cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergency Ultrasound: A Survey Study of Fellowship Graduate Characteristics and Career Paths.

Objectives There are sparse data on the career pathways of graduates of emergency ultrasound fellowships. The authors sought to define the characteristics of graduates and their reported career paths after training through this survey study. Methods A 26-question anonymous survey was emailed to 597 graduates of 70 fellowships over a 4-week period. No incentives were provided for completion of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics are reported. For qualitative data, open- and axial-coding methods were used. Results A total of 336 participants completed the study for a response rate of 56%. The average age of respondents was 36.4 years, and 58% were male. Most graduates had MD degrees (89%) or DO degrees (10%). Sixty percent of graduates attended a 3-year emergency medicine residency, and 29% attended a 4-year residency. Only 11% pursued additional fellowship training, most commonly pediatric emergency medicine (n = 14). After fellowship, 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62.9, 63.1) of graduates began working full-time in an academic setting, whereas 24% (95% CI, 23.9, 24.1) worked full-time in a community setting. Thirty-three percent (95% CI, 32.7, 33.3) took an immediate position as ultrasound division director, whereas 4% (95% CI, 3.7, 4.3) became fellowship directors and 3% (95% CI, 2.7, 3.3) became ultrasound medical student directors. Currently, 67% (95% CI, 66–68%) identify ultrasound as their leading academic focus. Conclusions Although not all fellowship graduates pursue academic positions, most note the impact of fellowship on their career paths. Graduates hold a variety of leadership positions. Approximately two thirds still consider ultrasound as their academic focus.
Abstract P6-06-06: Immunogenomics approach elucidating clinical significance of DNA repair genes and tumor infiltrating immune cells in breast cancer

Backgrounds: Evading the immune system is one of the Hallmarks of Cancer. Indeed, tumor infiltrating immune cells has been shown to play critical roles in suppression of cancer progression. Genetic aberration of DNA repair genes is known to increase immunogenicity in breast cancer. However, the patient survival relevance of tumor infiltrating immune cells in regard to DNA repair genes has not yet elucidated in large cohort of breast cancer patients. We hypothesized that DNA repair gene deficiency is related to increased global genomic instability that leads to increased mutation burden, which recruits infiltrating immune cells to tumor microenvironment that result in better prognosis of breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Integrated and unbiased transcriptomics approach was conducted on genomic and clinicopathological information of 3614 breast cancer patients. We utilized The cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) to evaluate the association between the aberration of DNA repair genes and tumor infiltrating immune cell composition in breast cancer tumors, as well as its significant clinical relevance, utilizing bioinformatics and biostatistics pipelines. Results:Low expression level of double-strand break repair genes; BRCA1, PRKDC, and RECQL4,demonstrated significantlybetter prognosis in TCGA cohort (p=0.018, p=0.036, and p=0.0002, respectively). This result was consistent in METABRIC cohort (p=0.021, p=0.00021, and p Conclusions: We conclude that our immunogenomics approach identify the interplay between DNA repair genes, especially gene expression of BRCA1, and tumor infiltrating immune cells, and it could have significant prognostic relevance in breast cancer. Citation Format: Takabe K, Kawaguchi T, Yan L, Peng X, Qi Q, Okano M, Young J, Liu S. Immunogenomics approach elucidating clinical significance of DNA repair genes and tumor infiltrating immune cells in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-06-06.
Interim Report from the Panel Chairs: AAAI Presidential Panel on Long-Term AI Futures

The AAAI 2008-09 Presidential Panel on Long-Term AI Futures was organized by the president of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) to bring together a group of thoughtful computer scientists to explore and reflect about societal aspects of advances in machine intelligence (computational procedures for automated sensing, learning, reasoning, and decision making). The panelists are leading AI researchers, well known for their significant contributions to AI theory and practice. Although the final report of the panel has not yet been issued, we provide background and high-level summarization of several findings in this interim report.
c-Myc, genome instability, and tumorigenesis : The devil is in the details

The c-myc oncogene acts as a pluripotent modulator of transcription during normal cell growth and proliferation. Deregulated c-myc activity in cancer can lead to excessive activation of its downstream pathways, and may also stimulate changes in gene expression and cellular signaling that are not observed under non-pathological conditions. Under certain conditions, aberrant c-myc activity is associated with the appearance of DNA damage-associated markers and karyotypic abnormalities. In this chapter, we discuss mechanisms by which c-myc may be directly or indirectly associated with the induction of genomic instability. The degree to which c-myc-induced genomic instability influences the initiation or progression of cancer is likely to depend on other factors, which are discussed herein.
Quantification in Standard Russian

