cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Death of Correspondence? Interpersonal Communication and Special Collections in the Digital Age

It is hard to imagine the organization of manuscript collections without the category of correspondence. Few classificatory entities are more ubiquitous, whether used as a records series in itself or as a modifying facet within a series. Most personal papers, including those drawn from literary, political, and commercial contexts, contain collected letters, and so do many organizational records. Collected letters, furthermore, represent the most likely aspect of a collection to lend themselves to publication after the death of the creator. No other literary form belongs so uniquely to libraries, archives, and special collections, whose compilation and safekeeping of scattered letters . . .
Perturbed turbulent stirred tank flows with amplitude and mode-shape variations

Abstract Stirred tank (STR) flows at low and moderate Reynolds numbers show poor mixing behavior due to formation of segregated zones inside which both magnitude and fluctuation level of velocity components show lower values compared to the active fluid regime (i.e., impeller jet stream, circulation loops). Active perturbation of the STR flow using a time-dependent impeller rotational speed can potentially enhance mixing by breaking up these segregated unmixed zones and enhancing the turbulence level throughout the tank volume. In the present study, the effect of different perturbation cycles on an unbaffled turbulent stirred tank flow at a moderate Reynolds number (rotational speed N= 3 rps) is studied using a large-eddy simulation (LES) technique coupled with immersed boundary method (IBM). The perturbation frequency ( f ) is chosen to correspond to a dominant macro-instability in the flow ( f/N= 0.022). Two different perturbation amplitudes (20% and 66%) and two perturbation shapes (square-wave and sine-wave) are investigated, and changes in the mean flow field, turbulence level and impeller jet spreading are examined. Large-scale periodic velocity fluctuations due to perturbations are noticed to produce large strain rates favoring higher turbulence levels inside the tank. Production of turbulent kinetic energy due to both the mean and periodic component of the velocity field is presented. Fluctuations in power consumption due to perturbation are also calculated, and shown to correlate with the perturbation amplitude.
Maximum weighted independent sets on transitive graphs and applications

We present a polynomial-time algorithm that finds the maximum weighted independent set of a transitive graph. The studied problem finds applications in a variety of VLSI contexts, including path delay fault testing, scheduling in high-level synthesis, and channel routing in physical design automation. The algorithm has been implemented and incorporated in a CAD tool for path delay fault testing. We experimentally verify its impact in the latter context.
Depressions of superfluid density and transition temperature of 3 he confined in small pores

Using fourth-sound techniques, the superfluid density of3He confined in three separately packed alumina powders having volume-averaged pore radius equal to 1.9, 0.44, and 0.18 µm were measured as a function of temperature at 10 pressures between 11 and 31 bar. Systematically larger depressions of superfluid density were observed as the pore size decreased. The measured pressure dependence of the depression of the superfluid transition temperature is consistent with that of the BCS expression for the coherence length. The quality factor of fourth-sound resonance was measured as a function of temperature at 20.5 and 30.9 bar. The highest quality factor measured was 40. The temperature dependence of the quality factor is in qualitative agreement with a theory by Jensen et al.
Melanoma. An ultrastructural study of the host inflammatory and vascular responses.

Electron microscopic studies of 4 surgically excised human primary superficial spreading melanomas of the skin were done with special emphasis on the host inflammatory and vascular responses to tumor. Host cells participating in the inflammatory response included numerous small lymphocytes, activated macrophages, and mast cells. Some mast cells had lost local portion of granule content, but complete degranulation of mast cells was not seen. Activated macrophages had avidly ingested melanin granules and cellular debris and often were close to dying tumor cells. Lymphocytes, many displaying motile forms, were actively invading the epidermis; formed perivascular cuffs around damaged vessels; and were in intimate contact with living, damaged, and dead melanoma cells. Basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils were absent from inflammatory infiltrates. Changes of the microvasculature included focal endothelial necrosis and hypertrophy as well as basal lamina changes indicative of repeated episodes of endothelial injury, necrosis and regeneration. These findings are discussed in relationship to a number of recent studies of the immunologically-mediated inflammatory responses to contact allergy, graft rejection, and syngeneic tumor rejection, in man and animals.
Enhanced immune responses to viral epitopes by combining macrophage-inducible expression with multimeric display on a Salmonella vector.

