cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The known personality structures found aligned between first order T-data and second order Q-data factors, with new evidence on the inhibitory control, independence, and regression traits

For some years a riddle existed in personality measurement in that primary personality factors uniquely rotated in questionnaires (Q data) would not match primary factors, also in well determined unique resolutions, in objective test (T) data. The finding clashed with the a priori ‘principle of indifference of indicator’ of the present writer, which argued that unitary personality structures should emerge equally clearly in the ‘dress’ of different media and modes of observation. Later, as recognition of instrument factors replaced the more vague ‘multi-trait-multi-method’ formula it became evident alignment could only be expected when instrument factors were located and factored aside. Then an instrument-transcending factor might be located which, in pattern and score would approach the real structure in personality previously seen with distortion from restricted forms. Instrument factors undoubtedly exist (Cattell, 1961) in objective behavioral tests where several performances utilize the same device, e.g. projection in measuring a motivation, or dynamic structure factor. But in seeking broad personality factors in objective test measures such a diversity of subtests had gone into the battery for each source trait (Hundleby et al., 1965) that it seemed unlikely that substantial instrument factors were the cause of non-alignment of Qand T-factors. In fact the break-through to alignment came from quite a different direction, when a common factoring of the 16 P.F. and the Objective-Analytic Battery (T data) in a study made with Sells showed that, at least in the case of extraversion and anxiety a second order factor in the questionnaire primaries corresponded to a primary in T-data (Cattell, 1955). The theoretical vista opened up that, corresponding to each second stratum questionnaire factor, there would be found a primary factor of the same psychological identity in T-data. As there were then only eight well replicated second order Q-data personality factor patterns (Cattell and Nichols, 1972) and 20 T-data factors, 14 or 15 of them well replicated (Hundleby er al., 1965) a complete fitting of the two series was not in sight. But in Q-data the second strata patterns adequately replicated soon grew to 14 or so (Cattell, 1973) and, of course, some T-data factors could conceivably turn out to be abilities. For the time being the basic question of what would cause a primary in T to appear as a secondary in Q-data was met by the hypothesis that questionnaire items are more numerous and finely grained than the objective subtests, scored as such, to make the variables of a T-data analysis.
Prevention of the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticosteroids by cell-free factors from adjuvant-activated accessory cells☆

Cultured mouse spleen cells are protected from the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticosteroid hormones by prior treatment with bacterial adjuvants. The mechanisms by which such protection is acquired were further invgestigated in this study. Cell-free factors, termed glucocorticosteroid response modifying factors (GRMF), were obtained from the supernatant fluid of normal resident murine peritoneal macrophages activated in vitro by treatment with lipopolysaccharide. These factors provided protection against steroid immunosuppression in a dose dependent fashion. Two-step experiments show that GRMF treatment results in the recovery of significant amounts of T helper activity which otherwise is suppressed by steroids. Factors with similar biologic activities were also obtained from murine monocytic cell lines. The possible mechanisms by which GRMF protects the immune response are discussed.
Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 compounds in the cone conformation: synthesis and alkaline earth metal cation extraction

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in the cone conformation were prepared and their conformations and regioselectivities were verified by NMR spectroscopy. The metal ion-complexing properties of these ligands were evaluated by competitive solvent extractions of alkaline earth metal cations from water into chloroform. The ligands were found to be efficient extractants with selectivity for Ba2+. The maximal loadings were 95–100% as calculated for formation of 1 : 1 ionized ligand–metal ion complexes. With the variation of proton-ionizable groups, which were oxyacetic acid moieties and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide units with X = methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, “tunable” acidity was obtained.
Retail beamed power using millimeter waves: Survey

Retail delivery of electric power through millimeter waves is relevant in developing areas where the market for communication devices outpaces the power grid infrastructure. It is also a critical component of an evolutionary path towards terrestrial and space-based renewable power generation. Narrow-band power can be delivered as focused beams to receivers near end-users, from central power plants, rural distribution points, UAVs, tethered aerostats, stratospheric airship platforms, or space satellites. The article surveys the available knowledge base on millimeter wave beamed power delivery. It then considers design requirements for a retail beamed power architecture, in the context of rural India where power delivery is lagging behind the demand growth for connectivity. A survey of technology developments relevant to millimeter wave beaming is conducted, and indicates that massive, mass-produced solid-state arrays capable of achieving good efficiency and cost effectiveness are possible in the near term to enable such retail power beaming architectures.
A Comparison of Methods To Predict Solid Phase Heats of Formation of Molecular Energetic Salts

