cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Failure Following Multimodal Treatment for Medulloblastoma: Long-Term Follow-up Results at a Single Institution

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term results and appropriateness of radiation therapy (RT) for medulloblastoma (MB) at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the clinical outcomes of 106 patients with MB who received RT between January 1992 and October 2009. The median age was 7 years (range, 0 to 50 years), and the proportion of M0, M1, M2, and M3 stages was 60.4%, 8.5%, 4.7%, and 22.6%, respectively. The median total craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and posterior fossa tumor bed dose in 102 patients (96.2%) treated with CSI was 36 Gy and 54 Gy, respectively. RESULTS The median follow-up period in survivors was 132 months (range, 31 to 248 months). A gradual improvement in survival outcomes was observed, with 5-year overall survival rates of 61.5% in 1990s increasing to 73.6% in 2000s. A total of 29 recurrences (27.4%) developed at the following sites: five (17.2%) in the tumor bed; five (17.2%) in the posterior fossa other than the tumor bed; nine (31%) in the supratentorium; and six (20.7%) in the spinal subarachnoid space only. The four remaining patients showed multiple site recurrences. Among 12 supratentorial recurrences, five cases recurred in the subfrontal areas. Although the frequency of posterior fossa/tumor bed recurrences was significantly high among patients treated with subtotal resection, other site (other intracranial/spinal) recurrences were more common among patients treated with gross tumor removal (p=0.016). There was no case of spinal subarachnoid space relapse from desmoplastic/extensive nodular histological subtypes. CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up results and patterns of failure confirmed the importance of optimal RT dose and field arrangement. More tailored multimodal strategies and proper CSI technique may be the cornerstones for improving treatment outcomes in MB patients.
Inhibition of Glucocorticoid Receptor Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling by Okadaic Acid Requires Intact Cytoskeleton

It has been shown previously that glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) that have undergone hormone-dependent translocation to the nucleus and have subsequently exited the nucleus upon hormone withdrawal are unable to recycle into the nucleus if cells are treated during hormone withdrawal with okadaic acid, a cell-permeable inhibitor of certain serine/threonine protein phosphatases. Using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) GR chimera (GFP-GR), we report here that okadaic acid inhibition of steroid-dependent receptor recycling to the nucleus is abrogated in cells treated for 1 h with colcemid to eliminate microtubule networks prior to steroid addition. After withdrawal of colcemid, normal cytoskeletal architecture is restored and okadaic acid inhibition of steroid-dependent GFP-GR nuclear recycling is restored. When okadaic acid is present during hormone withdrawal, GR that is recycled to the cytoplasm becomes complexed with hsp90 and binds steroid, but it does not undergo the normal agonist-dependent dissociation from hsp90 upon retreatment with steroid. However, when the cytoskeleton is disrupted by colcemid, the GR in okadaic acid-treated cells recycles from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in an agonist-dependent manner without dissociating from hsp90. This suggests that under physiological conditions where the cytoskeleton is intact, a dephosphorylation event is required for loss of high affinity binding to hsp90 that is required for receptor translocation through the cytoplasm to the nucleus along cytoskeletal tracts.
The comprehension of familiar and less familiar idioms

The relationship between idiom familiarity and idiom comprehension was investigated. Familiar and less familiar idioms were presented in three types of sentences. The sentences were biased toward the idiom's literal meaning, biased toward the idiom's idiomatic meaning, or unbiased toward either meaning. Reading times for sentences containing less familiar idioms were longer than for sentences containing familiar idioms, but there was no significant main effect for sentence type. The familiarity by sentence type interaction was significant. In literal sentences, less familiar idioms required more reading time than familiar idioms. In idiomatic sentences, less familiar idioms required more reading time than familiar idioms. The results are interpreted as being consistent with the idiomatic processing model, which proposes that processing of an idiom's idiomatic meaning precedes processing of its literal meaning.
A Test of Finiteness Predictions for Supersymmetric Theories

Abstract We find that the N = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory is two-loop finite in six dimensions, despite the existence of a suitable supersymmetric counterterm. This supports the power-counting rules of extended superspace, suggesting that N = 8 supergravity in four dimensions is at least six-loop finite.
Early Childhood Teachers' Curriculum Beliefs: Are They Consistent with Observed Classroom Practices?.

