cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assuring the reliability of resident performance appraisals: More items or more observations?

Background The tendency to add items to resident performance rating forms has accelerated due to new ACGME competency requirements. This study addresses the relative merits of adding items versus increasing number of observations. The specific questions addressed are (1) what is the reliability of single items used to assess resident performance, (2) what effect does adding items have on reliability, and (3) how many observations are required to obtain reliable resident performance ratings. Methods Surgeon ratings of resident performance were collected for 3 years. The rating instrument had 3 single items representing clinical performance, professional behavior, and comparisons to other house staff. Reliability analyses were performed separately for each year, and variance components were pooled across years to compute overall reliability coefficients. Results Single-item resident performance rating scales were equivalent to multiple-item scales using conventional reliability standards. Increasing the number of rating items had little effect on reliability. Increasing the number of observations had a much larger effect. Conclusions Program directors should focus on increasing the number of observations per resident to improve performance sampling and reliability of assessment. Increasing the number of rating items had little effect on reliability and is unlikely to assess new ACGME competencies adequately.
Asset price bubbles in Arrow-Debreu and sequential equilibrium*

Price bubbles in an Arrow-Debreu equilibrium in an infinite-time economy are a manifestation of lack of countable additivity of valuation of assets. In contrast, the known examples of price bubbles in a sequential equilibrium in infinite time cannot be attributed to the lack of countable additivity of valuation. In this paper we develop a theory of valuation of assets in sequential markets (with no uncertainty) and study the nature of price bubbles in light of this theory. We define a payoff pricing operator that maps a sequence of payoffs to the minimum cost of an asset holding strategy that generates it. We show that the payoff pricing functional is linear and countably additive on the set of positive payoffs if and only if there is no Ponzi scheme, provided that there is no restriction on long positions in the assets. In the known examples of equilibrium price bubbles in sequential markets valuation is linear and countably additive. The presence of a price bubble means that the dividends of an asset can be purchased in sequential markets at a cost lower than the asset's price. We present further examples of equilibrium price bubbles in which valuation is nonlinear, or linear but not countably additive.
Effects of Morphine and Time of Day on Pain and Beta-Endorphin:

Clients report more pain at some times of day than at others due, in part, to the temporal variation of the body's inhibitory pain response. The analgesic effectiveness of morphine varies with the time of day, perhaps due to the inhibiting or enhancing effects of the drug on plasma beta-endorphin (BE). This experiment was designed to examine the timed effects of morphine on the pain-induced BE response. Six groups of treatment mice (injected with morphine sulfate) and 6 groups of control mice (injected with saline) were exposed to an acute pain stimulus at 4-h intervals, and blood was collected. Plasma BE was analyzed using radioimmunoassay. Control mice showed a robust circadian BE-response rhythm with a peak at 0000 and a nadir at 1200, whereas the BE response of mice that received morphine was arrhythmic. Animals that received morphine tolerated the noxious stimulus longer, but the analgesia varied with time of day. These results indicate that morphine abolishes the rhythmic BE response to pain and does not inhibit pain equally at all times of day. Morphine doses should be titrated to maximize the endogenous pain control system while achieving analgesia with decreased dosages.
The East Asian dollar standard

Abstract American complaints that East Asia's softly pegged dollar exchange rates aggravate the huge American trade deficit are misplaced. Because of massive U.S. government fiscal deficits and very low saving by American households, the relatively high-saving East Asian countries are virtually forced to run export surpluses whatever the exchange rate regime. But with the sharp rise of intra-East Asian trade and economic integration, mutual exchange rate stability among East Asian countries is devoutly to be wished. In the absence of an “Asian euro,” however, the only feasible way of achieving this mutual exchange stability is for East Asian governments individually to peg the region's dominant key currency: the U.S. dollar.
Electron Transfer Model for the Electric Field Effect on Quantum Yield of Charge Separation in Bacterial Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

The effect of an electric field on a photoinduced charge separation process is treated theoretically. The system considered is a reaction center (RC) of photosynthetic bacteria, involving an electron transfer (ET) from the electronically excited singlet state of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer (P) to the bacteriopheophytin (H) and quinone (Q). In contrast to formulations which focus only on the forward steps and do not explain the major effect on the quantum yield of P^+Q^- or, in Q-depleted samples, of P^+H^-, the present study includes the effect on the back reactions, an effect which we find to be large. The low-frequency medium and high-frequency intramolecular vibrational modes are included in the calculation of the various ET rates. Recent experimental results on the ET energetics, including the estimated effect of static heterogeneity in RCs, are incorporated. The rate equations for the population densities of distinct states are solved for both oriented and randomly oriented (isotropic) RC samples, and the results are compared with experimental data for the field-induced reduction of the quantum yield of formation of charge-separated state P^+Q^-. A simple (quasi-equilibrium) model calculation illustrates the essential features of this analysis of the electric field effect and compares reasonably well with these numerical results of the more detailed model. The question of the electric field effect on the fluorescence quantum yield is also addressed, and a suggestion is made for consistency with the data on the formation of P^+Q^-.
Location Analysis and Regional Development: Summing Up and Moving on

