cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3635: Performance of the Agilent D5000 and high sensitivity D5000 ScreenTape assays for the Agilent 4200 TapeStation system

The Agilent 4200 TapeStation system provides automated, fast, and reliable DNA and RNA electrophoresis for up to 96 samples using prepackaged reagents and minimal manual handling. The Agilent D5000 ScreenTape and High Sensitivity D5000 ScreenTape assays have been developed for the separation and analysis of DNA fragments from 100 bp to 5,000 bp, a size range that complements and resides between the Agilent D1000 ScreenTape and the Genomic DNA ScreenTape assays. The 4200 TapeStation system and the DNA ScreenTape assays can be used at several steps of the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflow. With the emergence of methodologies, such as the use of Transposomes, NGS library sizes are tending to increase beyond 1,000 bp, even for the short-read NGS technologies. This Poster focuses on the performance of both D5000 ScreenTape assays with respect to the accuracy and precision of quantification and sizing, as well as the sensitivity of these assays. Data analysis for quantification and molarity determination was compared against the corresponding assay for the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system. Additionally, performance of both the D5000 and High Sensitivity D5000 assays on the 4200 TapeStation was compared to the 2200 TapeStation system. Citation Format: Rainer Nitsche, Lidia Prieto-Lafuente, Claire MacDonald, Isabell Pechtl. Performance of the Agilent D5000 and high sensitivity D5000 ScreenTape assays for the Agilent 4200 TapeStation system. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3635.
The Failure of Coordination and the Rise of Dualism in Germany

Introduction Modell Deutschland was a great success during the golden age of postwar reconstruction and economic expansion and continued to inspire admiration even in the aftermath of the OPEC oil shocks and attendant global recessions and inflation. In the immediate postwar decades, German growth rates were at, or above, average, unemployment and inflation rates remained below average, and economic inequality was modest to low. During the post-OPEC 1970s and 1980s, Germany continued to exhibit respectable export-led economic growth, relatively low inflation, and modest fiscal imbalances. After the oil crisis, however, unemployment appeared as a growing blight on Germany, and since the 1980s, poor employment performance has been exacerbated by rising labor market dualism and economic inequality. A series of economic shocks – together with international market competition and technological change – have racheted-up long-term levels of unemployment, engendered structural adjustments, and exacerbated labor market inequities. These shocks and structural changes have eroded the already limited capacities among the German state and employers’ associations to achieve national, cooperative, and egalitarian responses to significant postindustrial challenges. The fragmented structure of the German state, coupled with its relatively weak fiscal and employment position within the political economy, has resulted in state failure to promote concertation among the social partners. Employers’ associations increasingly fall short in their capacity to foster the internalization by employers of the external economic costs of employers’ strategic choices and to promote a long-term perspective of employers’ collective interests.
#Respect: Applying Anderson’s Code of the Street to the Online Context

ABSTRACTAnderson’s work on street codes has become a seminal piece in cultural criminology. Today, it is frequently argued that street-oriented cultural beliefs are strongly linked to criminal offending. While numerous studies have found support for this link, research has yet to examine this relationship as it applies to Internet-based criminal behaviors. The current study attempts to fill this gap by examining both the predictors and effect of similar cultural beliefs in the online context. Results indicate that while controlling for more commonly examined predictors of crime, individuals who adhere to street-oriented beliefs in an online context are more likely to commit cybercrime.
The versatile film projectionist: How to show films and serve the people in the 17 years period, 1949–1966

ABSTRACTIn the early years of the People's Republic of China, the state recognized the power of film as a mass medium and expanded a national exhibition network consisting of movie theaters, workers’ clubs and mobile film projections to bring film to the people. One figure that soon caught the attention of national media was the film projectionist, who traditionally occupied a marginal position in the film industry. Meanwhile, Mao Zedong's ‘Talks at the Yan'an Forum of Literature and Arts’ was held as a guiding document for all cultural workers, who were expected to ‘serve the people’ by both making culture accessible to the masses and teaching them to be socialist subjects. This paper proposes to see the film projectionist as an embodiment of Chinese socialist cultural ideals that had roots in Mao's ‘Talks’. Previous scholarship has paid little attention to film exhibition during the 17 years period (1949–1966). Using newspapers, magazines and government documents, I detail exhibition practices and scree...
Enhanced radiative transition in Si n Ge m nanoclusters

Using an ab initio molecular-dynamics scheme (the "fireball" scheme), we determined the equilibrium structure of intermediate-size Si n Ge m (n+m=71) nanoclusters with and without hydrogen passivation on the surface. Due to the strong surface distortion, defect states are found to permeate the energy gap of Si n Ge m clusters. However, the defect states are removed by adding H atoms on the surface of Si n Ge m clusters, and the gap opens up to a few eV, indicating a blueshift for photoluminescence. It is also found that the radiative transition between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) states is enhanced by one to two orders of magnitude for Si n Ge m nanoclusters with respect to the corresponding pure Si clusters. This significant increase of the emission probability is attributed to the strong overlap of HOMO and LUMO wave functions centered mostly on the Ge atoms.
Fostering International Student Success in Higher Education