Research Findings: This study examined the consistency between early childhood teachers' self-reported curriculum beliefs and observations of their actual interactive behaviors with children in classrooms. Also tested was the hypothesized moderation by teacher and classroom characteristics of the association between beliefs and practices. A total of 58 preschool teachers completed a survey describing their professional backgrounds and curriculum beliefs. Their classroom practices were observed using a newly developed instrument that documented teacher interactions with children. Most teachers in this sample strongly endorsed child-initiated learning beliefs, although their beliefs about teacher-directed learning varied considerably. The most frequently observed teacher behaviors in the classroom were giving directions to children, responding to children's initiations, and engaging in non-interactive classroom management activities. Overall, teachers' curriculum beliefs and observed classroom practices wer...
Determinants of Serum Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Levels among Pregnant Women in the CHAMACOS Cohort

We measured levels of 10 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in serum collected during pregnancy and at delivery from 416 pregnant, predominantly immigrant, women living in Monterey County, CA. The most frequently detected congeners were BDE-47, -99, -100, and -153, all components of the penta mixture, detected in >97% of samples. We used multivariable regression models to examine factors associated with exposure to individual PBDE congeners as well as their total summed concentration (ng/g lipid). Prenatal and delivery total PBDE levels were correlated between sampling times (n = 21; Pearson r = 0.99, p < 0.001). In multivariable models, total PBDE levels increased significantly with time residing in the U.S. (p < 0.001) and among women with ≥3 pieces of stuffed furniture in their homes (p < 0.05). Women's total PBDE levels increased 4.0% (95% CI = 2.8, 5.3) for each additional year residing in the U.S., after adjustment for prepregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and SES. Having ≥3 pieces of stuffed furniture in the home was associated with a 26.8% (95% CI = 2.0, 57.5) increase in women's serum PBDE levels. Findings suggest PBDE indoor contamination in California homes is contributing to human exposures in a population of recent immigrants.
Treatment Session Frequency and Smoking Cessation

In a retrospective program evaluation analysis, we compared abstinence rates in 78 smokers participating in a 2-, 3-, or 6-week clinic-based behavioral-pharmacological smoking cessation program. The three treatment formats consisted of six sessions that varied in session frequency. Retention and end-of-treatment smoking cessation rates were best in the medium-frequency (3-week) and high-frequency (2-week) treatment session formats. One-year follow-up abstinence rates were highest in the medium-frequency format, and lowest in the high-frequency format. A significant patient—treatment interaction effect was found for pretreatment smoking rate. Individuals with lower pretreatment smoking rates benefited most with respect to end-of-treatment cessation rates from the medium- and high-frequency treatment session format. However, this effect was not significant at the 1-year follow-up. The need for prospective research and patient-to-treatment matching implications in smoking cessation programs are discussed.
Default network correlations analyzed on native surfaces

Disruptions of interregional correlations in the blood oxygenation level dependent fMRI signal have been reported in multiple diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. "Default network" regions that overlap with areas of earliest amyloid deposition have been highlighted by these reports, and abnormal default network activity is also observed in unimpaired elderly subjects with high amyloid burden. However, one limitation of current methods for analysis of interregional correlations is that they rely on transformation of functional data to an atlas volume (e.g., Talairach-Tournoux or Montreal Neurological Institute atlases) and may not adequately account for anatomic variation between subjects, particularly in the presence of atrophy. We assessed the utility of the FreeSurfer cortical parcellation to analyze default network functional correlations on the native surfaces of individual subjects. Group-level quantitative analysis was accomplished by comparing correlations between equivalent structures in different subjects. The method was applied to resting-state fMRI data from young, healthy subjects; preliminary results were also obtained from cognitively unimpaired elderly subjects and patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Issues Related to Federal Funding of Bus Rapid Transit

Bus rapid transit (BRT) has emerged as a frequent option in the development of the long-range transit plans for urban areas in the United States. This has come about because of the growing number of BRT success stories in the United States and around the world, because of a desire to consider lower-cost investment options at a time of limited resources, and because of encouragement from FTA. The key to the success of BRT is its potential to increase transit service quality and ridership meaningfully at an affordable price. As the BRT concept is evolving, issues in regard to federal funding for BRT investments are critical to localities considering BRT investments. Not surprisingly, there is a growing interest in how best to fund BRT and specifically how best to position BRT with respect to existing federal funding programs and programming processes. A review was conducted of the background context on BRT including the definition and cost history of BRT. There is also a discussion of the current and possible future eligibility for existing and proposed funding programs at the federal level. Three alternative strategies were considered: eliminating the fixed-guideway restrictions of the New Starts Program without turning it into a conventional bus program, expanding the funds available enough under the Bus Capital Program to fund BRT with incentives to encourage true BRT projects, and creating an entirely new BRT funding program. The conclusion addresses issues to be considered as BRT federal funding eligibility is determined.
Realizing a foundation for programmability of ATM networks with the binding architecture

A conceptual framework, called the binding model, for the creation, deployment and management of multimedia services on ATM-based broadband networks with end-to-end quality-of-service (QoS) guarantees is presented. The key function of the associated binding architecture is to provide an open programmable environment that facilitates the easy creation of flexible services. We describe the implementation of a prototype binding architecture called xbind as a middleware toolkit for building open programmable ATM networks. Finally, we present our initial experiences with experimenting and deploying xbind over an ATM testbed and highlight some of the lessons learned.
Chasing lipids in health and diseases by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

