cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of cellular models and small GTPases-targeted therapeutics for inflammatory breast cancer

4701 Introduction : Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC), a particularly aggressive orphan cancer accounts for 1-6% of all invasive breast tumors with rather poor prognosis. The ability to characterize IBC based on molecular signatures will greatly facilitate the rational development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting key signaling pathways involved in growth/survival of IBC cells. RhoC GTPase, a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, has been reported to be overexpressed in 90% of IBC tumors versus 38% of stage matched, non-IBC tumors. The enzyme, isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (Icmt) involved in prenylation of the Ras superfamily proteins plays a critical role in oncogenic transformation. Previous published studies in colon cancer cells have shown that treatment with a novel small molecule inhibitor (cysmethynil) targeting Icmt resulted in mislocalization of Ras, inhibition of anchorage independent growth, and impaired epidermal growth factor signaling. Therefore, the objectives of this study are 1. Characterize IBC cell lines and establish an imageable IBC tumor model to identify critical dysregulated pathways 2. Characterization of a small GTPases-specific small molecule inhibitor in the IBC models. Results: The growth kinetics in serum and serum-free media have been optimized for the various human SUM IBC cell lines. Further the SUM 149 and 159 cell lines have been established to express luciferase reporter gene driven by a constitutive CMV promoter. Retrovirus-packaging cell line Psi-X-Ampho were transfected with luciferase-reporter plasmid by the use of Lipofectamine reagent for the packaging of replication-deficient retrovirus. The infected SUM cells were selected for the expression of the desired luciferase gene by adding puromycin in cell culture medium. The Icmt small molecule inhibitor, cysmethynil, is being tested in the parent and luciferase expressing SUM cell lines and compared with non-IBC cell lines. Preliminary studies reveal a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of IBC cell proliferation in the presence of cysmethynil, as assessed by MTT assays. Immunoblot analysis of the cell lysates revealed a specific downregulation of Rho proteins on day 4 post cysmethynil treatment. Conclusion: Currently, in addition to understanding the mechanism of Rho inhibition in the IBC cells, we are also generating other imageable IBC cell lines. There are few IBC models and these luciferase cell lines will be extremely useful not only for characterization and exploration of the molecular signatures of human IBC but also for quantitative analysis and in vivo non-invasive imaging in tumor models.
Model for the epitaxial growth of graphene on 6H-SiC(0001)

We introduce a kinetic model for the growth of epitaxial graphene on 6H-SiC. The model applies to vicinal surfaces composed of half-unit-cell height steps where experiment shows that step flow sublimation of SiC promotes the formation and growth of graphene strips parallel to the step edges. The model parameters are effective energy barriers for the nucleation and subsequent propagation of graphene at the step edges. Using both rate equations and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, two distinct growth regimes emerge from a study of the layer coverage and distribution of top-layer graphene strip widths as a function of total coverage, vicinal angle, and the model parameters. One regime is dominated by the coalescence of strips. The other regime is dominated by a novel "climb-over" process which facilitates the propagation of graphene from one terrace to the next. Comparing our results to scanning microscopy studies will provide the first quantitative insights into the kinetics of growth for this unique epitaxial system.
Sesquiterpene constituents of two liverworts of genus diplophyllum: Novel eudesmanolides and cytotoxicity studies for enantiomeric methylene lactones

Abstract The steam distillates (or hexane extracts) of the liverworts Diplophyllum albicans (L.) Dum. and D. taxifolium (Wahl.) Dum. are largely a mixture of sesquiterpenes. Both species elaborate, among the hydrocarbons, mainly ent-α-selinene (8a) and ent-selina-4,11-diene (8b) together with anastreptene (1) and β-elemene (9). The major component of each essential oil was diplophyllin (10), a novel ent-eudesmanolide. The structure of diplophyllin was established by correlation with tetrahydro-isoalantolactone (17). In addition, the enantiomers of diplophyllin and diplophyllolide-A (16) were obtained on acid isomerization of isoalantolacetone (14a). Diplophyllin shows significantly greater activity against human epidermoid carcinoma (KB cell culture, ED50⋍ 8 μ g ml ) than its enantiomer: the first demonstration (to our knowledge) of optical selectivity for this type of cytotoxicity. Among the more polar constituents of D. albicans were 9α-acetoxy-diplophyllin, and several sesquiterpene alcohols including albicanol (22).
Airway metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma: A rare presentation

Airway metastasis from primary lung carcinoma is rare and typically associated with non-small cell histology. While small cell lung cancer is a particularly aggressive form of cancer, few cases of endotracheal or endobronchial metastasis have been reported. Airway involvement can go undetected because of the spread along the perilymphatic drainage system with mostly submucosal involvement causing significant airway compromise before onset of symptoms. We present a patient with recurrent small cell lung cancer, presenting with wheezing, cough, and dyspnea as a result of metastasis to the trachea and bilateral bronchi without significant mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. We discuss the related literature, as well as the suspected pathophysiology causing this unique presentation.
Stability Aspects of Exact Linearization Methods: A Hybrid Approach