Critiques of the urban functions in rural development approach have explored the strengths and limitations of this regional planning process as well as those of the location-allocation algorithms proposed as an alternative. Whatever the limitations of the two approaches may be, however, location-allocation algorithms cannot replace the broader planning framework of the urban functions method. Continuing the debate over the merits of these regional planning methods has become less important than examining the lessons from nearly two decades of experience of applying the urban functions method in developing countries. Those lessons can help regional scientists formulate new methods of regional analysis that will be useful to planners and policymakers in the future.
Using contingency management procedures to reduce at-risk drinking in heavy drinkers.

BACKGROUND: Treatments for alcohol use disorders typically have been abstinence based, but harm reduction approaches that encourage drinkers to alter their drinking behavior to reduce the probability of alcohol-related consequences, have gained in popularity. This study used a contingency management procedure to determine its effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers. METHODS: Eighty-two nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers (ages 21 to 54, M = 30.20) who did not meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence participated in the study. The study had 3 phases: (i) an Observation phase (4 weeks) where participants drank normally; (ii) a Contingency Management phase (12 weeks) where participants were paid $50 weekly for not exceeding low levels of alcohol consumption as measured by transdermal alcohol concentrations, RESULTS: On average 42.3% of participants met the contingency criteria and were paid an average of $222 during the Contingency Management phase, with an average $1,998 in total compensation throughout the study. Compared to the Observation phase, the percent of any self-reported drinking days significantly decreased from 59.9 to 40.0% in the Contingency Management and 32.0% in the Follow-up phases. The percent of self-reported heavy drinking days reported also significantly decreased from 42.4% in the Observation phase to 19.7% in the Contingency Management phase, which was accompanied by a significant increase in percent days of self-reported no (from 40.1 to 60.0%) and low-level drinking (from 9.9 to 15.4%). Self-reported reductions in drinking either persisted, or became more pronounced, during the Follow-up phase. CONCLUSIONS: Contingency management was associated with a reduction in self-reported episodes of heavy drinking among nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers. These effects persisted even after incentives were removed, indicating the potential utility of contingency management as a therapeutic intervention to reduce harmful patterns of drinking. Language: en
Reflectance confocal microscopy of optical phantoms.

A reflectance confocal scanning laser microscope (rCSLM) operating at 488-nm wavelength imaged three types of optical phantoms: (1) 100-nm-dia. polystyrene microspheres in gel at 2% volume fraction, (2) solid polyurethane phantoms (INO BiomimicTM), and (3) common reflectance standards (SpectralonTM). The noninvasive method measured the exponential decay of reflected signal as the focus (zf) moved deeper into the material. The two experimental values, the attenuation coefficient μ and the pre-exponential factor ρ, were mapped into the material optical scattering properties, the scattering coefficient μs and the anisotropy of scattering g. Results show that μs varies as 58, 8–24, and 130–200 cm-1 for phantom types (1), (2) and (3), respectively. The g varies as 0.112, 0.53–0.67, and 0.003–0.26, respectively.
Real-space approach to calculation of electric polarization and dielectric constants.

We describe a real-space approach to the calculation of the properties of an insulating crystal in an applied electric field, based on the iterative determination of the Wannier functions (WF's) of the occupied bands. It has been recently shown that a knowledge of the occupied WF's allows the calculation of the spontaneous (zero-field) electronic polarization. Building on these ideas, we describe a method for calculating the electronic polarization and dielectric constants of a material in non-zero field. The method is demonstrated for a one-dimensional tight-binding Hamiltonian.
Cellular and ultrastructural features of the regenerating adult eye in the marine gastropod llyanassa obsoleta

Light and electron microscopic techniques were used to study the cellular and ultrastructural components of the regenerating adult eye of the marine prosobranch gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta. Behavioral tests were used to determine return of vision in animals with generated eyes. As early as 3 days after removal of the adult eye, the regenerating eye primordium appeared as a pigmented mass of cells that invaginated from the surface epithelium in the area of the wound. Twelve days after eye removal, the regenerating eye was very similar to the postmetamorphic juvenile eye and to the adult eye: It contained a retinal layer, as well as an extracellular lens, cornea, connective tissue capsule, and forming optic nerve; vision had returned. Growth of the eye and its components was linear; size ratios established among forming eye components were maintained during growth. The events of eye regeneration appear to recapitulate embryonic eye formation. The sequence of invagination, pigmentation, and lens, optic nerve, and retinal pattern formation are similar.
Clock estimation for long-term synchronization in wireless sensor networks with exponential delays

