cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The process-oriented ESL writing assessment: Promises and challenges

Abstract This study examines a process-oriented ESL writing assessment called the Computerized Enhanced ESL Placement Test (CEEPT). The CEEPT at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or its non-computerized alternative (EEPT) have since 2000 offered a daylong process-oriented writing assessment in which test takers are given extended time to plan, produce, and revise an essay. This study examines how 100 English as a Second Language (ESL) students take up the opportunity in this assessment procedure to reflect, interact with others, and revise their essays. Specifically, this study investigates what level of revision test takers focused on as well as the extent to which the quality of written products differed between first and second drafts. Results of this study showed that students produced their final drafts in a more coherent manner with complex sentences, as indicated by increased analytic as well as holistic scores, T-units, and a global level of revision. Extracts from essays whose scores increased, stayed the same, and decreased are presented to give a richer sense of how changes in the measures reflected writers’ revisions. This study thus offers insights into a serious attempt to translate a richer and more complex, process-oriented understanding of writing into a large institutional writing assessment.
Redetermination of the Zigzag Modification of Plumbocene at 173 K.

When plumbocene (Cp2Pb) is recrystallized from toluene/THF at 27 °C, its low-temperature crystal structure displays the zigzag polymeric bonding arrangement originally found in gas-phase-grown crys...
MEMORY AND THOUGHT IN HUMAN INTELLECTUAL PERFORMANCE

This paper is a review of efforts to extend the use of information techniques to tasks which are intellectual in nature. Complex tasks such as problem solving and concept formation are viewed in terms of simpler processes of information transformations and immediate memory. The first section of the paper considers efforts to describe the difficulty of transformations such as occur in arithmetic operations and concept utilization in terms of their informational parameters. The second part considers the relationship of these transformations to tasks which require retention. The final section extends the analysis to the complex sequential tasks of induction, problem solving and reading. The paper as a whole may be considered as a quantitative extension of the view of thinking as skilled performance (Bartlett, 1958).
Solar thermal power system based on optical transmission

Abstract In the solar tower concept, a multiplicity of mass produced heliostats reflect sunlight to a an elevated central receiver where it is absorbed as heat and transported to the ground. This paper presents the results of an NSF/RANN funded study of the technical and economic feasibility of this approach for powering a 10–500 MW electrical generator. A computer model of the collector system is described and results illustrative of the high performance of the system are presented. Detailed heliostat design studies have shown a silvered float glass mirror supported on a welded steel grid and guided in elevation and azimuth by a receiver oriented optical sensor and feedback circuit can be mass produced economically. Conceptual designs of the tower and receiver show them to be a minor cost component. With careful attention to thermal cycle fatigue, the receiver will present only a minor technical risk. The cost of electricity in the intermediate load range is competitive with the upper range of fossil fuel costs.
Differential equations for design of a freeform single lens with prescribed irradiance properties

The design equations of a freeform single lens optical systems for redistributing the input radiation in a prescribed manner over a given target set are presented in explicit form. These equations are derived here and their analysis is carried out in geometrical optics approximation. The qualitative properties of solutions to such problems are discussed in detail and illustrated by examples. Difficulties arising in numerical computations of solutions in the rotationally symmetric case are also noted.
Variations in the composition of particulate organic matter in a time-series sediment trap☆

Abstract A time-series sediment trap was used to collect material for organic geochemical analyses as part of the Sediment Trap Intercomparison Experiment. The flux of particulate matter was more likely related to a change in current direction during the course of the experiment than to small-scale changes in surface productivity. Of the compounds measured, the n-alkanes reflected this change most dramatically, decreasing with the change in current direction. Amino acid and lipid components were measured in the samples. Amino acids made up 15–35% of the total organic carbon flux and 35–75% of the total organic nitrogen flux collected in the traps. Specific amino acids indicative of bacterial biomass or activity suggested that microbial growth occurred in the traps, probably as a result of incomplete poisoning by NaN3. However, the effect of this growth on the bulk composition of particulate matter appeared to be minimal. The amino acid distribution of particulate organic material collected by large volume filtration (LVF) was not significantly different from the sediment trap material, except that the LVF material did not appear to be affected by bacterial growth.
Dynamic observations of nanoscale self-assembly on solid surfaces

Using low-energy electron microscopy, we find that Cu and Pb, arranged in single atomic layers on the Cu(111) surface, self-assemble into ordered, nanoscale domain patterns. The pattern type, feature size, and degree of long-range order vary controllably with surface composition and temperature. The continuous evolution of the domain structures from circular islands to stripes to `inverted' islands with increasing Pb coverage agrees with theoretical predictions and simulations based on the existence of competing long- and short-range interactions. The details of the self-assembly process depend on a number of factors including temperature, surface morphology, and the presence of small amounts of sulfur.
Asymptotic normality with small relative errors of posterior probabilities of half-spaces

