cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract B17: Hyperactivating the Hippo pathway effector TAZ distorts the immune microenvironment in promoting the mesenchymal transformation in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest and most common primary brain malignancy in adults, is highly heterogeneous with variable prognoses and treatment responses. The mesenchymal subtype of GBM is associated with the worst prognosis and highest treatment resistance. It is still not clear how GBM mesenchymal differentiation is achieved. Hyperactivity of transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was linked to the GBM mesenchymal transformation, although its role in this process remains unclear. Here, by using orthotopic xenograft mouse GBM models, we found that hyperactive TAZ in tumor cells promotes myeloid cells to infiltrate into tumors. Such enhanced myeloid cell infiltration is associated with the mesenchymal transformation and tumor progression. We demonstrated that these TAZ-induced tumorigenic properties rely on its interaction with the transcription factor, TEA domain family member (TEAD). Such interaction induces the transcription of chemokines that are able to recruit the myeloid cells. Specific depletion of the infiltrated myeloid cells is able to slow down the tumor progression. Our studies suggested that recruiting myeloid cells by hyperactive TAZ contributes the mesenchymal transformation and tumor progression in glioblastoma. Citation Format: Patricia Yee, Yiju Wei, Zhijun Liu, Wei Li. Hyperactivating the Hippo pathway effector TAZ distorts the immune microenvironment in promoting the mesenchymal transformation in glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr B17.
Margin verification for hypofractionated prostate radiotherapy using a novel dose accumulation workflow and iterative CBCT.

Abstract Purpose Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer reduces the inconvenience of an extended treatment course but the appropriate treatment margin to ensure tumor control while minimizing toxicity is not standardized. Using a novel dose accumulation workflow with iterative CBCT (iCBCT) images, we were able to validate treatment margins. Methods Sixteen patients treated to the prostate on a hypofractionated clinical trial were selected. Prescription dose was 3625 cGy to > 95% of the PTV in 5 fractions with a boost to 4000 cGy to the high risk GTV (if applicable). PTV margin expansion was 5 mm isotropic except 3 mm posterior, no margin for the GTV. Daily iCBCT images were obtained while practicing strict bladder and rectal filling protocols. Using a novel adaptive dose accumulation workflow, synthetic CTs were created and the daily delivered dose was recalculated. The daily dose distributions were accumulated and target coverage and organ dose were assessed. Results Although the PTV coverage dropped for the accumulated dose, the prostate coverage was not compromised. The differences in bladder and anorectum dose were not significantly different. Four patients received a boost to the GTV and a significant decrease in coverage was noted in the accumulated dose. Conclusions The novel dose accumulation workflow demonstrated that daily iCBCT images can be used for dose accumulation. We found that our clinical treatment margins resulted in adequate dose to the prostate while sparing OARs. If the goal is to deliver the full dose to an intra-prostatic GTV, a margin may be appropriate.
TSNP: A two-stage nonparametric phase I/II clinical trial design for immunotherapy

We develop a transparent and efficient two-stage nonparametric (TSNP) phase I/II clinical trial design to identify the optimal biological dose (OBD) of immunotherapy. We propose a nonparametric approach to derive the closed-form estimates of the joint toxicity-efficacy response probabilities under the monotonic increasing constraint for the toxicity outcomes. These estimates are then used to measure the immunotherapy's toxicity-efficacy profiles at each dose and guide the dose finding. The first stage of the design aims to explore the toxicity profile. The second stage aims to find the OBD, which can achieve the optimal therapeutic effect by considering both the toxicity and efficacy outcomes through a utility function. The closed-form estimates and concise dose-finding algorithm make the TSNP design appealing in practice. The simulation results show that the TSNP design yields superior operating characteristics than the existing Bayesian parametric designs. User-friendly computational software is freely available to facilitate the application of the proposed design to real trials. We provide comprehensive illustrations and examples about implementing the proposed design with associated software.
Large-Scale Discrete Constrained Black-Box Optimization Using Radial Basis Functions

Relatively few surrogate-based methods have been developed for constrained expensive black-box optimization with discrete variables. Even more scarce are surrogate methods that can also be used for high-dimensional problems with hundreds of discrete variables. This paper develops the CONDOR algorithm for large-scale computationally expensive constrained optimization problems with ordinal discrete variables and many black-box inequality constraints. The algorithm builds multiple response surface or surrogate models to approximate the objective function and each of the constraint functions. The response surface models identify promising sample points for function evaluations from a large number of trial points in the neighborhood of the current best solution. The generation of trial points is controlled by two parameters, the probability of perturbing a variable and a depth parameter, which provides the maximum amount of discrete perturbation for each variable. Global and local variants of CONDOR are implemented using radial basis function (RBF) surrogates and are applied to a single-objective version of the large-scale Mazda benchmark problem with 222 discrete variables and 54 black-box inequality constraints using a simulation budget of only 10 times the number of decision variables. The CONDOR algorithms dramatically outperform global and local variants of an RBF-assisted Constrained Discrete Random Search method, the direct search method NOMAD and a genetic algorithm with various crossover fractions and yields a substantial improvement over an initial feasible design on the Mazda benchmark given the limited computational budget.
Initial experience of thoracoscopic video-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery at national heart institute

