cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracranial MEMS based temozolomide delivery in a 9L rat gliosarcoma model.

Primary malignant brain tumors (BT) are the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor. Treatment of BTs is a daunting task with median survival just at 21 months. Methods of localized delivery have achieved success in treating BT by circumventing the blood brain barrier and achieving high concentrations of therapeutic within the tumor. The capabilities of localized delivery can be enhanced by utilizing mirco-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to deliver drugs with precise temporal control over release kinetics. An intracranial MEMS based device was developed to deliver the clinically utilized chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ) in a rodent glioma model. The device is a liquid crystalline polymer reservoir, capped by a MEMS microchip. The microchip contains three nitride membranes that can be independently ruptured at any point during or after implantation. The kinetics of TMZ release were validated and quantified in vitro. The safety of implanting the device intracranially was confirmed with preliminary in vivo studies. The impact of TMZ release kinetics was investigated by conducting in vivo studies that compared the effects of drug release rates and timing on animal survival. TMZ delivered from the device was effective at prolonging animal survival in a 9L rodent glioma model. Immunohistological analysis confirmed that TMZ was released in a viable, cytotoxic form. The results from the in vivo efficacy studies indicate that early, rapid delivery of TMZ from the device results in the most prolonged animal survival. The ability to actively control the rate and timing of drug(s) release holds tremendous potential for the treatment of BTs and related diseases.
Functional Polymers. XLII. 4-Vinyl (or 4-Isopropenyl)-2,6-di-t-butylphenol: Synthesis and Copolymerization

Abstract Polymerizable vinyl- and isopropenyl derivatives of 2, 6-di-t-butyl-phenol have been synthesized, polymerized, and copolymerized. 2,6-Di-t-butyl-4-vinylphenol and O-acetyl-2, 6-di-t-butylphenol were prepared in yields of 50 and 80%, respectively, starting from 2,6-di-t-butylphenol. 2,6-Di-t-butyl-4-isopropenylphenol was also synthesized in nearly 50% yield. The two hindered phenol monomers and some of their acetyl derivatives were copolymerized with styrene, methyl methacrylate, and n-butyl acrylate.
GAINING STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE: U.S. COMPETITIVENESS AND THE CAPABILITY OF GOVERNMENT

Discussions regarding United States competitiveness in the world today often include and even accept the idea of government business “partnerships.” Gaining strategic advantage is seen as a matter of changing the role and also the priorities of government, and developing new relationships with the business community. This creates new expectations for our public officials. Experts are saying in many different ways that economic progress reflects an increase in a nation's goods sold on world markets; greater global “market share” for that nation's products; or an increased ability to attract foreign investment. In each case, the key actor is the multinational corporation.
Drug-Induced Apoptosis: Mechanism by which Alcohol and Many Other Drugs Can Disrupt Brain Development

Maternal ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy can cause a disability syndrome termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which may include craniofacial malformations, structural pathology in the brain, and a variety of long-term neuropsychiatric disturbances. There is compelling evidence that exposure to alcohol during early embryogenesis (4th week of gestation) can cause excessive death of cell populations that are essential for normal development of the face and brain. While this can explain craniofacial malformations and certain structural brain anomalies that sometimes accompany FASD, in many cases these features are absent, and the FASD syndrome manifests primarily as neurobehavioral disorders. It is not clear from the literature how alcohol causes these latter manifestations. In this review we will describe a growing body of evidence documenting that alcohol triggers widespread apoptotic death of neurons and oligodendroglia (OLs) in the developing brain when administered to animals, including non-human primates, during a period equivalent to the human third trimester of gestation. This cell death reaction is associated with brain changes, including overall or regional reductions in brain mass, and long-term neurobehavioral disturbances. We will also review evidence that many drugs used in pediatric and obstetric medicine, including general anesthetics (GAs) and anti-epileptics (AEDs), mimic alcohol in triggering widespread apoptotic death of neurons and OLs in the third trimester-equivalent animal brain, and that human children exposed to GAs during early infancy, or to AEDs during the third trimester of gestation, have a significantly increased incidence of FASD-like neurobehavioral disturbances. These findings provide evidence that exposure of the developing human brain to GAs in early infancy, or to alcohol or AEDs in late gestation, can cause FASD-like neurodevelopmental disability syndromes. We propose that the mechanism by which alcohol, GAs and AEDs produce neurobehavioral deficit syndromes is by triggering apoptotic death and deletion of neurons and OLs (or their precursors) from the developing brain. Therefore, there is a need for research aimed at deciphering mechanisms by which these agents trip the apoptosis trigger, the ultimate goal being to learn how to prevent these agents from causing neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Diversifying consulting psychology for the future.