The integration of near IR picosecond pulse excitation, collinear beam geometry, epi-detection, and laser-scanning has produced a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope with a detection sensitivity of 105 vibrational oscillators, sub-micron 3D resolution, and video-rate acquisition speed. The incorporation of spectral detection and other imaging modalities has added versatility to the CARS microscope. These advances allowed sensitive interrogation of biological samples, particularly lipids that have a high density of CH2 groups. With initial applications to membrane domains, lipid bodies, demyelinating diseases, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, CARS microscopy is poised to become a powerful bio-imaging tool with the availability of a multifunctional, affordable, easy-to-operate CARS microscope, and the development of CARS endoscopy for in vivo diagnosis.
Mitigation of thermal lensing effect as a brightness limitation of high-power broad area diode lasers

Recent efforts to improve the reliability of high-power broad-area diode lasers operating in the 9xx nm wavelength band have yielded single emitter devices with excellent reliability to >15 W. However, in applications requiring fiber coupling, the fiber coupling power of a single emitter device is rather limited by its linear power density, and hence brightness of the device. Unfortunately, due to a rapid increase in the slow-axis divergence, a typical broad-area diode laser offers a much lower brightness increase and an earlier rollover than its output power. In this work, we show that thermal lensing (rather than carrier- or gain-induced guiding) in the slow axis is the predominant cause of beam quality degradation at increased driving current. Some of the techniques which are presented include the use of cavity length scaling and thermal path engineering. It is expected these approaches are critical to enabling continued scaling of highbrightness fiber coupled diode lasers.
Emotion and human communication: A rhetorical, scientific, and philosophical picture

The first systematic investigations of human emotion were conducted by the ancient Greeks. These investigations raised the issue of the phenomenon's scope and function. How have communication scholars confronted this issue in their present day theorizing and research activities? What contributions have these scholars offered that can help others understand the nature of emotion and its influence on human behavior? This essay provides answers to these questions by first examining how emotion has been conceived from a rhetorical viewpoint. Scientific and philosophical assessments of the topic are then reviewed. Such a progression allows for a heightened appreciation of the development and the contemporary status of a literature in our field.
Same-sex sexual behavior and evolution

Same-sex sexual behavior has been extensively documented in non-human animals. Here we review the contexts in which it has been studied, focusing on case studies that have tested both adaptive and non-adaptive explanations for the persistence of same-sex sexual behavior. Researchers have begun to make headway unraveling possible evolutionary origins of these behaviors and reasons for their maintenance in populations, and we advocate expanding these approaches to examine their role as agents of evolutionary change. Future research employing theoretical, comparative and experimental approaches could provide a greater understanding not only of how selection might have driven the evolution of same-sex sexual behaviors but also ways in which such behaviors act as selective forces that shape social, morphological and behavioral evolution.
On the Evolution of Gravitationally Unstable Protostellar Disks

2D, N-body simulations of the nonlinear development of long-wavelength instabilities predicted to occur early in the formation stage of protostellar disks forming single stars are presented under conditions of controlled energy loss. It is found that the thermodynamics and long-term evolution of gravitationally unstable disks are intimately coupled: the global evolution rate is linearly proportional to the rate at which dissipated energy reaches and escapes from the surfaces of the disk. An upper limit is obtained to the rate at which energy is lost if it is assumed that the disk maintains vertical isothermality.
On the design and performance of feeds for correcting spherical aberration

The maximum power that can be received from the currents in a spherical reflector is obtained with that feed which, when transmitting, produces a tangential electric field, at the surface of a mathematical cylinder that just encloses it, equal to the conjugate of the field that would be produced by the reflector currents if there were a theoretically perfect absorber on the axis. This optimum tangential field is worked out in the form E_{0} +(\lambda/R)^{1/2}E_{1}+O(\lambda/R) , R being the radius of the reflector and \lambda the wavelength. The results produced by typical feeds designed according to this prescription have been computed for arrays of dipoles spaced along the axis. Typical aperture efficiencies for the Arecibo dish are 90 percent at 100 MHz and within 1 percent of the optical limit at 600 MHz. The optical limit is not 100 percent, however, because of polarization mismatch. More than 98 percent of the power is concentrated onto the dish abbve 300 MHz. Results are available for 30 to 3000 MHz, 0 to 60\deg scan angle, and various dipole arrangements. Waveguide and dipole feeds for receiving arbitrary polarization, and measurement techniques for designing and testing them, are described.
The Cerebellum and Cognition: Evidence from Functional Imaging Studies

