cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of glioma: integrated germline and somatic profiling of a familial glioma case series.

Background The genomic characterization of sporadically arising gliomas has delineated molecularly and clinically distinct subclasses of disease. However, less is known about the molecular nature of gliomas that are familial in origin. We performed molecular subtyping of 163 tumor specimens from individuals with a family history of glioma and integrated germline and somatic genomic data to characterize the pathogenesis of 20 tumors in additional detail. Methods Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections to determine molecular subtypes of glioma. For 20 cases, tumor DNA was exome sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform and copy number profiling was performed on the Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChip. Genotypes at glioma risk polymorphisms were determined from germline DNA profiled on the Illumina Infinium OncoArray and deleterious germline mutations were identified from germline sequencing data. Results All 3 molecular subtypes of sporadic glioma were represented in the overall case series, including molecular glioblastoma (n = 102), oligodendroglioma (n = 21), and astrocytoma (n = 20). Detailed profiling of 20 of these cases showed characteristic subtype-specific alterations at frequencies comparable to sporadic glioma cases. All 20 cases had alterations in genes regulating telomere length. Frequencies of common glioma risk alleles were similar to those among sporadic cases, and correlations between risk alleles and same-gene somatic mutations were not observed. Conclusions This study illustrates that the molecular characteristics of familial tumors profiled largely recapitulate what is known about sporadic glioma and that both germline and somatic molecular features target common core pathways involved in gliomagenesis. Key points 1. Familial and sporadic gliomas display highly comparable molecular landscapes. 2. Germline and somatic molecular events target common core pathways involved in gliomagenesis. 3. Carriage of germline glioma risk variants is not associated with somatic events in the same gene.
Current trends and inpatient outcomes of venous thromboembolism-related admissions among patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database analysis.

e19546Background: Up to 16% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) will develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is associated with increased healthcare expenditure. However, ann...
Commentary: Nuclear Energy for Economic Variable Electricity: Replacing the Role of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are the traditional technology currently used to produce economic variable electricity to match production with demand. The cost of the natural gas or coal plant is low. The money is s...
Experiential avoidance in adolescents with borderline personality disorder: comparison with a non-BPD psychiatric group and healthy controls.

Previous research has identified experiential avoidance (EA) as related to a host of adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as borderline personality disorder, suggesting that...
Carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) differentially respond to soil management practices in feed and forage systems in transition to organic management

We conducted a 3-yr cropping systems experiment in central Pennsylvania, USA, to determine the effects of initial cover crop species, tillage and resulting environmental variables on the activity–density (A–D), species richness, community composition and guild composition of carabid beetles (Carabidae: Coleoptera) during the transition from conventional to organic production. We compared four systems in a factorial combination of a mixed perennial sod (timothy, Phleum pratense L.) and legumes (red clover, Trifolium pratense L.) or annual cereal grain (cereal rye, Secale cereale L.) followed by a legume (hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth) as initial cover crops, and soil management using full tillage (moldboard plow) or reduced tillage (chisel plow) implemented in soybeans followed by maize in the subsequent year. The experiment was established twice, first in autumn 2003 (S1) and again in autumn 2004 (S2) in an adjacent field, in a randomized complete-block design with four replicates in each Start. We collected a total of 2181 adult carabid beetles. Approximately 65% of the carabid beetles collected were from six species. Indicator Species Analysis showed that several carabid species were indicative of treatment, e.g., Poecilus chalcites was a strong indicator for treatments with an initial cereal rye cover crop. Eleven environmental variables explained variation in carabid A–D, richness and the A–D of species categorized by size class and dominant trophic behavior, respectively, but varied in significance and direction among guilds. Soil moisture was a significant effect for total carabid A–D in both S1 and S2. Redundancy analyses revealed some similar and some idiosyncratic responses among informative species for the cover crop×tillage treatments through the 3-yr rotation. The most consistent factors that distinguished species assemblages among years and treatments were the number and intensity of soil disturbances and perennial weed density. The consistent occurrence of soil disturbance indicators in multivariate analyses suggests that future studies that aim to compare the effects of nominal soil management treatments on carabid beetles and other soil-associated arthropods should quantify frequency and intensity of disturbance associated with crop management practices.
Extending medical librarians' competencies to enhance collection organisation.

