cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metric-dependent probabilities that two qubits are separable

In a previous study (quant-ph/0207181), we formulated a conjecture that arbitrarily coupled qubits (describable by 4 x 4 density matrices) are separable with an a priori probability of 8/(11 \pi^2) = 0.0736881. For this purpose, we employed the normalized volume element of the Bures (minimal monotone) metric as a probability distribution over the fifteen-dimensional convex set of 4 x 4 density matrices. Here, we provide further/independent (quasi-Monte Carlo numerical integration) evidence of a stronger nature (giving an estimate of 0.0736858 vs. 0.0737012 previously) for this conjecture. Additionally, employing a certain ansatz, we estimate the probabilities of separability based on certain other monotone metrics of interest. However, we find ourselves, at this point, unable to convincingly conjecture exact simple formulas for these new (smaller) probabilities.
Thymic epithelium in vitro. V. Binding of thymocytes to cultured thymic epithelial cells.

Abstract Direct contact between thymocytes and thymic stromal elements may be one of the mechanisms involved in thymocyte differentiation. Thymic lymphoepithelial complexes have been isolated in which thymocytes appear to be in direct association with cortical epithelial cells. We have previously reported the isolation and successful culture of two morphologically distinct types of murine thymic epithelial cells. We have utilized these to study the interactions of lymphoid and epithelial cells by means of an in vitro assay of the binding of radiolabeled thymocytes to monolayers of these cultured thymic epithelial cells. The percentage of bound cells increased rapidly during the first hour of incubation, reaching approximately 40% binding. Binding continued to increase slowly until plateau levels were reached at approximately 5 hr. Thymocyte binding to thymic epithelium, but not fibroblast monolayers, was trypsin-sensitive, suggesting that specific protein interactions may be involved. Binding of thymocytes to epithelium was temperature-dependent, involved formation of cytoplasmic projections, and was inhibited by cytochalasin B. We also found that cortical thymocytes (peanut agglutinin-positive (PNA + ) cells) bound to cultured epithelium to a greater degree than medullary thymocytes (PNA − cells). This correlates with in vivo studies by others in which thymocytes associated with lymphoepithelial complexes have been found to have immature phenotypes. This system provides a means for a quantitative study of the role of cell to cell contact in the process of thymocyte selection and differentiation.
On the characterization of complex rational approximations

An example is constructed showing that best uniform approximation (local or global) from $R_{n}^{m}(\mathbf{c})$ can not be characterized by linearization techniques or by alternation properties of the error function. A class of local best approximations are characterized, and used to demonstrate approximation properties of $R_{n}^{m}(\mathbf{c})$.
Blacks on the Bubble: The Vulnerability of Black Executives in White Corporations

Stark contrasts between the black middle class and ghetto poor have raised important questions among scholars about what influences the status of African-Americans. Scholars ask whether a new syste...
The Pico Lightweight Coring Auger

A new lightweight hand-operated coring auger for use in firn or ice is described. Extensive use of glass-epoxy composites contributes to a drill weight of approximately 1 kg/m in 20 m and 50 m configurations.
Harnessing Noxa demethylation to overcome Bortezomib resistance in mantle cell lymphoma

// Violetta V. Leshchenko 1 , Pei-Yu Kuo 1 , Zewei Jiang 1 , Marc A. Weniger 2 , Jessica Overbey 3 , Kieron Dunleavy 4 , Wyndham H. Wilson 4 , Adrian Wiestner 2 , Samir Parekh 1 1 Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA 2 Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA 3 Department of Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA 4 Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA Correspondence to: Samir Parekh, e-mail: samir.parekh@mssm.edu Keywords: Mantle cell lymphoma, Noxa, methylation, Bortezomib, Resistance Received: September 19, 2014 Accepted: December 13, 2014 Published: February 25, 2015 ABSTRACT Bortezomib (BZM) is the first proteasome inhibitor approved for relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) with durable responses seen in 30%–50% of patients. Given that a large proportion of patients will not respond, BZM resistance is a significant barrier to use this agent in MCL. We hypothesized that a subset of aberrantly methylated genes may be modulating BZM response in MCL patients. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using a NimbleGen array platform revealed a striking promoter hypomethylation in MCL patient samples following BZM treatment. Pathway analysis of differentially methylated genes identified molecular mechanisms of cancer as a top canonical pathway enriched among hypomethylated genes in BZM treated samples. Noxa, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member essential for the cytotoxicity of BZM, was significantly hypomethylated and induced following BZM treatment. Therapeutically, we could demethylate Noxa and induce anti-lymphoma activity using BZM and the DNA methytransferase inhibitor Decitabine (DAC) and their combination in vitro and in vivo in BZM resistant MCL cells. These findings suggest a role for dynamic Noxa methylation for the therapeutic benefit of BZM. Potent and synergistic cytotoxicity between BZM and DAC in vitro and in vivo supports a strategy for using epigenetic priming to overcome BZM resistance in relapsed MCL patients.
Detection of Vibration Transmitted Through an Object Grasped in the Hand