In this study a variety of methods were used to compute the energies for lattice enthalpies and gas phase heats of formation of the ionic constituents used in Born−Fajans−Haber cycles to produce solid phase heats of formation of molecular ionic energetic crystals. Several quantum mechanically based or empirical approaches to calculate either the heat of formation of the ionic constituents in the gas phase (ΔH°f(g)) or the lattice enthalpy (ΔHLattice°) were evaluated. Solid phase heats of formation calculated from combinations of ΔH°f(g) and ΔHLattice° determined through various approaches are compared with experimental values for a series of molecular energetic salts with 1:1, 2:1 and 2:2 charge ratios. Recommendations for combinations of ΔH°f(g) and ΔHLattice° to produce best agreement with experiment are given, along with suggestions for improvements of the methods.
Facebook versus television: advertising value perceptions among females

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare female students' perceptions of the value of advertising on social network sites (SNSs) to their perceptions of the value of television advertising.Design/methodology/approach – An online questionnaire was fielded among students from three major universities in the USA, as well as SNSs (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter). The final sample (n=259) was comprised of female students who had used social media and television during the past month. The authors developed two structural equation models using Amos 18 statistical software.Findings – The analysis indicated that Ducoffe's Ad Value model does not provide a good fit for assessing advertising value in social media or television. While Irritation was a factor in assessing Attitude toward advertising, the respondents assessed ad value on the basis of Entertainment (higher for social media) and Informativeness (higher for television).Research limitations/implications – In examining the relative importance of e...
Transcription profiling of the stringent response in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT The bacterial stringent response serves as a paradigm for understanding global regulatory processes. It can be triggered by nutrient downshifts or starvation and is characterized by a rapid RelA-dependent increase in the alarmone (p)ppGpp. One hallmark of the response is the switch from maximum-growth-promoting to biosynthesis-related gene expression. However, the global transcription patterns accompanying the stringent response in Escherichia coli have not been analyzed comprehensively. Here, we present a time series of gene expression profiles for two serine hydroxymate-treated cultures: (i) MG1655, a wild-type E. coli K-12 strain, and (ii) an isogenic relAΔ251 derivative defective in the stringent response. The stringent response in MG1655 develops in a hierarchical manner, ultimately involving almost 500 differentially expressed genes, while the relAΔ251 mutant response is both delayed and limited in scope. We show that in addition to the down-regulation of stable RNA-encoding genes, flagellar and chemotaxis gene expression is also under stringent control. Reduced transcription of these systems, as well as metabolic and transporter-encoding genes, constitutes much of the down-regulated expression pattern. Conversely, a significantly larger number of genes are up-regulated. Under the conditions used, induction of amino acid biosynthetic genes is limited to the leader sequences of attenuator-regulated operons. Instead, up-regulated genes with known functions, including both regulators (e.g., rpoE, rpoH, and rpoS) and effectors, are largely involved in stress responses. However, one-half of the up-regulated genes have unknown functions. How these results are correlated with the various effects of (p)ppGpp (in particular, RNA polymerase redistribution) is discussed.
Notes: A Multiple-Regression Technique for Analyzing Stomach Contents in Fish

Abstract We developed a multiple-regression model for estimating the weight contribution of prey taxa in fish diets. In this method, the counts of prey items are regressed against the total stomach content weight for individual fish in order to estimate the mean weight per individual prey item. Estimates obtained by this method were comparable to those obtained by direct measurement of the weights of individual prey items within each stomach. The multiple-regression method substantially reduced processing time by eliminating the need to sort and weigh individual prey items. Reductions in the labor required to process each stomach allow the investigator to examine a fixed number of fish at lower cost or to examine more fish during a fixed time.
A novel floating-gate biosensing device with controlled charge-modulation

A novel charge-modulated biosensing device is proposed. The basic architecture of an extended floating-gate field-effect transistor (FET) is modified for VLSI applications. The floating-gate is umbrella-shaped (UGFET), maximizing the charge sensing area in a much reduced device area. Compared to previous extended floating-gate structures, the UGFET shows improved scalability and sensitivity. Extensive device simulations validate the UGFET model. The design is fabricated in a standard CMOS process and characterized with electrolytes and charged solutions. Transconductance measurements confirm its high sensitivity and workability.
Magnetic form factors of rare earth ions

The magnetic scattering of neutrons by atoms has been investigated by exploiting its similarity to the radiation problem in spectroscopy. Expressions for the magnetic scattering amplitude have been developed for cases in which an atom in the l/sup n/ electronic configuration is described by a Hamiltonian. For each case, the magnetic scattering amplitude can be expressed in terms of matrix elements of magnetic and electric multipole operators. For a nonrelativistic atom, the calculation of these matrix elements has been separated into evaluating radial matrix elements and matrix elements of Racah tensors W/sup (0,k)k/ and W/sup (1,k')k/. For a relativistic atom the effective operator approach has been used to define effective multipole operators so that a relativistic result is obtained by taking matrix elements of these effective operators between nonrelativistic states of the atom. The calculation of matrix elements of these effective operators has been reduced to evaluating relativistic radial integrals and matrix elements of the Racah tensors taken between nonrelativistic states of the atom. It is shown that for the case of elastic scattering by either a relativistic or nonrelativistic atom in single Russell-Saunders state, the magnetic scattering amplitude can be written in the conventional form p(vector q)vector q/sub m/more » . vector sigma. General expressions for p(vector q) as well as elastic magnetic form factors have been obtained. The formalism has been illustrated throughout by applying it to the case of scattering by rare earth ions. Detailed calculations for the form factors of Er and Gd ions are presented.« less
Observation of structural anisotropy in metallic glasses induced by mechanical deformation

