cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4154: Rapid, highly multiplexed somatic mutation analysis of FFPE tissues by deep amplicon sequencing on MiSeq®.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues typically results in low quantities of poor-quality, damaged DNA, which present challenges for sequencing. Here we present a fast, streamlined sample-to-answer workflow using probe design software and sample preparation methods optimized to overcome these challenges. DesignStudio® allows for the targeting of up to 1,536 user-defined genomic regions and supports amplicon sizes (150- and 175-bp) ideal for characterizing genomic hot-spot regions or sequencing of whole exons with FFPE DNA. The TruSeq® Custom Amplicon (TSCA) workflow delivers high target enrichment specificity (>80% of reads on target), robust target multiplexing (up to 1,536 amplicons per reaction), and scalable sample indexing (up to 96 libraries) that supports simultaneous sequencing using the MiSeq. We have optimized the DNA extraction and hybridization processes to achieve higher DNA yields and more uniform target representation, respectively. In addition, the improved TSCA assay and software analysis tools significantly reduce false-positive variant calls. In conclusion, we have developed an integrated solution for highly accurate and reproducible detection of somatic variants implicated in cancer biology. Citation Format: Elizabeth Upsall, Katherine Chang, Ian Lewis, April Tian, Anita Iyer, Richard Shen, Charles Lin. Rapid, highly multiplexed somatic mutation analysis of FFPE tissues by deep amplicon sequencing on MiSeq®. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4154. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4154
Water intoxication and symptomatic hyponatremia after outpatient surgery.

Severe hyponatremia is associated with a mortality rate of more than 50%, primarily from cerebral edema and central nervous system dysfunction. Water intoxication is an unusual but potentially lethal cause of perioperative hyponatremia. We report a patient with severe postoperative hyponatremia resulting from excessive perioperative water consumption. Anesthesiologists should maintain an index of suspicion for hyponatremia from water intoxication in patients with neurologic symptoms during the perioperative period. Routine preoperative instructions regarding maximum perioperative water intake and inquiry into any concurrent alternative medical therapies may help to avoid this preventable complication.
Piagetian structuralism and learning: Reflections on two decades of educational application

Abstract In light of salient measurement and evaluation issues a content analysis approach was chosen to assess the value and problem of applying Piagetian theory to early childhood education. Focal changes in implementation were analyzed with emphasis upon the so-called unique contributions of the theory to teaching goals, beliefs, understandings, and practices. Structuralism was compared favorably with learning theory in providing a conceptual basis for educational application. The inherently dialectical nature of Piaget's views of knowledge presents an intuitively appealing albeit conceptually and methodologically abstract approach to educational innovation. It was concluded that applying Piagetian theory to education, in agreement with these special developmental dynamics, involves an interactively changing theory and data base as teachers and children develop over time.
Fault detection and predictive maintenance program using SEMY Statistical Machine Control (SMC)

This presentation describes the introduction of a fault detection and predictive maintenance strategy into the Diffusion area of a semiconductor manufacturing facility. The goal of the fault detection and predictive maintenance strategy is to maximize tool availability for production while minimizing the risk to product. The predictive maintenance methods allow the user to increase the elapsed time between maintenance activities while minimizing the risk of unexpected equipment failure. The predictive maintenance methods are based on the use of a statistically based fault detection system. The selected equipment parameters are monitored throughout the run for drift beyond established threshold limits. Fault detection is reported directly to a maintenance planning and scheduling application which in turn sends a message to the operating personnel. An option is available which will inhibit the use of the tool until the maintenance activity has been completed. A major part of this project was the identification of equipment parameters for monitoring, the statistical methods used in the analysis and the determination of the threshold values at which t originate a maintenance activity. The decision process leading to the definition of these factors is discussed.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fluids in planetary systems

Water and other geofluids play an important role in the geochemical and rheological evolution of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. These fluids are responsible for the formation of hydrothermal mineral deposits, affect eruption behavior in volcanic systems and the geophysical properties of the mantle, and significantly affect the way in which rocks deform and fracture. Water is required for life to develop and survive, and the search for life beyond Earth defaults to a search for water in the solar system. In this inaugural issue of Elements , current knowledge concerning the distribution and role of water in diverse geological processes and environments is considered.
Medical stress, appraised stress, and the psychological adjustment of mothers of children with myelomeningocele.