Some examples of half-spaces of interest in parameter spaces are, in a clinical trial of a treatment versus placebo, the half-spaces where the treatment is (a) helpful or (b) harmful. Thus one may not only want to test the hypothesis that the treatment (c) makes no difference, but to assign posterior probabilities to (a), (b) and (c), under conditions as unrestrictive as possible on the choice of prior probabilities [e.g., Dudley and Haughton (2001)]. More generally, we have in mind applications to model selections as in the BIC criterion of Schwarz (1978) and its extensions [Poskitt (1987); Haughton (1988)], specifically to one-sided models and multiple data sets [Dudley and Haughton (1997)].
Effect of perfluoroalkyl chain length on synthesis and film formation of fluorine-containing colloidal dispersions

The development of a new family of colloidal dispersions that exhibit nonspherical shapes and are capable of forming stable polymeric dispersions and films is reported. Heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate (FMA), heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate (FA), heptadecafluoro-1-decene (FD), heptafluorobutyl acrylate (FBA), and heptafluorobutyl methacrylate (FBMA) were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (nBA) monomers leading to the formation of stable colloidal dispersions that contain up to 8.5% (w/w) of F-containing polymer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy, and internal reflection infrared imaging (IRIRI) showed that the length of the perfluoroalkyl side chain in F-containing monomers is directly related to surface concentration levles in coalesced films. These studies also show that incorporation of each F-containing monomer generates surface properties with enhanced water repellency as well as significant de...
Radiative transfer in a semitransparent hemispherical shell

Radiative transfer in a semitransparent hemispherical shell placed on an opaque surface is simple yet realistic representation of the heating process encountered in various materials processing applications ranging from metallurgical slag foaming to batch foams in glass melting to hollow bead fabrication. The objective of this paper is to develop fundamental understanding and predictive models for the apparent radiative properties of a hemispherical shell exposed to incident collimated radiation. Both analytical and numerical results are obtained and compared against each other for the purpose of validation of an analytical model. The study provides fundamental information on radiative transfer in a semitransparent hemispherical shell as well as presents an effective numerical algorithm to calculate the local intensity field and thus the local volumetric heating in the shell.
Elastic scattering of electrons by hydrogen molecules at intermediate energies

Abstract Several quantum mechanical calculations of differential cross sections for elastic scattering of electrons by H 2 are compared with the recent experiments by Williams.
Integrating Information Management Skills into the Marketing Curriculum: An Example Using the Marketing Research Course

As the management of information takes on greater importance, one key question becomes that of determining how the increased emphasis of this subject will be approached within the marketing curricu...
Survival ofMegasphaera elsdenii during starvation

Batch- and continuous-cultured cell suspensions of the anaerobic ruminal bacteriumMegasphaera elsdenii strain T-81 were subjected to total nutrient starvation, during which time changes in cell viability, cell composition, and endogenous fermentation acids were monitored. The populations exhibited poor survival capabilities with a 50% survival time of 9–13 h. The primary substrates used for endogenous metabolism appeared to be cellular RNA, carbohydrate, and possibly protein. The types and amounts of major fermentation acids (acetic, butyric, caproic) released from starving cells varied depending upon initial growth conditions and starvation time. The data suggest that growth conditions affect cell composition and have important roles in survival ofM. elsdenii.
Rho Kinase-2 Activation in Human Endothelial Cells Drives Lysophosphatidic Acid-mediated Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules via NF-κB p65

Endothelial cells play an important role in the recruitment of immune cells to a disease locus through the induced expression of chemokines and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The proinflammatory lysophospholipid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which is elevated in multiple inflammatory diseases, is a potent activator of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway and has been shown to induce the expression of CAMs in endothelial cells. The present study was undertaken to map signal transduction downstream of LPA and to investigate the contributions of the Rho kinase isoforms ROCK1 and ROCK2 to adhesion molecule expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. LPA activated Rho kinase within minutes and subsequently the NF-κB pathway through phosphorylation of the p65 subunit. The lipid also induced the late expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Pharmacologic inhibition of Rho kinase signaling blocked LPA-induced p65 phosphorylation and suppressed ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Inhibition of the NF-κB pathway had no impact on LPA-induced Rho kinase activation, but inhibited adhesion molecule expression. Small interfering RNA-facilitated knockdown of each isoform identified ROCK2 as the mediator of LPA-driven phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA and protein induction. Taken collectively, our data are consistent with Rho kinase being upstream of NF-κB in driving LPA-mediated adhesion molecule expression. This study also provides the first evidence of the critical involvement of ROCK2 in LPA-induced CAM expression through activation of the NF-κB pathway in human endothelial cells.
Intermittent sediment suspension and its implications to sand tracer dispersal in wave-dominated environments

