cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of the Dissociation of Unliganded Hemoglobin

Abstract A method is described for determining the equilibrium constant of the tetramer-dimer dissociation reaction of unliganded hemoglobin. The method is based on the large difference between the ligand binding affinities of the dimer and the unliganded tetramer, and utilizes the ligand binding affinity of dilute hemoglobin solutions as a sensitive assay for the fraction of heme in the dimeric state. The affinities for CO of hemoglobin solutions containing 0.05 to 8.0 µm heme have been determined, and show the dependence on heme concentration expected for a tetramer-dimer dissociation equilibrium. In 0.1 m phosphate, pH 7.0, this dissociation equilibrium is described by a dissociation constant of 3 x 10-12 m. Experiments with hemoglobin solutions in 2.0 m NaCl, 0.1 m phosphate, pH 7.0, indicate an increase in the dissociation constant to 7 x 10-11 m. The large amount of tetramer present in these dilute solutions combined with the capacity of the tetramer-dimer equilibrium to generate cooperativity in the ligand binding reaction accounts quantitatively for the highly cooperative binding of ligand by these dilute solutions (Hill's constant, n = 2.3). In addition, the ratio of the dissociation constants of liganded and unliganded hemoglobin yields a value for the allosteric constant L. This ratio is 6.7 x 105, a value which is in good agreement with the earlier estimates of L.
Consequences of Some Categorially-Motivated Phonological Assumptions

Most of the recent work within the broadly defined framework of ‘Categorial Grammar’ has focused on problems relating to the syntax and semantics of natural languages. In this paper, I will address the question of what a phonological component would be like which is compatible with the basic tenets of categorial theories. That is, I will make the assumption that the phonological component is categorial in nature and then examine some of the consequences. As a case study, I will focus on the analysis of final devoicing and voicing assimilation in Russian.
End-probing: A non-radioactive approach to mapping transposon insertions

Two pieces of data are needed to fully map the location of a transposon inserted in a plasmid, the site of insertion and the transposon’s orientation. Both of these parameters can be determined from a map of restriction sites, which can be derived by end-probing. Like restriction mapping, end-probing reveals the distance between restriction sites on a plasmid. In contrast to restriction mapping, end-probing unambiguously reveals the order of those restriction sites. End-probing is similar to end-labeling, except that the uncertainties inherent in the radiolabeling reaction (and the problems of working with radionucleotides) are avoided. In this paper we discuss the use of end-probing as a means to map insertions of transposon Tn917 into the Streptococcus agalactiae plasmid pGB354.
On matters of the heart: past, present, and future

Article de synthese traitant de l'historique de l'apparition d'un guide du coeur, le «HeartGuide» apres prise de conscience de la relation entre les maladies du coeur et l'alimentation
Building a Stronger System for Tracking Nutrition-Sensitive Spending: A Methodology and Estimate of Global Spending for Nutrition-Sensitive Foreign Aid

Background:There is growing awareness that the necessary solutions for improving nutrition outcomes are multisectorial. As such, investments are increasingly directed toward “nutrition-sensitive” a...
Dynamics behavior of flat glass panels under impact conditions: Experiments and numerical modeling

Response of brittle plate-like structures such as glass panels to impact loads has been the subject of many research studies. Different compositions of glass are used in wide variety of applications in daily life. Of interest in this study are the glass panels that are used in consumer electronics devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and televisions that help to protect the displays from every day wear and tear. Therefore, the requirement of this glass to resist scratches, drop impacts, and bumps from everyday use leads to the importance of investigation of the glass response under dynamic impact loading. Ball drop test is a widely accepted test for impact reliability in the industry. The test specifies the impact energy threshold as a qualification and prediction metric. Use of energy as the key parameter in impact testing is limited, because it does not account for the time spent in contact during the impact event. This study attempts to establish a reliable metric for impact testing based on a momentum change. The deformation and the strain of the glass will be obtained by the digital image correlation system, while the rebound velocity will be measured with the high-speed cameras. The global and local measurements are conducted to verify the accuracy of the experimental results. Finite element analysis is conducted using ABAQUS to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic response of the glass. Constitutive relationship for a tape, a hyperelastic material, is developed in this study. Good correlation in deflection time history is obtained between the measurements and predictions.
Development and passive transfer of immunity to gonococcal infection in Guinea pigs.

