salmon outplanted above barrier dams

Keefer ML, Taylor GA, Garletts DF, Gauthier GA, Pierce TM, Caudill CC. Prespawn mortality in adult spring Chinook salmon outplanted above barrier dams. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 361–372. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Dams without fish passage facilities block access to much of the historic spawning habitat of spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in Oregon’s Willamette River basin. Adult salmon are routinely outplanted above the dams to supplement natural production, but many die before spawning despite extensive suitable habitat. In 2004–2007, we examined prespawn mortality patterns using live detection and carcass recovery data for 242 radio-tagged outplants. Total prespawn mortality was 48%, but variability was high, ranging from 0% to 93% for individual release groups. Prespawn mortality was strongly condition dependent, consistently higher for females than males and higher for early release groups. Across years, warm water temperature in the migration corridor and at the collection site was associated with sharply higher mortality. Results highlight a need for better evaluations of the effects of adult mortality on population reintroduction and recovery and relationships among prespawn mortality, dam-related temperature change and salmon life history and behaviour.
Identification of Small Molecule Hes1 Modulators as Potential Anticancer Chemotherapeutics

Hes1 is a key transcriptional regulator primarily controlled by the Notch signaling pathway, and recent studies have demonstrated both an oncogenic and tumor suppressor role for Hes1, depending on the cell type. Small molecules that activate and inhibit Hes1 activity hold promise as future anticancer chemotherapeutics. We have utilized a cell-based dual luciferase assay to identify modulators of Hes1 expression in a medium-throughput format. A modest screen was performed in HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines, and two small molecules were identified and characterized as Hes1 regulators. Compound 3 induced Hes1 expression and exhibited anticancer effects in pulmonary carcinoid tumor cells, a cell type in which the upregulated Notch/Hes1 signaling plays a tumor suppressive role. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with compound 12 resulted in Hes1 downregulation and antitumor effects.
Atmospheres of Planets and Their Satellites

A general review of the chemistry of planetary atmospheres was given with the emphasis on the outer planets and their satellites. The impact of the scientific findings of the Voyager Mission on our understanding of the chemistry and composition of the Jovian, Saturnian, and Uranian atmospheres was highlighted. Hydrocarbon photochemistry will be treated in the context of comparative planetary atmospheres and illustrated by important similarities and differences. The interesting chemistry of satellites with significant atmospheres, Titan, Triton, and Io was explored in the evolutionary context and the impact on the magnetospheres of their parent planet.
Chronic pancreatic ascites and pancreatic pleural effusions

Abstract Over the past decade ascites and pleural effusions have become recognized as complications of chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas. In the setting of heavy alcoholic intake, but usually without symptoms, a disruption of the main pancreatic duct can occur, resulting in an internal fistula between the duct and peritoneal cavity, producing massive ascites. If the duct disruption is posterior, pancreatic secretions can track up into the mediastinum and then escape into one or both pleural spaces, resulting in an internal fistula between the pancreatic duct and pleural space, producing a massive effusion. Diagnosis of the internal pancreatic fistula can be made by finding high amylase and albumin levels in the ascitic or pleural fluid. Serum amylase is usually, but not always elevated. Treatment initially should be nonoperative, and should include intravenous hyperalimentation, nasogastric suction, Diamox and atropine administration, and either multiple paracenteses, or multiple thoracenteses, or a chest tube insertion. If medical management is unsuccessful after a 2- or 3-week trial, surgical intervention is indicated. Pancreatography is essential to define the pathological pancreatic duct anatomy. When the duct pathology is determined, and the internal fistula identified, an appropriate drainage or resectional procedure can be chosen. With this regimen, most patients with an internal pancreatic fistula should be managed successfully.
Tracking maneuvering targets with an interacting multiple model filter containing exponentially-correlated acceleration models

An interacting multiple model (IMM) filter with constant velocity and exponentially-correlated acceleration (ECA) models is proposed for tracking maneuvering targets. An IMM filter is implemented separately in each Cartesian coordinate to allow for different model probabilities in each coordinate. For each coordinate, one of two ECA models is designed to track an increasing acceleration while the other ECA model is designed to track a decreasing acceleration. The IMM filter is designed so that the ECA model with increasing acceleration provides transition from the constant velocity model to the ECA model with decreasing acceleration. The ECA model with decreasing acceleration provides transition to the constant velocity model. Simulated tracking results are given for a constant speed target performing a 'S' trajectory maneuver. >
Disputation by Design