Evidence for a role of the human cerebellum in cognitive functions comes from anatomical, clinical and neuroimaging data. Functional neuroimaging reveals cerebellar activation during a variety of cognitive tasks, including language, visual-spatial, executive, and working memory processes. It is important to note that overt movement is not a prerequisite for cerebellar activation: the cerebellum is engaged during conditions which either control for motor output or do not involve motor responses. Resting-state functional connectivity data reveal that, in addition to networks underlying motor control, the cerebellum is part of "cognitive" networks with prefrontal and parietal association cortices. Consistent with these findings, regional differences in activation patterns within the cerebellum are evident depending on the task demands, suggesting that the cerebellum can be broadly divided into functional regions based on the patterns of anatomical connectivity between different regions of the cerebellum and sensorimotor and association areas of the cerebral cortex. However, the distinct contribution of the cerebellum to cognitive tasks is not clear. Here, the functional neuroimaging evidence for cerebellar involvement in cognitive functions is reviewed and related to hypotheses as to why the cerebellum is active during such tasks. Identifying the precise role of the cerebellum in cognition-as well as the mechanism by which the cerebellum modulates performance during a wide range of tasks-remains a challenge for future investigations.
Network realizability for interconnected systems over arbitrary one-step delay networks

In our previous work, we developed a network realizability theory for interconnected systems over causal communication networks. In this paper, we extend those ideas to develop a notion of network realizability for systems over one-step delay networks. The dynamics of individual subsystems of the interconnected system along with the delays on the network links are used to analyze state-space and input-output descriptions of interconnected systems designed over one-step delay networks. The constraints for network realizability are derived and later used in designing optimal distributed H 2 controllers over one-step delay networks for a class of interconnected plants.
Methods for assessing NPP containment pressure boundary integrity

Research is being conducted to address aging of the containment pressure boundary in light-water reactor plants. Objectives of this research are to (1) understand the significant factors relating to corrosion occurrence, efficacy of inspection, and structural capacity reduction of steel containments and of liners of concrete containments; (2) provide the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) reviewers a means of establishing current structural capacity margins or estimating future residual structural capacity margins for steel containments and concrete containments as limited by liner integrity; and (3) provide recommendations, as appropriate, on information to be requested of licensees for guidance that could be utilized by USNRC reviewers in assessing the seriousness of reported incidences of containment degradation. Activities include development of a degradation assessment methodology; reviews of techniques and methods for inspection and repair of containment metallic pressure boundaries; evaluation of candidate techniques for inspection of inaccessible regions of containment metallic pressure boundaries; establishment of a methodology for reliability-based condition assessments of steel containments and liners; and fragility assessments of steel containments with localized corrosion.
Atheists and Agnostics Negotiate Religion and Family

Through in-depth interviews with scientists at elite academic institutions—those particularly likely to have no firm belief in God—we provide insight into the motives scientists who are not religious have for joining a religious group and the struggle faced by these individuals in reconciling personal beliefs with what they consider the best interests of their families. Narratives stress the use of resources from identities as scientists to provide their children with religious choices consistent with science and in negotiating spousal influence and a desire for community. Findings expand the religious socialization and identities literatures by widening the range of understanding of the strategies parents utilize to interface with religious communities as well as lead to more nuanced public understanding of how atheist and agnostic scientists relate to religious communities.
Crystal structure of mouse triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) at 1.76 A.

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family of single extracellular immunoglobulin receptors includes both activating and inhibitory isoforms whose ligands are unknown. TREM-1 activation amplifies the Toll-like receptor initiated responses to invading pathogens allowing the secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Hence, TREM-1 amplifies the inflammation induced by both bacteria and fungi, and thus represents a potential therapeutic target. We report the crystal structure of the human TREM-1 extracellular domain at 1.47 A resolution. The overall fold places it within the V-type immunoglobulin domain family and reveals close homology with Ig domains from antibodies, T-cell receptors and other activating receptors, such as NKp44. With the additional use of analytical ultracentrifugation and 1H NMR spectroscopy of both human and mouse TREM-1, we have conclusively demonstrated the monomeric state of this extracellular ectodomain in solution and, presumably, of the TREM family in general.
Impaired expression of nitric oxide synthase in the gastric myenteric plexus of spontaneously diabetic rats