Although the existing time synchronization protocols in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are efficient for short periods, many applications require long-term synchronization among the nodes, for example, coordinated sleep and wakeup modes, and synchronized sampling. In such applications, experiments have shown that even clock skew correction cannot maintain long-term clock synchronization and a quadratic model of clock variations can better capture the dynamics of the actual clock model involved, hence increasing the resynchronization period and conserving significant energy. This paper derives the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for all the clock parameters in a two-way timing exchange model with exponential delays. The same estimation procedure can be applied to one-way timing exchange models with little modification.
An introduction to the PLATO CAI system

The PLATO interactive computer system is discussed as a fully developed large-scale CAI system. Both the hardware and software aspects of the system are discussed. The discussion of hardware includes the necessary equipment to operate a PLATO system and the flow of control during an interactive session on that system. The discussion of the software on the PLATO system focuses on the TUTOR lesson-authoring language. The aspects of the TUTOR language that facilitate display of material, student input and judging of input, and either student-initiated or author-initiated branching in the program are discussed.
Assessment of Microbial Biofilm Growth on Nanocrystalline Diamond in a Continuous Perfusion Environment

A major concern with medical and dental biomaterials is colonization of these materials with microbial biofilms. One material processed using chemical vapor deposition and other conventional top-down nanomanufacturing technologies that has recently been considered for use in preventing growth of microorganisms is the nanocrystalline diamond. Nanocrystalline diamond coatings have been evaluated for use as coatings on medical implants (e.g., hip prostheses) and surgical tools due to their low coefficient of friction, high corrosion resistance, high hardness, and high wear resistance. In this study, the microstructural properties and microorganism interaction behavior of nanocrystalline diamond coatings were examined. A device for examining microbial biofilms known as a CDC biofilm reactor was used to examine the interaction between a fiuorescent microorganism, Pseudomonar fiuorescens, and nanocrystalline diamond coatings in a continuous perfusion environment. Biofilm formation was evident on the nanocrystalline diamond surface after 24 h. No correlation between grain size or morphology and cell density was observed; large variations in P. fiuorescens growth on the coatings were observed, even for the samples with similar grain sizes and morphologies. The results of this study suggest that nanocrystalline diamond coatings do not prevent Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm development in a continuous perfusion environment. Additional treatment of the nanocrystalline diamond coatings with antimicrobial and/or antifouling agents would be necessary to prevent formation of microbial biofilms. The development of novel continuous flow technologies for evaluating the growth of microbial biofilms on biomaterials will provide a better understanding of biomaterial-microorganism interaction and will enable the creation of enhanced antimicrobial biomaterials.
Waveguide-grating couplers for illumination of photonic antennas

To obtain uniform illumination of photonic reconfigurable antennas, a waveguide grating with a nonuniform grating profile may be used. Theoretical studies using approximate models indicate that the grating profile should have a hyperbolic spatial variation along the length of the coupler. This yields a spatially varying diffraction efficiency that compensates for the loss of light as it is diffracted out of the waveguide. Utilizing a holographic interferometer with a computer controlled shutter in one arm, gratings with appropriate spatial profile variation have been recorded in photoresist and transferred to produce photopolymer waveguide gratings. These planar couplers are integrated with optical fiber bundles for input light delivery. The grating periods are chosen to produce orthogonally propagating output waves. A dielectric mirror arrangement is used to reflect the parasitic diffracted order back onto the antenna element. The best devices obtained to date exhibit output uniformity of plus or minus 6% over a coupler length of 20 mm with total efficiency exceeding 50%.
An explanation for the observed correlation between the decoupling index and the K-W-W stretching parameter

Abstract Existing theoretical work implies that the topological conditions defining a critical rate for the shear viscosity in disordered systems are more restrictive than that defining the resistivity, explaining the failure of the Einstein relation at low temperatures. Semi-quantitative estimates have been given for the energies defining these two transport properties in the case of a distribution of barrier heights which is approximately Gaussian, and which has a width roughly equal to its most probable value. This theory has been shown to explain some results previously not understood, and to aid in defining a unified physical perspective. Now it is shown that the same framework implies a correlation between non-exponentiality in the dielectric relaxation and the so-called ‘decoupling index’.
The Neutron Structure of the Hydrophobic Plant Protein Crambin

Crystals of the small Hydrophobic protein crambin have been shown to diffract to a resolution of at least 0.88 A (11). This means that crambin presents a rare opportunity to study a protein structure at virtually atomic resolution. The high resolution of the diffraction pattern coupled with the assets of neutron diffraction present the distinct possibility that crambin’s analysis may surpass that of any other protein system in degree and accuracy of detail.
Component processes in the comprehension of simple prose

