cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BRAF mutation‐selective inhibition of thyroid cancer cells by the novel MEK inhibitor RDEA119 and genetic‐potentiated synergism with the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus

We examined the therapeutic potential of a novel MEK inhibitor, RDEA119, and its synergism with the mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus, in thyroid cancer cell lines. RDEA119 potently inhibited the proliferation of the 4 cell lines that harbored BRAF mutation but had no or modest effects on the other 4 cells that harbored wild-type BRAF (IC(50) of 0.034-0.217 μM vs. 1.413-34.120 μM). This inhibitory effect of RDEA119 in selected cell lines OCUT1 (BRAF V600E(+), PIK3CA H1047R(+)) and SW1376 (BRAF V600E(+)) was enhanced by combination with the mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus. The PTEN-deficient cell FTC133 was highly sensitive to temsirolimus but insensitive to RDEA119, and simultaneous treatment with the latter enhanced the sensitivity of the cell to the former. The KAT18 (wild-type) cell was not sensitive to either drug alone but became sensitive to the combination of the 2 drugs. The drug synergy was confirmed by combination index and isobologram analyses. RDEA119 and temsirolimus also showed synergistic effects on autophagic death of OCUT1 and KAT18 cells selectively tested. Dramatic synergistic effects of the 2 drugs were also seen on the growth of FTC133 xenograft tumors in nude mice. Overall, the effects of the 2 drugs on cell proliferation or autophagic death, either alone or in combination, were more pronounced in cells that harbored genetic alterations in the MAP kinase and PI3K/Akt pathways. Thus, these results demonstrated the important therapeutic potential of the novel MEK inhibitor RDEA119 and its synergism with temsirolimus in thyroid cancer.
Results of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease in patients with no histologically confirmed tumor.

Objective Pathological confirmation of surgical resection of an adenoma for Cushing's disease is not always achieved. We reviewed our experience to determine the prognostic significance of this lack of confirmation regarding outcome, and we evaluate explanations for this situation. Methods The records of all patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease from 1992 to 1998 were reviewed, and those with no histological confirmation of tumor were identified. Information regarding preoperative and postoperative hormonal levels and clinical symptoms, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data, intraoperative findings, and the number of reoperations were recorded. Results There were 29 patients with no confirmation of tumor. Nineteen (66%) of these patients were cured with surgery and only one had a recurrence of disease, with an average follow-up of 38 months. An abnormality thought to represent an adenoma at the time of surgery was removed in 26 patients (90%). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging suggested a discrete lesion in 21 patients (72%). Neither intraoperative impression nor magnetic resonance imaging appearance was correlated with outcome. Conclusion Patients with no histological confirmation of tumor after transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease are likely to have a good outcome. The results do not differ significantly from reported cure rates in patients with confirmed adenomas. Possible explanations for this situation are discussed.
Information disaggregation and incentives for non-collusive information sharing

Abstract When shocks to demand intercepts are not perfectly correlated, we show by example that sharing non-anonymous, disaggregated information is sometimes a Nash equilibrium. It also improves consumers' surplus and total welfare. This contradicts conclusions based on perfectly correlated shocks.
Effects of cryopreservation on effector cells for antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and natural killer (NK) cell activity in (51)Cr-release and CD107a assays.

Freshly isolated PBMC are broadly used as effector cells in functional assays that evaluate antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and NK activity; however, they introduce natural-individual donor-to-donor variability. Cryopreserved PBMC provide a more consistent source of effectors than fresh cells in cytotoxicity assays. Our objective was to determine the effects of cryopreservation of effector PBMC on cell frequency, and on the magnitude and specificity of ADCC and NK activity. Fresh, frozen/overnight rested and frozen/not rested PBMC were used as effector cells in 51Cr-release and CD107a degranulation assays. Frozen/overnight rested PBMC had higher ADCC and NK activity in both assays when compared to fresh PBMC; however, when using frozen/not rested PBMC, ADCC and NK activities were significantly lower than fresh PBMC. Background CD107a degranulation in the absence of target cell stimulation was greater in PBMC that were frozen/not rested when compared to fresh PBMC or PBMC that were frozen overnight and rested. The percentages of CD16+CD56dim NK cells and CD14+ monocytes were lower in PBMC that were frozen and rested overnight than in fresh PBMC. CD16 expression on CD56dim NK cells was similar for all PBMC treatments. PBMC that were frozen and rested overnight were comparable to fresh PBMC effectors. PBMC that were frozen and used immediately when evaluating ADCC or NK activity using either a 51Cr-release assay or a CD107a degranulation assay had the lowest activity. Clinical studies of antibodies that mediate ADCC would benefit from using effector cells that have been frozen, thawed and rested overnight prior to assay.
Turning 21 and the Associated Changes in Drinking and Driving After Drinking Among College Students