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The mechanism responsible for defective gastric accommodation in diabetes is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate if this abnormality is due to a defective nitric oxide pathway secondary to impaired nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in the gastric myenteric plexus. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we studied nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation, NOS activity, NADPH diaphorase histochemistry, NOS immunohistochemistry, NOS immunoblotting, and NOS messenger RNA expression in the gastric myenteric plexus of spontaneously diabetic biobreeding/Worcester (BB/W) rats. Age-matched nondiabetic Wistar rats were used as controls. RESULTS: Gastric neuromuscular preparations from control rats showed a frequency-dependent NANC relaxation in response to transmural stimulation. This relaxation was markedly antagonized by N(G)-nitro-L- arginine-methyl ester, indicating mediation by the neuronal release of NO. The NANC relaxation in gastric muscle preparations obtained from diabetic BB/W rats was significantly impaired. The number of NOS- immunoreactive cells in the gastric myenteric plexus and the NOS activity were significantly reduced in diabetic BB/W rats, suggesting that NOS synthesis is impaired in diabetes. Northern blot analysis showed that the density of NOS messenger RNA bands at 9.5 kilobases was significantly reduced in the gastric tissues of diabetic BB/W rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that gastric relaxation in diabetics is hampered mainly by impaired NOS expression in the gastric myenteric plexus. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1535-44)
The plan behind the scan: using QR codes as a service and marketing tool

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the approach of using quick response (QR) codes in a large US research university library. It describes the reasoning behind the numerous decisions that were made throughout the process. Design/methodology/approach – This project was carefully planned to keep detailed organized statistics, effective and clear signage and low expenditures. After one year, the patrons were surveyed regarding library QR use and those results were compared with scan statistics. Findings – This preliminary research into the use of QR codes in a large research library validates that the codes effectively demonstrate the Library’s willingness to reach patrons in innovative ways. It also confirmed the need to promote the usefulness of scanning the codes. Practical implications – Some patrons stated they did not own a smartphone or have an application (app) on their phone that could scan QR codes; therefore, alternate methods of accessing the information should be provided. Social implications...
Germany's War Aims in the East, 1914–17: Status of the Question

(1972). Germany's War Aims in the East, 1914–17: Status of the Question. The Historian: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 381-406.
Late modernism's migrations: San Francisco Renaissance, Egyptian anarchists, and English post-Surrealism

The New Modernist Studies overlook the relationship between Egyptian radical literature of the 1930s–1940s and what Harper's Magazine called in 1947 ‘The New Cult of Sex and Anarchy’ in California. Both groups share affinities with the anarchist developments of English post-Surrealism after the 1936 London International Exhibition and under the influence of the anarchists Herbert Read and Henry Miller. The link between these groups changes critical conceptions of the internationalism of Late Modernism and its influence on the postwar literary world. Specifically, George Henein and Albert Cossery, two Egyptian authors writing primarily in French, were involved in the anti-fascist, anarchist Egyptian Surrealist movement ‘Art and Freedom’ described in their 1938 manifesto ‘Long Live Degenerate Art!’ Later, George Leite created Circle in California, again an anarchist, anti-fascist project. The remarkable matter is Leite's publication of Henein's anarchist post-surrealist poetry and the first English translat...
Effect of ambient environmental factors on indoor formaldehyde levels

Abstract The effect of ambient (outdoor) environmental parameters on formaldehyde levels in a temperature controlled urea-formaldehyde foam-insulated (UFFI) house and a mobile home was investigated over a 9-month period (July–March). Strong correlations between formaldehyde levels, solar radiation, ambient temperatures, inside/outside temperature differences and water vapor pressure were observed in the UFFI house and in the mobile home. Stepwise regression revealed a significant independent effect of solar radiation values on indoor formaldehyde levels in the UFFI house but not in the mobile home. Stepwise regression revealed no significant independent effect of the other environmental variables evaluated. The independent effect of solar radiation on formaldehyde levels in the UFFI house indicates that solar radiation can have a significant effect on formaldehyde concentrations, and this effect may explain anomolous results in whole house source interaction studies.
Factors that affect proliferation of Salmonella in tomatoes post-harvest: the roles of seasonal effects, irrigation regime, crop and pathogen genotype