Background Advancements in instruments and thoracoscopes and the evolution of cannulation techniques and cannulae types for cardiopulmonary bypass as well as cardiopulmonary bypass machines during the past decade have encouraged many surgeons to adopt minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS). Today, MIMVS has become the standard approach for many surgeons and institutions. Patients and methods This is a nonrandomized prospective study in which 150 patients of mitral valve pathology scheduled for mitral valve surgery over a period of 3 years from March 2014 to May 2017 at National Heart Institute were allocated to two groups after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Group 1 underwent conventional mitral valve surgery via median sternotomy and group 2 underwent MIMVS via right lateral minithoracotomy. Data were collected prospectively, and seven parameters were used to compare between study groups, namely, cross-clamp time, total bypass time, dose of inotrope, postoperative ventilation time, ICU stay time, total postoperative length of stay, and return to normal activity. Results Demographic criteria of the two cohorts were comparable. Mean bypass time in group 1 was 50.30 ± 7.56 min compared with 67.80 ± 5.85 min in group 2 (P Conclusion In appropriate patients with mitral valve disease of any cause, a right minithoracotomy approach can be used safely without compromising clinical outcome and with fast return to normal activity.
Bridging the Valley of Death through Financial Innovation: Written Testimony of Andrew W. Lo Prepared for the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee

Written testimony of Andrew W. Lo for the September 11, 2019 hearing "Examining Private Market Exemptions as a Barrier to IPOs and Retail Investment" held by the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets.
Effects of drought on groundwater-fed lake areas in the Nebraska Sand Hills

Abstract Study region The Nebraska Sand Hills (NSH) lies in the western part of Nebraska, United States. We chose the north-eastern, central, and western parts of NSH with distinct climate, topography, and hydrology. Study focus The study assesses the response of hundreds of shallow groundwater-fed lakes to drought. Total lake area (TLA), determined by classifying Landsat satellite images from 1984 to 2018, was juxtaposed with published Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and detrended cumulative PDSI (DeCumPDSI) at monthly and annual timescales. The PDSI and DeCumPDSI were time lagged to incorporate the preceding climatic effect (groundwater time lag) and evaluated against TLA using Bayesian regression analysis. New hydrologic insight for the region TLA in the NSH respond to the seasonal as well as long-term climatic effects moderated by topography, surface, and subsurface hydrology. A higher determination coefficient R2 and lower mean square error of TLA at annual PDSI and DeCumPDSI illustrate the effect of long-term climatic fluctuations and groundwater influence: the evaporative losses from lakes are modulated by the lake-groundwater exchange, but the groundwater recharge has a longer response time to the drought. The study provides a simple method of assessment of the climate impact that results from the satellite data, gridded climate observation, and statistics for sensitive landscape of the NSH.
Waveform Inversion for Geoacoustic Parameters of the Ocean Bottom in Shallow Water : Matched Mode Method

In full field inversion methods, the problem of estimating the geoacoustic parameters of the ocean bottom is generally solved by casting it as a parameter estimation problem in which a cost function ϕ(p) = Σn | d n - f n (p)|2, where d n is the measured field at the nth receiver, f n is the computed field for the assumed bottom model and p is a vector containing the unknown parameters, is minimized. In this paper, we present a modified cost function based on decomposing the field into its contributions from individual modes and then determining the set of bottom parameters that predict this field mode by mode. We investigate the performance of this algorithm using synthetic and field data.
How do IMF announcements affect financial markets in crises?: Evidence from forward exchange markets

Abstract We employ a theoretical model to interpret the liquidity and moral hazard effects of IMF support during a financial crisis. We then estimate the response of forward exchange markets to IMF-related announcements, using data on the 3-, 9-, and 12-month forward exchange rates. Our results indicate that the announcement of IMF negotiations is associated with a premium on the baht and the rupiah, where the premium is much larger on the latter. This result is largely consistent with the responses of stock and bond markets, especially when country-specific data are employed.
Guaranteed Optimization: Proving Nullspace Properties of Compilers

Writing performance-critical programs can be frustrating because optimizing compilers for imperative languages tend to be unpredictable. For a subset of optimizations - those that simplify rather than reorder code - it would be useful to prove that a compiler reliably performs optimizations. We show that adopting a "superanalysis" approach to optimization enables such a proof. By analogy with linear algebra, we define the nullspace of an optimizer as those programs it reduces to the empty program. To span the nullspace, we define rewrite rules that de-optimize programs by introducing abstraction. For a model compiler we prove that any sequence of de-optimizing rewrite rule applications is undone by the optimizer. Thus, we are able to give programmers a clear mental model of what simplifications the compiler is guaranteed to perform, and make progress on the problem of "abstraction penalty" in imperative languages.
Robust solutions to hard problems

