cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Throughput Interrogation of Somatic Mutations in High Grade Serous Cancer of the Ovary

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecologic malignancies, and high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and types of point somatic mutations in HGSC using a mutation detection protocol called OncoMap that employs mass spectrometric-based genotyping technology. Methodology/Principal Findings: The Center for Cancer Genome Discovery (CCGD) Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) has adapted a high-throughput genotyping platform to determine the mutation status of a large panel of known cancer genes. The mutation detection protocol, termed OncoMap has been expanded to detect more than 1000 mutations in 112 oncogenes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. We performed OncoMap on a set of 203 FFPE advanced staged HGSC specimens. We isolated genomic DNA from these samples, and after a battery of quality assurance tests, ran each of these samples on the OncoMap v3 platform. 56% (113/203) tumor samples harbored candidate mutations. Sixty-five samples had single mutations (32%) while the remaining samples had $2 mutations (24%). 196 candidate mutation calls were made in 50 genes. The most common somatic oncogene mutations were found in EGFR, KRAS, PDGRFa, KIT, and PIK3CA. Other mutations found in additional genes were found at lower frequencies (,3%). Conclusions/Significance: Sequenom analysis using OncoMap on DNA extracted from FFPE ovarian cancer samples is feasible and leads to the detection of potentially druggable mutations. Screening HGSC for somatic mutations in oncogenes may lead to additional therapies for this patient population.
Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor promotes survival of spinal cord motoneurons

Spinal cord motoneurons (MNs) undergo a process of cell death during embryonic development and are the target of lethal acquired or inherited disorders, such as the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Therefore, the identification of mechanisms leading to MN survival is of crucial importance. Elevations in intracellular Ca2+ promote chicken MN survival during the embryonic period of naturally occurring cell death. We have recently demonstrated that the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) mediates significant increases in free Ca2+ concentration at membrane potentials at which other pathways for Ca2+ influx are inactive. Although it is possible that Ca2+ influx through alpha7 nAChR promotes cell survival, the relation between alpha7 nAChR activation, cytosolic free Ca2+ and mammalian spinal cord MN survival has not been established. In the present study we have now demonstrated that Ca2+ influx through the alpha7-subunit is sufficient to rescue a significant number of cultured spinal cord MNs from programmed cell death induced by trophic factor deprivation. This is the first demonstration that neuronal nAChRs are involved in the regulation of MN survival.
Electronic versus traditional print textbooks: A comparison study on the influence of university students' learning

University students are increasingly choosing to purchase e-textbooks for their mobile devices as an alternative to traditional textbooks. This study examines the relationship between textbook format and 538 university students' grades and perceived learning scores. Results demonstrate that there was no difference in cognitive learning and grades between the two groups, suggesting that the electronic textbook is as effective for learning as the traditional textbook. The mean scores indicated that students who chose e-textbooks for their education courses had significantly higher perceived affective learning and psychomotor learning than students who chose to use traditional print textbooks.
Characterization in mammalian brain of a DARPP-32 serine kinase identical to casein kinase II.

: DARPP-32, a dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein of Mr 32,000, is phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase II at a site which is also phosphorylated in intact cells. In the present study, we show that a protein kinase activity, present in caudate-putamen cytosol, phosphorylates DARPP-32 on a seryl residue located on the same thermolytic peptide that is phosphorylated by purified casein kinase II. This DARPP-32 serine kinase was indistinguishable from casein kinase II on the basis of a number of biochemical criteria. Excitotoxic lesions of the caudate-putamen and immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of casein kinase II in the medium-sized striatonigral neurons which are known to contain DARPP-32. Casein kinase II activity was high in all rat brain regions studied, and casein kinase II-like immunoreactivity was detected in most brain neurons, although some neuronal populations (e.g., cortical pyramidal cells and large striatal neurons) were stained more intensely than others. In rat caudate-putamen, 45% of the total casein kinase II activity was in the cytosol and 20% in the synaptosomal fraction. In mouse cerebral cortex and caudate-putamen, casein kinase II activity was high at embryonic day 16, and remained elevated during development. In addition to DARPP-32, several major substrates for casein kinase II were observed specifically in brain, but not in liver extracts. The high activity of casein kinase II in brain from the embryonic period to adult age and the existence of a number of specific substrates suggest that this enzyme may play an important role in both developing and mature brain, possibly in modulating the responsiveness of target proteins to various extracellular signals.
The role of interfaces and matrix void nucleation mechanism on the ductile fracture process of discontinuous fibre-reinforced composites