In normative pragmatics, a kind of empirical discourse analysis organized by normative theory, the analysis of any communication process begins with an idealized model of the discourse that can be compared with actual practices. Idealizations of argumentation can be found, among other places, in theoretical descriptions of ‘critical discussion’ and other dialogue types. Comparing ideal models with actual practices can pinpoint defects in the models (leading to theoretical refinements), but it can also identify deficiencies in practice. This latter possibility invites redesign around well-justified idealizations. This paper outlines an approach to the design of discourse processes and illustrates the approach with contrastive analysis of several recently developed protocols for discussion and debate on the worldwide web.
CMOS variable-gain wide-bandwidth CMFB-free differential current feedback amplifier for ultrasound diagnostic applications

A CMOS current feedback amplifier (CFA) for ultrasound diagnostic applications is described in this paper. Unlike traditional CFA designs, this design proposes a new symmetrical circuit architecture which does not require extra common-mode feedback circuitry. The design employs active feedback to enhance the gain-bandwidth independence. Miller compensation is adopted for better frequency response and smaller on-chip capacitor. The CFA has been designed with TSMC 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The active layout area is 0.052 mm/sup 2/. HSPICE post-layout simulation shows that the CFA exhibits a bandwidth of 10.7 MHz for a variable voltage gain range of 6 dB to 60 dB, with a supply of 3.3 V and a power dissipation of 2.4 mW. Compared to CFA design without active feedback, the bandwidth variation is reduced by 8 times.
Survival of ovarian allografts in an experimental animal model.

Abstract: Transplantation of ovarian tissue is a promising strategy for fertility preservation in young cancer patients with premature ovarian failure if they have cryopreserved their own tissue before undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. However, extension of ovary donation to children and adults seeking treatment for hypogonadism is controversial unless the tissue does not provoke an immune reaction or specific tolerance can be safely and effectively achieved. The survival of heterotopic ovarian allografts was tested in a mouse model. Isografts were placed under the kidney capsule of ovariectomized animals differing at the H-2 haplotype (H-2d or H-2k). Within three wk, and in contrast to isografts, the allografts were rejected, although their survival was extended when donor and host strains shared the same haplotype (H-2k). Allograft survival was not improved if the tissue was implanted orthotopically. When monoclonal antibodies to CD4 antigens were administered at doses exceeding those effective for long-term tolerance to cardiac allografts, graft survival was prolonged in one of two strain combinations, but they failed to restore fertility. These results indicate that the ovary is not an immunologically privileged organ, as the older literature suggested, and chronic immunosuppression is likely to be required for ovarian allografts in clinical settings.
MO-F-WAB-03: Trajectory Imaging: Exploring Options of Kilovoltage Digital Tomosynthesis During Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To integrate novel kilovoltage (kV) digital tomosynthesis (DTS) sequences into intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to determine 3D fiducial positions for intrafractional motion monitoring. Method: In one method, we converted a static gantry IMRT beam into a series of arcs in which dose index and multileaf collimator positions for all control points were kept intact, but gantry angles were modified to oscillate +/−3° around the original angle. kV projections were acquired continuously throughout delivery and reconstructed to provide a series of 6° arc DTS images which were used to evaluate in‐plane positions of gold fiducials embedded in an anthropomorphic phantom. To obtain out‐of‐plane positions via triangulation, a 20° gantry rotation with beam held‐off was inserted during delivery to produce a pair of 6° DTS images separated by 14°. In a second method, the gantry remained stationary, but both kV source and detector moved over a 15° longitudinal arc via pitch and translational adjustment of the robotic arms. Evaluation of localization accuracy in phantom during simulated intrafractional motion used programmed couch translations from customized scripts. In‐house software was used to reconstruct DTS images, register them to reference DTS images and calculate 3D fiducial positions. Result No significant dose difference (<0.5%) was found between the original and converted IMRT beams. For a typical hypofractionated spine treatment, 200 single DTS (6° arc) and 10 paired DTS (20° arc) were acquired for each IMRT beam, providing in‐plane (IP) and out‐of‐plane (OP) monitoring every 1.5 and 30 seconds, respectively. Mean (standard deviation) error in predicted position was −0.3(0.2)mm, −0.1(0.1)mm IP, and 0.2(0.4)mm OP with rotational gantry, −0.1(0.1)mm, 0.7(0.3)mm IP and 1.9(1.1)mm OP with translational source/detector. Conclusion: Acquiring 3D fiducial positions from kV‐DTS during IMRT delivery is technically feasible. Enabling movement of kV‐source and detector during delivery could further reduce imaging time overhead. Part of the research is sponsored by Varian Medical System.
Cloning of cDNAs encoding human synapsins IIa and IIb.

