cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ability—Achievement Discrepancy, Response to Intervention, and Assessment of Cognitive Abilities/Processes in Specific Learning Disability Identification: Toward a Contemporary Operational Definition

The category of specific learning disability (SLD) remains the largest and most contentious area of special education. A primary problem is overidentification of students with SLD as evidenced by the SLD category representing approximately 5% of the school population and 50% of the special education population. Partially responsible for this problem is the overreliance on the ability–achievement discrepancy criterion as the sole indicator of SLD, a practice that remains widespread. Recently, new ways to conceptualize and define SLD have been proposed in an attempt to remedy the overidentification problem (e.g., Fletcher, Coulter, Reschly, & Vaughn, 2004). Most popular is a model that conceptualizes SLD in terms of a failure to respond to intervention (RTI) (Berninger & Abbott, 1994). The purpose of this chapter is to briefly review these two methods of SLD identification, the ability–achievement discrepancy criterion and RTI. It is our belief that neither of these methods, when used as the sole indicator of SLD, can identify this condition reliably and validly. This is because SLD may be present in students with and without a significant ability–achievement discrepancy (see Aaron (1997) for a comprehensive review) and in students who fail to respond and who do respond favorably to scientifically based interventions. We believe the missing component in both of these SLD methods is information on the student’s functioning across a broad range of cognitive abilities and processes, particularly those that explain significant variance in academic achievement. Indeed, the federal definition of SLD is “a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes. . . ” (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] 2004). Therefore, this chapter discusses evaluation of cognitive abilities/processes as defined by contemporary Cattell– Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory and its research base. Inherent in this discussion is a summary of the research on the relations between cognitive abilities/processes and academic achievement, information we believe is necessary to (a) determine whether a processing deficit(s) is the probable cause of a student’s academic difficulties and (b) restructure and redirect interventions for nonresponders in an RTI model. Keogh (2005) discussed criteria for determining the adequacy and utility of a diagnostic system, such as the ability–achievement discrepancy and RTI models. The criteria include homogeneity (Do category members resemble one another?), reliability (Is there agreement about who should be included in the category?), and validity (Does category membership provide consistent information?). Keogh (2005, p. 101) suggested that, SLD “is real and that it describes problems that are distinct from
Ethylene diffusion in crystals of zeolitic imidazole Framework-11 embedded in polymers to form mixed-matrix membranes

Abstract 13C Pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR was used to study the self-diffusion of ethylene in loosely packed beds of ZIF-11 crystals and ZIF-11 based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) at different sorbate loadings and diffusion times. The ZIF-11 based MMMs were formed by embedding ZIF-11 crystals in one of the following three polymers: Torlon, Matrimid, and 6FDA-DAM. PFG NMR data allowed obtaining ethylene diffusivities inside ZIF-11 crystals in the crystal beds and MMMs under the same or similar conditions. It was observed that the intra-ZIF diffusivities in ZIF-11/Torlon MMM are smaller than the corresponding diffusivities in the ZIF-11 bed. The observed diffusivity reduction becomes less significant with increasing ethylene loading. At the same time, within uncertainty, no difference in the intra-ZIF diffusivities between ZIF-11 bed and MMMs were observed for ZIF-11/Matrimid and ZIF-11/6FDA-DAM MMMs. The intra-ZIF diffusivity reduction observed for ZIF-11/Torlon MMM is tentatively attributed to the reduced framework flexibility of ZIF-11 crystals once embedded in the Torlon to form the MMM. The absence of such diffusivity reduction in the other two studied MMMs is tentatively explained by the higher bulk modulus of Torlon compared to Matrimid and 6FDA-DAM.
Cerion uva gouldi, a new fossil subspecies from Aruba (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Cerionidae)

Cerion uva gouldi is described as a new subspecies to include only fossil and subfossil Cerion uva from Aruba. The name Cerion uva arubanumBaker, 1924 had previously been applied to all Cerion uva from Aruba, living and fossil. A recent molecular study has shown that Cerion uva arubanum, a taxon based on living type material from Aruba, is a synonym of Cerion uva uva (Linnaeus, 1758), with which it shares a preponderance of mitochondrial haplotypes. Cerion uva was widespread on Aruba during the Pleistocene, but became extinct on that island and was subsequently reintroduced from a population near Willemstad in eastern Curacao by humans within the past 800 years. Earlier authors had recognized that fossil Cerion from Aruba differ in morphology from those living on the island today, with fossils being more similar to specimens from western Curacao and Bonaire, while those living on Aruba today are most similar to Cerion uva uva from eastern Curacao. Cerion uva gouldi may be distinguished from living populations of Cerion on Aruba on the basis of its cylindrical rather than ovate shell shape, its more closely spaced whorls, and its round aperture with a uniform rather than anteriorly expanded parietal rim.
Methods, Techniques and Approaches to Post-War Architectural Reconstruction