The role of fibre morphology, interface failure and void nucleation mechanisms within the matrix on the deformation and fracture behaviour of discontinuous fibre-reinforced composites was numerically investigated. The matrix was modelled using a constitutive relationship that accounts for strength degradation resulting from the nucleation and growth of voids. For the matrix, two materials exhibiting identical strength and ductility but having different void-nucleation mechanisms (stress-controlled and strain-controlled) were considered and fibres were assumed to be elastic. The debonding behaviour at the fibre interfaces was simulated in terms of a cohesive zone model which describes the decohesion by both normal and tangential separation. The results indicate that in the absence of interface failure, for a given fibre morphology the void nucleation in the matrix is the key controlling parameter of the composite strength and ductility, hence, of the fracture toughness. The weak interfacial behaviour between the fibres and the matrix can significantly increase the ductility without sacrificing strength for certain fibre morphology and for certain matrix void-nucleation mechanisms.
Improving Services to African American Survivors of IPV From the Voices of Recipients of Culturally Specific Services

Researchers have found that many services designed to assist survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) take a mainstream, color-blind approach to their interventions. Several authors have indicated a need for culturally specific IPV interventions to adequately address the issue of IPV within the African American community. This exploratory study was designed to ascertain, from African American survivors, what their experiences were with mainstream IPV interventions and how their experience with a culturally specific domestic violence agency was different from those experiences. Overall, women described mostly problematic experiences with mainstream services and positive experiences with the culturally specific agency.
Use of non-thermal atmospheric plasmas to reduce the viability of Bacillus subtilis on spacecraft surfaces

Atmospheric pressure glow-discharge (APGD) plasmas have been proposed for sterilizing spacecraft surfaces prior to launch. The advantages of APGD plasmas for the sterilization of spacecraft surfaces include low temperatures at treatment sites, rapid inactivation kinetics of exposed microbial cells, physical degradation and removal of microbial cells, physical removal of organic biosignature molecules, and short exposure times for the materials. However, few studies have tested APGD plasmas on spacecraft materials for their effectiveness in both sterilizing surfaces and removal of microbial cells or spores. A helium (He)+oxygen (O2) APGD plasma was used to expose six spacecraft materials (aluminum 6061, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycarbonate, Saf-T-Vu, Rastex, and Herculite 20) doped with spores of the common spacecraft contaminant, Bacillus subtilis, for periods of time up to 6 min. Results indicated that greater than six orders of magnitude reductions in viability were observed for B. subtilis spores in as short of time as 40 s exposure to the APGD plasmas. Spacecraft materials were not affected by exposures to the APGD plasmas. However, Saf-T-Vu was the only material in which spores of B. subtilis adhered more aggressively to plasma-treated coupons when compared to non-plasma treated coupons ; all other materials exhibited no significant differences between plasma and non-plasma treated coupons. In addition, spores of B. subtilis were physically degraded by exposures to the plasmas beginning at the terminal ends of spores, which appeared to be ruptured after only 30 s. After 300 s, most bacteria were removed from aluminium coupons, and only subtle residues of bacterial secretions or biofilms remained. Results support the conclusion that APGD plasmas can be used as a prelaunch cleaning and sterilization treatment on spacecraft materials provided that the biocidal and cleaning times are shorter than those required to alter surface properties of materials.
Is the target income hypothesis an economic heresy

This study is the first to relate physician-specific measures of target and actual income to pricing decisions. We find that a higher ratio of target to actual income leads to a significant price increase among self-employed, fee-for-service primary care physicians, with an elasticity of approximately 0.3, but not among self-employed primary care physicians who are not paid on a fee-for-service basis. Thus we find evidence of target income pricing when, as in the case of fee-for-service practices, physicians stand to gain financially from their pricing decisions. Although the target income hypothesis (TIH) has been criticized for lacking firm grounding in economic theory, this article argues that the notion of targets has a long history in economic theory and pricing to achieve a target is not new. Moreover, a variety of economic explanations render such behavior consistent with profit maximizing objectives.
Group Effects on Piles Behavior under Lateral Loading

In this study, behavior of a 3×3 pile group under lateral loading in sand is investigated by means of numerical modeling. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using the ABAQUS software to simulate the behavior of steel pipe piles and soil. In this model, the behavior of the soil is described using an elastic- plastic constitutive model while the piles were treated as elastic materials. P- multipliers were developed for each row of the pile groups. Values of 0.78, 0.40, and 0.38 were calculated for a 3×3 free-headed pile group with 3D spacing in the both directions. Piles spacing and piles head conditions effects on the group interaction and consequently p-multipliers have been studied. It has been resulted that piles spacing in a group is an important parameter affecting the piles behavior under lateral loading, however, the piles head condition does not have a considerable effect on the values of p-multipliers.
Fourier transform of a linear distribution with triangular support and its applications in electromagnetics

A three-dimensional Fourier transform (FT) of a linear function with triangular support is derived in its coordinate-free representation. The Fourier transform of this distribution is derived in three steps. First, the 2-D FT of a constant (top hat) function is obtained. Next, the distribution is generalized to a linearly varying function. Finally, the formulation is extended to a coordinate-free representation which is the 3-D FT of the 2-D function defined over a surface. This formulation is applied to the near-field computation, yielding accurate numerical solutions. >
Basic Principles and Concepts in the Physics of Low Dimensional Cooperative Systems

