cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-species gene transfer; implications for a new theory of evolution.

It has been established that genes can be transferred and expressed among procaryotes of different species. I am hypothesizing—and there is mounting evidence for this conclusion—that genes are transferred and expressed among all species, and that such exchange is facilitated by, and can help account for, the existence of the biological unities, from the uniform genetic code to the cross-species similarity of the stages of embryological development. If this idea is correct, the uniformity of the genetic code would allow organisms to decipher and use genes transposed from chromosomes of foreign species, and the shared sequence of embryological development within each phylum would allow the organism to integrate these genes, particularly when the genes affect complex morphological traits. The cross-species gene transfer model could help explain many observations which have puzzled evolutionists, such as rapid bursts in evolution and the widespread occurrence of parallelism in the fossil record.
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LENDING TO SMALL BUSINESS

THE INVESTMENT OPERATIONS of the United States life insurance industry extend over a wide geographic area, covering the United States, Canada, and, to a limited extent, certain other foreign countries. Life insurance companies are major lenders in the residential mortgage market, the farm mortgage market, the commercial and industrial mortgage market, and the corporate bond market. In addition, their earning assets include government securities, real estate, common and preferred stocks, and policy loans. The industry is composed of approximately 1,450 legal reserve life insurance companies with assets of about $120 billion. The annual cash flow available for long-term investment by the industry, i.e., net income from operations plus net investment income plus repayment on investment holdings, is at present running about $11 billion.1 Life insurance companies began the postwar period with an abnormal distribution of investment holdings, resulting from the unusual conditions existing during the depression of the 1930's and the World War II years. Since 1945, the industry has steadily reduced its investment in government securities and has thus been able to make available additional funds for farm, residential, and business loans. At the end of 1960, about 40 per cent of the industry's assets are in the form of corporate bonds, 38 per cent in mortgages and real estate, 9 per cent in United States and foreign government securities, 4 per cent in common and preferred stock, and 9 per cent in policy loans, cash, and other categories. The pattern of new investments currently being made by the industry, considered in relation to the rate of repayment of the different categories of investment holdings, is such that the distribution of assets in the years immediately ahead will remain about the same as at present. The life insurance industry has achieved a high degree of investment diversification not only with respect to type of investment but also with respect to the geographic location of the investment, the in-
Skeleton Search: Category-Specific Object Recognition and Segmentation Using a Skeletal Shape Model

We describe a top-down object detection and segmentation approach that uses a skeleton-based shape model and that works directly on real images. The approach is based on three components. First, we propose a fragment-based generative model for shape that is based on the shock graph and has minimal dependency among its shape fragments. The model is capable of generating a wide variation of shapes as instances of a given object category. Second, we develop a progressive selection mechanism to search among the generated shapes for the category instances that are present in the image. The search begins with a large pool of candidates identified by a dynamic programming (DP) algorithm and progressively reduces it in size by applying series of criteria, namely, local minimum criterion, extent of shape overlap, and thresholding of the objective function to select the final object candidates. Third, we propose the Partitioned Chamfer Matching (PCM) measure to capture the support of image edges for a hypothesized shape. This measure overcomes the shortcomings of the Oriented Chamfer Matching and is robust against spurious edges, missing edges, and accidental alignment between the image edges and the shape boundary contour. We have evaluated our approach on the ETHZ dataset and found it to perform well in both object detection and object segmentation tasks.
Enhancing Vocabulary Selection for Preschoolers Who Require Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems (e.g., communication books of line drawings, computer-based voice output systems) offer children with severe communication disabilities incr...
Nitric Acid Purification of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We report a systematic evaluation of the use of refluxing nitric acid as a purification treatment for electric arc-produced single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), by using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Nitric acid is the standard reagent for purification of SWNTs and has traditionally constituted the first step in many different purification schemes. It has been suggested that nitric acid removes the transition metal catalyst that is used in the production of the SWNTs together with amorphous carbon. Under all conditions, we find that nitric acid destroys SWNTs to produce amorphous carbon while reducing the amount of transition metal catalyst remaining in the sample. Thus, nitric acid is suitable for removing the catalyst from SWNT samples, but only at the expense of a significant destruction of the SWNTs.
Inequivalent genus 2 handlebodies in S3 with homeomorphic complement

Abstract An infinite family of inequivalent genus 2 handlebodies embedded in S 3 is described, all of whose complements are of the same homeomorphism class. From an alternate point of view, a compact 3-manifold with incompressible boundary of genus 2 is described which has an infinite number of inequivalent embeddings in S 3 with complement a handlebody.
Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence Study on Dyes Used in DNA Sequencing

