cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro alteration of the size of the liver mitochondrial adenine nucleotide pool: correlation with respiratory functions.

Abstract Mitochondrial respiration was studied as a function of the total adenine nucleotide content of rat liver mitochondria. The adenine nucleotide content was varied by treating isolated mitochondria with pyrophosphate or by incubating pyrophosphate-treated mitochondria with ATP. Mitochondria with at least 4 nmol adenine nucleotides/mg protein maintained at least 80% of the State 3 activity of control mitochondria, which had approximately 10 nmol/mg protein. However, State 3 decreased rapidly once the adenine nucleotide content fell below 4 nmol/mg protein. Between 2 and 4 nmol adenine nucleotides/mg, State 3 was not limited by the maximal capacity of electron flow as measured by the uncoupled respiration. However, at very low adenine nucleotide levels (
An instrument to measure the downwelling polarized radiance distribution in the ocean

We have built a new camera system to measure the downwelling polarized radiance distribution in the ocean. This system uses 4 fisheye lenses and coherent fiber bundles behind each image to transmit all 4 fisheye images onto a single camera image. This allows simultaneous images to be collected with 4 unique polarization states, and thus the full Stokes vector of the rapidly changing downwelling light field.
Diffusion-induced decoherence of stored optical vortices

We study the coherence properties of optical vortices stored in atomic ensembles. In the presence of thermal diffusion, the topological nature of stored optical vortices is found not to guarantee slow decoherence. Instead the stored vortex state's decoherence is surprisingly larger than the stored Gaussian mode. Furthermore, calculation of the coherence factor shows that the center of the stored vortex becomes completely incoherent once diffusion begins and, when a reading laser is applied, the optical intensity at the center of the vortex becomes nonzero. Its implication for quantum information is discussed. A comparison of classical diffusion and quantum diffusion is also presented.
George Gamow: Scientific Amateur and Polymath

George Gamow (1904–1968) was among the first of the many brilliant scientists who forsook Europe for the United States in the early 1930s. Although most were fleeing the fascist imperium of Hitler and Mussolini, Gamow was one of a few who managed to escape the burgeoning despotism of Stalin in the Soviet Union. His early application of quantum mechanics to the atomic nucleus and his subsequent insight into the role played by the physics of the atom and its nucleus in stars, galaxies, and the universe identifies him as a scientist of unusual genius. Gamow displayed a boisterous, infectious – almost Rutherfordian – interest in all aspects of pure science. His interests were broad and his industry prodigious. His scientific output covered areas as diverse as nuclear physics, astrophysics, cosmology, biological genetics, and the fascinating question of the relationship of the large-scale structure and development of the universe to the properties of elementary particles and fields. He also was an immensely imaginative and prolific author of popular expositions on scientific subjects. One who is as well-known for his authorship of the Mr. Tompkins series of science popularizations as for his contributions to the development of the physical consequences of the big-bang theory of the expanding universe and the prediction of the cosmic background radiation must be unique in the scientific pantheon.
Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening reduced colorectal cancer incidence and mortality

Source Citation Atkin WS, Edwards R, Kralj-Hans I, et al; UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Trial Investigators. Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a multicentre...
Unconventional Views on Conventional Wisdom about Software Engineering Research

David Notkin is the Bradley Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where he has been on the faculty since 1984, serving as department chair from 2001-2006. He received his Sc.B. from Brown University, and his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. His teaching and research interests are in software engineering, with a particular focus in software evolution understanding why software is so hard and expensive to change and in reducing those difficulties. Notkin has held visiting faculty positions at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Osaka University, and spent four months as a visiting researcher at IBM's Haifa Research Laboratory. Notkin was awarded an NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award in 1988 and was named an ACM Fellow in 1998. In 2000, he received the University of Washington Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award. He has served as an associate editor of the ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Metholodogy and on IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering. He was program co-chair for the 17th International Conference on Software Engineering and program chair for the 1st ACM SIGSOFT Symposium on the Foundations of Software Engineering. He has over a dozen Ph.D. students who are active in research, education, and service.
Design of a multimedia PC-based telemedicine network for the monitoring of renal dialysis patients

