cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
QL-03CHOROID PLEXUS TUMORS: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC EXPERIENCE

BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus tumors (CPT) are rare neoplasms divided into Choroid Plexus Papilloma (CPP), Atypical Choroid Plexus Papilloma (APP) and Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC). Due to limited clinical data, many pediatric single cases have been described and more are necessary to complete the picture, particularly in populations that are not age limited. Here we reviewed the Cleveland Clinic experience -adult and pediatric. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the course of therapy and clinical outcome was assessed in all patients with CPT seen in Cleveland Clinic form 1990 to 2014. RESULTS: We found 11 patients with CPT. The median age at presentation was 18.5 years (range 8 months to 51 years) 6 females, 5 males. The most common presenting symptom was raised intracranial pressure (5 cases) followed by seizures, CN VI palsy, vertigo, diplopia, poor feeding and weight loss (one patient each). The tumors were predominantly observed in the lateral ventricle (4 cases), fourth ventricle (4 cases), posterior fossa (1 case) and unknown location (2 cases). Gross total surgical resection was achieved in 100% of CPT. Complications were minimal, including post-operative residual weakness, gait instability or visual changes. The histology was CPP in nine patients, two of whom developed recurrence requiring repeat resection and adjuvant therapy. Event free survival (EFS) for CPP patients was 12 years. The CPC patients required adjuvant therapy. One CPC patient developed spinal drop metastasis and received craniospinal radiation and gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery. EFS of our CPC patients was 4.3 years. All patients had great performance status (Average Lansky: 88, Karnofsky: 86). CONCLUSION: The age distribution in our population differed from most other clinical series, suggesting that the tumors may be more frequent in adult patients than originally thought. Our data confirms that gross total resection provides the best prognosis for patients with Choroid Plexus Tumors.
Effect of a hypocholesterolemic agent on cholesteryl ester metabolism in glioblastoma cells.

Abstract The hypocholesterolemic agent 3β-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)androst-5-en-17-one·HCl (U18666A) is known to induce experimental epilepsy. The possibility that this drug interferes with cholesteryl ester formation in glioblastoma cells was examined. The incorporation of radioactive oleic acid into cellular cholesteryl ester was drastically and specifically inhibited by U18666A. The inhibitory effect of U18666A persisted in different oleic acid concentrations. Kinetic studies revealed the rapidity of U18666A action. U18666A was found to be ineffective in inhibiting acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity when it was added directly to the cell homogenates. In contrast, the acyltransferase activity was greatly diminished in homogenates derived from U18666A-treated cells. Thus, U18666A appeared to block cellular cholesteryl ester biosynthesis by indirectly inactivating acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity in a cell-dependent manner. The potent inhibition of cholesteryl ester formation by U18666A represents one unique aspect of the drug which might contribute to its ability to induce chronic epileptiform activity.
Variation in the abillties of different strains of Drosophila melanogaster to utilize diverse carbon sources

In several experiments, flies of different geographic origins have been tested for their abilities to produce adult progeny on culture media containing primarily one or the other of several sugars. Flies of different origins differ in their abilities to produce progeny on a given sugar; flies of a single origin differ on different sugars. The data reveal a strong strain-sugar interaction as well. Strains of flies maintained for two or more years by mass transfer on culture media containing one or the other of several sugars, including xylose and lactose, adapt to that culture medium. Hybrid flies-either between lines within localities or between localities-are best able to produce offspring on xylose-containing medium.
Effect of non-equilibrium in gas chromatography

Abstract The effect of the finite rate of mass transport of solute between the moving and stationary phases in gas chromatography is investigated theoretically by means of a time-constant approach. Tailing and shift of the peak maximum toward larger times are found; the shift is not consistent with treatment of the effect as a simple contribution to the effective diffusion constant.
Ultrasound effects on cell proliferation and migration of chick motoneurons.

Abstract The effect of ultrasound exposure on proliferation and migration of motoneurons was examined in chick embryos. Using an egg preparation which minimizes ultrasonic reflections and standing wave generation, chick embryos were exposed to ultrasound in ovo for 10 min at an intensity of 2 W/cm 2 Spatial Average, Temporal Average (SATA) with a frequency of 1.1 MHz pulsed at 2 kHz, and a pulse width of 75 μs. For cell proliferation studies, embryos were irradiated at the developmental stage of the most active lateral motoneuron proliferation. For cell migration studies, embryos were irradiated at the developmental stage just prior to lateral motoneuron migration. Our results show that the birthdates, migration and proliferation of lateral motoneurons are unaffected by the ultrasound exposure parameters used in this study.
Non-conventional routes to SiGe:P/Si(100) materials and devices based on -SiH3 and -GeH3 derivatives of phosphorus: synthesis, electrical performance and optical behavior