The growth of new and atypical consulting psychology practices described in this integration of the articles in Finkelman’s (2010c) special issue, New and Emerging Practices in Consulting Psychology, exemplifies the dynamic change taking place in consulting and underscores the need for consultants to diversify their practices to keep the discipline vibrant, growing, and relevant for clients. Consultants must continually add new techniques to their complement of interventions and sharpen their focus to help their clients respond to a changing and increasingly challenging environment. Psychologists’ evolving roles as consultants are maximizing their ability to function as “experts in behavior” who apply unique knowledge and skills to address emerging client needs. The evolution of consulting practices of psychologists as experts in behavior is captured by the diverse array of consulting activities in this special issue.
Paleogeographic isolation of the Cretaceous to Eocene Sevier hinterland, east-central Nevada: Insights from U-Pb and (U-Th)/He detrital zircon ages of hinterland strata

The Late Cretaceous to Paleogene Sevier hinterland of east-central Nevada is widely regarded as an orogenic plateau that has since undergone topographic collapse. New U-Pb detrital zircon age data consisting of 1296 analyses from the Lower Cretaceous Newark Canyon Formation and the Upper Cretaceous to Eocene Sheep Pass Formation indicate that Precambrian detrital zircon populations recycled from local Paleozoic strata are dominant. Subordinate Mesozoic zircon populations are derived mainly from local backarc volcanic centers of Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous age, while ca. 38–36 Ma detrital zircon age peaks record the local onset of Eocene volcanism. Sevier hinterland deposits of east-central Nevada lack significant Triassic, Early Jurassic, and Late Cretaceous populations common in terranes of western Nevada and the Sierra Nevada magmatic arc. These data suggest that long-term evolution of the Sevier Plateau involved geographic isolation through a combination of high relief and rugged topography related to Early Cretaceous shortening, and continued isolation through development of latest Cretaceous to Eocene internally drained, extensional basins. The (U-Th)/He zircon ages obtained from the Sheep Pass Formation record late Paleo zoic, Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous cooling through 180 °C. Preservation of late Paleozoic (ca. 265 Ma) cooling ages indicates that much of the Upper Paleozoic section within east-central Nevada that contributed detritus to the Sheep Pass basin was unaffected by deep thrust burial, or by burial beneath thick Mesozoic sedimentary cover. Early Cretaceous (ca. 135 Ma) cooling ages are potentially coeval with shortening along the central Nevada fold-and-thrust belt, although ca. 80 Ma cooling ages within the Sheep Pass Formation are coeval with hinterland midcrustal extension. Together, these new data provide support for previous interpretations that the Sevier hinterland represents an ancient high-elevation orogenic plateau, and that the latest Cretaceous locally marks a transition from contraction to extension.
Importance of Conserved Residues of the Serine Protease Autotransporter β-Domain in Passenger Domain Processing and β-Barrel Assembly

Serine protease autotransporters of the family Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) comprise a family of virulence proteins secreted by enteric Gram-negative bacteria via the autotransporter secretion pathway. A SPATE polypeptide contains a C-terminal translocator domain that inserts into the bacterial outer membrane as a beta-barrel structure and mediates secretion of the passenger domain to the extracellular environment. In the present study, we examined the role of conserved residues located in the SPATE beta-barrel-forming region in passenger domain secretion. Thirty-nine fully conserved residues in Tsh were mutated by single-residue substitution, and defects in their secretion phenotypes were assessed by cell fractionation and immunochemistry. A total of 22 single mutants exhibited abnormal phenotypes in different cellular compartments. Most mutants affecting secretion are charged residues with side chains pointing into the beta-barrel interior. Seven mutants showed notable abnormalities in processing (constructs with the E1231A, E1249A, and R1374A mutations) and beta-barrel assembly or insertion into the outer membrane (constructs with the G1158Y, F1360A, Y1375A, and F1377A mutations). The phenotypes of the beta-barrel assembly/insertion mutants and the presence of a processed Tsh passenger domain in the periplasm support the possibility that the translocator domain must undergo extensive folding prior to insertion into the outer membrane. Results from double-mutation experiments further demonstrate that F1360 and F1377 affect beta-barrel insertion/assembly at different times. In light of these new data, a more refined model for the mechanism of SPATE secretion is presented.
Deming's Quality Experiments Revisited

This paper revisits two classic experiments used by W. Edwards Deming to teach concepts of quality management. The first, the red bead experiment, demonstrates how managing based on underlying system randomness can be highly problematic. The second, the funnel experiment, demonstrates how adjusting a system based on underlying random variations can significantly degrade system performance. This paper describes adjustments to these experiments that retain their key learning points while making them more suitable for in-class demonstrations and increase the “fun” component of the experiments.
Invariants and canonical forms for linear system with delay: Single input case

The Hermite normal form of a matrix is employed in classification of (Matrix) polynomial (A,b) pairs with respect to similarity transformations. The polynomial (A,b) pairs can be viewed as coming from models for time delay systems with commensurate delays. Algorithms for finding canonical forms for such pairs are described.
Facial rhytidectomy approach for treatment of posterior mandibular fractures