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the design and implementation of a multimedia telemedicine application being undertaken by theImaging Science and Information Systems (ISIS) Center ofthe Department of Radiology and the Division ofNephrology ofthe Department of Medicine at the Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC). The Renal Dialysis Patient Monitoring(RDPM) network links GUMC, a remote outpatient dialysis clinic, and a nephrologist's home. The primary functions of thenetwork are to provide telemedicine services to renal dialysis patients, to create, manage, transfer and use electronic healthdata, and to provide decision support and information services for physicians, nurses and health care workers. The technicalparameters for designing and implementing such a network are discussed.Key Words: Telemedicine, Telemedicine Evaluation, Dialysis 1. INTRODUCTION Telemedicine has been implemented for many clinical applications but the technical requirements vary widely with eachdifferent application. At the ISIS Center, we are trying to develop the technical requirements for different types of clinicalapplications. Although some projects have looked at the requirements for nephrology-based application&'2 ,few haveundertaken a detailed investigation ofthe impact oftelemedicine on patient care. Furthermore, these projects only allowedphysicians to interact with patients through videoconferencing. The Renal Dialysis Patient Monitoring (RDPM) systemallows the physician to monitor hemodialysis patients through a multimedia PC based platform. This system is part ofProject Phoenix, a National Library of Medicine funded project to look at the access, cost and quality implications oftelemedicine in a renal dialysis setting. This paper will discuss the technical infrastructure underlying this project, its designand implementation.
Childhood sexual experience and bulimia.

The relationship between childhood sexual experiences and bulimia was examined. Sixty-three females completed the Bulimia Test (BULIT) and the Sexual Events Questionnaire. BULIT scores were positively correlated with greater numbers of sexual experiences, experiences with adults and relatives, and negative responses of fear or shock at the time of the sexual experience. A multiple regression analysis indicated that fear/shock was a significant predictor of BULIT scores, accounting for 44% of the variance. Additional analyses indicated that bulimics reported a greater number of fear reactions following their sexual experiences and were less likely to have told anyone about their experiences. Language: en
Estimating diverter valve corrections

Abstract A new method has been developed for estimating the corrections to be made to the measured time interval for diverter valves used in primary liquid flow measurement facilities. The model relates the mass flowrate, m , to the measured mass of liquid collected and the effective collection time. The effective collection time is the sum of the measured time interval and the diverter valve correction, τ, to be estimated. The diverter valve correction is the adjustment made to the collection time to account for the non-instaneous diversion of the flow between the collection vessel and the reservoir of the flow loop. An auxiliary flow measurement device in the flow pipeline is used to estimate m and an iterative process is used in the estimation of τ. This method gives statistical information on the variability of the performance of the system as indicated by the individual estimates of τ. Experimental data for two diverters used in the US National Bureau of Standards Primary Liquid Flow Measurement Facility are used to illustrate the calculation procedure
IMPACT OF SIZE AND SCATTERING MODE ON THE OPTIMAL SOLAR ABSORBING NANOFLUID

The concept of using a direct absorbing nanofluid, a liquid-nanoparticle suspension, has recently been shown numerically and experimentally to be an efficient method for harvesting solar thermal energy. Studies show that the size and shape of the nanoparticles as well as the scattering mode (e.g. dependent, independent, and multiple) all impact the amount of energy absorbed and emitted by the nanofluid. In order to optimize the efficiency of a direct absorption solar thermal system the optimum nanoparticle-liquid combination needs to be developed. The optimum nanofluid for a direct absorption solar thermal collector is investigated numerically through the variation of particle size, including the impact of size on optical properties, and scattering mode. The study addresses both the absorption of solar energy within the fluid as well as the emission of the fluid.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Optimal investments for universal primary education

This paper describes the application of the discrete maximum principle to the problem of the introduction of universal primary education.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Influences Cardiac Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Dobutamine Cardiac Stress Testing

Background— This study was performed to determine the utility of dobutamine stress test results for predicting myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac death in patients with chest pain and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods and Results— Three hundred fifty-three participants with a mean±SD age of 64±12 years (54%men) underwent dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance stress testing and then were followed up for 6±2 years (mean±SD; range, 0.5–11.5) to assess the post–dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance stress test occurrence of MI or cardiac death. LV mass and the presence or absence of ischemia were determined; LVH was defined as an LV mass index >96 g/m2 in men and >77 g/m2 in women. LVH was present in 62 participants (18% of the men and 17% of the women, P =0.90). Seventy-one (20%) participants experienced an MI or cardiac death during follow-up. The MI and cardiac death rate was more frequent in those with versus without LVH (32% vs 17%, P =0.009). In multivariable analysis that accounted for the presence of preexisting coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, stress-induced ischemia, and reduced LV ejection fraction, LVH was an independent predictor of MI and cardiac death (hazard ratio=1.99; 95% CI, 1.13–3.50; P =0.02). Conclusions— LVH is predictive of future MI and cardiac death in patients with or without inducible ischemia during dobutamine cardiac stress testing. As a result, LVH should be reported in those referred for dobutamine cardiac stress tests, particularly in those without inducible ischemia, in whom one would otherwise assume a favorable cardiac prognosis.
Pericyte contractility controls endothelial cell cycle progression and sprouting: insights into angiogenic switch mechanics