Fostering International Student Success in Higher Education Shapiro, S., Farrelly, R., & Tomas, Z. (2014). Fostering international student success in higher education. Alexandria, VA: TESOL, pp. 117; $34.95 (paperback), ISBN 9781942223207As the number of international students enrolling in English-dominant higher education continues to rise, this timely book offers university faculty and staff members useful suggestions for responding effectively to the unique needs and challenges of this growing student population. At the same time, though the primary focus is on course design and classroom practice, the book also advocates for international students, noting that they are intellectual, cultural, and linguistic assets to their universities. Shapiro, Farrelly, and Tomas, all veteran teachers with many years of experience working directly with international students, present a holistic framework for how to support international students' academic development and their integration into the broader campus community.The first chapter serves as a foundation for the remainder of the volume by introducing the purpose of the book and providing a short history of recent trends in international education, as well as definitions of key terms. Chapter two is a brief primer on the role that culture plays in the education context, and describes important cultural differences between international and domestic students that may manifest in the classroom. The authors then provide concrete ideas for how to bridge cultures through activities and participation strategies. Throughout this and subsequent chapters, sidebars with quotes from international students add depth, while questions for further reflection encourage additional engagement with the concepts outlined in the primary text.In chapter three, the authors transition into a discussion of how fundamental principles from second language acquisition (scaffolding, interaction, and noticing) can be applied in non-language instruction. The concepts behind the techniques are described alongside practical advice for how to successfully employ them in lecture, class discussion, and selection of course reading materials. Using these strategies can facilitate students' improved understanding of academic content.Building on the teaching approaches in chapter three, chapter four provides ideas for assignments and assessments. The authors contend that the purpose of assessment should be to allow students to demonstrate what they have learned in a course; as such, they describe equitable assignments as those that help all students, domestic and international alike, display their best work. …
The Expression of Interleukin-1β Converting Enzyme (ICE) in Rat is Decreased Following Chronic Exposure to Morphine

Stimulation of the immune system results in the production and release of substances from activated monocytes and macrophages called cytokines. One the most important of these cytokines is interleukin-1 β (IL-lβ), which has been shown to play a key role in the immune response by promoting the proliferation of T-cells, inducing the secretion of IL-2, and stimulating the function of B-cells and natural killer cells. In addition, IL-lβ is important in the inflammatory response by promoting leukocyte infiltration and pro- staglandin synthesis, which can lead to joint swelling and tissue destruction.1 IL-lβ also exerts profound effects on both the central nervous system and the endocrine system. The activation of thermosensitive neurons contained within the hypothalamic preoptic nucleus, together with the stimulation of hepatocytes to release acute phase reactant proteins leads to the production of fever. In addition, IL-lβ has been reported to enhance slow wave sleep patterns, influence food intake, and alter neuroendocrine activity.2 Recently, IL-lβ was shown to be related to the release of vasopressin and oxytocin.3 Clearly, intake of an exogenous factor, such as morphine, which may alter the production of this cytokine, can have deleterious effects on the neuro-endocrine-immune system as a whole.
The Transcription Factor Prdm16 Marks a Single Retinal Ganglion Cell Subtype in the Mouse Retina.

Purpose Retinal ganglion cells (RGC) can be categorized into roughly 30 distinct subtypes. How these subtypes develop is poorly understood, in part because few unique subtype markers have been characterized. We tested whether the Prdm16 transcription factor is expressed by RGCs as a class or within particular ganglion cell subtypes. Methods Embryonic and mature retinal sections and flatmount preparations were examined by immunohistochemistry for Prdm16 and several other cell type-specific markers. To visualize the morphology of Prdm16+ cells, we utilized Thy1-YFP-H transgenic mice, where a small random population of RGCs expresses yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) throughout the cytoplasm. Results Prdm16 was expressed in the retina starting late in embryogenesis. Prdm16+ cells coexpressed the RGC marker Brn3a. These cells were arranged in an evenly spaced pattern and accounted for 2% of all ganglion cells. Prdm16+ cells coexpressed parvalbumin, but not calretinin, melanopsin, Smi32, or CART. This combination of marker expression and morphology data from Thy1-YFP-H mice suggested that the Prdm16+ cells represented a single ganglion cell subtype. Prdm16 also marked vascular endothelial cells and mural cells of retinal arterioles. Conclusions A single subtype of ganglion cell appears to be uniquely marked by Prdm16 expression. While the precise identity of these ganglion cells is unclear, they most resemble the G9 subtype described by Volgyi and colleagues in 2009. Future studies are needed to determine the function of these ganglion cells and whether Prdm16 regulates their development.
FilaminA and Formin2 regulate skeletal, muscular, and intestinal formation through mesenchymal progenitor proliferation