Research on the time-resolved fluorescence of fluorescein isothiocyanate, NBD, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, and Texas Red—the dyes used for fluorescence-based DNA sequencing—is described. Mean fluorescence lifetimes in both aqueous buffer solution and 5.3%T, 4.8%C polyacrylamide gel were determined as a function of excitation wavelengths at 337, 470, and 550 nm and were found to be 3.5, 1.1, 2.5, and 4.3 ns; the detection limits are 10, 200, 200, and 200 amol for FITC, NBD, TEMR, and T. Red, respectively. Comparisons of fluorescence parameters between the conjugated dyes and the free dyes are also reported. Results on the optimization of the excitation source wavelengths to improve sensitivity and reduce background scattering in polyacrylamide gel are also reported. Time-resolved fluorescence was successfully applied to resolve spectral overlapping of emissions in both solution and in polyacrylamide gel.
Individual generator contributions towards loads and line flows in networks with loop flows

In a perfectly competitive electricity market, it is important to ascertain the contribution of each of the generators towards a given load and towards individual line loadings. This will help in charging the customers for the services and the products they use. The technique can also provide information, such as the path of green electrons which can be vital for proper implementation of imminent carbon taxes. Many researchers have proposed various techniques for solving this problem — the most notable being the topological approach [1]. However, none of the researches address the problem when the network has a loop flow. The paper extends the concept of topological approach in order to solve this problem even in networks with loop flows.
The observing-response procedure: a novel method to study drug-associated conditioned reinforcement.

In this experiment, the observing-response procedure was adapted for use with drug self-administration. Rats' responding for oral ethanol was sometimes reinforced on a random-ratio schedule, whereas at other times it had no effect (i.e., extinction). Behavior producing stimuli associated with the otherwise unsignaled random-ratio and extinction periods (i.e., observing behavior) was acquired and maintained. In a vehicle control condition, both self-administration and observing behavior decreased, but observing decreased less rapidly proportionally to baseline than vehicle consumption. Thus, conditioned reinforcers may have persistent effects that are relatively independent of the current status of the primary reinforcer. The procedure allows long-term study of drug-associated conditioned reinforcement and provides independent indexes of the conditioned reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of drug stimuli.
Transition from moderate to excessive drug intake : Change in Hedonic set point

Differential access to cocaine self-administration produced two patterns of drug intake in rats. With 1 hour of access per session, drug intake remained low and stable. In contrast, with 6 hours of access, drug intake gradually escalated over days. After escalation, drug consumption was characterized by an increased early drug loading and an upward shift in the cocaine dose-response function, suggesting an increase in hedonic set point. After 1 month of abstinence, escalation of cocaine intake was reinstated to a higher level than before. These findings may provide an animal model for studying the development of excessive drug intake and the basis of addiction.
Conformal covariance, modular structure, and duality for local algebras in free massless quantum field theories

Abstract The Tomita modular operators and the duality property for the local von Neumann algebras in quantum field models describing free massless particles with arbitrary helicity are studies. It is proved that the representation of the Poincare group in each model extends to a unitary representation of SU(2, 2), a covering group of the conformal group. An irreducible set of “standard” linear fields is shown to be covariant with respect to this representation. The von Neumann algebras associated with wedge, double-cone, and lightcone regions generated by these fields are proved to be unitarily equivalent. The modular operators for these algebras are obtained in explicit form using the conformal covariance and the results of Bisognano and Wichmann on the modular structure of the wedge algebras. The modular automorphism groups are implemented by one-parameter groups of conformal transformations. The modular conjugation operators are used to prove the duality property for the double-cone algebras and the timelike duality property for the lightcone algebras.
Identification of a Polyprenylphosphomannosyl Synthase Involved in the Synthesis of Mycobacterial Mannosides

We report on the identification of a glycosyltransferase (GT) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, Rv3779, of the membranous GT-C superfamily responsible for the direct synthesis of polyprenyl-phospho-mannopyranose and thus indirectly for lipoarabinomannan, lipomannan, and the higher-order phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides.
Molecular Correlates of Topographic Reorganization in Primary Visual Cortex Following Retinal Lesions

Adult visual cortex undergoes substantial functional change as a result of alterations in visual experience. Binocular retinal lesions lead to a reorganization of the visuotopic map in primary visual cortex. Associated with this change is a strengthening of an existing plexus of long-range horizontal connections by sprouting of axon collaterals and synaptogenesis. To explore the molecular substrate of this change, we studied the expression of potential factors involved in neural plasticity in the area of reorganization. We found elevation in a number of factors as early as 3 days following the lesion, including neurotrophins BDNF, NT3, NGF and the insulin-like growth factor IGF-1. Associated with the changes in neurotrophin levels was an elevation in their receptors. We also measured elevation of transcription factors, CaMKII, MAP2 and synapsins. These experiments provide evidence for a signal transduction cascade associated with cortical reorganization.
HPFBench: a high performance Fortran benchmark suite

