cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of Upper Helderberg Group (Lower Devonian), New York: ABSTRACT

Field and petrologic study of the upper Helderberg Group has elucidated facies relationships. A "tongue" of the Kalkberg formation, recognized locally by Rickard (1962), at the top of the lower Helderberg cycle, extends southeastward to Catskill Creek where it thickens slightly, changes lithologic character, and passes laterally into the basal Becraft formation of the upper cycle. The Becraft represents a progradational phase within the general Lower Devonian transgression, and is seen as correlative with parts of both cycles. Thus, sedimentation was continuous between the two transgressive cycles. These revisions only slightly alter lower-cycle stratigraphy and preserve the integrity of Rickard's time lines. The Becraft formation is divisible into three units. (1) (Base) High-angle, cross-stratified, crinoidal grainstones interbedded with shale, cross-laminated, silty, peloidal grainstones, and packstones. (2) Trough cross-stratified, gypidulid-bearing, crinoidal grainstones with rare channels. (3) (Top) Finer grained, bioturbated to vaguely laminated grainstones containing gypidulids, and in-situ, rootlike crinoid holdfasts, but less crinoidal debris. Units 1 and 2 represent progradation of a tidally influenced, skeletal-sand shoal over shoal-margin and deeper subtidal environments. Unit 3 is transitional to the superjacent Alsen formation. The Alsen formation consists of irregularly bedded, bioturbated, skeletal, and peloidal grainstones. Bryozoans, brachiopods, and End_Page 1167------------------------------ micritized skeletal debris are the dominant particles. Peloids are abundant in the middle of the formation. The Alsen represents slightly deeper water and less current activity than the equivalent upper Becraft. Port Ewen lithologies include irregular and nodular, silty, skeletal wackestones and packstones, silty, peloidal packstones, and interbedded shale. Ostracodes, bryozoans, brachiopods, and micritized skeletal grains represent the sparse fauna. Bioturbation is ubiquitous; Chondrites, Planolites, and Zoophycos lebensspuren are common. The Port Ewen formation records the deepest, least-oxygenated environment in the Helderberg Group. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1168------------
The effect of the ionophore A23187 on amylase release, cellular integrity and ultrastructure of mouse pancreatic acini

The effects of the Ca2+ ionophore A 2317 on pancreatic amylase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cellular electrolyte balance and ultra-structure were studied with the use of incubated pancreatic fragments. A 23187 (0.3 μM) in the presence of Ca2+, increased amylase release but at higher concentrations (1–10 μM) also increased LDH release and increased uptake of 14C-sucrose with concomitant loss of tissue K+ and gain in Na +. The ultrastructure of the majority of acini appeared normal and showed depletion of zymogen granules. Microtubules and microfilaments which have been implicated in the release process were normal or increased in number. In the absence of Ca+ the ionophore had no effect on secretion, cellular integrity or ultrastructure. It is concluded that A 23187 in the presence of Ca2+ increases amylase release by a mechanism comparable to the terminal steps in stimulussecretion coupling induced by physiological secretagogues. This provides further evidence that amylase release is mediated by a rise in cell Ca2+ although the mechanisms of the ionophore- and physiological secretagogue-induced rise in Ca+ are probably different. High concentrations of ionophore (> 1 μM) also induce Ca2+ dependent damage in a fraction of the cells.
Editorial in Black Studies.

It has been well over ten years now since Dr. Nathan Hare and others initiated the modern movement in Black Studies. It will be recalled that programs in Black Studies emerged during this period in numerous colleges and universities in many parts of the United States. It will also be recalled that the varying negative attitudes and little commitment on the part of most administrators on predominantly white campuses led to varying national structural programmatic outcomes. The programmatic structure was but one of many issues that have developed in the modern movement of Black Studies from 1967 to 1979. Another critical issue has been who should administer programs in Black Studies and what should their qualifications be? There were other issues also. What follows, then, in this editorial is a brief review of some of the major issues of this period and a report on the results of a search for an administrative headship for a department of Afro-American Studies. How should Black Studies be structurally programmed in colleges and universities? What is the best approach? No one really knows the answer to the latter question. Let us examine
Electronic linewidth narrowing method for single axial mode operation of Q-switched Nd: YAG lasers

Abstract Electronic control of the Q-switch is used to obtain single axial mode output from an unstable resonator Nd: YAG oscillator. Controlled opening of the Q-switch following prespiking pulses provides over 10 MW of peak power in a single axial mode without significant output power reduction.
Enhanced performance and mechanism study of microbial electrolysis cells using Fe nanoparticle-decorated anodes

Anode properties are critical for the performance of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). In the present study, Fe nanoparticle-modified graphite disks were used as anodes to investigate the effects of nanoparticles on the performance of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in MECs. Results demonstrated that the average current densities produced with Fe nanoparticle-decorated anodes up to 5.89-fold higher than plain graphite anodes. Whole genome microarray analysis of the gene expression showed that genes encoding biofilm formation were significantly up-regulated as a response to nanoparticle-decorated anodes. Increased expression of genes related to nanowires, flavins, and c-type cytochromes indicates that enhanced mechanisms of electron transfer to the anode may also have contributed to the observed increases in current density. The majority of the remaining differentially expressed genes associated with electron transport and anaerobic metabolism demonstrate a systemic response to increased power loads.
"When the pain won't wane it's mainly in the brain".