After presenting some basic syntactic information about Standard Russian this chapter outlines the quantification patterns it expresses. It illustrates various semantic types of quantifiers, such as generalized existential, generalized universal, proportional, definite and partitive which are defined in the Quantifier Questionnaire in Chapter 1. It partitions the expression of the semantic types into morpho-syntactic classes: Adverbial type quantifiers and Nominal (or Determiner) type quantifiers. For the various semantic and morpho-syntactic types of quantifiers it also distinguishes syntactically simple and syntactically complex quantifiers, as well as issues of distributivity and scope interaction, classifiers and measure expressions, and existential constructions. The chapter describes structural properties of determiners and quantified noun phrases in Standard Russian, both in terms of internal structure (morphological or syntactic) and distribution.
Portfolio Optimization with Risk Control by Stochastic Dominance Constraints

For the problem of constructing a portfolio of finitely many assets whose return rates are described by a discrete joint distribution, we discuss an approach based on stochastic dominance. The portfolio return rate in this model is required to stochastically dominate a random benchmark, such as an index, or reference portfolio return. We formulate optimality conditions and duality relations for these models and construct equivalent optimization models with utility functions and law invariant coherent measures of risk. Two different formulations of the stochastic dominance constraint–primal and inverse–lead to two dual problems which involve von Neuman–Morgenstern utility functions for the primal formulation and rank dependent (or dual) utility functions for the inverse formulation. We also analyze relations of this approach to value at risk and conditional value at risk. Numerical illustration is provided.
On the Economic Control of Cyber-physical Systems

This paper presents a framework for the optimal economic control of large scale Cyber-physical systems (CPS). As an example, transportation systems are chosen to demonstrate the framework. First, it is argued that how a large scale system, such as transportation system, fits within the definition of Cyber-physical system. Next, several scenarios related to transportation system are considered and a framework for optimal economical control is provided using the theory of optimal control. For example, dynamic toll pricing problem is considered and solved using dynamic programming and principle of optimality. The problem consists of tolled lanes or routes and alternate non-tolled lanes or routes. Several control objectives are discussed and their corresponding cost functions are provided. Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation is then used to derive an optimal control law that utilizes real-time traffic information. Insights are also provided on other CPS, such as power distribution networks, and the corresponding optimal economic control problem.
Massive Mimo Channel Estimation with 1-Bit Spatial Sigma-delta ADCS

We consider channel estimation for an uplink massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system where the base station (BS) uses a first-order spatial Sigma-Delta (Σ△) analogto-digital converter (ADC) array. The Σ△ array consists of closely spaced sensors which oversample the received signal and provide a coarsely quantized (1-bit) output. We develop a linear minimum mean squared error (LMMSE) estimator based on the Bussgang decomposition that reformulates the nonlinear quantizer model using an equivalent linear model plus quantization noise. The performance of the proposed Σ△ LMMSE estimator is compared via simulation to channel estimation using standard 1-bit quantization and also infinite resolution ADCs.
Anatomic Eligibility for Commercial Branched Endograft Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Background First-generation “off-the-shelf” branched endovascular stent grafts are in development for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Prior studies have assessed eligibility rates among highly selected cohorts of patients referred for endovascular treatment, and the broader applicability of these devices to all patients with TAAA is unknown. The aims of this study were to assess the overall suitability of the 3 commercial 4-branched devices with or without adjunct procedure(s) in an unselected cohort of patients with TAAA and to identify areas for improvement in the next generation of devices. Methods A retrospective review of three-dimensional centerline reconstructions of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed in consecutive patients with TAAA seen between 2013 and 2017. All patients with contrast-enhanced CT imaging were included, regardless of prior evaluation for suitability for endovascular repair. Eligibility for a device was assessed based on instructions for use (IFU) from the device manufacturer along with prespecified anatomic criteria. Adjunct procedures were defined as carotid-subclavian revascularization, target vessel endovascular intervention, and iliac conduit/revascularization. Results Of 165 patients with TAAA, 122 had CT scans adequate for study inclusion. Eighteen patients (14.8%) were eligible for at least 1 device by IFU, and 41 (33.6%) could have been made eligible for at least 1 device by an adjunct procedure. Sixty-three (51.6%) were not eligible for any device within IFU even with adjunct procedures, including 31 of 32 patients with TAAA due to dissection. The most common reasons for ineligibility were perivisceral flow channel diameter Conclusions Over half of patients with TAAA could not be made eligible for an off-the-shelf device based on manufacturers’ criteria, even with adjunct procedures. Women and patients with TAAA due to dissection had higher rates of ineligibility. These data demonstrate that custom fenestrated devices and low-profile devices are needed to expand eligibility for endovascular repair of TAAA.
Contraceptive Use in Women of Childbearing Ability With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background/objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex disease that may require treatment with one or several disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Many DMARDs have potential teratogenic effects or are newer agents with limited safety data in pregnancy. This study evaluated 20 common RA medications and the rate of contraceptive prescribing and counseling patterns in women with RA of childbearing ability. Methods This was an observational study of women with RA and childbearing ability aged 18 to 44 years who were seen at an academic rheumatology clinic from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2016. Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression were used for analysis. Results One hundred fifty women were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were taking methotrexate (55.3%), followed by chronic prednisone (31.3%) and hydroxychloroquine (28.7%). A documented method of contraception was noted in 64/150 (42.7%). For women on contraception, most used combined oral contraceptives (31/64, 48.4%) or levonorgestrel intrauterine device (10/64, 15.6%). Of the 86 patients not on contraception, 19 (22.1%) received counseling regarding a pregnancy plan. Conclusions Most women with RA of childbearing age and ability were not using contraception. Among these patients, only a minority prescribed DMARD therapy had documented pregnancy or contraceptive counseling. Women with RA who were prescribed with a DMARD should discuss the use of effective contraception with their provider if sexually active and not desiring pregnancy or wanting to avoid potential teratogenic effects. Potential strategies are discussed to improve healthcare delivery to this population in hopes of avoiding unintended pregnancy and potential teratogenic effects of RA medications.
Synthesis and Comparative Kinetic Study of Reaction-Based Copper(II) Probes to Visualize Aromatic Substituent Effects on Reactivity