The comprehension process is generally viewed as consisting of several component subprocesses. These processes were presented in the form of a conventional process model, and then characterized more explicitly by a simulation model. The model was used to account for the reading times of individual sentences in simple passages obtained in a free reading task, a topic choice task, and a recall task. Multiple regression was used to obtain predicted reading times from the number of processing steps performed in each process of the simulation model. Additional variables were defined to account for task differences. The model accounted for about 96% of the variance among mean reading times. The fit between the model and the data was excellent except for incoherent passages in the recall task. The results of the regression analysis indicate how much time is contributed by each component process to the total reading time, and suggest that the reading tasks differ in the presence or absence of task-specific component processes.
Analytic derivation of static pressure distribution in fully developed helical flows

Nondecaying helical flows are generated in turbomachinery, air pollution devices, chemical engineering processes, and along the hub of the jet engines and therefore, have wide engineering applications. In such flow systems, the static pressure is an unknown quantity analytically and very difficult to measure experimentally. This difficulty is usually due to the physical presence of the probe which tends to destroy the true pressure field when placed in the flow field. Therefore, it is very desirable to have an analytic expression to assess the static pressure in such complex flows, when the velocity field is to be explored and determined. An analytical solution to the problem is derived.
Local secondary structure in ribonuclease A denatured by guanidine · HCl near 1 °C

Recent work has shown that a short α-helix can be stable in water near 1 °C when stabilized by specific interactions between side-chains, while earlier “host-guest” results with random copolymers have shown that a short α-helix is unstable in water at all temperatures in the absence of stabilizing side-chain interactions. As regards the mechanism of protein folding, it is now reasonable on energetic grounds to consider isolated α-helices and β-sheets as the first intermediates on the pathway of protein folding. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance is used here to detect isolated secondary structures in ribonuclease A denatured by guanidine · HCl (GuHCl). Temperatures near 1 °C are used because the low-temperature stability of the C-peptide helix may be a general property of isolated secondary structures in water. Our procedure is to titrate with GuHCl the C2H resonance lines of the four histidine residues of denatured ribonuclease A. Studies of model peptides (C-peptide (lactone) and C-peptide carboxylate, residues 1 to 13 of ribonuclease A; S-peptide, residues 1 to 20) show linear titration curves for the C2H resonance of His12 above 0.5 M-GuHCl, once helix unfolding is complete. Deviations from this line are used to monitor helix formation. The GuHCl titration curves of the other three histidine residues are also linear, once unfolding is complete. The results show that the helix found in C-peptide and S-peptide is also found in denatured ribonuclease A, where it behaves as an isolated helix not stabilized significantly by interactions with other chain segments. Studies of denatured S-protein show that the remaining three His residues, His48, His105 and His119, are involved in structure only below 1 m-GuHCl at 9 °C, pH 1.9. The nature of this structure is not known. The main conclusion from this work is that the His12 helix can be observed as a stable, isolated helix in denatured ribonuclease A near 1 °C, and that none of the other three His residues is involved in a comparably stable local structure. In native ribonuclease A, His12 is within an α-helix and the other three His residues are involved in a 3-stranded β-sheet structure. The helix-coil transition of C-peptide has also been studied for other side-chain resonances by GuHCl titration. Typically, but not always, the titration curves are linear after helix unfolding takes place and resonance lines from different residues of the same amino acid type can be resolved in GuHCl solutions. This is true of the four histidine residues of ribonuclease A although their pK values in 5 m-GuHCl are nearly the same. In C-peptide, the βCH3 resonance of Ala6 is affected strongly by GuHCl while the lines of Ala4 and Ala5 are shifted only weakly by GuHCl. Evidently the interactions between GuHCl and side-chains in an unfolded peptide depend upon neighboring groups.
Investigation of Portevin−Le Chatelier effect in HT-9 steel

Abstract Portevin−Le Chatelier (PLC) effect has been observed in HT-9 steel. The present study involves different types of tensile testing to characterize the features of PLC effectin HT-9 steel. Stress serrations observed during tensile tests are analyzed using different statistical analysis techniques to investigate the underlying nature of the effect. Peaked type of stress drop distribution indicated occurrence of type B serrations in the steel. Multiscale entropy analysis of the stress serrations indicated substitutional solute atoms to be responsible for the PLC effect in HT-9 steel.
Tracking Coronal Features from the Low Corona to Earth: A Quantitative Analysis of the 2008 December 12 Coronal Mass Ejection