Ge–Si based n-type films are synthesized using specially designed hydrides P(SiH3)3, Ge3H8 and Ge4H10 for potential applications in next-generation CMOS technologies. The films are grown on Ge buffered Si(100) at 340 °C using two complementary methods. The first employs a gas-source molecular epitaxy approach using Ge4H10 to produce materials with P doping densities varying from 4 × 1018 to a 3.5 × 1019 cm−3 threshold. These materials are co-doped with Si concentrations ranging from 3 × 1019 cm−3 to 3.5%, roughly in proportion with the amount of P(SiH3)3 used in the reactions. The second approach applies an alternative ultra-high vacuum chemical vapor deposition (UHV–CVD) technique and Ge3H8 in place of Ge4H10 to achieve ultra-high carrier concentrations up to ~6 × 1019 cm−3. The Si content in this case is minimal—in the 2–6 × 1019 cm−3 range—indicating that the growth mechanism allows only 'impurity' levels of Si to be incorporated. The active carrier densities in both cases closely reflect the absolute P content, indicating that the P atoms are mostly substitutional. The electron mobilities are significantly higher compared to state-of-the-art prototypes, probably due to superior microstructure and dearth of inactive donors in the lattice. P–I–N diodes fabricated using the P(SiH3)3 compound show I–V characteristics comparable to state-of-the-art results for Ge-on-Si devices and are virtually undistinguishable from similar diodes doped with the P(GeH3)3 precursor. These results confirm P(SiH3)3 as a viable CVD doping source that is practical from a process standpoint and therefore attractive for industrial scale-up.
New sources of water-soluble seed gums

Seeds from 300 species representing 139 genera in 31 plant families have been surveyed for water-soluble gum (mucilage). Four families, Leguminosae, Plantaginaceae, Cruciferae, and Convolvulaceae, have species the seeds of which contain more than 18% gum. The legumes were studied most intensively. Of 163 legume species in 45 genera, 36 contained more than 18% gum, and 54 contained 10 to 18%. Gums from 20 legumes have been analyzed for component sugars; these are all galactomannans. Their specific optical rotation increases regularly as the mannose content decreases. In the legume seed, gum often comprises most of the endosperm. These galactomannan gums can be separated by a milling process to provide commercial-grade gums useful for paper additives and for sizing, thickening, or stabilizing agents.
Miniaturized tunable metamaterial antenna design and modeling in the low UHF band

Conventionally, efficient antennas operating over more than a few percent bandwidth require dimensions approaching a wavelength or more. In the low UHF band, such antennas will have sizes on the order of a meter. Artificial magnetic conducting (AMC) substrates have been shown to reduce the profile (height) of these antennas, but at the expense of operating bandwidth. Adding tunability has restored the flexibility of dynamically adjusting the communication channel over a wide range, but the lateral dimensions of the antenna are still quite large. Here we introduce a miniaturized low-profile antenna system based on a tunable AMC substrate beneath a tunable small antenna element. This system allows a channel bandwidth of about 0.5% with the flexibility of adjusting this channel from about 330 to over 400 MHz, all while using an antenna element that is still only a fraction of a wavelength in its largest dimension.
Early recollections of individuals preparing for careers in clinical psychology, dentistry, and law

Abstract This study compared the early recollections (ERs) of three groups of students preparing for careers in clinical psychology, dentistry, and law. Recollections of psychology students showed significantly more “negative affect,” “threatening situations,” and “less reference to groups of people” than did the other two groups. “School” was mentioned significantly more in the ERs of law students than in the ERs of the other groups. Law students reported ERs which indicated the highest frequency of the “active dimension,” dentistry students the least. The implications of the findings for vocational choice are discusssed.
An exact solution of the long rod penetration equations

Abstract An exact solution is presented for the long rod penetration equations first formulated by Alekseevski in 1966 and independently by Tate in 1967. This analytical solution allows a faster and easier solution of the penetration equations, since stability considerations associated with any numerically integrated solutions are avoided. Additionally, an analytical solution provides greater insight into the penetration mechanism than a comparable numerically integrated solution.
Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene-Contaminated Drinking Water and the Risk of Pregnancy Loss

