cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced cohesion promotes chromosome stability and limits acquired drug resistance in non small cell lung cancer

Chromosome instability, or CIN, defined as a high frequency of whole chromosome gains and losses, is prevalent in many solid tumors. CIN has been shown to promote intra-tumor heterogeneity and correspond with tumor aggressiveness, drug resistance and tumor relapse. However, whether CIN promotes the acquisition of genomic changes responsible for drug resistance remain unclear. Here we assess the role of CIN in the acquisition of drug resistance in non small cell lung cancer. We show that impairment of centromeric cohesion underlies the generation of whole chromosome segregation errors and CIN in non small cell lung cancer cells. Further, we demonstrate that centromere-specific enhancement of chromosome cohesion strongly suppresses CIN and reduces intra-tumor heterogeneity. We demonstrate that suppression of CIN has no impact on NSCLC cell proliferation in vitro nor in tumor initiation in mouse xenograft models. However, suppression of CIN alters the timing and molecular mechanism that drive acquired drug resistance. These findings suggest mechanisms to suppress CIN may serve as effective co-therapies to limit tumor evolution and sustain drug response.
Preservice early childhood teachers’ sense of efficacy for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder

Teachers’ sense of efficacy refers to the beliefs held by teachers (pre-service and practicing) for completing the tasks associated with teaching. This belief is bound by the nature of tasks which ...
Perceived professional competence of clinical research coordinators.

Introduction: This study examined the perceived competence of Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) using several conceptual frameworks. Accurate self-assessment of one’s professional competence is a critical component in the career navigation process and contributes to (a) identifying and securing professional development (training), (b) leveraging professional strengths, and (c) integrating self-knowledge into a comprehensive career plan. Method: A survey design gathered responses from a sample of 119 CRCs in a southeastern region of the USA Two conceptual frameworks were used to represent aspects of CRC professional competence: the eight Joint Task Force (JTF) competence domains, and perceptions of strengths and training needs from a list of 12 task categories. Results: The JTF domain with the lowest competence level was Development and Regulations, while the highest was Communication. Perceived competence increased incrementally with years of experience. Top strengths involved direct patient interaction and data management. Tasks in need of training included project management and reporting issues. Variations in responses were based on years of experience as a CRC. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate an association between the self-reported strengths and training needs of CRCs and experience. This information can contribute to the self-directed career navigation of CRCs.
The Effect of the Pay Ratio Mandate on CEO Compensation

The pay ratio mandate requires most US public firms to explicitly disclose the ratio of CEO compensation to the compensation of the median employee. I exploit two features of the mandate which allow me to identify the causal effect of the mandate on the level and type of CEO compensation, and, in turn, the firms’ behavior. My results show that the mandate prompts firms to shift toward performance-based compensation, primarily by increasing equity-based pay and to a lesser degree by reducing salary. Furthermore, the shift in CEO incentives results in greater debt ratios and R&D investments.
Too Much Grit to Quit? An Examination of Grit in Two Separate Within-Institution Contexts:

Although the grit narrative—the idea that individual success is as much a product of passion and perseverance as it is a result of intelligence and talent—has captured the public’s imagination, muc...
The House that Hovenkamp Built is Sound: The Case Against Proposed Legislative Reforms of the US Antitrust Laws

Perhaps no living person has had greater influence on US antitrust doctrine than Herbert Hovenkamp. In fleshing out the sparse US antitrust statutes over the course of his distinguished career, Professor Hovenkamp has embraced four guiding principles: that antitrust’s goal is to promote consumer welfare by ensuring output-enhancing market competition; that antitrust should preclude the enhancement of market power but not the mere extraction of surplus; that legal directives to prevent market power enhancement should be crafted to minimize the sum of error and decision costs; and that liability rules should require an “enquiry meet for the case,” with elements and proof burdens determined according to our ever-expanding understanding of the economic effects of business practices. At present, a chorus of ideologically diverse voices is calling for legislative reform of US antitrust law to account for “unique” digital markets and a purported market power crisis. The most significant reform proposals disregard one or more of the fundamental principles underlying Hovenkampian antitrust and should be rejected.
Infection in the CD38 and Anti-BCMA Era: Prevention and Treatment

Introduction Evolution in myeloma therapies has resulted in significant improvements in survival. Specifically, the use of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies and BCMA targeted strategies have resulted in high response rates with improved duration of responses. Patients are now living longer and receiving on an average 4–5 lines of therapy. Infection however remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) because of the cumulative effects of disease burden and associated immune paresis, treatment, and host-related factors such as comorbidities of renal dysfunction.1,2
LEPTOSPIRAL COLONIAL MORPHOLOGY