Chronic pain syndromes either have no underlying organic explanation, or include patients whose chronic pain complaints (without focal deficits or significant radiographic findings) were not alleviated by surgery (in 80% of cases). Patients with chronic pain typically “turn off” members of the medical community; they are often “written off” as malingerers or psychiatric cases. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory often shows elevations on the hysteria and hypochondriasis scales; together these constitute somatization defined as patients converting emotional distress into bodily complaints. Depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorders are also often encountered. Secondary gain also plays a critical role in patients with chronic pain syndromes (e.g., includes avoiding onerous tasks/work, or rewards opioid-seeking behaviors). Tertiary gain pertains to the physicians’ financial rewards for administering ineffective and repeated treatment of these patients, while validating for the patient that there is truly something organically wrong with them. Self-mutilation (part of Munchausen Syndrome/Fictitious Disorders) also brings these chronic pain patients to the attention of the medical community. They are also often involved in the legal system (e.g., workmen's compensation or tort action) that in the United States, unfortunately financially rewards “pain and suffering.” The main purpose of this commentary is to reeducate spinal surgeons about the pitfalls of operating on patients with chronic pain syndromes in the absence of significant neurological deficits or radiographic findings, as such “last ditch surgery” invariably fails.
Unambiguous test for the axion

It is pointed out that a parallel search for the axion in the two decays J/psi..--> gamma..+axion and UPSILON..--> gamma..+axion is sufficient to either find the axion or to rule out its existence within the context of the standard model, independent of the free parameter in the theory. The required sensitivity is within experimental reach of existing and proposed experiments.
Development of intertrial organization with simultaneous presentation of stimulus items

A list of 10 words having zero interitem associative strength was repeatedly presented for free recall. All words were simultaneously presented in an array pattern based on two concentric circles. A significant amount of intertrial organization was obtained, and was seen to be greater than that obtained in a previous study with a serial method of presentation. These results were interpreted as evidence that the serial presentation is not a necessary condition for the development of intertrial organization, but that the method of presentation may be an important parameter of the amount of intertrial organization.
Semiautomated method for analysis of enteric-coated and plain coated diethylstilbestrol tablets

A semiautomated fluorometric method for the analysis of enteric-coated and plain coated diethylstilbestrol tablets is presented. To eliminate interferences from tablet excipients, diethylstilbestrol is extracted into an organic solvent and then into a basic aqueous solution. After UV irradiation, a product of diethylstilbestrol is formed from which a fluorophore is produced chemically. The fluorescence is measured at an excitation wavelength of 335 nm and an emission wavelength of 410 nm. The coefficient of variation measured for the semiautomated procedure was 0.59%. Assay results agreed well with the USP procedure for tablets containing >1 mg of diethylstilbestrol. Tablet dyes and excipients interfered in the USP procedure, which yielded low results for tablets containing < 1 mg of diethylstilbestrol. Standard recovery data and assays of tablet composites showed that dyes and other excipients do not interfere with the semiautomated procedure.
SU-FF-J-96: The Application of Varian's Markermatch Software in a Retrospective Study of Inter-Fractional Prostate Motion

Purpose: MarkerMatch is an automated marker match software feature developed by Varian in on-board imaging. It may calculate inter-fractional prostate motion with internal fiducial markers identified on CT scans. Before each treatment, a pair of portal images was taken and fiducial markers are identified. Based on the portal image pair, MarkerMatch calculates the optimized couch displacement in 3D to maximally restore the marker positions to their reference positions. To evaluate MarkerMatch's clinical performance, we did a phantom test and a retrospective study on patients implanted with radio-opaque fiducial markers. Method and Materials: We used a phantom implanted with 4 cylindrical-shaped markers of 1mm in diameter and 3mm in length. MarkerMatch localizes the markers based on CT images. In order to test MarkerMatch's ability to handle CT images of different quality, we scanned the phantom with four CT spacing. The portal image pair taken before treatment is normally at AP/Lateral gantry angles, but sometimes it is difficult to identify markers from the lateral image. To test MarkerMatch's ability to handle non-orthogonal portal image pair, we took portal images at 7 different gantry angles. As a preliminary test for the use of Markermatch in clinic, we retrospectively analyzed five patients implanted with 2–3 gold markers based on 43 pairs of weekly setup portal images. Results: In our phantom test, MarkerMatch is able to measure overall marker displacements within 1mm in each direction, regardless of the spacing used in the CT scans. Using different gantry separation angles, the measured overall marker displacements agree with each other within 1mm. Retrospective analysis of five patients is also presented. Conclusion: Initial studies indicate that MarkerMatch is robust in detecting and analyzing patient motion in 3D and can provide valuable information of inter-fractional prostate motion in clinic. Conflict of Interest: Funded in part by Varian Research Grant.
Gastric lipoma mimicking a gastric malignancy