We have tracked a slow magnetic cloud associated coronal mass ejection (CME) continuously from its origin as a flux rope structure in the low solar corona over a four-day passage to impact with spacecraft located near Earth. Combining measurements from the STEREO, ACE, and Wind space missions, we are able to follow major elements with enough specificity to relate pre-CME coronal structure in the low corona to the corresponding elements seen in the near-Earth in situ data. Combining extreme ultraviolet imaging, quantitative Thomson scattering data throughout the flight of the CME, and ground-truth in situ measurements, we: (1) identify the plasma observed by ACE and Wind with specific features in the solar corona (a segment of a long flux rope); (2) determine the onset mechanism of the CME (destabilization of a filament channel following flare reconnection, coupled with the mass draining instability) and demonstrate that it is consistent with the in situ measurements; (3) identify the origin of different layers of the sheath material around the central magnetic cloud (closed field lifted from the base of the corona, closed field entrained during passage through the corona, and solar wind entrained by the front of the CME); (4) measure mass accretion of the system via snowplow effects in the solar wind as the CME crossed the solar system; and (5) quantify the kinetic energy budget of the system in interplanetary space, and determine that it is consistent with no long-term driving force on the CME.
The commutative cohomology of nilsemigroups

Abstract Our main result computes the second cohomology group of any finite commutative nilsemigroup with identity adjoined, in terms of its presentation.
The small GTPases Ras, Rac, and Cdc42 transcriptionally regulate expression of human fibroblast growth factor 1.

Four distinct promoters (1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), spaced up to 70 kilobase pairs apart, direct the expression of alternatively spliced transcript variants (FGF1.A, -1. B, -1.C, and -1.D) that encode FGF1. These FGF1 transcripts can be detected in cultured cells as well as in normal and diseased tissues. These transcripts are differentially regulated in a cell-specific manner. To further delineate the biological function of multiple promoter usage by a single gene, we investigated the transcriptional regulation of these promoters by defined signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and cell survival. Here we show a specific association of two of the FGF1 promoters, 1C and 1D, with signaling cascades of the Ras superfamily of GTPases. A serum-response element, comprised of the Ets and CArG motifs, present in promoter 1D was shown to be the target of distinct signaling cascades; the Ets motif target of Ras, Rac1, and Cdc42 regulation; and the CArG motif target of de novo protein synthesis-independent cascade. Ras and Rac1 also activated the FGF2 promoter. Further, the transcription factor Ets2 synergistically activated FGF1 gene, but not FGF2, in a Ras- and Rac1-dependent signaling pathway. In support of these conclusions high levels of intracellular FGF1 were detected in cells undergoing cytokinesis. Altogether, our results suggest that FGF1 may play a fundamental role in cell division, spreading, and migration, in addition to cell proliferation.
Vertical bridgman and gradient freeze growth of III-V compound semiconductors

Major improvements in the structural and electrical perfection of single crystals of III-V compound semiconductors have been achieved by using new vertical Bridgman-type and vertical gradient freeze techniques. A general review of experimental set-ups used for growth of large diameter crystals of GaP, InP and GaAs is presented. Crystal properties and characteristic features are discussed to illustrate advantages and disadvantages of the vertical Bridgman-type growth techniques. 22 refs., 5 figs.
on the theory and measurement of domestic labor intensity

This paper describes increasing labor intensification as an adaptive strategy in domestic production. Historical literature on European peasants and empirical data from an Alpine village support the proposition that domestic groups prolong their survival as peasants in industrial societies by substituting more labor-intensive products for the previous, less labor-intensive ones. This view contrasts with the theory that the domestic group fails to intensify labor when it needs to do so. The latter position, as it is presented by Sahlins, is shown to be the result of an underestimation of domestic labor Intensity.
Total synthesis of (-)- and ent-(+)-vindoline and related alkaloids

A concise 11-step total synthesis of (-)- and ent-(+)-vindoline (3) is detailed based on a unique tandem intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade of a 1,3,4-oxadiazole inspired by the natural product structure, in which three rings and four C-C bonds are formed central to the characteristic pentacyclic ring system setting all six stereocenters and introducing essentially all the functionality found in the natural product in a single step. As key elements of the scope and stereochemical features of the reaction were defined, a series of related natural products of increasing complexity were prepared by total synthesis including both enantiomers of minovine (4), 4-desacetoxy-6,7-dihydrovindorosine (5), 4-desacetoxyvindorosine (6), and vindorosine (7) as well as N-methylaspidospermidine (11). Subsequent extensions of the approach provided both enantiomers of 6,7-dihydrovindoline (8), 4-desacetoxyvindoline (9), and 4-desacetoxy-6,7-dihydrovindoline (10).
Consequences of selenite supplementation on the growth and metabolism of cultures of canine mammary cells.