The effects of actin dependent molecular mechanisms in coordinating cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation during embryogenesis are not well-understood. We have previously shown that actin-binding Filamin A (FlnA) and actin-nucleating Formin 2 (Fmn2) influence the development of the brain causing microcephaly in mice. In this study, we broaden this phenotype to explore the effects of these two proteins in the development of extra-CNS organ systems, including the gut, muscle, and skeleton. We observed defects in rib and sternum midline closure leading to thoracoabdominal schisis in FlnA+Fmn2 knockout mice, reminiscent of the pentalogy of Cantrell syndrome. These mice exhibit shortened guts, as well as thinned thoracic muscle mass. Immunostaining showed these changes are partially caused by a decrease in the number of presumptive mesenchymal proliferating cells with loss of either FlnA or FlnA+Fmn2. This proliferation defect appears to be in part due to delayed differentiation in these regions. While both FlnA and FlnA+Fmn2 mice show reduced cell death relative to WT control, increased caspase staining was seen in the double null relative to FlnA null suggesting that this could also contribute to the FlnA+Fmn2 phenotype. Therefore FlnA and Fmn2 are likely essential to cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death in a variety of tissues and organs, further reiterating the importance of vesicle trafficking in regulation of development.
Inhibition of Mutated Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 in Cancer

Background R132H mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is found in ~75% of low-grade gliomas and secondary glioblastomas as well as in several other types of cancer. More chemotypes of inhibitors of IDH1(R132H) are therefore needed. Objective The study aimed to develop a new class of IDH1(R132H) inhibitors as potent antitumor agents. Method A biochemical assay was developed to find inhibitors of IDH1(R132H) mutant enzyme. Chemical synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies were used to find compounds with improved potency. Antitumor activities of selected compounds were evaluated. Results A series of aromatic sulfonamide compounds was found to be novel, potent inhibitors of IDH1(R132H) with Ki values as low as 0.6 µM. Structure-activity relationships of these compounds are discussed. Enzyme kinetics studies showed that one compound is a competitive inhibitor against the substrate α-KG and a non-competitive inhibitor against the cofactor NADPH. Several inhibitors were found to have no activity against wild-type IDH1, showing a high selectivity. Two potent inhibitors exhibited strong activity against proliferation of BT142 glioma cells with IDH1 R132H mutation, while these compounds did not significantly affect the growth of glioma cells without IDH1 mutation. Conclusion This novel series of IDH1(R132H) inhibitors have potential to be further developed for the treatment of glioma with IDH1 mutation.
A Pilot Study to Address Tolerance of Uncertainty Among Family Medicine Residents

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Because patients often present to their family physicians with undifferentiated medical problems, uncertainty is common. Family medicine residents must manage both the ambiguity inherent in the field as well as the very real uncertainty of learning to become a skilled physician with little experience to serve as a guide. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the impact of a new curriculum on family medicine residents' tolerance of ambiguity. METHODS We conducted an exploratory quasi-experimental study to assess the impact of a novel curriculum designed to improve family medicine residents' tolerance of ambiguity. Four different surveys were administered to 25 family medicine residents at different stages in their training prior to and immediately and 6 months after the new curriculum. RESULTS Although many constructs remained unchanged with the intervention, one important construct, namely perceived threats of ambiguity, showed significant and sustained improvement relative to before undertaking this curriculum (score of 26.2 prior to the intervention, 22.1 immediately after, and 22.0 6 months after the intervention). CONCLUSIONS A new curriculum designed to improve tolerance to ambiguity appears to reduce the perceived threats of ambiguity in this small exploratory study.
Entry of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into mononuclear phagocytes.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of a diverse group of intracellular pathogens that survives the process of entry into mammalian cells. Multiplication within the cell is critical for the pathogenesis of disease by these host-adapted microbes. For M. tuberculosis, the major host cell reservoir is the mononuclear phagocyte, including both monocytes and macrophages. These cells, along with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are considered professional phagocytes in that they have adapted specifically to engulf and destroy bacteria or other foreign particulate matter. Given the potent microbiocidal mechanisms that these cells possess, M. tuberculosis has adapted strategies to circumvent adverse host cellular responses during and after entry. The earliest interaction between M. tuberculosis and the mononuclear phagocyte is binding of the bacterium to the cell surface and subsequent internalization. Specific receptor-ligand interactions mediate this internalization and the outcome of one interaction may be different than the outcome of another (Fig. 1). For example, it can be only attachment of the bacterium, which for M. tuberculosis may be less important for disease pathogenesis, or it can be ingestion (phagocytosis), which in turn can lead to either intracellular survival or death of the bacterium. Recent studies provide evidence for the importance of specific receptor-ligand pathways (single or multiple) and cooperativity between receptors in dictating the fate of phagocytosed intracellular pathogens (Joiner et al. 1990; Mosser and Edelson 1987; Drevets et al. 1992; Hoepelman and Tuomanen 1992; Hieny et al. 1992).
EMI Effects of Power Converters