Abstract In this study, the immunogenicity of chimeric 987P fimbriae on a Salmonella vaccine strain was improved by optimizing fimbrial expression. The constitutive tetA promoter and the in vivo activated nirB and pagC promoters were evaluated for their use to express two epitopes of the transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) spike protein carried by fimbriae which were displayed on a Salmonella vaccine strain. Constructs with the pagC promoter were shown to drive increased expression of chimeric 987P fimbriae in macrophages as well as in Mg2+-poor media, mimicking a major environmental signal found in Salmonella-containing endocytic vacuoles of macrophages. Mice immunized orally with a Salmonella vaccine strain which expressed chimeric fimbriae from the pagC promoter elicited significantly higher mucosal and systemic immune responses to both the 987P fimbriae and the TGEV epitopes than mice immunized with the same strain hosting a tetA or nirB promoter-driven expression plasmid. Moreover, only the Salmonella vaccine strains harboring a plasmid with the pagC promoter, with or without an additional tetA promoter in tandem, elicited neutralizing antibodies to TGEV. This indicated that the pagC promoter can be used successfully to improve epitope-display by chimeric fimbriae on Salmonella vaccine strains for the induction of a desired immune response.
On increasing returns and discrete choice: integrating production ecological principles in economic analysis of crop management

In contrast to conventional inputs (land, labor and capital) pesticides and nutrients act indirectly on output. This paper develops a model of pesticide and nutrient response based on the biological and physical processes that govern agricultural ecosystems. The main implications for pesticides are that the marginal returns for an individual crop depend on three state variables (potential yield level, growth conditions and pest incidence) and on the relative curvature of the control and damage functions. The properties of functional forms commonly used in the literature imply increasing returns to the control input which reduces the control decision to a binary one. When several control methods are available, the choice set consists of discrete options which are site specific because of the interaction with the prevailing growing conditions. The analogous conclusions hold for nutrient inputs when considered jointly. To illustrate the implications of these results for crop management two case studies are presented. The first case study explores economic and environmental performance of alternative farming systems, the second case study assesses options for a pesticide levy system as part of future environmental policy.
Establishing the cause of genitourinary symptoms in women in a family practice. Comparison of clinical examination and comprehensive microbiology

We conducted a prospective study comparing the diagnostic yield of standard clinical examinations and of comprehensive microbiological studies in establishing the etiology of genitourinary (GU) symptoms and the prevalence of GU tract infections in 204 women seen in a university-based family practice. Two thirds were initially seen with GU symptoms and one third were seen for routine examinations. In each case we obtained demographic and historical information, a physical examination, and a variety of laboratory tests, including research procedures not commonly available. Diagnoses considered were urinary tract infection and sterile pyuria; trichomonal, yeast, and nonspecific vaginitis; and GU tract infection withNeisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, or herpes simplex virus. Using strategies commonly employed in practice, we reached a diagnosis in only 34% of symptomatic women, a figure rising to 66% when selected, nonroutine laboratory examinations were added. (JAMA1984;251:620-625)
Substrate-induced conformational changes and dynamics of UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-2.

O-glycan biosynthesis is initiated by the transfer of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) from a nucleotide-sugar donor (UDP-GalNAc) to Ser/Thr residues of an acceptor substrate. The detailed transfer mechanism, catalyzed by the UDP-GalNAc polypeptide:N-acetyl-α-galactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAcTs), remains unclear despite structural information available for several isoforms in complex with substrates, at various stages along the catalytic pathway. We used all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit solvent and counterions to study the conformational dynamics of ppGalNAcT-2 in several enzymatic states along the catalytic pathway. ppGalNAcT-2 is simulated both in the presence and absence of substrates and reaction products to examine the role of conformational changes in ligand binding. In multiple 40 ns–long simulations of more than 600 ns total run time, we studied systems ranging from 45,000 to 95,000 atoms. Our simulations accurately identified dynamically active regions of the protein, as previously revealed by the x-ray structures, and permitted a detailed, atomistic description of the conformational changes of loops near the active site and the characterization of the ensemble of structures adopted by the transferase complex on the transition pathway between the ligand-bound and ligand-free states. In particular, the conformational transition of a functional loop adjacent to the active site from closed (active) to open (inactive) is correlated with the rotameric state of the conserved residue W331. Analysis of water dynamics in the active site revealed that internal water molecules have an important role in enhancing the enzyme flexibility. We also found evidence that charged side chains in the active site rearrange during site opening to facilitate ligand binding. Our results are consistent with the single-displacement transfer mechanism previously proposed for ppGalNAcTs based on x-ray structures and mutagenesis data and provide new evidence for possible functional roles of certain amino acids conserved across several isoforms.
SU-FF-T-594: Effect of IGRT Motivated Margin Reduction in Postprostatectomy IMRT Plans