Summary Surgical access to fractures of the ascending ramus of the mandible is limited when standard techniques are employed. A new method using a facial rhytidectomy technique is described, and seven cases treated by this method are presented. The advantage of this technique includes excellent exposure, predictable and safe dissection, inconspicuous facial scar and minimal postoperative complications.
Cold Neutron Prompt Gamma-Ray Activation Analysis for Characterization of Hydrogen Storage and Related Materials

Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) is an important technique for analyzing materials that may impact the hydrogen economy. An instrument for cold neutron PGAA, located at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), has proven useful for the measurement of hydrogen and other elements in a variety of such materials. The detection limit for hydrogen is less than 10 mg/kg for most materials. PGAA has been used to characterize materials with potential for hydrogen storage (e.g. single wall carbon nanohorns, lithium magnesium imides, and zirconium beryllium hydrides), to measure hydrogen uptake by solid proton conductors, and to characterize stoichiometries of Nafion films used as membranes in fuel cells. Future upgrades to the instrument will improve detection limits, applicability, and user interface.
Scheduling medical procedures: how one single delay begets multiple subsequent delays

Background: Delay is a common feature of medical disease management. Delays occur because schedules are filled, patients forget their appointment, equipment is unavailable, or because medical and non-medical complications interfere with the planned procedure. The aim of the present analysis is to model how one single delay can lead to multiple subsequent delays. Methods: The consecutive stream of delays is analyzed in terms of a stochastic process comprising of a random sum of random time periods. Any untoward event causes a procedural delay, which provides a time window of opportunity for yet another delaying event to occur. Results: The stochastic model explains why even a single initial delay can easily lead to a multitude of subsequent delays. The expected overall delay is always longer than the initial delay caused by the deferment of the initial procedure. The analysis demonstrates how in individual patients an initially short delay may subsequently expand into days or weeks. Conclusion: Because a single delay can easily burgeon into a lengthy series of multiple delays, the primary goal should be to avoid the precipitating delay at the onset.
Changes in nucleosome position at transcriptional start sites of specific genes in Zea mays mediator of paramutation1 mutants.

Nucleosomes facilitate compaction of DNA within the confines of the eukaryotic nucleus. This packaging of DNA and histone proteins must accommodate cellular processes, such as transcription and DNA replication. The repositioning of nucleosomes to facilitate cellular processes is likely regulated by several factors. In Zea mays, Mediator of paramutation1 (MOP1) has been demonstrated to be an epigenetic regulator of gene expression. Based on sequence orthology and mutant phenotypes, MOP1 is likely to function in an RNA-dependent pathway to mediate changes to chromatin. High-resolution microarrays were used to assay the distribution of nucleosomes across the transcription start sites (TSSs) of ~400 maize genes in wild type and mutant mop1–1 tissues. Analysis of nucleosome distribution in leaf, immature tassel and ear shoot tissues resulted in the identification of three genes showing consistent differences in nucleosome positioning and occupancy between wild type and mutant mop1–1. These specific changes in nucleosome distribution were located upstream as well as downstream of the TSS. No direct relationship between the specific changes in nucleosome distribution and transcription were observed through quantitative expression analysis in these tissues. In silico prediction suggests that nucleosome positioning is not dictated by intrinsic DNA sequence signals in the TSSs of two of the identified genes, suggesting a role for chromatin remodeling proteins in MOP1-mediated pathways. These results also indicate that MOP1 contributions to nucleosome position may be either separate from changes in gene expression, or cooperative with development and other levels of regulation in coordinating gene expression.
A TEM study of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles targeting breast cancer cells

In this paper, a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study was carried out to investigate the ability of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to target breast cancer cells in mice. MNPs were functionalized using Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH), whose receptors are expressed in most types of breast cancer cells. LHRH conjugated MNPs (LHRH-MNPs) were injected intravenously into female nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435S.luc tumors for thirty days. These mice were sacrificed 20 h after MNP injection. Tumors and periphery organs including livers, lungs and kidneys were collected for analysis. A dedicated transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study was then carried out to investigate the distribution of nanoparticles in cells. We found that dispersive LHRH-MNPs were distributed in tumor cells and cells in lungs and livers. No LHRH-MNPs were observed in kidney cells. Furthermore, LHRH-MNPs tend to aggregate and form clusters in tumor cells and cells in lungs where metastases were developed. These suggest that MNPs functionalized using LHRH can be used to target both primary cancer cells and the metastatic cells. The study also indicates that TEM is a useful tool to study the sub-cellular distribution of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in mice bearing breast cancers.
The density and strength of proteoglycan-proteoglycan interaction sites in concentrated solutions.