This Research explores similarities and differences between techniques and approaches to post-war architectural reconstruction. An overview of various different social, political and cultural difficulties and obstacles that architects needed to consider while making adequate design proposals will be presented and discussed. Moreover, the Research focuses on greater public reaction, understanding and acceptance of new design solutions, especially considering the population who are intimately and emotionally connected with the pre-war design. The main empirical method is through case studies, examining a variety of different architectural structures that were reconstructed following the armed conflicts. Moreover, the Research is not limited to a single time period or a single geographical zone; it will analyze and synthesize findings from various different cultural and regional environments. Case studies will include examination of Dresden Frauenkirche (Germany), Atomic Bomb Dome (Japan), Neues Museum (Germany) and Cadiz Castle (Spain). The Study strives to extract the guiding principles of reconstruction, sorting them into several different overall techniques: faithful reconstruction, intervention, patching and passive monument creation. However, the Research does not favor one technique over the other, instead it offers a critical overview of their implementation and suitability for reconstruction by considering given cultural and social circumstances.
63Cu and17O NMR studies on the magnetic and superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7−y

Results of63Cu and17O NMR experiments in YBa2Cu3O7 and YBa2Cu3O6.63 are reviewed. The normal state data revealed two important aspects of the magnetic properties of these materials, namely, the temperature dependent antiferromagnetic Cu spin correlations and the spin gap behavior, the latter being observed in the reduced oxygen material. These features appear to be the general properties of many high-T c cuprates. Anomalous temperature dependence of the anisotropy of the Cu relaxation rate was found in the superconducting state of YBa2Cu3O7, which can be explained by a d-wave pairing model.
Mobile Simulation Unit Models, Facilities, and Logistics

This chapter contains information gained from a national survey of MSPs concerning the facilities and logistics of MSUs. Information for this chapter was derived from literature and website review, pilot studies, and phone interviews with 43 existing mobile programs throughout 22 states. Information is also based on the author’s personal experiences derived from creating and managing four MSPs.
LEFT ATRIAL HYPERTENSION AND THE RISK OF RECURRENT HEART FAILURE AFTER ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION

Catheter ablation is a safe and effective procedure to reduce symptoms from atrial fibrillation (AF), but one potential complication is early occurrence of heart failure (HF). Elevated intraoperative left atrial pressure is associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence, but it is unknown if
The translation of surgical animal models to human clinical research: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Surgical animal models are used in pre-clinical scientific studies. To date there has not been an analysis of how effective these data are when translated to human/clinical research. In this retrospective review, we evaluate the impact of studies using surgical animal models on human/clinical research through study-level analysis of citations. Methods The top two ranking clinical journals based on impact factor for the top ten surgical specialties were identified and a search was run on PubMed to identify studies using surgical animal models published in the years 2007 and 2008. The translation to human/clinical research of each study was evaluated by analyzing the frequency of citation in human studies over the ten years following publication. Regression was used to identify predictors of citation in human/clinical research. Results 411 animal studies using surgical models were identified. Over the course of the 10 years following publication the original animal studies were cited 6063 times, with 1300 (21.4%) citations in human/clinical studies and 4763 (78.6%) in animal/basic science studies. The median number of citations in human/clinical research was 1 (IQR 0–5). Regression showed an association between citation in human/clinical research and the use of porcine models and the specialties of general surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery, transplant, and plastic surgery. Conclusion The use of animal models in surgical research shows poor translation to human/clinical research. Alternative surgical models should urgently be explored.
Process Development and Large-Scale Synthesis of BTK Inhibitor BIIB068

Chemical process development efforts leading to multikilogram production of BIIB068 hemiadipate are discussed. Process optimization resulted in (1) removal of transition metal from the process, (2)...
(R)‐Histidinium (2R,3R)‐tartrate

The crystal structure of (R)-histidinium (2R,3R)-tartrate, C6H10N3O2+·C4H5O6−, has been determined as part of an ongoing study into the fundamental effects of chirality on salt formation and hydration. Repeating layers of (R)-histidinium and (2R,3R)-tartrate interlink to form a three-dimensional network through simple translational symmetry of the unit cell.
Demonstration of High Quantum Cooperativities and Optomechanical Strong Coupling within a Bulk Crystalline Cavity Optomechanical System

Within a Brillouin-based bulk crystalline cavity optomechanical system, we demonstrate high quantum cooperativities as well as strong coupling between infrared light and high-frequency (12.7 GHz) bulk acoustic modes.
Phenoxy Radical Reactivity of Nucleic Acids: Practical Implications for Biotinylation

Recent advances in peroxidase-mediated biotin tyramide (BT) signal amplification technology have resulted in high-resolution and subcellular compartment-specific mapping of protein and RNA localization. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of H2 O2 is known to activate phenolic compounds for phenoxy radical reaction with nucleic acids, where biotinylation by BT is a practical example. BT reactivity with RNA and DNA is not understood in detail. We report that BT phenoxy radicals react in a sequence-independent manner with guanosine bases in RNA. In contrast, DNA reactivity with BT cannot be detected by our methods under the same conditions. Remarkably, we show that fluorescein conjugates DNA rapidly and selectively reacts with BT phenoxy radicals, allowing convenient and practical biotinylation of DNA on fluorescein with retention of fluorescence.
The Demand and Supply for Money [M=L(r) ] is not the Demand and Supply for Liquidity[M=M1plus M2=L1(Y) plus L2(r) {=L}