In this paper, we examine from an input-output viewpoint, the feedback exact-linearization of nonlinear systems of the form x = f(x) + g(x)u, y = h(x). We show that exact-linearization through any kind of feedback cannot eliminate, but only relocate nonlinearity within the exact-linearizing feedback loop. In this work we establish that for a stable nonlinear system, stability of the system's inverse is sufficient for stability of the exact-linearizing feedback loop, regardless of whether state or output, static or dynamic feedback is used. We also demonstrate that stability of the system's inverse is sufficient but not necessary for stability of the exact-linearizing state-feedback loop. Finally, using an inner-outer type factorization of the original system, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of such a loop in a presence of unstable zero dynamics.
Integrating Sensors and Social Networks

A number of sensor applications in recent years collect data which can be directly associated with human interactions. Some examples of such applications include GPS applications on mobile devices, accelerometers, or location sensors designed to track human and vehicular traffic. Such data lends itself to a variety of rich applications in which one can use the sensor data in order to model the underlying relationships and interactions. It also leads to a number of challenges, since such data may often be private, and it is important to be able to perform the mining process without violating the privacy of the users. In this chapter, we provide a broad survey of the work in this important and rapidly emerging field. We also discuss the key problems which arise in the context of this important field and the corresponding solutions.
Integrating interfaces and function with molecular assembly

Publisher Summary The 3-D organized molecular assembly of components into an integrated system is an, particularly, intriguing challenge that are both functionally and compositionally distinct. In addition to the requirement of the multicompositional, hierarchical assembly of spatially distinct domains, there must be information exchange between the domains that can be selectively coupled with the external environment. Living systems provide a sophisticated model for this that is currently well beyond the best bench-top efforts. In biogenesis, the components of the organized and integrated system are created via nonlinear parallel, multivalent syntheses, and processing. The bioassembly is typically directed by entropy change and interface interactions in confined spaces. The space/time assembly definition of structure and function makes possible the closely coupled organization and processing of integrated organic and inorganic domains. It is also utilized to create, among other things, gradient interface structures that enable the coupling of the components of the organism internally or with the external environment. This presentation describes selected biogenic model systems and the related use of kinetic control, competing processes, nonequilibria phenomena, multiphase media, entropy, and organic/inorganic interfaces to synthesize the composite materials that have patterned 3-D structural and coupled functional properties.
Solid state polymerization of a nitrophenoxy disubstituted diacetylene

The solid state polymerization of the disubstituted diacetylene 1,6-bis(2,4-dinitrophenoxy)-2,4-hexadiyne by thermal annealing at 130°C to yield high quality polymer single crystals is reported. This compound is unique in that it polymerizes by thermal annealing but not under ordinary x-ray conditions, thus allowing determination of the crystal structures of both the monomer and polymer by x-ray diffraction. The conditions for solid state polymerization and the structural changes during polymerization were investigated. In addition, the kinetics of polymerization were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. An induction period with activation energy EA(slow) = 139,7 ± 3 kJ/mol (33,4 ± 0,7 kcal/mol) is followed by a rapid polymerization regime with activation energy EA(fast) = 132,2 ± 6 kJ/mol (31,6 ± 1,5 kcal/mol) during which first order kinetics are obeyed. The total heat of polymerization is − ΔHp = 134,7 ± 6 kJ/mol (32,2 ± 1,5 kcal/mol). After polymerization, a disordering phase change takes place with continued isothermal annealing which becomes clearly evident at isothermal annealing temperatures higher than 130°C.
A Case for Increased Foraging Success Under High Conspecific Densities in the New Zealand Mudsnail, Potamopyrgus Antipodarum

An animalsâ fitness can be positively or negatively affected by the density of conspecifics. While density dependent increases in fitness, or Allee effects, have been a key focus of the management of declining populations of native organisms, they may also be exploited for the purpose of invasive species management. Although most Allee studies focus primarily on mate location, a threshold density of conspecifics may also be required for effective foraging. Potamopyrgus antipodarum is a successful invader that can reach very high densities. Previous studies have demonstrated that P. antipodarum benefits from certain high densities through increased reproduction and activity. To determine whether conspecific density positively affects the foraging ability of P. antipodarum, I conducted laboratory experiments with three increasing levels of density (one, five and 15 individuals, control targets were alone). Because the presence of interactors may also affect the type of food individuals choose, I also included two food options differing in the amount of phosphorus, which is an important nutrient known to be limited in one invaded stream. Although food choice was unaffected by conspecific density, P. antipodarum were more likely to feed and fed longer in the higher density treatments; target snails in the treatment containing 15 conspecifics fed three times as long as targets in the treatment with five conspecifics. These results provide further insight into the ecology of P. antipodarum, and their success as invaders. Further work is needed to determine how this species uses high density to locate food resources.
A posteriori error estimation for the method of lumped masses applied to second-order hyperbolic problems