Purpose:Image‐guidedradiation therapy(IGRT) aims at reducing treatment margins without compromising clinical outcome. The dosimetric impact of margin reduction associated with a specific localization technique can be evaluated by planning patients with different margin specifications. The following presents such an analysis for a group of postprostatectomy patients. Method and Materials: Fourteen patients underwent computed tomography based simulation. The CTV was contoured by a single physician following RTOG guidelines. The patients were subsequently planned with Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems) using the AAA algorithm. Three sets of CTV‐to‐PTV margins were used, which were within RTOG 0534 protocol guidelines: 15 mm in all directions except 8 mm posteriorly (15/8 mm), 11 mm in all directions except 7 mm posteriorly (11/7 mm) and 8 mm in all directions except 6 mm posteriorly (8/6 mm). The IMRT plans achieved the same target coverage. Dose‐volume histogram (DVH) statistics were extracted for the bladder and rectum and compared for the different margin sets. Results: In all cases the organ at risk volumes receiving a certain threshold dose diminishes as the margin gets reduced. The overlap between the bladder and rectum with the PTV sets boundaries to the achievable plan statistics. On average there is a ∼2% reduction of the volume receiving a 40–65 Gy for the bladder for each mm the margin is decreased and a ∼5%/mm reduction for the volume receiving 50–70 Gy for the rectum. Conclusion: This analysis provides a quantitative description of the possible reduction in rectum and bladder doses that can be achieved with reduced setup margins for IMRT postprostatectomy patients. This also shows that acceptable plan statistics could not be achieved when following RTOG guidelines. Conflict of Interest: This research was funded in part by a grant from Varian Medical Systems.
Teacher knowledge of and confidence in meeting the needs of children with chronic medical conditions: Pediatric psychology's contribution to education.

More children and adolescents who have chronic illnesses are being included in regular education classrooms today than ever before. However, teachers may not feel confident about being able to meet these children's educational, social, or emotional needs in the classroom. School psychologists are able to assess children's functioning in these areas and can provide information to teachers on a case-by-case basis to ensure that children with chronic illnesses receive appropriate and comprehensive services at school and are included in regular education settings to the fullest extent possible. This study assessed special education and regular education teachers' perceptions of their knowledge about and confidence in meeting the academic and social needs of children with chronic medical conditions. Two-hundred and forty-seven teachers from 15 midwestern elementary schools completed a survey rating their knowledge and confidence in meeting the academic and social needs of children with 13 chronic medical conditions. Special education teachers reported being more knowledgeable than regular education teachers about cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hemophilia, spina bifida, renal failure, and allergies. However, overall, special education teachers were not more confident than regular education teachers in meeting the academic needs of children with chronic medical conditions. Future research should focus on whether experience affects teacher knowledge and confidence and should examine the effectiveness of interventions to improve teacher knowledge for working with children with medical conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elucidation of structure–function relationships in the protein subunit of bacterial RNase P using a genetic complementation approach

RNase P is a ribonucleoprotein involved in tRNA biosynthesis in all living organisms. Bacterial RNase P is comprised of a catalytic RNA subunit and a lone protein cofactor which plays a supporting, albeit essential, role in the tRNA processing reaction in vivo. In this study, we have searched various databases to identify homologs of the protein subunit of RNase P from diverse bacteria and used an alignment of their primary sequences to determine the most highly conserved residues, and thereby extend earlier predictions of which residues might play an important role in RNA recognition. By employing a genetic complementation assay, we have also gained insights into structure- function relationships in the protein subunit of bacterial RNase P.
Efficient multi-view object recognition and full pose estimation

We present an approach for efficiently recognizing all objects in a scene and estimating their full pose from multiple views. Our approach builds upon a state of the art single-view algorithm which recognizes and registers learned metric 3D models using local descriptors. We extend to multiple views using a novel multi-step optimization that processes each view individually and feeds consistent hypotheses back to the algorithm for global refinement. We demonstrate that our method produces results comparable to the theoretical optimum, a full multi-view generalized camera approach, while avoiding its combinatorial time complexity. We provide experimental results demonstrating pose accuracy, speed, and robustness to model error using a three-camera rig, as well as a physical implementation of the pose output being used by an autonomous robot executing grasps in highly cluttered scenes.
THE LOW-TEMPERATURE SPECIFIC HEAT OF PALLADIUM CONTAINGING INTERSTITIAL HYDROGEN.

Abstract : Specific-heat measurements in the 1.2 to 4.2K range have been carried out on four H-Pd specimens having H/Pd atomic ratios of 0.57, 0.70, 0.81, and 0.88. Corresponding values of gamma (the electronic specific-heat coefficient) are 2.52 1.38, 1.40 and 1.61 millijoules per square degree per gram-atom of palladium; values of (the Debye temperature) are 282, 273, and 267K, respectively. A 'dynamic' method of measurement was necessarily employed because of the occurrence of an exothermic process in these alloys. The interpretation of the data was complicated by the interstitial character of these alloys, but the present results for the electronic specific heat appear to offer unusually direct support for the usual simple band picture of Pd and H-Pd alloys. Special care must be exercised in the interpretation of the Debye temperatures in this case. (Author)
Loss of Nocturnin, a circadian deadenylase, confers resistance to hepatic steatosis and diet-induced obesity