Objective: The authors examined drinking and driving after drinking before and after turning 21. Participants: Participants were drawn from first time college students who were taking part in a 4-year longitudinal study of alcohol use and behavioral risks. Methods: Web-based longitudinal surveys collected data on drinking and driving after drinking from August 2004 through November 2007 (n = 1,817). A subset of participants (n = 224) also monitored their daily behavior during the month they turned 21 (January through May, 2007). Results: Typical frequency and quantity of alcohol use increased from ages 18 to 21 years, whereas quantity decreased between 21 and 23 years of age. Driving after drinking showed a 72% relative increase (6% absolute increase) in the 2 weeks after turning 21. Conclusions: Reaching the legal drinking age is associated with decreases in the amount of alcohol consumed per drinking occasion, but an increase in driving after drinking. Language: en
The distribution and exercise of power in complex organizations: A MESO theory

Abstract This paper presents a theory of how the distribution and exercise of power in complex organizations varies systematically as a function of environment, organizational form, and personal characteristics of organizational members. The traditional distinction between organic and mechanistic organizational forms is elaborated by incorporation of considerations of three additional processes: selection and socialization, looseness of coupling, and boundary spanning. The two forms are contrasted with respect to differences in their generic dysfunctions, political arenas, political behavior, abuses of power, containment of power abuse, and adjustment to environmental changes. The theory is stated in terms of testable propositions.
Cross layer on-demand routing algorithm for mutli-hop wireless CSMA/CA networks

We investigate the impact of combined multi-rate and routing operations in multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks in which nodes employ 802.11-based CSMA/CA MAC protocols. To measure the ability of the network to transport traffic in a throughput effective manner, we employ the link-flow transport throughput capacity measure as a key routing metric. The latter measure considers multi-rate operations as well as instantaneous topological, loading and capacity availability conditions. We develop on-demand cross layer schemes that employ these transport throughput metrics for route discovery purposes. We compare the performance behavior of our schemes with that exhibited by those that do not use the link-flow transport throughput capacity function as a routing metric. We demonstrate the performance effectiveness of these schemes by evaluating three distinct network scenarios.
Size-controlled insulin-secreting cell clusters

Abstract The search for an effective cure for type I diabetes from the transplantation of encapsulated pancreatic β-cell clusters has so far produced sub-optimal clinical outcomes. Previous efforts have not controlled the size of transplanted clusters, a parameter implicated in affecting long-term viability and the secretion of therapeutically sufficient insulin. Here we demonstrate a method based on covalent attachment of patterned laminin for fabricating uniformly size-controlled insulin-secreting cell clusters. We show that cluster size within the range 40–120 μm in diameter affects a variety of therapeutically relevant cellular responses including insulin expression, content and secretion. Our studies elucidate two size-dependent phenomena: (1) as the cluster size increases from 40 μm to 60 μm, glucose stimulation results in a greater amount of insulin produced per cell; and (2) as the cluster size increases beyond 60 μm, sustained glucose stimulation results in a greater amount of insulin secreted per cell. Our study describes a method for producing uniformly sized insulin-secreting cell clusters, and since larger cluster sizes risk nutrient availability limitations, our data suggest that 100–120 μm clusters may provide optimal viability and efficacy for encapsulated β-cell transplants as a treatment for type I diabetes and that further in vivo evaluation is warranted.
Mechanism of osmotically regulated N-acetylglutaminylglutamine amide production in Rhizobium meliloti

Rhizobium meliloti adapts to environments of high osmolarity by accumulating glutamate, trehalose, and the dipeptide N-acetylglutaminylglutamine amide (NAGGN) intracellularly. In this study, the mechanism of NAGGN production and accumulation was examined. NAGGN was produced in osmotically shocked cultures after a lag period of more than one hour, and NAGGN was undetectable in cultures treated with chloramphenicol, indicating that genetic induction is required for NAGGN accumulation. In vitro radiolabeling experiments demonstrated that the peptide synthesis step in NAGGN production did not occur ribosomally. Rather, it was catalyzed by an ATP-dependent enzyme that appeared to be both induced by high osmolarity and activated by K+. Also, a mutant analysis suggested that NAGGN may be partly responsible for the osmotic tolerance observed in R. meliloti. 36% of mutants that were characterized as osmotically sensitive compared to the parent strain, were also found to contain reduced levels of NAGGN. The phenomenon of osmolyte accumulation as it relates to adaptation to other environmental stresses is discussed.
When should prophylactic colectomy be considered in patients with ulcerative colitis

Prophylactic colectomy eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer, but almost always leads to a lower quality of life.
Value-driven attentional and oculomotor capture during goal-directed, unconstrained viewing