Stalheim, O. H. V. (University of Wisconsin, Madison) and J. B. Wilson. Leptospiral colonial morphology. J. Bacteriol. 86: 482–489. 1963.—A sequence of apparent colonial types was observed with colonies of Leptospira pomona, L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae , and L. grippotyphosa in agar medium. Although some colonies of these serotypes had a different appearance initially, they eventually developed the mature or final appearance characteristic of the serotype. Colonies of freshly isolated, virulent cultures of L. pomona, L. canicola , and L. icterohaemorrhagiae were similar in appearance to colonies of avirulent strains of the same serotype. Additional studies of three stable and distinct colonial types of a laboratory strain of L. autumnalis revealed no differences in antigenicity, catalase activity, or mouse infectivity; however, differences in susceptibility to lysis by oleic acid were found. Although the colonial variants were stable during several in vitro variations, including growth in the presence of homologous antiserum and mutation to growth in a chemically characterized medium, rapid dissociation in vivo was found. Images
Stromelysin-1 and mesothelin are differentially regulated by Wnt-5a and Wnt-1 in C57mg mouse mammary epithelial cells

The Wnt signal transduction pathway is important in a wide variety of developmental processes as well as in the genesis of human cancer. Vertebrate Wnt pathways can be functionally separated into two classes, the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and the non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway. Supporting differences in Wnt signaling, gain of function of Wnt-1 in C57mg mouse mammary epithelial cells leads to their morphological transformation while loss of function of Wnt-5a leads to the same transformation. Many downstream target genes of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway have been identified. In contrast, little is known about the Wnt/Ca2+ pathway and whether it regulates gene expression. To test the hypothesis that a specific cell line can respond to distinct Wnts with different patterns of gene expression, we over-expressed Wnt-5a and Rfz-2 in C57mg mammary epithelial cells and compared this cell line to C57mg cells over-expressing Wnt-1. These Wnts were chosen since previous studies suggest that C57mg cells respond differently to these Wnts, and since these Wnts can activate different signaling pathways in other systems. Using DNA microarray analysis, we identified several genes that are regulated by Wnt-5a and Rfz-2 as well as by Wnt-1. We then focused on two genes previously linked to various cancers, mesothelin and stromelysin-1, which are respectively up-regulated by Wnt-1 and Wnt-5a in C57mg cells. Different Wnts have distinct effects on gene expression in a single cell line.
Basic Christian Assumptions about the Cosmos

A recent reviewer in the Sunday New York Times set down a maxim for literature that applies equally well, I believe, to our reflections about the cosmos. “A novel,” he wrote, “must stand on its own feet. We may tolerate its being pedestrian, but it must be ambulatory.” Ambulatory, I would suggest, because it must go somewhere, be provocative and fruitful for further thinking, else it is useless. I write as a theologian, species Christian, subspecies Lutheran, and I intend to represent my species as well as I can. In the process, however, I am not interested simply in reciting what has been believed and reflected upon in my theological traditions, but rather to state what I believe is ambulatory in those traditions. Since, for better or for worse, I have set myself as the judge of what moves and what constitutes significant and interesting movement, I shall render the tradition in a highly selective manner and interpret it from a definite stance that corresponds to the place I want to go with it and to the direction in which I want to head. I shall not be able to avoid being pedestrian, but I do wish to be ambulatory, and I invite you to walk with me.
Scanning electron microscopy of Drosophila embryogenesis: 1. The structure of the egg envelopes and the formation of the cellular blastoderm

Abstract As part of a series of detailed observations on embryogenesis in Drosophila , the protective coverings of the egg and surface changes in the embryo prior to gastrulation have been studied with the SEM. Four specializations of the chorion are described: the plastron, micropylar cone, operculum, and the posterior thickening. After removal of the protective coverings the surface changes during development can be observed. During the first eight synchronous nuclear divisions a dense array of thin microprojections covers the whole embryo. After the ninth division between 373 and 408 nuclei reach the surface and become located in cytoplasmic projections. From counts of the number of surface bulges during the syncytial blastema stages, it was established that 13 synchronous divisions take place producing between 5600 and 6500 surface nuclei. During formation of the cellular blastoderm, the location of the prospective cells becomes obscured by a dense pattern of microprojections from each cell. However, with the completion of the blastoderm, the surfaces of the cells become smooth and the cell outlines distinct. The usefulness of the SEM in developmental studies is discussed.
In vivo and in vitro assessment of baseline blood-brain barrier parameters in the presence of novel nanoparticles

Purpose. Nanoparticles have advantage as CNS drug delivery vehicles given they disguise drug permeation limiting characteristics. Conflicting toxicological data, however, is published with regard to blood-brain barrier integrity and gross mortality.
Social Security in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract In terms of numbers of people, the global challenges facing social security systems are largely Asian. Because of rapid population aging in Asia, while it accounted for 28% of the world's population aged 60 and older in 1985, that percentage will more than double to 58% in 2050. Provident funds are a prominent feature of retirement income systems in the region-Asia and the Pacific contain the majority of the world's countries with provident funds. These programs typically provide lump-sum benefits, and thus, do not provide annuity protection against outliving one's resources. Because of the influence of Confucian philosophy with its emphasis on family responsibility for elders, countries in the region have been relatively slow in developing social security programs. China does not have a social security program for workers who do not work for the government or in government-owned enterprises.
An empirical review of major legislation affecting drug development: past experiences, effects, and unintended consequences.