There is little information on the impact of solvent-contaminated drinking water on pregnancy outcomes. This retrospective cohort study examined whether maternal exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts influenced the risk of clinically recognized pregnancy loss. The study identified exposed (n=959) and unexposed (1,087) women who completed a questionnaire on their residential and pregnancy histories, and confounding variables. Exposure was estimated using water distribution system modeling software. No meaningful associations were seen between PCE exposure level and the risk of clinically recognized pregnancy loss at the exposure levels experienced by the study population. Because PCE remains a common water contaminant, it is important to continue monitoring its impact on women and their pregnancies.
Abstract 2752: Novel inhibitor of HSP90- PU-H71 exhibits significant activity in Ewing sarcoma pre-clinical models.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Ewing sarcoma is characterized by multiple deregulated pathways that mediate cell survival and proliferation. Heat shock protein-90 (HSP90) is a critical component of the multi-chaperone complexes that regulate the disposition and activity of a large number of proteins responsible for the assembly and regulation of cell-signaling systems. We tested the efficacy of PU-H71, a novel purine scaffold HSP90 inhibitor developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in several Ewing sarcoma cell lines and primary cultures established from patient samples. We investigated its effect on cell proliferation and cell viability on multiple Ewing cell lines, benign epithelial, endothelial and mesenchymal stromal cells and its effect on colony forming assay using CD34 hematopoietic stem cells . We performed cell cycle analysis, clonogenic assay, immunoblot analysis and in vivo experiments in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice using A673 cell line transduced with GFP luciferase for bioimaging. We also established a metastatic model by calculating the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in various organs. Our results show that there is a significant therapeutic window in its activity against Ewing cell lines and benign cells. PU-H71 treatment resulted in arrest in G2 phase and diminished S phase in Ewing cell lines. We also noted that many of the deregulated pathway proteins including IGF1R, AKT, ERK, MYC, hTERT and EWS-FLI1 are stabilized by HSP90 and exposure to PU-H71 resulted in depletion of the above proteins. We also noted an increase in cleaved PARP and proapoptotic proteins and a decrease in antiapoptotic proteins on immunoblot analysis. Based on earlier PK and MTD studies, we treated mice at a dose of 75mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, three times a week for 4 weeks. Our results indicated that Ewing's sarcoma tumor growth was significantly inhibited and metastatic burden was significantly decreased in the mice injected with PU-H71 compared to the mice injected with vehicle, based on MFI, weight and size of the tumors. Immunohistochemical staining showed that CD31 expression was significantly reduced in PU-H71 treated mice tumors. Our results suggest that PU-H71 has the ability to affect multiple critical oncogenic pathways simultaneously resulting in decreased tumor growth and metastases and has a strong rationale for clinical evaluation in Ewing sarcoma. Citation Format: Srikanth R. Ambati, Eloisi Caldas Lopes, Ullas Mony, Kohji Kosugi, Andre Moreira, Paul Meyers, Gabriela Chiosis, Malcolm Moore. Novel inhibitor of HSP90- PU-H71 exhibits significant activity in Ewing sarcoma pre-clinical models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2752. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2752
Some Issues in the Design and Analysis of Equivalence Trials

Given the number of approved drugs, it is increasingly the case that the comparison arm for a new drug or combination product is another drug or combination, that is, the trial uses an “active-control.” Such active-controlled trials raise issues not seen in placebo-controlled trials. This note reviews and discusses some issues associated with the design and analysis of equivalence trials. Included are discussions of the choice of the equivalence allowance in designing the trial, and the roles of confidence intervals and intent-to-treat analyses.
Activation of apoptosis pathways by anticancer treatment

Chemotherapy of malignant tumors including acute leukemias is largely based on empirical data and clinical experience. In the recent years it has become clear that anticancer drugs induce apoptosis in target cells. Drug-induced activation of apoptosis pathways appears to include parallel or sequential activation of death receptor systems and, most importantly, changes in mitochondrial function with concomitant release of apoptogenic factors leading to activation of downstream caspases. The identification of the critical elements of drug-induced apoptosis and activation of effector caspases will certainly provide new insights into the molecular determinants of chemosensitivity or chemoresistance of malignant tumors and leukemias.
ESTIMATING SOIL PHOSPHORUS SORPTION SATURATION FROM MEHLICH-3 DATA

Soil phosphorus sorption saturation (Psat) measures the degree to which soil phosphorus (P) sorption sites have been filled and has been found to be a good indicator of P availability to runoff and leachate. At present, analytical methods required to estimate Psat are generally not offered by soil testing laboratories. This study evaluated the use of Mehlich-3 data in estimating Psat in a wide range of soils. In acidic soils Psat estimated from Mehlich-3 P, iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) was highly correlated with Psat estimated from ammonium oxalate data as well as with a reference Psat estimated from bicarbonate P and the Langmuir sorption maximum In alkaline soils Psat estimated with Mehlich-3 P and calcium (Ca) was highly correlated with the reference Psat and the strength of that correlation improved only slightly by factoring in soil clay content Results indicate that Psat may be effectively estimated from Mehlich-3 data across a wide range of soils. This study confirms that Psat may be readily estima...
Arrested bullet embolus to the aortic root.