Main Objectives Fresh fruits and vegetables become increasingly recognized as vehicles of human salmonellosis. Physiological, ecological, and environmental factors are all thought to contribute to the ability of Salmonella to colonize fruits and vegetables pre- and post-harvest. The goal of this study was to test how irrigation levels, fruit water congestion, crop and pathogen genotypes affect the ability of Salmonella to multiply in tomatoes post-harvest. Experimental Design Fruits from three tomato varieties, grown over three production seasons in two Florida locations, were infected with seven strains of Salmonella and their ability to multiply post-harvest in field-grown tomatoes was tested. The field experiments were set up as a two-factor factorial split plot experiment, with the whole-plot treatments arranged in a randomized complete-block design. The irrigation treatment (at three levels) was the whole-plot factor, and the split-plot factor was tomato variety, with three levels. The significance of the main, two-way, and three-way interaction effects was tested using the (type III) F-tests for fixed effects. Mean separation for each significant fixed effect in the model was performed using Tukey’s multiple comparison testing procedure. Most Important Discoveries and Significance The irrigation regime per se did not affect susceptibility of the crop to post-harvest proliferation of Salmonella. However, Salmonella grew significantly better in water-congested tissues of green tomatoes. Tomato maturity and genotype, Salmonella genotype, and inter-seasonal differences were the strongest factors affecting proliferation. Red ripe tomatoes were significantly and consistently more conducive to proliferation of Salmonella. Tomatoes harvested in the driest, sunniest season were the most conducive to post-harvest proliferation of the pathogen. Statistically significant interactions between production conditions affected post-harvest susceptibility of the crop to the pathogen. UV irradiation of tomatoes post-harvest promoted Salmonella growth.
Isolation and derivatization of plasma taurine for stable isotope analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract A method for the isolation and derivatization of plasma taurine is described that allows stable isotope determinations of taurine to be made by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (gc-ms). The isolation procedure can be applied to 0.1 ml of plasma: the recovery of plasma taurine was 70–80%. For gc separation, taurine was converted to its dimethylaminomethylene methyl ester derivative which could not be detected by hydrogen flame ionization, but could be monitored readily by NH3 chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The derivatization reaction occurred partially on-column and required optimization of injection conditions. Using stable isotope ratiometry multiple ion detection, [M + 2 + H] + [M + H] + ion ratio of natural abundance taurine was determined with a standard deviation of less than ±0.07% of the ratio. The [1,2-13C]taurine/taurine mole ratios of standard mixtures could be accurately determined to 0.001. This stable isotope gc-ms method is suitable for studying the plasma kinetics of [1,2-13C]taurine in infants who are at risk with respect to taurine depletion.
Cell and organ printing 2: Fusion of cell aggregates in three‐dimensional gels

We recently developed a cell printer (Wilson and Boland, 2003) that enables us to place cells in positions that mimic their respective positions in organs. However, this technology was limited to the printing of two-dimensional (2D) tissue constructs. Here we describe the use of thermosensitive gels to generate sequential layers for cell printing. The ability to drop cells on previously printed successive layers provides a real opportunity for the realization of three-dimensional (3D) organ printing. Organ printing will allow us to print complex 3D organs with computer-controlled, exact placing of different cell types, by a process that can be completed in several minutes. To demonstrate the feasibility of this novel technology, we showed that cell aggregates can be placed in the sequential layers of 3D gels close enough for fusion to occur. We estimated the optimum minimal thickness of the gel that can be reproducibly generated by dropping the liquid at room temperature onto a heated substrate. Then we generated cell aggregates with the corresponding (to the minimal thickness of the gel) size to ensure a direct contact between printed cell aggregates during sequential printing cycles. Finally, we demonstrated that these closely-placed cell aggregates could fuse in two types of thermosensitive 3D gels. Taken together, these data strongly support the feasibility of the proposed novel organ-printing technology. Anat Rec Part A 272A:497–502, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Autologous stem cell transplantation followed by consolidation chemotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma

Although high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is superior to conventional chemotherapy for treatment of myeloma, most patients relapse and the time to relapse depends upon the initial prognostic factors. The administration of non-cross-resistant chemotherapies during the post-transplant period may delay or prevent relapse. We prospectively studied the role of consolidation chemotherapy (CC) after single autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (auto-PBSCT) in 103 mostly newly diagnosed myeloma patients (67 patients were < or =6 months from the initial treatment). Patients received conditioning with BCNU, melphalan+/-gemcitabine and auto-PBSCT followed by two cycles of the DCEP+/-G regimen (dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin+/-gemcitabine) at 3 and 9 months post-transplant and alternating with two cycles of DPP regimen (dexamethasone, cisplatin, paclitaxel) at 6 and 12 months post-transplant. With a median follow-up of 61.2 months, the median event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) are 26 and 54.1 months, respectively. The 5-year EFS and OS are 23.1 and 42.5%, respectively. Overall, 51 (49.5%) patients finished all CC, suggesting that a major limitation of this approach is an inability to deliver all planned treatments. In order to improve results following autotransplantation, novel agents or immunologic approaches should be studied in the post-transplant setting.
The spectrum of HPRT deficiency: an update.

Since the discovery that a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) was responsible for the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (1, 2), a number of HPRT-deficient patients with greatly varying phenotypes have been reported. These have included patients with the classic Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, those with the neurological manifestations and normal intelligence, and those with uric acid overproduction and its consequences as their only clinical symptoms. In 1981 we reported that an inverse correlation exists between HPRT activity and the severity of the accompanying symptoms, if the enzyme activity is measured in intact cells (3). We have now studied many more patients by this method and have a better idea of the degree of enzyme deficiency at which the various symptoms appear. In the course of these studies, two new phenotypes of HPRT deficiency have been identified, and in each case the degree of HPRT deficiency found in these patients appears to be appropriate for the respective phenotype.
Raman line-shape analysis of random and spontaneously ordered GaInP2 alloy.