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects of power electronic converters. This chapter also describes EMI measurement techniques and preventive measures. The switch-mode operation of power electronic converters results in current ripple mixed with the fundamental currents. Power electronic converters, such as rectifiers and inverters, tend to generate current-related interference at their input, injecting noise to the power grid, and voltage-related interference at their outputs, which may disturb operation of communication and control systems in proximity to the converter. Measurement of the peak EMI is important because of the ubiquity of impulsive sources and sensitivity of many types of electronic circuits to impulses. The peak detectors have a short charging time constant, in the order of a fraction of microsecond, and a very long discharging time constant, in the order of tens of seconds. EMI generated in power electronic systems usually exceeds the allowable levels, and it must be reduced. The most common means of EMI mitigation are low-pass filters, often called radio-frequency (RF) filters.
Lifestyle Modification: Diet, Exercise, Sports and Other Issues

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy face a lifetime of living with a heart condition that is at once heterogeneous, often unpredictable, and poorly understood. Lifestyle adjustments are essential to controlling symptoms, and factors such as diet, fluid intake, caffeine, alcohol and exercise can all have profound effects on patient well-being. However, because HCM physiology can vary widely from patient to patient, physician recommendations must be personalized to each individual patient’s physiology. Hydration should be encouraged for patients with dynamic LVOT obstruction, but diuretics and strict regulation of fluid balance may be needed when congestion is present. Moreover, although exercise has myriad health benefits, it carries acute risks in HCM patients. Professional guidelines prohibit competitive sports and vigorous recreational activities, and this may have implications on a patient’s employment. However, strict exercise proscriptions are not warranted, and in most cases exercise should be encouraged as a component of a healthy lifestyle. As with nearly all aspects of HCM patient care, recommendations about lifestyle are not simple but require ongoing conversations tailored to individual patients. These conversations need to be placed in the context of each patient’s physiology, their risks, and informed by the patient’s overall life goals. Discussion with the patient and family, often repeated over multiple visits, will be necessary in order to develop the trust and partnership that leads to effective management.
Sexuality, Political Polarization, and Survey Reports of Religious Nonaffiliation

Survey estimates of the religiously unaffiliated in the United States—between 20% and 25%—make this group one of the largest “religious” categories in the country. Recent research argues that political polarization pushes political liberals and moderates to report no religious affiliation to distance themselves from religious conservatives. One key point of polarization behind this phenomenon is sexuality-focused politics, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) rights and discrimination. The current research uses a split-ballot survey experiment to investigate sexuality-focused political polarization as a cause of the reports of religious nonaffiliation. A sample of 2,238 respondents, stratified by sexual orientation (half LGBQ, half straight), completed a brief web survey starting with two randomly ordered series of questions on religion and sexuality. Findings suggest that sexuality-focused political polarization is not likely to be a primary cause of survey respondents’ claims of religious nonaffiliation.
Chris Wagstaff: Sergio Rigoletto

Sergio RigolettoUniversity of OregonThere’s a habit among some early career scholars that I have always found peculiar. After telling you where they completed their doctorate, these scholars would ...
Defining the nation in Russia’s buffer zone: the politics of citizenship by birth on territory (jus soli) in Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Georgia

Citizenship by birth on territory (jus soli), versus by blood (jus sanguinis), is associated with liberal democracies and the Americas. Yet Azerbaijan and Moldova, part of the “buffer zone” between...
Critical Care Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by rupture of a cerebral aneurysm puts patients at risk for a variety of early and delayed complications that can worsen outcome. Timely diagnosis of SAH by CT or lumbar puncture is essential. After initial stabilization, patients with SAH should be transferred to high-volume centers where vascular neurosurgeons or interventional neuroradiologists secure the aneurysm. Patients should be monitored and treated in dedicated neurocritical care units with multidisciplinary teams that have experience in prevention and treatment of complications including hyponatremia, hydrocephalus, vasospasm, and delayed cerebral ischemia. This chapter summarizes current evidence and recommendations for the critical care management of patients with SAH.
Heartbeat: time for action to eliminate sex disparities in management and outcomes of patients with an acute coronary syndrome