Recently, researchers have paid extensive attention to colorimetric/fluorimetric probe development and its applications in biological and industrial samples. The actual development of such probe molecules, however, often requires an iterative process to achieve certain goals such as selectivity and sensitivity toward a target analyte. In spite of growing interest in the development of practical molecular probes, there has not been much effort to implement the synthesis of detector molecules and the examination of their structure–reactivity relationship in undergraduate laboratories. A straightforward synthesis of copper probe molecules, which are systematically varied with aromatic substituents, is described to compare the reactivity toward copper(II) ion. The comparative kinetic study can readily visualize how the number and position of aromatic substituents affect the reactivity. This experiment is appropriate to demonstrate how mechanistic understanding will provide significant insight into rational design of practical colorimetric/fluorimetric probe molecules.
Full-field interferometric imaging of neuron deformation during action potential (Conference Presentation)

We report the full-field imaging of the mechanical deformations accompanying the action potential in primary cortical neurons using ultrafast quantitative phase imaging (QPI) with a temporal resolution of 0.1 ms and a membrane displacement sensitivity of <0.2 nm per pixel. The average displacements were ~0.7 nm on cell somas and ~0.5 nm on neurites. Finite element modeling based on the 3D shape extracted from confocal imaging and on scaling of the surface tension with trans-membrane voltage yielded the deformation map during action potential, which matched the features of the experimental results, including the displacement amplitude, time course, and spatial distribution.
Cutaneous Toxicities of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Role of the Dermatologist.

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibition represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of an increasing number of cancers. However, the incredible therapeutic promise of immunotherapy brings with it the need to understand and manage its diverse array of potential adverse events. The skin is the most common site of immune-related adverse vents (irAEs), which can present with a wide variety of disparate morphologies and severities. These toxicities can endanger patient health and the ability to continue on therapy. This review summarizes our current understanding of the presentation and management of the most common and clinically significant cutaneous irAEs associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Effective management of these cutaneous irAEs requires an understanding of their morphology, their appropriate clinical characterization, and their potential prognostic significance. Their treatment is additionally complicated by the desire to minimize compromise of the patient’s anti-neoplastic regimen and emphasizes the use of non-immunosuppressive interventions whenever possible. However, though cutaneous irAEs represent a challenge to both oncologist and dermatologist alike, they offer a unique glimpse into the mechanisms that underlie not only carcinogenesis, but many primary dermatoses, and may provide clues to the treatment of disease even beyond cancer.
Content moderation, AI, and the question of scale:

AI seems like the perfect response to the growing challenges of content moderation on social media platforms: the immense scale of the data, the relentlessness of the violations, and the need for h...
Assessment of confinement’s influence on a concrete target’s ability to approximate semi-infinite perforation performance:

The ability to accurately evaluate impact penetration resistance of a structural element in an experimental setting often requires the experimental impact specimen configuration to be as close as p...
Does the Early Bird Catch the Worm? Evidence and Interpretation on the Long-Term Impact of School Entry Age in China