A case of gastric lipoma is reported. The fairly common misdiagnosis of this lesion, as a gastric malignancy, was made preoperatively. Radiographic features of the tumor included both typical and atypical aspects of a benign mass. Gastroscopic features were also misleading. Despite direct visualization, gastric lipoma continues to present problems in preoperative diagnosis.
Ultra-Short Laser Pulses as a Tool to Measure as well as Perturb Neurovascular Activity in the Rodent Brain

We summarize the use of ultra-short laser pulses to probe the structure and function of neuronal vasodynamics through two-photon laser scanning microscopy of fluorescently labeled blood serum and tissue in conjuction with plasma-mediated laser ablation.
You unlocked the Mt. Everest badge on foursquare! Countering location fraud in Geosocial Networks

GeoSocial Networks (GSNs) are online social networks centered on the location information of their users. Users “check-in” their location and use it to acquire location-based special status (e.g., badges, mayorships) and receive venue dependent rewards. The strategy of rewarding user participation however makes cheating a profitable behavior. In this paper we introduce XACT, a suite of venue-oriented secure location verification mechanisms that enable venues and GSN providers to certify the locations claimed by users. We prove that XACT is correct, secure and easy to use. We validate the need for secure location verification mechanisms by collecting and analyzing data from the most popular GSNs today: 780,000 Foursquare users and 143,000 Gowalla users. Through a proof-of-concept implementation on a Revision C4 BeagleBoard embedded system we show that XACT is easy to deploy and economically viable. We analytically and empirically prove that XACT detects location cheating attacks.
Morphological Responses of Sugarcane to Long-Term Flooding

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in south Florida is often subjected to flooding due to intense summer rainfall or tropical storms. While there has been considerable research on the response of sugarcane cultivars to high water tables, there is a lack of information on cultivar morphological adaptation to long-term flooding. An experiment was established in Belle Glade, FL to examine: (i) effects of a July-September flood on the morphological characters of cv. CP 80-1743 and CP 72-2086 and (ii) significant flood x cultivar interactions that could be used to screen sugarcane germplasm. Sugarcane leaf, stem, primary root, adventitious root, and aerenchyma development were measured in the plant cane (2003) and second ratoon crops (2005). Morphological changes in response to flooding were similar in both years, with flooding leading to a 38% reduction in leaf weight, 4 to 15 times greater adventitious root development, 108% greater aerenchyma pipe extension, and 115% greater aerenchyma pipe diameter. Both cultivars responded to flooding by producing aboveground adventitious roots at the expense of belowground primary root biomass. A significant cultivar X flood interaction on aerenchyma extension and diameter was noted. Under nonflooded conditions, CP 72-2086 produced constitutive aerenchyma more than halfway up the stalk, whereas CP 80-1743 produced aerenchyma only 10% up the stalk. Aerenchyma development up the stalk may be a useful screening tool to identify flood-tolerance in sugarcane cultivars.
Energy Release Rate Determination for Edge Delamination under Combined in-Plane, Bending and Hygrothermal Loading. Part II-Two Symmetrically Located Delaminations

Edge delamination in composite laminates subjected to combined in-plane, bending and hygrothermal loading is analyzed using a crack tip element approach. It is assumed that two delaminations exist which are symmetrically located with respect to the midplane of the laminate. It is shown that, under pure bending, a linear analysis indicates that one of the delaminations generally has a positive mode I stress intensity factor, whereas the other crack generally has a negative mode I stress intensity factor. This indicates that crack face compression exists and an analysis incorporating crack face contact constraints is required to accurately obtain energy release rates. However, for many cases of bending combined with in-plane loading or uniform temperature or moisture change, both cracks have a tendency to open. General expressions are derived for the total energy release rate and the individual mode I and mode II components under these conditions. Specific example problems and results are presented.
Evidence for the Difference between the Odours of the Optical Isomers (+)- and (−)-Carvone

THE difference between the odours of the two optical isomers of carvone has been recognized for some time; (+)-carvone (isolated from caraway oil) was characterized as caraway-like while (−)-carvone (isolated from spearmint oil), as spearmint-like1. Samples purified by gas–liquid chromatography with very high chemical and optical purity still exhibited the two characteristic odours (refs. 1 and 2 and L. Friedman, private communication). Moreover, (−)-carvone was synthesized from (+)-limonene and was found to have a spearmint odour1,2. The possibility that a minor impurity of very low threshold and low concentration is responsible for the observed dissimilar odours has not, however, been completely eliminated.
Floor-Fractured Crater Models of the Sudbury Structure, Canada: Implications for Initial Crater Size and Crater Modification