The high performance Fortran (HPF) benchmark suite HPFBench is designed for evaluating the HPF language and compilers on scalable architectures. The functionality of the benchmarks covers scientific software library functions and application kernels that reflect the computational structure and communication patterns in fluid dynamic simulations, fundamental physics, and molecular studies in chemistry and biology. The benchmarks are characterized in terms of FLOP count, memory usage, communication pattern, local memory accesses, array allocation mechanism, as well as operation and communication counts per iteration. The benchmarks output performance evaluation metrics in the form of elapsed times, FLOP rates, and communication time breakdowns. We also provide a benchmark guide to aid the choice of subsets of the benchmarks for evaluating particular aspects of an HPF compiler. Furthermore, we report an evaluation of an industry-leading HPF compiler from the Portland Group Inc. using the HPFBench benchmarks on the distributed-memory IBM SP2
Medical cannabis and chronic opioid therapy

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes. A small, high-quality literature supports the efficacy of medical cannabis for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The smoked botanical product, however, is associated with a number of adverse medical and psychiatric consequences. Furthermore, experimental data indicate that acute use of cannabis results in impairment of every important metric related to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Epidemiological data show associations between recent cannabis use and both psychomotor impairment and motor vehicle crashes, associations that are strengthened by the concomitant use of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. Finally, data from pain clinics reveals an unusually high prevalence of cannabis use in nearly all age groups and an association between cannabis use and opioid and other substance misuse. Based on available data and expert opinion, concomitant use of cannabis and opioids is an absolute contraindication to the operation of a motor vehicle. In patients who use cannabis and are prescribed opioids, heightened vigilance for opioid- and other substance-related problems is warranted. It is appropriate to refrain from prescribing opioids to individuals using medical cannabis if there is reasonable suspicion that the combination will pose a risk to the patient or others.
Visibility-related fatalities related to construction equipment

The construction industry annually experiences one of the highest fatality rates among the industrial sectors in the United States. The factors that contribute to this reputation include the nature of the work, human behavior, the tools and equipment involved, and also the compact work zones. Industrial fatalities are investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While OSHA groups the causes of fatalities into a few general categories, too little information is gleaned to effectively target specific problem areas. To improve safety performance in the construction industry, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of accidents. With targeted analysis, patterns emerge and causal factors can be identified. These findings may then be used to form the basis for recommendations that will help to improve construction worker safety. Little research has been conducted in this area. Research was conducted that isolated fatalities in which vision or lack of good visibility was the principle factor or contributing cause. The objective of examining the details surrounding these fatalities was to uncover the contributing factors and to identify the agents that compromised visibility. The study identified 659 fatality accidents from a data pool of 13511 OSHA-investigated cases. It was discovered that blind spots, obstructions and lighting conditions were the most common factors contributing to vision-related fatalities. This research also analyzed the specific conditions associated with particular pieces of construction equipment.
Generalized Networks: The Theory of Preprocessing and an Empirical Analysis

The idea of preprocessing a linear program with the goal of eliminating constraints or columns is well established. The default setting for CPLEX is to apply preprocessing prior to application of any of its four solvers. In this investigation, a set of preprocessing procedures is developed for the special case of a generalized network flow problem. Some procedures involve adding or replacing arcs to eliminate a node. These procedures all produce an optimal basic feasible solution and optimal dual solution to the original problem. In an empirical analysis, our generalized network preprocessor ran approximately seven times faster than the CPLEX 6.5.3 preprocessor, resulting in an overall solution time reduction of over 20%.
Bayesian Probability of Malignancy With BI-RADS Sonographic Features

Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative approach for combining individual American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) sonographic features of breast masses for assessing the overall probability of malignancy. Methods Sonograms of solid breast masses were analyzed by 2 observers blinded to patient age, mammographic features, and lesion pathologic findings. BI-RADS sonographic features were determined by using American College of Radiology criteria. A naive Bayes model was used to determine the probability of malignancy of all the sonographic features together and with age and BI-RADS mammographic features. The diagnostic performance for various combinations was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating curve (Az). Results Sonographic features had high positive and negative predictive values. The Az values for BI-RADS sonographic features for the 2 observers ranged from 0.772 to 0.884, which increased to 0.866 to 0.924 when used with patient age and BI-RADS mammographic features. The benefit of adding age and mammographic information was more marked for the observer with lower initial diagnostic performance. Age-specific analysis showed that diagnostic performance varied with age, with higher performance for patients aged 45 years and younger and patients older than 60 years compared to those aged 46 to 60 years. In 85% of cases, the diagnosis of the observers matched. When the consensus between the observers was used for diagnostic decisions, a high level of diagnostic performance (Az, 0.954) was achieved. Conclusions A naive Bayes model provides a systematic approach for combining sonographic features and other patient characteristics for assessing the probability of malignancy to differentiate malignant and benign breast masses.
In Search of the Defensive Function of Sexual Prejudice: Exploring Antigay Bias Through Shorter and Longer Lead Startle Eye Blink

To explore the theory that some men experience antigay bias because of a defensive reaction to uncertainties surrounding their own sexuality (cf. Herek, 1987), we conducted a study (n = 132 men) in which we physiologically measured the affective underpinnings of antigay bias while individuals with different levels of self-reported bias viewed sexually explicit material. Those higher in antigay bias exhibited less positive affect than did others, but did not appear to experience a defensive reaction. Given these results, combined with those of our previous studies, we conclude that evidence for the existence of a group of men who exhibit antigay bias because of a hidden or unconscious attraction toward men is difficult to demonstrate using current methodology. jasp_700
Parametric study on damage and load demand of prestressed concrete crosstie and fastening systems

There is an increasing interest in the performance and serviceability of concrete crossties and elastic fastening systems due to the loading demands of increasing freight axle loads and the development of new high-speed passenger rail infrastructure in North America. In the light of these increasing demands, it is essential to examine and improve current design practices of prestressed concrete crossties and fastening systems. This study focuses on developing an analytical framework for a 3D finite element (FE) model of prestressed concrete crossties and fastening systems to improve the knowledge regarding its mechanical behavior. Parametric studies are conducted based on the detailed FE model to analyse the damage and load demands associated with two major failure mechanisms in concrete crosstie and fastening system, namely the tensile-cracking failure of concrete crosstie and the damage of fastening system. The following parameters are considered in the studies: bond-slip behavior between concrete and prestressing strand, support conditions of concrete crosstie, material properties of rail pad assembly, and wheel load position. The parametric studies presented the detailed stress state of the failure mechanisms and the thresholds for performance.
Complex permittivity of a dielectric mixture: corrected version of Lichtenecker's logarithmic law of mixing

Lichtenecker's logarithmic expression for the permittivity of a dielectric mixture is corrected to eliminate certain mathematical inconsistencies. This is done by a weighted geometric mean technique which renders the expression compatible with the so-called Reynold-Hough linear formulation. Calculated results are compared with some available data.
Activation of antigen-presenting cells by DNA delivery vectors.

Gene-based modulation of immune functions is a promising means of eliciting protective immunity and induction of tolerance. Novel viral and non-viral DNA delivery systems are being investigated to achieve efficient gene transfer into mammalian cells. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), in particular dendritic cells, are crucial targets in this context due to their capacity to initiate and direct effector functions. The increasing relevance of APCs as targets of DNA vectors calls for an assessment of vector-driven activation of these cells. For viral vectors, a putative pathway of APC activation would be Toll-like receptor signalling for certain RNA genome viruses. On the other hand, non-viral vectors appear to mature APCs by interaction of polymeric particulates or bioactive lipids with cellular mechanisms. The rational design of DNA-based therapies is possible only when the intrinsic effects of the vector and immune modulation originating from the DNA are delineated. This paper will summarise recent reports...
Recent improvements in methods for concentrating and analyzing radiocesium in sea water.

Methods are described for determining traces of radioactive cesium in the ocean by collecting samples in an easily prepared blank-free selective absorber of copper ferrocyanide impregnated resin, determining radiocesium by gamma spectrometry, and measuring collection and analytical yield by flame spectrometry of natural cesium using a simplified purification scheme.
What does a casino mean to a tribe?. Assessing the impact of casino development on Indian reservations in Arizona and New Mexico

Using data from the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census of Population and Housing, we examine five social and economic characteristics of individuals and households living on reservations in Arizona and New Mexico that have a casino to those that do not. This research differs in two ways from previous studies that have attempted to assess the social and economic impacts of Indian gaming. First, the unit of observation and analysis is the reservation, not a tribe. A focus on reservations allows us to assess the role casinos play in “place-based” economic development. Second, since reservations and tribes are not coterminous, we seek to differentiate the effects of casinos on the Indian population living on reservations from the effects for all reservation residents (Indians and others). The results show that casino gambling is associated with improvements in social and economic welfare for both the Indian and non-Indian populations alike. However, Indian gaming did not contribute to positive outcomes in all cases. Indeed, the effects of gaming are filtered through a myriad of structural and cultural contexts that shape who wins and who loses when a casino opens on a reservation. The implications of Indian gaming for economic development are discussed.
Genome-wide association studies for discrete traits.