Context: With the development of transformative drugs at a low point, numerous commentators have recommended new legislation that uses supplementary market exclusivity as an incentive to promote innovation in the pharmaceutical market. Methods: This report provides an historical perspective on proposals for encouraging drug research. Four legislative programs have been primarily designed to offer market exclusivity to promote public health goals in the pharmaceutical or biomedical sciences: the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984, and the pediatric exclusivity provisions of the FDA Modernization Act of 1997. I reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies that reported on the outcomes from these programs and evaluated the quality of evidence generated. Findings: All four legislative programs generally have been regarded as successful, although such conclusions are largely based on straightforward descriptive reports rather than on more rigorous comparative data or analyses that sufficiently account for confounding. Overall, solid data demonstrate that market exclusivity incentives can attract interest from parties involved in drug development. However, using market exclusivity to promote innovation in the pharmaceutical market can be prone to misuse, leading to improper gains. In addition, important collateral effects have emerged with substantial negative public health implications. Conclusions: Using market exclusivity to promote pharmaceutical innovation can lead to positive outcomes, but the practice is also characterized by waste and collateral effects. Certain practices, such as mechanisms for reevaluation and closer ties of incentives programs to public health outcomes, can help address these problems.
On the Insignificance and/or Endogeneity of La Porta et al.'s 'Anti-Director Rights Index' under Consistent Coding

I re-code the "Antidirector Rights Index" (ADRI) of shareholder protection rules from La Porta et al. 1998 for 46 countries in 1997 and 2005 with the help of local lawyers. My emphasis is on consistent coding; I do not change the original variable definitions. Consistently coded ADRI values are neither distributed with significant differences between Common and Civil Law countries, nor predictive of stock market outcomes. The revision of the variable definitions in Djankov et al. 2005 salvages some of the original results, but reinforces severe endogeneity concerns regarding the index components that drive the remaining significant results. I review the other index components and conclude that the ADRI is unlikely to be a valid measure of shareholder protection. Results derived with the ADRI in the literature may have to be revisited. Along the way, I develop some general guidelines for consistent coding.
NOAA set to wrap up most of its hurricane assistance to Central America

Before tropical storm Mitch had transformed itself into a hurricane on October 24, 1998, some U.S. disaster assistance to Central America had focused on drought and fire outbreaks then affecting the region. However, Mitch—which ranks among the most intense hurricanes to strike the Atlantic basin in the past several hundred years—caused 11,000 deaths. The hurricane devastated several countries and their economies, as well as their fledgling hydrological and meteorological capabilities. According to several sources, these capabilities had been less than adequate to begin with, and had been slowly falling apart over the years, due to eroding budgets or political strife. Along with Hurricane Georges in September 1998, which also struck the Caribbean, Mitch prompted U.S. disaster assistance to quickly shift gears to deal with the new emergency.
Maps of precipitation by source region, binned by IMF, with inertial convection streamlines

[1] We present maps of ionospheric precipitation regions, based on 11 years of DMSP particle data, binned by the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), with superposed SuperDARN convection streamlines gathered under similar conditions. The convection patterns are transformed into an inertial coordinate system. The maps, which include both the nightside and dayside, are created in a fully automated fashion, with, for example, the cusp centered at its centroid latitude for each half hour bin of MLT, with a latitudinal width equal to the statistical difference between the poleward and equatorward edges. The mantle asymmetry about noon does not fit the pattern expected from simple theoretical considerations (namely, that the mantle should be thicker postnoon for positive By in the Northern Hemisphere). The mantle is appreciably thicker prenoon than postnoon, especially for positive By but also even for negative B y This asymmetry matches the SuperDARN convection flows, in which, irrespective of the sign of B y , most of the conversion of closed field lines to open occurs prenoon. Quantitatively expressed, for southward IMF, the potential encompassed by flux crossing the open-closed boundary prenoon (0600-1200 MLT) exceeds that for postnoon (1200-1800 MLT) by 30 kV to 15 kV for By > 3 nT and by 30 kV to 20 kV for By 3 nT, 31 kV reconnects from 1800 to 2400 MLT, but only 14 kV reconnects from 0000 to 06000 MLT. The convection reversal boundary (CRB) consistently coincides with the nightside open-closed particle boundary (OCB). On the dayside, the CRB lies equatorward (poleward) of the OCB in the postnoon (prenoon) sector for B y 0). This shift is consistent with the effects of an interhemispheric current produced by the partial penetration of the IMF By into the frontside magnetosphere.
Comparison of Harvey-Shack scatter theory with experimental measurements