Detection of vibration transmitted through an object grasped in the hand. A tool or probe often functions as an extension of the hand, transmitting vibrations to the hand to produce a percept of th...
Lipid Profiles and Signals for Long Life

Historically, fat was considered detrimental to health and lifespan. However, lipidomics, the quantification of all lipid molecules in a biological sample, and genetic studies in model organisms are revealing specific fats that may promote longevity. These emerging findings provide insight into the complex relationship between lipids and longevity.
Death in the shape of a young girl: women’s political violence in the Red Army Faction

Patricia Melzer’s new book Death in the Shape of a Young Girl: Women’s Political Violence in the Red Army Faction takes its title from an article published in August 1977 in Die Welt, a widely circ...
Assessment of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension associated with thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Thiopurines represent an effective and widely used immunosuppressant in the therapeutic armamentarium of inflammatory bowel disease. However up to 25% of patients may be unable to continue the drug due to side effects. The incidence of hepatotoxicity associated with thiopurine use is reported between 0% and 32%. Veno-occlusive disease, peliosis hepatis, perisinusoidal fibrosis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia have all been described with thiopurines. Recent trials of 6-tioguanine, although successful in patients with allergies to azathioprine or mercaptopurine, have been compromised by increased hepatotoxicity, either veno-occlusive disease or nodular regenerative hyperplasia. We describe a report of nodular regenerative hyperplasia in a Crohn's disease patient associated with 6-mercaptopurine therapy and have reviewed the management and the literature regarding this complication. Our report strengthens the importance of further safety studies to evaluate the etiology, prevalence, risk factors and screening modalities for hepatotoxicity, in particular of nodular regenerative hyperplasia, in patients treated with thiopurines for inflammatory bowel disease.
Where o’ where did my baseball cards go?: Race, performance, and placement in the Topps ERA, 1956–1980

On the surface, baseball cards appear to be little more than uninteresting object of child's play; yet they provide invaluable data for assessing unique aspects of the social order. They reveal muc...
Extracranial radiosurgery: immobilizing liver motion in dogs using high-frequency jet ventilation and total intravenous anesthesia.

Abstract Purpose: Extracranial radiosurgery requires control of organ motion. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively determine the extent of liver motion in anesthetized dogs with continuous i.v. propofol infusion with or without muscle relaxants and high-frequency jet ventilation. Methods and Materials: Five dogs were used in the experiment. Each dog was restrained while anesthetized in the supine position using an alpha cradle. Surgical metal clips were implanted around the liver periphery so that its motion could be visualized using a fluoroscopic imaging device in a conventional simulator. Initially, two orthogonal simulation films were taken to correlate locations of implanted clips. Two orthogonal views of fluoroscopic images for each anesthetized dog were recorded on a magnetic tape and analyzed from the post-imaging data. Liver motion was documented under the following three conditions: 1) ventilated with a conventional mechanical ventilator, 2) ventilated with a high-frequency jet ventilator, and 3) ventilated with a high-frequency jet ventilator and total muscle paralysis (with vecuronium injection). The maximum liver motion for each dog was analyzed in three orthogonal directions: the inferior-to-superior direction, the anterior-to-posterior direction, and the right-to-left direction. Results: When the anesthetized dogs were ventilated with a conventional mechanical ventilator, the average liver motions were 1.2 cm in the inferior-to-superior direction, 0.4 cm in the anterior-to-posterior direction, and 0.2 cm in the right-to-left direction, respectively. After the introduction of high-frequency jet ventilation, the average liver motions were reduced to 0.2 cm in the inferior-to-superior direction, 0.2 cm in the anterior-to-posterior direction, and 0.1 cm in the right-to-left direction. The maximum liver motion was dependent on ventilator settings. There was no additional measurable motion reduction with the addition of the muscle relaxant. Conclusion: The liver motion in each anesthetized dog was controlled under 3.0 mm in all directions with the use of high-frequency jet ventilation. No detectable advantage was identified by the injection of muscle relaxant in terms of further reducing the liver motion. The preclinical animal study indicated that the use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) would be able to limit the liver motion to an extent acceptable for the application of extracranial radiosurgery in humans. Radiosurgery for localized liver tumors warrants further investigation.
Geochemical utilization of nuclear microprobes