Sex differences in the clinical presentation of patients with chest pain and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are well known. Even so, sex disparities persist in management and outcomes of women with chest pain. To better understand whether sex-differences in the initial assessment of patients with non-traumatic chest pain contribute to later adverse clinical outcomes, Mnatzaganian and colleagues1 retrospectively analysed data on 54 138 adults presenting to three emergency departments (EDs) in Melbourne with non-traumatic chest pain. On multivariable analysis, women (49% of patients) were 18% less likely to be triaged as urgent, 16% less likely to be examined by a physician within 1 hour, 20% less likely to have a troponin measured and 36% less likely to be admitted to a specialised care unit. Yet, these women clearly were even sicker than the men with a 35% higher risk of death in the ED and a 36% higher risk of death during that hospitalisation. (figure 1) Figure 1 Admission to ICU or CCU by median age and emergency department diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction: OR (95% CI), comparing women with men. AMI, acute myocardial infarction; CCU, coronary care unit; ICU, intensive care unit; NSTEMI, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction; STEMI, ST elevation myocardial infarction. As stated so clearly in the accompanying editorial by Mackay2 : ‘these discouraging findings should …
Abstract WP205: Home-Based Virtual Reality Therapy for Hand Recovery After Stroke

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with many stroke survivors having persistent upper limb functional impairment. Aside from therapist-directed rehabilitation, few eff...
Viscosity Measurements of Rocket Propellant RP-2 Over Wide Ranges of Temperature and Pressure

Rocket propellants are subjected to extreme thermodynamic conditions in high-performance liquid rocket engines, with temperatures in excess of 700 K and pressures nearing 100 MPa. Knowledge of the ...
Experimental Study of Ignition Delay of Homogeneous Supercritical Fuel Sprays of Dieseline Blend in Constant Volume Combustion Chamber

In present experimental work, supercritical (SC) fuel spray combustion technology is studied under diesel engine-like operating conditions inside a constant volume combustion chamber. Ignition delay (ID) of SC sprays is measured, analyzed, and compared with conventional diesel sprays under similar operating conditions. It is found that ID of SC sprays is significantly smaller than liquid diesel sprays at all operating conditions. At typical normal diesel engine operating conditions of 300 bar injection pressure (IP) and 40 bar cylinder air pressure (CP), substantial percentage reduction in ID of SC sprays occurs, which is above 55%. It is further found that SC spray combustion mainly occurs as homogeneous hot air combustion rather than hot surface combustion/ignition. Significant reduction in ID of SC spray as compared to diesel spray would cause a drastic reduction in NOx and homogeneous single-phase combustion of SC spray would consequently result in a substantial reduction in particulate matter (PM) formation. The best combination of experimental conditions in the present study at which maximum percentage reduction in ID occurs (nearly 85.83%) is found to be HST = 673 K, CP = 20 bar, IP = 300 bar. SC spray combustion is a single-phase homogeneous, faster, and cleaner combustion technology for next-generation diesel engines.
Meta-Analysis of the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults With Comorbid Severe Mental Illness.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals with a comorbid severe mental illness (SMI; ie, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder). Data Sources: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 1998 to March 2020 using keywords related to PTSD, treatment, and severe mental illness. Study Selection: All clinical trials for PTSD psychotherapy among individuals with SMI were included. From 38 potentially eligible studies, a total of 14 clinical trials across 684 individuals with comorbid SMI and PTSD were identified and included in the analysis. Data Extraction: Data on demographic, SMI diagnosis, symptom severity, sample attrition, and treatment protocol received were extracted. Effect size calculations and subsequent meta-analyses were conducted using the Meta-Analysis Package for R (metafor) version 2.1-0 in R (3.6.0). Results: PTSD treatments had a large effect on PTSD outcomes among individuals with SMI, with patients experiencing a standard deviation reduction in PTSD symptomatology pre- to post-treatment (g = -1.009, P < .001, k = 34). Prolonged exposure (g = -1.464; P < .001; SE = 0.276; k = 5), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (g = -1.351; P < .001; SE = 0.276; k = 5), and brief treatment program (g = -1.009; P < .001; SE = 0.284; k = 5) had the largest effects on PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: Although underrepresented in the PTSD literature, PTSD psychotherapies are effective for individuals with SMI. Treatments with an exposure-based component may have greater efficacy in this clinical population.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Project-based Learning and Portfolios Assessment in ELT: A Study in the Indian Context

One of the colonial inheritances in Indian education is the testing method. It aims at testing the memory capacity of learners instead of tracking the development of language for effective communicative ability, the capacity of knowledge construction, and critical thinking. English language testing is no exception to this colonial phenomenon since it continues to be largely content-based. Teaching and testing are the two sides of a sheet of paper and therefore inseparable. What is taught can only be tested. Though English language teaching in India has been emphasizing the need for the development of language skills and study skills for the last thirty years or so, not much could be achieved. The same humanist approach coupled with traditional memory testing continues to date though some claims are being made on skills-based teaching and alternative testing methods in some quarters. Either such claims of achievement are desultory or many serious empirical research studies on these healthy practices from the Indian classrooms have not been reported widely to get much-need international attention. With the increased use of ICT in ELT becoming a reality, English teachers can prepare themselves professionally to implement constructvist project-based learning and introduce portfolios as a viable alternative assessment mode. It becomes imperative because the importance of English language skills for communication is internationally acknowledged in the post-globalized world now much more poignantly than ever. The concept of communicative competence and modes of communication have been re- conceptualized. This paper makes an attempt to empirically study the attitude of the college English teachers toward the concept of project-based learning and portfolios as an alternative method of assessment.
Fiebre Tifoidea. Algunos aspectos novedosos.