The long-term economic impact of children's age at primary school entry on educational attainment and labor market outcomes is one of the primary concerns to families, educators, and policymakers. Using a nationally representative survey of families and individuals, this paper is the first to explore these effects in a causal sense in the Chinese context and understand the underlying mechanisms. We use a regression discontinuity (RD) design that employs the threshold date for primary school entry set by the 1986 Compulsory Education Law of China as a source of exogenous variation in the timing of school entry. We first document a salient and robust compliance rate of school entry requirement. RD estimates indicate that being born right after the cutoff date significantly increases years of schooling and log annual earnings for non-agricultural jobs for the full sample. We also observe remarkable heterogeneous effects on labor market performance by gender. Being born right after the cutoff increases the probability of being in the labor force for men, but decreases that for women. Further evidence suggests that the decline in the female labor force participation can be explained by supply-side factors including fertility decision and childcare provision.
The Continuing Dilemma of Race and Class in the Study of American Political Behavior

This article traces the development of the study of race and class in American political behavior. It starts by challenging the American exceptionalism thesis, particularly its premises regarding t...
Multiresolution Surface and Volume Representations

We present a wavelet-based geometry compression pipeline in the context of hierarchical surface and volume representations. Due to the increasing complexity of geometric models used in a vast number of different application fields, new methods have to be devised that enable one to store, transmit and manipulate large amounts of data. Based on a multiresolution wavelet representation, we have developed a complete compression pipeline suitable for geometric data on uniform grids in two and three dimensions. Local and global oracles in wavelet space are employed to control the approximation error in lossy compression settings. Two geometry simplification schemes, which are able to build hierarchical mesh representations, are an essential part of the pipeline. In contrast to the two wavelet-based approximation schemes, we have devised the progressive tetrahedralization method, an extension of the popular progressive meshes into volumetric settings. We compare the three approximation schemes with each other using several two- and three-dimensional data sets and provide an extensive error and performance analysis. These results emphasize the individual strengths and weaknesses of each of the discussed methods and concepts.
Oral vaccination of dogs with a monovalent live-avirulent vaccine confers 1 year of immunity against Bordetella bronchiseptica challenge.

Abstract This experimental challenge study assessed immune protection 1 year after a single dose of live-attenuated oral Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) vaccine in dogs. Forty Bb-seronegative 7–9-week-old puppies were randomly assigned at Day 0 to receive a single oral dose of either Bb vaccine (n = 20; vaccinated group) or sterile water (n = 20; control group). Groups were housed separately until comingling 1 day pre-challenge (Day 365). Challenge with virulent aerosolized Bb occurred at Day 366. Clinical scores were obtained at Days 1–7, and 366–380. Bb microagglutination test (MAT) titers were obtained at Days −7, 0, monthly post-vaccination, and Days 358, 365, and 380. Nasal swabs were collected for microbiological assessment at Days −7, 0, 365, and 367–380. Oral Bb vaccination was not associated with side effects. Pre-challenge, vaccinated dogs developed persistent Bb MAT titers and control dogs remained seronegative. Post-challenge, duration of cough was longer in control dogs (least square means [LSM], 8.6 days) than vaccinated dogs (LSM, 1.5 days; P
Sensing, Signal Transduction, and Posttranslational Modification

This chapter focuses on other modalities of signal transduction, including intracellular second messengers, feedback regulation, and posttranslational modifications such as the phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of proteins. Empirical studies of archaeal-archaeal and archaeal-bacterial communication have been few in number and preliminary in nature. Inspection of archaeal genomes has revealed them to be devoid of homologs of the prototypic bacterial quorum-sensing proteins LuxS and LuxR. Two-component systems differ in several fundamental respects from protein-serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation cascades. First, autophosohorylation is the predominant mechanism of phosphorylation in the two-component system, whereas protein-serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation cascades rely primarily on phosphotransfer reactions catalyzed by protein kinases that are distinct from the phosphoacceptor protein. Second, the chemical nature of the phosphoryl moieties formed during two-component signaling differs significantly from that of protein-serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation. Posttranslational modifications have discussed and demonstrated, at least in some instances, to modulate the function of one or more target proteins from the Archaea or other organisms. It is widely presumed that (poly)ADP-ribosylation regulates the functional properties of proteins, as is the case with other covalent modifications such as protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation. Given that the members of the bacterial domain have been the subject of decades of intensive study, it appears highly likely that the Archaea will not only be found to contain new sensor-response mechanisms and molecules, but that they will provide new insights into this vital process in other organisms as well.
Community development and technology minitrack