Abstract Gonococcal infections of relatively long duration were produced in guinea pigs with minimal infective doses ranging from 101 to 102 colony-forming units. After spontaneous eradication and upon rechallenge with ≥108 gonococcal colony-forming units, guinea pigs were refractory to infection. Serum from these guinea pigs was bactericidal in vitro and protected virgin guinea pigs from in vivo challenge. The 7S peak, but not the 19S peak, from gel filtered immune serum demonstrated both bactericidal and passive protective properties. In vitro bactericidal activity of whole immune serum and its 7S peak was abolished after heating at 56 C for 30 min. The in vivo protective ability of the 7S peak was not abolished after heating.
Analysis of advanced 20 KV/20 a silicon carbide power insulated gate bipolar transistor in resistive and inductive switching tests

The power density of pulsed power systems can be increased with the utilization of silicon carbide power devices1. With the latest developments in manufacturing techniques, the fabrication of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices with blocking voltages as high as 20 kV are now possible2. A complete practical understanding of ultra-high voltage silicon carbide device switching parameters is not yet known. The purpose of this research is to show switching parameters extracted from inductive and resistive switching tests performed on state of the art 20 kV silicon carbide IGBTs. Resistive switching tests were used to extract device rise time, fall time, turn-on delay, turn-off delay and conduction losses. Double pulsed inductive switching tests were used to extract turn-on and turn-off switching energies and peak power dissipation. The data was obtained at case temperatures from 25 C to 150 C.
Beyond Barbie and Mortal Kombat: New perspectives on gender and gaming, edited by Yasmin B. Kafai et al.

Review of Yasmin B. Kafai, Carrie Heeter, Jill Denner, and Jennifer Y. Sun, eds. Beyond Barbie and Mortal Kombat: New perspectives on gender and gaming . Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2008. $29.95 (371p) ISBN 978-0-262-11319-9
On design of perfect polyphase sequence sets satisfying the distinct difference condition

Previously, design of perfect polyphase sequences in the Zak space was considered. It was shown that this approach is convenient in constructing new sequence sets and in assessing their properties. The key feature of the approach is the decoupling of sequence modulation and permutation. Here, we report initial results on how certain special permutations, called bat permutations, can be used to estimate the number of possible sequence set constructions.
Liquid-Liquid Driven Cavity Flow

Liquid-liquid driven cavity flow was studied numerically. Information on "realistic" liquid-liquid interface conditions were obtained from photochromic flow visualization experiments. With this input, numerically obtained flow fields agreed well with experimentally observed flow fields. A parametric numerical study showed the influence of various parameters on the behavior of interface velocity and tangential shear stress gradients in the vicinity of the liquid-liquid interface.
Mindscapes and individual heterogeneity within and between cultures

Abstract Most cross-cultural studies are sociologically based and assume intra-cultural homogeneity in mentality and logic among people. The application of cultural dimensions in many cross-cultural studies has inadvertently contributed to this oversight. Scores on these dimensions are supposed to indicate characteristics of national cultures. The apparent characteristics of cultures are extended to individuals as well. On that basis, we assume that all Americans are individualistic, ignoring those who might have more collectivist mentality and logic. Although some researchers have recognized the existence and importance of heterogeneity within cultures, these issues have not been fully addressed. Experience at the international level and research evidence indicate such a variation and heterogeneity. This research, conducted in four different countries, confirms the existence of individual heterogeneity in and among them.
A genetic screen in zebrafish defines a hierarchical network of pathways required for hematopoietic stem cell emergence

Defining the genetic pathways essential for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) development remains a fundamental goal impacting stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. To genetically dissect HSC emergence in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, we screened a collection of insertional zebrafish mutant lines for expression of the HSC marker, c-myb. Nine essential genes were identified, which were subsequently binned into categories representing their proximity to HSC induction. Using overexpression and loss-of-function studies in zebrafish, we ordered these signaling pathways with respect to each other and to the Vegf, Notch, and Runx programs. Overexpression of vegf and notch is sufficient to induce HSCs in the tbx16 mutant, despite a lack of axial vascular organization. Although embryos deficient for artery specification, such as the phospholipase C gamma-1 (plcγ1) mutant, fail to specify HSCs, overexpression of notch or runx1 can rescue their hematopoietic defect. The most proximal HSC mutants, such as hdac1, were found to have no defect in vessel or artery formation. Further analysis demonstrated that hdac1 acts downstream of Notch signaling but upstream or in parallel to runx1 to promote AGM hematopoiesis. Together, our results establish a hierarchy of signaling programs required and sufficient for HSC emergence in the AGM.
Energy-efficiency in presence of deep submicron noise

The article presents: 1) lower bounds on energy consumption of noisy digital gates and 2) the concept of noise tolerance via coding for achieving energy efficiency in the presence of noise. A discrete channel model for noisy digital logic in deep submicron technology that captures the manifestation of circuit noise is presented. The lower bounds are derived via an information-theoretic approach whereby a VLSI architecture implemented in a certain technology is viewed as a channel with information transfer capacity C (in bits/sec). A computing application is shown to require a minimum information transfer rate R (also in bits/sec). Lower bounds are obtained by employing the information theoretic constraint C>R. This constraint ensures reliability of computation though in an asymptotic sense. Lower bounds on transition activity at the output of noisy logic gates are also obtained using this constraint. Past work (for noiseless bus coding) is shown to fall out as a special case. In addition, lower bounds on energy dissipation is computed by solving an optimization problem where the objective function is the energy subject to the constraint of C>R. A surprising result is that in a scenario where capacitive component of power dissipation dominates: the voltage for minimum energy is greater than the minimum voltage for reliable operation. For an off-chip I/O signaling example, we show that the lower bounds are a factor of 24/spl times/ below present day systems and that a very simple Hamming code can reduce the energy consumption by a factor of 3/spl times/. This indicates the potential of noise tolerance in achieving low energy operation in the presence of noise.
Metritis complex in Michigan Holstein-Friesian cattle: incidence, descriptive epidemiology and estimated economic impact