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the relationship between medical severity, stress appraisals, and psychological symptoms in a representative sample of mothers of children with myelomeningocele. Although these mothers may be at risk for the development of depression and anxiety problems, substantial
Modeling Insight into the Diffusion-Limited Cause of the Gel Effect in Free Radical Polymerization

The molecular-level cause of the gel effect in free radical polymerization, associated with a decrease in the termination rate parameter with increasing conversion, is studied by experimental and modeling approaches. The predictive Vrentas−Duda free volume theory serves as a basis for modeling as it handles quantitatively the temperature and polymer concentration dependencies of monomer diffusion. The polymer concentration (c) dependencies of various diffusional processes fit an expression of the form [Dm(c)/Dm(0)]ξx,m, where Dm is the monomer diffusion coefficient and ξx,m expresses the power-law dependence of the diffusional process of interest (x) relative to that of monomer (m). Relevant values of ξx,m vary from ∼ 0.8 for segmental mobility, to ∼1−2 or 3 for oligomeric diffusion, to ∼ 3.0−3.5 for unentangled polymer diffusion, and to ∼ 9.5−10 for entangled polymer diffusion. If the very high conversion regime, where issues unrelated to the origin of the gel effect add unnecessary complications, is avo...
The direct toxicity of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate in cell culture.

Abstract α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) kills rat liver cells in culture. Testing of a variety of related compounds revealed that toxicity depended upon the isothiocyanate group. The toxicity of ANIT was similar on several lines of cultured cells and in the presence of inhibitors and inducers of microsomal enzyme systems. The addition of a microsomal metabolizing system from rat liver to the cell cultures greatly enhanced the toxicity of 2 hepatotoxins requiring metabolism, but did not affect the toxicity of ANIT. It is concluded therefore that ANIT is toxic without biotransformation.
Sphingolipids and membrane biology as determined from genetic models.

The importance of sphingolipids in membrane biology was appreciated early in the twentieth century when several human inborn errors of metabolism were linked to defects in sphingolipid degradation. The past two decades have seen an explosion of information linking sphingolipids with cellular processes. Studies have unraveled mechanistic details of the sphingolipid metabolic pathways, and these findings are being exploited in the development of novel therapies, some now in clinical trials. Pioneering work in yeast has laid the foundation for identifying genes encoding the enzymes of the pathways. The advent of the era of genomics and bioinformatics has led to the identification of homologous genes in other species and the subsequent creation of animal knock-out lines for these genes. Discoveries from these efforts have re-kindled interest in the role of sphingolipids in membrane biology. This review highlights some of the recent advances in understanding sphingolipids’ roles in membrane biology as determined from genetic models.
Design of a robust thin-film interference filter for erbium-doped fiber amplifier gain equalization

Gain-flattening filters (GFFs) are key wavelength division multiplexing components in fiber-optics telecommunications. Challenging issues in the design of thin-film GFFs were recently the subject of a contest organized at the 2001 Conference on Optical Interference Coatings. The interest and main difficulty of the proposed problem was to minimize the sensitivity of a GFF to simulated fabrication errors. A high-yield solution and its design philosophy are described. The approach used to control the filter robustness is explained and illustrated by numerical results.
Endogenous voltage gradients as mediators of cell-cell communication: strategies for investigating bioelectrical signals during pattern formation

Alongside the well-known chemical modes of cell-cell communication, we find an important and powerful system of bioelectrical signaling: changes in the resting voltage potential (Vmem) of the plasma membrane driven by ion channels, pumps and gap junctions. Slow Vmem changes in all cells serve as a highly conserved, information-bearing pathway that regulates cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. In embryonic and regenerative pattern formation and in the disorganization of neoplasia, bioelectrical cues serve as mediators of large-scale anatomical polarity, organ identity and positional information. Recent developments have resulted in tools that enable a high-resolution analysis of these biophysical signals and their linkage with upstream and downstream canonical genetic pathways. Here, we provide an overview for the study of bioelectric signaling, focusing on state-of-the-art approaches that use molecular physiology and developmental genetics to probe the roles of bioelectric events functionally. We highlight the logic, strategies and well-developed technologies that any group of researchers can employ to identify and dissect ionic signaling components in their own work and thus to help crack the bioelectric code. The dissection of bioelectric events as instructive signals enabling the orchestration of cell behaviors into large-scale coherent patterning programs will enrich on-going work in diverse areas of biology, as biophysical factors become incorporated into our systems-level understanding of cell interactions.
The physiological ecology of the supratidal amphipod Talorchestia longicornis.