Covert shifts of attention precede and direct overt eye movements to stimuli that are task relevant or physically salient. A growing body of evidence suggests that the learned value of perceptual stimuli strongly influences their attentional priority. For example, previously rewarded but otherwise irrelevant and inconspicuous stimuli capture covert attention involuntarily. It is unknown, however, whether stimuli also draw eye movements involuntarily as a consequence of their reward history. Here, we show that previously rewarded but currently task-irrelevant stimuli capture both attention and the eyes. Value-driven oculomotor capture was observed during unconstrained viewing, when neither eye movements nor fixations were required, and was strongly related to individual differences in visual working memory capacity. The appearance of a reward-associated stimulus came to evoke pupil dilation over the course of training, which provides physiological evidence that the stimuli that elicit value-driven capture come to serve as reward-predictive cues. These findings reveal a close coupling of value-driven attentional capture and eye movements that has broad implications for theories of attention and reward learning.
Duration of Immunity to Infectious Laryngotracheitis

Abstract THE duration of immunity to infectious laryngotracheitis (LT) of chickens has not been established conclusively. Beach et al. (1934) demonstrated that immunity to intratracheal challenge lasted for 364 days, the longest period tested. Hofstad (1959) stated: “The duration of immunity has not been demonstrated, although results indicate that birds are protected for at least a year.” Hitchner and Winterfield (1960) found that 36 percent of birds vaccinated at 8 weeks of age and 100 percent at one week of age became susceptible when challenged at 16 weeks of age. In Australia, Hunt (1962) vaccinated day-old broiler chickens by the feather follicle method and challenged 9 weeks later by contact exposure or by the intratracheal route. Thirteen of 20 birds challenged by contact exposure were susceptible, where as 9 of 20 were susceptible by the intra-tracheal route. Sinkovic (1962) noted a significant reduction in immunity from 12½ to 14½ weeks after…
Nitrate reductase from Penicillium chrysogenum: the reduced flavin-adenine dinucleotide-dependent reaction.

Abstract Nitrate reductase from Penicillium chrysogenum catalyzes the FADH 2 -dependent reduction of nitrate in the absence of excess dithionite. At pH 7.2 (0.1 m potassium phosphate buffer) the FADH 2 /nitrate reciprocal plot patterns were parallel. Nitrite was competitive with nitrate and an uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to FADH 2 . FAD was competitive with FADH 2 and uncompetitive with nitrate. FMNH 2 and riboflavin H 2 also served as reducing agents and yielded the same kinetic patterns. The results are consistent with a nonclassical, two-site model in which nitrate and nitrite bind to a site different from the site at which FADH 2 and FAD bind. The following results suggest that the site at which FADH 2 binds to reduce the enzyme (and at which FAD binds in competition with FADH 2 to inhibit the reaction) is not the same high-affinity site to which FAD binds as a cosubstrate in the NADPH + FAD-dependent reaction: (a) The K m for FAD in the NADPH + FAD-dependent reaction at pH 7.2 is only 0.17 μ m , while the K i , for FAD in the FADH 2 -dependent reaction is 65 μ m . (b) FAD is the preferred flavin in the NADPH + oxidized flavin-dependent reaction. (The K m values for FMN and riboflavin are 15 and 41 μ m , respectively.) But all three oxidized flavins have about the same K i in the reduced flavin-dependent reaction (65, 80, and 165 μ m , respectively). Furthermore, (c) the K m values for FADH 2 , FMNH 2 , and riboflavinH 2 in the reduced flavin-dependent reaction are all about the same (ca. 900 μM), (d) V values (specific activities in units per milligram of protein) of the NADPH + oxidized flavin-dependent reaction in 0.1 m phosphate, pH 7.2, are in the order FAD (225) > FMN (150) > riboflavin (60), but the values in the reduced flavin-dependent reaction are in the order FADH 2 (100) 2 (150) 2 (500). Dithionite is known to reduce the cytochrome b component of nitrate reductase. But in the absence of a flavin, the specific activity of the dithionite-dependent reaction is only about 7—extremely low compared to the range of 60–500 for the nucleotide-dependent reactions. This result, together with the intersecting FAD/nitrate reciprocal plot patterns, suggests two possible models for the NADPH + FAD-dependent reactions: (a) FAD binds to two different high-affinity sites. At the “upstream” site, FAD mediates the transfer of electrons from NADPH to the cytochrome b prosthetic group. At the “downstream” site FAD plays either an additional electron transfer role or an activator role promoting the flow of electrons to nitrate. (b) There is only one high-affinity FAD site. FAD must occupy this site (even after the cytochrome is reduced) in order for electrons to flow to nitrate.
The ultimate properties of bone tissue: The effects of yielding

Abstract An elastic perfectly plastic mathematical model for the behavior of bone tissue is presented in an attempt to reconcile previous discrepancies in the literature in the calculated ultimate tensile strength from bending and tensile tests. Specimens of round and square crosssections were tested in bending to demonstrate the effect of cross-sectional shape on initiation of plastic flow and consequent increase in moment carrying capacity. Tensile tests on specimens with circular cross-section were made to show that the bone tissue can indeed demonstrate considerable plastic deformation.
Bacterial uracil riboside phosphorylase.

Abstract A pyrimidine nucleosidase from E. coli has been purified. It shows specificity toward uridine and catalyzes the reversible splitting of this nucleoside by phosphorolysis.
Variations in fine structure of renal tubular epithelium under different conditions of fixation.