A major confusion among economists ,who have been writing on the General Theory since 1936,is to confuse the Demand and Supply for Money [M=L(r) ] with the Demand and Supply for Liquidity[M=M1plus M2=L1(Y) plus L2(r) {=L}. Chapter 13 of the General Theory concentrates exclusively on the second of the two constituents which, together, determine the equilibrium rate of interest. The first constituent, the mec and investment multiplier, determines the IS equation(curve). Keynes dealt with this in chapters 8-12 of the General Theory. Keynes made it very clear that in chapter 13 he was going to deal exclusively with the second constituent, liquidity preference ,which had been ignored by classical economists. Chapter 15 puts both of the constituents together .In Chapter 14 of the General Theory , Keynes demonstrated on pp.179-182 that the neoclassical theory of the rate of interest generated a single downward sloping curve in (Y,r ) space.Neoclassical theory had NO Liquidity Preference Function curve or what Hicks called LL and Hanson called LM. The belief that Keynes’s theory of the rate of interest is denoted by M=L(r), as argued by Hawtrey, Viner, Robertson, Robinson, and Ahiakpor, is false. Keynes’s theory of the rate of interest is given by three mathematical, simultaneous equations presented on pp.298-299 of the GT.The missing equation needed by the classical school is M = M1 plus M2 = L1( Y) plus L2(r)[=L;author’s insert]. The equation M=L(r) is not the equation Harrod was talking about in his August 30th, 1935 letter to Keynes,a letter that Akiakpor had to have read in 1999 in preparation for his response to O’Donnell(1999). It is impossible to graph M=L(r) in (Y,r) space Only M = M1 plus M2 = L1( Y) plus L2(r)[=L;author’s insert] can be graphed in (Y,r) space. Finally,Keynes incorporated the IS function implicitly into the Liquidity Preference Function by using L 1( Y).That allowed Keynes to talk about the demand and supply for liquidity,as opposed to the demand and supply for money.Keynes’s responses to Joan Robinson in late August –November,1936 concentrated on her complete misunderstanding of the theory of liquidity preference .It shows that Joan Robinson interpreted Keynes’s discussion of the demand and supply for liquidity as being the same thing as the demand and supply for money. The demand and supply for money is not the same thing as the demand and supply for liquidity.
Faking Versus Feeling Emotions: Does Personality–Job Fit Make a Difference:

Emotional labor (EL) involves regulating, managing, and sensing others’ emotions to achieve organizational goals. However, it is often considered a unitary variable, without examining the specific ...
A Perfect Storm? The Future of Family Caregiving

This concluding Chapter speculates on the future of caregiving. We can be sure that it will not be a simple extrapolation of the past and present. Strong demographic, health, policy, and economic trends may (or may not) converge to influence how and whether family caregiving will continue in the United States. The personal narratives presented in the initial section of this book emphasize that these changes are likely to resonate with families who carry out the day-to-day care of older persons with health needs. Looking forward to the next several decades, caregiving may be facing the perfect storm. The collision of demography and economics catalyzed by a polarized political atmosphere may place greater pressures on caregivers. While this impending challenge is formidable, Family Caregiving in the New Normal outlines some possible solutions and other emerging forces that may help sustain family caregivers in the future.
An Overview of Scientific and Technological Activities in the Advanced Countries

The previous Chapters have outlined the processes of growing international competition and cooperation which are transforming the structure, performance and hierarchy of S&T activities in the advanced countries. The position of individual countries in these processes varies widely, both the strategies they pursue and the results they achieve being strongly influenced by the quantity, nature, and intensity of the technological knowledge and skills accumulated in the past. The differences across countries require a quantitative investigation of the characteristics shown by their innovative activities. This is the basis for comparison of national performances and the technology policies developed as a response to the competitive challenges in international markets.
A Bibliography of Thermophysical Properties of Air From 0 to 300 K

Bibliography of low temperature mechanical, thermodynamic, and transport properties of methane
Two state Markov modelling and detection of single electron spin signals

The focus of this paper is the optimal detection of piecewise constant binary valued continuous-time (C-T) signals with Markovian state transitions. One example is the classic random telegraph signal for which the number of states is two and the transitions follow a Poisson process. This signal detection problem arises in many different areas of engineering and science, notably modulation classification in digital communications and detection of digital content in continuous signals or images with high noise contamination. Our motivation is single electron-spin detection in Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM), which is an emerging molecular scale imaging modality. We will obtain an optimal discrete time iterative detection algorithm and an associated upper bound on the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. These results will be used to show that the optimal detector reduces to a simple filtered energy detector when the state transition probabilities are symmetric, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low, and the time-bandwidth product is high. In the general case when the state transition probabilities can be either symmetric or asymmetric, the optimal detector reduces to a hybrid filtered energy/amplitude/energy detector when the SNR is low and there are a large number of samples per observation.
Accept() scalability on Linux