Abstract Analysis of geological materials may be the most challenging application for nuclear microprobes. Quantitative multi-element PIXE results are required on thick, compositionally complex, fine-grained materials. Major elements such as calcium and iron dominate the spectra that include numerous X-ray peak overlaps from a wide range of minor and trace elements. A concerted effort is required to optimize sample selection, data acquisition, and data reduction. Geochemical complexities can also make RBS and nuclear reaction analysis difficult. At Los Alamos, we are rebuilding our superconducting-solenoid nuclear microprobe beam line. We have moved to a new 3 MV tandem accelerator, simplified our ion optics, added two-dimensional beam scanning, and are working on a new precision stage and vacuum chamber. Continuing development of our software is aimed at obtaining maximum compositional information from PIXE spectra. In addition to the geochemical work of Cahill (UCD), Cabri (Ottawa), Clayton (Lucas Heights), and Minkin (USGS/Heidelberg), we (and our collaborators) have addressed several meteoritic and terrestrial problems. These range from early solar system condensation, planetary differentiation, and the possibility of “martian” meteorites, to in-situ retorting of oil shale, mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal processes, and the deduction of American indian trade routes through the characterization of the source minerals used in their copper metallurgy. Natural and synthetic standards have demonstrated that PIXE spectra can yield quantitative concentrations for more than 60 elements in a single spectrum and that, in favorable cases and with effort, sub-ppm detection limits are attainable.
A Discussion of Traditional and Computerized Survey Techniques to Reach Target Publics and a Field Experiment to Determine Their Media Use

Abstract This article discusses the major advantages and disadvantages of different modes of gathering survey research data to support and evaluate public relations programs, reports the results of a field experiment to determine whether three different modes of gathering media-usage data would provide different media-usage information, and then presents recent findings regarding responses and electronic interviewing tools. For those gathering data through traditional survey modes, cautions are that mail studies seem to reach those more likely to use media that require reading skills and that telephone samples report less time spent with television. Face-to-face samples are more diverse both in demographics and in electronic media use. At this time e-mail surveys are most appropriate for finite groups with computer access and e-mail addresses available for sample selection. E-mail surveys require pre-notification and follow-up contacts to maintain an acceptable response rate.
Pneumatic ankle tourniquets: physiological factors related to minimal arterial occlusion pressure.

This study investigates several physiological measurements for their correlation to the minimal arterial occlusion pressure using the pneumatic ankle tourniquet. Blood pressure (brachial), height, weight, body fat percentage, ankle circumference, and leg circumference measurements were collected from 50 normotensive healthy subjects. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was also compared. A pneumatic ankle tourniquet was applied to the right ankle and inflated until Doppler insonation confirmed that arterial occlusion had occurred. Mean arterial occlusion pressure was 161.7 mm Hg (N = 50, N males = 33, N females = 17), and statistically less than 170 mm Hg (p
Detection of wind-induced coastal upwelling of deeper Marine waters from A X-band wave radar

The aim of this work is to show how an X-band radar system was able to instantly observe a phenomenon known as coastal upwelling. In fact, an X-band radar system is able to provide information about direction and intensity of the sea surface currents and waves in an area up to 3 nautical miles from the radar site. This capability, together with their flexibility and low cost, makes these devices useful tools for coastal monitoring and for the study of local small-scale phenomena as, for example, the upwelling. This phenomenon is, as generally recognized, the upward motion of deeper water while the surface ones are transported offshore by the stress of the wind blowing on the sea. Upwelled water is colder than surface water, moreover it is richer in nutrients and, as a consequence, it generates an increase in phytoplankton production (which in turn is able to boost food availability for fish populations) in the area affected by the upwelling. The characteristics of this phenomenon makes the X-band radar devices useful tools to support inshore fisheries, by monitoring environmental conditions at sea.
A Class of Analytic Functions Defined by Fractional Derivation

Abstract Let ƒ( z )= z +... be analytic in the unit disc | z | Q λ ƒ=Γ(2−λ) z λ D λ z ƒ( z ), where D λ z ƒ( z ) denotes the fractional derivative of ƒ( z ). The function ƒ( z ) is said to be in R (λ, α) if it satisfies the condition Re{ Q λ ƒ/ z }>α, 0 ≤ α z | u ≤ λ R (λ, α)⊆ R ( u , α) and study some subordination properties. We also obtain distortion theorems and a coefficient inequality for R (λ, α). Finally, we discuss the Hadamard product of the class R (λ, α).
Primary melanoma of the lung

This paper describes a case of primary melanoma of the lung. The histologic features required to make a diagnosis of primary melanoma of the lung or bronchus are demonstrated in this case. It is suggested that since melanoma may occur fairly commonly in juxtacutaneous mucous membranes, it is not unreasonable to see a few cases in an adjacent site such as the bronchus of the lung.
Tier-2 studies on monocrotaline immunotoxicity in C57BL/6 mice