Variations in fine structure of renal tubular cells under different conditions prior to and during fixation were studied. Various procedures may affect cells before the fixative reaches them in effective concentrations. The resultant cellular alterations indicate reactive mechanisms that could take place in the living animal. The best fixation for electron microscopy is obtained by dripping the fixative on the surface of the kidney in the living animal, without removing the capsule. Good fixation is found, by both light and electron microscopy, from 100 to 200 μ down from the surface. Tubule lumina are open and capillaries distended. The lumina of proximal convoluted tubules are closed in blocks fixed by immersion or in the deep layers of blocks fixed by dripping. Particular attention was given extracellular compartments, which on the basis of previous work seem to indicate physiologically active sites of water resorption. The major non-physiologic procedures producing compartments in normal kidneys with an intact circulation seem to involve mechanical trauma, such as removing the renal capsule, rubbing the surface, or excising tissue. Hypertonic solutions produce large compartments readily in excised tissue, but an intact circulation renders the kidney resistant to the effects of moderately hypertonic or hypotonic solutions, and of exposure to air. Extracellular compartments, therefore, represent sensitive cellular reactions which can appear and disappear in a few minutes. Distal convoluted and collecting tubules are much less affected by the conditions studied in these experiments, and glomeruli are even more resistant.
Functional Roles of the Shc Phosphotyrosine Binding and Src Homology 2 Domains in Insulin and Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling

Shc is involved in the activation of Ras in response to many growth factors. Shc contains two phosphotyrosine binding domains, an Src homology 2 (SH2) domain in the carboxyl terminus of the protein and a phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain in the amino terminus. Since functional roles for these two domains have not been established, we microinjected glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins of either the Shc PTB or SH2 domains into fibroblasts expressing insulin and epidermal growth factor receptors and measured their effects on DNA synthesis. We found that the Shc PTB was necessary for insulin-induced mitogenic signaling, whereas the SH2 domain was not. In contrast, for epidermal growth factor signaling, the Shc SH2 was functionally more important. These differential modes of signal transduction may be an important factor in determining the specificity of the response of a cell to external stimuli.
On the gains from international financial integration

Abstract Are there large unexploited gains from international financial integration? Why do they remain unexploited? This paper shows that when market incompleteness leads foreigners and residents to value firms differently, multiple equilibria arise where domestic residents purchase very inefficient domestic firms.
Current and Future Trends in Military Night Vision Applications

The Army's grand sensor challenges for night vision operations are presented as well as the focused technology quests that offer solutions to the challenges. The technology quests include all solid state low light level TV cameras, mercury cadmium telluride IR detectors on silicon substrates, uncooled thermal imaging, eyesafe laser imaging and aided target recognition. The operational applications, current systems approaches, and technical goals are discussed and the potential breakthroughs are identified. Research opportunities are suggested that could enable new system capabilities, including areas of advanced active thin film research.
Correction to 'Packet error probabilities in frequency hopped spread-spectrum packet radio networks-memoryless frequency hopping patterns considered'

The packet error probability induced in a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum packet radio network is computed. The frequency spectrum is divided into q frequency bins. Each packet is exactly one codeword from an (M, L) Reed-Solomon code (M=number of codeword symbols (bytes); L=number of information symbols (bytes)). Every user in the network sends each of the M bytes of his packet at a frequency chosen among the q frequencies with equal probability and independently of the frequencies chosen for other bytes (i.e., memoryless frequency-hopping patterns). Statistically independent frequency-hopping patterns correspond to different users in the network. Provided that K users have simultaneously transmitted their packets on the channel and a receiver has locked on to one of these K packets, the probability that this packet is not decoded correctly is evaluated. It is also shown that although memoryless frequency-hopping patterns are utilized, the byte errors at the receiver are not statistically independent; instead they exhibit a Markovian structure. >
Vulnerability in one-dimensional excitable media

Abstract Potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can be iniated with stimuli timed to occur during the “vulnerable window (VW)”. We defined VW as the time interval between the “conditioning” and “test” stimuli following in sequence, during which the test stimulus response propagates in only one direction. We show that the VW is a generic feature of excitable media and describe the relationship between the properties of an excitable medium and the VW. We present asymptotic results that reveal the sensitivity of the VW to both the propagation velocity of the conditioning wavefront and the recovery process parameters. We also have identified a critical length of medium that must be excited in order to reveal vulnerability. Analytical results are in agreement with numerical studies.
Modeling superhelical DNA: recent analytical and dynamic approaches