Microvascular stability and regulation of capillary tonus are regulated by pericytes and their interactions with endothelial cells (EC). While the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway has been implicated in modulation of pericyte contractility, in part via regulation of the myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP), the mechanisms linking Rho GTPase activity with actomyosin-based contraction and the cytoskeleton are equivocal. Recently, the myosin phosphatase-RhoA-interacting protein (MRIP) was shown to mediate the RhoA/ROCK-directed MLCP inactivation in vascular smooth muscle. Here we report that MRIP directly interacts with the β-actin-specific capping protein βcap73. Furthermore, manipulation of MRIP expression influences pericyte contractility, with MRIP silencing inducing cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular hypertrophy. MRIP knockdown induces a repositioning of βcap73 from the leading edge to stress fibers; thus MRIP-silenced pericytes increase F-actin-driven cell spreading twofold. These hypertrophied and cytoskeleton-enriched pericytes demonstrate a 2.2-fold increase in contractility upon MRIP knockdown when cells are plated on a deformable substrate. In turn, silencing pericyte MRIP significantly affects EC cycle progression and angiogenic activation. When MRIP-silenced pericytes are cocultured with capillary EC, there is a 2.0-fold increase in EC cycle entry. Furthermore, in three-dimensional models of injury and repair, silencing pericyte MRIP results in a 1.6-fold elevation of total tube area due to EC network formation and increased angiogenic sprouting. The pivotal role of MRIP expression in governing pericyte contractile phenotype and endothelial growth should lend important new insights into how chemomechanical signaling pathways control the “angiogenic switch” and pathological angiogenic induction.
Selection for male-enforced uniparental cytoplasmic inheritance

In most sexually reproducing species, including humans, mitochondria and other cytoplasmic elements are uniparentally (usually maternally) inherited. This phenomenon is of broad interest as a mechanism for countering the proliferation of selfish mitochondria. Uniparental inheritance can be enforced either by the female gametes excluding male cytoplasm or male gametes excluding their own from the zygote. Previous studies have shown that male-enforced uniparental inheritance is unlikely to evolve as a primary mechanism, because unlike female enforcement, the positive linkage disequilibrium between the modifier for eliminating the gamete’s own mitochondria and a wild-type mitochondrial complement is broken from one generation to the next. However, it has been proposed that with a sufficiently high mutation rate and strong selection, elimination of the gamete’s own mitochondria could be favored by selection. In this article, a series of numerical simulations confirm that this is indeed the case, although the conditions where male enforcement is favored are quite restrictive. Specifically, in addition to a high mutation rate to selfish mitochondria and strong selection against them, the cost of uniparental inheritance must be negligible.
SYNTHETIC STRATEGIES FOR N2S2O-PENTACOORDINATE NICKEL(II) BASED ON THE HIGHLY STERICALLY ENCUMBERED LIGAND N,N′-BIS(2-MERCAPTO-2-METHYLPROPANE)-1,5-DIAZACYCLOOCTANE

Abstract An attempt to prepare a square pyramidal pentacoordinate Ni(II) complex was made by increasing steric hindrance in a N2S2O macrocyclic ligand derived from (bme-daco), N,N′-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane. Thus two methyl groups were added to each carbon in a position α to sulfur atoms of the macrocycle. The resulting complex, 3,3,11,11-tetramethyl-7-oxa-4,10-dithia-bicyclo[11.3.3]nonadecanenickel(II) iodide or [Ni(bmmp-ether)]I2 or 2∗I2, shows a greater steric rigidity and a severe steric block of one side of the NiN2S2 pseudo-square plane. Neither iodide nor the ethereal oxygen bind to nickel. The 2∗I2 complex crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/n(No. 14) space group with a = 11.193(3) A, b = 11.408(3) A, c = 20.129(5) A, β = 91.44(2)°, V = 2569.5(12) A3, and Z = 4. The preparation and crystal structure of its precursor, N,N′-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropane)-1,5-diaza-cyclooctanenickel(II) or [(bmmp-daco)Ni] or 1∗, is also reported. Square planar complex 1∗ crystallizes in orthorhombic P...
Confinement and deconfinement of spinons in a frustrated spin- 1 2 Heisenberg model

In this publication I discuss the phase diagram of a frustrated spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ Heisenberg model suggested in Nersesyan and Tsvelik, Phys. Rev. B 67, 024422 (2003). The phase diagram contains $(\ensuremath{\pi},0)$ and $(\ensuremath{\pi},\ensuremath{\pi})$ antiferromagnetic phases separated by the Valence Bond Crystal (VBC) state. I argue that the point of the phase diagram with deconfined spinons, predicted in the aforementioned work, is situated in the middle of VBC state, at the point where the dimerization order parameter changes sign.
Optimal Geometries for the Development of Rice Quality Spectroscopic Chemometric Models