This NATO institute is devoted to a study of quasi- one and two dimensional systems which exhibit strong electronic correlations. Low dimensionality and strong interactions may lead to many fascinating quasi- ordered states in solids, e.g. magnetism, super conductivity, Peierls distortions, charge or spin density waves, etc. This presentation shall attempt to introduce to students or other non-solid state scientists some of the basic ideas which the author has found to be useful and relevant for thinking and visualizing the systems under investigation. We shall usually not reproduce detailed calculations which we already have available in the literature, but rather attempt to give a feeling for the physical arguments which lead to the predicted results. While our emphasis will lie with theory, the models considered are direct manifestations of the experimentally known nature of the systems under study. We shall present very little detailed experimental results; these have been reviewed by Shchegolev,(1) for the highly conducting ld systems, and by DeJongh and Hiedema(2) and Hone and Richards(3) for the lower dimensionality magnetic systems. Of course, at this institute I expect that much of the most recent work will be presented.
Colorimetric Determination of Microgram Quantities of Urea

Abstract A sensitive colorimetric method of determining urea is described. It involves measurement of the absorbance of the red color formed when urea is heated with diacetyl monoxime and thiosemicarbazide under acidic conditions (phosphoric acid-sulfuric acid medium). The method is accurate and precise, and it permits determination of microgram amounts of urea in the presence of ammonium, nitrate, amino acids, amides, and amino sugars.
Early Indicators of Male Reproductive Toxicity

Longitudinal data were analyzed for seminal characteristics of rhesus monkeys and beagles. The monkeys were exposed to DBCP; the beagles were exposed to acute or chronic whole body gamma irradiation. The semen was analyzed for volume and sperm concentration. Sperm were measured for percent motility, swimming speed, and head dimensions. Abnormalities of the sperm tail were also noted. All treatments resulted in measurable effects on the semen parameters. Sperm production, as evaluated by seminal sperm concentration or total sperm numbers in the ejaculate, was as informative of testicular toxicity as any other parameter or combination of parameters. A consistent finding was that changes in sperm output occurred concomitantly with changes in sperm motility.
Fast Embedding of Sparse Similarity Graphs

This paper applies fast sparse multidimensional scaling (MDS) to a large graph of music similarity, with 267K vertices that represent artists, albums, and tracks; and 3.22M edges that represent similarity between those entities. Once vertices are assigned locations in a Euclidean space, the locations can be used to browse music and to generate playlists. MDS on very large sparse graphs can be effectively performed by a family of algorithms called Rectangular Dijsktra (RD) MDS algorithms. These RD algorithms operate on a dense rectangular slice of the distance matrix, created by calling Dijsktra a constant number of times. Two RD algorithms are compared: Landmark MDS, which uses the Nystrom approximation to perform MDS; and a new algorithm called Fast Sparse Embedding, which uses FastMap. These algorithms compare favorably to Laplacian Eigenmaps, both in terms of speed and embedding quality.
Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomic Studies of Human Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Malignant lymphomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms that arise as a result of a complex interplay of multiple factors including genetic aberrations, immunosuppression, and exposure to noxious agents such as ionizing radiation and chemical agents. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive T-lineage lymphoma harboring chromosomal translocations involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase. The most common translocation in ALCL is the t(2;5)(p23;q35). This results in the formation of a chimeric fusion kinase, nucleophosmin/ALK. Nucleophosmin/ALK activates numerous downstream signaling pathways resulting in enhanced survival and proliferation. Using a variety of mass spectrometry-driven proteomic strategies, we have studied several aspects of the ALCL proteome. In this review, we provide a summary of mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies that expands the current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of ALCL and provides the basis for the identification of biomarkers and targets for novel therapeutic agents.
Managerial Allocation of Time and Effort: The Effects of Interruptions

Time is one of the more salient constraints on managerial behavior. This constraint may be very taxing in high-velocity environments where managers have to attend to many tasks simultaneously. Earlier work by Radner (1976) proposed models based on notions of the thermostat or "putting out fires" to guide managerial time and effort allocation among tasks. We link these ideas to the issue of the level of complexity of the tasks to be attended to while alluding to the sequential versus parallel modes of processing. We develop a stochastic model to analyze the behavior of a manager who has to attend to a few short-term processes while attempting to devote as much time as possible to the pursuit of a long-term project. A major aspect of this problem is how the manager deals with interruptions. Different rules of attention allocation are proposed, and their implications to managerial behavior are discussed.
Policy driven heterogeneous resource co-allocation with Gangmatching