This report explores the possible effects of a "thundering herd" problem associated with the Linux implementation of the POSIX accept() system call. We discuss the nature of the problem and how it may affect the scalability of the Linux kernel. In addition, we identify candidate solutions and considerations to keep in mind. Finally, we present a solution and benchmark it, giving a description of the benchmark methodology and the results of the benchmark.
The Brouhaha Over Intra-Corporate Forum Selection Provisions: A Legal, Economic, and Political Analysis

More than 300 publicly traded entities have adopted intra-corporate forum selection (“ICFS”) provisions either in their charters or as bylaw amendments, often without prior stockholder approval. These provisions have been adopted in response to a sharp increase in intra-corporate litigation outside the state of incorporation. The academic literature suggests that this increase is animated by economic incentives of the plaintiffs’ bar that can be inimical to stockholder interests. ICFS provisions are an effective private ordering mechanism for addressing this trend in a manner that responsibly protects stockholder rights. Plaintiffs have nonetheless brought suit in Delaware challenging the validity of ICFS provisions. We review the governing law and demonstrate that ICFS provisions are valid subject matter for charters and bylaws. Stockholders are also on notice that boards have the authority to amend bylaws without prior stockholder consent, and the “vested rights” theory is long repudiated. Assertions that stockholders cannot be bound by ICFS bylaw provisions adopted without prior stockholder consent are thus incorrect. Speculative claims that ICFS provisions might later be exercised in a manner that violates a fiduciary duty or causes injustice will also not cause them to be invalidated: charter and bylaw provisions are presumed to be validly adopted and hypothetical speculation regarding instances of potential future abuse are insufficient to invalidate the provisions as adopted. This presumption is particularly powerful in the case of ICFS provisions where boards retain the option not to enforce those provisions if enforcement is later deemed inconsistent with fiduciary obligations. ICFS provisions are also not self-enforcing. Foreign courts hearing petitions to enforce ICFS provisions will most frequently apply the rule established by the Supreme Court’s Bremen decision to protect the interests of foreign-filing stockholders. Absent a finding that plaintiffs’ rights under the chartering state’s laws cannot be adequately protected by courts in the chartering state, ICFS provisions are likely to be enforced in the very large majority of circumstances.
Phenomenological features and clinical impact of affective disorders in OCD: A focus on the bipolar disorder and OCD connection

Background Given the general population prevalence rates of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the affective disorders, one would expect the co-occurrence of these syndromes to be rare. Yet findings by our group and others have revealed extremely high rates of comorbidity in OCD with both depressive disorders (DD; 50%) and bipolar disorder (BPD; 10%). The current investigation sought to further clarify the role affective disorder comorbidity—particularly that with BPD—may play in the clinical expression of OCD.
Hearing the Other Side: Deliberative Versus Participatory Democracy, by Diana C. Mutz Infotopia: How Many Minds Produce Knowledge, by Cass R. Sunstein

After a decade or so of research on the practice of deliberation, it is fair to say that theories of deliberative democracy have not fared very well. Studies across the disciplines—from psychology ...
Stability of rotors and focal sources for human atrial fibrillation: focal impulse and rotor mapping (FIRM) of AF sources and fibrillatory conduction.

Stable Human AF RotorsIntroduction Several groups report electrical rotors or focal sources that sustain atrial fibrillation (AF) after it has been triggered. However, it is difficult to separate stable from unstable activity in prior studies that examined only seconds of AF. We applied phase-based focal impulse and rotor mapping (FIRM) to study the dynamics of rotors/sources in human AF over prolonged periods of time. Methods We prospectively mapped AF in 260 patients (169 persistent, 61 ± 12 years) at 6 centers in the FIRM registry, using baskets with 64 contact electrodes per atrium. AF was phase mapped (RhythmView, Topera, Menlo Park, CA, USA). AF propagation movies were interpreted by each operator to assess the source stability/dynamics over tens of minutes before ablation. Results Sources were identified in 258 of 260 of patients (99%), for 2.8 ± 1.4 sources/patient (1.8 ± 1.1 in left, 1.1 ± 0.8 in right atria). While AF sources precessed in stable regions, emanating activity including spiral waves varied from collision/fusion (fibrillatory conduction). Each source lay in stable atrial regions for 4,196 ± 6,360 cycles, with no differences between paroxysmal versus persistent AF (4,290 ± 5,847 vs. 4,150 ± 6,604; P = 0.78), or right versus left atrial sources (P = 0.26). Conclusions Rotors and focal sources for human AF mapped by FIRM over prolonged time periods precess (“wobble”) but remain within stable regions for thousands of cycles. Conversely, emanating activity such as spiral waves disorganize and collide with the fibrillatory milieu, explaining difficulties in using activation mapping or signal processing analyses at fixed electrodes to detect AF rotors. These results provide a rationale for targeted ablation at AF sources rather than fibrillatory spiral waves.
Variation in the use of crowns and their alternatives.