The mini track on Community Development and Technology deals with the impact of the use of information systems on groups and organizations, particularly as it relates to formal and informal networks. Community development efforts associated with the reduction in poverty and injustice historically have not benefited from the productivity and efficiency as well as private industry and government. Recently, declining entry barriers and Web ubiquity has spurred IS use for community development. This mini-track is designed to explore those uses and to encourage additional thoughts and models for IS as a tool for community development efforts.This mini track focuses on two kinds of papers. (1) Research on tools to support development for existing communities, at levels ranging from local to international. (2) Analysis of issues, such as social capital and social networks, Particular to community development, and needed to inform tool development to maximize tool value to community development efforts.
Is Sirt1 a miracle bullet for longevity

The Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases has been implicated in the regulation of aging and longevity across a wide variety of organisms. Although controversial, Sir2 proteins have also been implicated as key mediators for the beneficial effects of caloric restriction (CR) on aging and longevity. In this issue, Bordone et al. report that transgenic mice in which the mammalian Sir2 ortholog Sirt1 is overexpressed mimic the physiological changes in response to CR. These findings have important implications for the development of CR mimetics and perhaps also for lifespan extension.
Conditions Affecting Enhanced Corneal Allograft Survival by Oral Immunization

PURPOSE. To determine the optimal conditions for enhancing corneal allograft survival by oral immunization with donor-specific alloantigens. METHODS. CB6F1 mice were orally immunized with various doses of C3H/Hej corneal epithelial and endothelial cells before receiving orthotopic C3H/Hej corneal allografts. Paraformaldehyde-fixed corneal cells were compared with viable corneal cells for their capacity to promote corneal allograft survival. The mucosal adjuvant, cholera toxin B (CTB), was examined for its capacity to enhance corneal graft survival when given separately or conjugated to corneal cells used for oral immunization. Oral immunization was also evaluated for its capacity to prevent immunologic rejection in three high-risk settings: preimmunized hosts, hosts with prevascularized graft beds, and grafts that contain donor-specific Langerhans' cells. RESULTS. Optimal graft survival occurred when × 10 6 corneal cells were administered orally 10 days before orthotopic corneal transplantation. Paraformaldehyde-fixed corneal cells were as effective as viable cells in preventing corneal graft rejection. Cholera toxin B enhanced the efficacy of oral immunization when conjugated with the orally administered corneal cells but was ineffectual when administered separately. Oral immunization with donor corneal cells enhanced corneal graft survival in all three high-risk settings. CONCLUSIONS. Oral immunization with donor cells is an effective strategy for enhancing corneal graft survival and preventing graft rejection in high-risk settings. Graft enhancement is optimized when the orally administered cells are conjugated with CTB and administered before corneal transplantation. Because fixed cells retain their capacity to enhance corneal graft survival, it may be possible to store donor cells for long-term use in high-risk hosts.
THE PRESENCE OF LEARNING DISABLED YOUTH IN OUR JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS: EXCUSABLE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE?

One of the most significant problems in the area of learning disabilities and delinquency is failure in recognizing the characteristics of the LD by the juvenile justice system. Therefore, a number of useful techniques, skills, and strategies are provided to help court officers, educators, mental health professionals, and community service providers divert at-risk youths from the system. This study also answers the question of whether the juvenile justice system continues to work in the best interest of the youth they have been entrusted to serve under the doctrine of Parens Patriae. It will be confined to secondary data analysis gathered from the Urban Government Division of Corrections in Lexington, Kentucky, using a survey methodology. The responses of 171 juvenile males and females between the ages of 9 to 18 will be analyzed to measure the LD population in Lexington’s correctional institution.
Mixed Integer Quadratic Program trajectory generation for a quadrotor with a cable-suspended payload

In this paper, we present a trajectory planning method to navigate a quadrotor with a cable-suspended payload through known obstacle-filled environments. We model the system as a hybrid dynamical system and formulate the trajectory generation problem as a Mixed Integer Quadratic Program (MIQP). Specifically, we address two novel challenges. First, we plan for a multi-body system, and obstacle avoidance must be guaranteed for the quadrotor, load, and the cable. Second, our method accommodates transitions between subsystems of the hybrid dynamical system, allowing for maneuvers that would otherwise be infeasible if the cable were constrained to remain taut. Numerical and experimental results validate the proposed approach for the full hybrid system.
Cytogenetic analysis of soft tissue sarcomas: Recurrent chromosome abnormalities in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST)