Abstract Twenty-two Michigan dairy herds participating in a computerized herd health program were studied to determine the incidence and epidemiologic characteristics of metritis. Of 3773 lactations studied, 18% of the cows developed metritis at least once during the lactation. Metritis was reported most frequently immediately following calving. No clear pattern of association with age or season was demonstrated. A estimate was made of the extra cost associated with a cow treated for metritis. After including the effect on reproductive efficiency, milk production, cost of medication and losses due to culling, the total cost estimate was $106.00 for a lactation with metritis.
Cytomegaloviremia following congenital infection.

A postnatal viremia has been recognized in three children infected congenitally with cytomegalovirus. This viremia apparently persisted in one patient for 5 months. Virus was recovered from blood specimens containing intact leukocytes despite the presence of circulating antibody. It was not possible to demonstrate the presence of infectious virus in cell-free plasma or preparations of disrupted cells. Simultaneous studies of cytomegaloviruria in the same patients revealed that virus shed in the urine is in large part cell free. The method used for recovery of virus from blood is one which has been employed for the demonstration of latent, masked, or incomplete virus. The contrast with the recovery of virus from cell-free urine suggests that cytomegalovirus may be maintained in a latent or masked condition only in certain cells. Circulating leukocytes may play an important role in initiating and maintaining a state of cytomegalovirus latency. The duration and clinical significance of the demonstrated cytomegaloviremia remain to be determined.
Modulation of phosphoinositide metabolism in aortic smooth muscle cells by allylamine

Abstract Aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) modulate from a contractile to a proliferative phenotype upon subchronic exposure to allylamine. The present studies were designed to determine if this phenotypic modulation is associated with alterations in the metabolism of membrane phosphoinositides. 32P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), and phosphatidic acid (PA) was lower by 31, 35, and 22%, respectively, in SMC from allylamine-treated animals relative to controls. In contrast, incorporation of [3H]myoinositol into inositol phosphates did not differ in allylamine cells relative to control cells. Exposure to dibutyryl (db) cAMP (0.2 mM) and theophylline (0.1 mM) reduced 32P incorporation into PIP and PIP2 in SMC from both experimental groups. Under these conditions, a decrease in [3H]myoinositol incorporation into inositol 1-phosphate was only observed in allylamine cells. The effects of db cAMP and theophylline in allylamine and control SMC correlated with a marked decrease in cellular proliferation. These results suggest that alterations in phosphoinositide synthesis and/or degradation contribute to the enhanced proliferation of SMC induced by allylamine. To further examine this concept, the effects of agents which modulate protein kinase C (PKC) activity were evaluated. Sphingosine (125–500 ng/ml), a PKC inhibitor, decreased SMC proliferation in allylamine, but not control cells. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (1–100 ng/ml), a PKC agonist, stimulated proliferation in control cells, but inhibited proliferation in cells from allylamine-treated animals. We conclude that allylamine-induced phenotypic modulation of SMC is associated with alterations in phosphoinositide metabolism.
Mitotic Blockage with Ionizing Radiation: A New Means to Investigate Hair Cell Regeneration

Utricles were harvested from White Leghorn chickens and were treated with either 2000, 4000, or 8000 rads of ionizing radiation or no radiation. Immediately after radiation, utricles were placed in sterile cell culture media containing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and were incubated for 3 days. Anti-proliferative effects were measured using IHC with labeling for BrdU (red), phalloidin (green), and myosin VIIa (purple). Utricular mounts were examined with confocal microscopy. Dose % Reduction from Control 2000 rads >97% 4000 rads >99%
Comparison of CAT Item Selection Criteria for Polytomous Items.