The use of crowns and their alternatives for the restoration of compromised posterior teeth is of interest to educators, purchasers, and patients. Considerable curricular time is devoted to learning these techniques, substantial amounts of money are spent on these procedures, and differences in the outcomes of these treatments may have consequences for tooth survival. To begin to understand more about the actual use of these procedures, the provision rates of these services in a sample of U.S. dental practices were examined. This study reports on the extent to which utilization patterns and subsequent costs of crowns and their alternatives were associated with certain patient and practice characteristics. Insurance claims for dental services submitted by general dental practices through an electronic claims clearinghouse were used. Crown ratios (crowns/crowns plus alternatives) were calculated for dental practices to evaluate relationships with available explanatory variables. Findings indicated that older patients were significantly more likely to receive crowns than those in younger groups, resulting in as much as a 33 percent increase in the mean per tooth cost of treatment in the oldest group. Regional variation existed in the provision of crowns and resulted in up to a 31 percent difference in the mean per tooth treatment cost between regions. Crown ratios exhibited variation beyond that accounted for by patient and practice factors, thus raising questions about the consistency of treatment recommendations among dentists. These findings support the need to examine further the consistency of crown use among general dentists and to modify current approaches for teaching treatment planning in predoctoral restorative curricula.
A Review of “Darkening Peaks: Glacier Retreat, Science, and Society”: Ben Orlove, Ellen Wiegandt, and Brian H. Luckman, eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008. vii and 282 pp., maps, diagrams, tables, b/w photos, notes, and index. $45.00 cloth (ISBN 978-0-520-25305-6)

Darkening Peaks: Glacier Retreat, Science, and Society addresses perceptions, observations, trends, impacts, and responses with respect to melting glaciers in major mountain ranges of the world. Th...
When Performance Trumps Gender Bias: Joint vs. Separate Evaluation

Gender bias in the evaluation of job candidates has been demonstrated in business, government, and academia, yet little is known about how to overcome it. Blind evaluation procedures have been proven to significantly increase the likelihood that women musicians are chosen for orchestras, and they are employed by a few companies. We examine a new intervention to overcome gender bias in hiring, promotion, and job assignments: an “evaluation nudge” in which people are evaluated jointly rather than separately regarding their future performance. Evaluators are more likely to base their decisions on individual performance in joint than in separate evaluation and on group stereotypes in separate than in joint evaluation, making joint evaluation the profit-maximizing evaluation procedure. Our work is inspired by findings in behavioral decision research suggesting that people make more reasoned choices when examining options jointly rather than separately and is compatible with a behavioral model of information pr...
Complementation by BCL2 and C-HA-RAS oncogenes in malignant transformation of rat embryo fibroblasts.

Abstract The BCL2 (B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2) and C-HA-RAS oncogenes encode membrane-associated proteins of 26 and 21 kilodaltons, respectively. Although RAS proteins have long been known for their ability to bind and hydrolyze GTP, recent investigations suggest that BCL2 encodes a novel GTP-binding protein (S. Haldar, C. Beatty, Y. Tsujimoto, and C. M. Croce, Nature [London] 342:195-198, 1989). Cotransfection of BCL2 and HA-RAS oncogenes resulted in morphological transformation of early-passage rodent fibroblasts, rendering these cells tumorigenic in animals and enabling them to grow in semisolid medium. In contrast, cotransfection of BCL2 with oncogenes that encode nuclear proteins (E1A and C-MYC) did not produce malignant transformation, whereas HA-RAS did complement with these genes. These findings suggest that proteins encoded by oncogenes such as BCL2 and HA-RAS, although having similar subcellular locations and perhaps similar biochemical properties, can regulate distinct complementary pathways involved in cellular transformation.
Teaching Computer Vision to Computer Scientists: Issues and a Comparative Textbook Review

Computer vision is a broad-based field of computer science that requires students to understand and integrate knowledge from numerous disciplines. Computer science (CS) majors, however, do not necessarily have an interdisciplinary background. In the rush to integrate, we can forget, or fail to plan for the fact that our students may not possess a broad undergraduate education. To explore the appropriateness of our education materials, this paper begins with a discussion of what we can expect CS majors to know and how we can use that knowledge to make a computer vision course a more enriching experience. The paper then provides a review of a number of the currently available computer vision textbooks. These texts differ significantly in their coverage, scope, approach, and audience. This comparative review shows that, while there are an increasing number of good textbooks available, there is still a need for new educational materials. In particular, the field would benefit from both an undergraduate computer vision text aimed at computer scientists and from a text with a stronger focus on color computer vision and its applications.
GaAs E/D MESFET 1-kbit static RAM fabricated on silicon substrate