We develop a posteriori finite element discretization error estimates for the method of lumped masses applied to the wave equation. In one dimension, we show that the significant part of the spatial finite element error is proportional to a Lobatto polynomial and an error estimate is obtained by solving a set of local elliptic problems. In two dimensions, we show that the dichotomy principle of Babuska and Yu still holds. For even-degree approximations error estimates are computed by solving a set of local elliptic problems and for odd-degree approximations an error estimate is computed using jumps of solution gradients across element boundaries. This study also extends known superconvergence results for elliptic and parabolic problems [L.B. Whalbin, Superconvergence in Galerkin Finite Element Methods, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1995. [26]] to the method of lumped masses for second-order hyperbolic problems.
A measure of guaranteed availability and its numerical evaluation

A success (risk) measure of guaranteed availability is proposed. Using a genetic system model, the authors describe the measure and study the effects of the guaranteed level and the observation period on it. Furthermore, they introduce a numerical approach for continuous-time Markov chain models which allows component-level modeling, Coxian failure and repair distributions, time-dependent failure and repair rates and deferred repair and nondeferred repair strategies to be handled. An example of a fault-tolerant database computer system is considered and the measure of guaranteed availability is evaluated for various guaranteed levels and observation periods. >
Early, aggressive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: concerns, descriptions, and estimate of outcome.

The past few years have witnessed changing perceptions about rheumatoid arthritis (RA); it is now considered a serious systemic disease that confers not only physical and social morbidity but also earlier mortality. The long-term outcome of sequential monotherapy based on the therapeutic pyramid has been disappointing. A review of prognostic factors, acute disease activity measures, functional measures, and the results of preliminary trials with combination therapy suggests that specific goals of treatment can be established and that logical, aggressive treatment in early disease can be accomplished. These goals should include prompt control and continuous reduction of the active joint count to ≤4 and normalization of acute-phase reactants. The "grad-uated-step paradigm" of treatment designed with these goals in mind is described, and a retrospective series that gives an estimate of outcome with its use is reported.
Polymer microstructured fibers by one-step extrusion

For the first time to our knowledge, polymer-based microstructured fibers with complex cross-sections are directly produced via melt extrusion. Two principal types of fibers were fabricated: a microstructured fiber of a single polymer with a hexagonal array of air holes and a bicomponent fiber consisting of approximately 60 coaxial rings. From the latter, strong visible iridescence was observed and is shown to exhibit a mechanochromic response. This approach, the mainstay of the textile trade for decades, offers a means of continuous high-volume low-cost manufacturing of polymer (and conceivably soft-glass) fibers. For example, in the present effort, 128 coaxially microstructured fibers were fabricated simultaneously at rates exceeding 1200 m/min from industrially mainstream polymers. This approach offers an important step forward towards commoditizing microstructured fibers and open new doors for optical engineering in fashion, marking/identification, and numerous military applications.
Nonlinear PI Controllers Based on Low-Order Empirical Process Models

Although virtually all industrially relevant processes exhibit nonlinear behavior, a significant number are still operated using linear controllers. Such controllers, especially those of the classical single-loop PI(D) type, remain popular because they are relatively easy to designthey require very modest modeling efforts, and straightforward tuning rules aboundand they are convenient to implement using standard hardware. In this paper, we present a technique for constructing nonlinear PI-type controllers using low-order empirical nonlinear models. These controllers, by design, retain the simplicity and structure of the familiar PI controllers but are more effective over wider operating regimes and are thus capable of better performance on nonlinear processes. As part of the technique, we present a procedure for process characterization from input/ouput data, as well as explicit extensions for implementation on multi-input multi-output processes. We demonstrate the controller design and implementation pro...
Hemolysis of Erythrocytes by Antibacterial Preservatives IV: Hemolytic Activity of Chlorhexidine Diacetate

Chlorhexidine diacetate has been shown, in vitro, to be destructive to rabbit erythrocytes in a range of concentrations similar to that required for its antimicrobial effect, with total hemolysis and bacteriolysis occurring at similar dosage levels. It appears that the mode of action of Chlorhexidine diacetate against microorganisms and erythrocytes is similar; that is, through the disruption of the structure and function of the cellular membrane. The hemolytic activity of Chlorhexidine diacetate was reduced by the presence of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights and by dimethylsulfoxide. This interference in the activity of Chlorhexidine diacetate was considered from two possible modes: (a) chemical interaction between the Chlorhexidine diacetate and the added substances, and (b) cellular effects of the added substances and Chlorhexidine diacetate, making the hemolytic activity of the latter less pronounced. The latter mode of interference by the added substances is more strongly suspected.
A smart distribution transformer management with multi-agent technologies