Abstract Rheological flow properties of link-stable and link-free proteoglycan (PG) aggregates in concentrated solutions were measured using a cone-on-plate viscometer. A second-order constitutive model, based upon the statistical-network theories of Lodge, [Rheol. Acta7, 379–392 (1968)] and De Kee and Carreau [J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech.6, 127–143 (1979)], was developed to describe the measured steady and transient flow responses exhibited by the PG solutions. Our measurements confirmed previous experimental findings that the complex shear modulus of PG solutions depends on the frequency of the imposed small-amplitude oscillatory shear, and the apparent viscosity and primary normal-stress difference depend nonlinearly on the shear rate under steady-shear flow conditions [Mow et al., J. Biomechanics17, 325–338 (1984b); Hardingham et al., J. orthop. Res.5, 36–46 (1987)]. In the present study, we found that PG solutions exhibit pronounced stress overshoot responses and large hysteresis loop effects. These transient responses were shown to be sensitive to acceleration strain (i.e. the second rate of stran) as well as PG structure (i.e. link-protein stabilization). The model parameters were determined by curvefitting of the second-order constitutive model and experimental data from steady, oscillatory and transient shear flow measurements. Using this network model, we calculated the density of the idealized interaction sites existing in the PG network, and the average strength of these interaction sites. The results indicate that link-protein stabilization of PG aggregates does not change the density of interaction sites formed in the PG network, rather, it increases the average strength of these interaction sites.
WE‐A‐217A‐09: Evaluating Radiation‐Induced White Matter Changes in Patients with Recurrent Malignant Gliomas under Treatment of Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Purpose:Stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) has been an effective treatment for braintumors; however, few data are available regarding radiation‐ induced white matter (WM) damage by SRS. WM is generally vulnerable to radiation, which may compromise sensory and neurocognitive functions. In this work, diffusiontensorimaging (DTI) was used to assess WM changes following SRS.Methods: In this study, 15 patients with recurrent, unifocal malignant gliomas were enrolled. The prescription dose ranged from 16Gy to 26Gy. Patients were scanned with MRI 1–4 days before and 7‐day and two‐month after SRStreatment. All MR scans including DTI were acquired on a 1.5T clinical scanner. DTI scans were acquired axially using a spin‐ echo echo‐planar imaging sequence (TR = 9,100ms, TE = 98ms, field‐of‐ view = 30×30cm2, matrix size = 128×128, slice thickness = 5mm, b = l,000s/mm2). Diffusiontensors were calculated and fiber tracking was performed. Tract seeding is performed within a defined volume of interest (VOI). In the study, the volumes of WM receiving dose > 5Gy were contoured as VOIs. Diffusion coefficient , fractional anisotropy (FA), number of fibers (NF) were statistically calculated. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to assess the differences, with statistical significance at p increased by approximately 1% (p= 0.53), and FA decreased by 1.8% (p = 0.17) with 24% decline of NF (p = 0.12). After two months of SRS, increased by 2.3% (p= 0.36), and FA decreased significantly by 6.8% (p <0.01) with nearly 40% decline of NF (p = 0.02). Conclusions: DTI data indicated compromise of WM fiber integrity after SRS, which shall not be ignored. These preliminary results suggest that dose sparing to white matter should be considered in SRS, particularly when the target is close to white matter fiber bundles such as genu and splenium.
Navigating India's Foreign Policy Complexities

Challenge and strategy : rethinking India's foreign policy / Rajiv Sikri. ; foreword by Chinmaya R. Gharekhan. - Delhi : Sage Publications India, 2009. - xx, 317 p. - ISBN 978-81-321-0080-5 Long ob...
Influences of Interfacial Properties on High-Performance Concrete Composites

There is a strong motivation to study the interfacial properties of concrete composites because the interfacial region is often the phase where fracture first develops. The aim of this study is to understand phenomena which are unique at high-performance concrete composite interfaces, and how these influence the bulk properties of a concrete composite. Since processes at interfaces must be considered over a range of scales varying from the atomic to the macroscopic, multidisciplinary research approaches are desirable. Model cement/rock (aggregate) and matrix/fiber interaction experiments were carried out. Morphology and microstructure of interfacial regions among mortar/rock, and fiber/matrix were examined utilizing SEM. Computer image analysis performed along a perpendicular to the interface revealed compositional and physical irregularities. The variations in the volume of pores adjacent to interface zones are documented and supported by microscopic observation. The influences of interfacial properties on concrete composite strength and durability are discussed, and influences of fibers on the fracture and fracture resistance behavior are also discussed. Analyses of debonding along interfaces are used to define the role of debonding in fiber-reinforced concrete composites.
A simplified estimate of sanguine performance

An analysis of possible performance of an assumed version of the Project Sanguine system has been made. The results are compared with those reported by Biggs and by a Lincoln Laboratory-Navy group, and qualitative agreement is indicated with the latter computations, provided appropriate assumptions are made. Assumptions made here include a sharply bounded ionosphere, antenna input resistance the same as for a completely-buried, well-grounded insulated wire, and earth conductivities of 2 \times 10^{-4} mhos/m. Limitation of performance is presumed due to atmospheric noise, and appropriate assumptions are made for such noise. Use of clipping to achieve significant signal-to-noise ratio improvement is also assumed. Although the results indicate feasibility of a Sanguine-type system, verification of appropriate conductivity values to use and of the effects of ionospheric variations will probably require further experimentation.
Lack of Virus Transmission by the Excimer Laser Plume