Monocrotaline (MCT) is a member of a class of naturally occurring phytotoxins known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and is a toxicological concern to both man and his livestock. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the effect of a 14-day oral MCT (0-100 mg/kg per day) exposure on the functional integrity of various immunocyte effector systems in C57BL/6 mice, as well as to investigate potential mechanisms for its immunotoxicity. Decreases in lymphoid organ weights and cellularity, and resident peritoneal exudate cell (PEC) number were only observed after exposure to the highest dose of 100 mg/kg MCT. This dose also inhibited NK cell cytotoxicity, while the total number of NK lytic units per spleen was decreased (-53%) after exposure to 50 mg/kg MCT. Following i.p. injection of SRBC, the percentage of PEC macrophages containing engulfed SRBC was significantly increased in MCT-exposed mice, while the percentage of large vacuolated (activated) macrophages was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to MCT significantly decreased the total number of Ig+ cells without altering the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells. The antibody responses (PFC/10(6) spleen cells) to two T cell-independent antigens, TNP-LPS and DNP-Ficoll, were significantly decreased at all MCT doses, and the degree of suppression of both responses was identical at coincident doses. MCT exposure (25 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the blastogenic response to the T cell mitogen concanavalin A (-38%), and to the B cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide (-58%). These results indicate that exposure to MCT can alter the functional integrity of various immune effector responses in a dose-dependent manner, and suggest that the B cell may be a relatively more sensitive target of MCT immunotoxicity compared to T cells, macrophages and NK cells.
Teachers and differences.

Book reviewed in this article: The success or failure of the most carefully planned, the most adequately financed educational programs may depend solely on the nature of the encounter between pupils and teachers. Hidden feelings and prejudices in the teachers impair success as much as de facto lack of respect for individual differences in the classroom.
Mechanisms and Implications of Dual-Acting Methotrexate in Folate-Targeted Nanotherapeutic Delivery

The rational design of a nanoplatform in drug delivery plays a crucial role in determining its targeting specificity and efficacy in vivo. A conventional approach relies on the surface conjugation of a nanometer-sized particle with two functionally distinct types of molecules, one as a targeting ligand, and the other as a therapeutic agent to be delivered to the diseased cell. However, an alternative simplified approach can be used, in which a single type of molecule displaying dual function as both a targeting ligand and therapeutic agent is conjugated to the nanoparticle. In this review, we evaluate the validity of this new strategy by using methotrexate, which displays multifunctional mechanisms of action. Methotrexate binds to the folate receptor, a surface biomarker frequently overexpressed in tumor cells, and also inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme critical for cell survival and division. Thus we describe a series of fifth generation poly(amido amine) dendrimers conjugated with methotrexate, and discuss several lines of evidence supporting the efficacy of this new platform strategy based on surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, enzyme activity assays, and cell-based studies with folate receptor (+) KB cancer cells.
Water and solute transport across cellulose acetate membranes in the treatment of soybean whey by reverse osmosis

In processing full-fat soy flour to produce an acid-precipitated lipid protein concentrate, there results a by-product whey fraction which, because of its high biological oxygen demand, represents a serious disposal problem. Processing of food waste streams by reverse osmosis has received considerable attention because of its low theoretical energy requirement, since no phase change is involved. A series of statistically designed and analyzed experiments were conducted on a pilot-plant reverse osmosis unit to study the effect of the operating parameters on solute and solvent transport in cellulose acetate membranes. Sucrose and sodium chloride solutions were tested in addition to soybean whey to relate the mixed solute system in whey to that of single-solute organic and inorganic feed solutions. Water flux was shown to have an Arrhenius dependency on temperature, and some membrane compaction was observed with the more porous membrane. Concentration polarization for sucrose and sodium chloride solutions increased linearly with water flux. Solute flux for soybean whey solutions decreased with molarity and was independent of pressure, whereas solute rejection increased with temperature and pressure and was independent of molarity. Good agreement was obtained using the derived parameters A, B, and τ for soy whey in the diffusion transport model when compared to the observed experimental values.
Late-life mood disorders

Mental disorders are not uncommon in late life. Although most psychiatric disorders occur less frequently in older populations compared with populations of younger adults, more than 10% of older adults have one or more psychiatric disorders. In addition, many older adults present with symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a specific disorder but nevertheless are clinically significant and affect quality of life. In this article the authors summarize the epidemiologic data for five psychiatric disorders and their subclinical forms: depression, anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. Also included is a discussion of risk factors and outcomes of these disorders.
Molecular Adsorbate Structures from Angular-Resolved Photoemission: Ammonia on Ir(111)

Strong azimuthal effects have been observed in the angular-resolved photoemission from the $1e$ orbital of N${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ chemisorbed on Ir(111). Some of the anisotropy is clearly due to substrate scattering. Other spectral features appear to be dominated by initial-state effects from the N-H bonds. Analysis of the diffraction features based on near-neighbor substrate scattering shows the bonding site to be the $\mathrm{ABC}$ site, i.e., a threefold hollow with a vacancy underneath.
Relationship of soil properties to standing crop biomass of Spartina alterniflora in a Louisiana marsh