Abstract Recent observations of time series of suspended sand concentration in wave dominated environments indicate the occurrence of intermittent near-bed suspension. The process of intermittent suspension is a significant mechanism resulting in the transport of sand due to waves and currents. Dyed sand tracer measurements which had previously been interpreted to indicate the dominance of bed-load motion are reinterpreted within the context of intermittent suspension by using an order of magnitude stochastic description of suspension and burial events. This analysis indicates that tracer burial and dispersal patterns are consistent with the process of intermittent suspension.
Hunting Methods of Fish-Eating Bats, Particularly Noctilio leporinus

At least two and possibly five species in three families of bats have evolved the fish-eating habit. Two Asiatic species, Myotis macrotarsus and M . ( Rickettia ) pilosa are suspected of being fish-eaters simply because of their large feet and claws (Eisentraut, 1951; Allen, 1936). A third Asiatic bat, Megaderma lyra , has on two known occasions dropped remains of fish, together with frogs, mice and insects from night-roosting places, but its habits are unknown (Gudger, 1943). It may occupy an ecological niche similar to that of the large omnivorous Phyllostomus of the Neotropical region. The remaining two are New World species that are known to catch and eat fish and small aquatic crustaceans. First, Myotis ( Pizonyx ) vivesi , found only along the shores of Baja California and Sonora, apparently subsists almost completely on this diet; of many stomach dissections that have been made, only one has revealed insects, while all others have shown only fish and shrimps (Reeder and Norris, 1954; Burt, 1932). I have collected fecal pellets of Pizonyx from roosts on two islands just offshore from Guaymas, Sonora, and found it possible to separate them into two classes according to whether they contain primarily decapod chitin or fish scales, the former pellets being dark red, the latter black. A sample that was thus sorted proved to contain almost equal volumes of each type of pellet. Since there were very few mixed pellets, one can infer that the diet of this species is about 50 per cent fish, 50 per cent shrimp. Pizonyx has been observed fishing, but the exact way in which it catches fish is still in doubt. My attempts to induce captive Pizonyx to catch fish in the manner described below for Noctilio have been unsuccessful. Megaderma lyra and Myotis macrotarsus have feet only …
Green Tea Polyphenols and Cancer Chemoprevention: Multiple Mechanisms and Endpoints for Phase II Trials

Among the numerous polyphenols isolated from green tea, the catechin EGCG predominates and is the target of anticancer research. But studies suggest that EGCG and other catechins are poorly absorbed and undergo substantial biotransformation to species that include glucuronides, sulfates, and methylated compounds. Numerous studies relate the antioxidant properties of the catechins with anticancer effects, but recent research proposes other mechanisms of action, including those involving methyl transfers that are subject to allelic variability in the enzyme catechol O-methyl transferase. However, preclinical research is promising and EGCG appears to be ready for further study in phase II and III trials.
Determination of N-Arylhydroxylamines with 9-Chloroacridine by Quenching Fluorometry

Abstract The interaction of N-arylhydroxylamines with 9-chloroacridine results in quenching of the native fluorescence observed in 9-chloroacridine solutions. Monitoring this fluorescence at activation and emission wavelengths of 400 and 430 nm., respectively, permits the analysis of arylhydroxylamines at concentrations in the range of 10−7-10−8 M with an accuracy of 1–5%. The method described in this communication was applied to various arylhydroxylamines and to mixtures containing hydroxylamines and possible interfering chemical species.
The Shrinking Equity Premium

The author argues that the equity premium or the historical spread between expected equity returns and government bond yields is probably far below the approximately 6% figure estimated in much of the finance literature. This, the author contends, is due both to an underestimate of the expected real return on the risk-free asset and an overestimate of the realized returns on equities. Correction of these biases reduces the equity premium to 1% to 2% per year. Furthermore, given the current high level of equity prices relative to earnings and high yield on government price-indexed bonds, it is extremely unlikely that the future premium will exceed the 1% to 2% range without an unprecedented increase in earnings growth.
Adaptation to natural facial categories

Face perception is fundamentally important for judging the characteristics of individuals, such as identification of their gender, age, ethnicity or expression. We asked how the perception of these characteristics is influenced by the set of faces that observers are exposed to. Previous studies have shown that the appearance of a face can be biased strongly after viewing an altered image of the face, and have suggested that these after-effects reflect response changes in the neural mechanisms underlying object or face perception. Here we show that these adaptation effects are pronounced for natural variations in faces and for natural categorical judgements about faces. This suggests that adaptation may routinely influence face perception in normal viewing, and could have an important role in calibrating properties of face perception according to the subset of faces populating an individual's environment.
Decreased Density of Ito in Left Ventricular Myocytes from German Shepherd Dogs with Inherited Arrhythmias