Purpose To test the possibility of pathogenic virus transmission into the operating suite during excimer laser treatment of corneal tissue. Such treatment vaporizes corneal tissue, which may put the surgeon at risk of infection from human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis virus, or other viruses. We developed a model system to test the possibility of such virus transmission. Methods Pseudorabies virus is a porcine enveloped herpesvirus similar in structure and life cycle to human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus. An excimer laser was used to ablate a virus-infected tissue culture plate while an uninfected tissue culture plate was in an inverted position over the infected plate. Six hundred laser pulses were applied. Pseudorabies virus in the excimer laser plume would, potentially, contact and infect the uninfected cells. The experiment was repeated 20 times with appropriate positive and negative controls. Results None of the 20 uninfected plates was infected by the laser plume rising from ablation of infected tissue culture plates. Positive and negative controls performed as expected. Conclusions Even under conditions designed to maximize the likelihood of virus transmission, the excimer laser ablation plume does not appear capable of transmitting this particular live enveloped virus. Excimer laser ablation of the cornea of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected or herpesvirus-infected patient is unlikely to pose a health hazard to the surgeon.
Bone Induction in Intramuscular Implants by Demineralized Bone Matrix: Sequential Changes of Collagen Synthesis

Abstract Implantation of rat demineralized bone matrix into intramuscular pouches has beenshown to cause a complex cellular transition of mesenchymal-type cells into well developed mature bone. Demineralized bone matrix was surgically implanted into rat muscle pouches and removed at various intervals between 7 and 28 days. Histological sections of the implants revealed bone formation by endochondral ossification and appositional bone growth. Biochemical analysis of collagen synthesis demonstrated the following: (1) synthesis of type X collagen, a collagen produced by hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate and in fracture callus. (2) Synthesis of a collagenase-sensitive 17k protein which seems to increase in the early stages of bone induction. Pulse chase analysis indicates that 17k is not a degradation product of another protein and appears to be synthesized without a large Mr precursor. The 17k component contains one or more collagenous domains that are partially resistant to proteolysis with pepsin. Our results confirm the appearance of a cartilage intermediate during demineralized bone matrix induced ossification and implicate the existence of proteins which may be useful markers in future studies on matrix mineralization and ossification.
An endovascular canine middle cerebral artery occlusion model for the study of leptomeningeal collateral recruitment

Immediate leptomeningeal collateral recruitment acts as an endogenous protective response in acute ischemic stroke limiting permanent tissue damage because of proximal cerebral artery occlusion. 1-3 Patients with well-developed leptomeningeal collateral formation immediately following onset of acute ischemic stroke tend to have significantly smaller infarct volumes and better outcomes relative to those that have little leptomeningeal collateral recruitment.3,4 In effect, therapeutic strategies enhancing pial collateral recruitment could potentially improve outcomes in the setting of persistent vessel occlusion following acute ischemic stroke.1-5 Recommendations for experimental stroke include development of small and large animal models that accurately allow for the assessment of acute ischemic stroke.6-9 An animal model that allows for the dynamic evaluation of leptomeningeal collateral recruitment to an ischemic territory during acute ischemic stroke can lead to an exploration of variability in the development of pial collateral recruitment and possibly the enhancement of this innate mechanism for neuroprotection. The acute ischemic stroke model presented here uses endovascular transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (MCAO) using a coil occlusion method that allows for angiographic confirmation of MCAO, in vivo assessment of infarct volume, pial collateral recruitment during occlusion, and behavioral changes.
c-jun and Egr-1 Participate in DNA Synthesis and Cell Survival in Response to Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Exposure of mammalian cells to ionizing radiation results in the induction of the immediate early genes, c-jun and Egr-1, which encode transcription factors implicated in cell growth as well as the cellular response to oxidative stress. We studied the role of these immediate early genes in cell cycle kinetics and cell survival following x-irradiation of clones containing inducible dominant negatives to c-jun and Egr-1. The dominant negative constructs to c-jun (Δ9) and Egr-1 (WT/Egr) prevented x-ray induction of transcription through the AP-1 and Egr binding sites, respectively. Twenty percent of confluent, serum-deprived SQ20B human tumor cells, normal fibroblasts, and fibroblasts from patients with ataxia telangiectasia entered S phase within 5 h of irradiation. Clones containing inducible Δ9 and WT/Egr dominant negative constructs demonstrated attenuation of the percentage of cells exiting G1 phase and reduced survival following irradiation. These data indicate that the dominant negatives to the stress-inducible immediate early genes Egr-1 and c-jun prevent the onset of S phase and reduce the survival of human cells exposed to ionizing radiation.
New recommendations for poliovirus vaccination: Combination regimen captures best effects of available vaccines

PREVIEWUnfortunately, wild poliovirus still exists in pockets around the world, so immigrants and travelers remain a potential source of infection. In addition, a few cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis are reported each year with use of oral vaccine alone. Fortunately, US physicians have three highly effective and acceptable options for poliomyelitis immunization. Physician and patient preferences may influence the choice, but the sequential parenteral-oral vaccine schedule is a reasoned balance of risks and benefits and should be promoted as the preferred regimen for routine vaccination of healthy children.
The Educational Reform Movement: What Does it Mean for Counseling?