Item selection is a core component in computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Several studies have evaluated new and classical selection methods; however, the few that have applied such methods to the use of polytomous items have reported conflicting results. To clarify these discrepancies and further investigate selection method properties, six different selection methods are compared systematically. The results showed no clear benefit from more sophisticated selection criteria and showed one method previously believed to be superior—the maximum expected posterior weighted information (MEPWI)—to be mathematically equivalent to a simpler method, the maximum posterior weighted information (MPWI).
The preservation of lipids for scanning electron microscopy

Due to the solubility of lipids during dehydration of specimens for SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), the relation of lipids to special tissue structures remains obscure. The tricomplex flocculation as described by Elbers, Ververgaert and Demel (1965) is found to be an excellent method of fat and tissue preservation. The steps of the procedure are explained in the preparation of a tuberous xanthoma.
Emulsion Stability Studies of Myosin and Exhaustively Washed Muscle from Adult Chicken Breast Muscle

An exhaustively washed chicken breast muscle fraction formed a stable emulsion despite the absence of any soluble material. Measurements of the oil droplet size suggested that about 1 mg of myosin was available per square meter of oil droplet surface. This was less than the amount required to fully cover the surface of the oil droplets and suggested that the classical emulsification theory did not hold for meat “emulsion” products. The formation of a matrix (gel) in the aqueous phase might be a significant contributor towards stabilizing meat sausage-type products.
T‐wave Amplitude and the P‐Q Interval: Relationships to Noninvasive Indices of Myocardial Performance

This study examines the interrelationship of five noninvasive measures of cardiac performance: T-wave amplitude (TWA), the P-Q interval of the EKG (PQI), Pulse Transit Time (PTT), Carotid dP/dt, and heart rate or interbeat interval (IBI). These measures were manually derived from high-speed recordings of EKG and carotid displacement pulse made as subjects performed a demanding mental arithmetic task. Within-subject correlations between the measures were determined from 18 cardiac cycles sampled from baseline and task periods. Five of the median correlations were significant in the overall sample (N=19), most notably that between IBI and PQI. When subjects were partitioned into high and low PTT reactors, a larger number of significant correlations were observed in the more reactive group. PTT reactivity significantly enhanced the magnitude of three correlations: PTT vs IBI, PTT vs PQI, and PQI vs TWA. Comparing the two electrocardiographic indices, PQI displayed larger correlations with both IBI and PTT than did TWA. The pattern of correlations suggests that PQI measurement provides little information beyond that provided by HR alone and that TWA, although strongly related to PTT in a few subjects, is not consistently related to any measure except PQI. The results are discussed in light of reports suggesting that these indices might be used to assess beta-adrenergic influences on the myocardium.
Gertrude Buck's rhetorical theory and modern composition teaching

(1984). Gertrude Buck's rhetorical theory and modern composition teaching. Rhetoric Society Quarterly: Vol. 14, No. 3-4, pp. 95-104.
Successful surgical rehabilitation of children with traumatic corneal laceration and cataract

Abstract Objective To evaluate the visual and refractive outcome of corneal transplant surgery, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children with traumatic corneal laceration and cataract. Design Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Participants Five patients, 7 years of age or younger, who underwent penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction, and IOL implantation for traumatic corneal laceration and cataract were identified. Main outcome measures Each case was analyzed retrospectively for the following factors: preoperative findings; surgical technique, including management of the posterior capsule; measurement of axial length and keratometry; calculation of IOL power, style, and type of IOL implanted; graft clarity; final visual acuity; and final refraction. Results The five children ranged from 3 to 7 years of age at the time of trauma. All had primary repair of their injury before referral. Each patient was observed for more than 2 years. Each had a posterior chamber IOL placed in the sulcus. After surgery, no severe complications were observed. The preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/400 to light perception. After surgery, all five patients had clear grafts and an improved visual acuity ranging from 20/20 to 20/400. The final spherical refraction in each patient was within 3.75 diopters (D) of plano, with 1.50 to 3.25 D of cylinder. Conclusions Successful surgical rehabilitation was accomplished in these patients. Despite their young age and the difficulty in determining IOL power, combining surgery and aggressive amblyopia therapy resulted in visual rehabilitation with refractions approaching emmetropia.
Experimental and numerical study on microchannel and round-tube condensers in a R410A residential air-conditioning system

Abstract The effect of different type of condensers on the performance of R410A residential air-conditioning systems was investigated in this study. Two R410A residential air-conditioning systems, one with a microchannel condenser and the other with a round-tube condenser, were examined experimentally, while the other components of the two systems were identical except the condensers. Two condensers had almost same package volumes. The two systems were operated in separate environmental chambers and their performance was measured in ARI A, B, and C conditions. Both the COP and cooling capacity of the system with the microchannel condenser were higher than those for the round-tube condenser in all test conditions. The refrigerant charge amount and the refrigerant pressure drop were measured; the results showed a reduction of charge and pressure drop in the microchannel condenser. A numerical model for the microchannel condenser was developed and its results were compared with the experiments. The model simulated the condenser with consideration given to the non-uniform air distribution at the face of the condenser and refrigerant distribution in the headers. The results showed that the effect of the air and refrigerant distribution was not a significant parameter in predicting the capacity of the microchannel condenser experimentally examined in this study. Temperature contours, generated from the measured air exit temperatures, showed the refrigerant distribution in the microchannel condenser indirectly. The temperature contours developed from the model results showed a relatively good agreement with the contours for measured air exit temperatures of the microchannel condenser.
Redefining centre‐regional relations in the Russian federation: Sverdlovsk oblast'