Abstract Physiology, behavior, habitat, and morphology are used to determine the degree of adaptation to life on land for amphipod species and systemization within the four functional groups of the family talitridae. Talorchestia longicornis is a semi-terrestrial amphipod found in the supratidal zone of estuaries. The present study investigates the physiological adaptations of this species to life on land through measurements of osmoregulation and respiration. Over the salinity range of 1–40‰, T. longicornis regulated its hemolymph hyperosmotically at low salinities and hypoosmotically at high salinities. The isosmotic point was about 27‰. Analogously, hemolymph chloride levels were well regulated being hyperionic at low salinities and hypoionic at high salinities. This species is capable of respiration in both air and water. Slopes ( b values) of the relationship between weight and oxygen uptake rates ranged from 0.316 to 0.590. Oxygen uptake rates were higher in air than water and at night versus day. Q 10 values were slightly below 2.0 for respiration in air for amphipods, irrespective of weight. These physiological adaptations, along with its behaviors, habitat, and morphology, place T. longicornis within the Group III sandhoppers of the Talitridae.
Mechanisms Involved in the Protection of UV-induced Protein Inactivation by the Corneal Crystallin ALDH3A1

Various lines of evidence have shown that ALDH3A1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1) plays a critical and multifaceted role in protecting the cornea from UV-induced oxidative stress. ALDH3A1 is a corneal crystallin, which is defined as a protein recruited into the cornea for structural purposes without losing its primary function (i.e. metabolism). Although the primary role of ALDH3A1 in the metabolism of toxic aldehydes has been clearly demonstrated, including the detoxification of aldehydes produced during UV-induced lipid peroxidation, the structural role of ALDH3A1 in the cornea remains elusive. We therefore examined the potential contribution of ALDH3A1 in maintaining the optical integrity of the cornea by suppressing the aggregation and/or inactivation of other proteins through chaperone-like activity and other protective mechanisms. We found that ALDH3A1 underwent a structural transition near physiological temperatures to form a partially unfolded conformation that is suggestive of chaperone activity. Although this structural transition alone did not correlate with any protection, ALDH3A1 substantially reduced the inactivation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and malondialdehyde when co-incubated with NADP(+), reinforcing the importance of the metabolic function of this corneal enzyme in the detoxification of toxic aldehydes. A large excess of ALDH3A1 also protected glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from inactivation because of direct exposure to UVB light, which suggests that ALDH3A1 may shield other proteins from damaging UV rays. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ALDH3A1 can reduce protein inactivation and/or aggregation not only by detoxification of reactive aldehydes but also by directly absorbing UV energy. This study provides for the first time mechanistic evidence supporting the structural role of the corneal crystallin ALDH3A1 as a UV-absorbing constituent of the cornea.
Probing the magnetic polarity structure of the heliospheric current sheet

[1] We use solar wind heat-flux electrons to determine the solar magnetic polarities of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) close to the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) around the time of the last solar minimum in 1995–1996. At that time the tilt angle of the HCS was very low and solar activity was minimal, allowing the Wind spacecraft to probe the polarities of the fields close to the HCS during a time relatively free of transient interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs). During the three periods we examined, all solar polarity boundaries predicted from Stanford source surface (SS) maps were observed. During 34 days in which the SS magnetic neutral line skimmed within 3° of the ecliptic, only six tangential excursions into opposite solar polarities were observed. The distribution of the durations of magnetic polarity sectors was very similar to that reported earlier for solar maximum in 1978–1982, showing no increase in sectors which might be expected for a spacecraft trajectory roughly tangential to a corrugated HCS separating regions of opposite polarity. The heat-flux electron pitch angle distributions, intervals of magnetic false polarities, high-latitude field excursions, and orientations of minimum variance vectors at polarity boundaries were all similar to those observed away from the boundaries. About one third of the polarity boundaries were displaced from the large-angle changes of the IMF direction usually thought to define the HCS. These observations suggest a single, globally smooth HCS in the form of a corrugated ribbon much less complex than and often separated from a thicker and more structured surrounding current sheet system formed by IMF discontinuities.
Research apprenticeships: A report on a model graduate programme in instructional systems

Graduate programmes in instructional design/educational technology are, by their nature, continuously being updated and improved. As a most recent iteration of the ever-evolving graduate experience, an experimental programme at Pennsylvania State University’s Instructional Systems programme takes as its centerpiece a research apprenticeship in which graduate students work directly with their advisors in research teams as part of a credit-bearing coursework. This paper reports the results of an evaluation to examine the uses and the effectiveness of the research apprenticeship from both faculty and staff perspectives. The findings indicate that the course enjoyed a great degree of flexibility and allowed faculty to integrate a number of different approaches and activities into this course and to account for extensive mentoring of graduate students through the credit-bearing apprenticeship. Students indicated that the course gave them much more equitable access to mentoring for publications and presentations and opportunities to engage in scholarly activities throughout their apprenticeship. Suggestions for programmes seeking to employ an apprenticeship approach were drawn along with future research directions.
Epigenetics and Metal Deficiencies