A 62-year-old man presented 14 hours after attempted suicide. He had discharged a .22 caliber bullet into his left fifth intercostal space three centimeters from the midline. He was hemodynamically stable. Computed tomography revealed that the bullet had fragmented on entry, with the largest piece near the aortic root. The precise location was difficult to assess because of streak artifact (Fig 1). Retrospective image processing, including three-dimensional reconstruction, clearly suggested intravascular positioning (Fig 2). Transesophageal echocardiography showed an echogenic foreign body behind or in the aortic root above the aortic valve (Fig 3). Despite any clear evidence of cardiac injury, we elected to perform surgical exploration, given the location of the
Comparative Morphology and Function of Hepatic Caeca in Four Enteropneusts

A morphological and functional study was made of the hepatic region in four enteropneust hemichordates: Schizocardiumsp., Ptychodera flava, Ptychodera bahamensis, and an undescribed ptychoderid from Maui, Hawaii, using light and electron microscopy. The hepatic region of these enteropneusts, as well as others, is characterized by a brown-green color and the presence of numerous caeca which represent dorsal extensions of the gut. These caeca extend above the dorsal surface of the worm and are organized into bilateral rows. Species-specific differences were noted in the organizational pattern of the sacculations within rows and the morphology and histology of individual sacculations. Numerous brown-green vesicles were discovered in both the epithelial cells and lumen of sacculations. Transmission electron microscopy revealed these bodies to be heterophagic vacuoles and residual bodies. Morphological evidence suggests that hepatic caeca are involved in intracellular digestion. Once endocytosed food particles are packaged as heterophagic vacuoles, and digestion has been completed, the residual bodies are packaged together and exuded from the cell in a spherule of cytoplasm.
Comparing Citizens' Use of E-Government to Alternative Service Channels

This article examines the role e-government has over citizens' when they initiate contact with their government. It also compares the influence that other contact channels have on citizens' contacts with government. A public opinion survey is analyzed to determine what factors explain the different methods of contacting government, namely through the phone, e-government, visiting a government office, or a combination of approaches. This article also analyzes citizens' preferred method of contacting government, examining different types of information or assistance that citizens' can get from government. The results of this study indicate that e-government is just one of many possible service channels that citizens use, with the phone being the most common. The overall importance of the survey results indicate that e-government is just one contact channel for citizens, and resources should also be devoted towards other contact channels given their importance as well to citizens.
Canopy Characteristics of Continuously Stocked Limpograss Swards Grazed to Different Heights

Vertical heterogeneity in herbage bulk density, plant-part proportion, and nutritive value is common in canopies of C 4 grasses. Changes from top to bottom of the canopy affect performance of cattle (Bos ssp.) grazing limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & Hubb.], but this variation has not been described under continuous stocking. During 1998 and 1999 the effect of grazing height (20, 40, and 60 cm) on limpograss herbage characteristics was assessed in three canopy layers (top 5 cm, upper 25% by height, and next lower 50% by height). Total and leaf bulk density decreased with increasing height for all layers. Averaged across years and layers, total bulk density was 137, 80, and 63 kg ha -1 cm -1 for 20-, 40-, and 60-cm canopies, respectively. Leaf percentage was greater in the upper 25% (19%) than next lower 50% of the canopy (11%). Leaf and stem crude protein (CP) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) decreased from the upper 25% to next lower 50% of the canopy (129 to 123 g kg -1 for leaf CP, and from 50 to 40 g kg -1 for stem) and with increasing sward height, but leaf and stem fractions differed much less proportionately in IVOMD than CP. Results support the hypothesis that canopy height is an important factor affecting canopy characteristics of continuously stocked limpograss pastures. Pastures grazed to the intermediate 40-cm height appeared to give the best combination of lower bulk density, associated with greater opportunity for leaf selection, plus relatively high nutritive value.
Helping learners construct knowledge

Cunningham (1992) claimed that semiotics offers a special and valuable perspective for educational psychology and education. He further argued that contemporary educational psychology is neobehaviorist and positivistic and that it has not adequately considered the learner as an active constructor of the signs he/she uses to represent knowledge. This paper challenges Cunningham's view that modern educational psychology has not considered the learner as an active constructor of knowledge. We show that a conception of the learner as active has a long history in educational psychology and that, over the last 30 years, such a view has come to be the dominant force in educational psychology. Further, we demonstrate that Cunningham's description of constructivist alternatives to semiotics are incomplete or distorted. Finally, we show that several contemporary approaches to instruction incorporate and go beyond the contributions of semiotics as described by Cunningham.
Vapor flow analysis of an axially rotating heat pipe

Abstract The vapor flow in an axially rotating heat pipe has been numerically analyzed using a two-dimensional axisymmetric model in cylindrical coordinates. A parametric study was conducted for radial Reynolds numbers of 0.01, 4.0, and 20.0. and rotational speeds ranging from 0 to 2800 r.p.m. The numerical results indicate that the pressure and the axial, radial, and tangential velocities are significantly affected by the rotational speed and the radial Reynolds number. In comparison to non-rotating heat pipes, the radial pressure distribution is no longer uniform. Also, above a certain rotational speed, flow reversal occurs near the centerline of the heat pipe. The shear stress components in the axial and tangential directions at the inner pipe wall increase with the evaporation rale and the rotational speed. The magnitude of the shear stress components are highest in the condenser section. The results of this study will be beneficial in the prediction of the performance of axially rotating heat pipes.
Planar Polarized Protrusions Break the Symmetry of EGFR Signaling during Drosophila Bract Cell Fate Induction