(1997). Redefining centre‐regional relations in the Russian federation: Sverdlovsk oblast'. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 617-635.
Knowledge-based Image Retrieval: A New Generation Design

A knowledge-based approach to predicting and pre-fetching prior images has been proposed to better meet radiologists' information and performance requirements during primary reading in a totally digitized radiology environment. The knowledge required to accurately predict the related images that a radiologist would wish to review for the diagnosis of a new examination includes classification/subclassification of reason-for-examination (based on examination requisition and patient information), and anatomical-portion/disease/abnormality-dependent cross-modality, cross-anatomical-portion and temporal examination relationships. Developing knowledge-based system to embody and process such knowledge involves a number of challenges. Specifically, because image retrieval knowledge infers many patient, examination and other pertinent data attributes, knowledge representation and processing need to be effective with knowledge and data relationships. Furthermore, because distributed and object- based architecture offer performance and easy-expansion advantages to database systems that house image-retrieval-related multimedia data, the design of a knowledge-based image retrieval system needs to handle distributed object-oriented data and knowledge interactions efficiently. A new generation Image Retrieval Expert System (IRES) has adopted a coupled knowledge-base/database architecture using an object-oriented knowledge and data representation. This paper will depict the architectural design as well as the detailed design/implementation results of IRES in this new generation.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Brief Motivational Interventions: An Introduction

This article is an introduction to brief motivational interventions, which is an effective strategy to address alcohol-use disorders and the public health issues these disorders present. In this article, we summarize core concepts and our clinical experiences. To explore the contrast between these interventions and more traditional approaches to patient-provider interaction, the article describes strategies used in brief motivational interventions, answers common questions about the process, and provides references and resources for those who would like to learn more.
The elimination of a shark phobia by self-administered systematic desensitization: A case study

Abstract A case is reported which demonstrates the successful treatment of a shark phobia. The program, which took four weeks, combined systematic desensitization utilizing imagery and in vivo exposures. A follow-up assessment at 10 months indicated that the behavior change was maintained.
The power of asking in volunteering: Evidence from a matched sample

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of personal solicitations on the propensity to volunteer. Propensity score matching methods are employed to control for the endogeneity problem, which arises due to non-random solicitation of potential volunteers. The results suggest that the effect of personal solicitations on the propensity to volunteer is considerable, yet is much less than conventional wisdom, once the endogeneity is controlled for.
Lens Aging: Effects of Crystallins

The primary function of the eye lens is to focus light on the retina. The major proteins in the lens--alpha, beta, and gamma-crystallins--are constantly subjected to age-related changes such as oxidation, deamidation, truncation, glycation, and methylation. Such age-related modifications are cumulative and affect crystallin structure and function. With time, the modified crystallins aggregate, causing the lens to increasingly scatter light on the retina instead of focusing light on it and causing the lens to lose its transparency gradually and become opaque. Age-related lens opacity, or cataract, is the major cause of blindness worldwide. We review deamidation, and glycation that occur in the lenses during aging keeping in mind the structural and functional changes that these modifications bring about in the proteins. In addition, we review proteolysis and discuss recent observations on how crystallin fragments generated in vivo, through their anti-chaperone activity may cause crystallin aggregation in aging lenses. We also review hyperbaric oxygen treatment induced guinea pig and 'humanized' ascorbate transporting mouse models as suitable options for studies on age-related changes in lens proteins.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Endocarditis Presenting as an Epidural Abscess

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen in many serious infections, such as pneumonia, sinusitis, and meningitis. It uncommonly causes infective endocarditis and only rarely produces spinal epidural abscesses. This report describes a patient who had pneumococcal infection presenting as an acute epidural abscess and who was subsequently found to have endocarditis. S. pneumoniae was cultured from both blood and abscess material. A high level of clinical suspicion of endocarditis is important in all cases of bacteremic pneumococcal illness; patients with such an illness and back pain may harbor potentially catastrophic epidural abscesses.
Recursive methods for computing the Abel transform and its inverse

The Abel transform and its inverse appear in a wide variety of problems in which it is necessary to reconstruct axisymetric functions from line-integral projections. We present a new family of algorithms, principally for Abel inversion, that are recursive and hence computationally efficient. The methods are based on a linear, space-variant, state-variable model of the Abel transform. The model is the basis for deterministic algorithms, applicable when data are noise free, and least-squares-estimation (Kalman filter) algorithms, which accommodate the noisy data case. Both one-pass (filtering) and two-pass (smoothing) estimators are considered. In computer simulations, the new algorithms compare favorably with previous methods for Abel inversion.
Initial Structuring of Online Discussions to Improve Learning and Argumentation: Incorporating Students’ Own Explanations as Seed Comments Versus an Augmented-Preset Approach to Seeding Discussions