BACKGROUND Like many health library associations, the Medical Library Association (MLA) developed competencies guiding lifelong learning and competence for medical librarians. Medical librarians should be able to develop skills in identified areas. One MLA indicator of organising resources defines expert skill as the ability to develop classification and metadata schemes for unique collections. OBJECTIVES This manuscript reviews available curricula for selected library programmes in the United States and Canada, along with professional development and informal opportunities for skill development to identify how medical librarians, who are not experts in cataloging or metadata and not employed as cataloging or metadata librarians, can progress in competency. METHODS The authors reviewed library school and continuing education programming around metadata, along with answers from a pre-existing informal poll regarding cataloging and metadata roles in health sciences libraries. Data were collected and examined using descriptive statistics. DISCUSSION Gaps and opportunities for education around organising resources are discussed, including library school courses, formal continuing education opportunities and informal learning (e.g. peer support networks, on-the-job learning). CONCLUSION Education in organising resources should be created throughout the educational journey of librarianship. Continuing educational opportunities in organising resources should be created by professional organisations that expect competency in this area.
Analysis of severe and non-severe traffic crashes on wet and dry highways

Abstract This study examined the effects of several variables associated with geometric, environmental, and drivers' demographic factors on the likelihood of occurrences of traffic crashes on two and four-lane urban and rural highways. Among the variables tested, the key factors contributing to the crash are used as input variables to Poisson and negative binomial regression models. Four separate datasets representing severe and non-severe crashes occurred on dry and wet pavement surfaces are used to develop their respective models. The results of the analysis showed that the common principal determinants influencing both severe and non-severe crashes occurred on dry and wet pavement surfaces on the selected highways are AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) and TADT (Truck Average Daily Traffic). The posted speed limits were found to be significant only for non-severe crashes occurred on wet pavement surfaces. The urban-rural designation of the segments was found to be a key factor for non-severe crashes occurred on dry pavement surfaces. Macrotexture and IRI (International Roughness Index) were critical determinants for non-severe dry pavement, and severe wet pavement crashes respectively.
Spatial Disparities in Coronavirus Incidence and Mortality in the United States: An Ecological Analysis as of May 2020.

Purpose This ecological analysis investigates the spatial patterns of the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States in relation to socioeconomic variables that characterize US counties. Methods Data on confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 for 2,814 US counties were obtained from Johns Hopkins University. We used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the spatial aspects of this pandemic and investigate the disparities between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan communities. Multiple regression models were used to explore the contextual risk factors of infections and death across US counties. We included population density, percent of population aged 65+, percent population in poverty, percent minority population, and percent of the uninsured as independent variables. A state-level measure of the percent of the population that has been tested for COVID-19 was used to control for the impact of testing. Findings The impact of COVID-19 in the United States has been extremely uneven. Although densely populated large cities and their surrounding metropolitan areas are hotspots of the pandemic, it is counterintuitive that incidence and mortality rates in some small cities and nonmetropolitan counties approximate those in epicenters such as New York City. Regression analyses support the hypotheses of positive correlations between COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates and socioeconomic factors including population density, proportions of elderly residents, poverty, and percent population tested. Conclusions Knowledge about the spatial aspects of the COVID-19 epidemic and its socioeconomic correlates can inform first responders and government efforts. Directives for social distancing and to "shelter-in-place" should continue to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Early Stage EMS Simulation of Automotive Integrated Circuits

In the automotive industry, electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) difficulties are often identified in late stages of product development, causing unexpected additional costs of vehicles, electronic control units (ECUs), and integrated circuits (IC). To reduce such undesired costs, this letter presents an early stage placeEMS simulation of automotive IC which can be performed even before IC fabrication. Simulation before IC fabrication is important not only for IC vendors but also for first users of a new IC product because they often start the development of their own products (vehicles or ECUs) in the design stage of the new IC. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is chosen as the target circuit of this letter. It is a challenging target because the circuit is too complex to run numerous simulations for many diverse noise power and frequency points. The target is also sensitive even to very small (several-millivolt) noise. To run such challenging simulations with practical time and satisfactory accuracy, four key points are implemented: (1) consideration of the possible noise propagation paths, (2) simplified ADC model, (3) handling of nonlinearity, and (4) calculation of forward power. Simulation results show good consistency with measurement results obtained for two printed circuits boards (PCBs) by approximately 8 dB error in most frequency points. Consequently, the proposed simulation is helpful to reduce unexpected additional costs by predicting EMS risks and assessing the effects of the improvement method quantitatively in early product design stages.
Comparative analysis of quantitative bidding methods using agent-based modelling

Competitive bidding is the main mechanism for the allocation and price determination of construction services in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Quantitative bidding metho...
Lactate Exposure Promotes Immunosuppressive Phenotypes in Innate Immune Cells.