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate an approach to perform distribution transformer management with multi-agent technologies. With the proposed approach, the distribution transformer's loading level is kept below a certain value by dynamically allocating the transformer's demand limit (DL) among the homes served by the transformer during a demand response event. The DL assignment takes into account, for each home, its load profile (kW), electrical panel size (A), expected instantaneous demand (kW), and homeowner's preferences. The proposed set of algorithms is developed in a multi-agent system (MAS). In this paper, the MAS is designed, developed and implemented in JAVA Agent Development Framework (JADE). A distribution network is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink integrated with the developed stand-alone HEM software. These platforms are linked together via MACSimJX middleware and TCPIIP communications.
CONNOTATIVE MEANINGS OF NAMES AND NICKNAMES: CHANGES OVER TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS

660 male and 660 female names were evaluated using a five-point rating scale on the dimensions of active–passive, masculine–feminine, and like–dislike by 478 undergraduate students. Twenty groups o...
Stochastic theory for irregular stream modeling. Part I: Flow resistance

A stochastic theory is developed for predicting flow resistance in natural rivers. Irregularly varying river width and bed elevation are represented as one‐dimensional spatial random fields. Large‐scale random flow acceleration and deceleration in response to boundary variations are described by the stochastic differential flow equation. Analytical stochastic flow solutions are developed for the case when boundary variations are small and statistically homogeneous. In particular, closed‐form expressions for the effective flow resistance coefficient and flow variance are obtained. The results indicate that flow resistance in natural rivers is strongly influenced by cross‐sectional nonuniformity and mean flow condition, in addition to relative boundary roughness and mean cross‐sectional shape. The results also show that effective resistance is always greater than uniform resistance in a corresponding mean straight channel. This difference increases as the mean Froude number increases for a given mean bed sl...
Lexical decisions in the right and left cerebral hemispheres

Abstract Subjects performed a lexical decision task in which letter-strings were presented unilaterally and tachistoscopically to the right and left visual fields. Four types of letter-strings were used: high frequency words, low frequency words, pronounceable nonwords, and unpronounceable nonwords. Measures of reaction time and error rate both showed a right visual field advantage for both classes of words and no difference between the hemispheres for either class of nonword. It was concluded that meaning is a more salient parameter of wordness than is pronounceability. Possible mechanisms for processing words presented to the left visual field were discussed.
The Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale and the bedside nurse’s assessment of neonates

The Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale and the bedside nurse’s assessment of neonates
2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine: A New Nucleoside Agent Effective in the Treatment of Lymphoid Malignancies

(1993). 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine: A New Nucleoside Agent Effective in the Treatment of Lymphoid Malignancies. Leukemia & Lymphoma: Vol. 10, No. sup1, pp. 43-49.
Use of semiempirical models for calculation of B terms in MCD spectra. VI. PPP predictions for double ions of even alternant hydrocarbons

Abstract PPP calculations using systematically selected doubly excited configurations account for the absorption spectra of double anions and double cations of benzenoid hydrocarbons without need for parameter adjustments, and allow an a priori prediction of the absolute signs of their MCD bands. Comparison of MCD signs with experiment is possible in the case of peryleno and perylane ++ : good agreement is found. MCD predictions are also made for two heterocycles isoelectronic with anthracene double ions.
WE‐A‐BRB‐05: Methods to Optimize COMS Plaque Loading for Improved Dose Homogeneity and Conformity

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetricoptimization methods of varied intra‐plaque seed strength and radionuclide choice for COMS eye plaque brachytherapy.Methods: The COMS plaque Silastic insert arranges seeds about concentric circles (rings) of different radii. Thus, each plaque dose distribution may be considered as the superposition of its constituent rings. The MCNP5 radiation transport code was used to simulate a 16mm COMS plaque populated with 103Pd, 125I, and 131Cs sources. Each constituent source ring was then activated to determine its contribution to the total dose distribution while accounting for the dosimetric influences of inter‐seed attenuation and scatter. Tumordose distributions were generated from >106 permutations of ring weightings and radionuclides for a given apical prescription dose. These dose distributions were analyzed for target dose uniformity and conformity, and compared to that of a uniformly‐loaded 125I plaque. Results: Using 131Cs seeds in only the plaque‘s outer ring yielded the most homogeneous dose distribution (+16% vs. 125I). The proximal sclera dose was 42% lower, yet center of the eye and opposite retinadoses were 16% and 30% higher, respectively. Combinations with 103Pd in the plaque inner ring weighted to deliver >98% of the prescription dose yielded the most conformal dose distributions (>24% vs. 12 5I). Though doses to the eye center and opposite retina were >32% and >55% lower, respectively, the proximal sclera dose was >26% higher. Various combinations using only 103Pd with the outer ring contributing >50% of the prescription dose produced dose distributions both more homogeneous and more conformal than 125I. Proximal sclera, eye center, and opposite retinadoses were typically 8‐12%, 11‐14%, and 38–40% lower, respectively, than using 125I. Conclusions: Intra‐plaque radionuclide and seed strength variations produced more homogeneous and conformal dose distributions than uniformly‐loaded COMS plaques. This optimization approach is generalizable to all plaque sizes and tumor dimensions.
Under the Sign of Leonidas: The Political and Ideological Fortune of David's Leonidas at Thermopylae under the Restoration