Collaboration scripts can facilitate argumentation in online settings by grouping students with other students who have expressed differing perspectives on a discussion topic. This general scripting approach is referred to as a “conflict schema.” Prior studies suggest that a specific conflict schema script known as personally-seeded discussion is more productive for students than a standard discussion format in terms of the structural quality of the resulting argumentation and participation within the discussions. The purpose of the current study involves comparing the personally-seeded script with a variant augmented-preset script to determine the relative contributions of components of the scripts in terms of (1) increasing personal engagement of the students versus optimizing of the starting seed-comments and (2) grouping students using the conflict schema approach versus random assignment of students to groups. The results suggest that engaging students in the exploration of a diverse set of preset discussion seed-comments coupled with a conflict schema approach leads to the highest gains in learning.
Quaternion Neural Networks Applied to Prostate Cancer Gleason Grading

Diagnosis of prostate cancer currently involves visual examination of samples for the assignment of Gleason grades using a microscope, a time-consuming and subjective process. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of histopathology images has become an important research area in diagnostic pathology. This paper presents a scheme to improve the accuracy of existing CAD systems for Gleason grading on digital biopsy slides by combining color and multi-scale information using quaternion algebra. The distinguishing features of presented algorithm are: 1) use of the quaternion wavelet transform and modified local binary patterns for the analysis of image texture in regions of interest, 2) A two-stage classification method: (a) a quaternion neural network with a new high-speed learning algorithm used for multiclass classification, and (b) several binary Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers used for classification refinement. In order to evaluate performance, hold-one-out cross validation is applied to a data set of 71 images of prostatic carcinomas belonging to Gleason grades 3, 4 and 5. The developed system assigns the correct Gleason grade in 98.87% of test cases and outperforms other published automatic Gleason grading systems. Moreover, averaged over all the classes, testing of the proposed method shows a specificity rate of 0.990 and a sensitivity rate of 0.967. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed scheme can help pathologists and radiologists diagnose prostate cancer more efficiently and with better reproducability.
Isolation and characterization of copper-binding sites of human ceruloplasmin.

A tryptic cleavage procedure was used to obtain stable copper-containing peptide regions of human ceruloplasmin. Tryptic digestion-derived copper peptides were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography, yielding two fractions, one with an apparent molecular weight of 11000 and the other 1000. The high molecular weight fraction (11K fraction) was found to contain 50% of the copper atoms of the ceruloplasmin molecule and behaved as a single copper-containing component by gel filtration chromatography and by isoelectric focusing. The low molecular weight fraction (1K fraction) was found to be a mixture of three or four copper peptides by isoelectric focusing. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis studies, amino acid composition analysis and terminal amino acid determinations showed the 11 K fraction to be a complex composed of at least three peptides arising from different regions of the ceruloplasmin molecule. Two of the peptides of the 11K complex appear to be derived from the 19K fragment of the ceruloplasmin molecule (18); one peptide in the complex appears to correspond to the aspartic acid-rich portion, residues 7–30, and the other to the histidine-rich portion, residues 103–157. Most preparations of ceruloplasmin are reported to consist of three non-covalently linked fragments that have molecular weights of 67K, 50K and 19K. Dwulet and Putnam (20) proposed a model for the sequence structure of ceruloplasmin where the molecule exhibits a three-fold repeat pattern of two alternating structures, here termed X and Y. It is now proposed that half of the copper atoms of ceruloplasmin are present in the Y1 region of the 67K fragment and half are present on the Y3 region, which corresponds to the 19K fragment.
Properties of Programs and the First-Order Predicate Calculus

This paper is concerned with the relationship of the termination problem for programs and abstract programs to the validity of certain formulas in the first-order predicate calculus. By exploiting this relationship, subclasses of abstract programs for which the termination problem is decidable can be isolated. Moreover, known proof procedures for the first-order predicate calculus (e.g. resolution) can be applied to prove the termination of both programs and abstract programs. The correctness and equivalence problems of abstract programs are shown to be reducible to the termination problem.
The Structure of Denatured α-Lactalbumin Elucidated by the Technique of Disulfide Scrambling FRACTIONATION OF CONFORMATIONAL ISOMERS OF α-LACTALBUMIN

The structure of denatured α-lactalbumin (α-LA) has been characterized using the method of disulfide scrambling. Under denaturing conditions (urea, guanidine hydrochloride, guanidine thiocyanate, organic solvent or elevated temperature) and in the presence of thiol initiator, α-LA denatures by shuffling its four native disulfide bonds and converts to a mixture of fully oxidized scrambled structures. Analysis by reversed-phase HPLC reveals that the denatured α-LA comprises a minimum of 45 fractions of scrambled isomers. Among them, six well populated isomers have been isolated and structurally characterized. Their relative concentrations, which represent the fingerprinting of the denatured α-LA, vary substantially under different denaturing conditions. These results permit independent plotting of the denaturation and unfolding curves of α-LA. Most importantly, unique isomers of partially unfolded α-LA were shown to populate at mild and selected denaturing conditions. Organic solvent disrupts preferentially the hydrophobic α-helical domain, generating a predominant isomer containing two native disulfide bonds at the β-sheet domain and two scrambled disulfide bonds at the α-helical region. Thermal denaturation selectively unfolds the β-sheet domain of α-LA, producing a prevalent isomer that exhibits structural characteristics of the molten globule state of α-LA.
Advances in pharmacotherapy: recent developments in the treatment of epilepsy.