We have measured the temperature dependence of the Raman frequency and linewidth of the GaP-like LO phonon of random and spontaneously ordered ${\mathrm{GaInP}}_{2}$ alloys. The width of the asymmetric Raman band is strongly influenced by disorder and the anharmonicity of the lattice. The half-width towards the high-energy side of the Raman band of the GaP-like phonon is independent of temperature, while the half-width on the low-energy side does depend on temperature. Though no obvious differences are observed in the temperature dependence of the Raman spectra of the random and the ordered alloys, the GaP-like Raman band of the ordered samples narrows for incident photon energies near the fundamental gap of the alloy. We attribute the narrowing of the Raman band to the inhomogeneities in the material caused by the existence of a statistical distribution of partially ordered domains with different order parameters \ensuremath{\eta}. From the observed width of the dispersion of the Raman linewidth as a function of incident photon energies under resonance conditions, it is concluded that samples grown at higher temperatures possess a narrower distribution of domains.
Superconducting micronets : a state-variable approach

A state-variable formulation of the nonlinear Ginzburg-Landau equations for superconducting micronets is introduced. The state variables are the Cooper-pair density {ital N}, kinetic energy {ital E}, and the imaginary part {ital I} of the Cooper-pair momentum density {ital scrP}. Purely algebraic relations among the state variables are derived, and several fundamental properties of micronets are proven. The current density {ital J}=Re{ital scrP} is given by {ital J}{sup 2}={ital NE}{minus}{ital I}{sup 2}, where {ital I}=Im{ital scrP}. For the limit {ital N}{much lt}1, a quasilinear theory yields the superfluid velocity {ital Q} as the only relevant transport parameter at the phase-transition boundary. Applying the full nonlinear theory, the maximum supercurrent that can be injected into a microladder is calculated as a function of normalized nodal spacing {ital scrL}/{xi}({ital T}) and magnetic flux {phi} for low magnetic fields, where {xi}({ital T}) is the temperature-dependent coherence length. The critical current {ital J}{sub {ital c}} approaches zero at a new temperature-critical flux boundary, {phi}{sub {ital c}1}({ital T}), which is first order and distinct from the second-order phase-transition boundary, {phi}{sub {ital c}2}({ital T}).
Talking and Learning in Pairs: a comparison of two interactive modes for six and seven year old pupils

Abstract This paper suggests that British research has imposed an unsuitable model of collaborative learning upon six and seven year old pupils, and draws upon theories of play and upon American research to argue a case for ‘Sidework’, a modified form of associative interaction. A small scale study of thirteen dyads working at number tasks found that Sidework gave rise to more high order talk and to more post‐test learning than did collaboration. It is suggested that its superiority lay in the greater opportunities which it gave pupils to discuss disagreements and to imitate each other's models, and in the fact that pupils were more at ease in this mode.
Comparison of regional gene expression differences in the brains of the domestic dog and human

Comparison of the expression profiles of 2,721 genes in the cerebellum, cortex and pituitary gland of three American Staffordshire terriers, one beagle and one fox hound revealed regional expression differences in the brain but failed to reveal marked differences among breeds, or even individual dogs. Approximately 85 per cent (42 of 49 orthologue comparisons) of the regional differences in the dog are similar to those that differentiate the analogous human brain regions. A smaller percentage of human differences were replicated in the dog, particularly in the cortex, which may generally be evolving more rapidly than other brain regions in mammals. This study lays the foundation for detailed analysis of the population structure of transcriptional variation as it relates to cognitive and neurological phenotypes in the domestic dog.
The value of certain pNA games through infinite-dimensional Banach spaces

LetB([0, 1]) be the Borel sets of [0, 1] and letX be an infinite-dimensional Banach space. Let μ:B([0, 1])→X be a countably-additive vector measure, and letf:X→R be a function withf (0)=0. LetpNA be the Banach space spanned by polynomials of nonatomic realvalued measures. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the gamefo μ to be inpNA, and a formula is developed for the value of such games. Moreover, examples are given to illustrate why the seemingly obvious finite-dimensional approximations are not applicable.
MicroRNA-124a and microRNA-34b/c are frequently methylated in all histological types of colorectal cancer and polyps, and in the adjacent normal mucosa