En este trabajo se destacan algunos aspectos novedosos en fiebre tifoidea. Se compara nuestros recientes epidemias con los hallazgos en la literatura universal. Se destacan los estudios de laboratorio para el diagnostico incluyendo las tecnicas inmunoenzimaticas. Se hace enfasis en la importancia del antigeno somatico -O en la explicacion de la patogenia de la enfermedad y se analizara respuesta inmune. Finalmente se destaca el tratamiento y el posible control mediante el uso de las vacunas orales.
WE-F-BRB-01: The Power of Ontologies and Standardized Terminologies for Capturing Clinical Knowledge

Advancements in informatics in radiotherapy are opening up opportunities to improve our ability to assess treatment plans. Models on individualizing patient dose constraints from prior patient data and shape relationships have been extensively researched and are now making their way into commercial products. New developments in knowledge based treatment planning involve understanding the impact of the radiation dosimetry on the patient. Akin to radiobiology models that have driven intensity modulated radiotherapy optimization, toxicity and outcome predictions based on treatment plans and prior patient experiences may be the next step in knowledge based planning. In order to realize these predictions, it is necessary to understand how the clinical information can be captured, structured and organized with ontologies and databases designed for recall. Large databases containing radiation dosimetry and outcomes present the opportunity to evaluate treatment plans against predictions of toxicity and disease response. Such evaluations can be based on dose volume histogram or even the full 3-dimensional dose distribution and its relation to the critical anatomy. This session will provide an understanding of ontologies and standard terminologies used to capture clinical knowledge into structured databases; How data can be organized and accessed to utilize the knowledge in planning; and examples of research and clinical efforts to incorporate that clinical knowledge into planning for improved care for our patients. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the role of standard terminologies, ontologies and data organization in oncology 2. Understand methods to capture clinical toxicity and outcomes in a clinical setting 3. Understand opportunities to learn from clinical data and its application to treatment planning Todd McNutt receives funding from Philips, Elekta and Toshiba for some of the work presented
Spinal cord neuroblasts proliferate in response to basic fibroblast growth factor

Trophic factors may function as one of the epigenic signals responsible for the proliferation, growth, migration, and differentiation of neurons and glia during embryogenesis. The present study reports that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) at high concentrations (10-100 ng/ml) is a mitogen for embryonic spinal cord cells that have already committed to a neuronal pathway and are expressing neuronal phenotypes (neuroblasts). Neuroblasts proliferate with a doubling time of 2.5 d. To characterize the nature of cells proliferating in response to bFGF, we have established long-term cultures of neuroblasts that can be passaged, freeze thawed, and recultured. In cultures the proportion of astrocytes remained the same, indicating limited survival and proliferation of these cells in response to bFGF. These results indicate that bFGF has mitogenic effects preferably on neuroblasts. The morphological and biochemical characterizations of the neuronal populations present in the long-term neuroblast cultures are presented here. The presence of cholinergic and GABAergic neurons in the cultures was established by immunocytochemical analysis. The cultures contain a small number of motoneurons as judged by their immunostaining with ChAT, low-affinity NGF receptor (LNGFR), and large size. Among all other growth factors tested for their mitogenic effects on embryonic spinal cord cells in culture, only epidermal growth factor (EGF) showed such effects, but to a lesser degree. The proliferative nature of neuroblasts has made it possible to transduce the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase (LacZ) gene stably into these cells in vitro using a retroviral vector. The transfected cells expressing the foreign gene can be passaged, freeze thawed, and recultured without the loss of transgenes. The ability to transduce foreign genes stably into these cells permits implantation of these cells in the spinal cord to study cellular and biochemical behaviors and gene expression in defined neuronal populations in in vivo environments.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerase II of Escherichia coli II. STUDIES OF THE TEMPLATE REQUIREMENTS AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID PRODUCT