Secreted signaling molecules typically float in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane or freely diffuse away from the signaling cell, suggesting that a signal should be sensed equally by all neighboring cells. However, we demonstrate that Spitz (Spi)-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is spatially biased to selectively determine the induction of a single bract cell on the proximal side of each mechanosensory organ on the Drosophila leg. Dynamic and oriented cellular protrusions emanating from the socket cell, the source of Spi, robustly favor the Spi/EGFR signaling response in a particular cell among equally competent neighbors. We propose that these protrusive structures enhance signaling by increasing contact between the signaling and responding cells. The planar polarized direction of the protrusions determines the direction of the signaling outcome. This asymmetric cell signaling serves as a developmental mechanism to generate spatially patterned cell fates.
Growth, endocrine profiles and reproductive responses of ewe lambs after medium and long-term treatment with ovine growth hormone.

Two experiments were conducted to examine effects of exogenous ovine growth hormone (oGH) on growth and reproductive traits of ewe lambs. In the first trial, 30 Debouillet ewe lambs (4 months old) received either 0 or 2.5 mg, s.c. of oGH (Day 0 = first day of 98-day treatment). Ovarian cyclicity was determined by monitoring serum progesterone. Efficiency of gain (first 50 days of treatment) was more (P 0.20) between groups during the last 48 days of treatment. Serum GH in alternate-day samples was elevated five-fold (P 0.25). Serum GH was greatly elevated by injections of exogenous oGH, but neither serum insulin nor prolactin was affected. Short-term elevation of serum GH resulting from exogenous oGH injections marginally enhances reproductive and growth responses, but does not induce major changes in these traits in ewe lambs after 4 months of treatment.
A Linear Programming Approach to the Cutting Stock Problem---Part II

In this paper, the methods for stock cutting outlined in an earlier paper in this Journal [Opns Res 9, 849--859 1961] are extended and adapted to the specific full-scale paper trim problem. The paper describes a new and faster knapsack method, experiments, and formulation changes. The experiments include ones used to evaluate speed-up devices and to explore a connection with integer programming. Other experiments give waste as a function of stock length, examine the effect of multiple stock lengths on waste, and the effect of a cutting knife limitation. The formulation changes discussed are i limitation on the number of cutting knives available, n balancing of multiple machine usage when orders are being filled from more than one machine, and m introduction of a rational objective function when customers' orders are not for fixed amounts, but rather for a range of amounts. The methods developed are also applicable to a variety of cutting problems outside of the paper industry.
Experience with the management of neutropenia in gynecologic cancer patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.

Abstract Objective . There exists limited information in the medical literature regarding the incidence and severity of carboplatin-associated neutropenia, outside the setting of a clinical trial. We wished to examine this issue in a large single institution experience involving patients receiving both single agent and combination carboplatin-based chemotherapy for management of a female pelvic malignancy. Patients and methods . The medical records of women with gynecologic cancers treated with carboplatin-based chemotherapy at the Cleveland Clinic from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2002 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence and severity of neutropenia. Results . During the time period encompassed by this analysis, a total of 323 patients received 2145 cycles of carboplatin-based chemotherapy (total of 441 courses; median cycles/patient: 6 [range 1–27]). The total number of each program utilized, and the incidence of grades 3 and 4 neutropenia observed (lowest nadir/regimen), were as follows: single agent carboplatin (178 courses; 5% grade 3, and Conclusion . Both single-agent carboplatin and carboplatin/paclitaxel result in a very low incidence of grade 4 neutropenia. While combining docetaxel with carboplatin or adding a "third drug" to carboplatin/paclitaxel substantially increases the incidence of severe neutropenia, neutropenic fever, and required hospitalizations for septic episodes are uncommon. The prophylactic oral administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxicin) in the presence of grade 4 neutropenia appears to be an effective strategy to minimize the risk of subsequent febrile events.
Abstract: Towards Highly Accurate Large-Scale Ab Initio Calculations Using Fragment Molecular Orbital Method in GAMESS