Decreased Ito in Dogs with Inherited Arrhythmias.Introduction: A colony of inbred German shepherd dogs with inherited ventricular arrhythmias has been established. Methods and Results: The inward rectifier (IKI), the slow delayed rectifier (IKs), and the transient outward current (IKI) were recorded from epicardial myocytes, and IKI, was recorded from Purkinje myocytes isolated from the left ventricles of dogs mildly or severely affected with arrhythmias, and unaffected relatives. There were no differences between unaffected and severely affected dogs in the densities of either IKI or IKI. Peak Ito density at +1–40 mV was reduced by 49% in epicardial myocytes from severely affected dogs. Ito density was also reduced in a subset of Purkinje myocytes. Boltzmann analysis of steady-state inactivation showed no differences between groups in slope factor. V1/2 the half-inactivation voltage, was shifted by +6.2 mV in epicardial cells from severely affected versus unaffected dogs. In addition, the time constant for Ito decay was reduced in mildly and severely affected dogs compared to unaffected dogs. Conclusion: Altered density and inactivation of Ito are associated with the presence of severe ventricular arrhythmias in inbred dogs at risk for sudden death.
Is It the Dark in Dark Chocolate

When we first entered this scientific area about 10 years ago, we did not fully appreciate the emotional content of discussions involving chocolate. Contacts between medical scientists and the lay press tend to be sporadic. When chocolate is the issue, however, the lay press interest becomes intense and widespread. We have participated in many dozens, probably hundreds, of interviews about our research into the vascular effects of cocoa. Two questions inevitably emerge. The first is, “Is there some way of identifying which chocolate available for purchase is especially good for you?” The second is, “Does this mean that chocolate is a health food?” Reporters have been, almost without exception, rather disappointed by our response to each question. Article p 2376 The use of the word “dark” in dark chocolate, prominent in the title of this article, the article it accompanies,1 and on chocolate bar wrappers in high-end groceries around the world is symptomatic of this interest in identifying a simple, reliable, and inexpensive assay for what is good in chocolate. What makes it healthy? As is stated clearly in the report by Flammer et al in this issue of Circulation ,1 we have probably identified the major chemical mediators: the subclass of flavonoids called flavanols, including especially the monomers epicatechin and catechin, and possibly procyanidins and metabolites.2,3 All cocoa is created flavanol-rich. It is primarily the processing of natural cocoa solids into cocoa powder or into confectionary chocolate that determines whether a final product is flavanol-rich or -poor.2 Because flavanols are bitter, manufacturers have often treated natural cocoa with processing techniques that necessarily destroy the flavanols as they enrich flavor and improve consistency. The use of the term “dark chocolate” is misleading: There is nothing about the color of the chocolate that will tell you the …
Renal cell carcinoma: The size variable

Three hundred and thirty-seven renal cell carcinomas treated at University of Illinois Affiliated Hospitals were reviewed. There was an inverse correlation between tumor size and survival. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of stochastic coalescence and air turbulence on the size distribution of cloud droplets

An open question in warm rain process and precipitation formation is how rain forms in warm cumulus as rapidly as it has sometimes been observed. In general, the rapid growth of cloud droplets across the size gap from 10 to 50 μm in radius has not been fully explained. Three aspects related to the air turbulence and stochastic coalescence are considered here in an attempt to resolve this open question. The first is the enhanced geometric collision rates caused by air turbulence. The second is the effect of air turbulence on collision efficiencies. The third is stochastic fluctuations and correlations in the collision–coalescence process. Rigorous approaches are developed to address these issues. Preliminary results indicate that turbulence could shorten the time for drizzle formation to about a half of the time needed for the same growth process based on hydrodynamic–gravitational mechanism alone. To address the effect of stochastic correlations, we derive and validate a true stochastic coalescence equation. It is hoped that this new mean field equation will be useful in the future to improve the deterministic kinetic collection equation.
Flawed from the “Get-Go”: Lee Iacocca and the origins of transformational leadership

Transformational leadership has undergone a critical reassessment. Rather than examining the state of the science or the conceptual confusion and contradictions inherent in the ongoing stream of tr...
Feasibility study of an oblique 2D variable resolution x-ray CT detector

An oblique 2D variable resolution x-ray (VRX) detector is a new approach aimed to increase spatial resolution of volumetric CT imaging. The resolution increase results from rotating a 2D planar detector about two axes. In the initial phase of the development of such a detector, the increase in its projection spatial resolution and the side effects of its rotations were analyzed theoretically. The results of the analysis confirmed the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Neural correlates of cognitive decline in ALS: an fNIRS study of the prefrontal cortex.