MicroRNAs (miRs) are a class of small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional and/or translational level by interacting with their target mRNAs. miRs are down-regulated or up-regulated in various cancer types, triggering abnormal cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. miR-124a and miR-34b/c have been reported to be expressed at lower levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) due to methylation of these genes. The present study aimed to determine the methylation status of miR-124a and miR-34b/c in CRCs and polyps of various histological types, adjacent normal mucosa and ulcerative colitis. The colon cancer cell line study showed an association of the lower expression of miR-124a and miR-34b/c with the methylation of these genes and induction of the expression of these genes with the treatment by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. Among nine different cancer types examined, CRC showed the highest frequency of methylation of miR-124a (cell lines 88% and tissues 99%) and miR-34b/c (cell lines 89% and tissues 93%). Mucinous and non-mucinous CRCs and all the histological types of colorectal polyps showed a high frequency of methylation of miR-124a and miR-34b/c. Notably, methylation of miR-124a (59%) and miR-34b/c (26%) was observed in the adjacent normal mucosa of CRC patients, but not in colonic mucosa from patients without cancer or with ulcerative colitis. The methylation of miR-124a in the adjacent normal mucosa was associated with the microsatellite instability of CRC, while the methylation of miR-34b/c was associated with an older age at diagnosis of CRC. The results showed that the methylation of miR-124a and miR-34b/c occured early in colorectal carcinogenesis and certain CRCs may arise from a field defect defined by the epigenetic inactivation of miRs.
The Credibility of a Threat to Nationalize

Abstract This paper empirically estimates the credibility of the African National Congress's recent threat to nationalize South African mineral assets. While South Africa's financial press argued that the threat was negatively affecting mineral investment and asset values, mining industry executives were confident that the threat was not credible. Using financial market data, I estimate the annual probability of nationalization to have been relatively low, at 1.4%. Although specific to the South African political environment, this result can serve as a benchmark when including political risk in applied models of land and natural resource valuation, investment timing, and resource extraction.
Coronary risk screening and evaluation: a learning exercise for medical students.

Abstract An exercise for medical students in coronary risk screening allowed active participation in a learning process about preventive medicine. Students filled out questionnaires on smoking habits, measurements were made of blood pressure and body mass, and blood samples were drawn for serum cholesterol and postmeal glucose determinations. Students' risk factor values and class rank were subsequently posted along with a computed “coronary risk index” An animated discussion session about the data ensued, presumably because of the presence of actual student values in the distributions. Biostatistical and epidemiological principles were illustrated. A conceptual approach was provided to the multiple influences in chronic diseases as well as the rationale for risk detection and preventive efforts in practice. A follow-up questionnaire suggested good retention of the personal risk data, a possible change in student eating patterns (but not in smoking habit), and a preponderant enthusiasm for the learning experience. Subsequent years' experience profited from the first, and the exercise is now standard curriculum for Minnesota second-year medical students.
Single vibronic level photochemistry of NO2 in the 2491 Å system

Abstract A photochemical decomposition study of NO 2 (B 2 B 2 ) in specified vibronic states is reported. The O( 1 D)-atom yields below and above the dissociation limit (40973 cm −1 ) have been measured. The role played by the rotational excitation energy and the vibrational excitation modes in promoting the predissociation is discussed.
Time-variant reliability of retaining walls and calibration of partial factors

A methodology for the time-variant reliability analysis of geotechnical structures, particularly retaining walls, is presented. Calculation of the reliability of a wall, at any time during its lifetime, is enabled through the consideration of the degradation of soil shear strength parameters with time. In addition, the effects of spatial variability and model uncertainty are accounted for. Following an initial application with regard to British and European design standards, the methodology is extended in order to enable the calibration of partial factors for design to Eurocode 7. It is concluded that the values recommended for these factors are excessively high, at least for temporary structures that should be designed to withstand loads for just a few years. Therefore, a procedure for calculating reduced values of the partial factors that correspond to an appropriate safety level is further proposed.
Micro-scale smart grid optimization

The adoption of smart grid technologies will allow for more distributed generation of energy and for residential and commercial users of electricity to make intelligent decisions about energy usage. In previous research by Livengood and Larsen [1], a stochastic dynamic programming problem is formulated for a micro-scale smart grid system. A mathematical model of energy usage is developed where the goal is to optimize a finite horizon cost function reflecting both the cost of electricity and comfort/lifestyle. This paper extends this work by assuming key models and forecasts are unknown and implicitly learned via the softmax algorithm with neighborhood updating. The algorithm implements approximate dynamic programming with a goal of reducing dependancies on models and forecasting while achieving good performance. Simulations are conducted using the softmax algorithm showing that the solution approaches the optimal dynamic programming algorithm solution.
The Political Consequences of Religious Group Attitudes

The effects of religious attitudes and membership, group identifications, affect toward outgroups, and issue attitudes on Christian Right figures and the Republican party are compared. Christian Right support is primarily driven by attitudes toward cultural and ascriptive minorities, and such support is fragmented by religious particularism. By contrast, group attitudes affect partisanship through the intervening effects of issue attitudes.
A different method of teaching peer review systems.

Students often have difficulty grasping the advantages of the various peer review systems used in scientific publishing. In the described exercise, students are assigned a current study and then wr...