Summary form only given. One of the major challenges of modern quantum chemistry (QC) is to apply it to large systems with thousands of correlated electrons and basis functions. The availability of supercomputers and development of novel methods are necessary to realize this challenge. In particular, we employ linear scaling Fragment Molecular Orbital (FMO) method which decompose the large system into smaller, localized fragments which can be treated with high-level QC method like MP2. FMO is inherently scalable since the individual fragment calculations can be carried out simultaneously on separate processor groups. It is implemented in GAMESS, a popular ab-initio QC program. We present the scalability and performance of FMO on Intrepid (Blue Gene/P) and Blue Gene/Q systems at ALCF.
An Exploratory Look at the Plateauism Construct

Abstract This study was focused on the definition and distinction of the career plateauism construct. An exploratory factor analysis performed on a sample of 515 managers (403 men, 112 women) revealed the potential existence of different forms of the construct. Two reliable measures of plateauism emerged—the structural measure and the content measure—with reliability values of .82 and .70, respectively. The difference between the structural and content types of plateauism is important to managers, who need to advise employees on the impact of structural plateauism while removing or preventing the existence of content plateauism. As a step in research needed to shed some light in this area of plateauism, the different functions of the two separate measures explored in this study should clarify some of the previous inconsistent findings.
Analysis of a prioritized CSMA protocol based on staggered delays

Carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) protocols were originally conceived for use in digital radio communication. Such protocols are, however, quite applicable in a variety of distributed computing and local networking configurations based on a shared bus. The CSMA protocols are characterized by the fact that message collisions can occur only in a very small time window whose duration corresponds to the propagation delay of the bus. They are further characterized by the technique used to subsequently serialize the transmission of the colliding messages. In this paper we analyze the situation wherein colliding messages are serialized by using a set of staggered `retry' delays which are associated with the sources that may generate the colliding messages. Our analysis produces both path throughput (utilization) curves and message delay curves, as a function of message generation rate. These curves show that the protocol is in a sense self stabalizing, serve to quantify its behaviour, and indicate loading levels which result in unacceptable message delays.
Interests, power, and multilateralism

Multilateralism characterizes, to varying degrees, patterns of interaction among states and the formal organizations they construct. The utility of multilateral norms or organizations varies with the type of cooperation problem states confront. Thus, the functional logic of international cooperation leads to hypotheses about the conditions under which the institution of multilateralism may be a feasible and efficient solution, as in coordination problems, and those under which it will not, as in collaboration problems. Within these constraints, powerful states choose institutions that will serve their interests, with multilateral arrangements becoming more attractive as the future is valued more highly. Multilateral institutions should be stable in circumstances of changing distributions of power, relative to more hierarchical institutions. The vulnerability of patterns of international cooperation to various exogenous changes depends on the type of strategic interaction underlying state behavior.
Parameterization-Invariant Shape Comparisons of Anatomical Surfaces

We consider 3-D brain structures as continuous parameterized surfaces and present a metric for their comparisons that is invariant to the way they are parameterized. Past comparisons of such surfaces involve either volume deformations or non-rigid matching under fixed parameterizations of surfaces. We propose a new mathematical representation of surfaces, called q-maps, such that L2 distances between such maps are invariant to re-parameterizations. This property allows for removing the parameterization variability by optimizing over the re-parameterization group, resulting in a proper parameterization-invariant distance between shapes of surfaces. We demonstrate this method in shape analysis of multiple brain structures, for 34 subjects in the Detroit Fetal Alcohol and Drug Exposure Cohort study, which results in a 91% classification rate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cases and controls. This method outperforms some existing techniques such as spherical harmonic point distribution model (SPHARM-PDM) or iterative closest point (ICP).
On interpretation of protein X-ray structures: Planarity of the peptide unit.

Pauling's mastery of peptide stereochemistry—based on small molecule crystal structures and the theory of chemical bonding—led to his realization that the peptide unit is planar and then to the Pauling–Corey–Branson model of the α-helix. Similarly, contemporary protein structure refinement is based on experimentally determined diffraction data together with stereochemical restraints. However, even an X-ray structure at ultra-high resolution is still an under-determined model in which the linkage among refinement parameters is complex. Consequently, restrictions imposed on any given parameter can affect the entire structure. Here, we examine recent studies of high resolution protein X-ray structures, where substantial distortions of the peptide plane are found to be commonplace. Planarity is assessed by the ω-angle, a dihedral angle determined by the peptide bond (CN) and its flanking covalent neighbors; for an ideally planar trans peptide, ω = 180°. By using a freely available refinement package, Phenix [Afonine et al. (2012) Acta Cryst. D, 68:352–367], we demonstrate that tightening default restrictions on the ω-angle can significantly reduce apparent deviations from peptide unit planarity without consequent reduction in reported evaluation metrics (e.g., R-factors). To be clear, our result does not show that substantial non-planarity is absent, only that an equivalent alternative model is possible. Resolving this disparity will ultimately require improved understanding of the deformation energy. Meanwhile, we urge inclusion of ω-angle statistics in new structure reports in order to focus critical attention on the usual practice of assigning default values to ω-angle constraints during structure refinement. Proteins 2015; 83:1687–1692. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTEN inhibits PREX2-catalyzed activation of RAC1 to restrain tumor cell invasion.