Abstract During the past year, a variety of diverse and complementary approaches have been presented for modeling superhelical DNA, offering new physical and biological insights into fundamental functional processes of DNA. Analytical approaches have probed deeper into the effects of entropy and thermal fluctuations on DNA structure and on various topological constraints induced by DNA-binding proteins. In tandem, new kinetic approaches — by molecular, Langevin and Brownian dynamics, as well as extensions of elastic-rod theory — have begun to offer dynamic information associated with supercoiling. Such dynamic approaches, along with other equilibrium studies, are refining the basic elastic-rod and polymer framework and incorporating more realistic treatments of salt and sequence-specific features. These collective advances in modeling large DNA molecules, in concert with technological innovations, are pointing to an exciting interplay between theory and experiment on the horizon
Reactions of Electrons on the Surface of γ-Al2O3. A Pulse Radiolytic Study with 0.4 MeV Electrons

Radiolysis of γ-alumina produces electrons, e-, and positive holes, h+. These species rapidly migrate to the surface to produce products of surface adsorbed compounds. The electrons are also trapped by surface OH groups giving rise to short-lived (<10 μs) trapped electrons, . Heating the γ-Al2O3 produces Lewis acid sites and decreases the OH content of the surface. Such material produces much lower yields of trapped electrons, as e- then reacts predominantly with the Lewis acid sites. Hydrogen gas is produced on radiolysis of γ-Al2O3 via H atom formation from e-. The H atoms may recombine, producing H2, or react with surface adsorbed materials (e.g., pyrene) to produce H atom adducts. The basic radiation chemistry is similar to that observed in zeolites (but not SiO2), where ionization predominates. These studies illustrate for the first time the production of electrons in a γ-Al2O3 surface and the consequent two-dimensional kinetics of these species on the surface.
Ru nanoclusters prepared by Ru3(CO)12 deposition on Au(111)

Abstract The adsorption and decomposition of Ru 3 (CO) 12 on Au(1 1 1) at several substrate temperatures have been investigated by TDS, XPS and STM. The adsorption of Ru 3 (CO) 12 is molecular at 90 K. Heating the surface covered with Ru 3 (CO) 12 leads to the desorption of CO over a wide range of temperatures, which implies the gradual decomposition of the carbonyl molecules. The decarbonylation is complete at around 500 K, leaving metallic Ru on the surface. Carbonyl molecules are partially decomposed after adsorption at room temperature, forming islands of nanosized clusters preferentially located at the elbow sites of the Au(1 1 1) herringbone reconstruction. The remaining CO molecules desorb upon surface heat treatment, which promotes the mobility of the nascent metallic Ru nanoclusters and results in the non-coalescing aggregation of the nanoclusters. A recommended preparation of Ru nanoclusters is to deposit Ru 3 (CO) 12 on gold at a substrate temperature of 500 K. This allows a fine control of Ru nanocluster coverages and lower level of carbon contamination in the deposited layer.
Effects of gap width on vacuum-ultraviolet transmission through submicrometer-period, freestanding transmission gratings

The effects of gap width on the transmission coefficient of vacuum-ultraviolet light through submicrometer-period, freestanding transmission gratings are reported. Results from computations and an analytical waveguide model are shown to be consistent with experimental measurements. These results show that thin gratings with narrow gaps and thick gratings with wide gaps are equally effective at eliminating 121.6-nm radiation. The thin gratings with the narrow gaps have the advantage of better attenuation of shorter-wavelength radiation than the thick gratings with the larger gaps.
Polyelectrolyte hysteresis interpreted as singularities in the Poisson--Boltzmann description.

Abstract Certain hysteresis-like activities in polyelectrolyte behavior are demonstrated to be explainable as due to singularities in the Harris-Rice solution of the Poi sson-Boltzmann equation for the polyelectrolyte subcompartment of the polyelectrolyte-solution system. On the other hand, other activities, e.g. osmotic effects and ion exchanges, are a function of the total system and explainable by Manning's and Oosawa's theories. It is suggested that the occurrence of hysteresis-like activities indicates the validity of the Debye-Huckel approximation, at least for that particular occurrence.
Typical and atypical mast cells of the rat gastrointestinal system: distribution and correlation with tissue histamine.

Mast cells and histamine are present throughout the rat gastrointestinal system. Typical mast cells, differentiated from atypical mast cells by morphology, staining characteristics, and response to Compound 48/80, were the only mast cell type identified by histology in the cheek, tongue, esophagus, and nonglandular stomach. Atypical mast cells were found in large numbers in the glandular stomach, small and large intestine, and cecum, where they outnumbered typical mast cells by up to 20∶1. Gastrointestinal histamine levels varied from 2.6 to 19.3 ng/mg in all tissues surveyed except for the glandular stomach, which contained 26 ng/mg. The amount of histamine per typical mast cell was estimated to be approximately 1.29 picograms; atypical mast cells contained less than 0.15 picograms per cell. Parenteral administration of Compound 48/80 resulted in the degranulation of typical mast cells, but not atypical mast cells, as determined by a fall both in typical mast cell number and a decrease in tissue histamine in areas rich in typical mast cells. These results indicate that striking regional differences in mast cell distribution and tissue histamine levels exist in the rat gastrointestinal system.
L’arte D’arrangiarsi: Evaluation of an Innovative Practice in a Preservice Practicum