Twenty-first century computers could achieve astonishing speed by exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics. New techniques of quantum error correction will be essential to prevent those machines from crashing.
Positron emission tomography for the evaluation and treatment of cardiomyopathy

Congestive heart failure accounts for tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are numerous causes of cardiomyopathy, the most common of which is coronary artery disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) has an established and expanding role in the evaluation of patients with cardiomyopathy. The specific application of PET to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac sarcoidosis, and diabetic cardiomyopathy has been studied extensively and promises to be a useful tool for managing these patients. Furthermore, evaluating the efficacy of standard treatments for congestive heart failure is important as health care costs continue to rise. Recently, there have been significant developments in the field of cardiovascular stem cell research. Familiarity with the mechanisms by which stem cells benefit patients with cardiovascular disease is the key to understanding these advances. Molecular imaging techniques including PET/CT imaging play an important role in monitoring stem cell therapy in both animals and humans. These noninvasive imaging techniques will be highlighted in this paper.
Development of an ELISA for the Detection of the Residues of the Insecticide Imidacloprid in Agricultural and Environmental Samples

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the chloronicotinyl insecticide imidacloprid was developed using a polyclonal antibody produced against a hapten conjugated through the imidazolidine to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. In the standard curve of imidacloprid, an IC50 of 17.3 ng/mL was obtained using a competitive heterologous system at pH 10. Very low crossreactivity was found for some structurally related compounds including the insecticide thiacloprid. The high cross-reactivity with a metabolite containing the carbonyl group in the imidazolidine moiety suggests the involvement of its polarity and stereochemical fitness in forming the antibody-antigen complex. The effects of various assay conditions, including organic solvents, detergent content, salt concentration, and pH on the sensitivity were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography was run for comparison to validate the ELISA with fortified water samples, the correlation being 0.997-0.998 (n ) 15) with a slope of 1.10-1.38. The ELISA turned out to be a convenient tool for monitoring imidacloprid residues in agricultural and environmental samples.
The investment case for preventing NICU-associated infections

Background Nosocomial [hospital-associated or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)-associated] infections occur in as many as 10 to 36% of very low-birth-weight infants cared for in NICUs. Objective To determine the potentially avoidable, incremental costs of care associated with NICU-associated bloodstream infections. Study Design This retrospective study included all NICU admissions of infants weighing 401 to 1500 g at birth in the greater Cincinnati region from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2007. Nonphysician costs of care were compared between infants who developed at least one bacterial bloodstream infection prior to NICU discharge or death and infants who did not. Costs were adjusted for clinical and demographic characteristics that are present in the first 3 days of life and are known associates of infection. Results Among 900 study infants with no congenital anomaly and no major surgery, 82 (9.1%) developed at least one bacterial bloodstream infection. On average, the cost of NICU care was $16,800 greater per infant who experienced NICU-associated bloodstream infection. Conclusion Potentially avoidable costs of care associated with bloodstream infection can be used to justify investments in the reliable implementation of evidence-based interventions designed to prevent these infections.
The effect of crystallization on the modulus of thermally conductive silicone adhesives

Abstract Low modulus, thermally conductive silicones were evaluated as soft mount adhesives for substrate attachment. It was determined that due to the existence of a crystalline phase, above the glassy transition temperature ( T g ≈−125°C), the modulus of the adhesives can be orders of magnitude higher than at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that at a cooling rate of 5°C/min the crystallization temperature, T c , is −75°C, which shifts to −66°C under a slower ramp rate of 0.5°C/min. Correspondingly, a sharp increase in modulus also occurs at T c when the adhesive undergoes the same thermal processes. When the temperature is held isothermally below the crystalline melting temperature ( T m =−42°C), the modulus increases simultaneously with the increase in the degree of crystallization. The growth rate of the modulus increases exponentially as the temperature approaches −75°C from T m . Once the silicones are in the high modulus state, the temperature must be increased above T m to melt the crystalline phase and recover the normal low modulus phase. If the heating rate is faster than about 0.5°C/min, the recovery temperature can pass over T m to about −35°C.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase isoforms modulates nicotine withdrawal syndrome in the rat

Abstract Aims There have been many reports of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition by non-nicotine ingredients in tobacco smoke, persisting for days after smoking cessation. This study determined the effect of inhibiting MAO and its isoforms on nicotine withdrawal syndrome. Main methods Rats were rendered nicotine-dependent by seven days of subcutaneous (s.c.) 9 mg/kg/day infusion of nicotine bitartrate. Twenty-two hours after termination of infusion, they were observed over 20 min for somatically expressed nicotine withdrawal signs. Three hours before observation, rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 4 mg/kg each of the MAO A antagonist clorgyline and the MAO B antagonist deprenyl, or with saline alone. A similar experiment was performed with non-dependent, saline-infused rats. Another experiment compared nicotine-dependent rats that received injections of either saline or 4 mg/kg clorgyline alone. A further experiment compared rats receiving either saline or 4 mg/kg deprenyl alone. Key findings Combined treatment with both MAO inhibitors markedly and significantly exacerbated somatically expressed nicotine withdrawal signs in nicotine infused rats, while having no significant effects in saline-infused rats. Rats injected s.c. with 4 mg/kg clorgyline alone had significantly more withdrawal signs than saline-injected rats, while deprenyl-injected rats had significantly fewer signs than saline controls. Assays confirmed that clorgyline thoroughly reduced MAO A enzymatic activity and deprenyl thoroughly reduced MAO B activity. Significance The results suggest that inhibition of MAO A may contribute to the intensity of withdrawal syndrome in smoking cessation.
An analysis of the hemoglobins from some common turtles