SUMMARY Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which the clinical symptoms are recurrent seizures. An increased understanding of the underlying mechanism of seizures and more definitive diagnostic procedures have improved the care of the patient with epilepsy. An improved classification of various seizure types, including specific epilepsy syndromes has helped optimize use of the standard antiepileptic drugs. Research on the mechanism of seizures has led to new antiepileptic drugs. More definitive diagnostic procedures have led to more accurate identification of patients likely to benefit from epilepsy surgery. This review focuses on these areas.
Effects of TGF‐β1 and triiodothyronine on cartilage maturation: In vitro analysis using long‐term high‐density micromass cultures of chick embryonic limb mesenchymal cells

Endochondral ossification is initiated by differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes, which produce a cartilaginous matrix, proliferate, mature, and undergo hypertrophy, followed by matrix calcification, and substitution of cartilage by bone. A number of hormones and growth factors have been implicated in this process. Using in vitro, long-term, high-density, micromass cultures of chick embryonic mesenchyme, that recapitulate the process of chondrogenesis, chondrocyte maturation, and hypertrophy, we have investigated the importance of a balance between proliferation and apoptosis in cartilage maturation, focusing specifically on the effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and the thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). Our results showed that TGF-beta1 stimulates proliferation, by week 2 of culture, and T3 inhibits proliferation by week 3. Cell size increases in cultures treated with T3. Collagen type X is expressed in all culture, and delay in matrix deposition is seen only in the cultures treated with TGF-beta1. T3 stimulates alkaline phosphatase activity, but not calcification. T3 enhances apoptosis, as seen by TUNEL staining, and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. The results support the roles of T3 and TGF-beta in cartilage maturation, i.e., TGF-beta stimulates proliferation and suppresses hypertrophy, while T3 stimulates hypertrophy and apoptosis.
Modeling with Clinical Trial Data: Moving from the Data Researchers Have to the Data Decision Makers Need

Pharmacoeconomic models are tools for extrapolating the cost and effectiveness of drugs in regular practice settings based on more limited data collected during clinical trials. Outcome and cost data may be structured as decision trees or as state-transition models, depending on their complexity. Models are useful for increasing insight and for estimating the comparative value of drugs from pre-Phase I through Phase IV of the trial process. They allow the use of a wide range of data sources. The validity of estimates, however, depends on ensuring that all outcome and cost data used in a model reflect populations with similar epidemiology, disease severity, and risk of high cost, who are treated under similar access and practice conditions.
Reliability of the BD GeneOhm Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Assay in Detecting MRSA Isolates with a Variety of Genotypes from the United States and Taiwan

The BD GeneOhm methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) assay is a molecular screening test for detection of MRSA in nasal colonization. This assay coamplifies the extremity of staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) and adjacent chromosomal DNA at the SCCmec insertion site. Increasing reports of novel SCCmec types and the diverse genetic backgrounds of MRSA strains prompted us to test the accuracy of the BD GeneOhm MRSA kit with 914 MRSA isolates with a variety of SCCmec types harbored in 21 genetic backgrounds, as determined by the multilocus sequence type (ST). The BD GeneOhm MRSA assay was performed on colony lysates; purified genomic DNA (0.2 pg/μl and 0.2 ng/μl) was tested to confirm negative results from lysates. Of 914 MRSA isolates tested, 911 tested positive (detection rate, 99.7%). The SCCmec types carried by assay-positive isolates were I, II, III, IV, V, V(5C2&5), VI, and VIII and SCCmec composite islands with mec class A and ccr complexes 2 and 4. One of the assay-negative isolates had a community-associated genotype: ST8, SCCmec type IV. However, this was an outlier among the 99.8% (434/435) ST8, SCCmec type IV-containing isolates that tested positive. The two other assay-negative isolates had a health care-associated genotype (ST5); both carried a distinct, uncommon, composite SCCmec type. In summary, the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay had a high rate of detection of MRSA isolates harboring common and uncommon SCCmec types from the United States and Taiwan.
Evidence-based platelet transfusion recommendations in neonates.