Building on Opportunities for Student Teaching and Learning (BOOST) is a community-based summer preschool program developed, implemented, and coordinated by student teachers, university supervisors, and faculty. Ten preservice graduate students participated in BOOST practicum activities during the spring and summer terms of their 1-year Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) master’s degree program. Eleven children with and without developmental delays attended the preschool program during the 5-week summer term. The student teachers, supervisors/faculty, and families evaluated the effectiveness of the BOOST practicum. Results have implications for alternatives to traditional student teaching and practicum experiences.
Molecular weight tailoring in methacrylate 193-nm photoresists

Understanding and control of molecular weight-dependent properties of 193 nm photoresist polymers has received only limited attention to date. Many physical and thermal properties of polymers in general and novolak- and poly(hydroxystyrene)-based systems in particular are molecular weight dependent. Since these properties markedly influence photoresist behavior, a more detailed understanding of molecular weight effects in 193 nm polymers would be valuable. In this communication, we present a survey of some of the interplays between molecular weight, thermal properties, dissolution behavior, and lithographic performance of methacrylate-based 193 nm polymers. More specifically, this presentation comprises a discussion of discontinuities in thermal properties surrounding the polymer critical entanglement molecular weight in methacrylate 193 nm polymers including the IBM Version 2 and Version 3 platforms. Tg vs. molecular weight curves for both platforms are in good agreement with predictions of the Gibbs-DiMarzio model and reveal that Mcrit is ca. 8,000 for these systems. Lithographic characterization at, below, and above this molecular weight reveals failure due to fraying and line collapse at low molecular weight, failure due to excessive bottom scumming at high molecular weight, and best performance at or near Mcrit.
Optical measurement in the middle atmosphere

The various measurement techniques and general problems in remote orin situ optical measurement of atmospheric minor gases are described.
Twentieth-Century Theories of the Nature of the Union

In the twentieth century the American federal system has not been subjected to the kind of particularism that culminated in the Civil War. There have been pressures from the other direction, however, almost as threatening to the existence of the federal principle as the great sectional conflict. These pressures include the cultural influences that have resulted from the unification of the country economically, as well as a formidable and consciously directed movement for bringing about a vast increase in the control of the Federal Government over the country's economic and social life. In addition, there have been the centralizing tendencies resulting from the country's participation in two world wars. Obviously the federal system is not the same as it was a half century ago. Through the development of the doctrine of implied powers, the functions of the Federal Government have now been expanded beyond the fondest hopes of most advocates of centralization. Nevertheless, the basic structure of the federal system has been maintained, and the States continue to perform, as of right, numerous and important governmental functions. The principal circumstance that has permitted the system to endure as well as it has is the fact that American federalism has continued to be based on substantially the same legal theory that inspired the Tenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. According to that theory, the Union is a union of States with a federal government whose powers have been delegated from the States. Had the nationalist theories of the late nineteenth century been triumphant there might now have been a different story to relate. But nowhere does one find in twentieth-century
Reduced Morbidity and Mortality Following Carotid Endarterectomy: The Value of Preoperative Cardiac Screening

Carotid endarterectomy can be recommended for stroke prophylaxis when performed with low perioperative cardiac morbidity and mortality. In this study the authors evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiac screening protocol using dipyridamole-thallium scintig raphy to identify and treat coexistent coronary artery disease (CAD).The authors reviewed the medical records of 164 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy between 1988 and 1993 at the John L. Doyne Hospital and at the Zablocki Veterans Administration Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Results of the preop erative cardiac evaluations and the incidence of perioperative cardiac events were recorded.Forty patients without any evidence of cardiac disease by history or electrocardio gram went on to surgery without further screening. Eight patients underwent coronary catheterization without dipyridamole-thallium scan, owing to the severity of their cardiac symptoms. A cardiology consultation and dipyridamole-thallium scan were obtained preoperatively in th...
Simple to Complex Modeling of Breathing Volume Using a Motion Sensor

Purpose To compare simple and complex modeling techniques to estimate categories of low, medium, and high ventilation (VE) from ActiGraph™ activity counts.
A review of 'Princes, Brokers, and Bureaucrats: Oil and the State in Saudi Arabia' by Steffen Hertog

STEFFEN HERTOG, Princes, Brokers, and Bureaucrats: Oil and the State in Saudi Arabia (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2010), 297 pages; $25.45 hardback. Steffen Hertog has written a fine book...
Approximate inference using planar graph decomposition

A number of exact and approximate methods are available for inference calculations in graphical models. Many recent approximate methods for graphs with cycles are based on tractable algorithms for tree structured graphs. Here we base the approximation on a different tractable model, planar graphs with binary variables and pure interaction potentials (no external field). The partition function for such models can be calculated exactly using an algorithm introduced by Fisher and Kasteleyn in the 1960s. We show how such tractable planar models can be used in a decomposition to derive upper bounds on the partition function of non-planar models. The resulting algorithm also allows for the estimation of marginals. We compare our planar decomposition to the tree decomposition method of Wain-wright et. al., showing that it results in a much tighter bound on the partition function, improved pairwise marginals, and comparable singleton marginals.
Ceramic Raw Materials