Dynamic, heterogeneous and distributively owned resource environments present unique challenges to the problems of resource representation, allocation and management. Conventional resource management methods that rely on static models of resource allocation policy and behavior fail to address these challenges. We previously argued that Matchmaking provides an elegant and robust solution to resource management in such dynamic and federated environments. However, Matchmaking is limited by its purely bilateral formalism of matching a single customer with a single resource, precluding more advanced resource management services such as co-allocation. In this paper, we present Gangmatching, a multilateral extension to the Matchmaking model, and discuss the Gangmatching model and its associated implementation and performance issues in context of a real-world license management co-allocation problem.
Bulk p-i-n heterojunction solar cells made from hyperbranched phthalocyanine polymers

A wet chemistry technique was developed to fabricate a new type of organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells with bulk p-i-n heterojunctions (“i”, an intrinsic absorber layer). Three new hyperbranched phthalocyanine polymers, namely H 2 PPc, TiOPPc and CuPPc, have been synthesized and implanted into extremely-thin absorber (ETA) solar cells with a cell structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/TiO 2 (n-type, made by sol gel method or Solaronix method)/TiO 2 :phthalocyanine polymer/CuSCN/Au (or carbon) as the strong light-absorbing materials. The phthalocyanine polymers were prepared by cyclotetramerization reaction of 1,3-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)benzene with/without respective metal salts under the catalysis of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). The phthalocyanine polymers were mixed with TiO 2 sol gel and spin-coated onto n-type TiO 2 pre-coated ITO glass substrate, followed by casting a saturated CuSCN solution in dipropylsulfide to form a p-type semiconducting layer. After coating a counter electrode onto this p-type layer, a cell structure of ITO/TiO 2 /TiO 2 :phthalocyanine polymer/CuSCN/Au (or carbon) was thus fabricated. A power conversion efficiency of 0.23% has been achieved from these devices by our preliminary work. Successful application of organic semiconductors in ETA solar cells has been demonstrated.
Potential Use of Agile Methods in Selected DoD Acquisitions: Requirements Development and Management

Adoption of methodologies that generally come under the umbrella of "Agile" in the software development community includes consideration of how those adopting Agile methods interface with elements of the acquisition community who provide the requirements and other constraints that govern how the software part of a system will be developed. Several Agile methods have expectations about how requirements are handled that are different from the typical approach used in government acquisition settings. This qualitative research study from the Software Engineering Institute explores issues that practitioners in the field who are actively adopting Agile methods have identified in our interviews about their experience in defining and managing requirements.practices, adapt them to the local context, and adopt them for everyday use.
IKVAV-linked cell membrane-spanning peptide treatment induces neuronal reactivation following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord regeneration following treatment with a novel membrane-spanning peptide (MSP) expressing the isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine (IKVAV) epitope was assessed in Balb-c mice. After hemilaminectomy and compression injury, mice were treated with IKVAV, IKVAV-MSP, peptide or vehicle control. Functional improvement was assessed using modified Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan Scale (mBBB) and spinal cord segments were studied histologically 28 days after injury. IKVAV-MSP group scores increased significantly compared with control groups after 4 weeks of observation (p < 0.05). The number of protoplasmic astrocytes, neurons and muscle bundle size in the IKVAV-MSP mice were significantly increased (p < 0.001; p < 0.05 and p < 0.007; respectively). This study demonstrates that it is possible to promote functional recovery after SCI using bioactive IKVAV presenting cell membrane-spanning peptides.
Improved hematopoiesis in GS-nitroxide (JP4-039)-treated mouse long-term bone marrow cultures and radioresistance of derived bone marrow stromal cell lines.

Aim To determine if the small-molecule radioprotector GS-nitroxide, JP4-039, improved hematopoiesis in long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs), explanted marrow from in vivo drug-treated C57BL/6NTac mice was maintained in JP4-039 for 25 weeks. Hematopoietic cell production and radiobiology of derived stromal cell lines was measured. Materials and methods Groups of LTBMCs were established from mouse groups. Stromal cell lines were established from the adherent layer of JP4-039-treated and untreated control groups. Results LTBMCs maintained in JP4-039 exhibited increased production of total non-adherent and 7-day and 14-day hematopoietic colony-forming cells. Stromal cell lines derived from JP4-039-treated cultures were radioresistant in vitro, demonstrated a distinct squamous/epithelial morphology and overexpressed Nrf2, Ctgf, Lox, Tlr1, collagen 1a, Brd3, and Brd4. Conclusion Chronic treatment of bone marrow cultures and derived stromal cell lines with JP4-039 was non-toxic, and conferred resistance to oxidative stress.
Growth Response of Heteroclarias Fingerlings Fed on Earthworm Meal in Hatchery Tanks