Abstract Previous studies with cultures of canine mammary cells revealed differences in the degree of growth inhibition caused by selenite supplementation, with canine mammary tumor cell line 13 > 11 ⪢ non-neoplastic canine mammary cells. The present studies show this variation in growth retardation cannot be explained by selenium retention. Intracellular glutathione related inversely to the degree of growth inhibition resulting from the addition of selenite. Dimethyl selenide formation by S-9 preparations corresponded to the sensitivity of the culture to supplemental selenite. DL-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine, a specific inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis, accentuated the growth inhibition and prevented the increase in intracellular glutathione caused by supplemental selenite. Treatment of canine mammary tumor cell line 13 cultures with DL-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine resulted in a persistent depletion of intracellular glutathione without affecting growth. Glutathione reductase activity, before and following selenite, was inversely related to the degree of growth inhibition, with canine mammary tumor cell line 13 > 11 > non-neoplastic canine mammary tumor cell line. Selenite addition increased the activity of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase in canine mammary tumor cell line 11 and non-neoplastic canine mammary cells, but not in canine mammary tumor cell line 13 cells. The present data suggest the differences in the growth inhibition caused by selenite among these mammary cells is related to glutathione regulation and ultimately to selenium detoxification.
Measuring water hydrogen bonding distributions in proton exchange membranes using linear Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy

Abstract This paper describes a linear Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic method for measuring the hydrogen bonding distribution of water sorbed in proton exchange membranes. This information on the distribution of the microenvironments of water in an ionic polymer is critical to understanding the effects of different acidic groups on the proton conductivity of proton exchange membranes at low relative humidity. The OD stretch of dilute HOD in H2O has a single, well-defined vibrational band. When HOD in dilute H2O is sorbed into a proton exchange membrane, the OD stretch peak appears to shift based on the microenvironment that water encounters within the nanophase separated structure of the material. This peak shift is a signature of different hydrogen bonding populations within the membrane, which can be deconvoluted rigorously for dilute HOD in H2O compared to only qualitative observations that can be made with pure D2O or H2O. The theory and experimental practice of determining the hydrogen bonding distribution of water in a range of proton exchange membranes bearing aromatic sulfonate and perfluorosulfonate groups using this OD stretch technique are discussed.
MOTIVES STILL DON'T MATTER: REPLY TO PYNES

This paper continues a dialogue that began with an article by Jeffrey Koperski entitled “Two Bad Ways to Attack Intelligent Design and Two Good Ones,” published in the June 2008 issue of Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science. In a response article, Christopher Pynes argues that ad hominem arguments are sometimes legitimate, especially when critiquing Intelligent Design (2012). We show that Pynes's examples only apply to matters of testimony, not the kinds of arguments found in the best defenses of ID.
Megabase-scale mapping of the HLA gene complex by pulsed field gel electrophoresis

In the study of the genetic structure of mammalian chromosomes, there exists a "resolution gap" between molecular cloning experiments and meiotic linkage analyses. This gap has discouraged attempts to construct full-scale genetic maps of mammalian chromosomes. The organization of the human major histocompatibility complex was examined within this range by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. The data obtained indicate that the complex spans over 3000 kilobases and enable the construction of a megabase-scale molecular map. These results indicate that the techniques employed in DNA extraction, enzymatic digestion, electrophoresis, and hybridization are suitable for the efficient analysis of megabase regions of mammalian chromosomes and effectively bridge the resolution gap between molecular cloning and classical genetics.
Ethics Talk; Talking Ethics: An Example of Clinical Ethics Consultation

This written account of a clinical encounter — depicting fragments of a more extensive array of events — attempts to exemplify many facets and associated complexities of clinical ethics consultation. Within the general telling, I provide more detailed portrayals of several key events. In section 1, I document briefly my initial interactions at the beginning of the consultation, focusing on the information gained — in the context of those interactions — as I read the medical chart of Mrs. Rose. Next in section 2, I briefly describe my initial conversation with Mrs. Rose’s three sons. Section 3 illustrates several questions raised in sections 1 and 2. Then section 4 presents my encounter with Paul, the youngest son, as he was carrying out his vigil at his mother’s bedside in the hospital. Section 5 chronicles my interactions with several care providers involved in Mrs. Rose’s situation, including two different meetings that occurred with Mrs. Rose’s attending physician. I conclude in section 6 by telling about a conversation I had with Mrs. Rose’s middle son, Russell, approximately one month after Mrs. Rose died.
Biotransformation of (+)-Catechin to Novel B-Ring Fission Lactones

Thirty-six microorganisms were screened for their abilities to transform (+)-catechin to metabolites. Of these, Aspergillus giganteus UI 10, A. ochraceous ATCC 1008, Cylindrocarpon radicicola ATCC ...
A method for stereotaxic implantation in neonatal rats

Presented are methods of implanting chronically indwelling electrodes or cannulas into brain infant rats. Anesthesized pups are restrained in a flexible alginate mold that is place in the stereotaxic instrument. Details of electrode implant are given. We routinely use these methods to accurately place electrodes into subcortical structures of 3- to 15-day-old pups with less than 2% loss of the implant.
Human Errors in Programming

This study attempts to systematize the description of the errors that programmers make. By collecting protocol data from 42 programmers, some insights concerning the relative importance of various programming errors are achieved. These insights are interpreted in terms of programmer experience and the design and redesign of general purpose, compiler-type programming languages.
Vitamin C recycling and function in human monocytic U-937 cells.