The synapsins are a family of neuronal phosphoproteins that are specifically associated with the cytoplasmic surface of synaptic vesicles. In mammals, distinct genes for synapsins I, II, and III give rise to members of the synapsin family. The synapsins are implicated in neurotransmitter release and synaptogenesis, processes believed to be aberrant in several neuropsychiatric diseases. The characterization of human synapsins is therefore important for evaluating the possible role of synapsins in human neuropathology. In this report, we describe the cloning and sequence of human synapsins Ha and IIb, products of the synapsin II gene. Human synapsins Ha and IIb conform to the previously described domain model of the synapsins, and the most conserved protein domains are A, C, and E.
Variation in normal tissue responsiveness to WR-2721

Abstract The radioprotection afforded normal tissues by WR-2721 or S-213-aminopropylamino]ethylphosphorothioic acid varies widely, with some of the most responsive tissues showing low levels of absorbed drug and vice versa. While the oxygen tension of the respective tissues may be contributing to this variation, it can be shown that the drug is not homogeneously distributed within each tissue, and that its location within the sub-cellular compartments can vary widely. Recognition of this variability, when combined with the newly developed HPLC assays for drug quality, should provide new insights into the sources of variation in normal tissue responsiveness to these agents.
Phospholipase C isozymes as effectors of Ras superfamily GTPases

The physiological effects of many extracellular stimuli are initiated through receptor-promoted activation of phospholipase C and inositol lipid signaling pathways. The historical view that phospholipase C-promoted signaling primarily occurs through activation of heterotrimeric G proteins or tyrosine kinases has expanded in recent years with the realization that at least three different mammalian phospholipase C isozymes are directly activated by members of the Ras superfamily of GTPases. Thus, Ras, Rap, Rac, and Rho GTPases all specifically regulate certain phospholipase C isozymes, and insight into the physiological significance of these signaling responses is beginning to accrue. High resolution three-dimensional structures of phospholipase C isozymes also are beginning to shed light on their mechanism of activation.
Instrumental system for online inspection of poultry carcasses

A pilot-scale instrumental inspection system for poultry carcasses was assembled and is being tested for its robustness and real time operation. Two different techniques were implemented for the separation of wholesome and unwholesome carcasses on-line in real time. The first technique utilizes the visible-near-infrared spectroscopy of the carcasses and the other technique is based on multiple spectral imaging of the carcasses. They system acquired spectral images of the whole carcass and visible-near- infrared reflectance of its breast on a moving shackle and processes these spectral data for classification in real time. This paper presents the set-up of the pilot-scale instrumental inspection system and describes briefly the hardware and software modules implemented. Some preliminary test results are also presented.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
January Seasonality in Preferred Stocks

This study documents the existence of January season-ality in preferred stocks. January seasonality is found in all grades of preferred stock while stronger summer returns are also observed in low-grade preferred, which resembles findings reported in common equity. Although January seasonality is also found in high-grade preferred stocks, a size effect-which is used to explain the January seasonality in low-grade bonds-may not be able to account for the same seasonality observed in high-grade preferred.
Stereological meaning of the inflection point count

SUMMARY The relationship between the inflection point count on a representative microsection and the integral-asymptotoic line curvature of saddle surface in the system constitutes a new fundamental stereological equation. While the geometric meaning of this quantity cannot be readily visualized, it is unambiguous, and general for all structures. Combinations of the inflection point count with other descriptors of two-dimensional structures provide potentially useful descriptors of particle roughness, scale, and some aspects of shape. Like all measures of boundary properties, the inflection point count is sensitive to resolution; it is thus essential to report the level of resolution in conjuction with any experimental determination of IA.
Influence of Substrate Steps on the Orientation of Nuclei in Thin Deposits of Gold on Rocksalt