The mammalian circadian system consists of a central oscillator in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which coordinates peripheral clocks in organs throughout the body. Although circadian clocks control the rhythmic expression of a large number of genes involved in metabolism and other aspects of circadian physiology, the consequences of genetic disruption of circadian-controlled pathways remain poorly defined. Here we report that the targeted disruption of Nocturnin (Ccrn4l) in mice, a gene that encodes a circadian deadenylase, confers resistance to diet-induced obesity. Mice lacking Nocturnin remain lean on high-fat diets, with lower body weight and reduced visceral fat. However, unlike lean lipodystrophic mouse models, these mice do not have fatty livers and do not exhibit increased activity or reduced food intake. Gene expression data suggest that Nocturnin knockout mice have deficits in lipid metabolism or uptake, in addition to changes in glucose and insulin sensitivity. Our data support a pivotal role for Nocturnin downstream of the circadian clockwork in the posttranscriptional regulation of genes necessary for nutrient uptake, metabolism, and storage.
The Optimal Structure of Intergovernmental Grants

This article examines the optimal structure of intergovernmental grants, using a model that extends the theories of optimal taxation and production to a federal system. The theoretical model assumes a two-tiered system of state and federal governments, with the federal government choosing grants to the state governments. Application of numerical methods allows calculation of the optimal grant structure under a range of assumptions regarding individual preferences, government production, and state and federal social welfare functions. The optimal grant structure has some features suggested by the traditional literature, such as the inferiority of conditional lump-sum grants. The results, however, also suggest important modifications in the traditional grant prescription. Not surprisingly, the objectives of all the governments matter in determining the magnitude and structure of grants. More significantly, the matching rate on conditional open-ended matching grants is no longer determined solely by external...
Mechanical properties of continuously reinforced MWCNT polymer composites in compression

Recent studies show that continuously reinforced multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composite can have extraordinary mechanical properties. It was observed that the continuous MWCNT polymer composites exhibit both significant reinforcement and large damping capability in compressive loadings, which typically remain compromised. The damping property might result from buckling behavior of the MWCNT in composites. Here, this paper is to study the buckling response of carbon nanotubes (CNT) within a polymer matrix by using analytical models including Euler, Timoshenko and shell buckling models. Also, the modeling results are analyzed and compared to better understand the bucking behavior of the CNT in the composite and also investigate the effect of their aspect ratio (L/D) on buckling behavior. This study provides us with insight to better understand the structure-property relation for such continuous CNT polymer composites.
The specificity of antibodies directed to porcine gastrin

Abstract The specificities of two antibodies directed to the gastrointestinal hormone, gastrin, were examined by evaluation of a series of human gastrin peptide fragments as inhibitors in a radioimmunoassay. Both antibodies showed similar inhibition with synthetic human gastrin and were directed to the C-terminal part of the molecule. The rabbit antibody recognized the C-terminal dipeptide and very little increase in inhibition was demonstrated with peptides larger than the tetrapeptide. The guinea pig antibody recognized no peptide smaller than the tetrapeptide at the highest concentration studied (4 × 103 pmole/ml). A graded increase in inhibitory activity was seen from the tetra to the octapeptide, which increased further with the whole heptadecapeptide. These differences in the size of the peptide required for binding may reflect differences in the size of the combining sites of the two antibodies.
Little white spots: an approach to hypopigmented macules

Loss of pigment, either partial (hypopigmentation) or complete (depigmentation), can have a profound psychological impact, perhaps seemingly out of proportion for something that is almost exclusively benign.1 Remarkably, hypopigmentation has been referenced in many ancient religious texts, often in the context of being a curse or contagious disease, firmly securing this cutaneous malady at the very deepest level of culture.2 A compelling illustration of this occurs in the Old Testament when Miriam speaks against Moses and is punished thusly: “… suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow.”3 It is difficult to imagine a more wicked association for a skin disease than such an execration. Although the vast majority of hypopigmentation encountered in the modern world is neither contagious nor dangerous, fear, anxiety and uncertainty continue to surround this problem for patient and physician alike. An exhaustive list of causes of hypopigmentation and depigmentation would contain many rare and obscure entities, but in this review the focus will be limited to three of the most common causes of acquired loss of pigment in children.4 By closely examining pityriasis alba, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and vitiligo, some of the fear, anxiety and uncertainty may be dispelled and, even if they cannot be cured, simple understanding may provide some relief. Pityriasis alba is a common, benign form of localised, often slightly scaly areas of hypopigmenation, usually on the head, neck, and upper extremities of children.5 While the pathogenesis is unclear, many studies seem to support the idea that it is a form of low-grade eczematous dermatitis.6 Pityriasis versicolor is sometimes called tinea versicolor, but “pityriasis” derives from the Greek for “grain husk” or “bran” and descriptively refers to the flaky, bran-like scale of this extremely common superficial fungal infection.7 Figure 1 is a photograph of bran …
Multicore is bad news for supercomputers