Abstract Chemical and physical properties of salt marsh soils in Barataria Bay, Louisiana were measured and related to total standing crop biomass of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Marsh sites on the natural levees alongside streams and bays supported taller and denser stands of S. alterniflora than sites inland from the streams. Soil density decreased with increasing distance from the streams and water bodies; it varied from 0·37 to 0·19 g cm−3. Organic carbon ranged from 6 to 16% on a weight basis. Aerial standing crop was positively correlated with soil density and negatively associated with soil carbon content and C N ratio. Neither extractable soil P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, or total soil N expressed on a dry weight soil basis was significantly related to growth of S. alterniflora. However, each of these soil constituents when converted to a soil volume expression (μg cm−3) was positively correlated with plant growth. This correlation was apparently a result of the association of these constituents with the content of mineral matter in the soil. Influx of sediments which helps maintain the marsh elevation presumably supplies the nutrient-rich mineral component in these soils.
Effects of Electroshock Voltage, Wave Form, and Pulse Rate on Survival of Cutthroat Trout Eggs

Abstract Eggs of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki were exposed for 10 s to continuous direct current (DC), pulsed DC (PDC) at 30 or 60 Hz, or the Coffelt Complex Pulse System (CPS®) wave form. Each treatment was conducted at 150 or 225 V. Treatments occurred every other day from fertilization to development of pigmentation in the eye. A different set of eggs (from the same pooled sample) was tested for each voltage-frequency level and day (i.e., eggs were treated only once). Percent mortality at eye-up of eggs exposed to 150 V PDC was no different from that of controls, whereas mortality of eggs exposed to 150 V DC was greater. Eggs exposed to PDC and DC at 225 V exhibited a significant increase in mortality when shocked on days 4–14 postfertilization. At the higher voltages, CPS also caused significant egg mortality. These results suggest that voltage level is more critical to egg survival than either wave form or pulse rate. If it is necessary to shock over redds, low voltages should be used regardle...
Identification of a Heparin-binding Region of Rat Thyroglobulin Involved in Megalin Binding *

We recently showed that thyroglobulin (Tg) is a heparin-binding protein and that heparin inhibits binding of Tg to its endocytic receptor megalin (gp330). Here we have identified a heparin-binding region in the carboxyl-terminal portion of rat Tg and have studied its involvement in megalin binding. Rat thyroid extracts, obtained by ammonium sulfate precipitation, were separated by column fractionation into four Tg polypeptides, with apparent masses of 660, 330, 210, and 50 kDa. As assessed by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays and ligand blot binding assays, megalin bound to intact Tg (660 and 330 kDa) and, to a even greater extent, to the 210-kDa Tg polypeptide. Furthermore, the 210-kDa Tg polypeptide inhibited megalin binding to intact Tg by ∼70%. Solid phase assays showed binding of biotin-labeled heparin to intact Tg and to the 210-kDa Tg polypeptide. We characterized the 210-kDa Tg polypeptide by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis and found that it corresponds to the carboxyl-terminal portion of rat Tg. We developed a synthetic peptide corresponding to a 15-amino acid sequence in the carboxyl-terminal portion of rat Tg (Arg689–Lys703), containing a heparin-binding consensus sequence (SRRLKRP) and demonstrated heparin binding to this peptide. A rabbit antibody raised against the peptide recognized intact Tg in its native conformation and under denaturing conditions. This antibody markedly reduced heparin-binding to intact Tg, indicating that the region of native Tg corresponding to the peptide is involved in heparin binding. Furthermore, the anti-Tg peptide antibody almost completely inhibited binding of megalin to Tg, suggesting that the Tg region containing the peptide sequence is required for megalin binding. Physiologically, Tg binding to megalin on thyroid cells may be facilitated by Tg interaction with heparin-like molecules (heparan sulfate proteoglycans) via adjacent binding sites.
Design and Implementation of the ScaLAPACK LU, QR, and Cholesky Factorization Routines

This article discusses the core factorization routines included in the ScaLAPACK library. These routines allow the factorization and solution of a dense system of linear equations via LU, QR, and Cholesky. They are implemented using a block cyclic data distribution, and are built using de facto standard kernels for matrix and vector operations (BLAS and its parallel counterpart PBLAS) and message passing communication (BLACS). In implementing the ScaLAPACK routines, a major objective was to parallelize the corresponding sequential LAPACK using the BLAS, BLACS, and PBLAS as building blocks, leading to straightforward parallel implementations without a significant loss in performance. We present the details of the implementation of the ScaLAPACK factorization routines, as well as performance and scalability results on the Intel iPSC/860, Intel Touchstone Delta, and Intel Paragon System.
Making university education more like middle school computer club: facilitating the flow of inspiration