A chromatographic analysis of the blood from seven species of turtles, representing four families, has revealed that all animals contained multiple hemoglobins. Members of the Emydidae family had two major components separated by a minor one. There was some variation to this pattern in the box turtles (Terrapenes). The musk, soft shelled, and the snapping turtles examined had three, five, and four hemoglobins respectively. In general, electrophoresis of these proteins in starch gels confirmed the results obtained from DEAE cellulose chromatography in minicolumns. Hemoglobins from the painted and Cumberland turtles were found to be quite resistant to dimerization on aging and to alkali denaturation. These proteins from the box turtles were seen to be moderately resistant to both types of molecular modification, while those from the musk, the soft shelled, and the snapping turtles polymerized readily on aging and denatured readily in alkali.
GD&T-Based Characterization of Short-Range Non-contact 3D Imaging Systems

We present a series of test metrics, artifacts, and procedures for characterizing and verifying the operating limits of a short-range non-contact three-dimensional imaging system. These metrics have been designed to correspond to dimensioning and tolerancing metrics that are widely used in industry (e.g. automotive, aerospace, etc.). We introduce operating limit metrics that correspond with the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) metrics of Form (Flatness and Circularity), Orientation (Angularity), Location (Sphere, Corner, and Hole Position Errors), and Size (Diameter, Sphere-spacing, Plane-spacing and Angle Errors). An example is presented to illustrate how these metrics, artifacts, and associated test procedures can be used in practice.
Temperature and deuterium isotope effects on the intersystem crossing rates for the lowest triplest state of tetraphenylchlorin

Abstract The average rate of intersystem crossing from the lowest triplet state to the ground state increases by a factor of approximately 2.5 between 2 K and 77 K for tetraphenylchlorin and tetraphenylchlorin- d 2 . This observation is discussed in terms of radiationless-transition theory. It is also found that, contrary to the case for aromatic hydrocarbons, the position dependence of the deuterium isotope effect for the several chlorins studied does not correlate with the predicted one-center π-election densities in the highest filled and lowest unfilled molecular orbitals.
Details of GABA Binding to the GABA-A Receptor Revealed by Molecular Dynamics

Through the analysis of two rare-event molecular dynamics simulations, we were able to observe the complete dissociation of a GABA molecule from the GABAA-receptor, the diffusion of that molecule into bulk water, and then the subsequent re-binding of GABA into its binding pocket.The route for this re-binding event was not linear in fashion, but rather adopted ‘bind, slide, and find' approach. We found that the GABA molecule BINDS to the protein surface outside of the binding pocket, SLIDES along the protein surface into the pocket itself, and then FINDS the correct binding orientation once it is within the binding pocket.
Hektor: the largest highly elongated asteroid.

New observations of Trojan asteroid 624, Hektor, in April 1979 establish that the high amplitude of the rotational light curve of this object is caused by its elongated shape and not by patches of dark and light albedo on opposing hemispheres. These observations confirm the fact that Hektor is a very unusual object and are consistent with the hypothesis that it may be a compound asteroid formed when two Trojans of comparable size fell together - a rare fossilized example of a planetary accretion process.
Biochemical Evidence of Mild Hepatic Dysfunction Identifies Decompensated Heart Failure Patients With Reversible Renal Dysfunction

Abstract Background Differentiation of HF-induced renal dysfunction (RD) from irreversible intrinsic kidney disease is challenging, likely related to the multifactorial pathophysiology underlying HF-induced RD. In contrast, HF-induced liver dysfunction results in characteristic laboratory abnormalities. Given that similar pathophysiologic factors are thought to underlie both conditions, and that the liver and kidneys share a common circulatory environment, patients with laboratory evidence of HF-induced liver dysfunction may also have a high incidence of potentially reversible HF-induced RD. Methods and Results Hospitalized patients with a discharge diagnosis of HF were reviewed (n = 823). Improvement in renal function (IRF) was defined as a 20% improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An elevated international normalized ratio (INR; odds ratio [OR] 2.8; P Conclusions Biochemical evidence of mild liver dysfunction is associated with reversible RD in decompensated HF patients. In the absence of methodology to directly identify HF-induced RD, signs of HF-induced dysfunction of other organs may serve as an accessible method by which HF-induced RD is recognized.
Neutron detection efficiency for NE213 and BC501 scintillators at energies between 25 and 200 MeV