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a clinically feasible functional neuroimaging modality for detecting early cortical changes due to neurodegenerative diseases that affect cognition. The objective of this preliminary investigation was to test for reduced prefrontal activity in persons with cognitive impairments due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Participants were required to complete two N-back working memory tasks of increasing complexity during fNIRS recordings. Five participants with ALS and age- and gender-matched healthy participants comprised the experimental and control groups, respectively. Significant reductions in prefrontal oxygenation levels were observed for the left and right hemispheres in the ALS group compared to the control group. Reduced prefrontal activation despite intact behavioral performance for a working memory task may suggest early neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and/or compensatory mechanisms in affected individuals. The fNIRSderived oxygenation measure shows promise as a sensitive neural marker to identify early neuropsychological impairments due to ALS.
A Class of Human Proteins that Deliver Functional Proteins into Mammalian Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

We discovered a class of naturally occurring human proteins with unusually high net positive charge that can potently deliver proteins in functional form into mammalian cells both in vitro and also in murine retina, pancreas, and white adipose tissues in vivo. These findings represent diverse macromolecule delivery agents for in vivo applications, and also raise the possibility that some of these human proteins may penetrate cells as part of their native biological functions.
Competitive Binding between Cocaine and Various Drugs to Synthetic Levodopa Melanin

The interaction of 15 drugs with synthetic levodopa melanin was studied by measuring their relative tendency to compete with 14C- cocaine for sites on the polymer. The binding of cocaine to melanin followed a Type I Langmuir adsorption isotherm in the absence of added drugs. Cocaine in the presence of a ninefold greater concentration of (+)-norepinephrine, levarterenol, dextroamphetamine, levamfetamine, (−)-ephedrine, dopamine, cyclopentolate, tropicamide, and, perhaps, desipramine conformed to a Type I adsorption relationship modified to account for competitive binding. Reciprocal plots for the binding of cocaine in the presence of these drugs permit a comparison of their relative affinities to melanin. Chlorpromazine, promazine, fluphenazine, thioridazine, imipramine, and chloroquine in ratios of 9:1 (drug-cocaine) gave results that are not explainable by a model based on competitive inhibition of cocaine binding. However, studies at ratios of 1:1 for promazine and of 0.25:1 and 1:1 for chloroquine showed conformity with the competitive inhibition model, so affinities could be compared. The behavior of cocaine in the presence of thioridazine even at a 1:1 ratio cannot be judged as competitive inhibition. The overall results showed that the relative binding found was: some phenothiazines ≈ chloroquine > cyclopentolate > tropicamide > sympathomimetic amines.
Vicarious Emotional Responsiveness and Prosocial Behavior Their Interrelations in Young Children

Findings in research concerning the association between empathy/sympathy and altruism in children have been inconsistent, probably because (a) concerned reactions have not been distinguished from distressed (anxious) reactions, (b) various modes of prosocial action have not been differentiated, and (c) empathy has been assessed primarily by means of self-report indices. In the present study, preschoolers'sad/concerned and anxious facial/gestural reactions and self-report of emotion in response to others' distresses were obtained, and prosocial behavior (spontaneous and requested) was assessed in peer interaction. Sad/concerned facial/gestural reactions were positively associated with sharing in a situation in which sharing was likely to be altruistically motivated (i.e., spontaneous actions) and, for girls only, with assisting when escape from the other's request was difficult (i.e., requested prosocial behavior). Anxious expressions were positively related to requested assisting, but only for the score indicating frequency (not proportion) of compliance. In addition, children who tended to express anxiety when viewing others in distress elicited more requests for assistance. Self-report measures were unrelated to facial/gestural indices and prosocial behavior. The data are discussed in terms of Batson's theorizing (for which they provide only limited support) and the literature concerning the relation of affect to various modes of prosocial behavior.
Scribe: a tool for authoring event driven interactive drama

Creating an interactive drama requires authors to produce large quantities of story content. A programmer or knowledge expert typically creates this content because they have experience with the story environment. By using an authoring tool someone with less experience with the story environment can organize and create story content. The Scribe Authoring Tool is an authoring tool that will be used to create interactive dramas. The tool will follow certain requirements to make it relevant to any story environment and will be usable enough for someone not familiar with the environment to author story content for interactive dramas.
MtDB: a database for personalized data mining of the model legume Medicago truncatula transcriptome