ABSTRACT Three sample geometries, two different instrument types, and two spectral collection modes (reflectance and transmission) were used to assess rice quality and develop chemometric models for composition and sensory characteristics. Rice samples (120) including three cultivars, two growing locations, five drying treatments, two moisture levels, and two levels of milling were scanned in two locations. Data collected for modeling included amylose, protein, moisture, whiteness, transparency, and milling degree. Taste and texture were determined with the use of separate trained sensory panels. The NIR models show that composition is best modeled in the 1,100–2,500 nm range, while the physical properties of whiteness, transparency and milling degree are best modeled in the 750–1,050 nm range. Additional models were developed using limited data subsets of the spectral data points. In some cases, adequate models were generated with as few as 20 wavelength data points. Results show that no one spectroscopi...
Effect of a Fullerene Water Suspension on Bacterial Phospholipids and Membrane Phase Behavior

Several fullerene-based nanomaterials generate reactive oxygen species that can damage cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of buckminsterfullerene (C60) introduced as colloidal aggrega...
Judgmental consistency and consensus in stochastic multicriteria decision making

Stochastic multicriteria decision making methods are a class of multicriteria decision making methods in which judgments are not taken to be certain. Recently, this class of models has generated increasing interest in the literature. We unify the notions of judgmental consistency and intra-group consensus under a framework of preference homogeneity in the context of this class of models. We propose new methods and measures for examining departures from consistency by using the Kullback-Leibler divergence. We also propose a new method, the jackknifed Kullback-Leibler divergence, that characterizes the extent to which a group member exhibits preference consensus with the remaining members of the group.
A multi-agent architecture implementation of learning by teaching systems

Our group has been designing and implementing learning environments that promote deep understanding and transfer in complex domains. We have adopted the learning by teaching paradigm, and developed computer-based agents that students teach, and learn from this experience. The success of teachable agents has led us to develop a multiagent architecture that will be used to develop extended instructional systems based on gaming environments.
A new look at the pseudo-incompressible solution to Lamb's problem of hydrostatic adjustment

Abstract The pseudo-incompressible solution to Lamb’s problem of the hydrostatic adjustment of the atmosphere is revisited using a generalized formulation that allows time variation of the base state. It is found that the generalized pseudo-incompressible equations do reproduce the compressible solution of the nonlinear hydrostatic adjustment in the limit of small heating.
Radial artery harvesting for coronary bypass operations: Neurologic complications and their potential mechanisms ☆

Abstract Objectives: We sought to determine the incidence of self-reported neurologic hand complications after radial artery harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Between February 20, 1996, and December 31, 1999, 615 patients underwent coronary bypass operations with radial arteries. A scripted telephone interview was performed, collecting data on perceived thumb weakness and sensation abnormalities in the distribution of the radial nerve in 560 patients. The average time to follow-up interview was 14.5 ± 9 months. Results: Neurologic complications were reported in 30.1%, decreased thumb strength in 5.5%, and any sensation abnormality in 18.1% of patients. There was a high rate of symptom improvement over an average of 8.7 ± 7.5 months, such that only 12.1% of patients reported symptoms without any improvement. Associations between thumb weakness and sensory abnormalities imply median nerve damage in some patients. There were statistically significant associations between neurologic complications and diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, elevated creatinine levels, smoking, and number and site of radial artery harvest. Conclusions: The overall rate of self-reported neurologic complications after radial artery harvest was higher than previously reported. These symptoms may be attributable to radial and median nerve injury caused by trauma and devascularization. These data have important implications not only in attempting to improve harvesting techniques but also in guiding informed consent before coronary artery bypass grafting. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;121:951-6)
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIβ isoform is expressed in motor neurons during axon outgrowth and is part of slow axonal transport

Previously, we identified calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIβ (CaMKIIβ) mRNA in spinal motor neurons with 372 bp inserted in what corresponds to the “association” domain of the protein. This was interesting because known additions and deletions to CaMKIIβ mRNA are usually less than 100 bp in size and found in the “variable” region. Changes in the association domain of CaMKIIβ could influence substrate specificity, activity or intracellular targeting. We show that three variations of this insert are found in CNS neurons or sciatic motor neurons of Sprague–Dawley rats. We used PCR and nucleic acid sequencing to identify inserts of 114, 243, or 372 bases. We also show that addition of the 372 bases is associated with outgrowth of the axon (the standard CaMKIIβ downregulates when axon outgrowth occurs). Radiolabeling, immunoblots, and 2D PAGE identified this larger CaMKIIβ as part of the group of soluble proteins moving at the slowest rate of axonal transport (SCa) in sciatic motor neurons (∼1 mm/day). This group is composed mainly of structural proteins (e.g., tubulin) used to assemble the cytoskeleton of regrowing axons. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Outpatient Endovascular Intervention: Is it Safe?