Rayleigh-Rice or Beckmann-Kirchoff theories are commonly used to predict scatter results. However, in order to apply these theories in practice, inherent assumptions must be made that either limit the roughness of the surface under test or limit the predictions to small, paraxial incident and scatter angles. Various published reports show experimental scatter results and diffraction efficiencies that do not agree with these theories. One possible explanation for these discrepancies is that there is some confusion between whether the data being plotted is intensity or radiance. The quantity intensity is usually measured in the laboratory, not radiance. Using the Harvey-Shack theory, a Fourier linear systems theory based on using a surface transfer function, we show excellent agreement between experimental results and theoretical predictions. This holds true for scatter from rough surfaces as well as large scatter angles and angles of incidence.
Targeted deletion of Hand2 in enteric neural precursor cells affects its functions in neurogenesis, neurotransmitter specification and gangliogenesis, causing functional aganglionosis

Targeted deletion of the bHLH DNA-binding protein Hand2 in the neural crest, impacts development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), possibly by regulating the transition from neural precursor cell to neuron. We tested this hypothesis by targeting Hand2 deletion in nestin-expressing neural precursor (NEP) cells. The mutant mice showed abnormal ENS development, resulting in lethal neurogenic pseudo-obstruction. Neurogenesis of neurons derived from NEP cells identified a second nestin non-expressing neural precursor (NNEP) cell in the ENS. There was substantial compensation for the loss of neurons derived from the NEP pool by the NNEP pool but this was insufficient to abrogate the negative impact of Hand2 deletion. Hand2-mediated regulation of proliferation affected both neural precursor and neuron numbers. Differentiation of glial cells derived from the NEP cells was significantly decreased with no compensation from the NNEP pool of cells. Our data indicate differential developmental potential of NEPs and NNEPs; NNEPs preferentially differentiate as neurons, whereas NEPs give rise to both neurons and glial cells. Deletion of Hand2 also resulted in complete loss of NOS and VIP and a significant decrease in expression of choline acetyltransferase and calretinin, demonstrating a role for Hand2 in neurotransmitter specification and/or expression. Loss of Hand2 resulted in a marked disruption of the developing neural network, exemplified by lack of a myenteric plexus and extensive overgrowth of fibers. Thus, Hand2 is essential for neurogenesis, neurotransmitter specification and neural network patterning in the developing ENS.
Effect of Weld Defects on Tensile Properties of Lightweight Materials and Correlations With Phased Array Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation

Fusion welding of Aluminum and its alloys is a great challenge for the structural integrity of lightweight material structures. One of the major shortcomings of Aluminum alloy welding is the inherent existence of defects in the welded area. In the current study, tests have been conducted on tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded AA6061-T651 aluminum alloy to determine the effects of defect sizes and its distribution on fracture strength. The information will be used to establish weld acceptance/rejection criteria. After welding, all specimens were non-destructively inspected with phased array ultrasonic and measured the projected area of the defects. Tensile testing was performed on inspected specimens containing different weld defects: such as, porosity, lack of fusion, and incomplete penetration. Tensile tested samples were cut along the cross section and inspected with Optical Microscope (OM) to measure actual defect sizes. Tensile properties were correlated with phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) results and through microscopic evaluations. Generally, good agreement was found between PAUT and microscopic defect sizing. The tensile strength and toughness decreased with the increase of defect sizes. Small voids (area ratio <0.04) does not have significant effect on the reduction of tensile strength and toughness values. Once defective “area ratio (cross sectional area of the defect) / (total specimen cross sectional area)” reached a certain critical value (say, 0.05), both strength and toughness values decline sharply. After that critical value both the tensile strength and toughness values decreases linearly with the increase of defect area ratio.© 2014 ASME
β-amyloid triggers ALS-associated TDP-43 pathology in AD models.

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is occasionally diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar dementia with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (FTLD-U). Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of age-associated dementia. Abnormal levels of aggregated Tar-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) are detected in the majority of patients with ALS, FTLD and AD. We observed a significant increase (200%) in the levels of TDP-43 in cortical autopsies of late stage AD patients. Lentiviral expression of Aβ1–42 in the rat motor cortex led to an increase in TDP-43 pathology, including up-regulation of the mature ~ 44 kDa protein, identical to the pathological changes seen in AD. Furthermore, expression of Aβ1–42 was associated with TDP-43 phosphorylation and accumulation in the cytosol. Clearance of Aβ with parkin prevented TDP-43 pathology. TDP-43 modifications were also observed in 3xTransgenic AD (3xTg-AD) compared to wild type mice, but these changes were attenuated in parkin-injected hippocampi, even in the presence of Tau pathology, suggesting that TDP-43 pathology is triggered by Aβ, independent of Tau. Increased levels of casein kinase (CK1 and CK2), which are associated with TDP-43 phosphorylation, were also observed in Aβ1–42 expressing brains. These data indicate an overlap in TDP-43 pathology between AD and ALS-FTLD and suggest that Aβ triggers modifications of TDP-43.
Well-developed Financial Intermediary Sector Promotes Stock Market Development Evidence from Africa