It has long been observed that our environment strongly impacts the development of animals and humans. More recent research suggests epigenetic changes as underlying mechanisms. Environmental factors include toxins, stochasticity, behavior, stress, and nutrition, the latter having a particular impact. Epigenome generation during embryonic development is strongly affected. However, changes can be induced throughout life and seem to accumulate with aging and can even be passed on to the next generations. The metal-dependence of epigenetically active enzymes is well established. However, literature on the impact of metal deficiencies on the epigenome is scarce. In this review, current knowledge on the influence of deficiencies in the essential trace metals iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc on the epigenome from oocytes to the elderly will be summarized. Recent research suggests a connection between metal deficiencies, epigenetics and certain types of diseases which will be discussed herein as well.
Rate of forgetting and intelligence

Abstract Research on mentally retarded subjects indicates that the well established relationship between learning rate and intelligence is not accompanied by a comparable relationship between forgetting rate and intelligence. To date, however, almost nothing is known about the link between intelligence and forgetting when subjects are exclusively drawn from the normal ability ranges. In the present study, one hundred and sixteen normal young men were asked to recall problem solutions after performing a distractor task consisting of one, two, or three speeded math items. The results indicate that longer distractor intervals result in diminished recall, but, more importantly, that high and low ability subjects forget at equal rates.
Ion beam mixing in metallic and semiconductor materials

Abstract In this review we shall describe and discuss the basics of the ion mixing phenomenon. First, the process is examined by considering only ballistic and kinematic effects associated with collisions between projectile and target atoms. We shall examine how collision cascades and the evolution of dense energy spikes affect the mixing process. We then show how material properties, such as heat of mixing and cohesive energy, influence the mixing process. These properties lead to the physical basis for the occurrence of temperature-independent and temperature-dependent mixing regimes. Finally, we shall examine the phase formation possibilities in the ion-reacted layer, and how irradiation conditions and various material properties can influence the final structure that forms.
The equivalence of Side–Angle–Side and Side–Side–Side in the absolute plane

We show that if we start with an absolute plane, remove Side–Angle–Side as an axiom and replace it with Side–Side–Side as a new axiom, then the new resulting axiom system is also an absolute plane. In particular, we show that Side–Angle–Side still holds in the new axiom system.
Neuron-MOSFET junction with sodium potassium voltage gate channel

The Electrical interaction and the signaling process between a neuron and a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) in a nanostructure circuit have led to a growing interest in computer brain interface. A wide variety of neuron silicon sensors and systems have been developed [2]. Typically, such brain chip interfaces rely on miniature sensors/electrodes that can get inside the interfaces between neuron and silicon to measure and show advance reactions. Neuron-MOSFET junctions with sodium and potassium voltage gate channels have also been reported recently. The earlier stage of neuron silicon interfaces were conventional biological sensors or devices attached to the neuron. Such approaches have their limitations because their charge carriers are different - electrons in a solid ion lattice and ions in a polar fluid. Electrons in silicon have a mobility of about 10 3 cm 2 /Vs, whereas the mobility of ions in water is around 10 -3 cm 2 /Vs. That enormous difference of mobility is at the root for the different architecture of the two information processors and integration between biological and electronics system [22]. In this paper, Neuron-MOSFET junction with sodium and potassium voltage gate channel system using MOSFET sensor is presented. The junction, developed with intelligent materials and different technologies, is an integral part of Computer Brain Interface (CBI). Such a sensor with integrated nanostructure can transmit a signal from one neuron to other neuron if there is any damage in nerve system and send data to any external device for bionic limbs, remote health monitoring, biomedical application and health delivery. The paper will also present the simulation of the MOSFET based junction integrated with chemical message from a dendrite. It is an intellectual and technological challenge to join these different systems directly on the level of electronic and ionic signals [22].
Interactions with senior managers: Perceived differences by race/ethnicity and by gender.

Differences among junior managers in their perceptions of various types of interactions with senior managers and levels of self-efficacy in initiating interactions were investigated. Study variables were determined following preliminary focus group interviews. These variables were subjected to a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANACOVA) to assess differences among the various racial, ethnic, and gender groups. Data were derived from a 53% response rate to a survey of 3106 junior managers in a Fortune 500 company. Subjects included Asian men (n = 29), Asian women (n = 21), Black men (n = 94), Black women (n = 84), Hispanic men (n = 28), Hispanic women (n = 18), White men (n = 708), and White women (n = 647). Results reveal that women perceived having less access to career-related interactions and to informal interactions with senior managers. Women also reported lower levels of self-efficacy in their personal skills and abilities in informal social activities. Black managers presented higher levels of self-efficacy related to initiating career-related interactions than White managers and Asian managers. Asian managers reported lower levels of self-efficacy related to initiating informal interactions with senior managers than Black, Hispanic, and White managers. Findings suggest that gender has a stronger influence than race or ethnicity on the nature of interactions with senior managers within this organization.
Generic magnetic fusion reactor cost assessment