Abstract Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are known to develop in patients with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), thus providing an excellent model for the study of multistep carcinogenesis in genetically predisposed individuals. To determine the sites of gene(s) involved in such a process, we have performed cytogenetic analysis on 10 tumors. The patients were five males and five females ranging in age from 15 to 77 years. Nine patients had NF1. Karyotypic analysis of these tumors exhibited complex clonal abnormalities of several chromosomes. Recurrent abnormalities (numerical as well as structural) of chromosomes 1, 11, 12, 14, 17, and 22 occurred in a substantial proportion of tumors studied. Although abnormalities of these chromosomes have been seen in a variety of other tumors, the aberrations of chromosomes 17 and 22 are of particular interest; chromosomes 17 and 22 carry the genes for NF1 and NF2, respectively. In addition to other clonal aberrations, six tumors had abnormalities of both chromosomes 17 and 22, while three tumors only had an abnormality of chromosome 17. In eight tumors a structural abnormality of chromosome 17 included deletion or a relative deficiency of 17p; in four of the tumors there was also either deletion or rearrangement of the NF1 locus at the cytogenetic level. One tumor had monosomy of chromosome 17. The abnormality of chromosome 22 was deletion of 22q11.2→qter. This study suggests that the germline mutation in one of the copies accompanied by loss or inactivation of the second copy of the NF1 gene and tumor suppressor gene(s) on 17p and 22q may be associated with the neoplastic transformation; abnormalities of other chromosomes may be related to progression of MPNST. Although the role of the p53 gene in carcinogenesis is well documented in several tumor types, the role of the NF2 gene or other unidentified tumor suppressor gene(s) on chromosomes 22q, 1p, 11, 12, 14 remains to be seen.
Autophagy and Cancer Metabolism

The metabolism of malignant cells is profoundly altered in order to maintain their survival and proliferation in adverse microenvironmental conditions. Autophagy is an intracellular recycling process that maintains basal levels of metabolites and biosynthetic intermediates under starvation or other forms of stress, hence serving as an important mechanism for metabolic adaptation in cancer cells. Although it is widely acknowledged that autophagy sustains metabolism in neoplastic cells under duress, many questions remain with regard to the mutual relationship between autophagy and metabolism in cancer. Importantly, autophagy has often been described as a "double-edged sword" that can either impede or promote cancer initiation and progression. Here, we overview such a dual function of autophagy in tumorigenesis and our current understanding of the coordinated regulation of autophagy and cancer cell metabolism in the control of tumor growth, progression, and resistance to therapy.
STEM Teachers' Planned and Enacted Attempts at Implementing Engineering Design-Based Instruction

This study investigates grades 5 and 6 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers' planned and actualized engineering design-based instruction, the instruments used to characterize their efforts, and the implications this work has for teachers' implementations of an integrated approach to STEM education. Participants included 23 STEM teachers from six schools (three rural, two suburban, and one urban). Data were gathered via lesson implementation plans and classroom observations. Teachers demonstrated strength in planning for standards- and engineering design-based lessons, incorporating engineering practices within their respective implementation plans, and aligning their plans with content and design process standards. Missing from their plans was attention to science concepts and their placement, use, and application within a design task. Classroom observations indicated that the teacher participants gave priority to “front loading,” the design process by concentrating more of their instructional time on problem identification and planning and less time on testing designs, communicating performance results, and redesigning. Measures utilized in this study provided insight into the content of teachers' planning and subsequent instruction and suggest potential for capturing content planning in the context of classrooms in which teachers are attempting to integrate novel curriculum, such as the new standards for engineering practices.
ELEVATED TEMPERATURE DEFORMATION OF FINE-GRAINED LA0.9SR0.1MNO3

Compressive creep behavior of fine-grained (5 μm) La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 with a relative theoretical density between 85 and 90% was investigated over the temperature range 1150–1300 °C in air. The fine grain size, brief creep transients, stress exponent close to unity, and absence of deformation-induced dislocations, suggested that the deformation was controlled by a diffusional creep mechanism. The activation energy for creep of La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 was 490 kJ/mole. A comparison of the activation energy for creep of La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 with existing diffusion and creep data for perovskite oxides suggested that the diffusional creep of La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 was controlled by lattice diffusion of the cations, either lanthanum or manganese.
Induction of mammary tumors, estrous cycle abnormalities and endometrial hyperplasia in rats exposed to different doses of N-nitrosomethylurea☆