Genome-wide association studies of discrete traits generally use simple methods of analysis based on chi-square tests for contingency tables or logistic regression, at least for an initial scan of the entire genome. Nevertheless, more power might be obtained by using various methods that analyze multiple markers in combination. Methods based on sliding windows, wavelets, Bayesian shrinkage, or penalized likelihood methods, among others, were explored by various participants of Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 Group 1 to combine information across multiple markers within a region, while others used Bayesian variable selection methods for genome-wide multivariate analyses of all markers simultaneously. Imputation can be used to fill in missing markers on individual subjects within a study or in a meta-analysis of studies using different panels. Although multiple imputation theoretically should give more robust tests of association, one participant contribution found little difference between results of single and multiple imputation. Careful control of population stratification is essential, and two contributions found that previously reported associations with two genes disappeared after more precise control. Other issues considered by this group included subgroup analysis, gene-gene interactions, and the use of biomarkers.
Distribution of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Species among Isolates Recovered from Persons with or without Cystic Fibrosis

We analyzed Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates recovered from 1,218 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and 90 patients without CF. Although all B. cepacia complex species were found, some were rarely identified. The distribution of species differed between the CF and non-CF populations and appears to be changing over time among CF patients.
Gender Differences in Holland Vocational Personality Types: Implications for School Counselors.

The study in this article examined gender and ethnic differences in the development of Holland (1997) personality types among inner-city adolescents. Results showed gender but not ethnic differences in vocational personality types and their predictors, and suggest different pathways to the development of these types for boys and girls. Suggestions are highlighted for providing school counseling interventions based on study results.
The macular degeneration and aging study: Design and research protocol of a randomized trial for a psychosocial intervention with macular degeneration patients

Abstract Background Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible and predictable blindness among older adults with serious physical and mental health consequences. Visual impairment is associated with negative future outlook and depression and has serious consequences for older adults' quality of life and, by way of depression, on long-term survival. Psychosocial interventions have the potential to alleviate and prevent depression symptoms among older AMD patients. Methods We describe the protocol of the Macular Degeneration and Aging Study, a randomized clinical trial of a psychosocial Preventive Problem-Solving Intervention. The intervention is aimed at enhancing well-being and future planning among older adults with macular degeneration by increasing preparation for future care. Results Adequate randomization and therapeutic fidelity were achieved. Current retention rates were acceptable, given the vulnerability of the population. Acceptability (adherence and satisfaction) was high. Conclusion Given the high public health significance and impact on quality of life among older adults with vision loss, this protocol contributes a valid test of a promising intervention for maintaining mental and physical health in this population.
Energy-aware traffic shaping for wireless real-time applications

Sleep modes of wireless network cards are used to switch these cards into low-power state when idle, but large timeout periods and frequent wake-ups can reduce the utility of this approach. Modern processors offer the ability to switch CPU voltages or clock frequencies and therefore reduce CPU energy consumption, however, that can reduce the sleep durations of a network device, adversely affecting the achievable energy savings. This paper describes an approach in which multiple resource managers cooperate to reduce a mobile device's energy consumption. This system-level approach is based on the integrated management of a real-time CPU scheduler, the frequency scaling capabilities of a modern processor, a QoS packet scheduler, and the low-power sleep mode of a wireless network card.
Efficiency gains from trade reform : foreign input technology or import competition? - evidence from South Africa

The empirical trade literature examining the effect of tariff reductions on productivity commonly proxies the former with Nominal Tariff Rates (NTR) and estimates the latter as the production function residual. In the context of the South African trade reform experience, we examine the different channels by which tariff cuts affect productivity growth. Using industry-level data for the manufacturing sector and covering the reform period from 1994 to 2004, we disentangle the differential effect of increased foreign competition, proxied by reductions in NTR, and that of the imported technology, proxied by the reductions in Input Tariff Rates (ITR), on productivity growth. Our measure of efficiency growth controls for the effect of tariff reductions on markups. The results suggest that the efficiency difference between foreign and domestic inputs has a major effect on productivity gains. Declines in ITR significantly raise productivity growth compared to an insignificant effect for NTR. Additionally, we find...
Analysis of postural control synergies during quiet standing in healthy children and children with cerebral palsy.