Even though for certain varieties of neonatal thrombocytopenia, intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids are recommended as treatments, platelet transfusions represent the only specific therapy currently available for most thrombocytopenic neonates in NICUs. The majority of these NICU platelet transfusions, up to 98% in some recent reports, are given to prevent, rather than to treat, bleeding. The trigger limit of platelet count to prophylactically treat non-bleeding patients is generally arbitrary. A complete definition, of the benefits and the risks of prophylactic platelet transfusions in thrombocytopenic neonates is necessary. In fact, there is great variability worldwide in neonatal platelet transfusion practice, due to the lack of concrete evidence to guide transfusion decisions. Evidence-based guidelines do not exist to decide when platelet transfusion should be given. The practice of neonatal platelet transfusions is based almost entirely on expert opinion and reasoning. Consequently, these p...
Effect of Co, Fe and Rh addition on coke deposition over Ni/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalysts for steam reforming of ethanol

Abstract Ni-based monometallic and bimetallic catalysts (Ni, NiRh, NiCo and NiFe) supported on Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 support were evaluated on the steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) performance. The supports of Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 composite oxide was prepared by co-precipitation method with Na2CO3 precipitant and assigned as CeZr(N). The monometallic catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method and assigned as Ni/CeZr(N). The bimetallic catalysts were prepared by co-impregnation method to disperse the metals on the CeZr(N) support and assigned as NiM/CeZr(N). All samples were characterized by using XRD, TPR, BET, EA and TEM techniques at various stages of the catalyst. The results indicated that the facile reduction and smaller particle size of Ni/CeZr(N) (T99 = 300 °C) and NiRh/CeZr(N) (T99 = 250 °C) catalysts were preferential than the NiFe/CeZr(N) (T99 = 325 °C) and NiCo/CeZr(N) (T99 = 375 °C) catalysts. Also, both the Ni/CeZr(N) and NiRh/CeZr(N) catalysts displayed better durability among these catalysts over 100 h and 400 h, respectively. Since the serious coke formation for the NiCo/CeZr(N) catalyst, the activity only maintained around 6 h, the durability on the NiFe/CeZr(N) catalyst approached 50 h.
The self‐efficacy‐performance link in maximum strength performance

To examine whether manipulating self‐efficacy affects strength performance on a bench press, and to see if these situation‐specific changes would affect levels of physical self‐efficacy, 24 undergraduates untrained in weightlifting were randomly assigned to three groups: ‘light’, who lifted less weight than they believed; ‘heavy’, who lifted more weight than they believed; and control, for whom there was no manipulation. Self‐efficacy measures were taken before and after the manipulation. Physical self‐efficacy was measured using the Physical Self‐Efficacy Scale (PSE). ‘Light’ subjects lifted significantly greater increases in weight than the other subjects. ‘Heavy’ subjects significantly decreased self‐efficacy following the manipulation. Initial self‐efficacy was found to be a significant predictor of baseline maximum, while manipulated self‐efficacy was significant for performance change. The PSE scores did not change pre‐ to post‐study. The results suggest that self‐efficacy is a situation‐specific co...
Enhancer sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana obtained by library transformation of Nicotiana tabacum

In this paper we report on the use of a bidirectional enhancer cloning vehicle to isolate and characterize new enhancer sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana. A library of A. thaliana genomic Sau3A segments was constructed in Escherichia coli in the binary plasmid enhancer cloning vehicle pROA97. The T-DNA based vector carries abbreviated TATA regions from the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S transcription unit upstream of two genes. The library was transferred via triparental mating into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The neomycin phosphotransferase II gene was used for selection of kanamycin-resistant transformed tobacco callus cells. Approximately 1100 transgenic plants were regenerated and assayed for expression of the E. coli β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene in leaves, stems, roots, or seeds. Plasmids carrying putative enhancer sequences were rescued from the genomes of transgenic plants and the cloned sequences were assayed for enhancer function in genetic selection experiments. Plants were regenerated from the kanamycin-resistant calli obtained in the secondary transformation experiments. Histochemical analysis of GUS activity in the leaf, stem, and root tissues of transgenic plants showed a variety of expression patterns. The DNA sequences are presented of five Arabidopsis segments which confer enhancer function.
Suture erosion rates and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament suspension with braided polyester suture.

Objective The objective of the study was to describe suture erosion rates and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament suspension (SSLS) using braided polyester suture. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SSLS for vaginal prolapse between 1999 and 2005. Outcomes included rate and timing of suture erosion and related symptoms, additional treatment, and long-term success rates. Results Sixty-four of 92 subjects had SSLS with braided polyester suture and had an average follow-up of 26.5 months. Suture-related complications occurred in 36% of patients. Mean time to presentation was 18.9 months. Vaginal bleeding occurred in 74%, and suture removal was required in 70% of patients with symptoms. Recurrent prolapse developed in 27% of patients, but additional therapy was required in only 6%. Conclusion Permanent braided polyester sutures are associated with a high rate of suture-related complications over the long term and frequently require additional intervention to resolve associated symptoms.