With no other way to improve the performance of processors further, chip makers have staked their future on putting more and more processor cores on the same chip. Engineers at Sandia National Laboratories, in New Mexico, have simulated future high-performance computers containing the 8-core, 16?core, and 32-core microprocessors that chip makers say are the future of the industry. The results are distressing. Because of limited memory bandwidth and memory-management schemes that are poorly suited to supercomputers, the performance of these machines would level off or even decline with more cores. The performance is especially bad for informatics applications? data-intensive programs that are increasingly crucial to the labs? national security function.
Experimental Evaluation and Finite Element Analysis of Laser Welded Copper-Copper And Copper-Aluminum Joints

The effect of temperature as a function of time in laser welding of similar and/or dissimilar materials was evaluated experimentally and by finite element analysis. Three cases = copper-copper, copper-aluminum, and aluminum-aluminum welded joints - were analyzed by simulation. There were four tests evaluations: tensile strength, relative impact strength, resistance versus temperature variation, and an electron microprobe analysis. Good tensile strength and low electrical resistance results were obtained for welding ETP copper with a neodymium (Nd)-glass laser. Copper-aluminum conductors responded with good tensile and impact strengths to laser welding.
Upper Paleozoic Glacial Deposits of South Africa and Southern Australia

Glacial deposits of Late Carboniferous and Early Permian age have long been recognized throughout broad areas of the “Gondwana” continental masses. This paper describes some of these deposits in South Africa and southern Australia, and summarizes information from the literature on deposits of these and other regions. The following features in combination are widespread in the Paleozoic deposits and prove continental glaciation: polished and striated pavements and roches moutonnees; massive, nonsorted debris (tillite) containing abundant clay-free rock flour, abundant fresh grains of easily weathered minerals, and stones including faceted and striated blocks from both local and distant sources; and laminated, fine-grained sediments enclosing numerous drop-stones. Electron-microscopy studies have shown that surface textures of sand grains in modern sediments vary diagnostically from one environement to another. The large suite of surface textures that uniquely characterizes Quaternary glacial grains also characterizes Paleozoic ones. X-ray study shows that the clay-sized fraction of unweathered tillites and glacial shales is largely devoid of clay. Most of the well-dated Gondwana glacial deposits are of very Early Permian age. At least local glaciation occurred during the Late Carboniferous and also during the later Early Permian. Glacial stages alternated with interglacial ones. The continental glaciers of even the now-tropical Gondwana continents reached sea level for marine deposits occur with glacial drift. Ice sheets bearing continental-shield debris flowed onto each continent from the direction of present oceans. The distribution of warm-climate Early Permian deposits is as aberrant as that of glacial deposits; red beds, evaporites, thick biochemical limestones, diverse-fauna coral bioherms, and large foraminifera occur, for example, in the northernmost lands of the Atlantic sector of the Arctic. Only continental drift offers a rational solution to the problems of distribution of paleoclimatic indicators. All the glaciated lands lay in latitudes between 45° and 90° S. in the since-fragmented continent of Gondwanaland. Long-lasting sedimentary basins were produced by permanent changes in crust and mantle configuration resulting from glacial loading.
VLSI FOR MOMENT COMPUTATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO BREAST CANCER DETECTION

Moment has been one of the most popular techniques for image processing, pattern classifica- tion and computer vision. In this paper, we propose two VLSI architectures for computing the regular (geometric) moments and central moments. First, a one-dimensional systolic array is presented. In this architecture, a dynamic time delay controller is used for obtaining the correct data flow. It takes max(p, q))n#n#2 time units to compute the moments of order (p#q). If there are k images, the computational time will be k(max(p, q))n#n#2). Second, a two-dimensional architecture is presented. It takes n#n#n!1#2#1"3n#2 time units to compute the moments of order (p#q). If there are k images, the computational time will be (k!1))2n#3n#2"2nk#n#2. The proposed approaches are much faster than the existing ones. If a uniprocessor is used, the time complexity is (p#q) n2, and if there are k images, the computational time will be k(p#q) n2. Finally, a VLSI architecture is presented for calculating the central moments. In this architecture, 3)n processing elements are used for calculating m 00 , m 01 , and m 10 . The results are sent to a two-dimensional structure for computing central moments. It takes 2n#3#max(p, q)#2#n#n!1#1"4n#max(p, q)#5 time units to finish the calculation of the central moments. The important issue of VLSI design, algorithm partition, is also addressed. The basic idea of this paper can be extended to compute other kinds of moments easily. We have applied the moments for extracting the features of breast cancer biopsy images and classified them using neural networks. The 100% classification rate has been achieved. ( 1998 Pattern Recognition Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
What's in a Number? Minority Status and Implications for Creative Professionals