Abstract The 7 Li(p, n) reaction at 0° has been used to measure the response of single-element organic scintillators to monoenergetic neutron beams at five energies between 25 and 200 MeV. Zero-degree cross section data were also obtained for the 7 Li(p, n) reaction for neutron energies down to 20 MeV. The scintillator response data agree within ±20% with differential and integral efficiencies calculated using a standard detector simulation program.
The Photoevaporation of Dwarf Galaxies during Reionization

During the period of reionization, the universe was filled with a cosmological background of ionizing radiation. By that time a significant fraction of the cosmic gas had already been incorporated into collapsed galactic halos with virial temperatures 104 K that were unable to cool efficiently. We show that photoionization of this gas by the fresh cosmic UV background boiled the gas out of the gravitational potential wells of its host halos. We calculate the photoionization heating of gas inside spherically symmetric dark matter halos and assume that gas that is heated above its virial temperature is expelled. In popular cold dark matter models, the Press-Schechter halo abundance implies that ~50%-90% of the collapsed gas was evaporated at reionization. The gas originated from halos below a threshold circular velocity of ~10-15 km s-1. The resulting outflows from the dwarf galaxy population at redshifts z = 5-10 affected the metallicity and the thermal and hydrodynamic states of the surrounding intergalactic medium. Our results suggest that stellar systems with a velocity dispersion 10 km s-1, such as globular clusters or the dwarf spheroidal galaxies of the Local Group, did not form directly through cosmological collapse at high redshifts.
Measurement of flight tone differentiates among members of the Anopheles gambiae species complex (Diptera: Culicidae)

Through digital sampling and resampling at 5,000 and 20,000 Hz of amplified mosquito flight sound, baseline separation was observed for flight tone frequency distributions of male and female Anopheles gambiae Giles, An. arabiensis Patton, An. merus Donitz, and An. melas Theobald. Males of the 4 species showed flight tones considerably higher than females. Up to 7 harmonics were measured for each species. Close correspondence for each individual mosquito of the means of the flight tone harmonics (corrected for harmonic number) demonstrated the accuracy and precision of the method. These data indicate that flight tone differences have been subjected to selection and may act as an isolating mechanism for mating or serve some other behavioral purpose in these mosquitoes. Individuals and swarms of sympatric species were distinguished from each other for both males and females, but the allopatric species, An. merus and An. melas, were indistinguishable.
Renal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A multivariate analysis of prognostic factors

Renal involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. This study is the first report in which the relationship between the progression of renal involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and various factors was evaluated using a multivariate analysis. Sixty-five (33.5%) of 194 patients with HSP developed renal involvement from three days to 17 months after the onset of the disease. The plasma coagulation factor XIII (F XIII) activity of 97 patients was examined, and 51 (54.3%) of them showed a decreased activity. A univariate analysis showed that an age at the onset of more than seven years, persistent purpura and a decreased F XIII activity all increased the risk of developing renal involvement. A Cox regression model analysis indicated severe abdominal symptoms, persistent purpura and decreased F XIII activity to be significant risk factors and their hazard ratios were 3.26, 11.53 and 2.27, respectively. Corticosteroid treatment had a hazard ratio of 0.36 and was considered to decrease the risk of developing renal involvement. Based on these findings, patients who have the risk factors for renal involvement should be treated with corticosteroids at the onset of the disease to prevent developing renal involvement.
On the nonexistence of uniformly optimal graphs for pair-connected reliability

We consider probabilistic graphs G = (V, E) in which each edge xy ∈ E fails independently with probability q. The reliability measure studied is pair-connectivity, the expected number of pairs of connected vertices. We examine how the coefficients of the pair-connected reliability polynomial are determined by the subgraph structure of G, and we use these results to show that in most cases there does not exist a uniformly optimal n-vertex, m-edge graph.
Modeling authentic assessment for preservice elementary school teachers

Abstract Teacher educators who promote improvements in the assessment of student learning can also be models of authentic assessment for preservice teachers. It is not fair to promote appropriate models of assessment but not implement them in our own teaching, to ask preservice teachers to “do as we say and not as we do.” One of my goals for assessment in my methods courses is to help preservice teachers understand the many dimensions of authentic assessment. This article offers a description of those dimensions and examples of authentic assessment that I implement in my mathematics education methods course. The components of my assessment model are designed to provide a broad range of information for the purpose of improving student learning.
Molecular cloning of Chinese hamster dihydrofolate reductase-specific cDNA and the identification of multiple dihydrofolate reductase mRNAs in antifolate-resistant Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts

ds cDNA from antifolate-resistant Chinese hamster lung fibroblast subline DC-3F/MQ19 was ligated to Eco RI and Sal I oligonucleotide linkers and cloned into Eco RI and Sal I digested pBR322. Transformed colonies containing dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)-specific recombinant plasmid were identified by Grunstein Hogness assay using a Chinese hamster DHFR-specific cDNA probe. A recombinant plasmid, pDHFR6, containing a 650 bp HFR insert was isolated and analyzed. This plasmid was used as a molecular probe in a Northern blot analysis of both cytoplasmic and polysomal DHFR, poly A+ mRNAs of the DC-3F/MQ19 subline, which over-produces a 20,000d DHFR 150-fold, and DC-3F/A3 subline, which over-produces a 21,000d DHFR 170-fold. This analysis revealed the presence of three DHFR mRNA species of 1350, 2200, and 3300 nucleotides in both independently-derived cell lines. The relative abundance of each species however varied strikingly between the two cell lines.
INTRAVENTRICULAR ADMINISTRATION OF RESERPINE AND ITS METABOLITES TO CONSCIOUS CATS