Gold was condensed in ultra-high vacuum (pressure < 2 × 10−9 Torr) onto vacuum cleaved sodium chloride. The deposits were backed with carbon, and after the substrate had been dissolved in water, they were examined in a transmission electron microsope to determine the influence that the cleavage steps on the salt surface had on the epitaxial alignment of gold nuclei. The observations showed that the presence of steps did not significantly influence the orientation of gold nuclei. Gold wurde im Ultra-Hochvakuum (Druck < 2 × 10−9 Torr) auf im selben Vakuum gespaltene NaCl-Oberflachen aufgedampft. Die Aufdampfschicht wurde mit Kohle verstarkt und, nach Auflosung der Unterlage in Wasser, im Durchstrahlungs-Elektronenmikroskop untersucht, um den Einflus der Spaltstufen der Salzoberflache auf die kantenparallele Orientierung der Goldkristallite festzustellen. Die Beobachtungen zeigten, das die Anwesenheit der Stufen keinen bedeutenden Einflus auf die Orientierung der Goldkristallite hatte.
Extraction with Ethanol as an Energy-Saving Alternative to Conventional Drying of Corn Starch

Drying of starch derived from corn wet-milling is an energy intensive operation in an energy intensive industry. An alternative to conventional drying involves extraction of water from the starch with an ethanol solution and reconcentration of the ethanol by distillation. Equilibrium data for starch with various concentrations of ethanol in water were obtained. These data were used to calculate the effect of multistage countercurrent extraction of mechanically dewatered starch using a mathematical model of the process. The energy required for drying the extracted starch and recovering the alcohol is predicted to be considerably less than that required for conventional drying. Energy savings up to 40% and more are possible.
The protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor is a serpin.

In the presence of phospholipid vesicles and calcium ions, protein Z (PZ) serves as a cofactor for the inhibition of coagulation factor Xa by a plasma protein called PZ-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI). To further characterize ZPI, its cDNA has been isolated and cloned from a human liver cDNA library. The ZPI cDNA is 2.44 kb in length and has a relatively long 5‘ region (466 nt) that contains six potential ATG translation start codons. ATG's 1−4 are followed by short open reading frames, whereas ATG5 and ATG6 are in an uninterrupted open reading frame that includes the encoded ZPI protein. In vitro experiments show that ATG6 is sufficient for the expression of rZPI in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Northern analysis suggests the liver is a major site of ZPI synthesis. The predicted 423 residue amino acid sequence of the mature ZPI protein is 25−35% homologous with members of the serpin superfamily of protease inhibitors and is 78% identical to the amino acid sequence predicted by a previously des...
Intestinal metaplasia of the stomach. A status report

Intestinal metaplasia in the stomach increases the risk of gastric cancer, and the increased risk is proportional to the extent of the metaplasia. This risk could be generated by one or more mechanisms: (1) the metaplastic tissue is an early step in a multistep induction process; (2) the metaplastic tissue is an epigenetic change that raises the pH of gastric juice by replacing oxyntic mucosa, favoring the growth of a bacteria capable of generating endogenous mutagens; and/or (3) the metaplasia is only a marker for chronic gastritis due to H. pylori infection or pernicious anemia. With the last mechanism, the inflammatory response favors intramural mutagenesis that might result in metaplasia or neoplasia as independent events. Finding gene rearrangements common to both metaplastic and neoplastic tissue may establish a direct link between them, but too few have been identified to account for the large number of stomach cancers that develop in high risk populations. Histochemical and immunochemical stains that identify enzymes or mucosubstances may suggest that metaplastic epithelial cells resemble small or large intestinal cells, but they are distinctly different from both. Moreover, these stains do not indicate whether a given cytologic change is genetic or epigenetic; therefore, they cannot be used to define the relationship between metaplasia and neoplasia. It is unnecessary for practicing physicians to await resolution of this question. It can be assumed that any person with extensive metaplasia is at high risk for gastric cancer and should be subject to periodic screening. The extent of the metaplastic process is probably more important than the metaplastic subtype.
Growth, Survival, and Migration Patterns of Juvenile Adfluvial Bonneville Cutthroat Trout in Tributaries of Strawberry Reservoir, Utah

Abstract Adfluvial Bonneville cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki utah were introduced into Strawberry Reservoir after a rotenone treatment in 1990. Naturally reproduced fry either migrated to the reservoir immediately after emergence (migrants) or remained in the tributaries for 1–2 years (nonmigrants). In 1995, fry emerged from mid-August to early September. Migrants moved downstream almost exclusively between 2100 and 0300 hours. Migrants were always the same size as newly emerged fry, whereas the mean size of nonmigrant fry increased throughout the emergence period. Most fry followed the nonmigrant strategy. Nonmigrant fry grew from 0.12 g (26 mm) at emergence to an average 1.2 g (50 mm) by early November. Mean densities of nonmigrant fry in low-velocity microhabitats along the stream margins ranged from 5.5 to 11.0 fry/m2 during the 6 weeks after first emergence. Mean focal point velocity of nonmigrant fry in microhabitats was 3.3 cm/s (SD = 1.4, N = 42) and the mean focal point depth was 11.8 cm (SD...
Role of inhibitory mechanisms in staring spells.