This article explores the interaction between a kingdom on the Himalayan frontier and colonial rule. Drawing on recent anthropological research regarding the local expression of political sovereign...
Lead Exposure in Free-Flying Turkey Vultures Is Associated with Big Game Hunting in California

Predatory and scavenging birds are at risk of lead exposure when they feed on animals injured or killed by lead ammunition. While lead ammunition has been banned from waterfowl hunting in North America for almost two decades, lead ammunition is still widely used for hunting big game and small game animals. In this study, we evaluated the association between big game hunting and blood lead concentration in an avian scavenger species that feeds regularly on large mammals in California. We compared blood lead concentration in turkey vultures within and outside of the deer hunting season, and in areas with varying wild pig hunting intensity. Lead exposure in turkey vultures was significantly higher during the deer hunting season compared to the off-season, and blood lead concentration was positively correlated with increasing wild pig hunting intensity. Our results link lead exposure in turkey vultures to deer and wild pig hunting activity at these study sites, and we provide evidence that spent lead ammunition in carrion poses a significant risk of lead exposure to scavengers.
Are We There Yet? An Assessment of Fit Between Stereotypes of Minority Managers and the Successful‐Manager Prototype

Caucasian managers from the hospitality industry used a managerial attribute inventory to rate 1 of 5 target groups: successful manager, Caucasian American manager, African American manager, Asian American manager, or Hispanic American manager. The results revealed higher correspondence between ratings of Caucasian and Asian American managers and the successful-manager prototype than between prototype characteristics and the reported stereotypes of African American and Hispanic American managers. Comparisons between male and female respondents were made also. Their reported perceptions were found to be similar.
Anti-Gal: an abundant human natural antibody of multiple pathogeneses and clinical benefits.

Anti-Gal is the most abundant natural antibody in humans, constituting ~ 1% of immunoglobulins. Anti-Gal is naturally produced also in apes and Old World monkeys. The ligand of anti-Gal is a carbohydrate antigen called the 'α-gal epitope' with the structure Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R. The α-gal epitope is present as a major carbohydrate antigen in non-primate mammals, prosimians and New World monkeys. Anti-Gal can contributes to several immunological pathogeneses. Anti-Gal IgE produced in some individuals causes allergies to meat and to the therapeutic monoclonal antibody cetuximab, all presenting α-gal epitopes. Aberrant expression of the α-gal epitope or of antigens mimicking it in humans may result in autoimmune processes, as in Graves' disease. α-Gal epitopes produced by Trypanosoma cruzi interact with anti-Gal and induce 'autoimmune like' inflammatory reactions in Chagas' disease. Anti-Gal IgM and IgG further mediate rejection of xenografts expressing α-gal epitopes. Because of its abundance, anti-Gal may be exploited for various clinical uses. It increases immunogenicity of microbial vaccines (e.g. influenza vaccine) presenting α-gal epitopes by targeting them for effective uptake by antigen-presenting cells. Tumour lesions are converted into vaccines against autologous tumour-associated antigens by intra-tumoral injection of α-gal glycolipids, which insert into tumour cell membranes. Anti-Gal binding to α-gal epitopes on tumour cells targets them for uptake by antigen-presenting cells. Accelerated wound healing is achieved by application of α-gal nanoparticles, which bind anti-Gal, activate complement, and recruit and activate macrophages that induce tissue regeneration. This therapy may be of further significance in regeneration of internally injured tissues such as ischaemic myocardium and injured nerves.
Strategic types in institution building: A fit perspective

It is generally accepted that the institutionalization of new knowledge is the final stage in the process of knowledge diffusion and utilization, suggesting the need for conceptual models of institution building strategy. We describe four strategic types of institution building, which involve a transfer of knowledge and programs from a home setting to a host setting: consulting, management, adaptation, and entrepreneurial. The strategic types are conceptually derived in terms of the fit between the institutional components—content, context, and environment—in both home and host settings.
All-order PMD compensation using spectral interference and pulse shaping

A method to measure and compensate PMD to all orders is proposed and demonstrated. It measures the phase spectrum via spectral interference and compensates the phase changes by imposing opposite phase onto the signal with a pulse shaper.
Student, Curricular and Public Agency Needs: A Focus on Competency Achievement