Abstract The uptake, recycling, and function of ascorbic acid was evaluated in cultured U-937 monocytic cells. Dehydroascorbic acid, the two-electron oxidized form of the vitamin, was taken up on the glucose transporter and reduced to ascorbate to a much greater extent than ascorbate itself was accumulated by the cells. In contrast to dehydroascorbic acid, ascorbate entered the cells on a sodium- and energy-dependent transporter. Intracellular ascorbate enhanced the transfer of electrons across the cell membrane to extracellular ferricyanide. Rates of ascorbate-dependent ferricyanide reduction were saturable, fivefold greater than basal rates, and facilitated by intracellular recycling of ascorbate. Whereas reduction of dehydroascorbic acid concentrations above 400 μM consumed reduced glutathione (GSH), even severe GSH depletion by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was without effect on the ability of the cells to reduce concentrations of dehydroascorbic acid likely to be in the physiologic range (
Degeneration of insect intersegmental muscles: electrophysiological studies of populations of fibres.

Abstract Several parameters were observed during the degeneration of the intersegmental muscles of moths. Within 5 hr after the emergence of the moth, capacitance of the fibres decreases 70 per cent, and resistance begins to climb, the latter reaching a maximum value approximately 300 per cent that at the time of emergence, at 20 hr. The loss in muscle mass is detectable approximately 3 hr after emergence, but the muscle remains fully contractile for at least 10 hr; and intracellular depolarization can elicit localized contractions for another 5 hr. Motor end plates remain potentially capable of function throughout this period. The changes in membrane properties represent the earliest known physiological manifestations of lysis.
A similarity measure for partially folded proteins: application to unfolded and native-like conformational fluctuations

Abstract Computing the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of a partially folded protein structure from the folded state requires the two structures to be translationally and rotationally aligned. We examine the constraint matrix L that preserves orthogonality of the rotation matrix during minimization of the RMSD. L is proportional to the sensitivity of the RMSD to the rotational alignment matrix. Its trace yields an isotropic reaction coordinate, while its off-diagonal matrix elements are related to the moment of inertia derivative tensor that encodes anisotropic information about the structure. We use L to compare λ-repressor fragment 6–85 (λ 6–85 ) to several partially folded structures obtained from molecular dynamics simulation (MD), and find that L as a reaction coordinate indeed encodes some information about protein topology. We also apply C α RMSD, L and tryptophan sidechain mobility as criteria for native state structural fluctuations of several λ 6–85 mutants. The mutants’ denaturation curves and fluorescence quenching are measured experimentally for comparison. The results are in accord with a recent proposal that structural fluctuations near the chromophore can induce increased native state fluorescence or hyperfluorescence during unfolding of proteins.
Plasma Thyroid-Hormone Concentrations and Gill (Na+K)-ATPase Activities in Postemergent Pink Salmon

Abstract Transient increases in plasma thyroxine (T4) concentrations and gill sodium-potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase ([Na+K]-ATPase) activity in captive alevins and young juveniles of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha occurred during the period when development of salinity tolerance and seaward migration is observed. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) concentration generally decreased during this time. Maximal values of plasma T4 concentration and gill (Na+K)-ATPase activity coincided with complete absorption of the yolk sac and final differentiation of the abdominal body wall. These findings suggest that a process similar to the smolt transformation of congeneric species may occur in juvenile pink salmon prior to seawater entry. Received March 23, 1983 Accepted August 8, 1983
Low Speed Balancing for Supercritical Shafting in Gas Turbines

Gas turbines are used for power generation with units in a range of sizes. They serve as power plants for both military and commercial aircraft. Demand is for faster, lighter engines, utilizing more advanced manufacturing processes. One of the means of meeting this goal is through use of longer, thinner, more flexible shafts which operate supercritically. Supercritical operation was once viewed as impractical, however, a number of today’s production gas turbines operate in this mode. The shaft manufacturing process is optimal if the shaft balance procedure can be conducted at low speeds, rather than requiring a more expensive and complicated high speed balance process. The objective of the project described in this paper is to develop a systematic process for a low speed balance procedure, which, in conjunction with appropriate damping, would permit a high speed shaft system to transition through additional critical speeds and operate safely above them. The discussion includes research on analytical modeling and analysis of representative shaft systems to determine the optimum locations of the balance planes and outlines an analysis approach for predicting shaft responses.© 2008 ASME
Health care financing in Uganda: the role of social health insurance.

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the feasibility of introducing a social health insurance (SHI) scheme in Uganda from the perspectives of a targeted population of respondents in Kampala, Uganda.Design/methodology/approach – Out of 100 questionnaires distributed to a random sample of Ugandans, 74 were returned, yielding a 74 percent response rate.Findings – Results show that all Ugandans surveyed support the introduction of SHI. Some are willing to contribute financially and most believe that the Ugandan government should make this benefit available to all Ugandans. While there is a great deal of support for introducing SHI, several respondents noted that cost sharing, in whatever form taken, is burdensome on people with lower incomes and has disastrous consequences for the delivery and utilization of health services among the poor.Originality/value – A larger study exploring Ugandans' perspectives may provide valuable information on how Africans can begin to design a workable health fin...
Psoas abscess: changing patterns of diagnosis and etiology.