The pattern of radial and concentric offset dikes at Sudbury strongly resembles fracture patterns in certain volcanically modified craters on the Moon. Since the Sudbury dikes apparently formed shortly after the impact event, this resemblance suggests that early endogenic modification at Sudbury was comparable to deformation in lunar floor-fractured craters. Although regional deformation has obscured many details of the Sudbury Structure, such a comparison of Sudbury with lunar floor-fractured craters provides two alternative models for the original size and surface structures of the Sudbury basin. First, the Sudbury date pattern can be correlated with fractures in the central peak crater Haldane (36 km in diameter). This comparison indicates an initial Sudbury diameter of between 100 and 140 km but requires loss of a central peak complex for which there is little evidence. Alternatively, comparison of the Sudbury dikes with fractures in the two-ring basin Schrodinger indicates an initial Sudbury diameter of at least ∼ 180 km, which is in agreement with other recent estimates for the size of the Sudbury Structure. In addition to constraining the size and structure of the original Sudbury crater, these comparisons also suggest that crater modification may reflect different deformation mechanisms at different sizes. Most lunar floor-fractured craters are attributed to deformation over a shallow, crater-centered intrusion; however, there is no evidence for such an intrusion at Sudbury. Instead, melts from the evolving impact melt sheet probably entered fractures formed by isostatically-induced flexure of the crater floor. Since most of the lunar floor-fractured craters are too small (<100-km diameter) to induce significant isostatic adjustment, crater modification by isostatic uplift apparently is limited to only the largest of craters, whereas deformation over igneous intrusions dominates the modification of smaller craters.
Differential use of Erk1/2 and transforming growth factor β pathways by mid- and late-gestational murine fibroblasts

Abstract Background Previously, we demonstrated the rapid closure of mid-gestational excisional murine wounds at 32 hours. In this study, we theorized that mid-gestational wounds would be completely regenerated, whereas late-gestational wounds would heal with scar formation at 48 hours. Furthermore, we theorized that mid- and late-gestational fibroblasts differentially use the transforming growth factor β and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Methods Three-millimeter excisional cutaneous wounds were made on murine mid- (embryonic day 15 [E15]) and late-gestational (E18) fetuses and harvested at 48 hours for histology. Percent wound closure was calculated. E15 and E18 fibroblasts were cultured overnight for in vitro scratch wound assay in the presence of the activin receptor–like kinase 4-5-7, Erk1/2, and p38 inhibitors. Results E15 wounds healed in a regenerative manner, whereas E18 wounds exhibited scar formation. In vitro scratch closure was similar in the E15 and E18 groups at 8 hours; yet, it increased in E15 compared with E18 groups with activin receptor–like kinase 4-5-7 and Erk1/2 inhibitors. p38 inhibition resulted in reduced scratch closure in both groups. Conclusion The scarless mid-gestational excisional wounds compared with the scar-forming late-gestational wounds provides a model to study scar formation. This study also suggests that variable transforming growth factor β and Erk1/2 signaling may influence differences in wound closure between mid- and late-gestational wounds.
ROMP-ATRP Block Copolymers Prepared from Monotelechelic Poly(oxa)norbornenes Using a Difunctional Terminating Agent

Novel block copolymers were prepared by combining ROMP and ATRP. Using the fast initiating ruthenium metathesis catalyst (H_2IMes)(Cl)_2(pyr)_2RuCHPh and (Z)-but-2-ene-1,4-diyl bis(2-bromopropanoate) as a terminating agent, three different monotelechelic poly(oxa)norbornenes were synthesized. Complete end-functionalization was shown by carrying out the ATRP of styrene and tert-butyl acrylate from the poly(oxa)norbornenes using a CuBr/PMDETA catalyst system. GPC showed no remaining homopolymer, and all block copolymers were found to have matching theoretical and observed molecular weights and low polydispersities.
On the conditions for efficient interoperability with threads: an experience with PGAS languages using cray communication domains

Today's high performance systems are typically built from shared memory nodes connected by a high speed network. That architecture, combined with the trend towards less memory per core, encourages programmers to use a mixture of message passing and multithreaded programming. Unfortunately, the advantages of using threads for in-node programming are hindered by their inability to efficiently communicate between nodes.In this work, we identify some of the performance problems that arise in such hybrid programming environments and characterize conditions needed to achieve high communication performance for multiple threads: addressability of targets, separability of communication paths, and full direct reachability to targets. Using the GASNet communication layer on the Cray XC30 as our experimental platform, we show how to satisfy these conditions. We also discuss how satisfying these conditions is influenced by the communication abstraction, implementation constraints, and the interconnect messaging capabilities.To evaluate these ideas, we compare the communication performance of a thread-based node runtime to a process-based runtime. Without our GASNet extensions, thread communication is significantly slower than processes--up to 21x slower. Once the implementation is modified to address each of our conditions, the two runtimes have comparable communication performance. This allows programmers to more easily mix models like OpenMP, CILK, or pthreads with a GASNet-based model like UPC, with the associated performance, convenience and interoperability advantages that come from using threads within a node.
Psychological and fitness changes associated with exercise participation among women with breast cancer.