Intraventricular injection of reserpine in conscious cats produced relaxation of the nictitating membrane, miosis with narrowing of the palpebral fissure to a slit, avoidance of light, diarrhoea, anorexia, and tranquillization. Equivalent doses of trimethoxybenzoic acid, reserpic acid or methylreserpate separately or in combination did not produce such effects, indicating that these reserpine metabolites were not involved in these reserpine actions. 5-Hydroxytryptamine alone or in combination with subthreshold doses of reserpine also did not duplicate the effects observed after effective doses of reserpine. The possible central sites of reserpine action are discussed.
Cerebellar deoxyribonucleases and DNA in the androgenized female rat.

Postnatal developmental patterns of activity for acid and alkaline deoxyribonuclease (DNase) were determined in the cerebellum of the androgenized female rat. Littermates were injected s.c. with either 1.25 mg testosterone propionate (TP) or vehicle 48 hours after birth. The enzymes and DNA content were measured in the cerebellum at 3, 6, 10, 15, 18, 22, 35, and 60 days of age. Neonatally administered TP affects neither the activities nor the developmental patterns of the DNases through age 60 days. However, the DNA content was significantly lower in the cerebellum of the TP-treated rats at ages 10 and 15 days. These data demonstrate that the TP-induced alterations in cerebellar DNA content are not mediated by acid or alkaline DNase.
Aspergillus Pancarditis following Bone Marrow Transplantation for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

A 34-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia developed hemoptysis, pain in the left side of the chest, and a systolic heart murmur eight weeks following an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. His clinical status deteriorated, and he died ten weeks after transplantation. Autopsy revealed unsuspected disseminated aspergillosis, including the unusual finding of Aspergillus pancarditis and pericarditis. Cardiac aspergillosis is a uniformly lethal disease in immunocompromised persons and must be aggressively diagnosed following early symptoms.
Effects of chemical and electrical stimulation of the midbrain on feline T2-T6 spinoreticular and spinal cell activity evoked by cardiopulmonary afferent input

Responses to electrical and chemical stimulation of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and midbrain reticular formation (RF) were examined on extracellular activity of 28 spinoreticular tract (SRT) and 56 spinal neurons in T2–T6 segments of anesthetized cats. All cells received excitatory viscerosomatic convergent input from the left forelimb triceps region and from cardiopulmonary sympathetic afferents. Evoked activity that resulted from pinching the left triceps was reduced by PAG and midbrain RF stimulation (100 Hz, 100 μs, 50–500 μA). Visceral afferent input to the neurons was elicited during electrical stimulation of the PAG and adjacent RF decreased A-δ and C-fiber activation of these neurons produced during electrical stimulation of cardiopulmonary afferents and decreased the activity of cells during excitatory responses to intracardiac bradykinin. Electrical stimulation of the PAG or midbrain RF similarly decreased spontaneous and evoked cell activity. Selective activation of cell bodies with microinjection of glutamate into the PAG reduced the activity of 6 to 8 cells whereas glutamate injections into midbrain RF reduced the activity of only 3 of 13 neurons. This difference in the effectiveness of chemically stimulating the PAG vs midbrain RF was significant (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that (1) neuronal activity evoked by visceral afferent input from the heart was decreased by electrical stimulation of the PAG and midbrain RF and (2) a portion of this descending inhibition may be mediated by cell bodies in the PAG.
Early and broadly defined psychosis risk mental states

Current definitions of the prodromal (or at-risk mental state) phase of schizophrenia include attenuated and/or transient psychotic symptoms as well as a combination of different risk indicators and a recent significant deterioration in global functioning. Data accumulated to date suggest rates of conversion to frank psychosis within two years in 25 to 40% of cases supporting the validity of these criteria. However, at this late phase of illness, functional deterioration is often already pronounced, highlighting the need for earlier identification. Moreover, negative symptoms and social impairments, cognitive deficits, other non-psychotic psychopathology and/or functional decline and non-specific biological indicators, often can be detected well before the at-risk mental state as currently defined; indicating that a broad characterization of an earlier stage may be possible. Identifying specific criteria to define this group of individuals, starting from the framework of familial high-risk, can help define a broader group of people, including earlier at-risk mental states, for future research. The hope is that this research will help facilitate intervention at earlier stages that may in turn minimize functional deterioration, and delay, attenuate or even prevent transition to psychosis. The disadvantages as well as the potential benefits of this approach are discussed.
Rapid bioturbation in equatorial Pacific sediments: evidence from excess 234Th measurements