This chapter is mostly about pottery. Pottery is only one of the large number of products known as ceramics. Other ceramics are covered briefly. Although pottery is composed of predominantly crystalline phases, glass (including glaze) is not. Glasses (including obsidian) are formed from the solidification of molten silicate — solidification that took place too rapidly for minerals to crystallize. Terracottas are thick, coarse, porous wares normally fired well below 900°C. Porcelain is a ternary mixture of clay, quartz, and feldspar. The latter acts as a flux that aids in the development of a glassy phase in the fired product.
In vitro assays of mitochondrial function/dysfunction.

In drug-induced hepatotoxicity, type 2 diabetes, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, liver mitochondria have been recognized to be dysfunctional. Mitochondrial function can be assessed in isolated mitochondria and in intact cells by using O2-dependent quenching of porphyrin-based phosphors or by using amperometric O2 sensors to measure O2 consumption. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2014); 96 6, 665–668. doi:10.1038/clpt.2014.178
Effects of different kinds of cranial deformation on the incidence of wormian bones

Researchers have debated whether the presence and frequency of wormian bones (sutural bones, supernumerary bones, and ossicles) are attributable to genetic factors, environmental factors, or both. This research examines the effects of many different kinds of cranial deformation on the incidence of wormian bones. A sample of 127 deformed and undeformed crania from New World archaeological sites was examined. An undeformed cranial sample (n=35) was compared to the following cranially deformed groups: 1) occipital, 2) lambdoid, 3) annular, 4) fronto-vertico-occipital, 5) parallelo-fronto-occipital, and 6) sagittal synostosis. Three levels of degree of cultural cranial deformation were qualitatively determined. Type and number of wormian bones along each major suture were recorded for each cranium. Group means were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA statistical tests to test the null hypothesis that cranial deformation does not have an effect on wormian bone incidence. Results indicate that all forms of cranial deformation affect the frequency of some types of wormian bones. In particular, all cranially deformed groups exhibited significantly greater frequencies of lambdoid ossicles. Apical, parieto-mastoid, and occipito-mastoid wormian bones also appeared with greater frequency in some groups of culturally deformed crania. Further, varying degrees of cultural deformation all had more lambdoid wormian bones than the undeformed group. These results suggest that wormian bone development in posteriorly placed sutures may be affected more by environmental forces than are their anteriorly placed counterparts.
Characterization, Modeling, and Simulation of Mouse Microarray Data

We developed methods for characterizing a set of microarray images and for subsequently simulating microarray images with statistical properties similar to those in the original set. Characterization involved measuring properties of individual spots and performing analysis of variance to determine the relative contributions of individual pins used for printing and individual slides to the variation observed in spot physical properties, slide background properties, and intensity of individual genes. Slide backgrounds and individual spot nonuniformities were modeled as 2D causal Markov random fields, and parameters for these were derived from the set of real images. The results of the characterization were then used to generate realistic replicates of the original dataset that can be used for evaluating microarray data processing and analysis techniques. We demonstrated the process on a set of microarray images derived from a mouse kidney experiment. The characterization of these images showed that slides from two of the six mice have significantly different spot properties from the rest. Simulated images from the set are shown to realistically model most properties of the slides, save for large handling defects. We concluded that characterization should be an important part of any microarray experiment to maintain quality control, and that realistic simulations of microarray images can be produced using these methods.
Toxicity of copper, cobalt, and nickel salts is dependent on histidine metabolism in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The pH-dependent inhibition of 22 metal salts have been systematically investigated for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have established that the inhibition of growth by Cu, Co, or Ni salts is markedly enhanced by histidine auxotrophy and by increasing the pH of the medium. Each of the his1-his7 mutant strains were unable to grow in the presence of elevated levels of Cu, Co, or Ni at nearly neutral pHs, in contrast to His+ strains, which grew under these conditions. The Cu, Co, or Ni inhibition was reversed by the addition of histidine to the medium. Deletion of the high-affinity histidine permease Hip1p in His− strains resulted in even greater sensitivity to Cu, Co, and Ni and the requirement of an even higher level of histidine to reverse the inhibition. These results suggest that intracellular histidine, most likely in the vacuole, diminishes the pH-dependent toxicity of Cu, Co, and Ni. Furthermore, the toxicity of many salts is exacerbated in strains with a defective vacuolar H+-ATPase, which abolishes the ability of yeast to maintain an acidic vacuole, a compartment known to sequester metal compounds. We suggest that the accumulation of histidine in the vacuole is a normal process used to detoxify Cu, Co, and Ni.
Leader–Member Exchange as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Work Group Diversity and Team Performance