The Fusion Energy Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory discusses ''generic'' magnetic fusion reactors. The author comments on DT burning magnetic fusion reactor models being possibly operational in the 21st century. Representative parameters from D-T reactor studies are given, as well as a shematic diagram of a generic fusion reactor. Values are given for winding pack current density for existing and future superconducting coils. Topics included are the variation of the cost of electricity (COE), the dependence of the COE on the net electric power of the reactor, and COE formula definitions.
Taipower Tunghsiao Stag Combined Cycle Power Plant

Units 1 and 2 in the Tiawan Electric Power Co. (Taipower) are General Electric STAG 307E combined cycle systems with rated output of 570 MW. These combined cycle generation systems include high technology gas turbines, an unfired steam system with steam generation at two pressures and computer based control systems. The net plant thermal efficiency at the rating point is 45.3% on distillate oil and 44.8% on residual oil. Currently one of the six gas turbines is operating on residual oil and five are operating on distillate. When the residual oil conversion is complete, these will be the World’s most efficient residual oil fired power generation units. A description of the distinguishing features, construction and early operating history are presented.© 1984 ASME
On control variate estimators

Abstract Control variate (CV) estimators are a useful class of reduced variance estimators for simulation experiments. They correct the value of a crude estimator after the simulation outputs have been realized, and thus they do not alter the time path of the simulated stochastic process. In this paper, a broad characterization of CV estimators is proposed, the properties of this class of estimators are investigated, and the characterization is employed to derive new CV estimators that have advantageous properties in addition to reduced variance.
The Role ,of Attention in the Programming of Saccades

Abstract Accurate saccadic programming in natural visual scenes requires a signal designating which of the many potential targets is to be the goal of the saccade. Is this signal controlled by the allocation of perceptual attention, or do saccades have their own independent selective filter? We found evidence for the involvement of perceptual attention, namely: (1) summoning perceptual attention to a target also facilitated saccades; (2) perceptual identification was better at the saccadic goal than elsewhere; and (3) attempts to dissociate the locus of attention from the saccadic goal were unsuccessful, i.e. it was not possible to prepare to look quickly and accurately at one target while at the same time making highly accurate perceptual judgements about targets elsewhere. We also studied the trade-off between saccadic and perceptual performance by means of a novel application of the “attentional operating characteristic” (AOC) to oculomotor performance. This analysis revealed that some attention could be diverted from the saccadic goal with virtually no cost to either saccadic latency or accuracy, showing that there is a ceiling on the attentional demands of saccades. The links we discovered between saccades and attention can be explained by a model in which perceptual attention determines the endpoint of the saccade, while a separate trigger signal initiates the saccade in response to transient changes in the attentional locus. The model will be discussed in the context of current neurophysiological work on saccadic control.
Change in emotional processing during a dialectical behavior therapy-based skills group for major depressive disorder

Across studies, paying attention to and analyzing one's emotions has been found to be both positively and negatively correlated with depression symptoms. One way of reconciling these seemingly contradictory findings is the possibility that attending to emotions in a skillful manner may help to reduce depression whereas attending to emotions with limited skill may be counterproductive. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a clinical intervention designed to foster adaptive awareness, expression, regulation, tolerance, and acceptance of emotions. Results of the present report come from a pilot study of a 16-week DBT-based skills training group for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) as an adjunctive treatment to pharmacotherapy. Patients were randomized to treatment or a waitlist control group. A significant interaction revealed that increases in emotional processing were associated with decreases in depression symptoms in the DBT-based skills group; however, increases in emotional processing in the waitlist condition were associated with increases in depression. Results offer preliminary support for the idea that participating in DBT-based skills training may help individuals with treatment-resistant MDD to develop skills that facilitate processing emotions in a way that helps to reduce rather than exacerbate depression symptoms.
Altitude variation of glacier mass balance in Scandinavia