In order to evaluate bioturbation in equatorial Pacific sediments, profiles of excess 234Th were measured in cores collected during November and December 1992, at six abyssal sites along the JGOFS Equatorial Pacific 140°W transect, from 5°S to 9°N. Excess 234Th (half-life=24.1 days) was detected at all sites. Mean inventories ranged from a low of 0.25 dpm cm−2 at 9°N, to a high of 2.6 dpm cm−2 at 2°N. Eddy-diffusive models of the excess 234Th profiles suggest that, on 100-day timescales, particle mixing is slow at 5°S and 2°S (eddy diffusion coefficient, Db, < 0.4 cm2 year−1), faster at 0° and 2°N (Db=0.34–4.8 cm2 year−1), and fastest at 5°N (Db=4.7−11 cm2 year−1). At 9°N, 234Th is found almost entirely in the upper 5 mm of the seabed, and Db values are <0.1 cm2 year−1. Db values generally increase as POC flux increases, although the linear relationship (r2=0.334, p=0.365) displays considerable scatter. However, if the only sites included in the regression are those where 234Th profiles were measured in at least two core sets (i.e. 0°, 2°N, 5°N and 9°N), the linear regression improves substantially (r2=0.754, p=0.0012). These results suggest that measurements on a single core may not fully characterize the sediment mixing regime in a particular region, and highlight the need for multiple samples from an individual site. Thorium-234-Db values at 5°S, 2°S and 9°N are in rough agreement with published Db values calculated from the profiles of intermediate half-life radioisotopes, such as 210Pb and 137Cs, in open-ocean abyssal sediments. However, at 0°, 2°N and 5°N, 234Th-Db values are as much as an order of magnitude greater than published 210Pb-Db values. This phenomenon has been observed in other marine environments and may result from age-dependent mixing, non-steady-state mixing or a combination of the two processes. Particle mixing in cores collected at 5°S and 5°N appears to be best described as a largely eddy diffusive process. However, in cores collected at 2°S, 0°, 2°N and 9°N, non-local mixing processes appear to affect 15–30% of the excess 234Th inventory. At these sites, non-local mixing appears to transport recently-deposited material at least 3–4 cm below the sediment-water interface within 100 days of its arrival at the seafloor. The combination of rapid biodiffusive mixing and non-local transport allows recently-deposited, reactive biogenic debris to be rapidly mixed into the seabed. This may affect a wide range of diagenetic processes, including oxygen consumption, dissolution of biogenic debris and organic carbon remineralization. Models of early diagenesis in deep-sea sediments may need to incorporate both non-diffusive transport terms and rapid biodiffusive mixing of recently-deposited particles.
P04.30. Physical inactivity among employees at major academic medical center and university

Methods We examined data from the 2010 health risk assessment (HRA) among Vanderbilt University employees who are enrolled in the employer insurance plan. The HRA is a 39item online questionnaire developed by Wellsource, Inc. In 2010, 80% of eligible employees completed the HRA (n=16,976). We analyzed characteristics of PIA among employees, defined as individuals who reported exercising less than one time a week in the last year. We used bivariable models to examine the associations of PIA with sociodemographics, health status, chronic medical conditions, mental health, and health behaviors.
Monoclonal Gammopathy Associated With Naturally Occurring Canine Ehrlichiosis

Clinical, hematologic, and immunologic findings for 14 dogs with Ehrlichia canis monoclonal gammopathy were studied retrospectively. Epistaxis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and proteinuria were documented in the majority of these dogs. The serum protein electrophoresis pattern was characterized by a distinct narrow-base monoclonal spike, by a broad-base monoclonal spike, or by a monoclonal spike superimposed on a polyclonal gammopathy. The monoclonal spike disappeared following tetracycline treatment for ehrlichiosis. The long-term prognosis following treatment was generally good. The diagnostic features of monoclonal gammopathy due to myeloma were compared with those of E. canis monoclonal gammopathy. Owing to numerous similarities in clinical, hematologic, and immunologic findings, we conclude that an E. canis antibody titer should be determined in all dogs in which a diagnosis of benign monoclonal gammopathy is contemplated or definitive evidence of myeloma, leukemia, or macroglobulinemia is lacking.
Gossypol overcomes stroma-mediated resistance to the BCL2 inhibitor ABT-737 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells ex vivo

Gossypol overcomes stroma-mediated resistance to the BCL2 inhibitor ABT-737 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells ex vivo
RIVER OTTER MONITORING BY CITIZEN SCIENCE VOLUNTEERS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: SOCIAL GROUPS AND LITTER SIZE

Opportunistic observations of Nearctic River Otter (Lontra canadensis) were collected by volunteer observers in Humboldt and Del Norte counties to describe group and litter size patterns. In the first 5 y, 709 records were sent by email, mail, or an online form. River Otter pups were characterized relative to adult body size. Group sizes, ranging from 1 to 9 otters, were larger in summer and smaller in winter. Litter size ranged from 1 to 4 pups and declined from an average of 3.2 in spring to 1.6 in fall. Observers recorded 49 litters among 23 watercourses, with otters from some sites producing pups in multiple years. This Citizen Science approach to monitoring can provide valuable information to assess basic population parameters that might otherwise be unobtainable.
Transforming Power of Immunosuppression: Experimental Mirage or Clinical Mirror to the Future.