Exercise participation has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce psychological distress among women receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the changes in distress and body image, and fitness following exercise participation among 24 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer within the previous 3 years. The women were randomly assigned to participate in a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise program in a hospital setting or a wait-list control group. Assessments of distress and body image were conducted at pre- and post-treatment. Data showed that the women in the exercise group improved significantly in body image (Physical Condition and Weight Concerns subscales) vs control group participants at post-treatment. Reductions in distress were also noted in the exercise group, but these were nonsignificant. At post-treatment, there were modest improvements in fitness in the exercise group.
Current therapies in Hodgkin's disease

Advances in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease (HD) have resulted in cure rates of greater than 80%. This remarkable achievement has occurred in the past 50 years secondary to improvements in combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Over the last several decades, with the increase in long-term survivors of HD, it has become evident that cure is not the only issue, and late side-effects of treatment, including secondary malignancies and impaired fertility, are of major concern as well. As a result, attempts to improve response and survival rates by intensifying therapy must be countered against the potential for long-term toxicity.
Powerline tower arm failure analysis

Arms bolted to powerline towers were falling off two weeks after installation. Metallurgical and chemical analysis performed on the base metal, weld zone, and heat-affected zone (HAZ) showed acceptable-quality material. Residual stress appeared to be responsible for the high failure rate. The sources of residual stress included welding, environment, and assembly operation.
Diiron(III) oxo-bridged complexes with BPMEN and additional monodentate or bidentate ligands: Synthesis and reactivity in olefin epoxidation with H2O2

Abstract The reactivity of a series of diiron(III) complexes ( 1 – 5 ) of the tetradentate ligand bpmen ( N,N ′-dimethyl- N,N ′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine) has been investigated. Three new diiron(III) complexes ( 3 – 5 ) with fluoride and acetate ligands have been isolated and structurally characterized. Complex Fe 2 (III)(μ-O)(μ-OH)(bpmen) 2 ( 1 ), which contains a μ-oxo, μ-hydroxo diiron(III) diamond core, was found to catalyze the epoxidation of cyclooctene with hydrogen peroxide, but its μ-oxo, μ-acetate counterpart Fe 2 (III)(μ-O)(μ-OAc)(bpmen) 2 ( 2 ) is unreactive. The effect of additives such as hydrofluoric acid, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, acetic acid and acetate on the reactivity of 1 and 2 is reported. Complexes 3 – 5 with two monodentate ligands (F − or OAc − ) attached to the bpmen-supported μ-oxo bridged diiron(III) core do not activate H 2 O 2 for olefin epoxidation.
Vibration-electronic coupling in the quenching of electronically excited alkali atoms by diatomics.

This paper reviews the ionic intermediate curve crossing model and the quenching of electronically excited atoms by simple diatomics and extends previous calculations to include predictions for the partial cross sections of the first electronic state of all the alkali atoms by N2 and CO. Also included are calculations on the partial cross sections for Na quenching in high vibrational temperature environments, Na quenching by the inert gases, and the relaxation of N2 vibrational energy in collisions with alkali atoms. An extension of this curve crossing model to ionization processes in the alkali atoms and to reactions involving covalent curve crossing is briefly discussed.
A simple algorithm for the solution of the ‘ n×m ’ case of a binding equilibrium

Accurate estimates of the equilibrium concentrations in the non-interactive reaction of several ligands with several classes of binding sites with univalent stoichiometry can be rapidly obtained by a simple method of successive approximations on a programmable desk calculator.
Graded-index design in coherent beam shaping

We present a graded index (GRIN) design methodology for application in coherent beam shaping within the confines of geometric optics. In theory, a GRIN structure can be designed to convert a specific but arbitrary incident wave into any general amplitude and phase distribution. The incident and the desired output waves are converted into ray distributions where the local ray density is associated with the field amplitude and the ray direction and its optical path length are associated with the phase front of the waves. A set of ray paths is chosen to achieve the conversion between the initial and final ray distributions. Intermediate wavefronts are extrapolated from the ray paths and used to determine the refractive index profile required to effect the gradual evolution of the wave as it propagates through the structure. Our method is demonstrated by a GRIN structure design that converts a Gaussian beam into a flattop beam. In addition, several techniques used to reduce the dynamic range of the refractive index in the structure are examined and a design recipe is developed for this particular application. A ray trace shows that the resulting structure achieves the desired remapping of rays and produces a flat-top beam from an incident Gaussian beam.
Cellular responses to ionizing radiation damage