A GaAs enhancement/depletion (E/D) MESFET 1-kbit static RAM has been fabricated on a 2-in GaAs-on-Si substrate. This is the most complex GaAs circuit reported to date for GaAs-on-Si material. The GaAs layer is grown on a
Molecular determinants of epothilone B derivative (BMS 247550) and Apo-2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells

Abstract Objectives We determined the cytotoxic effects BMS 247550 (Epo B), a derivative of epothilone B, on cisplatinum- or paclitaxel-sensitive or -resistant human ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, we determined the effect of Epo B on Apo-2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Methods Epo B-induced cytotoxic and cell cycle effects were evaluated by the MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Epo B-induced apoptosis was assessed by immunoblot analyses of the processing and proteolytic activity of caspases, flow cytometric measurement of annexin V staining, and the TUNEL assay. The effects of Epo B and/or Apo-2L/TRAIL on the protein expressions of the death receptors DR4 and DR5 as well as of XIAP and survivin were determined by immunoblot analyses. Results In the cell cycle-synchronized ovarian cancer cells, Epo B induced tubulin polymerization and mitotic arrest, followed by apoptosis. This was associated with the cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome (cyt) c and Smac/DIABLO as well as PARP cleavage activity of caspase-3. Epo B was able to exert cytotoxic effects against cisplatinum- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Epo B increased the expressions of DR4 and DR5, as well as augmented Apo-2L/TRAIL-induced processing of caspase-8 and Bid. This was associated with more caspase-3 activity, a decline in the intracellular levels of XIAP, cIAP, and survivin, and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Conclusions These data support the in vivo testing of Epo B against cisplatinum- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancers, and suggest that a pretreatment with Epo B may sensitize human ovarian cancers to the cytotoxic effects of Apo-2L/TRAIL.
Real-time MR Imaging Guidance for Percutaneous Core Biopsy of US- and CT-negative Lesion

Biopsies traditionally are performed under ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), or fluoroscopic guidance. In situations in which lesions are difficult to visualize with US or CT guidance, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging often can provide better imaging results. The authors describe a case in which a recurrent calf mass not well visualized under fluoroscopy, CT, or US was identified on MR imaging. In the absence of real-time needle visualization, percutaneous interventions under MR guidance have been limited by prohibitively long imaging times. A novel guidance system providing real-time MR guidance of needle position was used to procure a core biopsy specimen of the lesion.
Delayed distribution of active vasodilation and altered vascular conductance in aged skin

Reflex vasodilation is attenuated in aged skin during hyperthermia. We used laser-Doppler imaging (LDI) to test the hypothesis that the magnitude of conductance and the spatial distribution of vaso...
Systems engineering and cost as an independent variable

The cost as an independent variable discipline is receiving increased emphasis in system design and development due to competitive pressure and the need to provide high performance products at lower cost. Successful implementation of this discipline depends on stakeholder buy-in, effective communication, and application of the proper tools. The purpose of this article is to describe how and why CAIV belongs within the systems engineering area. Many of the processes involved are already being used by systems engineers including cost modeling, quality function deployment, and design for manufacturing and assembly. Integrating these and other standard tools into an effective cost reduction discipline is a job best performed by systems engineers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 233–241, 2001
The effect of hydrogen dilution on the electrical properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract Thin films of a-Si:H were prepared by the r.f. glow discharge of SiH 4 H 2 mixtures. The electron drift mobility was determined as a function of hydrogen dilution. This mobility was determined by the steady state photoconductivity and photocurrent decay time method. The highest electron drift mobility, 0.70 cm 2 V −1 s −1 was obtained with a 1:1 SiH 4 :H 2 mixing ratio. The drift mobility curve closely traces the shape of the Fermi level curve measured by way of the dark conductivity activation energy.
The physiology of weak selection.

Reaction rates in metabolic pathways typically exhibit a kind of diminishing returns in which small variations in the activities of the individual enzymes have very little effect on overall flux. T...
Melodic Intonation Therapy: Shared Insights on How it is Done and Why it Might Help

For more than 100 years, clinicians have noted that patients with nonfluent aphasia are capable of singing words that they cannot speak. Thus, the use of melody and rhythm has long been recommended for improving aphasic patients' fluency, but it was not until 1973 that a music-based treatment [Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT)] was developed. Our ongoing investigation of MIT's efficacy has provided valuable insight into this therapy's effect on language recovery. Here we share those observations, our additions to the protocol that aim to enhance MIT's benefit, and the rationale that supports them.
Structure and Taxonomic Status of Trichogloea Herveyi