The tumor suppressor PTEN restrains cell migration and invasion by a mechanism that is independent of inhibition of the PI3K pathway and decreased activation of the kinase AKT. PREX2, a widely distributed GEF that activates the GTPase RAC1, binds to and inhibits PTEN. We used mouse embryonic fibroblasts and breast cancer cell lines to show that PTEN suppresses cell migration and invasion by blocking PREX2 activity. In addition to metabolizing the phosphoinositide PIP 3 , PTEN inhibited PREX2-induced invasion by a mechanism that required the tail domain of PTEN, but not its lipid phosphatase activity. Fluorescent nucleotide exchange assays revealed that PTEN inhibited the GEF activity of PREX2 toward RAC1. PREX2 is a frequently mutated GEF in cancer, and examination of human tumor data showed that PREX2 mutation was associated with high PTEN expression. Therefore, we tested whether cancer-derived somatic PREX2 mutants, which accelerate tumor formation of immortalized melanocytes, were inhibited by PTEN. The three stably expressed, somatic PREX2 cancer mutants that we tested were resistant to PTEN-mediated inhibition of invasion but retained the ability to inhibit the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN. In vitro analysis showed that PTEN did not block the GEF activity of two PREX2 cancer mutants and had a reduced binding affinity for the third. Thus, PTEN antagonized migration and invasion by restraining PREX2 GEF activity, and PREX2 mutants are likely selected in cancer to escape PTEN-mediated inhibition of invasion.
Two-electron, one-photon x-ray transitions

Recently reported satellite transitions in nickel and iron are shown to be two-electron, one-photon transitions involving $s$ and $p$ electrons satisfying the Heisenberg two-electron selection rules. Relativistic Dirac-Fock transition energies agree with the experimental data, and theoretical transition energies are presented for other elements.
Space for Moral Agency in the Book of Ruth

As moral agents, the characters in the book of Ruth operate under pronounced circumstantial constraints. Examining how characters' speeches project a ‘self’ that ‘answers the glance of the other’ (Monika Fludernik), and utilizing Michel de Certeau's notion of narrative's spatial syntax, this article examines how geographical, social, and bodily spaces encourage and discourage certain self-identifications and actions and how the crossing of, and tactical behaviors within, these spatial boundaries inform our perceptions of moral agency. Bakhtin's concept of ‘event-ness’ also contributes to our understanding of how the book's plotting of human behavior invites further moral reflection.
Integrated Design/Construction/Operations Analysis for Fast-track Urban Freeway Reconstruction

The California Department of Transportation is rehabilitating or reconstructing deteriorated urban freeways using long-life (30+ years) strategies. These pavements were constructed between 1955 and 1970 with design lives of 20 years. This paper summarizes pre-construction analysis of the fast-track pavement reconstruction on Interstate-15 (I-15) at Devore which used two one-roadbed continuous (about 210 hours) closures with round-the-clock (24/7) operations. The integrated analysis concluded that the one-roadbed continuous closures are the most economical scenario when compared to traditional nighttime or weekend closures from the perspective of schedule, delay, and costs. The pre-construction was validated with as-built construction and traffic performances monitored during construction. The construction management plan – including contingency, incentives, and CPM schedule – was developed utilizing the Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (CA4PRS) computer model. The results of this planning study are useful for transportation agencies in developing highway rehabilitation strategies that balance the maximization of construction productivity with a minimization of traffic delay.
A study on the tight-binding method

Abstract Using the results of a first-principles tight-binding band calculation of diamond, whete all two and three center integrals up to 22nd nearest neighbors are taken into account, various features of the method are studied. These are the stability of the conduction band, the convergence with respect to both the number of neighbors and the reciprocal lattice vectors used in the expansion of the crystalline potential. In order to further improve the results of our tight-binding band calculation the Orbital Correction Method is applied. As an application, a method is developed to calculate localized defect states, which utilizes non-orthogonal tight-binding states.
Language Learning Strategies and English Proficiency of Chinese University Students

This study investigated the relationship between language learning strategy (LLS) pref- erences and English proficiency among Chinese university students. Oxford's (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) and an institutional version (ITP) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) were administered to 168 third-year English majors. Multiple regres- sion analysis revealed that SILL strategies accounted for only 4% of the variation in ITP-TOEFL score. Results of a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated no significant differences between males and females on eight measures of learning strategy preferences and proficiency. Findings suggest a need for further research examining other factors that may account for variation in proficiency among Chinese learners. The authors recommend a closer examination of the relation- ship between learning strategies and proficiency, and the possible interplay of learner autonomy, across diverse cultural settings.
Dopamine D3 receptors in rat juxtaglomerular cells.