Abstract Groups of female Sprague-Dawley strain rats were given 3 i.v. injections of N -nitrosomethylurea in doses of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 mg /100 g body weight at 4-week intervals. The first dose was given when they were 50 days old. By 23 weeks after the first injection, mammary tumors had developed in 0, 0, 33, 54, 72 and 100% of animals respectively. There was a direct relationship between the total dose of carcinogen administered and the degree of tumor anaplasia observed on histological examination. All of the tumors contained assayable amounts of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and the receptor concentrations were not related to the dose of carcinogen. Twenty-one rats, all exposed to the 4 highest doses of N -nitrosomethylurea, had arrest of the estrous cycle at the stage of estrus. In 15 of the 21 the walls of the uterine horns were thickened and grossly distended by fluid. Histological examination demonstrated the presence of endometrial hyperplasia. These uterine abnormalities were usually accompanied by polycystic disease of the ovaries. Both endometrial hyperplasia and abnormal estrous cycles without uterine changes were associated with elevated progesterone receptor to estrogen receptor ratios in the corresponding mammary carcinomas.
Using motion planning to study protein folding pathways

We present a framework for studying protein folding pathways and potential landscapes which is based on techniques recently developed in the robotics motion planning community. In particular, our work uses Probabilistic Roadmap (PRM) motion planning techniques which have proven to be very successful for problems involving high-dimensional configuration spaces. Our results applying PRM techniques to several small proteins (60 residues) are very encouraging. The framework enables one to easily and efficiently compute folding pathways from any denatured starting state to the native fold. This aspect makes our approach ideal for studying global properties of the protein's potential landscape. For example, our results show that folding pathways from different starting denatured states sometimes share some common `gullies', mainly when they are close to the native fold. Such global issues are difficult to simulate and study with other methods.Our focus in this work is to study the protein folding mechanism assuming we know the native fold. Therefore, instead of performing fold prediction, we aim to study issues related to the folding process, such as the formation of secondary and tertiary structure, and the dependence on the initial conformation. Our results indicate that for some proteins, secondary structure clearly forms first while for others the tertiary structure is obtained more directly, and moreover, these situations seem to be differentiated in the distributions of the conformations sampled by our technique. We also find that the formation order is independent of the starting denatured conformation. We validate our results by comparing the secondary structure formation order on our paths to known pulse-labeling experimental results. This indicates the promise of our approach for studying proteins for which experimental results are not available.
Expression of B7 molecules in the eye during experimental Autoimmune Anterior Uveitis (EAAU)

Purpose. We have reported that CTLA4-Fc, a fusion protein that binds B7, prevents the induction of EAAU and reduces the severity of disease in Lewis rats. Since B7.1 and B7.2 have distinctive roles in other autoimmune diseases, we investigated their roles in the development of EAAU. Methods. Lewis rats were immunized with melanin associated antigen (MAA). Eyes were collected at different stages of EAAU and the expression of B7 on iris and ciliary body (ICB) cell suspensions determined by flow cytometry analysis. The incidence of EAAU after treatment with anti B7, and the requirement of B7.1 and B7.2 for proliferation and cytokine production of lymphoid cells to MAA were also studied. Results. B7.2 is up-regulated in resident ICB cells or bone-marrow derived cells which have infiltrated the ICB by day 10 and remains elevated during the acute phase of disease. B7.1 is expressed later during the acute phase. Both B7.1 and B7.2 are down-regulated during remission, with low levels of B7.2 and no detectable B7....
Stereoselectivity in the syntheses of substituted 2-(2-tetrahydrofuranyl)acrylates via intramolecular oxymercurations or oxypalladations of allenes

Abstract Allenes bearing a hydroxyl or a trialkylsilyloxy group gamma to the allene group underwent oxymetallations in the presence of mercury(II) or palladium(II) to form tetrahydrofuranyl vinylmetal complexes which could undergo palladium-mediated carbonylations in methanol to form methyl 2-(2-tetrahydrofuranyl)acrylates. The oxymercurations of the silyloxy allenes proceeded with high cis selectivity.
Entomophthora sepulchralis thaxter (entomophthoraceae): Its rediscovery and experimentally induced infections in muscoid flies

Entomophthora sepulchralis was found parasitizing a large banded winged crane fly Tipula (Yamatotipula) caloptera in upstate New York. The only previous account of this fungus appears to be Thaxter's original description of the species in 1888. Muscoid flies Phormia regina and Musca domestica were susceptible to infection, death occurring 5 to 8 days after exposure to conidia. It is suggested that secondary rather than primary conidia may be the principal infective form. The sizes of primary conidia from the natural host and from the experimental hosts were quite similar. The host range of the fungus is probably limited by ecological rather than physiological factors.
Intolerance for withdrawal discomfort and motivation predict voucher-based smoking treatment outcomes for smokers with substance use disorders