Purpose:To evaluate the feasibility and safety of outpatient percutaneous endovascular intervention in the treatment of arterial occlusive disease.Methods:The records of 134 patients who underwent 151 outpatient endovascular procedures between 1992 and 1997 were reviewed retrospectively. According to established protocol, focal lower limb (n = 145) and subclavian (n = 6) arterial lesions requiring relatively straightforward endoluminal interventions were appropriate for outpatient management provided the patients were free of significant comorbidities. A percutaneous transfemoral approach was used for lower limb lesions, while subclavian angioplasty was performed via a brachial access. Heparin anticoagulation was administered conservatively. Patients were discharged 3 hours after sheath removal.Results:The majority (98%) of patients were discharged as planned. Three (2%) patients were observed overnight in the hospital for treatment of acute iliac artery thrombosis, puncture-site bleeding, and suboptimal ...
Study of quenching and recovery for superconducting wires and cylinders

The operational instability of a cylinder/wire-type superconductor subjected to an instantaneous linear thermal disturbance is investigated. The mechanism of loss and recovery of superconductivity is studied by calculating the instability parameter, Joule heating rate, and convective cooling rate based on a solution of the transient heat conduction equation with or without volumetric heating. The effects of operational current density and wire diameter on stability are investigated. A criterion is developed for the maximum current density in stable operation under thermal disturbance and the maximum current density for recovery after quenching. Data for NbTi superconductors are presented, and the results are compared with those for tape/film-type superconductors. >
HOM dampers for ALS storage ring rf cavities

The main source of narrowband impedance in the Advanced Light Source (ALS) is higher order modes (HOMs) of the two main RF and three third harmonic cavities. These HOMs drive longitudinal and transverse coupled bunch instabilities, which are controlled using active beam feedback systems. The dominant longitudinal HOMs in both systems are TM/sub 011/-like modes with the R/Q factor an order of magnitude higher than all other longitudinal modes. To reduce the growth rates within the range of the longitudinal feedback system (LFB), these modes were tuned away from beam resonances by means of cooling water temperature control (main rf system), and the combination of two tuners (third harmonic system). To improve the reliability of the longitudinal dampening system, we have built and installed E-type HOM dampers for the fundamental and harmonic cavities. We present the design, commissioning and performance of the HOM dampers in this paper.
Exclusive breastfeeding: aligning the indicator with the goal.

While the global objective is exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for a full 6 months duration the standard indicator is a “prevalence” indicator that is the percentage of all children under age 6 months who are exclusively breastfed at a point in time. That yields a higher percentage than a more direct indicator of duration and can be easily misunderstood exaggerating the amount of EBF. A measurement of actual percentage of children exclusively breastfeeding for a full 6 months can be easily calculated from standard DHS and MICS data.
Scientific Knowledge Suppresses but Does Not Supplant Earlier Intuitions.

Abstract When students learn scientific theories that conflict with their earlier, naive theories, what happens to the earlier theories? Are they overwritten or merely suppressed? We investigated this question by devising and implementing a novel speeded-reasoning task. Adults with many years of science education verified two types of statements as quickly as possible: statements whose truth value was the same across both naive and scientific theories of a particular phenomenon (e.g., “The moon revolves around the Earth”) and statements involving the same conceptual relations but whose truth value differed across those theories (e.g., “The Earth revolves around the sun”). Participants verified the latter significantly more slowly and less accurately than the former across 10 domains of knowledge (astronomy, evolution, fractions, genetics, germs, matter, mechanics, physiology, thermodynamics, and waves), suggesting that naive theories survive the acquisition of a mutually incompatible scientific theory, coexisting with that theory for many years to follow.
Differentiated thyroid cancer presenting initially with distant metastasis.

background The initial presentation of distant metastases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer is a rare event. Interestingly, if managed appropriately, the long-term survival in this group of patients is approximately 43%. We intend to review our experience of patients presenting initially with distant metastatic disease in a large series of differentiated thyroid cancer patients. methods In the entire series of 1,038 consecutive patients treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1930 to 1985, 44 patients presented initially with distant metastases (4%). There were 22 male and 22 female patients ranging in age from 7 to 75 years with a mean age of 51 years. Patients were analyzed for their prognostic factors, and the survival curves were drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by the Cox regression model. results There were 19 patients presenting with distant metastases in 810 patients presenting with papillary thyroid cancer (2.3%). The incidence was high in patients with follicular thyroid cancer (11%). It is interesting to note that the highest incidence of presentation with distant metastatic disease was in patients above the age of 45 and with follicular thyroid carcinoma. The long-term survival in this group is 43% compared with 86% in patients presenting without distant metastasis (P conclusion Even though the presence of distant metastasis at the time of initial presentation in other cancers is considered to be of grave prognosis, for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, the long-term survival is still 43%. The incidence of distant metastasis is highest in patients with follicular thyroid cancer. Appropriate initial evaluation and treatment will lead to satisfactory long-term survival.
AUTOMOTIVE RECALLS AND INFORMATIONAL EFFICIENCY