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide current perspectives on studies of DNA damage and cell cycle response after ionizing radiation, and their applications in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials: Presentations at the Seventh Annual Radiation Oncology Workshop, held at the International Festival Institute at Round Top, TX, were summarized. Results: Eighteen speakers presented their current work covering a wide range of studies on cellular responses to ionizing radiation. These presentations and discussions form the framework of our report. Conclusion: In response to ionizing radiation, cells immediately activate a series of biochemical pathways that promote cell survival while maintaining genetic integrity. The main cellular defense system against ionizing radiation exposure is composed of two distinct types of biochemical pathways, that is, the DNA damage cell cycle checkpoint pathways and the DNA repair pathways. The DNA damage checkpoint pathways are activated directly by DNA damage, while the repair pathways are constitutively active and are likely modulated by checkpoint signals. Discussions here emphasize that the ATM protein is a central component of the ionizing radiation-responsive pyramid and is essential for activating divergent molecular responses that involve transcriptional regulation, cell cycle arrest, and modulation of DNA repair. The relationship between homologous recombinational repair and nonhomologous end joining of double-strand breaks is also discussed.
Fine root production of astringent phenolics

Chemical quality of fine roots (<1 mm diameter) was determined over a gradient of species composition in the Mixed Mesophytic Forest Region. Ash-free nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations of roots declined by 49, 41, and 72%, respectively, over a gradient of increasing soil acidity (pH 5.3 to 4.7). Lignin concentration was unrelated to either the vegetation gradient or any of the soil changes it encompassed; however, astringent phenolics increased by 275% over the same gradient. Trends in the chemical constituency of fine roots suggest that the production of phenolics in below-ground plant parts is increased on nutrient-poor sites. This response is best related to changes in species composition, especially increasing importancy of Quercus spp.
Technical Advances in Rhinologic Basic Science Research

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is the single most common self-reported chronic health condition in the United States and is estimated to affect 16% of the adult population annually. Despite the prevalence of this disease, there still exists an incomplete understanding of CRS pathophysiology. In this review, the authors highlight technological advances in rhinology: real-time polymerase chain reaction, epithelial cell culture, flow cytometry, genomics/single-nucleotide polymorphism detection, microarrays, and genetic/nongenetic animal models of sinusitis. The purpose of this review is to describe these methodologies and their contributions toward achieving a better understanding of CRS.
Defining Occupations: A Chronotopic Study of Narrative Genres in a Health Discipline's Emergence

Extending Bakhtin's chronotopic theory to the interpretation of nonfictional texts, this article examines the role of narrative conventions in the epistemological development of a health care field...
The reference potential in the ATA

Abstract Precise limitations on the choice of the reference potential for the ATA are investigated, and it is shown that V ( i ) r −〈 V i 〉=O( xy ).
Whole–Part–Whole Learning Model

The Whole–Part–Whole (WPW) Learning Model goes beyond the present holistic, behavioristic, wholepart, and part–whole learning models. The WPW Learning Model purports that there is a natural whole–part–whole rhythm to learning. Through the “first Whole,” the Model introduces new content to learners by forming in their minds the organizational framework required to effectively and efficiently absorb the forthcoming concepts into their repertoire of expertise. The supporting expertise and component behaviors are then developed in the classical behavioristic style of instruction found in the “Parts” aspect of the WPW Learning Model. After learners have successfully achieved the performance criteria for the individual “Parts,” or components within the whole, the instructor links these parts together, thus forming the “second Whole.” The whole–part–whole learning experience provides the learner with the complete understanding of the content at various levels of performance and allows for higher order development. The WPW Learning Model can be considered systematic on several counts. One is that the model can be utilized from initial program design to real–time (just in time) instructional adjustments during a live presentation.
Condescension and critical sympathy: Historians of education on progressive education in the United States and England

Although progressive education was an international phenomenon, historical interpretations of it may be affected on the national level by academic and institutional contingencies. An analysis of how US and English historians of education interpret progressive education reforms in their respective countries identified a strain of condescension toward progressive education in history of education scholarship in the US, which often resulted in misrepresentations of the historical record. English historians of education tend to regard progressive education with critical sympathy. These findings are possibly explained by different institutional and academic circumstances of historians of education in England and the US.
Mismatch repair provokes chromosome aberrations in hamster cells treated with methylating agents or 6-thioguanine, but not with ethylating agents