Case, C.W., Lanier, J.E., & Miskel, C.G. (1986). The Holmes Group report: Impetus for gaining professional status for teachers. Journal of Teacher Education, 37(4), 36–43.
On the borders of post-war ecology: Struggles over the ecological society of America's preservation committee, 1917–1946

Should ecologists advocate for the protection of natural ecosystems? What is the appropri-ate relationship between ecology and activism? These questions have been raised by ecol-ogists and observers of the discipline since at least the early 1900s, and present discussionsshow no sign of a forthcoming resolution. Historian Stephen Bocking (1997) recentlyobserved that ‘Among ecologists there evidently is no consensus concerning their placein environmental politics. Indeed, the debate is nearly as old as the discipline, and ithas helped shape the history and structure of the discipline’. The boundaries ofecology—the limits of the acceptable range of activities for ecologists acting as ecolo-gists—seem always to be contested and shifting. One of the most revealing sites atwhich to observe these boundary struggles is the Ecological Society of America (ESA),the main professional society for ecologists in the United States. The ESA has, throughoutits history, debated the extent to which it ought to advocate for public policy, and oncertain occasions has taken action to ofﬁcially delineate which activities are acceptable,and which activities fall beyond the scope of a professional scientiﬁc society. In sodoing, the ESA has transformed its relationship with the state, shifting from agitationand opposition to advice and assistance.One of the most important instances in which the ESA renegotiated its position on advo-cacy and relationship to the state occurred just prior to the end of World War II. On 20 July1945, the ESA voted to amend its by-laws, excluding from its activities direct action toinﬂuence legislation. Until that time, the ESA’s Committee for the Preservation ofNatural Conditions had been actively involved in promoting legislation to protect and pre-serve natural areas, particularly in the form of national parks and monuments. The 1945decision, passed by a majority vote, caused a rift in the organization. Those who favoureda strategy of direct involvement in legislative affairs formed a separate organization calledScience as CultureVol. 15, No. 1, 23–44, March 2006
Transsexualism and Choices

“I don’t know what it means to be a woman.... I never use the word woman with relation to myself... I have avoided my body, tried to get acquainted with it, but absolutely hate it.... My main problem is I have difficulty getting close to people.”
Multivariate-adjusted pharmacoepidemiologic analyses of confidential information pooled from multiple health care utilization databases.

Purpose Mandated post-marketing drug safety studies require vast databases pooled from multiple administrative data sources which can contain private and proprietary information. We sought to create a method to conduct pooled analyses while keeping information private and allowing for full confounder adjustment. Methods We propose a method based on propensity score (PS) techniques. A set of propensity scores are computed in each data-contributing center and a PS-adjusted analysis is then carried out on a pooled basis. The method is demonstrated in a study of the potentially negative effects of concurrent initiation of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in four cohorts of patients assembled from North American claims data sources. Clinical outcomes were myocardial infarction (MI) hospitalization and hospitalization for revascularization procedure. Success of the method was indicated by equivalent performance of our PS-based method and traditional confounder adjustment. We also implemented and evaluated high-dimensional propensity scores and meta-analytic techniques. Results On both a pooled and individual cohort basis, we saw substantially similar point estimates and confidence intervals for studies adjusted by covariates and from privacy-maintaining propensity scores. The pooled, adjusted OR for MI hospitalization was 1.20 (95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.41) with individual variable adjustment and 1.16 (1.00, 1.36) with PS adjustment. The revascularization OR estimates differed by< 1%. Meta-analysis and pooling yielded substantially similar results. Conclusions We observed little difference in point estimates when we employed standard techniques or the proposed privacy-maintaining pooling method. We would recommend the technique in instances where multi-center studies require both privacy and multivariate adjustment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The synthesis of robust polynomial arithmetic with stochastic logic