This study tests a moderator of the association between diversity and work group performance: leader—member exchange (LMX). The authors theorized performance effects associated with the differentia...
Mutual Shadowing And Directional Reflectance Of A Rough Surface: A Geometric-opttcal Model

A Monte Carlo simulation of mutual shadowing effects is presented. Results of these simulations and the corresponding modeling efforts are also presented. Simulation results show that the assumption that all illumination shadows will preferentially occupy the lower surface of crowns is not realistic enough and may cause a considerable discrepancy between modeled results and simulation. Therefore, the model was modified by making the probability that a point on the surface of the crown is illuminated to be a function of height from the base of the crown, while still accounting for the fact that at the hotspot the probability that all illuminated points are viewed is one. With this change, modeled results show better agreement with the simulations.
MicroRNA expression by an oncogenic retrovirus

Although >250 viral microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed by a range of nuclear DNA viruses, efforts to identify miRNAs expressed by RNA viruses have so far been in vain (1, 2). In PNAS, Kincaid et al. (3) report the identification of five miRNAs encoded by the delta retrovirus bovine leukemia virus (BLV) that are expressed in BLV-transformed B cells. Interestingly, BLV uses RNA polymerase III (pol III) to directly transcribe the pre-miRNA hairpins that give rise to these viral miRNAs, thereby preventing the cleavage of viral genomic RNA and mRNA species as a result of pre-miRNA excision. Moreover, one of the BLV miRNAs, miR-B4, shares the same seed sequence as cellular miR-29 and therefore can down-regulate many of the same mRNA targets. As miR-29 overexpression can induce chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in transgenic mice (4), and BLV induces CLL-like B-cell neoplasms in infected cattle and sheep (5), it appears likely that these viral miRNAs play an important role in BLV pathogenesis.
Software Systems Engineering with Model-Based Design

Further, automotive software systems engineers must deliver features that cross multiple domains (body, chassis, powertrain, multimedia, driver assistance, personalization, and human machine interfaces) and reside on a distributed network of modules. These vehicle systems are also delivered through the cooperation of many automotive and non-automotive suppliers based in various geographic locations, which poses a significant project management challenge to the software systems engineering team. In addition to managing the initial project, the software systems engineer must also explicitly design for and support the re-use of stand-alone software features, mechatronic subsystems and entire vehicle-level, electronic-control-system electrical architectures. Finally, the traditional automotive software systems engineering lifecycle has expanded to include processes, methods, tools, and infrastructure (PMTI) that must integrate across all phases and domains of the technology innovation and product delivery- maintenance-disposal lifecycle.
Nonablative allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation as adoptive immunotherapy for indolent lymphoma: low incidence of toxicity, acute graft-versus-host disease, and treatment-related mortality

This study investigated the use of a nonablative conditioning regimen to decrease toxicity and achieve engraftment of an allogeneic blood stem cell transplant, allowing a graft-versus-malignancy effect to occur. All patients had follicular or small cell lymphocytic lymphoma after relapse from a prior response to conventional chemotherapy. Patients received a preparative regimen of fludarabine (25 mg/m2 given daily for 5 days or 30 mg/m2daily for 3 days) and intravenous cyclophosphamide (1 g/m2given daily for 2 days or 750 mg/m2 daily for 3 days). Nine patients received rituximab in addition to the chemotherapy. Tacrolimus and methotrexate were used for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Twenty patients were studied; their median age was 51 years. Twelve were in complete remission (CR) at transplantation. All patients achieved engraftment of donor cells. The median number of days with severe neutropenia was 6. Only 2 patients required more than one platelet transfusion. The cumulative incidence of acute grade II to IV GVHD was 20%. Only one patient developed acute GVHD of greater than grade II. All patients achieved CR. None have had a relapse of disease, with a median follow-up period of 21 months. The actuarial probability of being alive and in remission at 2 years was 84% (95% confidence interval, 57%-94%). Nonablative chemotherapy with fludarabine/cyclophosphamide followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a promising therapy for indolent lymphoma with minimal toxicity and myelosuppression. Further studies are warranted to compare nonablative allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation with alternative treatment strategies.
Changing Cities and Directions: New York and Los Angeles

Changing Cities and Directions: New York and Los Angeles David Halle Andrew A. Beveridge CCPR-025-08 December 2008 Latest Revised: October 2008 California Center for Population Research On-Line Working Paper Series
Subspace-based channel estimation for code division multiple access communication systems

We consider the estimation of channel parameters for code-division multiple access (CDMA) communication systems operating over channels with either single or multiple propagation paths. The multiuser channel estimation problem is decomposed into a series of single user problems through a subspace-based approach. By exploiting the eigenstructure of the received signal's sample correlation matrix, the observation space can be partitioned into a signal subspace and a noise subspace without prior knowledge of the unknown parameters. The channel estimate is formed by projecting a given user's spreading waveform into the estimated noise subspace and then either minimizing the likelihood or minimizing the Euclidean norm of this projection. Both of these approaches yield algorithms which are near-far resistant and do not require a preamble.