Objective. To estimate the contribution of body transverse rotation using weighted differential center of pressure signals during quiet standing in healthy children and in children with cerebral palsy. Design. Body sway was indirectly measured through center of pressure data, which was calculated using dual force platforms. Background. Assessment of postural control synergies using center of pressure data provides a unique method for center of mass data analysis in characterizing complex balance sway. Methods. Using dual force platforms, linear expressions for the coordinates of right and left center of pressure signals were developed to identify and characterize balance control synergies during quiet standing. Subjects were also tested during eyes open and eyes closed trials to determine the significance of visual input on these control synergies. Results. The limb protraction/retraction control was found to be dominant during medial–lateral sway, whereas the estimated body transverse rotation contribution was found to be more significant than the previously reported measures of anterior–posterior balance. These findings were consistent in healthy children and in children with cerebral palsy during both eyes open and eyes closed trials. Conclusion. The weighted differential center of pressure signals show that the estimated body transverse rotation contribution is significant in healthy children and critical for postural stability in children with cerebral palsy. Relevance This study identifies the significance of body transverse rotation control contribution in upright posture. Children with cerebral palsy with relatively poor ankle control demonstrate the importance of body transverse rotation for postural stability.
Investigating safety incidents: more epidemiology please

Learning from errors has become the core of policies to improve safety in health care. For instance, the World Alliance for Patient Safety lists ‘reporting and learning to improve patient safety’ as one of six key action areas [1]. Health care personnel are encouraged to report incidents, errors, and near-misses. These events are then analysed to uncover the underlying causes of the incidents and to propose corrective actions. The analysis is often based on the framework proposed by James Reason and Charles Vincent [2], which explores in a systematic fashion how factors related to the patient, the professional, the task or activity, teamwork, medical devices, procedures, information systems, etc. relate to the occurrence of an incident. In such investigations, the investigator has a role similar to that of a clinician who seeks to identify the underlying cause, or causes, of a patient’s ailment. Does this patient have renal failure because of diabetes—or has he been exposed to heavy metals or organic solvents at his workplace? And this patient who has lung cancer—of course, he is a smoker of cigarettes. The idea is that possible causes are known, that the clinician is able to recognize a possible cause with good reliability, and that a limited number of causes—sometimes just one—is at the root of the patient’s problem. Let us call this approach the causal attribution model (Table 1). To …
Sherlock Holmes and intelligent design.

ABSTRACTThis article examines how both scientists and creationists, as they argue over intelligent design, invoke and quote the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes to support their opposed positions. Rhetorical analysis of Holmes's repeated contributions to the debate reveals not only how the argument for design falls apart, but also how the argument for Darwin compromises itself when following the detective onto shaky logical ground. The sciences and the humanities must work together to combat the corrosive influence of pseudoscientific reasoning on our students and the general public; this article contributes to that joint enterprise.
Polymers for delivering peptides and proteins

The use of polymers for delivering peptide and protein drugs is described. Soluble-polymer technology attempts to bind a polymer to all sites on therapeutic protein molecules that cause the body to recognize the molecules as foreign. Goals include a stable linkage, water solubility, low immunogenicity, prolonged half-life, and intact biological activity. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-adenosine deaminase (ADA), or pegademase bovine, has FDA-approved labeling as replacement therapy for ADA deficiency in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency disease who are not suitable candidates for bone marrow transplantation. Pegademase bovine reverses the toxic accumulation of adenosine and deoxyadenosine in adenosine deaminase-deficient cells, restoring the immune system. PEG-asparaginase (pegaspargase) has shown promise in patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia; allergic reactions have been minimal. Animal studies suggest that superoxide dismutase has potential use in conditions in which the body's ability to remove oxygen free radicals is reduced, such as burns and myocardial infarction; coupling with PEG may greatly increase the protein's half-life. Other PEG-conjugated proteins under investigation include PEG-catalase, PEG-uricase, PEG-honeybee venom, PEG-hemoglobin, and PEG-modified ragweed pollen extract. Dextran, albumin, DL-amino acids, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone have also been studied as protein carriers; most of the products created thus far have not shown much promise. The coupling of polymers to proteins has yielded protein drugs with intact biological activity and reduced immunogenicity, but much remains to be learned about this technology.
Game-based learning: creating a multidisciplinary community of inquiry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how the authors created a community of inquiry for game design with Crystal Island, report research results from a school pilot and analyze lessons learned. Using a community of inquiry approach, the authors created participatory structures for design and communication among the university team (i.e. computer science, literacy and science education, educational psychology and art design), elementary teachers and elementary students who were involved with Crystal Island. Design/methodology/approach – As part of the design process and in the attempt to create a community of inquiry, the authors conducted ongoing sessions with the teachers and students (N = 800), or what the authors refer to as design charettes. The design charettes included forming a lead teacher cadre and conducting game-based learning teacher institutes. These sessions led to a mixed methods school pilot study. Findings – Results of the classroom pilot study suggested that game-based lear...
Predispersal Seed Predation of a Native Thistle, Cirsium canescens