O6-Methylguanine (O6MeG) is important in induction of chromosome aberrations (abs), with the unusual property that new abs are produced in the second cycle after treatment; cells lacking repair by O6-alkylguanine DNA-alkyltransferase (AGT) have more abs at the second division (M2) than at the first (M1). These second-cycle abs are likely caused by attempted correction by mismatch repair (MMR) of O6MeG:T mispairs, since we previously showed that MMR-deficient human cells (MT1 lymphoblasts) treated with SN-1 methylating agents do not produce new abs at M2 and are resistant to killing. Here we used MMR-deficient rodent cells to examine ab induction by alkylators and by incorporated 6-thioguanine (6-tG) which produces mispairs. BrdUrd labeling was used to identify cells at first, second and third metaphase after treatment (M1, M2 and M3). MMR-deficient Chinese hamster Clone B cells were 10-fold more resistant to ab induction by methyl nitrosourea and 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine compared to their MMR-proficient parent cells, CHO MT+. Both cell lines express AGT and can remove the methyl group from O6MeG. Clone B has twice the AGT activity of CHO MT+, but inhibition of AGT with O6-benzylguanine did not change ab induction, indicating that methylation tolerance of Clone B cells was due to defective MMR and not to increased repair of O6MeG. Confirming the importance of O6MeG in inducing abs, even when it is a minor component of the adducts induced, Clone B cells were 2-fold more resistant to ab induction by methyl methanesulfonate and dimethylsulfate, whereas they had normal sensitivity to ethyl nitrosourea and 1-ethyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine. Clone B cells are also resistant to killing by 6-tG, and 6-tG induced few abs in MMR-deficient Clone B (6-fold lower than CHO MT+ cells). Since mispairs do not occur until the cell cycle following incorporation of 6-tG, new abs in MMR-proficient cells are expected one cell cycle later than with the methylators, i.e., at M3. As expected, in normal CHO MT+, high ab levels were seen at M3, but there was also ab induction at M2. Similarly, with methylating agents we saw higher levels of abs at M1 in the MMR-proficient CHO MT+ cells than in Clone B cells, suggesting that in the rodent cells, MMR is involved in ab formation from mispairs or modified base pairs induced in the first S-phase, such as O6MeG:C. These rodent cells thus differ from human MT1 lymphoblasts which had similar ab levels to their normal parent cells at the first metaphase after treatment with methylators.
Blaming the Right Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization

TO THE EDITOR: Bochtler et al have observed that patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis with t(11;14) fare worse with bortezomib-based therapy. This observation is difficult to reconcile given both the fact that a majority of patients with AL have t(11;14), and that bortezomib has been observed to be a highly effective therapy in patients with AL. Making sense of these discrepant observations is only possible in larger studies, and we question whether some of the findings by Bochtler et al are artifacts of small sample size. In a series of 396 patients with AL, 175 of whom had the t(11;14) translocation, we found that t(11;14) is a negative risk factor among patients with less than 10% bone marrow plasma cells. In response to the publication by Bochtler et al, we performed a reanalysis of our published data and found that 51 patients received bortezomib as first-line therapy. There was a nonsignificant, steeper, early death rate among patients who received bortezomib and had t(11;14) compared with those who either did not receive bortezomib but had t(11;14), or who received bortezomib but did not harbor t(11;14). The early death rate among patients who received bortezomib and had t(11;14) raises the specter of potential increased toxicity rather than reduced efficacy of bortezomib; there was no difference in overall survival. When this data set was subjected to multivariable analysis that included bortezomib as first-line therapy, t(11;14), and the Mayo Clinic 2012 staging system, only the Mayo Clinic staging system was a significant risk factor for death. On repeating the multivariable analysis to include only those patients with t(11;14), treatment with bortezomib had no impact on overall survival. As a result of small sample size, neither our analysis nor the analysis by Bochtler et al settle the question of whether patients with AL with the t(11;14) translocation do poorly while receiving bortezomib or if these patients have poor prognoses in general.
Insecticide Resistance in a Novel Laboratory-Produced Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Clone

To assess the potential development of new resistant greenbug genotypes, a greenbug clone with over-expressed esterase activity in 2 different esterases (identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was created through laboratory breeding between pattern 1 (R1) and pattern 2 (R2) field-derived insecticide-resistant clones. This clone was tested for insecticide resistance to 2 insecticides. The laboratory created clone was designated pattern 3 (R3) and has not been discovered in the field. The R3 clone was compared with susceptible (S), R1, and R2 greenbug clones using an insecticide residue vial bioassay. The R1, R2, and R3 clones were significantly more resistant to parathion than the S clone. The LD50 values for the R1, R2, and R3 clones were 45.5-, 213.2-, and 134.0-fold (respectively) higher than the LD50 of the S clone. The R2 and R3 clones were found to be significantly more resistant to parathion than the R1 clone, but the differences between the R2 and R3 clones were not significant. The respective LD50 values for the R1, R2, and R3 clones were 1.64-, 1.73-, and 1.91-fold greater than the S clone when tested against carbofuran. However, these differences were not found to be significant, indicating little cross resistance to this carbamate insecticide. Control measures effective against R2 insects should be effective against R3 insects if they occur in the field.
Stability of discrete systems over a finite interval of time