[1] For each of ten glaciers in Norway and two in Sweden, vertical profiles of net balance bn(z), which are typically published as values at about a dozen altitudes, are strongly linear and nearly parallel from year to year. Separate linear functions fit the bn(z) from year to year with r2 ≥ 0.89 over the 12 glaciers. A family of parallel lines for each glacier that differ from year to year only by an amount Δbn constant with altitude has r2 ≥ 0.85. There is an altitude z′ on each glacier where the measured balance bn(z′) correlates well with the glacier-total bn with r ≥ 0.97 over the 12 glaciers. A remarkable consequence of this and of the high correlation of bn between many of the glaciers in the region is that measurements on one glacier (1775 meters on Hardangerjokulen) provide a good estimate of bn at several other glaciers.
Neuro-ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Purpose of review This review aims to provide an overview of powered endoscopic sinus surgery and raise awareness of the possible neuro-ophthalmic complications associated with the procedure. Recent findings The neuro-ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery can be categorized into five anatomic sites: eye, orbit, optic nerve, extraocular muscle, and lacrimal drainage system. Double vision may be caused by various ocular motility abnormalities. Visual loss may be the result of orbital hemorrhage or direct optic nerve trauma. Summary A wide range of neuro-ophthalmic complications may occur during endoscopic sinus surgery. The use of powered cutting instruments has been a recent advance in endoscopic sinus surgery, but it has also been implicated in rapid, irreversible, and devasting complications. Multiple preoperative and intraoperative factors appear to be involved in the adverse events associated with endoscopic sinus surgery. Ophthalmologists may be asked to evaluate and manage ocular damage in patients who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery, and in some cases emergent intervention may be required in an attempt to avoid permanent visual loss.
THE ACQUISITION OF GERMAN MODAL PARTICLES: A CORPUS-BASED APPROACH

THE ACQUISITION OF GERMAN MODAL PARTICLES: A CORPUS-BASED APPROACH. Martina Mollering. Bern: Peter Lang, 2004. Pp. 290. $52.95 paper.Particles of the modal particle type—also referred to as flavoring, toning, or discourse particles—are a phenomenon in the West-Germanic languages that is well known for its descriptive complexity and its considerable demands on second language (L2) learners. High among the descriptive challenges ranks the fact that these particles cannot be adequately captured by structurally oriented theories of language because they cross syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and discursive domains and nonuniquely express assumptions, intentions, judgments, and affective stances among the partners in communication. Along with real and imagined co-texts, these are highly contextualized and interpreted aspects of the languaging event. High among their acquisitional challenges ranks the fact that, in addition to their culturally and interpersonally situated and dialogic nature, they are formally ambiguous because all belong to other functional classes with divergent distributional and meaning characteristics. Small wonder that their competent use serves as a strong indicator of advanced levels of L2 ability. Small wonder, too, that researchers and instructors of German continue to explore more effective approaches to describing and teaching them.
Early Tendon Transfer for Radial Nerve Transection

Abstract A retrospective comparison of twelve patients with radial nerve transection treated by nerve repair, and thirteen similar patients treated by tendon transfer only, showed an average time to recovery of 7.5 months after nerve repair, and eight weeks after transfer. In view of this, a policy of early tendon transfer instead of radial nerve suture is advised. Results are reported in nine patients who had tendon transfers at an average of thirteen days after nerve injury.
Biomarkers in Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors with cells of neuroendocrine differentiation that arise from diverse anatomic sites with varying morphologic and clinical features. Since the natural history and prognosis varies widely between individual neuroendocrine tumor types, there is a critical need to identify accurate prognostic and predictive biomarkers and markers predictive of therapeutic efficacy. To date, plasma chromogranin-A levels have generally been accepted as the most useful biomarker, despite the fact that there are substantial concerns in sensitivity and discrepancies in measurement techniques. As a consequence, considerable attention has been focused upon the development of novel biomarkers that can be utilized with more clinical efficacy than chromogranin-A. In addition to amplifying the diagnostic/prognostic landscape, the need to calibrate the efficacy of biological targeted therapy has further accelerated the development of molecular biomarkers. At the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chou et al . (Abstract #e15151) presented data that chromogranin A levels can be monitored during treatment to predict clinical outcome. Modlin et al . (Abstract #4137), demonstrated a promising novel biomarker, serum multi-transcript molecular signature. Grande et al . (Abstract #4140), Heetfield et al . (Abstract #e15071) and Casanovas et al . (Abstract #4139) described sVEGFR2, p-mTOR and IGF1R as molecular markers with potential for use in targeted therapy trials. The authors review and summarize these abstracts in this article. Image: Detail of pipeline used to derive a set of 51 markers that identify GEP-NETs.
On Answering Questions Indirectly: Some Rules in the Grammar of Doing Conversation

The mechanisms through which an indirect response to a question counts as a direct answer to that question can fruitfully be regarded as a process in which the listener supplies, constructs, infers, or is reminded of such statements as will (together with the indirect response itself) allow the inference of a plausible direct answer. This analysis presents seven rules of conversational interpretation, and likens conversational logic to the enthymeme. It also supports a widely asserted characteristic of conversation in general: that participants expect each other to cooperate in making utterances “make sense.”
In-House Composting to Reduce Larval House Fly, Musca domestica L., Populations

Abstract Hen manure from high-rise houses was treated biweekly with mechanical agitation alone or in combination with added cardboard, hay, or sawdust. Compared to non-agitated, non-treated control manure, house fly numbers were reduced in agitated treatments and in those with added carbon sources in concert with lower manure moisture, higher manure temperature, and greater ammonia levels. Chemical composition of the manure was altered by the agitation and addition of composting materials, increasing dry matter, and decreasing the nitrogen concentration. Adding hay or sawdust increased both the carbon and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the final products. All the composted and agitated manure treatments appeared to reduce the bulk density and improve the consistency of raw manure; however, ammonia respiratory protection for the skid loader operator is necessary during in-house agitation, and may be a health concern for the hens as well.
Influence of age on practice effects in longitudinal neurocognitive change.