The way programming is currently taught at the University level provides little incentive and tends to discourage student peer-to-peer interaction. These practices effectively stifle any notion of a 'learning community' developing among students enrolled in university level programming classes. This approach to programming education stands in stark contrast to the 'middle school computer club' approach; As part of 10 years of research projects aiming to teach programming to middle school children, it is observed that middle school students in computer clubs freely share programming ideas, code, and often query one another and provide solutions to the various programming problems encountered. To enable these interactions at the university level, a novel online infrastructure has been developed over the past 6 years through use in the Educational Game Design Class at the University of Colorado Boulder. The culmination of the submission system, entitled the Scalable Game Design Arcade (SGDA), seems to foster the flow of ideas among students yielding an effective open classroom approach to programming education.
Neovascular glaucoma: etiology, diagnosis and prognosis.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a severe form of glaucoma with devastating visual outcome attributed to new blood vessels obstructing aqueous humor outflow, usually secondary to widespread posterior segment ischemia. Invasion of the anterior chamber by a fibrovascular membrane initially obstructs aqueous outflow in an open-angle fashion and later contracts to produce secondary synechial angle-closure glaucoma. The full blown picture of NVG is characteristized by iris neovascularization, a closed anterior chamber angle, and extremely high intraocular pressure (IOP) with severe ocular pain and usually poor vision.
Safety, efficacy and costs of pharmacotherapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders: the case of alosetron and its implications.

Summary Background : Functional gastrointestinal disorders cause substantial morbidity, but not mortality. Alosetron may achieve ‘adequate relief ’ in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, but may cause major complications, including death. Aim : To appraise, quantitatively, the trade-off between possible symptomatic improvement and serious complications in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Methods : A decision analytical model was used to examine alosetron or standard treatment for 6 months in 45-year-old women with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome using the health care system's perspective. Results : Assuming a 14% higher ‘adequate relief’ rate with alosetron compared to standard care, and a complication rate of four per 1000 persons in 6 months, alosetron gained 0.00081 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) per patient at a cost of $358 700 per QALY gained. Alosetron gained QALYs if ‘adequate relief’ increased the patients' utility by more than 0.01 in the base case. In probabilistic analysis, alosetron gained QALYs in 98.2% of iterations at a median cost of $212 600 per QALY (interquartile range, $138 000–338 900 per QALY). Results were highly sensitive to the utility gain with ‘adequate relief’ and alosetron's response and complication rates. Conclusions : Alosetron's benefit-to-risk profile appears to be favourable, but its cost per QALY gained may be substantial. Decision analyses on treatments for functional gastrointestinal disorders are likely to be highly sensitive to the utility estimates used. There is a pressing need for direct utility measurements in functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Septohippocampal comparator: Consciousness generator or attention feedback loop?

As Gray insists, his comparator model proposes a brute correlation only – of consciousness with septohippocampal output. I suggest that the comparator straddles a feedback loop that boosts the activation of novel representations, thus helping them feature in present or recollected experience. Such a role in organizing conscious contents would transcend correlation and help explain how consciousness emerges from brain function.
Out-of-Order Transmission for In-Order Arrival Scheduling for Multipath TCP

MPTCP exploits using a device's multiple interfaces to achieve higher end-to-end throughput and increased robustness during times of path failure. We consider potential delay advantages that MPTCP can provide users of real-time applications (e.g., online gaming) where higher throughput does not necessarily guarantee a higher quality experience. We first explain a situation where jitter can occur in an MPTCP data transfer even when underlying network paths are stable. We propose a new scheduling policy that mitigates jitter by transmitting packets out-of-order on different sub flows such that they arrive in-order at the MPTCP receiver.
Hydrofoils: Optimum Lift-Off Speed for Sailboats

For a hydrofoil sailboat there is a unique optimum lift-off speed. Before this speed is reached, if there are no parasitic vertical hydrofoil appendages, the submerged or partially submerged hydrofoils increase drag and degrade performance. As soon as this speed is reached and the hydrofoils are fully and promptly deployed, the performance of a hydrofoil-borne craft is significantly improved. At speeds exceeding optimum lift-off speed, partially submerged hydrofoils impair performance if there is no significant effect of loading on the hydrofoil lift-to-drag ratio.
Mechanistic Insight into N=N Cleavage by a Low-Coordinate Iron(II) Hydride Complex

The reaction pathways of high-spin iron hydride complexes are relevant to the mechanism of N2 reduction by nitrogenase, which has been postulated to involve paramagnetic iron-hydride species. However, almost all known iron hydrides are low-spin, diamagnetic Fe(II) compounds. We have demonstrated that the first high-spin iron hydride complex, LtBuFeH (LtBu = bulky beta-diketiminate), reacts with PhN=NPh to completely cleave the N-N double bond, giving LtBuFeNHPh. Here, we disclose a series of experiments that elucidate the mechanism of this reaction. Crossover and kinetic experiments rule out common nonradical mechanisms, and support a radical chain mechanism mediated by iron(I) species including a rare eta2-azobenzene complex. Therefore, this high-spin iron(II) hydride can break N-N bonds through both nonradical and radical insertion mechanisms, a special feature that enables novel reactivity.
Synchronous Metastatic Medullary and Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas in a Patient with Germline RET Mutation: Case Report, Molecular Analysis, and Implications for Pathogenesis