The study evaluated growth response of Heteroclarias fingerlings fed practical diet in which fish meal was substituted with graded levels of earthworm meal (E 0 , E 25 , E 50 , E 75 and E 100 ) in indoor tanks. Fingerlings were obtained through artificial insemination of brood stock with ovaprim in the laboratory. The resulting fries were fed with freshly harvested plankton for 4 weeks. Thereafter sixteen fingerlings weighing 4.73 g and measuring 6.512 mm standard length (on the average) were starved overnight and reared in five indoors tanks (0.8x 0.5x 0.5 m) in duplicate for eight weeks. Fingerlings were fed on graded earthworm meals containing 40% protein fed to the fingerlings twice daily at 0080 and 1600 hours. The best mean weight (6.77 g), specific growth rate (0.86) and protein ef ficiency ratio (0.6) was obtained with diet E 50. Food conversion ratio (4.47) was highest with diet E 50 and lowest (4.07) with diet E 00 which was significant (p<0.05). The profit index for diet E 50 was the highest (1.71). Again the highest net profit N 374.32 was recorded for diet E 50. Water quality parameters observed were within tolerable units and conducive for the growth of the fingerlings well being. Earthworm meal at 50% inclusion drastically reduced production cost which was suggestive that, the meal was an excellent alternative protein source than fish meal in feed formulation.
A carrier-mediated, Na+ gradient-dependent transport for biotin in human intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles

Transport of biotin across human intestinal brush-border membrane (BBM) was examined using brush-border membrane vesicle (BBMV) technique. Uptake of biotin by BBMV is mostly the result of transport of the substrate into an active intravesicular space with little binding to membrane surfaces. The transport of biotin was carrier mediated and was 1) Na+ (but not K+) gradient dependent with a distinct "over-shoot" phenomenon, 2) saturable as a function of concentration in the presence of a Na+ (but not a K+) gradient with an apparent Km and Vmax for the Na+ gradient-dependent system of 5.26 microM and 13.47 pmol.mg protein-1.20 s-1, respectively, and 3) inhibited by structural analogues and related compounds. Unlike the electrogenic transport of D-glucose, transport of the anionic biotin in the presence of a Na+ gradient (out greater than in) was not affected by imposing a relatively positive intravesicular electrical potential, suggesting that biotin transport is most likely an electroneutral process. These results demonstrate the existence of a carrier-mediated system for biotin transport in human BBM and show that the transport process is Na+ gradient dependent and electrically silent. It is suggested that biotin transport across the BBM is driven by a Na+ gradient most probably through a biotin-Na+ cotransport system.
Formal Methods for Critical Systems

Formal methods have traditionally been reserved for systems with requirements for extremely high assurance. However, the growing popularity of model-based development, in which models of system behavior are created early in the development process and used to auto-generate code, are making precise, mathematical specifications much more common in industry. At the same time, formal verification tools such as model checkers continue to grow more powerful. The convergence of these two trends opens the door for the practical application of formal verification techniques early in the life cycle for many systems. This talk will describe how Rockwell Collins has applied both theorem proving and model checking to commercial avionics and security systems to reduce costs and improve quality.
Search for K/sub L//sup 0/. --> mu. +e and K/sub L//sup 0/. -->. e+e

We report on a search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decays K/sub L//sup 0/..--> mu..+e and K/sub L//sup 0/..-->..e+e. Limits obtained for these processes are B(K/sub L//sup 0/..--> mu..+e) ..e+e)<4.5 x 10/sup -9/ (90% confidence level).
Numeric and Analytic Investigations of Mean-Square Exponential Stability for Stochastically Timed Systems

This paper is motivated by the problems posed in feedback control design when actuators, sensors, and/or computational nodes connect via unreliable or unpredictable communications channels. In these cases, there is a degree of stochastic uncertainty to the timing of the system’s discretizing elements, such as digital-to-analog converters. Several theorems related to the stability of non-uniformly sampled discrete dynamical systems have recently been proposed; here we examine through numeric investigation the characteristics of systems which are mean square exponentially stable (MSES). In particular we present a method to compute the range of mean and variance that a nonuniformly discretized feedback control system may tolerate while remaining MSES. Several examples are presented.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Book Review: Disability Rights and the American Social Safety Net

Author: Jennifer L. Erkulwater, Reviewer: Karin F. Brockelman Publisher: Cornell University Press, 2006. Cloth, ISBN : 0-8014-4417-9, 272 pages Cost: $42.50, USD
On “bubbly” structures in plasma facing components

Abstract The theoretical model of “fuzz” growth describing the main features observed in experiments is discussed. This model is based on the assumption of enhancement of plasticity of tungsten containing significant fraction of helium atoms and clusters. The results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations support this idea and demonstrate strong reduction of the yield strength for all temperature range. The MD simulations also show that the “flow” of tungsten strongly facilitates coagulation of helium clusters, which otherwise practically immobile, and the formation of nano-bubbles.
Effects of strain on band structure and effective masses in MoS 2

We use hybrid density functional theory to explore the band structure and effective masses of MoS${}_{2}$, and the effects of strain on the electronic properties. Strain allows engineering the magnitude as well as the nature (direct versus indirect) of the band gap. Deformation potentials that quantify these changes are reported. The calculations also allow us to investigate the transition in band structure from bulk to monolayer, and the nature and degeneracy of conduction-band valleys. Investigations of strain effects on effective masses reveal that small uniaxial stresses can lead to large changes in the hole effective mass.
Interorganizational Dependence and Responsiveness to Affirmative Action: The Case of Women and Defense Contractors