Although women represent a large percentage of Bachelor's degrees earned, they are underrepresented in many fields of applied creative services. Utilizing the theories of proportional representation, regulatory focus, and regulatory fit, an experiment explored the relationship between demographic underrepresentation and creativity. Findings suggest that creativity is affected by proportional representation and regulatory fit. In a categorization task, a feeling of regulatory fit led to more inclusive, creative categorization than those experiencing regulatory mismatch. Further, in a creative brick uses task, majority status individuals generated more creative responses than minority status individuals. The findings suggest proportional representation and regulatory fit are two environmental factors that can have an impact on creative output for individuals working in fields of applied creative services.
Hydroponic sand culture systems for mycorrhizal research

Tomato plants were inoculated withGlomus fasciculatus mycorrhizal fungi while growing in sand through which recycled nutrient solution was automatically passed several times daily. Concentration of P and N in the solution were maintained at relatively low levels. Roots of inoculated plants became highly infected with mycorrhizal fungi, and yield parameters were significantly increased with inoculation over uninoculated control plants.
Write to Read: Investigating the Reading-Writing Relationship of Code-Level Early Literacy Skills

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the code-related features used in current methods of writing instruction in kindergarten classrooms transfer reading outcomes for kindergarten students. We randomly assigned kindergarten students to 3 instructional groups: a writing workshop group, an interactive writing group, and a control group. Results of this full-year experimental study show that code-based writing instruction can complement the acquisition of important early reading skills. We present the implications of these findings.
Organization of connexons in isolated rat liver gap junctions

Gap junction plaques from rat liver plasma membranes have been subjected to a range of detergent treatments in order to evaluate systematically the influence of different isolation procedures on their structure. The separation of the connexons was found to vary depending on the conditions used. In the absence of detergent the center-to-center separation of the connexons is, on average, approximately 90 A, and they are arranged on a hexagonal lattice so that the symmetry of the double-layered structure approximates to p6m in projection (or p622 in three-dimensions). Exposure to increasing concentration of detergent reduces the connexon separation to values below 80 A. More severe detergent treatment leads to disintegration of the gap junction plaques. Specimens with center-to-center separations smaller than 86 A show progressively larger deviation from p6m symmetry, seen as apparent rotations of the connexon assemblies within the crystal lattice. This reorganization occurs with both ice-embedded and negatively-stained specimens, using ionic or nonionic detergents, and therefore is probably a packing readjustment caused by depletion of intervening lipid molecules.
Disabled-1 is a large common fragile site gene, inactivated in multiple cancers

Common fragile sites (CFS) are large, genomically unstable regions, which are hot-spots for deletions and other alterations, especially in cancer cells. Several have been shown to contain genes that span large genomic regions, such as FHIT (1.5 Mb), WWOX (1.0 Mb), GRID2 (1.36 Mb), PARK2 (1.3 Mb), and RORA (730 kb). These genes are frequently inactivated in multiple different cancers, and FHIT and WWOX are shown to function as tumor suppressors. The disabled-1 gene (DAB1) is one of the human homologs of the Drosophila disabled locus, which in mammals is involved in neuronal migration and lamination in the developing cerebral cortex. Mice DAB1 inactivation results in the neurological mutant Scrambler, having similarities to mice with the inactivation of PARK2 (Quaker), GRID2 (Lurcher), and RORA (Staggerer). We were interested in whether DAB1 was another large CFS gene that could have cancer development importance. We demonstrated here that the human DAB1 gene (spanning 1.25 Mb) mapped within FRA1B CFS region on chromosomal band 1p32.2. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of DAB1 was decreased in many human cancer samples, including primary tumor tissues and cancer-derived cell lines, from several different cancers, especially in brain and endometrial cancer. Additionally, the introduction of an over-expression DAB1 plasmid into two different cell lines, having insignificant endogenous DAB1 expression, resulted in decreased cell growth. In summary, DAB1 is another gene that resides within an unstable CFS region and might play a role in human tumorigenesis. These data may provide further linkage between neurological development and cancer.
Clinical management of BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast cancer.