We have investigated atomic structure of a Fe81B13Si4C2 metallic glass after mechanical creep deformation. We determined the structure function and pair density function resolved for azimuthal angle using x-ray scattering and a two-dimensional detector. The results are analyzed by the spherical harmonics expansion, and are compared to the often-used simple analysis of the anisotropic pair density function determined by measuring the structure function along two directions with respect to the stress. We observed uniaxial structural anisotropy in a sample deformed during creep experiment. The observed macroscopic shear strain is explained in terms of local bond anisotropy induced by deformation at elevated temperature. The bond anisotropy is a “memory” of this deformation after load was removed. We showed that use of sine-Fourier transformation to anisotropic glass results in systematic errors in the atomic pair distribution function.
Optimally design of hybrid rectangular dielectric resonator antenna by using genetic algorithms

This paper introduces an efficient technique to optimally design a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). This technique is based on using the real coded genetic algorithm (RCGA). RCGA is used to get the desired resonant frequencies by finding the optimal configuration of the antenna. To show the efficiency of this technique, three different optimization cases are considered and simulated by using the electromagnetic simulation software CST STUDIO SUITE. To verify the results, one of the cases is fabricated and compared with the simulated one.
An iterative improvement algorithm for coherent codes

Abstract Coherent codes (arrays of 1 and -1 whose aperiodic autocorrelation approximateds the delta function) are of interest for several imaging applications. Analytic techniques of code generation have not had much impact on this class of codes. In practice, useful codes are found by hill-climbing searches accomplishing either code generation or improvement. One such improvement algorithm is described.
EVIDENCE FOR THE ESSENTIALITY OF SILICON FOR GROWTH OF THE BEET PLANT.

In experiments as yet unpublished, difficulty was encountered in growing plants of the Detroit Dark Red variety of the table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in culture solutions of low concentration in asphalt-painted iron containers. When the plants were transferred from solutions made with a distilled water contaminated with tap water to solutions made with uncontaminated distilled water, the plants in lower concentrations of nutrient salts wilted badly within a few days after being transferred, and the roots became dark in color. Those in higher concentrations made satisfactory growth, which suggested the possibility that some necessary element was being supplied as an impurity in the C.P.^grade chemicals. Preliminary experiments with varying quantities of the four chemicals employed in making the solutions indicated that the impurities might be contained primarily in the ammonium phosphate. Since A5 (B, Cu, ??, ??, Mo) and B6 (Ti, V, Cr, W, Co, Ni) chemicals2 had been supplied, it was thought possible that the missing nutrient might be one contained in the C13 mixture used by Arnnon (1) (Al, As, Cd, Sr, Hg, Pb, Li, Rb, Br, I, F, Se, Be). Single plants from the concentrated solutions were transferred to Mason jars coated with a thin layer of asphalt paint and containing nutrient solutions one-half as concentrated as those used by Arnon. The plants were supplied with various combinations of the 13 micro-elements. Others received small quantities of sodium, chlorine, and increased quantities of B, Cu, Mn, Zn, V, Cr, W, Co, and Ni. The solutions were not aerated. After a few days the plants wilted irrespective of treatment. The possibility existed that beet plants might have a high requirement for oxygen in the solution and for that reason these plants were kept for comparison with those grown in metal containers in aerated solutions. After 3 weeks the roots of the plants in the Mason jars were making good growth and were lighter in color than any of those in the metal containers. This observation suggested that some nutrient was dif-
Agonist-mediated destabilization of human beta1-adrenergic receptor mRNA: role of the 3' untranslated translated region.

For proto-oncogenes and cytokines, regulation of gene expression at the level of mRNA stability is well established. In contrast, there is comparatively limited knowledge regarding this mechanism of regulation for G-protein-coupled receptors. To explore this process further, the human beta1-adrenergic receptor (AR) was stably expressed in tsAF8 cells. Treatment with beta-agonist decreased the half-life of beta1-AR mRNA by approximately 50%. Removal of the 3'UTR from the beta1-AR (coding region only) dramatically stabilized mRNA. Additionally, in a chimeric mRNA, the beta1-AR 3'UTR was able to target the normally highly stable beta-globin mRNA for accelerated decay. However, the chimera did not undergo agonist-mediated destabilization indicating that the 3'UTR may be "necessary but not sufficient" for agonist-mediated mRNA destabilization. Inhibition of translation significantly stabilized beta1-AR mRNA (approximately 2-fold); however, pretreatment of cells with beta-agonist prior to translational arrest produced the same degree of mRNA destabilization indicating that agonist-mediated destabilization may be independent of the translation process. Conversely, translational inhibition simultaneous with beta-agonist exposure abrogated agonist-mediated destabilization indicating a dependence on de novo protein synthesis.
Integrated Planning, Scheduling, and Dynamic Optimization for Batch Processes: MINLP Model Formulation and Efficient Solution Methods via Surrogate Modeling