This study is an examination of the effect of interorganizational dependencies on compliance with government affirmative action demands. Defense contractors were the subjects in the study. The spee...
The Supply and Demand for New Marketing Doctorates

courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels are now considering and analyzing societal concerns with more frequency and in much greater depth. Greater coverage of societal issues appears to be planned for the future. This survey did not focus on why this transformation is taking place within marketing curricula. However, the author feels this trend can be attributed to at least three factors: First, students are demanding that education be relevant to contemporary social concerns. They see the gap between society's promises and practices, and they want their education to help them solve the nation's social ills. Second, many in our society are beginning to question marketing's pragmatic and materialistic orientation. The personal popularity of Ralph Nader, Paul Ehrlich, and Barry Commoner strongly suggests public disenchantment with a marketing system whose commitment has been viewed almost exclusively in economic terms with little regard for social or environmental considerations. Finally, marketing academicians have broadened their research goals by undertaking research that would have been considered beyond the boundaries of marketing 15 years ago. Farley and Leavitt's utilization of marketing principles to alleviate the world's population problems, Sturdivant's analysis of urban ghetto distribution systems, and Spratlen's call for a broadened philosophical base for marketing are all a testimony to an emerging diversity in the discipline of marketing.4 More and better studies must be undertaken, however. Specifically, the number of classroom hours spent on societal issues, the specific teaching techniques used by faculty to impart this information, and the reaction of students to societal topics should be evaluated. In spite of the limitations inherent in this investigation, the results seem to suggest that many marketing educators have already broadened their view of marketing and seem likely to continue this direction in the future. A scholarly discipline must be responsive to external change if it is to remain relevant. The present study suggests that marketing educators are accepting that challenge.
Dating Calcic Soils Under Marginal Climatic or Lithologic Conditions Using a Soil Developmental Index: An Example From the Stockton Plateau, Terrell County, Texas

A mature pedogenic carbonate horizon (Stage IV) has developed in a fine-grained soil above Pliocene-Miocene alluvial gravels derived from Cretaceous limestone of the Stockton Plateau, and Paleozoic limestone, chert, and novaculite from the Marathon uplift. Other calcic soil horizons have been age-dated in the southwestern U. S. using a soil developmental index. However, this soil is located in an area classified by the Soil Conservation Service as having marginal conditions for pedogenic carbonate accumulation at the present. These marginal conditions are attributed either to climatic conditions that are too moist or to the presence of non-pedogenic carbonate accumulations in soil. We examined the carbonate question by applying soil morphologic, electron microprobe, and stable isotopic analyses to assess the carbonate origin of the soil horizon. The soil morphology indicates that the calcic soil in question has developed an average 109 cm thick K horizon below surface depths of 68–80 cm. In gravelly areas of the soil a 15–20 cm thick laminar Km horizon caps the K horizon. Microprobe analyses on portions of the Km horizon show that CaCO 3 is the dominant material present and displaced the clays forming laminar and pisolith features. The carbonate chemistry of the Km horizon is dominated by CaCO 3 (98 percent by weight) with minor amounts of MgCO 3 (0.7 parts per million). Bulk isotopic analyses were run on the K horizon and local Cretaceous (Segovia) limestone. δ 18 O differences between the K and Km horizons (−3.0 to −1.7‰) and local limestone (−6.1 to −4.9‰) indicate the K and Km horizon carbonates are the result of soil processes. Transects across Km coated limestone clasts show an δ 18 O shift of 2–4‰ across the soil-rock interface. After ruling out atmospheric mixing and isotopic inheritance from limestone as factors influencing isotopic composition, the δ 18 C results (−3.4 to 1.4‰) are interpreted as reflecting carbonate precipitation in a C 4 vegetative environment. These results imply pedogenesis is responsible for the carbonate in the soil. Thus, a calcic soil development index can be applied to obtain an age-date. The index analysis yielded an average amount of secondary carbonate of 92 g/cm 2 for the K horizon in the soil resulting in an average soil development age of 180 ±20 Kyr. These results correlate well with other Stage IV K horizons in west Texas and southern New Mexico.
APPLICATION OF DYNAMIC PREDICTION MODEL FOR OVERPRESSURE GAS RESERVOIR

The pressure drop equation was derived from the volume balance principle in allusion to the characterization with abnormity of pressure-drop plot and constant-volume in overpressure gas reservoir. And by combining the binomial seepage equation of gas wells with the well-bore flow equation, the basic performance prediction model was established. The model gives consideration to the compaction of gas-bearing reservoir, the elastic expanding of rock grains and the elastic expanding of formation irreducible water. And with the model, the detailed dynamic prediction has been conducted on the actual overpressure gas reservoir. The calculation results show that the methods presented in this paper are reliable and correct. The model can preferably predict the production performance in the stable production period and the production decline period of overpressure gas reservoir.
Analysis of influences of connection mode on aseismic performance of electrical equipments

Taking an ultra-high voltage(UHV)high resistance circuit for example,influences of connection mode on dynamic performance and aseismic performance of electrical equipment-tube bus system are studied through theoretical derivation and numerical simulation.And then some useful conclusions are drawn so as to provide valuable references for engineering designers.
An international comparison of the estimated effect of the aging of the population on the major cause of disablement, musculoskeletal disorders.