The recent discovery of the breast cancer-associated genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 has changed the clinical care provided to women at high risk of breast cancer. We will review what is currently known about the clinical management of patients who bear (or are suspected of bearing) mutations in either of these two genes. The issues related to establishing a diagnosis of inherited breast cancer, deciding which women are candidates for testing, the limitations of testing, and the predictive power of these tests are addressed. The prognostic features of cancers associated with a BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation are reviewed. Further, guidelines for prophylaxis of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are given and recommendations are made for the care of mutation carriers with cancer. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 18:296–304, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Observed-Score Equating: An Overview

In this paper, an overview of the observed-score equating (OSE) process is provided from the perspective of a unifying equating framework (von Davier in von Davier (Ed.), Statistical models for test equating, scaling, and linking, Springer, New York, pp. 1–17, 2011b). The framework includes all OSE approaches. Issues related to the test, common items, and sampling designs and their relationship to measurement and equating are discussed. Challenges to the equating process, model assumptions, and approaches to equating evaluation are also presented. The equating process is illustrated step-by-step with a real data example from a licensure test.
On integrative study

Integrative Study Contemplates principles of integration revealed by life at its many hierarchic levels. Since living systems can be understood only by reference to their transformations over time, the objects of integrative study are narratives (histories, case histories, works of literature, etc.). The discourse does not stop at any disciplinary boundary, yet integrative study is not anarchic but is guided by frameworks of thought which it constructs. In this form of study the asymmetry between teacher and student, speaker and audience is greatly reduced; participants derive from a diversity of backgrounds; the common language, the language of everyday life is used; communication is primarily oral, face-to-face, rather than via the written word. Integrative study takes place where we are, with the people among whom we live, and exerts a benign integrative influence on the community in which it takes place.
Fabrication of 3D nanostructures with lithographically patterned surfaces by self-folding

One of the important challenges in nanoscale manufacturing is the construction of simultaneously patterned three dimensional structures, materials and devices. Since we live in a three dimensional world, such capabilities are needed to fully realize the capabilities of nanotechnology. We describe self-assembly processes based on utilizing intrinsic stress and inducing grain coalescence (extrinsic stress) in thin metal films that can be used to curve or fold lithographically patterned two dimensional (2D) panels into 3D structures. We discuss the use of intrinsic chromium (Cr) stresses and extrinsic stresses based on induced grain coalescence in tin (Sn) based structures with varying material composition to create a variety of lithographically patterned curved and polyhedral structures.
New dimensions for the universe

For dimensional analysis, the universe can be considered the visible picture from earth. The dimensions of the universe are deduced from Hubble's constant, a factor related to the rate at which the universe is expanding. The traditional methods of determining this constant, which is the relationship between the rate at which the galaxies within the universe are receding from each other and their distance, have been updated, according to a recent report (W. Waller, The Universe: Younger Perhaps Than We Thought, Res. Rep. 27, pp. 1–8, Smithsonian Institution, 1979), with the result that the rate of the universe's expansion may be twice as high as previously believed. If this new result is true, the consequences in astronomic theory are far reaching. At twice the rate of expansion, the universe is only half as large and thus only half the currently accepted age. Based on the new data, the new age is placed at only 9 billion years.
A circannual cycle in pinealocyte synaptic ribbons in the hibernating and seasonally reproductive 13-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus)

Pinealocyte synaptic ribbons (SR) in the 13-lined ground squirrel were quantified at monthly intervals over a one-year period spanning the hibernating and reproductive cycles of these animals. SR numbers were high (70-90/20,000 microns2) during periods of activity and reproductive quiescence (May-October). With the onset of hibernation (November-December) there was a rapid 6 to 7-fold reduction in SR frequency. During arousal (January-February) and sexual maturation (March-April) there was a gradual increase in SR frequency. The winter decline in SR frequency is consistent with the decline in pineal melatonin during hibernation and supports the hypothesis that pinealocyte SR play an important role in the neurotransduction of melatonin biosynthesis.
Abstract P3-15-10: Human neuronal model to study chemotherapeutic-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is the major dose-limiting toxicity for several anti-cancer drugs including taxanes, platinating agents and microtubule inhibitors. In general, animal models have been used to study neuropathy. Our goals are twofold: 1) to create a human model for study of chemotherapeutic induced neuropathy using iCell Neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and; 2) to elucidate the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying chemotherapeutic induced peripheral neuropathy by identifying genetic variants and genes that increase the likelihood of this devastating adverse event. We have used this model system to perform functional studies on candidate targets of interest from clinical studies of chemotherapeutic induced neuropathy. Upon treatment of iCell Neurons with increasing concentrations of paclitaxel (0.001-100 μM) for 72 hours, we identified a reproducible 3-5 μm (12-14%) decrease in cell median neurite process length and a 13-19 μm (10-13%) decrease in cell total neurite outgrowth per order of magnitude increase in drug. The same concentrations of vincristine and cisplatin for 72 hours result in a decrease in cell median neurite process length of 6-18% and 2-4% per order of magnitude increase in drug, respectively. No decrease in neurite length is observed with hydroxyurea, a drug that does not result in neuropathy. Paclitaxel binds to beta-tubulin to exert its cytotoxic effect and genetic variants within the promoter of TUBB2A were shown to be associated with paclitaxel induced neuropathy (Clin Cancer Res, 18(16):4441-8, 2012). As a proof of concept, we have shown that decreased expression of the beta-tubulin isotype TUBB2A by siRNA transfection causes decreased median neurite process length (interaction P = 2.0 × 10-4) and decreased total neurite outgrowth (interaction P = 6.2 × 10-10) of iCell Neurons 48 hours post-paclitaxel treatment. To determine clinical relevance, we have developed a protocol to collect blood of breast and ovarian cancer patients experiencing severe paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and matched patients without neuropathy following similar paclitaxel regimens to create iPSCs and eventually neurons. We hope to create a resource of these cells for the scientific community. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-15-10.
The gracilis muscle flap and musculocutaneous flap in the repair of perineal and ischial defects