We solve the challenging problem of integrated planning, scheduling, and dynamic optimization for sequential batch processes with fixed batch sizes. The integrated problem is first formulated into a complicated mixed-integer dynamic optimization (MIDO) problem that is then discretized into a large-scale mixed-integer nonlinear programing (MINLP) problem. There are a planning model, multiple scheduling models in planning periods, and a number of dynamic models describing task execution processes. To efficiently solve the complex MINLP problem, we develop two efficient methods that separate the subproblems using surrogate models to represent the linking functions. The first method decomposes the dynamic optimization problems from the integrated planning and scheduling problem where the surrogate models represent task processing costs dependent on the processing times. The second method further decomposes the scheduling problems from the planning problem where the surrogate models represent production costs ...
Biliary Metabolites and Enterohepatic Circulation of Hexachlorophene in the Rat

1. Within 0–5 h after intraperitoneal administration of [14C]hexachlorophene to rats, radioactivity appeared in the bile. Over 2.5–3.0 days, 31% and 47% of administered doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively, were eliminated via this route.2. Ligation of the bile-duct increased the toxicity of hexachlorophene to rats and also caused the major route of excretion to be via the kidney into the urine (55% of the dose).3. Extensive enterohepatic circulation of hexachlorophene occurs in the rat.4. The principal metabolite in bile and in the urine of bile-duct ligated rats was hexachlorophene monoglucuronide, along with small amounts of unchanged drug.
Selective excitation in harmonic molecular systems by optimally designed fields

Abstract The goal of selective local excitation in a harmonic system can be achieved via optimally designed field. For achieving a given primary objective of selective excitation in the molecular system there may be a family of optimal fields that correspond to a variety of additional physical concerns. The optimal fields cooperate with the dynamical behavior of the molecular system and intramolecular energy transfer can be manipulated to help achieve the objective of selective local excitation. Long duration selectivelocal excitation is studied and the effect of the molecular polarizability on the optimal fields is considered. In some cases the presence of polarization will not effect the quality of the finally achieved objective while in other cases its significant presence can make more difficult the achievement of selective local excitation.
Response elimination durability: A discrete-trial assessment procedure with pigeons

Pigeons were trained to respond with equal variable-interval reinforcement schedules in the presence of a green and a red key. They were then trained to not respond by extinguishing responding in the presence of one stimulus and reinforcing not responding in the presence of the other. Responding declined sharply in both components but did not differ systematically in speed of elimination or terminal response rate. Subsequently, response elimination durability was assessed using a new method that minimized the discriminative properties of reinforcement. Four-second red or green negative automaintenance trials were programmed on a new response key, but the original response elimination key continued to present continuously lighted red or green stimuli. Responses to the continuously lighted key had no programmed consequences, and no responses occurred. Substantially fewer responses occurred to negative automaintenance trials if either key presented the stimulus previously associated with reinforcement for not responding, as compared with the stimulus previously associated with extinction.
The Use of Multimedia to Teach New Cardiac Anesthesia Procedures

Abstract Cardiac anesthesia is a complex field 'requiring extensive training and experience. Multimedia can be used effectively to teach new, complex, and rapidly developing anesthetic and surgical techniques. Minimally invasive Port-Access cardiac surgery is an area in which the computer can be used for educational purposes. As cardiac anesthesiologists become more adept at developing computerized instructional methods, and as new techniques in medicine emerge, greater use can be made of the computer as a valuable teaching tool.
Association of the chaperone glucose-regulated protein 58 (GRP58/ER-60/ERp57) with Stat3 in cytosol and plasma membrane complexes

Glucose-regulated protein 58 (GRP58/ER-60/ERp57), best known as a chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen, was previously identified by us as one of several accessory proteins in the S100 cytosol fraction of human hepatoma Hep3B cells that was differentially coshifted by anti-Stat3 antibody in an antibody-subtracted differential protein display assay. In the present study, the association between GRP58 and Stat3 in different cytoplasmic compartments was evaluated using cross-immunoprecipitation and cell-fractionation techniques. In the S100 cytosol fraction, three different anti-GRP58 polyclonal antibodies (pAb) cross-immunoprecipitated Stat3 (but not Stat1), and, conversely, anti-Stat3 pAb cross-immunoprecipitated GRP58. Both cytosolic Stat3 and GRP58 eluted during Superose-6 gel-filtration chromatography in complexes of size 200-400 kDa (statosome I), and anti-Stat3 pAb cross-immunoprecipitated GRp58 from these FPLC elution fractions. Using differential sedimentation and density equilibrium flotati...
Independent data monitoring committees: An update and overview