In France during the 1820's, David's Leonidas at Thermopylae appeared in the limelight of political events. With memories of the Revolution and of the Empire attached to it, the painting became a visual allusion to the essence of Liberal thought, to republicanism and Bonapartism. Its emblematic role was “actualized” and further defined through its association with the literary and visual imagery of the Greek Revolution which at the time absorbed both French politics and the French public mind.
Some interesting examples of binormal degeneracy and analysis using a contaminated binormal ROC model

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) data with false positive fractions of zero are often difficult to fit with standard ROC methodology, and are sometimes discarded. Some extreme examples of such data were analyzed. A new ROC model is proposed that assumes that for a proportion of abnormalities, no signal information is captured and that those abnormalities have the same distribution as noise along the latent decision axis. Rating reports of fracture for single view ankle radiographs were also analyzed with the binormal ROC model and two proper ROC models. The conventional models gave ROC area close to one, implying a true positive fraction close to one. The data contained no such fractions. When all false positive fractions were zero, conventional ROC areas gave little or no hint of unmistakable differences in true positive fractions. In contrast, the new model can fit ROC data in which some or all of the ROC points have false positive fractions of zero and true positive fractions less than one without concluding perfect performance. These data challenge the validity and robustness of conventional ROC models, but the contaminated binormal model accounts for these data. This research has been published for a different audience.
X-ray diffraction study of molybdenum diselenide to 35.9 GPa

Abstract The high-pressure behavior of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has been investigated using an energy dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction method in a diamond anvil cell to 38.8 GPa at room temperature. It is found that the c -axis compression ratio is about three times larger than a -axis at pressures below 10 GPa. It gradually decreases with increasing pressure, and reduces to two times above 28.9 GPa. The reduction of c -axis with pressure displayed a discontinuity between 20.5 and 28.9 GPa. This may result from a phase transformation. The experimental pressure–volume data below 20.5 GPa were fitted with the third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state, and the bulk modulus was obtained as K 0T =53.4±1 GPa and its pressure derivative as K ′ 0T =9.2±0.4.
The effects of synthesis and pretreatment conditions on the bulk structure and surface properties of zirconia

An investigation has been conducted to establish the effects of synthesis conditions and subsequent calcination conditions on the bulk and surface properties of zirconia. Samples of zirconia were prepared by precipitation from an aqueous solution of zirconyl chloride at both high and low pH. Precipitation at high pH (10) produced an amorphous material with a surface area of 280 m2/g. Extended digestion of this material in a boiling NH4OH solution at 1 atm increased the surface area to 400 m2/g. When digestion was carried out at ∼3 atm, the amorphous zirconia became crystalline and its surface area reduced to 200 m2/g. Precipitation of zirconia at low pH (<1.5) with extended reflux produced monoclinic ZrO2 with a surface area of 110 m2/g. Calcination at temperatures in the range of 300–1200 K caused a loss in surface area with increasing temperature and induced the amorphous-tetragonal and tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformations. The surface concentration of hydroxyl groups on monoclinic ZrO2 is always higher than that on tetragonal ZrO2. In the former case the dominant species are tribridged hydroxyl groups and in the latter, a combination of bibridged and terminal hydroxyl groups. CO2 adsorbs on zirconia at 298 K to form bicarbonate species and a smaller amount of carbonate species. The surface concentration of bicarbonate species grows monotonically with the surface concentration of hydroxyl groups. A similar relationship is observed for the adsorption of CO as formate species. Consistent with these results, monoclinic zirconia adsorbs more CO and CO2 than tetragonal zirconia.
Precise Measurements of Dispersion in Nitrogen