Objective: Longitudinal comparisons of neurocognitive functioning often reveal stability or age-related increases in performance among adults under about 60 years of age. Because nearly monotonic declines with increasing age are typically evident in cross-sectional comparisons, there is a discrepancy in the inferred age trends based on the two types of comparisons. The current research investigated the role of practice effects in longitudinal comparisons on the discrepancy. Method: Longitudinal data over an average interval of 2.5 years were available on five abilities (i.e., reasoning, spatial visualization, episodic memory, perceptual speed, vocabulary) in a sample of 1,616 adults ranging from 18 to over 80 years of age. Practice effects were estimated from comparisons of the performance of people of the same age tested for either the first or second time, after adjusting for the possibility of selective attrition. Results: Increased age was associated with significantly more negative longitudinal changes with each ability. All of the estimated practice effects were positive, but they varied in magnitude across neurocognitive abilities and as a function of age. After adjusting for practice effects the longitudinal changes were less positive at younger ages and slightly less negative at older ages. Conclusions: It was concluded that some, but not all, of the discrepancy between cross-sectional and longitudinal age trends in neurocognitive functioning is attributable to practice effects positively biasing the longitudinal trends. These results suggest that the neurobiological substrates of neurocognitive functioning may change across different periods in adulthood.
Spermatophores of the snail Neritina reclivata

Differing from hitherto known spermatophores, these are found to have the form of a loop with a thick body and the slender ends twisted together. Also one end bears a spiral row of triradiate spicules, unique in being chitinoid secretions. Each is formed within a vacuole of a cell of a small gland found in the males. The ends of the spermatophores hold sperms, but the main mass consists of granules of problematical value. Spermatophores after discharge are stored up within the female, where remnants of them remain indefinitely. For the first time stages in the formation of spermatophores were found within the males. The head organ in the male is found to be more complex than hitherto known in this genus. A special head organ in the female is described for the first time in this family. An hypothesis is advanced as to the possible use of these male and female head organs in transfer of spermatophores. The suggestion is made that in this family the spermatophores and their organs of transfer and of storage may serve as generic characters.
The effects of darkness and anaerobiosis on dinoflagellate cyst germination1,2

The effects of light and anaerobiosis on germination of marine dinoflagellate resting cysts were examined. Germination of all species was completely inhibited during 7 weeks of anaerobic incubation, although the cysts remained viable. Light requirements were more variable. Germination rates in the light varied 20-fold between species; dark rates varied by a similar factor but were generally much lower. One species (Gonyaulax polyedra) required light to germinate, three germinated faster in the light than in the dark (Gonyaulax tamarensis, Scrippsiella sp., and Gonyaulax verior), and one germinated at comparable rates in the light and in the dark (Gonyaulax rugosum). Brief exposure to light at the beginning of the experiments made it impossible to say whether germination is possible in constant darkness. It is clear, however, that prolonged light exposure is a requirement only for G. polyedra, although it can significantly accelerate germination of the other species. Germination inhibition by darkness and anaerobiosis helps to explain the subsurface accumulation of dinoflagellate cysts in marine sediments and the persistence of benthic cyst populations at times when temperatures favor germination. These constraints are sufficiently common that many cysts will never germinate once they reach bottom sediments.
Cytolytic (TIA-1 +) Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in B Cell Non-Hodgkin's - Lymphomas

TIA-1 is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that identifies cytolytic cells. We studied eleven B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of low grade, eleven B cell NHL of intermediate-high grade, and 10 benign lymphoid hyperplasias (BLH) to investigate potential differences in the number of host cytolytic tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Frozen sections were immunostained with TIA-1 mAb and the number of immunoreactive cells (TIA-1+) per mm2 of tissue was quantitated within reactive or neoplastic lymphoid follicles or random areas of diffuse NHL. The number of TIA-1 + cells/mm2 was significantly higher in intermediate and high grade B cell NHL than in low grade NHL or BLH with means ± se of 1377.8 ± 173, 866.2 ± 92.3 and 774.1 ± 76.2, respectively (p < 0.0183 and p < 0.0125). There was no significant difference between BLH and low grade NHL.The increased number of TIA-1 + TILs in B cell NHL of intermediate and high grade suggests the possibility of a host cytolytic immune response versus the tumor. Paradoxical...
Too Many Mutants with Multiple Mutations