This study provides an empirical test of the informational efficiency of the stock market by exploring the stock price and volume patterns exhibited by Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors around the time of announcement of severe automotive recall campaigns. Because information concerning automotive recalls is released to the public via two distinct methods, which differ only with respect to the number of market participants notified of the recall campaigns, a differential performance analysis of stock returns and trading volume around both events provides evidence of the degree of informational aggregation in the stock market for three closely followed U.S. firms. The results of the study fail to support the definitional notion of informational efficiency with respect to the first public release date of severe recalls, as the vast majority of the stock market's response to recall announcements does not occur until the information is reported to all market participants. Further, tests of differential trading volume around the announcements suggest that some members of the financial community may be trading securities on the basis of the information contained in the first public announcement.
Melanoma Treatment Update

Except for high-dose interferon as adjuvant therapy in stage III disease, little success has emerged over the last 20 years for metastatic melanoma. Recent advances in melanoma biology suggest that disarming oncogenic mechanisms in melanoma may be an attractive approach to therapy. For instance, sustained expression of Bcl2 has been associated with an increased resistance to apoptosis, and recently, anti-sense-mediated reduction of Bcl2 levels was shown to chemosensitize patients to dacarbazine, dimethyl triazino imidazole carboxomide, or DTIC. Likewise, the identification of activating mutations in the RAS signaling pathway, including the NRAS and BRAF genes, opens up new therapeutic options for RAS and RAF inhibitors. A more thorough understanding of melanoma biology and tumor immunology will undoubtedly yield new promise for patients with advanced disease.
Pollen Identification by Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR-PAS) has been applied to the problem of identifying pollen samples. One hundred measurements were made on a set of pollen samples comprising five families and ten species. Chemometric analysis of the resulting spectra showed evidence of clustering. Construction of a spectral library allowed pollens in the set to be correctly identified as the first match on the basis of photoacoustic spectra at the species (99%) or family (100%) level.
Foreign and second language anxiety

The possibility that anxiety interferes with language learning has long interested scholars, language teachers, and language learners themselves. It is intuitive that anxiety would inhibit the learning and/or production of a second language (L2). The important term in the last sentence is ‘anxiety’. The concept of anxiety is itself multi-faceted, and psychologists have differentiated a number of types of anxiety including trait anxiety, state anxiety, achievement anxiety, and facilitative-debilitative anxiety. With such a wide variety of anxiety-types, it is not surprising that early studies on the relationship between ‘anxiety’ and achievement provided mixed and confusing results, and Scovel (1978 – this timeline) rightly noted that anxiety is ‘not a simple, unitary construct that can be comfortably quantified into ‘high’ or ‘low’ amounts’ (p. 137). Scovel did not, however, anticipate the identification in the mid-1980s of a unique form of anxiety that some people experience in response to learning and/or using an L2. Typically referred to as language anxiety or foreign language anxiety (FLA), this anxiety is categorized as a situation-specific anxiety, similar in type to other familiar manifestations of anxiety such as stage fright or test anxiety.
Optimal H1N1 vaccination strategies based on self-interest versus group interest

Influenza vaccination is vital for reducing H1N1 infection-mediated morbidity and mortality. To reduce transmission and achieve herd immunity during the initial 2009-2010 pandemic season, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that initial priority for H1N1 vaccines be given to individuals under age 25, as these individuals are more likely to spread influenza than older adults. However, due to significant delay in vaccine delivery for the H1N1 influenza pandemic, a large fraction of population was exposed to the H1N1 virus and thereby obtained immunity prior to the wide availability of vaccines. This exposure affects the spread of the disease and needs to be considered when prioritizing vaccine distribution. To determine optimal H1N1 vaccine distributions based on individual self-interest versus population interest, we constructed a game theoretical age-structured model of influenza transmission and considered the impact of delayed vaccination. Our results indicate that if individuals decide to vaccinate according to self-interest, the resulting optimal vaccination strategy would prioritize adults of age 25 to 49 followed by either preschool-age children before the pandemic peak or older adults (age 50-64) at the pandemic peak. In contrast, the vaccine allocation strategy that is optimal for the population as a whole would prioritize individuals of ages 5 to 64 to curb a growing pandemic regardless of the timing of the vaccination program. Our results indicate that for a delayed vaccine distribution, the priorities that are optimal at a population level do not align with those that are optimal according to individual self-interest. Moreover, the discordance between the optimal vaccine distributions based on individual self-interest and those based on population interest is even more pronounced when vaccine availability is delayed. To determine optimal vaccine allocation for pandemic influenza, public health agencies need to consider both the changes in infection risks among age groups and expected patterns of adherence.
Matrix computations on shared-memory multiprocessors