SummaryPhenomena of a negative nature—a motionless stare with arrest of mental activity—characterize absence seizures and some complex partial seizures. In agreement with this clinical observation, it has been found that the slow waves of the spike-wave complex are associated with inhibitory postsyn
The end may be hastened by magnetic monopoles

In an open Universe, or even in just a long-lived Universe (as predicted in inflationary Universe models1–3), the ultimate demise of matter is a certainty. Stars, of course, have only a fleeting existence as they must eventually exhaust their nuclear fuels (in ∼1010 yr for a 1 M⊙ star). In 1014 yr or so new star formation will have ceased, and only neutron stars, white dwarfs, planetary-sized objects (such as Jupiter and Earth) and black holes will remain4. In the simplest grand unified theories (GUTs) the proton lifetime is but 0(1030 yr), so that after this time neutron stars, white dwarfs, and planets will cease to exist. (Due to gravitational effects alone the proton lifetime is expected to be 0(1046 yr) or less.) Although they could outlive the other three, black holes will also eventually disappear, evaporating through the Hawking process5 in a time ≃1064(M/M⊙)3 yr. I point out here that the existence of just a tiny flux of superheavy magnetic monopoles, say F≃F−21 × 10−21 cm−2 sr−1 s−1, will, due to monopole-catalysed nucleon decay6,7, hasten the demise of matter. Due to the monopoles that collect inside them, the lifetime of a neutron star will be ≃1011F−½−21 yr, of a white dwarf ≃1014F−½−21 yr, and of an Earth-like planet ≃1018F−½−21 yr.
The thermally activated deformation of niobium-tungsten alloy single crystals

Data are presented on the temperature dependence of the yield stress and the stress dependence of the activation-rate parameters of Nb--W alloys (1 to 15 at.% W) at 65 to 77s deg K. Results show that thermally activated solid-solution hardening is probably due to combined solute and lattice friction-stress effects. (28 references) (DLC)
The N-factor in Natural Landscapes: Variability of Air and Soil-Surface Temperatures, Kuparuk River Basin, Alaska, U.S.A.

The n-factor, or ratio of the seasonal degree-day sum at the soil surface to that in the air at standard screen height, has been used for more than 40 yr in engineering studies to parameterize the ...
Building Shanghai, One Page at a Time: The Aesthetics of Installment Fiction at the Turn of the Century

In the last two decades of the Qing dynasty, installment publication became the dominant mode of presentation for Chinese fiction, as it had been for European and Japanese literature for more than half a century. Whether printed daily as one feature in a newspaper, weekly in literary supplements, or monthly in the fiction journals that took off in the early 1900s, Chinese vernacular fiction of this period appeared in parts over time, just as the works of Honore de Balzac, Charles Dickens, Jippensha Ikku, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and even Henry James did (Link 1981; Lee and Nathan 1985; Chen 1988). As early as 1892, Shanghai author Han Bangqing praised the installment form for heightening suspense and forcing the reader to imagine what might happen next; by 1910 “addiction” to installment fiction could be understood as an aesthetic experience, and the popularity of the format would only increase in the decades to follow. This article seeks to trace the rise of the installment form in late Qing and early Republican China, investigate its ties with the contemporaneous cultural production of Shanghai as a metropolitan media center, and demonstrate the effects of its associated aesthetic.
A copula-based joint deficit index for droughts.

Summary Current drought information is based on indices that do not capture the joint behaviors of hydrologic variables. To address this limitation, the potential of copulas in characterizing droughts from multiple variables is explored in this study. Starting from the standardized index (SI) algorithm, a modified index accounting for seasonality is proposed for precipitation and streamflow marginals. Utilizing Indiana stations with long-term observations (a minimum of 80 years for precipitation and 50 years for streamflow), the dependence structures of precipitation and streamflow marginals with various window sizes from 1- to 12-months are constructed from empirical copulas. A joint deficit index (JDI) is defined by using the distribution function of copulas. This index provides a probability-based description of the overall drought status. Not only is the proposed JDI able to reflect both emerging and prolonged droughts in a timely manner, it also allows a month-by-month drought assessment such that the required amount of precipitation for achieving normal conditions in future can be computed. The use of JDI is generalizable to other hydrologic variables as evidenced by similar drought severities gleaned from JDIs constructed separately from precipitation and streamflow data. JDI further allows the construction of an inter-variable drought index, where the entire dependence structure of precipitation and streamflow marginals is preserved.
Normal iconic memory for stimuli invisible to the rods.