In order to identify the genes and gene functions that underlie key aspects of legume biology, researchers have selected the cool season legume Medicago truncatula (Mt) as a model system for legume research. A set of >170 000 Mt ESTs has been assembled based on in-depth sampling from various developmental stages and pathogen-challenged tissues. MtDB is a relational database that integrates Mt transcriptome data and provides a wide range of user-defined data mining options. The database is interrogated through a series of interfaces with 58 options grouped into two filters. In addition, the user can select and compare unigene sets generated by different assemblers: Phrap, Cap3 and Cap4. Sequence identifiers from all public Mt sites (e.g. IDs from GenBank, CCGB, TIGR, NCGR, INRA) are fully cross-referenced to facilitate comparisons between different sites, and hypertext links to the appropriate database records are provided for all queries' results. MtDB's goal is to provide researchers with the means to quickly and independently identify sequences that match specific research interests based on user-defined criteria. The underlying database and query software have been designed for ease of updates and portability to other model organisms. Public access to the database is at http://www.medicago.org/MtDB.
A simplified model for lysogenic regulation through DNA looping

The lysogenic state of bacteriophage lambda has been a key model for understanding gene regulation. A single protein, CI repressor, maintains this state by blocking gene expression from two promoters separated by ∼2.3 kbp of DNA. CI controls its own expression by positive and negative feedback by binding to O R to regulate the P RM promoter. Not only does CI interact directly with operator DNA, but CI tetramers bound to O L and O R can form an octamer, looping the DNA that lies between them. Previous studies show that O L can assist with negative regulation of P RM , and we recently showed that DNA looping can also enhance looping activation. In this paper we present a new interpretation of our recent experimental data based a new crystal structure of CI. The simpler model suggested by the new structural information predicts that the most common forms of the DNA loop have similar activation behavior, and are enhanced ∼2.2-fold relative to unlooped activation.
Touch Here to Begin: Paper Interfaces and Legible Circuits

An exploration of methods for interfacing paper objects with computers and micro-processors to blend printed and digital media within learning environments. Experimentation with conductive inks has shaped a new area of typographic exploration that seeks to blend the constraints of drawing functional circuits with the creation of new forms of legible letters. Touch a letter to trigger projected textual documents or videos. Trace the words on the page with your fingertip to expand a collection of digital media.
Derived categories and motives

Ab stract. We relate derived categories of modules over rational DGA’s to categories of comodules over associated Hopf algebras, and we explain how this implies the equivalence of definitions of mixed Tate motives proposed by Bloch and Deligne. We also describe an approach to integral mixed Tate motives in terms of the derived categories of modules over certain E∞ algebras. We first explain some new differential homological algebra — alias rational homotopy theory — over a field of characteristic zero and then use it to show the equivalence of two proposed definitions of mixed Tate motives [8, 9, 5] in algebraic geometry. One of these has been proven to admit Hodge
Rotation Properties of Tokamak Plasmas

Understanding the physics that controls rotation properties of tokamaks is a crucial issue for successful ITER operation. Toroidal plasma flow and flow shear directly impact the control of turbulen...
Immunophenotyping of solid tumors, a new approach for molecular profiling solid tumors

10057 Methods of determining prognosis in breast, ovary, and colon cancer includes detection of molecular markers such as the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2/neu. Thes...
Motor Trike:Building A Brand Community

Founded in 1994, Motor Trike, Inc. produced kits that transformed a motorcycle into a three-wheeled vehicle or trike, providing increased safety and comfort for the riders. Trikes became increasing...
Association of Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin gamma titers with dystrophic peritoneal calcification, psammoma bodies, adhesions, and hydrosalpinges

Objective To correlate Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) titers with psammoma bodies, dystrophic peritoneal calcification, degree of calcification, adhesions, and hydrosalpinges. Design This is a prospective single-blinded histologic analysis of tissue and retrospective analysis of historical laboratory and clinical variables. Setting Tertiary hospital and private practice patient charts. Patients Sixty consecutive patients with C. trachomatis IgG titers reported on the coding sheets of a previous study for endometriosis. Main Outcome Measures The histologic slides were reviewed in a blinded fashion for calcification. Previously used data sheets were reviewed for C. trachomatis IgG titers. Historical data, adhesion scores, hystrosalpingogram findings, and laparoscopic findings were obtained from charts. Results Dystrophic calcification, psammoma bodies, moderate-to-severe dystrophic calcification and hydrosalpinges were associated with positive C. trachomatis IgG titers. Conclusion This study suggests relationship of C. trachomatis with dystrophic calcification, psammoma bodies, adhesions, and hydrosalpinges. This relationship suggests that C. trachomatis IgG titers can be used as a marker to help determine those infertility patients who might best benefit from hysterosalpingogram or laparoscopy and in clinical studies of endometriosis, infertility, pain, or ovarian cancer. However, there is no current data to suggest a need for therapy on the basis of a positive C. trachomatis IgG titer or of dystrophic peritoneal calcification.
Discussion of Undercompaction of Rocks——And impossibility of hydrocarbon expulsion during rock compression