As integrated circuit technology plumbs ever greater depths in the scaling of feature sizes, maintaining the paradigm of deterministic Boolean computation is increasingly challenging. Indeed, mounting concerns over noise and uncertainty in signal values motivate a new approach: the design of stochastic logic, that is to say, digital circuitry that processes signals probabilistically, and so can cope with errors and uncertainty. In this paper, we present a general methodology for synthesizing stochastic logic for the computation of polynomial arithmetic functions, a category that is important for applications such as digital signal processing. The method is based on converting polynomials into a particular mathematical form --- Bernstein polynomials --- and then implementing the computation with stochastic logic. The resulting logic processes serial or parallel streams that are random at the bit level. In the aggregate, the computation becomes accurate, since the results depend only on the precision of the statistics. Experiments show that our method produces circuits that are highly tolerant of errors in the input stream, while the area-delay product of the circuit is comparable to that of deterministic implementations.
Experimentally-validated micromixing-based CFD model for fed-batch stirred-tank reactors

A model was developed to predict the final product distribution in fed-batch, stirred-tank reactors carrying out fast, parallel, chemical reactions, and the predictions were compared with experimental data. The following reaction system was chosen: Comparison between the experimentally determined flow field inside the reactor, obtained with a laser-doppler velocimeter (LDV), and the predictions from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations was favorable. A model was developed to predict the yield, XS, of forming S from A, using CFD to describe the velocity distribution inside the reactor, two micromixing models to represent the interaction between turbulence effects and chemical reactions, and a multiphase model (Volume of Fluid (VOF) model) to track the reacting zone in a Lagrangian fashion. Model predictions for XS were compared with experimental data. The agreement between the experiments and the results of the simulations was good. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50:566–577, 2004
Type IV Collagen Is Detectable in Most, but Not All, Basement Membranes of Caenorhabditis elegans and Assembles on Tissues That Do Not Express It

Type IV collagen in Caenorhabditis elegans is produced by two essential genes, emb-9 and let-2, which encode α1- and α2-like chains, respectively. The distribution of EMB-9 and LET-2 chains has been characterized using chain-specific antisera. The chains colocalize, suggesting that they may function in a single heterotrimeric collagen molecule. Type IV collagen is detected in all basement membranes except those on the pseudocoelomic face of body wall muscle and on the regions of the hypodermis between body wall muscle quadrants, indicating that there are major structural differences between some basement membranes in C. elegans. Using lacZ/green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter constructs, both type IV collagen genes were shown to be expressed in the same cells, primarily body wall muscles, and some somatic cells of the gonad. Although the pharynx and intestine are covered with basement membranes that contain type IV collagen, these tissues do not express either type IV collagen gene. Using an epitope-tagged emb-9 construct, we show that type IV collagen made in body wall muscle cells can assemble into the pharyngeal, intestinal, and gonadal basement membranes. Additionally, we show that expression of functional type IV collagen only in body wall muscle cells is sufficient for C. elegans to complete development and be partially fertile. Since type IV collagen secreted from muscle cells only assembles into some of the basement membranes that it has access to, there must be a mechanism regulating its assembly. We propose that interaction with a cell surface–associated molecule(s) is required to facilitate type IV collagen assembly.
Examination of Low-Incidence Brain Tumor Responses in F344 Rats Following Chemical Exposures in National Toxicology Program Carcinogenicity Studies

Neoplasms in the brain are uncommon in control Fischer 344 (F344) rats; they occur at a rate of less than 1% in 2-yr toxicity/carcinogenicity studies. Furthermore, only 10 of nearly 500 studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) showed any evidence of chemically related neoplastic effects in the brain. Generally, the brain tumor responses were considered equivocal, because the characteristics of potential neurocarcinogenic agents (such as statistically significant increased incidences, decreased latency and/or survival, and demonstration of dose-response relationships) were not observed. A thorough examination, including comparisons with a well-established historical database, is often critical in evaluating rare brain tumors. Chemicals that gave equivocal evidence of brain tumor responses were generally associated with carcinogenicity at other sites, and many chemicals were mutagenic when incubated with metabolic activating enzymes. Other factors that were supportive of the theory that marginal increases in brain tumor incidence were related to chemical exposure were that (a) some of the tumors were malignant, (b) no brain neoplasms were observed in concurrent controls from some studies, and/or (c) brain tumors were also seen following exposure to structurally related chemicals. In 2-yr studies in F344 rats (studies conducted by the NTP), equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity was observed for the following 9 chemicals: isoprene, bromoethane, chloroethane, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine dihydrochloride, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine dihydrochloride, furosemide, C.I. direct blue 15, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and 1-H-benzotriazole. Glycidol was the only chemical evaluated by the NTP with which there was clear evidence of brain tumor induction in F344 rats. Clarification of the potential neurocarcinogenic risks of chemicals that produce equivocal evidence of a brain tumor response in conventional 2-yr rodent studies may be aided by the use of transgenic mouse models that exhibit genetic alterations that reflect those present in human brain tumors as well as by the use of in utero exposures.
Interactions between adjacent cells in magnetic-film storage matrixes