Abstract An independent data monitoring committee׳s (IDMC׳s) duty is to ensure that the interests of the patients entered in the trial are being well served (i.e., the risk-benefit ratio is appropriate) and that the scientific integrity of the trial is maintained during the interim between trial initiation and trial completion. Industry sponsors form IDMCs to ensure an independent assessment to assure that the study participants are not exposed to unnecessary or unreasonable risks because of their trial participation and to ensure that the study is being conducted according to highest scientific and ethical standards. IDMCs are needed to analyze interim data for large randomized studies, in particular those that involve multiple sites and important clinical end points such as survival or disease progression. Ethical principles mandate that clinical trials begin with uncertainty as to which treatment is better (clinical equipoise). This uncertainty should be maintained during study conduct and analysis unless there are compelling data that emerge during the conduct of the trial. Group sequential statistical designs offer a mechanism to consider terminating a trial early and the results made public if the interim data become sufficiently compelling. Interim monitoring of safety and efficacy data is an integral part of modern clinical trials.
ON THE USE OF NODE-SHIFTING TECHNIQUES FOR THE INTENSITY FACTOR OF TEMPERATURE GRADIENT AT A MACROCRACK TIP

The node-shifting technique used in finite element analysis to achieve the required singularity of temperature gradient in the vicinity of a macrocrack tip is extended. The analytical expressions for the intensity factor of temperature gradient (IFTG) at the crack tip are derived for both the 8-node quadratic and 12-node quadrilateral isoparametric elements. Two numerical examples follow the analytical derivations. The first example, dealing with a central cracked panel subject to heat flux irradiation, is designed to reveal the critical size of the elements adjacent to the crack tip. In applying the derived expression for the 12-node quadrilateral elements, it has been found that the most appropriate size of the crack tip elements is approximately 2% of the half crack length. The second example is to study the effect of stacking sequence of material layers in composites on the reduction of the IFTG. An optimal stacking sequence has been determined that yields the smallest value of IFTG among all the poss...
Message Design Logic and Message Goal Structure Effects on Perceptions of Message Quality in Regulative Communication Situations

O'Keefe has suggested that variations in the goal sets individuals choose to pursue and the form of reasoning they employ are sources of variation in message designs. She offered an analysis of the specific consequences of differences in goals (“message goal structure”) and in forms of reasoning (“message design logics”), and shouted how this analysis could be used to describe systematically functional variations in regulative messages. The study reported in this article explored the consequences of differences in message design logic and goal structures for success in regulative communication situations; Messages that differed in these properties were presented to subjects for evaluation on a number of functionally significant dimensions. Level of message design logic was straightforwardly associated with every type of effectiveness that was assessed. Differences in message goal structures had more selective effects on message evaluations, often involving interactions with the level of construct differentiation of the message evaluator.
Minimax controller design using rate feedback

A complete analytic characterization and solution construction (done either explicitly or by recursion) for the minimax control problem using optimal rate feedback is given for the case when the plant consists of a known fixed set of coupled oscillators of cardinality not exceeding three. When this is not the case, the problem appears to be analytically intractable, and suboptimal solutions based on numerical techniques are currently the only recourse.
Functional Variation in Sensitivity to Cues that a Partner is Cheating with a Rival

The costs imposed by a romantic partner’s mixed reproductive strategy (MRS) generate selection pressures for anticipatory responses to mitigate or avoid those costs. People will differ in their vulnerability to those costs, based in part on the qualities of their romantic rivals. Thus, we predicted that individuals at high risk of a partner’s MRS—women with many sexually accessible rivals and men with many rivals more physically attractive than themselves—would be more attentive to cues that an MRS was being employed than those at lower risk. Based on similarity judgments derived from a successive-pile-sort method, this prediction was supported in a study involving over 1,300 students and community members. These results complement a growing body of research on selection pressures generated by romantic rivals.
Connectivity Properties of Julia Sets of Weierstrass Elliptic Functions

We discuss the connectivity properties of Julia sets of Weierstrass elliptic ℘ functions, accompanied by examples. We give sufficient conditions under which the Julia set is connected and show that triangular lattices satisfy this condition. We also give conditions under which the Fatou set of ℘ contains a toral band and provide an example of an order two elliptic function on a square lattice whose Julia set is a Cantor set.
Earth analogs for Martian life. Microbes in evaporites, a new model system for life on Mars