D2-like receptors in the kidney have been suggested to be important in the regulation of renin release but the D2-like subtype(s) expressed in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells is not known. Therefore, we determined which of the D2-like family of dopamine receptors is located in primary cultures of rat juxtaglomerular (JG) cells.
On the influence of magnetic field processing on the texture, phase assemblage and properties of low aspect ratio Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox/AgMg wire

Bi2 Sr2 CaCu2 Ox /AgMg conductors are potentially important for many applications up to 20 K, including magnets for cryogen-free magnetic resonance imaging and high field nuclear magnetic resonance research. One promising approach to increased critical current density is partial-melt processing in the presence of a magnetic field which has been shown to enhance c-axis texturing of wide, thin tape conductors. Here, we report on low aspect ratio rectangular conductors processed in an 8 T magnetic field. The magnetic field is applied during different stages of the heat treatment process. The conductors are electrically characterized using four-point critical current measurements as a function of magnetic field and magnetic field orientation relative to the conductor. The superconductive transition and magnetization hysteresis are measured using a SQUID magnetometer. The microstructures are characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy and analyzed using digital image processing. It is found that the presence of a magnetic field during split melt processing enhances the electrical transport and magnetic behavior, but that the anisotropy is not consistently affected. The magnetic field also affects development of interfilamentary Bi2212 bridges, and that this depends on the initial shape of the Bi2212 filament. At least two behaviors are identified; one impacts the oxide phase assemblage and the other impacts textured growth.
Constrained Optimization of Image Restoration Filters

A linear shift-invariant preprocessing technique is described which requires no specific knowledge of the image parameters and which is sufficiently general to allow the effective radius of the composite imaging system to be minimized while constraining other system parameters to remain within specified limits.
OligoWalk: an online siRNA design tool utilizing hybridization thermodynamics

Given an mRNA sequence as input, the OligoWalk web server generates a list of small interfering RNA (siRNA) candidate sequences, ranked by the probability of being efficient siRNA (silencing efficacy greater than 70%). To accomplish this, the server predicts the free energy changes of the hybridization of an siRNA to a target mRNA, considering both siRNA and mRNA self-structure. The free energy changes of the structures are rigorously calculated using a partition function calculation. By changing advanced options, the free energy changes can also be calculated using less rigorous lowest free energy structure or suboptimal structure prediction methods for the purpose of comparison. Considering the predicted free energy changes and local siRNA sequence features, the server selects efficient siRNA with high accuracy using a support vector machine. On average, the fraction of efficient siRNAs selected by the server that will be efficient at silencing is 78.6%. The OligoWalk web server is freely accessible through internet at http://rna.urmc.rochester.edu/servers/oligowalk.
Adaptive knot Placement for Nonparametric Regression

Performance of many nonparametric methods critically depends on the strategy for positioning knots along the regression surface. Constrained Topological Mapping algorithm is a novel method that achieves adaptive knot placement by using a neural network based on Kohonen's self-organizing maps. We present a modification to the original algorithm that provides knot placement according to the estimated second derivative of the regression surface
Grafting Bimodal Polymer Brushes on Nanoparticles Using Controlled Radical Polymerization

RAFT (reversible additionfragmentation chain transfer) poly- merization has been widely used to synthesize different polymer architectures such as polymer brushes on nanoparticles for incorporation into polymer nanocomposites. It is believed that these polymer brushes, with the same chemistry as the matrix polymer, can be employed to improve filler dispersion by compatibilizing unfavorable enthalpic interactions between the inorganic nanoparticles and their organic host matrices. However, monomodal brush graft nanoparticles are found to aggregate into a range of isotropic and anisotropic morphologies, formed due to a delicate balance between enthalpic and entropic interfacial interactions. This coupling of enthalpy and entropy leaves only a small window of graft densities and molecular weights to obtain randomly dispersed filler morphologies. These issues can be countered by using a bimodal polymer brush that contains a small number of long homopolymer chains that can entangle, and a high density of short brushes that screens the particle/particle attraction, thereby aiding in decoupling the interfacial enthalpic and entropic interactions. In the present work, we demonstrate a robust step-by-step technique using RAFT polymerization to synthesize these bidisperse/bimodal polymer brush-anchored nanoparticles. A layer of dense brush of the first population was initially prepared using surface-initiated RAFT polymerization from colloidal silica nanoparticles. After cleavage of the chain transfer agent from the first population of chain ends, a second RAFT agent was attached onto the silica nanoparticles and then a monomer, which may be the same or different from the first brush, was polymerized. This versatile and widely applicable route enables us to independently control the molecular variables of the attached chains, such as composition, molecular weights and graft densities of the individual populations. The bimodal brush-grafted colloidal silica nanoparticles show superior dispersion and interaction with a homopolymer matrix when compared to monomodal brush-grafted particles.