Objective. To illustrate quantitatively the effect of the aging of the population on the prevalence of chronic disorders by comparing the projected frequency of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in 3 comparatively young countries, Australia, Canada, and the United States, and 3 comparatively old countries, France, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. Methods. Age specific rates for MSK disability in Canada were applied to World Bank population estimates and projections to estimate prevalence rates and numbers of persons with MSK disability in the years 1985, 2000, 2010, and 2020. Results. The age structure of the populations affected baseline rates for MSK disability. Increases in both prevalence and numbers affected are expected for all countries between 1985 and 2020, up to a 34% increase in prevalence in Canada, and an 88% increase in numbers in Australia. Conclusion. The aging of the population is likely to result in a disproportionate increase in the number of people with chronic disabling disorders, which will be taking place against a background of a decreasing or static number of younger adults, with implications for meeting needs for health care and community support.
Autonomic Symptoms Endorsed by Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (P5.118)

Objective: To describe autonomic symptomatology endorsed by adults with autism spectrum disorders on the Compass 31, a survey instrument that captures multiple autonomic symptoms. Background: Autonomic features such as abnormal skin conductance and pupillary responses have been reported in individuals with ASDs, but to our knowledge no systematic approach to identifying autonomic symptomatology has been conducted in adults with ASDs. Design/Methods: The Compass 31, a quantitative measure of autonomic symptomatology, was administered anonymously to 48 adults with ASDs. Subjects were recruited at local autism community meetings or were mailed the instrument after expressing interest in participation. The latter subjects were identified from a database maintained by the Arizona State University Autism/Asperger’s Research Program. Results: Weighted Compass 31 total and subscale scores [mean (SD), (range)] were as follows: Total score (Maximum = 100) - 23.5 (16.1), (2.8-60.7); Orthostatic intolerance subscale (Maximum = 40) - 9.5 (9.8), (0.0-28.0); Vasomotor subscale (Maximum = 5) - 0.6 (1.2), (0.0-4.2); Secretomotor subscale (Maximum = 15) - 3.7 (3.2), (0.0-10.7); Gastrointestinal subscale (Maximum = 25) - 6.2 (3.8), (0.0-18.7); Bladder subscale (Maximum = 10) - 1.2 (1.5), (0.0-6.7); Pupillomotor subscale (Maximum = 5) - 1.8 (1.3), (0.0-5.0). The most commonly endorsed subscales (weighted subscale score > 0) in this sample were Gastrointestinal (97.9[percnt]) and Pupillomotor (83.3[percnt]). Conclusions: Autonomic symptomatology was not uncommon in this sample of adults with ASDs, with gastrointestinal and pupillomotor symptoms commonly endorsed. Such symptomatology may represent autonomic dysfunction amenable to therapeutic intervention, which will need to be confirmed in future studies including clinical autonomic testing. Amelioration of such symptomatology may help to improve quality of life for a subset of individuals with ASDs. Supported by: Mayo Clinic Intramural Career Development Award Disclosure: Dr. Woodruff has received research support from Genentech Inc. and Avid Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Temkit has nothing to disclose. Dr. Adams has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goodman has nothing to disclose.
Academic medical centers and managed care plans: can an association be mutually beneficial?

The history of collaborative and mutually beneficial associations between academic medical centers and managed care plans is not one of sterling successes, according to author Wilson Graves, M.A., M.P.A. Still, there are major trends developing which, despite the antithetical nature of medical academia and managed care, provide a rationale for mutually beneficial associations.
Barrett's esophagus: lessons from recent clinical trials.

Data from recent studies cast doubt on former recommendations on diagnosis and management of Barrett’s esophagus. Based on latest research findings several Gastroenterological Associations actualized their guidelines and international experts compiled consensus statements as practical help for clinicians. In this review we discuss recent trials and their impact on clinical practice, current recommendations and persisting controversies in Barrett’s esophagus. Keywords Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, endoscopic eradication, endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection Ann Gastroenterol 2016; 29 (4): 417-423
Interpreting Point Predictions: Some Logical Issues