This paper presents a framework that addresses a public child welfare agency’s need for a highly trained child welfare workforce with specialized competencies, situating these competencies within the human services educational profession’s accreditation standards, while simultaneously meeting the learning needs of professionals returning to school for additional graduate training. The framework integrates three disparate literatures. The first that frames employees returning to a university setting for additional education and training as a human resources benefit. The second body of literature that addresses the annual review of employee performance via employment assessment systems. And the final body that examines parallel organizational processes related to the development of a product, in our case, a professional with a graduate degree. The framework, developed using a soft system methodology approach, and evaluated by means of an electronic portfolio, integrates these three bodies of literature and allows for the real time curricular and agency assessment of competency achievement. While using a professional graduate training program as an exemplar, implications for broader systemic practice are discussed.
Radioiodine control in incinerator offgas

Abstract Incineration of waste contaminated with radioiodine has been studied in the Mound laboratory-scale cyclone incinerator. Iodine species were found to volatilize from the burn chamber almost completely, but were captured in the offgas system by the combination of a wet scrubber, silver zeolite bed, and dry filters. Various scrub liquor compositions were tested to obtain the best iodine absorption efficiency. A caustic scrubber showed reasonable efficiency which could be increased by the addition of 1.5 wt% KI. The effect of the chemical form of iodine in the feed was also studied briefly. The behavior of the iodine contamination, whether the chemical species was ZI 2 or Nal, was much the same. A study of silver zeolite employed in the incinerator offgas system showed that the silver zeolite must be protected against contamination by carbonaceous material for longterm efficiency.
IT checkup: change control

How many times have you come to work to discover an outage of a key production system caused by maintenance activities by your information technology (IT) group? The worst part is-you may have learned this from users after being cornered in the elevator. Questioning area-specific managers yields no results, as they find themselves in the same information vacuum. Finally, you track down somebody who is aware of the problem only to hear, "I did not realize this was going to happen," as a reply.
Electrical properties and excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle treated with ethylene glycol.

The contractility of the frog sartorius muscle was suppressed after treatment with a Ringer solution added with ethylene glycol (EGR). No contraction was elicited by nerve stimulation when the muscle was brought back to normal Ringer solution after having been soaked in 876 mM EGR for 4 hr or in 1095 mM EGR for 2 hr. However, the action potential of normal amplitude was generated and followed by a depolarizing afterpotential. The resting membrane potential was slightly decreased from the mean normal value of –91.1 mv to –78.8 mv when 1095 mM EGR was used, and to –82.3 mv when 876 mM EGR was used, but remained almost constant for as long as 2 hr. The afterpotential that follows a train of impulses and a slow change in membrane potential produced by a step hyperpolarizing current (so-called "creep") were suppressed after treatment with ethylene glycol. The specific membrane capacity decreased to about 50% of the control values while the specific membrane resistance increased to about twice the control values Therefore, the membrane time constant remained essentially unchanged. The water content of the muscle decreased by about 30% during a 2 hr immersion in 1095 mM EGR, and increased by about 30% beyond the original control level after bringing the muscle back to normal Ringer. The intracellular potassium content did not change significantly during these procedures. Some differences between the present results and those obtained with glycerol are discussed.
Thyroid disorders during pregnancy.

Thyroid physiology and pathophysiology during pregnancy are reviewed focusing on the distinction between thyroid disorders and normal gravid physiology using the history, clinical examination, and laboratory testing. Management of hypothyroidism is discussed, including the effects of insufficient maternal levothyroxine therapy on the fetus and recommendations for optimizing maternal levothyroxine therapy. Therapy of hyperthyroidism is reviewed, with attention to the fetal effects of maternal antithyroid therapy. In addition, diagnosis and therapy of fetal hyperthyroidism is presented. A practical evaluation of thyroid nodules during pregnancy is presented.
Accelerated differentiation of osteoblast cells on polycaprolactone scaffolds driven by a combined effect of protein coating and plasma modification

A combined effect of protein coating and plasma modification on the quality of the osteoblast–scaffold interaction was investigated. Three-dimensional polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were manufactured by the precision extrusion deposition (PED) system. The structural, physical, chemical and biological cues were introduced to the surface through providing 3D structure, coating with adhesive protein fibronectin and modifying the surface with oxygen-based plasma. The changes in the surface properties of PCL after those modifications were examined by contact angle goniometry, surface energy calculation, surface chemistry analysis (XPS) and surface topography measurements (AFM). The effects of modification techniques on osteoblast short-term and long-term functions were examined by cell adhesion, proliferation assays and differentiation markers, namely alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and osteocalcin secretion. The results suggested that the physical and chemical cues introduced by plasma modification might be sufficient for improved cell adhesion, but for accelerated osteoblast differentiation the synergetic effects of structural, physical, chemical and biological cues should be introduced to the PCL surface.
Elastic-plastic stress distribution within reinforced plastics loaded normal to its internal filaments.