In March 1915, F . S . COLLINS issued in Fascicle XLI of the Phycotheca Boreali-Americana a specimen (no. 2034) bearing the name Trichogloea Herveyi, ascribing it to W . A. SETCHELL as a manuscript name, doubtless expecting that SETCHELL would soon publish an account of it. The plant still was undescribed when COLLINS and HERVEY (1917, p. 98) published their Algae of Bermuda, and seems still a nomen nudum (PAPENFUSS 1946, p. 420). In the course of time a few other Bermudian collections have been made, but the plant is unknown elsewhere (HowE 1918, p . 511). It is not apparent why SETCHELL never legitimized the name .
Information analysis in a distributed dynamic group technology method

Abstract Group Technology (GT) is a methodology which utilizes the similarity among parts or machine features. As such, the relevant features of the parts have to be considered in order to get the best grouping. In addition, GT methods require that the information is known in advance and remains constant. Contemporary manufacturing, on the other hand, advocates flexibility with less commitment to the features used for clustering. This paper analyzes the effect that information missing or arriving at a different order, has on the grouping of parts. In order to evaluate the variations in information availability, the paper presents a grouping methodology that allows parts to be grouped as they arrive, in a piecewise manner. The algorithm is based on negotiations among agents, who accept parts into their groups. The algorithm is implemented in C++ by creating classes and objects dynamically based on the algorithm's recommendations.
Developmental Modulation of Lectin-Binding Sites on the Surface Membranes of Normal and Brachypod Mouse Limb Mesenchymal Cells*

Differences in the developmental modification of plasma membranes were examined in normal and brachypod mouse postaxial limb mesenchymal cells. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was used as a probe to monitor changes in cell agglutination, lectin binding, and receptor distribution. These criteria were compared to similar experiments using concanavalin A [17]. Agglutination induced by both lectins declined in CMF-dissociated normal cells between 11 and 13 days of gestation. With the mutant cells, agglutination remained unchanged with WGA, while the decline in con A agglutinability was delayed 24 h. A response intermediate to those of normal and mutant cells was obtained when phenotypically normal, heterozygous cells were treated with either lectin. Trypsinization of cells increased agglutination to higher levels at all stages except WGA-treated 13-day +/+ cells. This indicates that a surface change involving WGA-binding sites has taken place which is not trypsin-sensitive. Binding of WGA was unaffected by developmental age in both genotypes, while the pattern of con A binding appeared to parallel the agglutination data. Cells from all stages of both genotypes displayed clustering of binding sites for both lectins. With continued development, there was a decrease in the number of cells showing clustering, which strongly correlated with the decline in agglutination. These data indicate (1) that surface modifications expressed during development differ between the two classes of binding sites; (2) that differences exist between the surface membranes of normal and brachypod postaxial limb mesenchymal cells during early limb development; and (3) that there is a possible relationship between the surface modifications and the functionally of bpH allele.
Smooth Pursuit of Flicker-Defined Motion

We examined the pursuit response to stimuli defined by space-variant flicker of a dense random dot carrier pattern. On each frame, every element of the pattern could change polarity, with a probability given by a two-dimensional Gaussian distribution. A normal distribution produces a circular region of twinkle, while inverting the distribution results in a spot of static texture in a twinkling surround. In this latter case, the carrier texture could be stationary, or could move with the twinkle modulator, thereby producing first-order motion in the region of the spot. While the twinkle-defined spot produces a strong sensation of motion, the complementary stimulus defined by the absence of twinkle does not, when viewed peripherally, it appears to move in steps even when the generating distribution moves smoothly. We examined pursuit responses to these stimuli using two techniques: 1) the eye movement correlogram, obtained by cross-correlating eye velocity with the velocity of a randomly-moving stimulus; and 2) delayed visual feedback, where transient stabilization of a target can produce spontaneous oscillations of the eye, with a period empirically observed to vary linearly with the applied delay. Both techniques provide an estimate of the internal processing time, which can be as short as 100 milliseconds for a first-order target. Assessed by the correlogram method, the response to flicker-defined motion is delayed by more than 100 milliseconds, and significantly weaker (especially in the vertical dimension). When initially presented in the delayed feedback condition, purely saccadic oscillation is observed. One subject eventually developed smooth oscillations (albeit with significant saccadic intrusions), showing a period-versus-delay slope similar to that observed for first-order targets. This result is somewhat surprising, given that we interpret the slope of the period-versus-delay-function as reflecting the balance between position- and velocity-sensitive inputs to pursuit.
Ten challenges in computer-aided design

Abstract This short paper presents 10 challenging research areas in the general field of computer-aided design. The research problems come from the author's personal experience, and as such are highly subjective. All findings and opinions are those of the author and do not represent any of the institutions the author is affiliated with.
Simultaneous contrast in goldfish

Two groups of goldfish were trained to strike an illuminated target for food reward. The experimental group was reinforced with 10 worms for response to one color and with 1 worm for response to a different color. The control group was reinforced with 1 worm for response to each color. The experimental group gave clear evidence of discrimination of reward magnitude and also of simultaneous negative contrast. These results bear on the relation of the mechanisms of simultaneous and successive contrast.
The long-term culture of bovine monocyte-derived macrophages and their use in the study of intracellular proliferation of Brucella abortus