The main driving force for higher supercomputer performance is the fact that some important applications in engineering and science currently consume excessive amounts of time or are infeasible to attempt at all on available vector processors. To describe physical phenomena, one must resort to simulation of complex models on the computer. The closer the model is to a physical phenomenon, the more extensive are the required computational resources. Important uses of parallel processors are in the simulation of gauge theory and elementary particle physics, multidimensional semiconductor devices, electronic circuits, weather circulation, and oil reservoirs, as well as studies in chemical quantum dynamics and molecular scattering, seismic imaging and dynamic structural analysis.
Significance of South African Agricultural Development

Most Americans know that the Union of South Africa produces most of the world's annual supply of gold and diamonds. Few of them know that the country, with a land area equal to the four southwestern states of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, produces as much wool as all our 48 states-one-tenth of the annual world production; that the Angora goat farmers of the Union share honors with those of the United States and Turkey in producing the world's mohair supply; that 10,000,000 cattle in the Union constitute the nucleus for a vigorous beef and dairy export trade; that South African citrus and deciduous fruit, maturing six months later than that of the Northern Hemisphere, supplies a large part of the English trade during certain months; that South Africa produces sufficient wheat for local demands and a considerable surplus of corn for markets abroad. Sugar, cotton, and tobacco are also produced in small volume. South African production of these products has a definite influence on the prices obtainable in the United States for the American production. It matters little that the South African production is not shipped to the United States. It unquestionably adds to the supply on European markets and, therefore, affects European and American prices. The two sets of prices may be rigidly separated by transportation and tariff differentials but they move up or down together. At certain seasons the effect of South African supplies on American prices is of vital importance for certain products and at other seasons for other products but there are always one or more agricultural areas in the United States which are feeling the effects of South African competition. Any program for a planned American production must be based upon facts regarding the probable production throughout the world, due consideration being given to both qualitative and seasonal characteristics. South African production prospects must unquestionably be embodied in such schedules of estimates. The planning of American agricultural production on the basis of probable world supply and demand is, fortunately, mutually helpful to farmers in those nations whose impending agricultural supplies are given consideration. A glutted foreign market would injure producers of other nations as well as of ours.
Open complex scrunching before nucleotide addition accounts for the unusual transcription start site of E. coli ribosomal RNA promoters

Most Escherichia coli promoters initiate transcription with a purine 7 or 8 nt downstream from the –10 hexamer, but some promoters, including the ribosomal RNA promoter rrnB P1, start 9 nt from the –10 element. We identified promoter and RNA polymerase determinants of this noncanonical rrnB P1 start site using biochemical and genetic approaches including mutational analysis of the promoter, Fe2+ cleavage assays to monitor template strand positions near the active-site, and Bpa cross-linking to map the path of open complex DNA at amino acid and nucleotide resolution. We find that mutations in several promoter regions affect transcription start site (TSS) selection. In particular, we show that the absence of strong interactions between the discriminator region and σ region 1.2 and between the extended –10 element and σ region 3.0, identified previously as a determinant of proper regulation of rRNA promoters, is also required for the unusual TSS. We find that the DNA in the single-stranded transcription bubble of the rrnB P1 promoter complex expands and is “scrunched” into the active site channel of RNA polymerase, similar to the situation in initial transcribing complexes. However, in the rrnB P1 open complex, scrunching occurs before RNA synthesis begins. We find that the scrunched open complex exhibits reduced abortive product synthesis, suggesting that scrunching and unusual TSS selection contribute to the extraordinary transcriptional activity of rRNA promoters by increasing promoter escape, helping to offset the reduction in promoter activity that would result from the weak interactions with σ.
Who Is The Help? Use of Film to Explore Diversity

Helping learners understand the intersectionality of gender, race, and class can be challenging. This study describes the use of the film The Help to stimulate discussion about racism and intersectionality. As evidenced by posttest survey data, the film enabled learners to identify the importance of gender, race/ethnicity, and social class. Qualitative analysis revealed that viewing The Help with a diverse audience can provide a forum to explore multiple concepts associated with intersectionality. This study shows that carefully selected films help remove some barriers to learning cultural competence by creating an environment in which individuals feel safe discussing personal biases.
The Heat of Formation of Boron Trifluoride by Direct Combination of the Elements.