Abstract Malignancy is a common and dreaded complication after organ transplantation. The high incidence of neoplasm and its aggressive progression, which are associated with immunosuppressive therapy, are thought to be due to the resulting impairment of the organ recipient's immune-surveillance system. Here we report a mechanism for the heightened malignancy that is independent of host immunity. We show that ryclosporine (cyclosporin A), an immunosuppressant that has had a major impact on improving patient outcome following organ transplantation, induces phenotypic changes, including invasiveness of non-transformed cells, by a cell-autonomous mechanism. Our studies show that ryclosporine treatment of adenocarcinoma cells results in striking morphological alterations, including membrane ruing and numerous pseudopodial protrusions, increased cell motility, and anchorage-independent (invasive) growth. These changes are prevented by treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed at transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In vivo, cyclosporine enhances tumor growth in immunodeficient SCID-beige mice; anti-TGF-(3 monoclonal antibodies but not control antibodies prevent the cyclosporine-induced increase in the number of metastases. Ourfindings suggest that immunosuppressants like cyclosporine can promote cancer progression by a direct cellular effect that is independent of its effect on the host's immune cells, and that ryclosporine-induced TGF-8 production is involved in this.
BRITISH EUROSCEPTICISM – A VIEW FROM A CLASSICAL LIBERAL IN NEW EUROPE

This article argues that the classical liberal idea of federalism has been hijacked by socialists in Europe. At the same time, it is argued that classical liberals should not become Eurosceptics.
Investigation of Charge-Rate Increase for a Capacitor Charging Power Supply in Burst Mode Operation

Interest in rep-rate operation of pulsed power systems has led to an increase in power requirements of high voltage (HV) capacitor charging power supplies (CCPS). Compact repetitive pulse power systems provide an impetus to develop supplies with a high power density (HPD). We have an application requiring compact HPD CCPS's and have evaluated a number of options to determine their applicability to a bipolar charging scheme with a charge rate requirement of 6400 J/s. The load for our application has significantly imbalanced charge rail stray capacitances, which introduces issues with CCPS polarity dominance and no commercially available options were found to be satisfactory. This paper discusses our effort to modify a commercial CCPS to meet our requirements for charge rate and control versatility. Two Lambda Americas model 152A CCPS, of opposite polarities, were modified to operate from DC prime power and used to charge a bench load capacitance with integrated diagnostics. The primary objective was to double the effective rating of the commercial supply in a low duty cycle burst mode through modification of the operating parameters. The impact of variable switching frequency, passive resonant component value, and prime power voltage level on the charge rate is examined in detail. Burst-mode charge rate increases of greater than three times the continuous rating are reported. The impact on efficiency and reliability of the supply after modifications is also discussed.
Ethnographic Research in Business and Technical Writing: Between Extremes and Margins

Two widely disseminated approaches impose reductive boundaries on ethnographic research by privileging one context of meaning over other essential contexts. The first, emphasizing statistical validity, privileges the research community by recommending that the ethnographer's data analysis via coding agree with that of other raters from the research community. The second asserts that the ethnographer who comes closest to validity comes closest to presenting only the subject's point of view. Ethnography, however, comprises four essential, overlapping contexts: the phenomenal context (that which is observed/recorded), the site's cultural context (the subjects' outlook), the research community context, and the researcher's interior context, shaped by experience and education. Each of the four vantages has dominating tendencies, but if one does dominate to the exclusion of others, the reductive result is data-centered, thin description; subjects-centered groupthink; research community-centered groupthink; or r...
Role of infectious agents in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: Facts and controversies

The etiology of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) remains unknown, with potential infectious causes having been explored. This contribution evaluates the evidence suggesting an infectious etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, characterizes the relationships between various specific pathogens and CTCL, and discusses some of the difficulties in establishing a causal link between infectious agents and CTCL carcinogenesis. Researchers have evaluated CTCL specimens for evidence of infection with a variety of agents, including human T-lymphotropic virus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus-8, and Staphylococcus aureus, although other pathogens also have been detected in CTCL. Although there is significant evidence implicating one or more infectious agents in CTCL, studies to date have not linked definitively any pathogen to disease development, and various studies have yielded conflicting results.
Arc‐heated high‐intensity source of hydrogen atoms

A very intense source of hydrogen atoms for atomic and molecular beam experiments has been obtained using pure hydrogen gas. In this work, a source head heated by a dc arc, very similar to the unit described by Knuth’s group [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 40, 1346 (1969)] was used. Fluxes of at least 4×1017 hydrogen atoms/sr sec with energies of about 5 eV have been repeatedly attained.