Although the immune response to Brucella abortus is multifaceted, the key event in contending with this pathogen appears to be the interaction of the organism with cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system. A cell culture system was developed which allowed the long-term maintenance of blood monocyte-derived macrophages in Teflon culture vessels in a relatively unstimulated state. The assay system was optimized for timing of bacteria-macrophage interaction and numbers of bacteria and macrophages used in each assay. Interaction of B. abortus strain 2308 with bovine mononuclear phagocytes from animals phenotypically resistant and susceptible to infection with B. abortus was investigated. This cell culture and assay system should provide a useful model for the investigation of intracellular parasitism in cattle.
Understanding and optimization of the sensitivity of nanoscale FET-based biosensors

It is commonly believed that small nanowires make more sensitive bioFETs than larger nanowires and planar structures because of the high surface-area-to-volume ratio that is the result of width scaling. We believe this justification is incorrect because it ignores the effect of varying radius of curvature on Debye screening. We suggest an alternative explanation for the enhancements seen in nanowire bioFETs. Our results suggest that properly engineered large-scale structures can achieve sensitivities on par with nanowires.
Neurally Inspired Rapid Detection of Sparse Objects in videos

ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe COGNIVA, a closed-loop Cogn itive-Neural method and system for image and video analysis that combines recent technological breakthroughs in bio-vision cognitive algorithms and neural signatures of human visual processing. COGNIVA is an operational neuroscience framework for intelligent and rapid search and categorization of Items Of Interest (IOI) in imagery and video. The IOI could be a single object, group of objects, specific image regions, specific spatio-temporal pattern/sequence or even the category that the image itself belongs to (e.g., vehicle or non-vehicle). There are two main types of approach for rapid search and categorization of IOI in imagery and video. The first approach uses conventional machine vision or bio-inspired cognitive algorithms. These usually need a predefined set of IOI and suffer from high false alarm rates. The second class of algorithms is based on neural signatures of target detection. These algorithms us ually break the entire image into sub-images and process EEG data from these images and classify them based on it. This approach may suffer from high false alarms and is slow because the entire image is chipped and presented to the human observer. The proposed COGNIVA overcomes the limitations of both methods by combining them resulting in a low false alarm rate and high detection with high throughput making it applicable to both image and video analysis. In the most basic form, COGNIVA first uses bio-inspired cognitive algorithms for deciding potential IOI in a sequence of images/video. These potential IOI are then shown to a human and neural signatures of visual detection of IOI are collected and processed. The resulting signatures are used to categorize and provide final IOI. We will presen t the concept and typical results of COGNIVA for detecting Items of interest in image data. Keywords : attention, saliency, surprise, EEG, bio-inspired, vision, neural signatures, neuroscience, target detection
Exploration of the Relationship between Self-Esteem, Commitment, and Verbal Aggressiveness in Romantic Dating Relationships

Using sociometer theory (Leary, 1999), this study investigated the relationships between argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness, self and partner's perceived commitment levels, and self-esteem within romantic dating relationships. Survey results (n = 152) indicated that 1) a moderate relationship between one's self-esteem and one's perceived partner's commitment level existed, 2) a positive correlation between one's self-esteem and level of self-commitment existed, 3) self-esteem was negatively correlated with verbal aggressiveness, and 4) self-commitment did not mediate the relationship between self-esteem and verbal aggressiveness. Discussion of these findings and their significance are reviewed.
Interleukin-2 and the IL-2 receptor: new insights into structure and function.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was originally identified in 1976 as a growth factor for T lymphocytes. Since that time it has become an important mediator of immune function through its effects on the growth, development, and activity of T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and lymphokine-activated killer cells. Only cells that bear a specific receptor for IL-2 respond to its immunoregulatory effects. Of all the lympho-kine-receptor systems in immunology, perhaps most is known about the structure, function, and binding properties of IL-2 and its cognate receptor. There are two distinct, membrane-associated IL-2 binding components in the high-affinity IL-2 receptor: an α subunit and a β subunit, which associate in a non-covalent manner. Each of these polypeptides can occur on the cell surface in the absence of the other and bind IL-2, although with only low or intermediate affinity relative to the high-affinity receptor complex. The primary structure of each chain has now been deduced from full-length cDNA. The rapid rate of association between IL-2 and the IL-2Rα subunit is important in the formation of high-affinity binding sites, and the inducibility of the a gene contributes to the highly regulated and transient display of high-affinity IL-2R. The IL-2Rβ chain controls the slow dissociation rate of IL-2 from the high-affinity receptor. Also, IL-2Rβ appears centrally involved in internalization of IL-2 and signal transduction, functions mediated presumably through its long intracytoplasmic domain. However, the actual mechanism of signal transduction in the IL-2/IL-2R system remains undefined. IL-2Rβ is a member of a novel family of cytokine-receptor proteins that includes receptors for IL-4, IL-6, and erythropoietin.