This note is prompted in part by the unsettling report of Mollon and Polden (1978) on the time constants of tachistoscopes. They tested a number of tachistoscopes, including an Iconix fitted with the lamps used by Banks and Barber (1977), and found that they typically required about 18 msec to reach 900/0 of full output when they were turned on or to decline to 10% of output when turned off. Furthermore, the spectral composition of the light changed Over the rise and fall periods. The change in spectral composition is particularly important because the conclusion we drew (Banks & Barber, 1977), that iconic memory was not strictly a rod phenomenon, depended in part on use of stimuli that present zero contrast to the rods, despite being clearly distinguishable to the cones. In that research we created letter arrays by using one color of paper for figure and another for ground such that the cones, but not the rods, could see the contrast between the colors and thus only the cones could be used to detect the letters. The fact that these arrays gave typical iconic decay curves and a partial report superiority seemed to us to be good evidence that iconic memory did not require the rods. We realized, of course, that the matching of the colored papers depends on the spectral composition of the illuminant, and we made our matches using as an illuminant the steady-state light of the stimulus field of the Iconix, filtered through the two mirrors through which the stimulus was seen in Our experiments. If, however, the spectral composition of the light during the rise and fall periods of the tachistoscope lamps was not the same as it was during the steady-state period, then the stimulus arrays would not have zero contrast for the rods during these periods, and the rods might have been able to mediate iconic memory during experimental trials. Another motivation for this note comes from Sakitt and Long (1979), which shows that a small
Is NO3 formed during the decomposition of nitramine explosives

Quantum chemistry calculations reveal that it is both thermodynamically and kinetically feasible for NO2 to be oxidized by RDX (1,3,5-trinitrohexahydro-s-triazine) or its initial decomposition products. Thus, NO3 (nitrate radical) may be produced during the thermal decomposition of RDX and other nitramines. However, experimental studies of the gaseous products, by mass spectrometry and microwave spectroscopy, have never detected NO3. This fact is reconciled with the calculations by noting that (1) the electron-impact, positive-ion mass spectrum of NO3 shows little parent ion, (2) NO3 lacks a permanent electric dipole moment and is therefore invisible to microwave spectroscopy, and (3) NO3 is quite reactive. Further experiments are encouraged and could lead to a new method for detecting concealed nitramines.
Administrative and Professional Issues for the Occupational Therapist in Home Health Care

Administrative and professional issues for the occupational therapist working in home health care include contractual relationships, referral systems, third-party reimbursement, documentation, equipment, and ethics. In this paper, the regulations for third-party reimbursement by Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross for occupational therapy in home health care are explained, including the Medicare definition of homebound status and the requirement that treatment be restorative. The effect of such regulations on occupational therapy treatment planning and documentation of services is discussed. Coverage of frequently ordered equipment by Medicare and Medicaid is explained. Both the issues related to standards of practice, including the length and frequency of occupational therapy treatment sessions, and the expected duration of treatment are discussed. The effect on the professional relationship of treating patients in their own environments is examined. Changes in third-party reimbursement for inpatient care have presented occupational therapists with the challenge of working with acutely ill patients in their homes.
Inter-tablet coating variability: Tablet residence time variability

Abstract This paper investigates inter-tablet coating variability, specifically, the variability of tablet residence times within the spray zone of a horizontal coating pan. Results from experiments, discrete element method (DEM) computer simulations, and an analytical model developed to describe the coating mass distribution are presented. The simulations indicate that the coefficient of variation of tablet residence times, and subsequently, of coating mass, decreases with time following a power law relation. The theoretical model demonstrates that the coefficient of variation of residence time for a randomly mixed tablet bed is inversely proportional to the square root of the number of coating “trials”. DEM simulations show that during each pan revolution, tablets in the spray zone remain in a quasi-segregated state from tablets located outside the spray zone for some time period termed Δ t seg . Increasing the pan's Froude number, the spray zone aspect ratio, and the tablet–tablet and tablet–pan friction coefficient all act to decrease Δ t seg , leading to more uniform residence times and less inter-tablet coating variability for a given operating time. The relationship between Δ t seg and tablet load is more complex due changes in bed dynamics. In addition to the variability studies, a model is developed that relates coating fraction, effective mass flow rate, Δ t seg , and the desired coating mass to the allowable fraction of tablets with a coating mass lying outside of a specified range of coating masses.
A survey of environmental radioactivity measurements in the United States