It has recently become clear that the classical notion of the random nature of mutation does not hold for the distribution of mutations among genes: most collections of mutants contain more isolates with two or more mutations than predicted by the mutant frequency on the assumption of a random distribution of mutations. Excesses of multiples are seen in a wide range of organisms, including riboviruses, DNA viruses, prokaryotes, yeasts, and higher eukaryotic cell lines and tissues. In addition, such excesses are produced by DNA polymerases in vitro. These "multiples" appear to be generated by transient, localized hypermutation rather than by heritable mutator mutations. The components of multiples are sometimes scattered at random and sometimes display an excess of smaller distances between mutations. As yet, almost nothing is known about the mechanisms that generate multiples, but such mutations have the capacity to accelerate those evolutionary pathways that require multiple mutations where the individual mutations are neutral or deleterious. Examples that impinge on human health may include carcinogenesis and the adaptation of microbial pathogens as they move between individual hosts.
The Mechanism of Swollen State Formaldehyde Crosslinking of Cellulose

The formation of crosslinks depends on resonance stabilization of carbonium ion centered on the methylene carbon. The rate of formaldehyde add-on is increased by increasing hydrogen ion activity and by including an alcohol in the formaldehyde-acid solution, thus making hemiformal appear to be the most active formaldehyde source.
Optimum pixel size for hyperspectral studies of ecosystem function in southern California chaparral and grassland

Hyperspectral remotely sensed data are useful for studying ecosystem processes and patterns. However, spatial characterization of such remotely sensed images is needed to optimize sampling procedures and address scaling issues. We have investigated spatial scaling in ground-based and airborne hyperspectral data for canopy- to watershed-level ecosystem studies of southern California chaparral and grassland vegetation. Three optical reflectance indices, namely, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Water Band Index (WBI) and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) were used as indicators of biomass, plant water content and photosynthetic activity, respectively. Two geostatistical procedures, the semivariogram and local variance, were used for the spatial scaling analysis of these indices. The results indicate that a pixel size of 6 m or less would be optimal for studying functional properties of southern California grassland and chaparral ecosystems using hyperspectral remote sensing. These results provide a guide for selecting the spatial resolution of future airborne and satellite-based hyperspectral sensors.
Superior gluteal artery haemorrhage following pelvic fractures controlled by embolisation

Successful embolisation of active bleeding from the superior gluteal artery seen in two patients within the last 12 months is described. Both patients had extensive abdominal and pelvic injuries. One patient eventually died from renal failure and a perforated colon. The other patient is mobile and has been periodically seen in the out-patient department over the past nine months. In both instances, haemorrhage was at the sacrosciatic notch. Early angiography, in patients with extensive pelvic trauma and major blood requirements, with intent to embolise any identifiable bleeding source would appear to be the best initial manoeuvre to prevent exsanguination.
On the Application of AIC to Bivariate Density Estimation, Nonparametric Regression and Discrimination

Some simple data analytic procedures are available for bivariate nonparametric density estimation. If we use a linear approximation of specified basis functions then the coefficients can be estimated by the EM algorithm, and the number of terms judged by Akaike’s information criterion. The method also yields readily compatible approaches to nonparametric regression and logistic discrimination. Tukey’s energy consumption data and a psychological test for 25 normal and 25 psychotic patients are re-analyzed and the current methodology compared with previous procedures. The procedures offer many possible applications in the biomedical area, which are discussed in Sections 5 and 6, e.g. it is possible to analyze noisy data sets in situations where structured regression techniques would typically fail.
Historiography of American Jewish Education: A Case for Guarded Optimism

In his 1998 article “American Jewish Education in Historical Perspective,” originally delivered at the 1997 annual conference of the Network for Research in Jewish Education, historian Jonathan Sarna took note of the relative dearth of scholarship, in terms of both quality and quantity, on the history of Jewish education. Sarna estimated that only about 2% of the entries in Norman Drachler’s comprehensive Bibliography of Jewish Education in the United States (1996) focused on the history of Jewish education, and “Sadly, even those 2% consist for the most part—significant exceptions notwithstanding—of parochial and narrowly conceived studies, long on facts and short on analysis.” Sarna went on to argue that the study of the history of American Jewish education could provide substantial fodder for American Jewish social historians. After all, “schools serve as a primary setting, along with the home, where American Jews confront the most fundamental question of American life: how to live in two worlds at once, how to be both American and Jewish, part of the larger American society and apart from it.”