A new and much improved displacement interferometer has been built after the general plan of the one previously described to measure simultaneously refractive index and dispersion constants for a gas over a range of pressures above atmospheric. It is constructed as a single unit on a steel I-beam framework 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. The whole apparatus is supported on automobile inner tubes which very effectively eliminate vibration. The features also include a G.E. S-1 sunlamp light source, aluminum mirrors, a carefully calibrated micrometer screw of high quality and an improved temperature control.Observations made on nitrogen at four wave-lengths, 5780A, 5461A, 4359A and 4047A, corresponding to pressure runs up to 14 atmospheres measured by a Keyes dead-weight gauge, at temperatures of 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, give readings that are linear with pressure to such a degree that the Cauchy dispersion constants can be expressed to four significant figures. The results for N.T.P. conditions are: ${A}_{0}\ensuremath{-}1=0.0002932$ and ${B}_{0}=1.637\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$. Since ${A}_{0}\ensuremath{-}1$ is the extrapolated infinite wave-length refractive index, a dielectric constant $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=1.0005864$ is thus predicted. This agrees with published determinations. The refractive index at any wave-length can be computed from these results and values so calculated are found to agree with values found by other methods, which are not suitable for direct extrapolation to infinite wave-length and which are not likely to be so accurate.
Sex differences in the relationship between interpersonal problems and defensive style.

Summary.-Horowitz, el al.'s Inventory of Interpersonal Problems and Bond, et al.'s Defensive Style Questionnaire were completed by 42 women and 35 men. Significant correlations emerged between most interpersonal problems and the tendency for both men and women to use immature and intermediate defense mechanisms in both work and inrimate relationships. However, women were more likely than men to employ immature defenses when dealing with issues of "control" in intimate relationships while men were more likely to employ intermediate defenses in response to problems with "intimacy" in work relationships. Data support further inquiry into sex differences in interpersonal problems and defensive style. Theories of sex differences in intimacy have widespread popular appeal but little empirical validation. Whereas research has yielded a significant positive relation berween maturity of defensive style and adaptive functioning (2, 51, surprisingly few srudies have investigated sex dtfferences in chis relation or have adapted a varianr of the "specificity" quesrion used in contemporary psychotherapy, i.e., which types of individuals' use which types of defenses in which types of situations? Recently, Buhtt and Farber (3) reported that men are more likely than women to use immature defenses at work and intermediate defenses in incimate relationships. To furcher this work, the present study examined sex differences in the ways in which specific interpersonal problems correlate with specific defensive strategies across the domains of work and love. Method.-Participants were 42 women and 35 men (M age=40.3 yr., SD=9.1) recruited from the New York City business community. All were either previously or currently involved in an intimate heterosexual relationship for a minimum of two years. They completed the Inven
Compact modeling based extraction of RF noise in SiGe HBT terminal currents

This paper presents a general purpose method of extracting RF noise in SiGe HBT base and collector currents using the very same compact models used for RFIC design. Practical issues with experimental data are discussed.
Stepwise faunal change during evolutionary turnover; a case study from the Neogene of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

Assemblages of reef corals through the Middle Miocene to Late Pliocene Seroe Domi Formation in Curacao are described and statistically analyzed to document patterns of change in these associations during a Late Pliocene Caribbean-wide episode of accelerated faunal turnover. The data are based on large field collections made systematically at 73 localities within a sequence of bedded siliciclastics and coralgal limestones near Sint Michielsberg. Geologic age dates are newly determined for the sequence using high-resolution chronostratigraphic methods including paleomagnetics and strontium-isotope analyses, and the localities are subdivided into five locality-groups--Middle Miocene flatiron, Late Miocene salina-base, Mio-Pliocene salina-top, Early to Late Pliocene ridges, and Late Pliocene sea-cliff. Using a consistent set of morphologic characters, a total of 99 species are identified in the collections, and their occurrences are compared with first and last species occurrences reported elsewhere in the Caribbean. Frequencies of Stylophora, Acropora, and extant species are compared among the five locality-groups using non-parametric statistical tests. Occurrence matrices (99 speciesX35 localities) are assembled for the collections using both relative abundance codes and presence-absence data, and average linkage cluster analysis and detrended correspondence analysis are performed to further examine the nature of the differences in the fauna among locality-groups. Interpretations of the results suggest that assemblages in the three older locality-groups (flatiron, salina-base, salinatop) are composed of >75% pre-turnover species, whereas assemblages in the youngest group (sea-cliff) are composed of 63% post-turnover species. The ridges localities (44% post-turnover species) represent a transitional step between the two extremes and contain assemblages in which dominant members of the old and new faunas co-occurred. Age estimates for the transition correspond generally with those reported for a similarly prolonged faunal transition in the Limon Group of Costa Rica. The flatiron localities differ distinctively in faunal composition from the other four locality-groups, which overlap in composition. Wide variation is observed within each locality-group. This variation is unrelated to stratigraphy and can be only partially attributed to environmental and taphonomic factors. Instead, it appears to be caused by the irregular, patchy local distributions often characteristic of reef-builders and, together with the overlap among locality-groups, suggests that faunal change was not coordinated and that species were independently distributed through the sequence.
The Clouded Crystal Ball: Is There a School Psychology in Our Future?.