Two sets of equations have been derived which describe the internal stress distribution within reinforced plastics subjected to a force normal to the direction of its internal filaments. One set of equations is applicable to reinforced plastics with less than 68% filament by volume and the other to reinforced plastics with more than 68% filament. Each set is applicable over a complete range of loading which includes both elastic and plastic stresses. It is found that when reinforced plastics have less than 68% filament by volume only one plastic zone develops in a generic section before the cross section becomes entirely plastic. Additional plastic zones develop when reinforced plastics have more than 68% filament by volume. A simple expression for the elastic stress concentration factor was also found.
Migration to 3G wireless broadband internet and real options: The case of an operator in India

Abstract The paper focuses on third generation wireless technologies and on alternative technologies for wireless local area networks. The authors present the evolutionary migration path from second to third generation systems. Technological, economic and behavioral factors related to decision-making towards the migration are proposed. As an example, the paper studies the case of the national incumbent operator of India. It analyzes qualitatively the migration problem from the perspective of the operator, the equipment manufacturer and the users. For the quantitative analysis, real options are used to value the investment decisions. The analysis suggests that the initial (sunk) investment cost, the average revenue per user, the growth of the subscriber base and the volatility of the markets are the key factors in the investment process.
CUUCGG hairpins: extraordinarily stable RNA secondary structures associated with various biochemical processes.

Abstract The mRNA of bacteriophage T4 contains a strikingly abundant intercistronic hairpin. Within the 55 kilobases of known T4 sequence, the hexanucleotide sequence CTTCGG is found 13 times in the DNA strand equivalent to mRNA sequences. In 12 of those occurrences, the sequence is flanked by inverted repeats predictive of RNA hairpins with UUCG in the loop. Avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase, which can traverse hairpins of larger calculated stability, terminates efficiently at these CUUCGG hairpins. Thermal denaturation studies of model hairpins show that the loop sequence UUCG dramatically stabilizes RNA hairpins when compared to a control sequence. These data, when combined with previously described parameters of helix stability, suggest that T4 has utilized this loop sequence to optimize the stability of intercistronic hairpins. The stability of CUUCGG hairpins is also utilized in the RNAs of many organisms besides T4.
Developing expectations regarding the boundaries of expertise.

Three experiments examined elementary school-aged children’s and adults’ expectations regarding what specialists (i.e., those with narrow domains of expertise) and generalists (i.e., those with broad domains of expertise) are likely to know. Experiment 1 demonstrated developmental differences in the ability to differentiate between generalists and specialists, with younger children believing generalists have more specific trivia knowledge than older children and adults believed. Experiment 2 demonstrated that children and adults expected generalists to have more underlying principles knowledge than specific trivia knowledge about unfamiliar animals. However, they believed that generalists would have more of both types of knowledge than themselves. Finally, Experiment 3 demonstrated that children and adults recognized that underlying principles knowledge can be generalized between topics closely related to the specialists’ domains of expertise. However, they did not recognize when this knowledge was generalizable to topics slightly less related, expecting generalists to know only as much as they would. Importantly, this work contributes to the literature by showing how much of and what kinds of knowledge different types of experts are expected to have. In sum, this work provides insight into some of the ways children’s notions of expertise change over development. The current research demonstrates that between the ages of 5 and 10, children are developing the ability to recognize how experts’ knowledge is likely to be limited. That said, even older children at times struggle to determine the breadth of an experts’ knowledge.
Fire Assay-Emission Spectrographic Determination of Iridium, Ruthenium, and Osmium

A method is presented for the determination of microgram levels of Ir, Ru, and Os in ores, concentrates, and heavy sands. Radiotracers are used to monitor the recovery of these three metals in a 10-mg Pt bead during the normal fire assaying procedure. The Pt bead is arced at 20 A dc in a graphite electrode, and Pt serves as an internal standard. The precision of the method for Ir, Ru, and Os is about 5, 10, and 22% coefficient of variation, respectively. If high accuracy is not required, empirical correction factors may be applied for the assay losses of Ir and Ru, thereby eliminating the need for radiotracers.
Seismic loads in modularized and unmodularized large pools located on hard or intermediate hard sites