Identifying predictors of abstinence with voucher-based treatment is important for improving its efficacy. Smokers with substance use disorders have very low smoking cessation rates so identifying predictors of smoking treatment response is particularly important for these difficult-to-treat smokers. Intolerance for Smoking Abstinence Discomfort (IDQ-S), motivation to quit smoking, nicotine dependence severity (FTND), and cigarettes per day were examined as predictors of smoking abstinence during and after voucher-based smoking treatment with motivational counseling. We also investigated the relationship between IDQ-S and motivation to quit smoking. Smokers in residential substance treatment (n=184) were provided 14days of vouchers for complete smoking abstinence (CV) after a 5-day smoking reduction lead-in period or vouchers not contingent on abstinence. Carbon monoxide readings indicated about 25% of days abstinent during the 14days of vouchers for abstinence in the CV group; only 3-4% of all participants were abstinent at follow-ups. The IDQ-S Withdrawal Intolerance scale and FTND each significantly predicted fewer abstinent days during voucher treatment; FTND was nonsignificant when controlling for variance shared with withdrawal intolerance. The one significant predictor of 1-month abstinence was pretreatment motivation to quit smoking, becoming marginal (p<.06) when controlling for FTND. Lower withdrawal intolerance significantly predicted 3month abstinence when controlling for FTND. Higher withdrawal intolerance pretreatment correlated with less motivation to quit smoking. Implications for voucher-based treatment include the importance of focusing on reducing these expectancies of anticipated smoking withdrawal discomfort, increasing tolerance for abstinence discomfort, and increasing motivation.
High frequency 3D echodentographic imaging modality for early assessment of periodontal diseases: in vitro study

The use of ultrasound in dentistry is still an open growing area of research. Currently, there is a lack of imaging modalities to accurately predict minute structures and defects in the jawbone. In particular, the inability of 2D radiographic images to detect bony periodontal defects resulted from infection of the periodontium. This study investigates the feasibility of high frequency ultrasound to reconstruct high resolution 3D surface images of human jawbone. Methods: A dentate and non-dentate mandibles were used in this study. The system employs high frequency single-element ultrasound focused transducers (15-30 MHz) for scanning. Continuous acquisition using a 1 GHz data acquisition card is synchronized with a high precision two-dimensional stage positioning system of ±1 µm resolution for acquiring accurate and quantitative measurements of the mandible in vitro. Radio frequency (RF) signals are acquired laterally 44-45.5 µm apart for each frame. Different frames are reconstructed 500 µm apart for the 3D reconstruction. Signal processing algorithms are applied on the received ultrasound signals for filtering, focusing, and envelope detection before frame reconstruction. Furthermore, an edge detection technique is adopted to detect the bone surface in each frame. Finally, all edges are combined together in order to render a 3D surface image of the jawbone. Major anatomical landmarks on the resultant images were confirmed with the anatomical structures on the mandibles to show the efficacy of the system. Comparison were also made with conventional 2D radiographs to show the superiority of the ultrasound imaging system in diagnosing small defects in the lateral, axial and elevation planes of space. Results: The landmarks on all ultrasound images matched with those on the mandible, indicating the efficacy of the system in detecting small structures in human jaw bones. Comparison with conventional 2D radiographic images of the same mandible showed superiority of the 3D ultrasound images in detecting defects in the elevation plane of space. These results suggest that the high frequency ultrasound system shows great potential in providing a non-invasive method to characterize the jawbone and detect periodontal diseases at earlier stages.
This is(n't) John Wayne: The Miscasting and Performance of Whiteness in The Conqueror

Recalling a birthday party in 1956, John Lenihan talks about a critical decision faced at his Seattle neighborhood theatre: Being an avid fancier of wide-screen epics that were fashionable at the t...
8-Methyl-pyridoxatin : A novel N-hydroxy pyridone from fungus OS-F61800 that induces erythropoietin in human cells

In the course of screening for small-molecule modulators of erythropoietin gene expression, a novel N-hydroxy pyridone was isolated from a culture of OS-F61800. Its structure was elucidated by extensive 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic and chemical studies. This compound induced erythropoietin gene expression fivefold at a concentration of 0.3 μM, which is about threefold greater potency than our previously identified erythropoietin inducers.
INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF TRYPTOPHAN IN α-MSH*:

Two analogues of α-MSH are described, in which the tryptophan residue occuring in position 9 of the natural hormone has been replaced by pentamethyl-phenylalanine and phenylalanine, respectively. The analogues were synthesized via a conventional procedure and the [Phe9]-analogue also by a semi-synthetic approach, which demonstrated thefavourable properties of the applied, new amino-protecting Msc function for this purpose. The widely different electron donor properties of the substituted residues were accompanied by a large difference in melanocyte stimulating activity of the analogues. The [Pmp9]-analogue, having donor properties comparable to those of the natural compound, was four to five times more active than the analogue containing the poorly donating Phe residue. The opposite effect was noted in in vivo lipolysis in rabbits.