Abstract Muscle flaps and musculocutaneous flaps, in recent years, have revolutionised much of plastic surgery. Only certain muscles have a suitable blood supply, however, and one of the first to be recognised was the gracilis muscle. Pickrellet al. (1952) described the successful use of its transposition to correct anal incontinence and later (1956) urinary incontinence. Orticochea (1972) described how to reconstruct a penis with the gracilis and its overlying skin. Pers and Medgyesi (1973) reported a number of uses including repair of a vesico vaginal fistula. Bartholdson and Hulten (1975) transposed the gracilis muscle into 4 cases of large perineal sinuses following proctocolectomy, similar to that described in Case 1. The following 3 cases illustrate how versatile is the gracilis flap with or without its overlying skin. The main blood supply coming through the obturator foramen allows most of the muscle to be transplanted and it can solve some otherwise intractable problems.
A scalable implementation of the NAS Parallel Benchmark BT on distributed memory systems

In this paper, we describe an efficient and scalable implementation of the NAS Parallel Benchmark BT suitable for distributed memory systems such as the IBM Scalable POWERparallel Systems®. After describing the parallelization and data partitioning methods used, we outline some of the optimization steps used to realize good performance on individual processors and to reduce the communication overheads on the IBM SP1™ and SP2™ systems. We present performance results on up to 128 nodes of the SP1, and on the SP2 with wide nodes. We describe the performance on the standard Class A and Class B problem sets. To show the scalability of our parallelization methods, we present the performance of two additional data sets.
Expression of pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) and its binding protein in human astrocytes and astrocytoma cells: function and regulation of PTTG in U87 astrocytoma cells.

Human securin, pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG), is a protooncogene. Here we report expressions of PTTG and its interacting protein, PTTG-binding factor in human astrocytic cells. PTTG expression was higher in malignant cells than in primary astrocytes, whereas PTTG-binding factor was not. Using a xenotransplantable, glioma cell line (U87), we observed that knocking down PTTG mRNA by RNA silencing inhibited serum-induced proliferation by approximately 50%. Furthermore, in U87 cells PTTG expression was up-regulated by promalignant ligands epithelial growth factor (EGF) and TGFα, both at the protein and mRNA levels. PTTG induction by EGF receptor (EGFR) ligands could be blocked by the specific EGFR inhibitor, AG1478. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) also induced PTTG but to a lesser extent than EGF. Although EGF stimulates HGF secretion in U87 cells, the effect of EGF on PTTG mRNA expression is independent of HGF as neutralizing antibody against HGF failed to abolish EGF-induced up-regulation of PTTG ...
Investigating Young Children's Talk about the Media.

This study was an investigation into the ways in which two classes of six- and seven-year-old children in Hawaii talked about the media. The children were shown video clips from a variety of media and asked to respond both orally and in writing. The qualitative data gathered in this study were researcher notes, video and audio-taped focus group interviews with the children, and their written responses to open-ended questions about the media clips they viewed. The results suggest that these children were more media savvy than commonly assumed, and already grasped basic understandings of key media concepts. Drawing upon Foucauldian theory, we argue for the need to move from the dominant model of developmental stage theory in media education, based on a deficit view of the child, to a strengths-based approach that recognizes and validates young people's varying experience with and knowledge about the media, and their agency when interacting with it.
Health Status Identifies Heart Failure Outpatients at Risk for Hospitalization or Death

Objectives We tested the hypothesis that one health status measure, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), provides prognostic information independent of other clinical data in outpatients with heart failure (HF). Background Health status measures are used to describe a patient’s clinical condition and have been shown to predict mortality in some populations. Their prognostic value may be particularly useful among patients with HF for identifying candidates for disease management in whom increased care may reduce hospitalizations and prevent death. Methods We evaluated 505 HF patients from 13 outpatient clinics who had an ejection fraction Results The mean age was 61 years, 76% of patients were male, 51% had an ischemic HF etiology, and 5% were New York Heart Association functional class IV. At 12 months, among the 9% of patients with a KCCQ score Conclusions A low KCCQ score is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in outpatients with HF.