Abstract To augment the present capacity of pools for storing spent nuclear fuel elements, pools larger than those in current use are being planned. These pools may or may not be modularized into cells. Because of the large size of the pools, seismic loads are of significant interest. In particular, the effects of modularization and site hardness are of concern. The study presented in this paper reveals that modularization is generally unfavorable, because it creates the option of leaving one or more cells empty which in turn results in higher structural loads. The wall which separates a filled cell from an empty cell, or the wall which bears against earth on one side and faces an empty cell on the other, becomes very highly stressed. For the particular pool geometries examined, a hard site is generally preferred over an intermediate hard site in terms of structural loads.
Effect of verapamil on immediate recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Immediate Recurrence of AF. Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of verapamil on immediate recurrences of atrial fibrillation occurring after successful electrical cardioversion. Methods and Results: The effect of verapamil on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation within 5 minutes after successful transthoracic cardioversion was assessed in 19 (5%) of 364 patients undergoing electrical cardioversion. The mean duration of atrial fibrillation was 4.44 ± 3.0 months. In the 19 patients, cardioversion was successful after each of three consecutive cardioversion attempts per patient; however, atrial fibrillation recurred 0.4 ± 0.3 minutes after cardioversion. Verapamil 10 mg was administered intravenously and fourth cardioversion was performed. Cardioversion after verapamil was successful in each patient, and atrial fibrillation did not recur in 9 (47%) of 19 patients (P < 0.001 vs before verapamil). In the remaining 10 patients in whom atrial fibrillation recurred, the duration of sinus rhythm was significantly longer compared with before verapamil (3,6 ± 2.4 min, P < 0.001). The density of atrial ectopy occurring after cardioversion was significantly less after verapamil (21 ± 14 ectopic beats per min) compared with before verapamil (123 ± 52 ectopic beats per min, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Among patients with immediate recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion, acute calcium channel blockade by verapamil reduces recurrence of atrial fibrillation and extends the duration of sinus rhythm.
Temporal, spectral, and spatial study of the automated vicarious calibration test site at Railroad Valley, Nevada

The Remote Sensing Group at the University of Arizona has developed an automated methodology and instrument suite to measure the surface reflectance of the vicarious calibration test site at Railroad Valley, Nevada. Surface reflectance is a critical variable used as one of the inputs into a radiative transfer code to predict the top-of-atmosphere radiance, and inexpensive and robust ground-viewing radiometers have been present at the site since 2004. The goal of the automated approach is to retain RSG’s current 2-3% level of uncertainty while increasing the number of data sets collected throughout the year without the need for on-site personnel. A previous study was completed to determine if the number and positions of the four radiometers were adequate to spatially sample the 1-km 2 large-footprint site at Railroad Valley. The preliminary study utilized one set of panchromatic data from Digital Globe’s QuickBird satellite. Results from this one day showed that the positions of the four ground-viewing radiometers adequately sample the site. The work presented here expands in a spectral and temporal sense by using high-spatial-resolution data from Ikonos, QuickBird, and Landsat-7 ETM+ to determine if the locations of the ground-viewing radiometers correctly sample the site. The multispectral capability of these sensors is used to establish if there are any spectral effects, which will also help RSG to determine what spectral bands should be chosen for the new ground-viewing radiometers that are currently in development for the automated test site at Railroad Valley.
Conflict and combination in privacy policy languages

Many modern enterprises require methods for guaranteeing compliance with privacy legislation and announced privacy policies. IBM has proposed a formal language, the Enterprise Privacy Authorization Language (EPAL), for describing privacy policies rigorously. In this paper, we identify four desirable properties of a privacy policy language: guaranteed consistency, guaranteed safety, admitting local reasoning, and closure under combination. While EPAL achieves only one of these four goals, an extended language framework allows us to achieve three out of four, while retaining the basic EPAL framework of restricting access and imposing obligations on users of confidential information.
Composite planar fabric of gouge from the Punchbowl Fault, California

Abstract The structure of clay-bearing gouge from the Punchbowl Fault zone, a brittle fault of the San Andreas system in southern California, is examined at the microscopic scale. The right-lateral, oblique-slip fault consists of a single, continuous gouge zone bounded by a zone of damaged host-rock. The gouge has a statistically homogeneous, composite planar fabric that consists of a foliation defined by the preferred orientation of clay, porphyroclasts and compositional lamination, and a planar anisotropy defined by zones of localized high shear strain (shear-bands). The foliation appears to be related to the accumulation of finite strain and to rotate towards the shear-band orientation with an increase in shear strain. In the Punchbowl gouge the sense of shear on individual shear-bands, and the asymmetric disposition of the planar fabrics with respect to each other and to the boundaries of the zone, appear to be valid indicators of the overall sense and direction of shear. Local variation in preferred orientation of fabric elements exists in the gouge, and therefore statistically based sampling and analysis of the fabric is necessary to infer shear sense and direction.
One-dimensional, steady vertical flow in a layered soil profile

Abstract Vertical soil water flow is analyzed for steady-state conditions through stratified profiles. All steady-state conditions are considered including upward flow (evaporation) and downward flow (infiltration) for an arbitrary number of layers of different materials. An algorithm is developed utilizing both analytical and numerical techniques, but perhaps more importantly, the framework provides a qualitative assessment somewhat independent of the mathematical description. Three examples are given including comparisons to earlier experimental results.