An overview of contradictory forces and pulls acting upon school psychology today, a commentary on economic and legislative impact upon the profession, and a discussion of issues such as definition of client, mainstreaming, the individual educational program, due process, and the least restrictive environment as they may affect future professional roles.
AIDS and non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas express different antigen profiles

Based on gene expression profiling, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas arising in immunocompetent patients can be divided into germinal center and activated B-cell types. Since little is known about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome associated diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, we tested whether the protein expression of germinal center and activated B-cell markers differed between acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) vs non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. We immunohistochemically stained tissue microarrays of 39 de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas: 12 AIDS associated and 27 non-AIDS, with germinal center (BCL6, CD10, CyclinH) and activated B-cell markers (MUM1, CD138, PAK1, CD44, BCL2). We scored each case for percent positive cells (0–19% ¼ 0; 20–49% ¼ 1; 50–100% ¼ 2). The activated B-cell and germinal center summation scores of each case were used as (x, y) coordinate data points to construct two-dimensional contour-frequency plots. The contour plot of non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas showed two distinct clusters: a cluster with a high germinal center phenotype (cluster 1) and a cluster with a high activated B-cell phenotype (cluster 3). In contrast, the AIDS-related diffuse large B-cell lymphomas formed a single aggregate (cluster 2) (P ¼ 0.02, Fisher exact test). When the contour plots of the AIDS-related and the non-AIDS cases were superimposed, cluster 2 of the AIDS cases expressed an intermediate germinal center/activated B-cell phenotype compared to clusters 1 and 3 of the non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Our results confirm that non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas segregate into two groups with either germinal center or activated B-cell phenotype. We report the new finding that the AIDS status of the patient predicts the immunophenotype of the diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Modern Pathology (2006) 19, 438–446. doi:10.1038/modpathol.3800493; published online 27 January 2006
Use Of Gradient Index For Spectral Filters

The use of generalized gradient-index layers increases the degrees of freedom in the design and synthesis of spectral filters, which should provide improved or new solutions for a wide range of problems. The theory of the Fourier transform technique and an iterative numerical synthesis method for the synthesis of gradient-index filters are reviewed.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Saving public pensions: Labor migration effects on pension systems in European countries

Abstract European countries have experienced population aging and consequent pressure on public pensions. Some European countries, therefore, have welcomed migrants, expecting that the inflow of people will ease the demographic and fiscal problems. It is important to ask if this policy approach has had the intended effects. This paper examines the effects of labor migration on public pension systems. Using error correction models (ECMs) with cross-country time-series data on European countries from 1981 to 2009, this analysis demonstrates that labor migration has deterred the reduction of public pension benefit levels and government expenditure on pension as well as the expansion of private pensions. This implies that labor migration eases the pressure on public pension systems. Migration contributory effects have been larger in countries with Bismarckian pension systems because those countries have experienced greater pressure on public pension systems than other countries.
A Better Paradigm for Political Action

Politics Is about Relationship: A Blueprint for the Citizens' Century. By Harold H. Saunders London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005. 256 pp., $35.00 (ISBN: 1-4039-7145-5). Politics Is about Relationship , by Harold H. Saunders, is an important book that draws from and contributes to a wide range of literatures relating to politics. It does not fit neatly into the conventional domains of international relations theory or policy. Rather, it bears on many such domains, including the conduct of foreign relations, civil–government relations, foreign policy analysis (FPA), political theory, and conflict resolution. In the book, Saunders presents a relational paradigm that better represents contemporary global realities than the “realist” paradigm of international affairs. His new paradigm is based on the following premise: Politics, as presented in this book, is about relationships among significant clusters of citizens to solve problems in a cumulative, multilevel, and open-ended process of continuous interaction over time in whole bodies politic across permeable borders, either within or between communities or countries (p. 47). In the first part of Politics Is about Relationship , Saunders explicates each of the critical terms of the paradigm. Thus, “relationship” refers to a complex of five components: identity, interests, power, perceptions, and patterns of interaction. Each of these terms is given a broad set of meanings. For example, “power” depends not only on the ability of one party to coerce another to yield to its will but also on the nature of their relationship and how that can be changed as people interact in various ways. Interests, too, are broadly understood to include those that arise from interdependence and therefore are the basis for cooperation. In …
Understanding the Photoluminescence of Copper Aluminum Halide Phosphors

Ambient temperature blue luminescence was observed under both UV and X-ray excitation during our investigation of the chemisorption of small molecules into both α- and β-CuAlCl4. The optical properties of the CuAlX4 (X=Cl, Br) indicate a copper centered phosphorescence mechanism. The thermal history of the sample influences both which polymorph is formed and the color of the luminescence. The sorption of small molecules into the framework quenches the blue photoluminescence, which provides a useful probe of the interaction between the metal-halide framework and sorbed gases.
Vibratory coherence as an alternative to radiography in assessing bone healing after osteodistraction.