The magnitudes of interactions between adjacent storage cells aligned along the easy-axis direction have been measured for various values of easy-axis skew and cell spacing, for both continuous film and film spots on aluminium substrates. Interactions are significantly smaller when film spots are used in place of continuous film. Experiments designed to establish the various causes of interactions with film spots and continuous film are described. Some observed effects due to stray fields have magnitudes five times those expected from simple theory. The comparatively large distances over which interaction effects occur in continuous film is attributed to domain propagation during the writing operation, giving variable demagnetising fields and variable proportions of flux linked by the sense conductor.
A branch-and-cut approach for minimum cost multi-level network design

Network design models with more than one facility type have many applications in communication and distribution problems. Due to their complexity, previous studies have focused on finding good heuristic solutions. In this study, we develop algorithms that solve the multi-level network design problem to optimality. In our approach, the problem is converted to a Steiner tree problem and is solved by a branch-and-cut approach. Our computational study shows that the approach outperforms a dual ascent approach in the literature (Mirchandani, INFORMS J. Comput. 8 (3) (1996) 202) not only on solution times but also on the quality of the solutions.
Transport system architecture services for high-performance communications systems

Transport system services that integrate operating system resources such as CPUs, virtual memory, and I/O devices with network protocols to support distributed multimedia applications running on local and wide area networks are described and classified. A taxonomy is presented, and four commercial and experimental transport systems are compared and evaluated in terms of their protocol processing support. The systems discussed are System V UNIX STREAMS, the BSD UNIX networking subsystem, the x-kernel, and the Choices Conduit system. >
Predictive coding on-sensor compression

This paper presents the design and measurements of a predictive coding on-sensor compression CMOS imager. Predictive coding is employed to decorrelate the image. The prediction operations are performed in the analog domain to avoid quantization noise and to decrease the area complexity of the circuit. The decorrelated image is encoded with a bank of column-parallel entropy encoders. Each encoder is combined with a single-slope analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to reduce area complexity and power consumption. The area savings resulting from such combination allow to integrate an ADC and an entropy encoder at the column level. A prototype chip was fabricated in a 0.35 mum CMOS process. The output of the chip is a compressed bit stream. The test chip occupies a silicon area of 2.60 mm times 5.96 mm which includes an 80 times 44 APS array. Tests of the fabricated chip demonstrate the validity of the design.
Changing of the Guard: Interpretive Continuity of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory

This study is the first to examine the equivalence of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory with the 1994 Strong. The authors examine the parallel content scales of the two versions for female and male college students separately (n = 622). The scales include the six General Occupational Themes (GOTs), 22 of the 25 Basic Interest Scales (BISs) of the 1994 Strong, and four of the Personal Style Scales (PSSs). The mean differences between the two Strongs were mostly within .5 of a standard deviation (Cohen’s d < .5). There was a pattern of slightly higher means on the 2005 Strong, possibly because of the 2005 Strong standardization sample compares to the 1994 norm group, being more ethnically diverse, less educated, and more representative of the 2000 U.S. Census. The correlations of the 1994 and 2005 content scales were ≥ .85 for the GOTs and PSSs, except for the Risk Taking/Adventure PSS. The 1994 and 2005 analoged US BIS correlations ranged from .64 to .97. The effect sizes for sex were comparable across versions.
CHANGES AND PREDICTORS OF PRE-SERVICE PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS' SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEMESTER

The life of university students is indeed stressful. Assignments, exams, and other study-related variables supposedly decrease students’ subjective well-being (SWB). This study investigated preservice physical education (PE) teachers’ SWB, using the FAHW questionnaire on three different measurement points (beginning of the semester, middle of the semester, and end of the semester). Data analysis revealed surprising results. There were no significant changes of pre-service PE teachers’ SWB over the course of the semester. Additionally, no significant correlations between this study’s variables and the FAHW scales could be found. Therefore, a predictor analysis was pointless. However, the FAHW appeared to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess SWB in this study’s focus group of pre-service PE teachers.
Stabilizing the Forgotten Shore: Case Study from the Delaware Bay

The western shore of the Delaware Bay estuary is lined with low-profile fetch-limited barrier beaches. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 to provide habitat to migratory waterfowl. Two study sites are adjacent to the refuge, Prime Hook Beach with a community of houses along the water and Fowler Beach, which is undeveloped. Construction in the region has impacted coastal hydrology and longshore sediment transport throughout the last century. After the 1962 nor’easter, soft stabilization and beach scraping became common. Scraping artificial dunes has also become a method of choice to isolate freshwater marshes from the bay. Both methods require frequent repetition as well as permits and lengthy planning processes. Benefits from this type of stabilization include an increase in recreational appeal, preservation of freshwater habitat and sustained property values for private landholders. Negative impacts of stabilization include overhead costs to taxpayers, degradation of natural habitat, loss of aesthetics of natural beaches, and continued public expectation of government intervention. As the threats of rising sea level and more frequent storms increase, beach overtopping and marsh inundation will become more frequent. Coastal development and infrastructure is at continued risk of flooding. Future management must take a long-term perspective on these realities and plan for the changing coastline.