Forecasters regularly make point predictions of future events. Recipients of the predictions may use them to inform their own assessments and decisions. This paper integrates and extends my past analyses of several simple but inadequately appreciated logical issues that affect interpretation of point predictions. I explain the algebraic basis for a pervasive empirical finding that the cross-sectional mean or median of a set of point predictions is more accurate than the individual predictions used to form the mean or median, a phenomenon sometimes called the â€œwisdom of crowds.â€ I call attention to difficulties in interpretation of point predictions expressed by forecasters who are uncertain about the future. I consider the connection between predictions and reality. In toto, the analysis questions prevalent prediction practices that use a single combined prediction to summarize the beliefs of multiple forecasters.
Determination of Irradiation D-Values for Aeromonas hydrophila

This study examined the radiation resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila , a psychrotrophic pathogen of emerging importance. Five strains of Aeromonas hydrophila (three clinical and two food isolates) were irradiated in a Cesium-137 source at doses up to 150 Krads. The bacterium was irradiated in growth broth, phosphate buffer, ground bluefish or ground beef. Surviving bacteria were counted on nutrient agar or starch ampicillin agar. Radiation resistance was expressed as D-values (dose in Krads to yield a 10-fold decrease in viable number) and ranged from 14 to 22 Krads at 2 ± 1°C for most variables studied. Decreasing the temperature during irradiation increased the radiation resistance (raised the D-values). The results of this study indicate that a pasteurizing dose of ionizing radiation of 150 Krads is sufficient to kill the levels of Aeromonas hydrophila found in retail fresh foods.
Physics Studies of a Heterogeneous Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor

The first physics measurements for a heterogeneous design of a 1000-MW(thermal) liquid-metal fast breeder reactor were made in the Zero Power Plutonium Reactor (ZPPR) during the last half of 1976. ...
Using known drug interactions to manage supratherapeutic calcineurin inhibitor concentrations.

Objectives To summarize the available body of evidence guiding the management of supratherapeutic concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) using cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme inducers. Methods A non-date restricted literature search within MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed using the terms “cyclosporine”, “tacrolimus”, “calcineurin inhibitor”, “toxicity”, “pharmacokinetics”, “carbamazepine”, “rifampin”, “phenytoin”, and “phenobarbital.” Additional references were identified from a review of all included citations. All English-language reports that describe the management of supratherapeutic CNI concentrations with interventions targeting metabolic induction using CYP450 enzyme inducers were evaluated. Results A total of ten publications were identified in which a CYP450 enzyme inducer was utilized intentionally to enhance CNI clearance in the setting of supratherapeutic concentrations; seven case reports describe the use of phenytoin and three case reports describe the use of phenobarbital. Patient demographics, dosing strategies employed, and reported efficacy across this series of publications is heterogeneous; however, both agents appear to be well-tolerated when used in this setting. Conclusions There is a paucity of published data on the use of CYP450 enzyme inducers for the management of supratherapeutic CNI concentrations. While routine use of this approach cannot be recommended, thorough risk-benefit analyses should be performed in the management of each such clinical scenario. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Anthropology and Ethnicity: From Herder to Hermeneutics

For a long time, the central focus of anthropology has been on the study of the so-called traditional societies. However, with the transformation of those societies into “ethnicized” groups within state systems, anthropologists have had to rethink their concepts, theories, and methods. They have had to deal with, among others things, issues of cultural difference, cultural boundaries, and cultural movements. This article looks retrospectively at certain changes that have taken place in anthropology especially with regard to the study of ethnicity.
Assessing apathy in long-term care residents with dementia: Who should be the rater?

BackgroundApathy is prominent in persons with dementia and apathy assessment is challenging. It remains unclear who should conduct apathy assessments in long-term care settings for residents with m...
Prader–Willi and Other Syndromes Associated with Obesity and Mental Retardation

Constitutional obesity and mental retardation cooccur in several multiple congenital anomaly syndromes, including Prader–Willi syndrome, Bardet–Biedl syndrome, Cohen syndrome, Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, and Borjeson–Forssman–Lehmann syndrome as well as some rarer disorders. Although hypothalamic–pituitary axis abnormalities are thought to be a possible causative mechanism in some of these disorders, current knowledge is insufficient to explain the pathophysiologic mechanism of obesity in most multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndromes. The chromosomal location of many of these syndromes is known, and studies are ongoing to identify the causative genes. Further delineation of the functions of the underlying genes will likely be instructive regarding mechanisms of appetite, satiety, and obesity in the general population. This review details current knowledge of the clinical and molecular genetic findings of multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndromes associated with intrinsic obesity in an effort to delineate causative mechanisms and genetic abnormalities contributing to obesity.
FORMATION OF DUNES AND ANTIDUNES IN OPEN CHANNELS

The formation of dunes and antidunes on the erodible bed of an open channel is studied analytically as a problem of stability of the erodible bed. The phase lag existing between the local sediment-transport rate and the local velocity on the bed plays an essential role in the formation of the sand waves. A physical model for the transport of sediment over a wavy bed is presented and a quantitative explanation of this phase lag is developed. The regions of occurrence of dunes of those bed configurations are compared with experimental results previously summarized by Kennedy, the comparison showing a good agreement.