In many cases of practical interest there is concern with the behaviour of dynamic systems only over a finite time interval. This concern may arise in one of two ways: In one case the system under consideration is defined over a fixed and finite interval of time, while in the second case the system in question is defined for all time; however, the behaviour of the system is of interest only over a finite time interval. Recently, Weiss and Infante (1965, 1967) treated the problem of system stability over a finite time interval for the ease of continuous systems. In this paper a theory is developed which concerns itself with the stability of discrete systems over a finite interval of time. The dynamic systems which are considered are general enough so as to include unforced systems, systems under the influence of perturbing forces, linear systems, non-linear systems, time invariant systems, time-varying systems, simple systems and composite systems. In the present development various definitions of stabilit...
Definition and Documentation Theory, Measurement, and the Courts

Definition of terms and the selection criteria for operationalizing the standard of disability are critical to accessing accommodations. The purpose of this article was to examine the research surrounding definitions and selection criteria for learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at the postsecondary level. Implications from and for the courts follow a critical analysis of the professional literature. The need for researchers to utilize theory-based models to investigate the multivariate relationships between and within constructs underlying current definitions and eligibility criteria is also discussed.
Bacteriophage T4 Helicase Loader Protein gp59 Functions as Gatekeeper in Origin-dependent Replication in Vivo

Bacteriophage T4 initiates origin-dependent replication via an R-loop mechanism in vivo. During in vitro reactions, the phage-encoded gp59 stimulates loading of the replicative helicase, gp41, onto branched intermediates, including origin R-loops. However, although gp59 is essential for recombination-dependent replication from D-loops, it does not appear to be required for origin-dependent replication in vivo. In this study, we have analyzed the origin-replicative intermediates formed during infections that are deficient in gp59 and other phage replication proteins. During infections lacking gp59, the initial replication forks from two different T4 origins actively replicated both leading- and lagging-strands. However, the retrograde replication forks from both origins were abnormal in the gp59-deficient infections. The lagging-strand from the initial fork was elongated as a new leading-strand in the retrograde direction without lagging-strand synthesis, whereas in the wild-type, leading- and lagging-strand synthesis appeared to be coupled. These results imply that gp59 inhibits the polymerase holoenzyme in vivo until the helicase-primase (gp41-gp61) complex is loaded, and we thereby refer to gp59 as a gatekeeper. We also found that all origin-replicative intermediates were absent in infections deficient in the helicase gp41 or the single-strand-binding protein gp32, regardless of whether gp59 was present or absent. These results argue that replication from the origin in vivo is dependent on both the helicase and single-strand-binding protein and demonstrate that the strong replication defect of gene 41 and 32 single mutants is not caused by gp59 inhibition of the polymerase.
Design and analysis of MEMS tunable vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers

We present revised widely-tunable vertical-cavity SOAs exhibiting a reduced tuning voltage and an increased wavelength tuning range. Additionally, detailed theoretical models have been developed and are shown to be in good agreement with experimental observations.
On the Symmetry of Slater Determinantal Wavefunctions

A method involving the use of characteristic polynomials of irreducible representation matrices of groups and yielding the symmetry species of Slater determinantal functions is given. The necessary polynomials have been calculated for the commonly occurring symmetry groups and are listed to supplement the usual character tables.
Peak parking determination of the obstruction factor in lauryl acrylate monolithic CEC columns

The peak parking method was used to determine the obstruction factor of lauryl acrylate porous polymer monoliths. Polymers were prepared in situ in fused-silica capillaries using thermally initiated polymerization. These columns have been used for CEC of neutral analytes. Thiourea, which is unretained, was used as the test analyte for the obstruction factor measurement. The obstruction factor was determined to be 0.72 with a SD of (+/-0.01), which is consistent with the concept that organic porous polymer monoliths are more permeable than traditional LC stationary phases.
The Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status is More Predictive of Memory Abilities Than the Mini-Mental State Examination

Although not as popular as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) has some distinct advantages when screening cognitive functioning in older adults. The current study compared these 2 cognitive screening measures in their ability to predict performance on a memory composite (ie, delayed recall of verbal and visual information) in a cohort of 121 community-dwelling older adults, both at baseline and after 1 year. Both the MMSE and the mTICS significantly correlated with the memory composite at baseline (r's of .41 and .62, respectively) and at 1 year (r's of .36 and .50, respectively). At baseline, stepwise linear regression indicated that the mTICS and gender best predicted the memory composite score (R (2) = .45, P < .001), and the MMSE and other demographic variables did not significantly improve the prediction. At 1 year, the results were very similar. Despite its lesser popularity, the mTICS may be a more attractive option when screening for cognitive abilities in this age range.