The occurrence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in patients with germline RET mutation is well established, but the occasional occurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in this setting remains unexplained. We report a case of synchronous MTC and PTC in a patient with germline RET mutation, and investigate the molecular pathogenesis of these two tumors. A 48-year-old man presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and was found to have metastatic MTC involving cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. He underwent thyroidectomy and debulking of metastatic disease. The resected thyroid showed bilateral MTC and a 1-cm PTC. His lymph node metastases were predominantly MTC along with a small focus of metastatic PTC. Molecular testing using peripheral blood revealed a germline RET point mutation (Val804Met). Both tumors were analyzed for the BRAF (Val600Glu) mutation and the RET/PTC1 translocation. The PTC was positive for the BRAF mutation but negative for RET/PTC1. The MTC was negative for both abnormalities. We conclude that the MTC was caused by the germline RET mutation, while the PTC was caused by a somatic BRAF mutation. The occurrence of PTC in patients with germline RET mutations appears to be purely coincidental.
Expression of a Truncated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-like Protein (TEGFR) in Ovarian Cancer

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) system has been implicated in the etiology of numerous cancers, including that of ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of EGFR are associated with poor patient prognosis. Moreover, a significant number of ovarian cancers express both the receptor and one of its ligands, suggesting an autocrine mechanism for autonomous tumor growth. Because of the implicated role of the EGFR system in neoplasia, a greater understanding of the factors involved in this system is necessary. We have recently characterized a truncated EGFR-like protein (TEGFR) in human placenta, and we now extend this investigation to ovarian cancer. We report that TEGFR is expressed in ovarian cancer and its level correlates to that of EGFR. Moreover, the level of TEGFR is reduced in metastatic compared to primary tumors. These results suggest that TEGFR may play a role in the EGFR system.
Evidence for cospeciation events in the host–symbiont system involving crinoids (Echinodermata) and their obligate associates, the myzostomids (Myzostomida, Annelida)

Although molecular-based phylogenetic studies of hosts and their associates are increasingly common in the literature, no study to date has examined the hypothesis of coevolutionary process between hosts and commensals in the marine environment. The present work investigates the phylogenetic relationships among 16 species of obligate symbiont marine worms (Myzostomida) and their echinoderm hosts (Crinoidea) in order to estimate the phylogenetic congruence existing between the two lineages. The combination of a high species diversity in myzostomids, their host specificity, their wide variety of lifestyles and body shapes, and millions years of association, raises many questions about the underlying mechanisms triggering their diversification. The phylogenetic relationships, inferred using a three-genes dataset (18S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and COI) and two-genes dataset (18S rDNA, and COI) for the myzostomids and crinoids, respectively, were congruent with the literature. The overall congruence between the two phylogenies was statistically significant according to topology-based, distance-based, and data-based approaches: a significant pattern of cophylogeny was found, though not perfect probably resulting from occasional host switches, duplications or extinction events. A minimum of 8 cospeciation events was estimated, which is significantly higher than it would have been expected due to chance alone.
The expansion of mercury contamination, five years after discovery

In the early 1980s an area contaminated with high levels of mercury was discovered adjacent to a former chemical factory, in the northern part of Jutland, Denmark. In conclusion the mercury-contaminated area around Cheminova greatly expanded in the five year after discovery. The majority of the analysed invertebrates from the contaminated area showed a significant uptake of mercury
Absence of relational determination in the rod-and-frame effect

Relational features between a rod and frame that might facilitate an angle-detection process were manipulated in two ways: first, by varying rod lengths with retinal eccentricities of 3.8°, 7.5°, and 14.8° in a frame with inner dimensions of 35.3° × 35.3°, and second, by eliminating the sides, leaving only the corners of the frame. The converse case, in which corners were eliminated but sides left intact, represented the control condition. In neither case did the opportunity to use relational features enhance the rod-and-frame effect (RFE). In a frame with inner dimensions of 52.5° × 52.5°, when line length had an eccentricity of about 25°, reducing it to 3° did significantly reduce the RFE, but only for those who scored in the upper 50% as measured on the full-frame RFE. An explanation is proposed based upon visual-vestibular interactions between receptive fields in peripheral retina and orientation detectors in the vestibular nucleus.
Conformational analysis of aqueous pullulan oligomers: an effective computational approach☆

Three rotational isomeric state (RIS) models for pullulan, a polysaccharide defined as [→6)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→]n, are presented. These RIS models are based upon simple molecular mechanics and solvation calculations and differ in the complexity of the energy evaluations used to determine Boltzmann weighting factors for each isomeric state. Each model is evaluated for its ability to predict correctly experimental small angle X-ray scattering data and the radius of gyration (Rg) for the hexameric pullulan oligomer (G3)2. A simple model based upon only disaccharide conformational energies in conjunction with a correction for solvation energies, as determined using a continuum Poisson–Boltzmann solvation method, was best and gave an excellent fit to experimental measurements.
Effects of Eye Contact and Social Status on the Perception of a Job Applicant in an Employment Interviewing Situation.