Abstract A survey of selected radiochemical laboratories in the United States was conducted to estimate the relative numbers and types of analyses performed nationwide for the measurement of environmental radio-activity and to identify the regulatory requirements which affect the selection of analytical procedures and media. Information was sought from each laboratory regarding its parent facility, whether the laboratory performs its own analyses or contracts them out, and the technical and regulatory requirements for which the laboratory performed analyses. Analyses of water, air-particulate, and soil and sediment samples contribute the greatest workload. Many fewer vegetation, milk, diet, gas, or bioassay samples are processed. The most common measurements, especially for water, are for gross-α and gross-β activity. More than 50 different specific-radionuclide analyses are being performed with varying degree of regularity by the 161 laboratories surveyed. γ-spectrometry is the most frequently used method for specific-radionuclide analyses; the use of Ge (Li) detectors for γ-spectrometric measurements now exceeds that of NaI (Tl) detectors. Other radionuclides for which specific analyses are frequently performed by a large percentage (25–75%) of the laboratories include 90 Sr, 131 I, 226 Ra, 238,239 Pu, 234,235,238 U, and tritium in water (HTO).
"Scared Straight": Ideology and the media

One of the more widely publicized presentations about crime is “Scared Straight,” a documentary about a program in which juveniles visit inmates in a New Jersey penitentiary. It is the contention of this article that this film and the accompanying media coverage of it convey an ideology message concerning crime and criminals. Crime is presented as a matter of individual choice that has little relationship to any social variables. Criminals are portrayed in a one-dimensional manner as evil, vicious, and barely human. The documentary is a success because these images of crime and criminals conform to existing stereotypes. Based on these distorted images, the film and media coverage “market” a simplistic solution to crime that is compatible with their presentation of the crime problem.
Structure of the multigene family of MAL loci in Saccharomyces.

Multigene families are a ubiquitous feature of eukaryotes; however, their presence in Saccharomyces is more limited. The MAL multigene family is comprised of five unlined loci, MAL1, MAL2, MAL3, MAL4 and MAL6, any one of which is sufficient for yeast to metabolize maltose. A cloned MAL6 locus was used as a probe to facilitate the cloning of the other four functional loci as well as two partially active alleles of MAL1. Each locus could be characterized as a cluster of three genes, MALR (regulatory), MALT (maltose transport or permease) and MALS (structural or maltase), encoded by a total of about 7 kb of DNA; however, homologous sequences at each locus extend beyond the coding regions. Our results indicate that there is extensive homology among the MAL loci, especially within their maltase genes. The greatest sequence diversity occurs in their regulatory gene regions. Southern cross analyses of the cloned MAL loci indicate a single duplication of the MAL6R-homologous sequences upstream of the MAL6R gene as well as an extensive duplication of more than 10 kb at the MAL3 locus. The large repeat at the MAL3 locus results in the presence of four copies of MAL3R-homologous sequences and two copies of MAL3T-homologous sequences at that locus. Two naturally occurring inactive alleles of MAL1 show a deletion or divergence of their MALR sequences. The significance of these repeats in the evolution of the MAL multigene family is discussed.
Evaluation of aromatic-derivatized cyclofructans 6 and 7 as HPLC chiral selectors

The two best aromatic-functionalized cyclofructan chiral stationary phases, R-naphthylethyl-carbamate cyclofructan 6 (RN-CF6) and dimethylphenyl-carbamate cyclofructan 7 (DMP-CF7), were synthesized and evaluated by injecting various classes of chiral analytes. They provided enantioselectivity toward a broad range of compounds, including chiral acids, amines, metal complexes, and neutral compounds. It is interesting that they exhibited complementary selectivities and the combination of two columns provided enantiomeric separations for 43% of the test analytes. These extensive chromatographic results provided useful information about method development of specific analytes, and also gave some insight as to the enantioseparation mechanism.
Effect of Environmental Factors on the Kinetics of Insulin Fibril Formation: Elucidation of the Molecular Mechanism