Based on the mechanism of deformation of rocks, porosity-depth curves of rocks can be divided into tow periods as compaction and compression. The porosity of the former decreased exponentially, while that of the latter maintains a constant which is conventionally mistaken as undercompaction period. According to the theory of mechanics of solids and fluids, the volume variation during rock compression is studied, and It is concluded that fluid or hydrocarbon expulsion in rocks is impossible during the period of rock compression.
Development and Application Study of Decolorizing Coagulant (PSDC-V)

Polysilicic decoloration coagulant PSDC-V containing several metal ions that made by solid waste and wet waste for treated dyestuff wastewater was investigated.Use the wet waste from Hangzhou Steel Plant to make polymerization silicate coagulant named PSDC-V by the method of pulverization,alkalization,acid pickling,polymerization,filtration and so on.In the process of polymerization,some Fe3+ and Al3+ were put in wastewater.Test the active red,cationic blue simulated dye wastewater decolorizing effect,inspected the influence PSDC-V coagulation and decoloring effect factors,and with PAC are compared.In accordance with experiment,the results indicated that actived red and cationic biue wastewater best absorp tion wavelength for 536 nm respectively and 440 nm,A spectrophotometry were 1.344 and 0.816;PSDC-V series coagulant for the two simulation dye wastewater are good flocculation within wide scope of pH≥6,in the pH=8,to achieve the best decoloring effect point.first the decolorization with the amount of coagulant with the increase of the rise,with again after dosing quantity decreased,best dosing quantity is 4 mL.Compared with the PAC,PSDC-V has good coagulation effect and has good decoloring effect,the manufacturing cost is low.
Modulation of Ara-C Metabolism to Improve AML Response

Cytarabine (ara-C) is an effective agent for therapy of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).Ara-C is phosphorylated to its triphosphate (ara-CTP) which acts as a cytotoxic metabolite. Strong correlations have been observed between ara-CTP accumulation and elimination, and response to ara-C therapy for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), suggesting a need to increase intracellular levels of ara-CTP. Previously we have demonstrated that administration of fludarabine prior to intermittent infusion of ara-C augments the levels of araCTP in the circulating blasts. As an alternative schedule, ara-C could be administered as a continuous infusion (CI) with fludarabine as a modulator. To model C.I.ara-C during in vitro studies, K562 human leukemia cells were incubated with 1 μM ara-C for 4 hours to reach steady-state levels of ara-CTP (ara-CTPss). At this time, the cultures were split in two and in one 15 μM fludarabine was added. The analysis of ara-CTP accumulation in these cells demonstrated that the ara-CTPss were augmented 2–3-fold by incubating cells with fludarabine. Similar in vitro studies in primary leukemia cells from patients with AML confirmed the effectiveness of such a combination. The clinical protocol designed based on these results stipulated a 1.5 g/m2/d C.I. of ara-C. At 5 h, when the ara-CTP reached a steady-state, fludarabine (30 mg/m2) was infused. To achieve a high concentration of plasma fludarabine, the infusion duration was reduced to 5 min instead of the standard 30 min administration. Subsequently, to further increase plasma fludarabine and cellular fludarabine triphosphate, the infusion duration of fludarabine was shortened to 1 min. This strategy was followed by increasing the dose of fludarabine to 50 mg/m2. Of a total of 15 evaluable patients, 10 who achieved ≥ 10 μM intracellular fludarabine triphosphate increased ara-CTPss by a median of 45%. In contrast, only 1 of the 5 patients who failed to accumulate 10 µM fludarabine triphosphate in blasts was able to augment araCTPSS (p = < 0.004, Fisher exact test). Of the 24 evaluable patients with relapsed AML, 8 achieved complete remission. Based on the prognostic criteria, the 33% overall response rate represents an improvement in the clinical outcome in these patients. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that fludarabine successfully modulates ara-CTP accumulation in circulating blasts during CI or intermittent infusion of ara-C, and this improves clinical responses.
Proton therapy for prostate cancer online: Patient education or marketing?

INTRODUCTION: Proton therapy (PT) for prostate cancer is an expensive treatment with limited evidence of benefit over conventional radiotherapy. We sought to study whether online information on PT for prostate cancer was balanced and whether the website source influenced the content presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied a systematic search process to identify 270 weblinks associated with PT for prostate cancer, categorized the websites by source, and filtered the results to 50 websites using predetermined criteria. We then used a customized version of the DISCERN instrument, a validated tool for assessing the quality of consumer health information, to evaluate the remaining websites for balance of content and description of risks, benefits and uncertainty. RESULTS: Depending on the search engine and key word used, proton center websites (PCWs) made up 10%-47% of the first 30 encountered links. In comparison, websites from academic and nonacademic medical centers without ownership stake in proton centers appeared much less frequently as a search result (0%-3%). PCWs scored lower on DISCERN questions compared to other sources for being balanced/unbiased (p < 0.001), mentioning areas of uncertainty (p < 0.001), and describing risks of PT (p < 0.001). PCWs scored higher for describing the benefits of treatment (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be aware that online information regarding PT for prostate cancer may represent marketing by proton centers rather than comprehensive and unbiased patient education. An awareness of these results will also better prepare clinicians to address the potential biases of patients with prostate cancer who search the Internet for health information.
Fifteen-minute consultation: the agar plates your microbiology colleagues want you to be scared about