Predispersal seed predation of the native Platte thistle, Cirsium canescens Nutt. (Compositae), by Paracantha culta (Wiedemann), Orellia occidentalis (Snow) (both Diptera: Tephritidae), and Homoeosoma stypticellum Grote (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was quantified and compared with other causes of seed mortality at three Nebraska sites. Damage to capitulae ranged from 16 to 25%; however, biotic agents damaged only 1 to 7% of the developing capitulae. Although non-biotic agents damaged 18 to 31% of the developing seeds, the three insect species damaged at least 21 to 54% of the seeds. The predominant insect species varied between sites. Only 9 to 24% of the total number of developing seeds per plant matured. Seed predation of the Platte thistle is expected to reduce its colonization of new habitats and its subsequent population growth.
BOMBYX CUNEA AND SPILOSOMA CONGRUA

The paper in the May number of T he C anadian E ntomologist on the above subject is very interesting, but does not, in my opinion, entirely conclude the subject. Dr. Fyles proves definitely a considerable range of variability in what he calls congrua , and what is without any doubt antigone , Strecker. It seems to be certain that there are two species having a very similar range of variation—the insect that we call the fall webworm in the larval stage, and the insect bred by Dr. Fyles. Of the variability of cunea there is no doubt. I had not been aware, heretofore, that antigone had anything like the same range. In the matter of determining what species Walker had before him a number of factors must be considered, as we have not available for ready examination the actual specimens described. In the first place there but three examples, apparently similar, for no variations are mentioned; but all from Georgia, and there is a very considerable range of variation in size; that is, from 16 to 20 lines, or one-third of an inch in a small species.
RECONFIGURABLE CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT WITH PARTIAL ELEVATOR FAILURE

This paper investigates the regulation of the flight path angle and velocity of an aircraft in the event of a partial elevator failure. The nonlinear output regulation is achieved by a reconfigured controller. A composite observer estimates the stuck elevator position and the states. It was found that the partial elevator failure could be wholly compensated by the remaining effective elevator control surfaces. Also in comparison to a total elevator failure the redundancy that allows only a partial elevator failure significantly enhances the window of safety.
The influence of the frequency of loading and stress degradation on SSI model

Considering the strength aging degradation with the action of circulatory load,the prob-lem of statistic inference of reliability is studied in the Stress-Strength Interference model,and then a Stress-Strength Interference reliability model taking into the frequency of loading is presented.An example has been carried out by applying the Stress-Strength Interference reliability model,and its results have well correlation with the experiment.So it is showed that the presented model is valid and reasonable as well as accorded with the facts.
The establishment and application of the monitoring platform for iodine deficiency disorders based on Google Earth

Objective To establish the monitoring platform for iodine deficiency disorders( IDD) based on Google Earth. Methods The directory tree structure was created in the places pane of Google Earth,and the basic framework of the monitoring platform was formed. The monitoring data of IDD was expressed in Google Earth by the form of placemark. Results The monitoring platform for IDD based on Google Earth was established successfully. Conclusion The platform was simple to establish,easy to operat,and clear to express. It was suitable for daily monitoring of IDD.
Role of mixed-function amine oxidases in N-hydroxylation of 2-acetamidofluorene by hamster liver microsomal preparations.

Abstract Pretreatment of hamsters with 3-methylcholanthrene (100mg/kg body wt.) 24h before death did not appreciably change the extent of N-oxide formation when hepatic microsomal preparations were incubated with NN-dimethylaniline as substrate. In contrast, the N-hydroxylation of 2-acetamidofluorene was increased severalfold in hepatic microsomal preparations from pretreated animals. Under these conditions there were no appreciable changes in cytochrome P-450 content and NADPH–cytochrome c reductase activity. On the basis of these comparative data, it is suggested that amine oxidase is not involved in N-hydroxylation of 2-acetamidofluorene.
The yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase and transcription factor complex catalyzes efficient priming of DNA synthesis on single-stranded DNA