Abstract The template requirements of DNA polymerase II and the nature of the product formed in the polymerization reaction have been investigated. Native DNA or fully single stranded DNA support deoxynucleotide incorporation poorly. This activity is not improved by sonication or treatment of native DNA with micrococcal nuclease, Neurospora endonuclease, or low levels of deoxyribonuclease I. An excellent DNA template is produced by treatment of native DNA with exonuclease III or large amounts of DNase I. Neurospora endonuclease (an enzyme specific for single stranded DNA) converts these excellent templates into poor templates. These results indicate that DNA polymerase II requires a duplex structure with a single stranded region and a 3'-hydroxyl-terminated primer strand. Unlike DNA polymerase I, DNA polymerase II cannot utilize native DNA containing single stranded scissions as template. The product of DNA polymerase II action is double stranded DNA. Short single stranded regions, whether internal or terminal, are completely repaired. In contrast to this, longer single stranded regions are incompletely repaired while extensive single stranded regions are repaired poorly, if at all. The product of DNA polymerase II action is covalently attached to the primer DNA and no new strands are initiated. DNA polymerase II is capable of acting successively on more than one template molecule.
Brewer, Marilynn B

Marilynn Brewer (b. 1942) grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and received her doctoral degree in social psychology from Northwestern University in 1968. Keywords: ethnocentrism; ingroup-outgroup bias
Precedence-Based Memory Models

This paper presents a general framework for understanding precedence-based memory models, which are generalizations of standard multiprocessor models. Precedence-based models need not mention processes explicitly, and can express any conditions that rely only on some operations being required to precede other operations. We define a generalized notion of sequential consistency and per-location sequential consistency in this framework, and we analyze the Backer algorithm used in the Cilk system (3), showing that it implements per-location sequential consistency. We also give conditions under which client processes cannot distinguish a per-location sequentially consistent memory from a sequentially consistent one.
The Ramsey View Emended

A third proposal for using set-theoretic predicates to make empirical claims is considered in this chapter. This proposal is an emendation of the Ramsey view considered in the preceding chapter. It succeeds in avoiding the problem of theoretical terms in the same way as the Ramsey solution. The question of eliminability of theoretical terms arises in essentially the same way. However, this proposal goes beyond the Ramsey solution in providing an account for non-trivial measurements of theoretical function values. In addition, this proposal provides the key to a precise understanding of some other features of theories of mathematical physics — for example, the role of crucial experiments in the rejection of such theories.
Population dynamics of a Lac- strain of Escherichia coli during selection for lactose utilization.

During selection for lactose utilization, Lac+ revertants of FC40, a Lac- strain of Escherichia coli, appear at a high rate. Yet, no Lac+ revertants appear in the absence of lactose, or in its presence if the cells have another, unfulfilled requirement for growth. This study investigates more fully the population dynamics of FC40 when incubated in the absence of a carbon source or when undergoing selection for lactose utilization. In the absence of a carbon source, the viable cell numbers do not change over 6 days. When incubated in liquid lactose medium, Lac- cells do not undergo any measurable increase in numbers or in turbidity for at least 2 days. When FC40 is plated on lactose minimum medium in the presence of scavenger cells, the upper limit to the amount of growth of Lac- cells during 5 days is one doubling, and there is no evidence for turnover (i.e., a balance between growth and death). The presence of a minority population that could form microcolonies was not detected. The implications of these results, plus the fact that the appearance of Lac+ revertants during lactose selection is nearly constant with time, are discussed in reference to several models that have been postulated to account for adaptive mutations.
Same-Sex Marriage and Legalized Relationships

Abstract At a time when heterosexual marriage rates are declining, many countries and localities are advocating for the rights of lesbians and gay men to enter legalized relationships, including marriage. This article reviews the legal status of same-sex relationships in the U.S. and other countries. Not only does the general public have mixed opinions about same-sex marriage, but so do lesbian and gay male communities. Some of the theories about pros and cons of same-sex marriage will be presented. The article reviews the very scant literature on same-sex legalized relationships and presents some ideas for future research.
Anorexia nervosa: Clinical and metabolic observations

Historical and clinical data collected over a 15-year period from the study of 100 young inpatients with anorexia nervosa are presented. A clinical management program with zero mortality is described.
Abstract 4559: A novel rotational Raman imaging device for early cancer detection