In the search for the molecular mechanism of insulin fibrillation, the kinetics of insulin fibril formation were studied under different conditions using the fluorescent dye thioflavin T (ThT). The effect of insulin concentration, agitation, pH, ionic strength, anions, seeding, and addition of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS), urea, TMAO, sucrose, and ThT on the kinetics of fibrillation was investigated. The kinetics of the fibrillation process could be described by the lag time for formation of stable nuclei (nucleation) and the apparent rate constant for the growth of fibrils (elongation). The addition of seeds eliminated the lag phase. An increase in insulin concentration resulted in shorter lag times and faster growth of fibrils. Shorter lag times and faster growth of fibrils were seen at acidic pH versus neutral pH, whereas an increase in ionic strength resulted in shorter lag times and slower growth of fibrils. There was no clear correlation between the rate of fibril elongation and ionic ...
Inducible expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis FACTOR-α, and INTERFERON-γ in two human cytotoxic leukemic T-cell lines

We investigated the ability of the TALL-103/2 and TALL-104 leukemic cell lines to produce lymphokines in response to activation signals, such as tumor cells and anti-CD3 (OKT3) or -CD2 (B67.1) monoclonal antibodies (mAb) or both. Both cell lines were found to produce high levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The latter lymphokine is induced by lysable tumor cells and by immobilized OKT3 and B67.1 mAb only in the presence of interleukin (IL-2). IFN-γ and TNF-α are induced upon CD3 but not CD2 stimulation, both in the presence and absence of IL-2. Interestingly, the B67.1 mAb amplifies the OKT3-induced responses by 2- to 10-fold, bringing the IFN-γ and TNF-α levels of production up to 200 U/ml. Thus, simultaneous triggering of the CD2 and CD3 signaling pathways results in a very efficient lymphokine release. Of all the tumor cell lines tested as inducers, only K562 cells are able to stimulate the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α in TALL-103/2 and TALL-104 cells, especially upon culture in IL-2. Lymphokine mRNA expression after stimulation with mAb or K562 cells peaks at 2 h in both cell lines. No messages are detectable in TALL-103/2 cells at 8 h, whereas in TALL-104 cells, IFN-γ and GM-CSF transcripts are still present at 8 and 20 h, respectively. The inducible and highly regulatable expression of lymphokine release by these cell lines provides a unique model for studying mechanisms of lymphokine induction by different biological agents.
Nurse-Administered Laser in Dermatology

Nurses have become an essential part of patient care in laser therapy. In dermatology, the potential for helping patients achieve excellent results for individual skin needs is exponential when combined with appropriate technology, evidence-based care, and a competent, conscientious nurse. This article explains how a laser functions, outlines the use of lasers in treating particular dermatologic conditions, provides guidelines for posttreatment care, and discusses the nurse's role in providing laser treatment.
Radon: Appealing to our fears1

This study examines the psychological response to the threat of radon gas. This study contributes new information to the theoretical literature pertaining to fear appeals in general and the threat to children from radon gas in particular. The presence or absence of children living in the home resulted in opposite effects of alternative levels of threat. Those with children in the home were more motivated to call for information simply as the result of adding a vivid “x-ray sizzle effect” to an otherwise identical video stimulus. When the effect is not in the ad, people without children in the house were more motivated to call. Theoretical insights as to why this occurred are offered. The results also suggest arousal, attitude toward the ad, propensity toward avoidance of maladaptive behaviors, and perceived future likelihood of radon exposure also impact intent to call for more information on the radon threat. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant neoplasms of the major salivary glands

Between January 1, 1968 and December 31, 1978, 42 patients with malignant lesions involving the major salivary glands were seen at the Medical College of Virginia. A 60% 2-year survival and a 42% 5-year survival were noted. Histologic type was the major determinant of survival. Symptoms other than a painless mass, a largest dimension greater than 4 cm, older age, and clinical spread outside the gland were all suggestive of both a more malignant histologic type and a worse prognosis. Based on these observations, a plan is proposed for the diagnostic approach and treatment of salivary gland masses that is based on the mode of presentation and histologic findings.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION

(1992). CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION. Religious Education: Vol. 87, No. 3, pp. 331-336.
Attitude heritability and attitude reinforcement: A replication.

Abstract In a replication of Tesser and Crelia ( Personality and Individual Differences , 16, 571–577, 1994), 40 subjects provided their attitudes on items selected from two inventories of political conservatism. (The heritabilities of these items had been previously estimated.) In a second task, subjects chose among four alternatives on each of 50 trials. Each choice type was systematically followed by either a high or low heritability attitude item showing a response that either agreed or disagreed with the subject. The results yielded more consistent support than Tesser and Crelia (1994) for the hypothesis that attitude agreement is more consequential for high than for low heritability attitudes.