Abstract The prospect of life on Mars today is daunting. Especially problematic for a potential life form is the lack of water, particularly in a liquid state; extremely cold temperatures; ultraviolet and ionizing radiation; and soil oxidants. Yet, “oases” where life might persist have been suggested to occur in rocks (in analogy with endolithic microorganisms described from deserts around the world), in polar ice caps (in analogy with snow and ice algae) and in possible volcanic regions (in analogy with chemoautotrophs living in deep sea hydrothermal vents); all are critically examined. Microorganisms are known to be able to survive in salt crystals, and recently it has been shown that organisms can metabolize while encrusted in evaporites. Because evaporites are thought to occur on Mars and can attenuate light in the UV range while being far more transparent to radiation useful for photosynthesis (400–700 nm), and because of the properties of these “endoevaporitic” organisms, I propose that such communities provide a new model system for studying potential life on Mars. On the basis of this model, I suggest possibilities for site selection for future exobiological experiments on Mars.
O1.02NEW GRADED PROGNOSTIC INDEX FOR RENAL CELL CARCINOMA PATIENTS WITH BRAIN METASTASES (RCCBM)

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DS-GPA) is frequently used for prognosis for RCCBM. We evaluated DS-GPA plus other potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in RCCBM patients treated at a single tertiary care institution in a contemporary cohort. METHODS: With IRB approval, the Cleveland Clinic's database was used to identify RCCBM patients treated between 2000 and 2010. OS from the diagnosis of RCCBM was the primary end point. Cox proportional hazards models with stepwise variable selection were used for data analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy eight patients were included for this analysis. Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) was 90-100 in 89 patients (52%), 70-80 in 65 (38%) and 7 points) were defined. Median OS was 7.5 months, 14.0 months and 27.2 months respectively (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: A revised DS-GPA for Renal Cell Carcinoma with brain metastases is proposed.
Review of Roberta M. Berry, The Ethics of Genetic Engineering 1

Since Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes's opinion in the 1927 U.S. Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell [274 U.S. 200 (1927)] authorized the involuntary sterilization of a young woman believed to be mentall...
Time pressure and group performance: Exploring underlying processes in the Attentional Focus Model

The Attentional Focus Model (Karau & Kelly, 1992) predicts that time pressure should lead group members to focus on a restricted range of task-relevant cues and to adopt task completion as their major interaction objective. Although this prediction has been supported in several studies (e.g., Karau & Kelly, 1992; Kelly, Jackson, & Hutson-Comeaux, 1997; Kelly & Karau, 1999; Parks & Cowlin, 1995), the exact processes that underlie information restriction have not been specified. We propose that two processes are involved. Specifically, the restriction of information may occur because time pressure affects the way in which information is initially encoded or attended to before a group enters its decision-making phase, or because group members filter out what they judge to be less important information during group discussion and decision making. We assessed both of these processes within a decision-making experiment where time pressure was manipulated prior to learning information that would be used to perform a task. Recall of information learned prior to group discussion did not differ by time pressure condition, arguing against an encoding process. In contrast, interaction data demonstrated information restriction by group members, arguing for a filtering process. Thought listings collected 1 min into the group discussion in some groups also supported a filtering process, as did questionnaire data. Implications of these findings for the Attentional Focus Model and for effective group decision making are discussed.
The determination of optical absorption and scattering in translucent porcelain

Reflectance and transmittance theories have been used to calculate the optical absorption and scattering within materials. For these calculations, the incorporation of corrections for interfacial reflections has not been universally applied, and when corrections have been incorporated, the value used for the diffuse internal reflection coefficient has often been based on theoretical considerations. A method of incorporating interfacial-reflection corrections is presented. The importance of the incorporation of such corrections, with the proper value for the internal reflection coefficient, is clearly demonstrated for both reflectance and transmittance theories. The limitation of transmittance theory to materials with a scattering power (SX) of greater than 0.5 is also demonstrated for collimated illumination, unless an independent determination is made of the internal reflection coefficient.
A Simple Approach to Membrane Protein Secondary Structure and Topology based on NMR Spectroscopy

This paper describes a simple, qualitative approach for the determination of membrane protein secondary structure and topology in lipid bilayer membranes. The approach is based on the observation of wheel-like resonance patterns observed in the NMR 1H-15N/15N polarization inversion with spin exchange at the magic angle (PISEMA) and 1H/15N heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectra of membrane proteins in oriented lipid bilayers. These patterns, named Pisa wheels, have been previously shown to reflect helical wheel projections of residues that are characteristic of alpha-helices associated with membranes. This study extends the analysis of these patterns to beta-strands associated with membranes and demonstrates that, as for the case of alpha-helices, Pisa wheels are extremely sensitive to the tilt, rotation, and twist of beta-strands in the membrane. Therefore, the Pisa wheels provide a sensitive, visually accessible, qualitative index of membrane protein secondary structure and topology.
Shear-Induced Phase Transitions in Ternary Polymer Blends