The WHO has recognised antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats to human health. As a microbiologist, antibiotic resistance is a problem that keeps me awake at night and inevitably the impact of antibiotic resistance on paediatricians is a matter of when, and not if. I fear for the future of paediatric services such as neonatology, oncology and elective surgery. A recent US study found that 26.8% of post chemotherapy infections and 38.7-50.9% of post-operative infections were caused by bacteria resistant to standard antibiotic prophylaxis. The authors predicted that this will lead to an additional 6300 infection-related deaths in the USA each year. Closer to home, David Cameron commissioned a review into antimicrobial resistance in 2014 and the findings were extremely worrying. The report predicted that by 2050, 10 million annual worldwide deaths will be attributable to antimicrobial resistance. More than annual predicted cancer-associated and diabetes-associated mortality combined. The golden antibiotic era is certainly over. Selecting the most appropriate antibiotic to treat an infection depends on many factors, including route of administration, penetration to site of infection and pathogen susceptibility. Most clinicians do not need an in-depth understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms as local microbiologists can provide expertise and advice. However, in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, an insight into the organism factors that affect antibiotic selection can prove useful.
Metanoia en Atención Temprana: Transformación a un Enfoque Centrado en la Familia

?Como acontecio? ?Como fue posible que la atencion temprana para ninos muy pequenos con discapacidades se distanciara tanto de la familia, se transformara en algo tan clinico y tan alejado de la ciencia? En este articulo, abogo por el uso de un enfoque centrado en la familia para la atencion temprana, basado en la literatura cientifica relativa el tema. Describo algunas practicas especificas para implementar este enfoque como asimismo algunos instrumentos para determinar la fidelidad con las que estas se llevan a cabo. Finalmente, analizo como este campo de estudio se esta transformando mediante una asociacion entre la oportunidad (Modelo Basado en Rutinas) y un cambio de mentalidad (Metanoia).
Scalable Nearest Neighbor Sparse Graph Approximation by Exploiting Graph Structure

We consider exploiting graph structure for sparse graph approximations. Graphs play increasingly important roles in learning problems: manifold learning, kernel learning, and spectral clustering. Specifically, in this paper, we concentrate on nearest neighbor sparse graphs which are widely adopted in learning problems due to its spatial efficiency. Nonetheless, we raise an even challenging problem: can we save more memory space while keep competitive performance for the sparse graph? To this end, first, we propose to partition the entire graph into intra- and inter-graphs by exploring the graph structure, and use both of them for graph approximation. Therefore, neighborhood similarities within each cluster, and between different clusters are well preserved. Second, we improve the space use of the entire approximation algorithm. Specially, a novel sparse inter-graph approximation algorithm is proposed, and corresponding approximation error bound is provided. Third, extensive experiments are conducted on 11 real-world datasets, ranging from small- to large-scales, demonstrating that when using less space, our approximate graph can provide comparable or even better performance, in terms of approximation error, and clustering accuracy. In large-scale test, we use less than 1/100 memory of comparable algorithms, but achieve very appealing results.
Aberrant Activation of HGF/c-MET Signaling and Targeted Therapy in Squamous Cancer

Aberrant activation of the c-MET signaling pathway has been identified in multiple carcinomas, including bladder, renal, cervical, colon, breast, ovary, lung, esophagus, gastric, and head and neck cancers. The underlying genetic and functional abnormalities include gene amplification of c-MET/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene loci, c-MET mutation, overexpression of c-MET and HGF due to transcriptional dysregulation or promoter polymorphisms, and autocrine or paracrine activation mediated by cytokines and growth factors. HGF/c-MET signaling promotes an aggressive malignant phenotype, including increased cell proliferation and survival, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, angiogenesis and inflammation, and metastasis. HGF and its coregulated proinflammatory and proangiogenic growth factors in serum, as well as c-MET mutation, amplification and phosphorylation in tumor specimens, have been identified as important indicators for patient prognosis and responses to therapies targeting HGF/c-MET. Targeting HGF/c-MET and related signaling pathways are important strategies in the development of anticancer drugs, and a panel of small molecule inhibitors and biological antagonists have been tested in clinical trials.