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL A novel Raman imaging device that is capable of rotationally scanning hollow structures has been developed to be used in conjunction with tumor targeting Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles. SERS nanoparticles can act as excellent contrast agents in that they offer ultra high sensitivity, and multiplexing capabilities due to the unique spectral signatures associated with them. One key advantage of multiplexing includes the ability to utilize several targeted SERS probes to target and localize a multitude of unique biomarkers associated with a specific disease, and effectively increasing cancer specificity. The device can potentially be used to distinguish a variety of tissues of interest in the colon such as: flat lesions, varying types of adenomas and carcinomas. There are also applications beyond the colon, such as the esophagus, stomach, oral cavity and bladder. In addition, multiplexing can allow for real-time functional imaging. A 45-degree scanning mirror, actuated with micromotor, is used to perform circumferential scans of the lumen of the colon at a rate of 1 revolution per second and a spatial resolution or approximately 1.5 mm. The device is able to be used with currently available endoscopes by inserting it into the working channel of an endoscope. The use of many (36) multi-mode fibers is used to increase the flexibility of the fiber bundle so that it can be inserted and used in a fully articulating endoscope while still being able to collect a sufficient amount scattered Raman light. When in the circumferential scanning mode, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations will allow us to increase the laser illumination power to about 580 mW, resulting in a detection limit of approximately 1 pM of SERS nanoparticles. One of the key features of our Raman device is that it has been designed for efficient use over a wide range of working distances. This is necessary to accommodate for imperfect centering of the device within the colon, as well as variable working distances due to folds and bends within the colon. These techniques could allow endoscopists to distinguish between normal and cancerous tissues instantly, as well as to identify flat lesions that are easily missed during conventional screening endoscopy. After a suspicious region has been identified, the rotating mirror can be held at a certain angle, and used to help guide biopsies or resection of tissues in real-time. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4559. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4559
STATISTICAL AND MEASUREMENT PROPERTIES OF FEATURES USED IN ESSAY ASSESSMENT

Statistical and measurement properties are examined for features used in essay assessment to determine the generalizability of the features across populations, prompts, and individuals. Data are employed from TOEFL® and GMAT® examinations and from writing for CriterionSM.
Circular dichroism of nerve membrane fractions: effects of temperature, pH and electrolytes.

— We have demonstrated significant differences in the circular dichroic (CD) spectra of myelin, synaptic vesicle and synaptosomal membrane preparations from rat brain. Although the measured CD spectra probably contained components attributable to turbidity, we have presented arguments to indicate that turbidity effects could not account for all the observed differences. We think it likely, therefore, that these three membrane fractions exhibit intrinsically different CD spectra, and therefore contain proteins of differing three-dimensional structure. The perturbation of membrane CD produced by electrolytes appeared to involve specific ionic effects. Here again, effects of turbidity were probably involved. The increase in light scattering was demonstrated by an increase in A250 at increasing salt concentrations. The increase in A250 and the decrease in the intensity of [o] showed no simple correlation. The effect of acidic pH (below pH 6–5) on the membrane CD appeared similar to that of increasing salt concentrations. In contrast, the effect of basic pH appeared to be one of denaturation. The effect of temperature on the membrane CD was one of stability below or at physiological temperatures and of irreversible instability at temperatures slightly above the physiological range. The CD of synaptosomal membrane preparations changed slowly over prolonged periods at low temperatures or by cycles of freezing and thawing. Our observations indicate that careful attention to the physical and chemical environment of membranes is necessary in CD investigations of membrane preparations.
990 THE RELATIONSHIP OF AGE OF ONSET OF OTITIS, ALLERGIC HISTORY, AND PREMATURITY TO RECURRENT OTITIS MEDIA

This retrospective study of OME was undertaken to examine the relationship between age of onset of otitis, allergic history, prematurity, and recurrent and/or chronic otitis media. Included in the study were 341 children seen at the ENT Clinic with a history of acute serous, secretory, or chronic otitis media, born after January 1, 1974. A total of 1786 episodes were documented in charts. Otitis media with serous effusion (SOM) accounted for 36% of the episodes and otitis media with purulent effusion (AOM) accounted for 60%. Four percent of the episodes had SOM in one ear and AOM in the other. AOM developed in 34% of the episodes of SOM. Mean duration of SOM and AOM from onset to total resolution was 43 and 18.2 days respectively. In those episodes of SOM that developed acute otitis, the mean duration prior to becoming an acute otitis was 28.3 days. The durations of the hearing loss associated with SOM and AOM were 56.1 and 23 days respectively. Positive history of allergy increases the risk of recurrent otitis media in the second year of life. Prematurity does not appear to increase the frequency of otitis media in the first two years of life. Frequency of otitis media following the onset of OME is not affected by the timing of age of onset within the first two years. Timing of exposure to upper respiratory tract season appears to be a significant variable in determining age of onset and frequency of OME.
Application of diffusion kinetics to reliability

The effect is identified, analyzed and discussed of several terms in a multi-parameter, one-dimensional mass transport model that has been derived to compute the time-to-failure caused by contaminant diffusion in IC metallurgy. Exact numerical and approximate statistical results are shown for different geometries and environmental conditions. Es wird der Einflus verschiedener Terme in einem mehrparametrigen eindimensionalen Massentransportmodell identifiziert, analysiert und diskutiert, wobei das Modell entwickelt wurde, um die Zeit bis zum ersten Ausfall (time-to-failure) zu berechnen, die durch Verunreinigungsdiffusion in der IC-Metallurgie verursacht wird. Es werden exakte numerische und genaherte statistische Ergebnisse fur verschiedene Geometrien und Umgebungsbedingungen angegeben.