We present a study of flow-induced phase transitions in microemulsion phases of ternary polymer blends. The results match qualitatively with the recent experimental observations on such systems but differ from the behavior expected and observed in the analogous system of surfactants. We rationalize this contrast from a molecular viewpoint suggesting that the interplay between polymer chain conformations and their flow deformations can lead to novel flow effects upon the phase, structural, and rheological behavior of multicomponent polymer systems.
Soft lithographic printing of titanium dioxide and the resulting silica contamination layer

Soft lithographic printing techniques can be used to print nanoparticle dispersions with relative ease while allowing for a measureable degree of controllability of printed feature size. In this study, a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp was used to print multi-layered, porous, nanoparticle dispersions of titanium dioxide (TiO2), for use in a dye-sensitized solar cell application. The gelled patterns were then sintered and the surface of the printed sample was chemically analyzed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the surface constituents of the printed sample. The presence of a secondary peak feature located approximately 2.8 eV above the high resolution O1s core level binding energy peak was attributed to a contamination layer. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of the printed sample revealed the presence of vibrational modes characteristic of the asymmetric bond stretching of silica, located at approximate wavenumbers of 1260 and 1030 cm-1. Soft lithographic techniques are a viable manufacturing technique in a number of disciplines and sintered nano-oxide dispersions are readily used as reaction centers in a number of technologies. The presence of a residual, bonded silicate contamination layer may preclude the soft lithographic printing of chemically active oxide surfaces.
Useful Matrix Chain Parameter Identities for the Analysis of Multiconductor Transmission Lines (Short Papers)

By utilizing state variable theory, certain useful matrix identities involving submatrices of the chain parameter matrix for a multiconductor transmission line are shown. These identities are extensions of familiar properties associated with two-conductor lines to multiconductor lines and are used to formulate the complete solution for the terminal currents when the line is terminated by linear networks. The identities allow a simplified solution for these currents and reduce numerous redundant time-consuming matrix multiplications. In addition, the correspondence between familiar terms for the two-conductor case and the multiconductor case is shown.
Induction of Viral, 7-Methyl-Guanosine Cap-Independent Translation and Oncolysis by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Interacting Kinase-Mediated Effects on the Serine/Arginine-Rich Protein Kinase

UNLABELLED Protein synthesis, the most energy-consuming process in cells, responds to changing physiologic priorities, e.g., upon mitogen- or stress-induced adaptations signaled through the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The prevailing status of protein synthesis machinery is a viral pathogenesis factor, particularly for plus-strand RNA viruses, where immediate translation of incoming viral RNAs shapes host-virus interactions. In this study, we unraveled signaling pathways centered on the ERK1/2 and p38α MAPK-interacting kinases MNK1/2 and their role in controlling 7-methyl-guanosine (m(7)G) "cap"-independent translation at enterovirus type 1 internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs). Activation of Raf-MEK-ERK1/2 signals induced viral IRES-mediated translation in a manner dependent on MNK1/2. This effect was not due to MNK's known functions as eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G binding partner or eIF4E(S209) kinase. Rather, MNK catalytic activity enabled viral IRES-mediated translation/host cell cytotoxicity through negative regulation of the Ser/Arg (SR)-rich protein kinase (SRPK). Our investigations suggest that SRPK activity is a major determinant of type 1 IRES competency, host cell cytotoxicity, and viral proliferation in infected cells. IMPORTANCE We are targeting unfettered enterovirus IRES activity in cancer with PVSRIPO, the type 1 live-attenuated poliovirus (PV) (Sabin) vaccine containing a human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV2) IRES. A phase I clinical trial of PVSRIPO with intratumoral inoculation in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) is showing early promise. Viral translation proficiency in infected GBM cells is a core requirement for the antineoplastic efficacy of PVSRIPO. Therefore, it is critically important to understand the mechanisms controlling viral cap-independent translation in infected host cells.
Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Perfect but Geographically Limited Storm?

In this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Sievert et al. [1] provide clinical and epidemiologic details of 7 cases of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infection. They present a scenario of the "perfect storm" in Michigan the right patients, the right organisms, and the right selective pressure resulting in 5 of the 7 reported cases of VRSA infection emerging in that state. In many ways, this scenario is a reflection of the broader issue of antimicrobial resistance, in which local evolution of bacterial strains progresses until a particularly fit strain emerges and then has the possibility of spreading broadly. Some evolutionary steps are more successful than others. For example, the first /3-lactamaseproducing strain of S. aureus was reported in 1941 and eventually spread around the world [2]. Now, >90% of all S. aureus iso-
Transcriptional Regulation of EGR1 by EGF and the ERK Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells

The early growth response gene 1, EGR1, is an important transcriptional regulator and acts as the convergent point between a variety of extracellular stimuli and activation of target genes. Unlike other tumor types, prostate tumors express high levels of EGR1 relative to normal tissues. However, the mechanism of EGR1 regulation in prostate tumor cells is unknown. As EGR1 expression and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling are frequently upregulated in prostate tumors, we tested the hypothesis that EGF induces EGR1 expression in prostate cancer cells. Using RT-PCR to quantify EGR1 transcripts, we found that EGF induced EGR1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner and the ERK pathway inhibitor, PD98059, abrogated the EGF-mediated EGR1 response in LNCaP and PC3 cells. Analysis of the EGR1 promoter using deletion constructs identified an EGF-responsive region in the proximal promoter (–771 to −245 bp) containing 3 potential serum response element (SRE) sites. In vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Elk-1 binding at the SRE sites of the EGR1 promoter was enhanced by EGF treatment in PC3 cells. Overexpression of Elk-1 was sufficient to activate the EGF-responsive region of EGR1 promoter in PC3 cells and, similarly, a dominant-negative Elk-1 suppressed EGR1 promoter activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that EGR1 expression in PC3 cells is mediated through an EGF-ERK-Elk-1 signaling cascade.
A survey on energy-efficient methodologies and architectures of network-on-chip

We present an overview of the research conducted on Network-on-Chip (NoC).We emphasize on the energy efficiency of the NoC architectures and methodologies.We present taxonomies of buffered, bufferless, and energy efficient routing schemes.Strengths and weaknesses of the discussed techniques are highlighted.The survey also highlights possible directions for future research. Integration of large number of electronic components on a single chip has resulted in complete and complex systems on a single chip. The energy efficiency in the System-on-Chip (SoC) and its communication subset, the Network-on-Chip (NoC), is a key challenge, due to the fact that these systems are typically battery-powered. We present a survey that provides a broad picture of the state-of-the-art energy-efficient NoC architectures and techniques, such as the routing algorithms, buffered and bufferless router architectures, fault tolerance, switching techniques, voltage islands, and voltage-frequency scaling. The objective of the survey is to educate the readers with the latest design-improvements that are carried out in reducing the power consumption in the NoCs.
Hot proton anisotropies and cool proton temperatures in the outer magnetosphere

The hot protons of the outer magnetosphere typically exhibit a temperature anistropy such that T(sub perp)/T(sub parallel) greater than 1, where perpendicular and parallel symbols denote directions relative to the background magnetic field. If this anisotrpy is sufficiently large, the electomagneitc proton cyclotron anistropy instability may be excited. This instability is studied using linear Vlasov theory and one-dimensional hybrid simulations for a homogeneous plasma model representative of conditions in the outer magnetosphere with a hot anisotropic proton component (denoted by subscript h) and a cool, initially isotropic proton component (subscript c). Linear theory yields an instability threshold condition on the hot proton temperature anistropy where as the simulations imply an upper bound on T(sub perp h)/T(sub parallel h); both the threshold and the upper bound have similar scaling with the maximum growth rate gamma (sub m), the parallel beta of the hot component, beta(sub parallel h), and the relative density of the hot component n(sub h)/n(sub e). An anlysis of plasma observations from the Los Alamos magnetospheric plasma analyzer (MPA) in geosynchronous orbits finds that the maximum value of the hot proton temperature anisotropy approximately satisfies the predicted scaling with beta(sub parallel h) and nu(sub h)/n(sub e) and yields the proportionality factor that quantifies this upper bound. The simulations are also used to examine the heating of the cool proton cyclotron instability. The simulations yield a scaling for the dimensionless late-time cool proton average temperature T(sub c)/T(sub parallel h) as (n(sub h)/n(sub e))/beta(sub parallel h exp 0.5). Analysis of MPA data shows that the observed values of T(sub c)/T(sub parallel h) have similar scaling and again yield the proportionality factor which quantifies this relationship.
Molding The Plasma Membrane At Sites Of Endocytosis

An important goal of our laboratory is to elucidate mechanisms in the biogenesis and traffic of synaptic vesicles at neuronal synapses, with emphasis on the processes that mediate their reformation by endocytic recycling after each cycle of secretion. We use a variety of complementary approaches that include reconstitution experiments with purified endocytic proteins and lipid membranes, broken cell preparations, intact cells, model synapses and genetically modified mice. With these studies we hope not only to improve knowledge of synaptic transmission but also to advance the understanding of fundamental mechanisms in endocytosis. In my talk I will discuss the role of the GTPase dynamin, a protein implicated in the fission reaction of endocytosis, and the impact of the lack of dynamin on cell structure and physiology. We have generated KO mice for each of the three dynamin isoforms. These mice, as well as cells derived from them, allow us to study the fundamental function of dynamin as well as isoforms specific functions. Surprisingly, cells without any dynamin live, although they fail to proliferate and they display major alterations in the structure of the cell surface. I will also discuss the function of dynamin binding partners with curvature generating and curvature sensing properties (proteins with BAR and F-BAR domains), and the mechanisms through which these proteins deform membranes (Roux et al. Nature 441: 528-531; Ferguson et al. Science 316: 570-574; Frost et al. Cell 132:807-817).