Abstract The present study examines the independent and joint effects of variations in eye contact and social status on the way in which job applicants tend to be perceived in employment interviewing situations. The key dependent variable in the analysis is the interviewer's perception of how well the applicant is suited for a job requiring or involving self-confidence. The results, based on a laboratory analogue of an employment interview, show statistically significant main effects for eye contact and social status, as well as a significant two-way interaction effect. Effects of the manipulations on job-specific ratings are also reported, and implications of the research for biases in employment interviewing are discussed.
Vagal-enteric interface: vagal activation-induced expression of c-Fos and p-CREB in neurons of the upper gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.

Many gastrointestinal and pancreatic functions are under strong modulatory control by the brain via the vagus nerve. To start identifying location and neurochemical phenotype of the enteric neurons receiving functional vagal efferent input, we activated vagal preganglionic neurons either by electrical or chemical stimulation and examined the expression of phosphorylated CREB (c-AMP response element binding protein) and the immediate early gene c-Fos. There was no spontaneous expression of both markers in the pancreas and considerable spontaneous expression of p-CREB but not Fos in the upper GI-tract. Unilateral electrical vagal stimulation-induced p-CREB was found in 40% of neurons in the head of the pancreas. Fos expression was found in 70-90% of neurons in the esophagus and stomach, in 20-30% of myenteric plexus neurons and 5-15% in submucosal neurons of the proximal duodenum. Double-labeling experiments showed that a majority of pancreatic neurons and about 25-35% of neurons in the stomach and duodenum contain NADPH-diaphorase and that many of these receive functional vagal input. Other neurons that can be vagally activated contain gastrin-releasing peptide or calretinin. Chemical stimulation of the dorsal surface of the caudal brainstem with the stable TRH analog RX77368 resulted in selective activation of vagal efferents with expression of Fos in a small number of gastric myenteric plexus neurons. The results demonstrate the suitability of this method to investigate magnitude and local distribution of vagal input to the enteric nervous system as well as specificity of its neurochemically coded pathways. They represent the first step in the identification of function-specific units of parasympathetic vagal outflow.
Director’s Forum - Administrative Staff Support as a Key to Department Success

The Director's Forum series is edited by Robert J. Weber and Scott M. Mark and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This article focuses on an important group of individuals – administrative office support personnel. These “unsung heroes” serve a valuable role in promoting the pharmacy department, organizing and managing key projects, and supporting the patient-centered approach of the pharmacy. This article will also show that department administrative staff members are not “secretaries” but are trained professionals who employ specific skills to make the pharmacy department successful. In fact, if developed and used effectively, administrative staff are a key to a department's pharmacy practice model. An understanding of how administrative support staff can be used effectively can maximize their benefit for both patients and the pharmacy department.
Cell specific activity of trehalose-6-phosphate synthetase during differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract Trehalose-6-P synthetase activity was low at the beginning of the life cycle of Dictyostelium discoideum , reached maximum activity at 20 h, and decreased at late sorocarp. Enzyme activity in developing spore cells increased 10-fold during differentiation from myxamoebae (0 h) to the culmination stage (20 h) and decreased slighthly at sorocarp (24 h). Activity was similar in spore cells at the apex of the stalk. The activities in the stalk cells were dependent upon their position in the developing stalk. There was a decreasing gradient of activity from the apex to the base of the stalk.
Tests results of skutterudite based thermoelectric unicouples

Abstract Tests were performed of skutterudite based unicouples with (MAY-04) and without (MAR-03) metallic coating on the legs near the hot junction to quantify the effect on reducing performance degradation with operation time. The p-legs in the unicouples were made of CeFe3.5Co0.5Sb12 and the n-legs of CoSb3. The MAY-04 test was performed in vacuum (∼9 × 10−7 torr) for ∼2000 h at hot and cold junction temperatures of 892.1 ± 11.9 K and 316.1 ± 5.5 K, respectively, while the MAR-03 test was performed in argon cover gas (0.051–0.068 MPa) at 972.61 ± 10.0 K and 301.1 ± 5.1 K, respectively. The argon cover gas decreased antimony loss from the legs in the MAR-03 test, but marked degradation in performance occurred over time. Conversely, the metallic coating in the MAY-04 test was very effective in reducing performance degradation of the unicouple. Because the cross sectional areas of the legs in MAY-04 were larger than those in MAR-03, the measured electrical power of the former is much higher than that of the latter, but the Beginning of Test (BOT) open circuit voltages, Voc (204.2 mV) for both unicouples were almost the same. The peak electrical power of the MAY-04 unicouple decreased 12.35% from 1.62We at BOT to 1.42We after ∼2000 h of testing, while that of the MAR-03 unicouple decreased 25.37% from 0.67 to 0.5We after 261 h of testing at the above temperatures. The estimated peak efficiency of the MAY-04 unicouple, shortly after BOT (10.65%), was only ∼0.37% points lower than the theoretical value, calculated assuming zero side heat losses and zero contact resistance per leg.