The energy of combination of crystalline boron in gaseous fluorine was measured in a bomb calorimeter. The experimental data combined with reasonable estimates of all known errors may be expressed by the equation: B(c)+3/2F2(g)=BF3(g),ΔHf298°=-271.03±0.51kcal mol-1 This result is compared with other recent work on and related to the heat of formation of boron trifluoride.
Photoresponse Characteristics of Archetypal Metal–Organic Frameworks

The photoelectrochemical responses of two archetypal metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), MOF-5 and MOF-177, have been assessed. Films of MOF-5 and MOF-177 were grown on carboxylic-acid-terminated conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates. Separate analyses by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy collectively indicated these films prepared via a solvothermal method in diethylformamide were free of residual impurities such as ZnO clusters and residual organics. Exposure of these films to white light illumination while immersed in acetonitrile electrolytes elicited measurable photocurrents. Wavelength-dependent analysis of the photoresponses showed that the measured photocurrents were induced by ultraviolet light and that the spectral response profiles followed closely the light absorption profiles of each respective material. Attenuation of the induced photocurrents was noted after prolonged ultraviolet light illumination and/or exposure of the films to H2O(l), indic...
Development situation,existing problem and countermeasure of science and technology innovation in Guangdong seed industry

This paper first analyzed the development situation of science and technology innovation in Guangdong seed industry, such as seed market, breeding technique, breeding talent. Then, it pointed out the existing problems of science and technology innovation in Guangdong seed industry, offered the development countermeasures of seed industry in Guangdong. In order to improve the development situation of science and technology innovation in Guangdong seed industry, we should further establish long-term stable mechanism of agricultural technological investment, learn foreign advanced breeding technology, strengthen seed technology innovation, improve policy environment of integration ofbreeding, cross produetion and popularization, improve evaluation system of seed scientific research achievement, and ensure seed long-term stable investment.
Status quo and strategies of rural health service in China

Rural health service is a weak chain in public health in China.The level of health ensurance for farmers was low.The development of the whole rural health service is unproportional to that of the national economy.The allocation of medical resources in rural areas is inadequate compared to that of the urban areas.In addition,the development of rural health service has affected the progress of the realization of national prosperity.In this paper the current status quo of rual health service is discussed and countermeasures are put forward.
LTD4 and bradykinin evoke endothelium-dependent relaxation of the renal vein: dissimilar mechanisms

This study's goals were to define the vasomotor effects of the peptide leukotriene (LT)D4 on norepinephrine (NE)-contracted isolated rings of canine renal vein (RV) and to compare these influences with those of bradykinin (BK). Canine RV rings were connected to isometric force transducers and bathed in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing indomethacin (10-5M). LTD4 and BK evoked dose-dependent decreases in tone of NE-contracted RV rings that were abolished by physical removal of the endothelium. Relaxation of the RV ring produced by glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) was slightly enhanced or unaltered after endothelium denudation. Reduced human hemoglobin (Hb, 10(-6) M), NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 300 microM) and methylene blue (MB, 10(-6) M) had no effect on LTD4-induced venomotor relaxation, whereas they significantly decreased the vasorelaxant effect of BK. In contrast, endothelium-dependent relaxation of renal arterial rings produced in response to both LTD4 and BK was markedly attenuated in the presence of either reduced Hb (10(-6)M) or MB (10(-6) M). MB significantly attenuated venorelaxant responses to GTN (10(-8) to 10(-6) M). The ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel blocker glybenclamide (10(-6)M) inhibited relaxation of the RV induced by cromakalim (5 x 10(-8)M) but had no effect on LTD4-evoked relaxation. These data indicate that endothelium-dependent relaxation of the RV elicited by BK is dependent on "classic" endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) considered to be nitric oxide (NO) or an unstable nitroso compound that ultimately liberates the NO radical.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Plasma bile acid elevation following CCI4 induced liver damage in dogs, sheep, calves and ponies.

Plasma bile acid concentration was determined in normal dogs, sheep, calves and ponies for three days before and six days after liver damage, induced by carbon tetrachloride. In all species, a significant increase in plasma bile acid concentration was associated with a concomitant significant increase in plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase and transferase activity. Plasma bilirubin also significantly increased in all animals except the dogs. Results suggested that plasma bile acid levels could be used to test liver function in domestic animals.
Direct electrochemical deposition of crystalline silicon nanowires at T ≥ 60 °C

Direct synthesis of crystalline silicon (Si) nanowires at low temperatures has been achieved through an electrochemical liquid–liquid–solid (ec-LLS) process. Liquid metal nanodroplets containing Ga were used as both discrete ultramicroelectrodes and crystal growth seeds for Si nanowires. This new ec-LLS process was performed in propylene carbonate containing SiCl4 at temperatures as low as 60 °C. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra separately and independently indicated the nanowires were crystalline as prepared. Scanning electron micrographs of Si nanowires grown on both Si(111) and Si(100) substrates further showed that the direction of nanowire growth specifically followed the crystallographic orientation of the underlying substrate, indicating deposition with homoepitaxy. Localized electron diffraction patterns collected from individual Si nanowires in a transmission electron microscope showed the characteristic pattern of the diamond cubic structure of crystalline Si. Additional experiments were performed that indicated the wetting of the electrodeposited Si by the liquid metal influenced the morphology of the resultant nanowire. These cumulative results support the overarching premise that ec-LLS is a unique synthetic method for crystalline Si nanowires at low temperatures.