Primases use single-stranded (ss) DNAs as templates to synthesize short oligoribonucleotide primers that initiate lagging strand DNA synthesis or reprime DNA synthesis after replication fork collapse, but the origin of this activity in the mitochondria remains unclear. Herein, we show that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial RNA polymerase (Rpo41) and its transcription factor (Mtf1) is an efficient primase that initiates DNA synthesis on ssDNA coated with the yeast mitochondrial ssDNA-binding protein, Rim1. Both Rpo41 and Rpo41-Mtf1 can synthesize short and long RNAs on ssDNA template and prime DNA synthesis by the yeast mitochondrial DNA polymerase Mip1. However, the ssDNA-binding protein Rim1 severely inhibits the RNA synthesis activity of Rpo41, but not the Rpo41-Mtf1 complex, which continues to prime DNA synthesis efficiently in the presence of Rim1. We show that RNAs as short as 10–12 nt serve as primers for DNA synthesis. Characterization of the RNA-DNA products shows that Rpo41 and Rpo41-Mtf1 have slightly different priming specificity. However, both prefer to initiate with ATP from short priming sequences such as 3′-TCC, TTC, and TTT, and the consensus sequence is 3′-Pu(Py)2–3. Based on our studies, we propose that Rpo41-Mtf1 is an attractive candidate for serving as the primase to initiate lagging strand DNA synthesis during normal replication and/or to restart stalled replication from downstream ssDNA.
The Environmental Sublime and Ecological Melancholy

Economides examines the technological sublime’s environmental legacy in this chapter, asserting that high-tech global capitalism’s unintended by-products (including large-scale pollution) have inspired a new and terrifying locus of properly environmental sublimity in contemporary art. Contrary to previous modes of sublimity, the environmental sublime does not valorize human reason, but instead traces a profound irrationality underpinning consumer society. However, rather than mobilizing reform, the environmental sublime reflects an ambivalent politics whose most distinguishing feature is melancholy. Economides illustrates ways the environmental sublime is evoked in postmodern art such as DeLillo’s White Noise and Hayes’s The Rime of the Modern Mariner, and contrasts the loss elegized in such texts with that registered in romantic works such as Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
Refractive Index of Cells Measured through a Microscope with Variable-Angle TIR

The refractive index in the interior of single cells is interesting because it both indirectly senses the concentration of solutes in the cytoplasm, and also directly affects the evanescent field depth in quantitative studies using total internal reflection (TIR) fluorescence. However, only a few studies have directly measured the intracellular refractive index, notably that of Bereiter-Hahn et al (1979) using quantitative interference reflection contrast (IRC) microscopy. IRC microscopy produces sharp images but does contain some inherent (but partly surmountable) ambiguities, particularly in distinguishing refractive index effects from distance -to-substrate effects. We present an alternative: direct microscopic imaging of a collimated light beam reflected from the substrate/buffer/cell interference at variable angles of incidence. Above the TIR critical angle (which is a strong function of refractive index), the reflection is 100%, but in the immediate sub-critical angle zone, the reflection intensity is a very strong ascending function of incidence angle. By analyzing the angular position of that edge at each location in the field of view, the local refractive index can be estimated. In addition, by analyzing the steepness of the edge, the distance -to-substrate can be separately determined. We show how this non-fluorescence technique can be implemented in a modified objective-based TIR setup and we present results on both calibration samples and on chromaffin cells in primary culture. The optical technique suffers from rather poor lateral resolution, so subcellular organelles cannot be seen easily. However, the technique as combined with appropriate theory and calibration provides reasonable results for both refractive index (∼1.375) and for distance-to-substrate (∼100 nm) for the cells. Supported by NIH RO1-GM110289 to RWH and DA.
Virulence and transmission of bacteria inducing tooth decay

D caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent chronic disease in children in the United States, affecting 28% of 2-5 year-old and 49% of 5-8 year-old children. Mutans streptococci (MS) are one group of the major caries-causing bacteria. Children with early colonization of MS had significant higher dental caries later in their life. Although MS transmission from mother to child is widely accepted as a main source of early acquisition of MS in children, studies have shown the importance of other transmission routes to children, including other caregivers and playmates. Further, a wide diversity of MS genotypes is present in the mother but only some maternal MS genotypes are transmitted. Therefore, specific virulence factors may be related to transmission of MS to children. This presentation summarizes several studies that we have conducted to investigate the transmission routes of MS in children including maternal, intergenerational and horizontal transmission. We also investigated possible virulence factors that may relate to transmission of MS including biofilm and mutancin formation. Our results confirmed that non-maternal transmission routes play an important role in MS colonization in children and mutacin activity of MS is also related to transmission. Identification of virulence factors associated with MS transmission is important in developing strategies for caries prevention. It is also important to include nonmaternal transmission routes as a part of caries prevention protocols for children.