Distraction osteogenesis is used in orthopedics to lengthen bones by cutting or breaking the bone and gradually separating the two pieces as new bone fills the intervening space. There is a need for early assessment of the degree of bone healing that allows for normal functioning without unwanted side effects. This study compared different techniques used to evaluate the degree of bone healing during mandibular osteodistraction in 21 rabbits. For each rabbit, the mandible was cut in a surgical procedure and then 72 h later distraction began at a rate of 3 mm per day. Bone formation at the distraction site was assessed by in vivo photodensitometry on head radiographs, an in vivo (nondestructive) vibratory coherence test across the distraction site, a postmortem, ex vivo (destructive) three-point bending mechanical test, and by postmortem, ex vivo (destructive) histological examination. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance and correlation coefficient tests. The findings revealed that the results of bone photodensity and the mechanical three-point test are highly and positively correlated with the results of the vibration test. The use of the vibration test may provide a substitute for or augment the routine use of radiography for in vivo evaluation and monitoring of bone healing. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Heat-sensitive microbubbles for intraoperative assessment of cancer ablation margins.

Abstract A heat-sensitive microbubble (HSM) agent, comprising a core of liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) compound and a shell of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), was fabricated using an emulsion evaporation method. Optical microscopic imaging showed that heating the HSM suspension to 55 °C activated the HSMs for significant volumetric expansion. After placing a HSM-dispersed agar-agar gel phantom in a 55 °C water bath for 10 min, the phantom became ultrasonically hyperechoic due to the HSM expansion. In an ex vivo test, a porcine tissue sample was injected with the HSM suspension and placed in a 55 °C water bath for 10 min. US imaging clearly identified the hyperechoic regions resulted from the HSM activation. The hyperechoic regions in the tissue sample kept a strong US contrast for more than 1 h. In a simulated ablation process, a HSM-dispersed agar-agar gel phantom was ablated by a cylindrical heating element. US imaging accurately estimated the ablation margin propagation while thermographic imaging underestimated the ablation margin. Our experiments demonstrated that the HSM agent could be used as a novel contrast agent for intraoperative assessment of ablation margins in cancer thermal ablation therapies.
Vesicular fast axonal transport rates in young and old rat axons.

Abstract An isolated sciatic nerve preparation was used to measure the transport rates of more than 18,000 vesicles in 72 axons from young (3–4 months of age) and old (24–26 months of age) rats from two strains (Harlan Sprague-Dawley and Fisher-344). Average anterograde and retrograde vesicle transport rates were significantly slower in the older animals. The amount of slowing of anterograde vesicles was twice as great as the slowing of retrograde vesicles. Age-related slowing of vesicle transport was inversely proportional to vesicle speed, with the result that transport of the slowest and largest vesicles may essentially be blocked in older axons. One possible explanation for these data is that long-lived axonal cytoskeletal proteins are subject to age-related changes that impede vesicle transport.
Transport of Sugars and Amino Acids in the Intestine: Evidence for a Common Carrier

D-Galactose, L-arginine, and their respective actively transported analogs are partially competitive inhibitors of the active transport of neutral amino acids in the small intestine of hamsters. Since the aforesaid classes of compounds are all transported by similar, sodium-ion-dependent mechanisms and elicit countertransport of each other, all may share a common, polyfunctional carrier in which a series of separate binding sites, namely, one each for sugars, neutral amino acids, basic amino acids, and Na + are joined together, as in a mosaic.
Using distance education to promote the transfer of motivational interviewing skills among behavioral health professionals

This study evaluated the effectiveness of distance education for training behavioral health professionals. Five live video workshops that covered key elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI) were delivered. The programs occurred a month apart, each 3 hours long. The programs used compressed video, transmitting the video signal through telephone lines. The audience was staff at substance abuse treatment organizations throughout the state of Arizona. Participants completed assessments regarding their training experiences, knowledge and self-efficacy in MI, and their satisfaction with the training, prior to, during, and subsequent to the workshops. Participation in the five workshops varied; the first workshop had the largest attendance of 351, the fourth the lowest of 92; 145 participants attended all five workshops. Participants expressed moderate levels of satisfaction with most aspects of the training, although some expressed frustration with interrupted audio or video signals during the programs. The handouts and videotaped examples of MI were identified as the more helpful aspects of the training. Participants reported statistically significant improvements in their self-perceived knowledge and skills. They demonstrated a statistically significant but clinically insignificant increase in knowledge. A small group of participants provided audiotapes of actual counseling sessions. These participants demonstrated minimal improvement in skills across the study that were not statistically significant. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research in the use of distance education as a technology transfer tool in the addiction treatment profession.