From 1976 to 1984, 43 patients with psoas abscess were seen at the Mayo Clinic. Intestinal disease, including Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and carcinoma, was the most frequent cause (14 patients). Eleven patients had osteomyelitis, five had postoperative complications, four had a foreign-body reaction, and three had a primary staphylococcal abscess. Two patients each had extension of a primary pancreatic and perinephric abscess. One patient had tuberculosis of the spine, and in the remaining patient, an exact cause was not determined. Definied treatment of psoas abscess includes adequate debridement, drainage of the abscess cavity, and resection of involved bowel.
Finite proliferative lifespan in vitro of a human breast cancer cell strain isolated from a metastatic lymph node

We recently described culture conditions that allow proliferation of metastatic human breast cancer cells from biopsy specimens of certain patient samples. These conditions resulted in the development of an immortalized cell strain designated SUM-44PE. These same culture conditions were used to isolate a human breast cancer cell strain from a metastatic lymph node of a separate breast cancer patient. The SUM-16LN human breast cancer cells isolated from this specimen were cultured either in serum-free medium or serum-containing medium supplemented with insulin and hydrocortisone. Unlike the SUM-44PE cells that have proliferated in culture continuously for over two years, SUM-16LN cells proliferated in culture for approximately 200 days and underwent 15 to 20 population doublings before undergoing cell senescence. No cells of this strain proliferated beyond passage 8. SUM-16LN cells were keratin-19 positive and had an aneuploid karyotype. These cells overexpressed p53 protein and had an amplified epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor gene that resulted in high level expression of tyrosine phosphorylated EGF receptor protein. Despite the presence of high levels of tyrosine phosphorylated EGF receptor in these cells, they proliferated in serum-free, EGF-free medium and did not secrete detectable levels of EGF-like mitogenic growth factor. In addition, these cells were potently growth inhibited by all concentrations of exogenous EGF tested and by the neutralizing EGF receptor antibody Mab 425. These results suggest that the high level of tyrosine phosphorylated EGF receptor present in these cells is the direct result of receptor overexpression and not the result of the presence of a stimulatory ligand. Thus, SUM-16LN represents a human breast cancer cell strain that exhibited genetic and cellular characteristics of advanced human breast cancer cells. Nevertheless, these cells exhibited a finite proliferative lifespan in culture, suggesting that cellular immortalization is not a phenotype expressed by all human breast cancer cells.
Individual Psychotherapy with the Aged: A Selective Review.

While elderly individuals are still markedly underrepresented in facilities providing outpatient psychological services, clinical interest in individual psychotherapeutic intervention with the aged...
Numerical analysis and optimal design of composite thermoforming process

Abstract In this paper, we present a numerical methodology to simulate and design the composite thermoforming process. First, in the process simulation, the FEM modeling including flow, heat transfer and residual stress is developed to analyze the thermoforming process of composite laminates with woven fabric microstructures. The governing equations and material properties of thermoplastic composites at the forming temperature are obtained by the homogenization method based on the assumption of instantaneously rigid solid fibers suspended in a viscous non-Newtonian polymer melt. The processing theology of the composites is characterized by a power-law constitutive model for this non-isothermal and shear thinning fluid. To simulate the shaping and cooling stages of the entire forming process, the three-dimensional finite element method incorporating a fiber orientation model of woven-fabric microstructures is developed. Based on kinematic considerations, the fiber orientation model is used to keep track of the microstructure change due to large deformation. This global—local numerical methodology is capable of predicting macroscopic and microscopic deformation mechanics during processing. Second, in the process optimization, the design objective is to achieve a uniform final thickness distribution by designing the preheated composite temperature field. The finite difference approximation is utilized to evaluate the design sensitivities. Using the FEM developed in the first part as the analysis tool, the optimization scheme can allow process designers to optimally design this process. A number of numerical examples and experimental results are presented to demonstrate this combined analysis and optimization algorithm.
Rapid Prototyping Improves Research on Red-Light-Running Behavior

Unintentional red-light running is a relatively rare occurrence in everyday driving, but it can lead to serious crashes. While developing systems that warn drivers who are about to run a red light, the authors conducted tests that allowed them to place naive drivers in unexpected red-light-running scenarios on a test track. By adapting rapid prototyping design concepts, the authors were able to quickly iterate through research scenarios and develop a method that was repeatable, efficient, and realistic. This article discusses lessons learned, as well as pitfalls to avoid in applying rapid prototyping concepts to human factors research design.