Lactate secreted by tumors is not just a byproduct, but rather an active modulator of immune cells. There are few studies aimed at investigating the true effect of lactate, which is normally confounded by pH. Such a knowledge gap needs to be addressed. Herein, we studied the immunomodulatory effects of lactate on dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MΦs). Bone marrow-derived innate immune cells were treated with 50 mM sodium lactate (sLA) and incubated for 2 days or 5 days at 37 °C. Controls included media, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), MCT inhibitors (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and AR-C15585). Flow cytometric analysis of immune phenotypes were performed by incubating cells with specific marker antibodies and viability dye. Differential expression analyses were conducted on R using limma-voom and adjusted p-values were generated using the Bejamini-Hochberg Procedure. Lactate exposure attenuated DC maturation through the downregulation of CD80 and MHCII expression under LPS stimulation. For MΦs, lactate exposure resulted in M2 polarization as evidenced by the reduction of M1 markers (CD38 and iNOS), and the increase in expression of CD163 and Arg1. We also revealed the role of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in mediating lactate effect in MΦs. MCT4 inhibition significantly boosted lactate M2 polarization, while blocking of MCT1/2 failed to reverse the immunosuppressive effect of lactate, correlating with the result of gene expression that lactate increased MCT4 expression, but downregulated the expression of MCT1/2. This research provides valuable insight on the influence of metabolic products on tumor immunity and will help to identify novel metabolic targets for augmenting cancer immunotherapies.
A stoic critique of contemporary sport

In this paper, I examine two contemporary models of sport, the Martial/Commercial (MC) Model and the Aesthetic/Recreational (AR) Model, from the perspective of Stoic philosophy. Drawing on the writ...
Rituali, schemata e suoni nelle epifanie divine. Un approccio archeologico alla Performance

Representations of dance performances around statues are spread across a broad geographical space and a wide chronological spectrum in the ancient world. Yet it is only recently that these groups of dancers have been incorporated into the body of sources and documentation for the study of ancient dance within an archaeological approach to dance performances. This research field adopts an anthropological-religious approach, allowing us to explore the relationship between dance performances and cults and rituals. Furthermore, the study of archaeological evidence concerning dance as well as the context of its discovery sheds light on the function of dance performances in ancient societies in order to reconstruct the role of dance in the past. Taking into account this approach, this paper aims to investigate the representations of dancer groups around statues depicted and/or carved on various media. Moreover, the relationship between dance performances related to the deities of fertility, birth, and marriage will be investigated.
Venom and Social Behavior: The Potential of Using Spiders to Evaluate the Evolution of Sociality under High Risk

Risks of sociality, including competition and conspecific aggression, are particularly pronounced in venomous invertebrates such as arachnids. Spiders show a wide range of sociality, with differing levels of cannibalism and other types of social aggression. To have the greatest chance of surviving interactions with conspecifics, spiders must learn to assess and respond to risk. One of the major ways risk assessment is studied in spiders is via venom metering, in which spiders choose how much venom to use based on prey and predator characteristics. While venom metering in response to prey acquisition and predator defense is well-studied, less is known about its use in conspecific interactions. Here we argue that due to the wide range of both sociality and venom found in spiders, they are poised to be an excellent system for testing questions regarding whether and how venom use relates to the evolution of social behavior and, in return, whether social behavior influences venom use and evolution. We focus primarily on the widow spiders, Latrodectus, as a strong model for testing these hypotheses. Given that successful responses to risk are vital for maintaining sociality, comparative analysis of spider taxa in which venom metering and sociality vary can provide valuable insights into the evolution and maintenance of social behavior under risk.
Membranes for Organic Liquids Separation

This study discusses the needs of membrane technology for the separation of organic liquids, which are typically difficult to separate by distillation or extraction. In this report, the focus is mostly shift to organic solvent nano filtration. The development and reliability of membrane technology have been shown. Basic description and summary of membranes for organic liquid separation has been discussed. Principles of separation, driving force for membrane separation, specific membrane structures, selection and synthesis have been clarified.
Robust IoT Based Parking Information System

In this paper, we propose an adaptive parking information system. In this system, sensors and cameras monitor choke points in a parking space. Using process discovery algorithm, and by adhering to assumptions described in this paper, a Petri Net model is generated which tracks the occupancy of the parking space. This model automatically adapts to adding or removing sensors and to sensor failures. We also discuss how to detect sensor failures using relatively small amount of data. A use case is also provided which demonstrates the benefits of parking information system to smart cities.
Synthesis and detection of N-sulfonated oversulfated chondroitin sulfate in marketplace heparin

N-sulfonated oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (NS-OSCS), recently reported as a potential threat to the heparin supply, was prepared along with its intermediate derivatives. All compounds were spiked into marketplace heparin and subjected to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) identification assays for heparin (proton nuclear magnetic resonance [(1)H NMR], chromatographic identity, % galactosamine [%GalN], anti-factor IIa potency, and anti-factor Xa/IIa ratio). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strong-anionic exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (SAX-HPLC) method resolved NS-OSCS from heparin and OSCS and had a limit of detection of 0.26% (w/w) NS-OSCS. The %GalN test was sensitive to the presence of NS-OSCS in heparin. Therefore, current USP heparin monograph tests (i.e., SAX-HPLC and %GalN) detect the presence of NS-OSCS in heparin.
Species Specificity in the Metabolism of N-Nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine and N-Nitroso(2-hydroxypropyl)(2-oxopropyl)amine to Mutagens by Isolated Rat and Hamster Hepatocytes

Abstract The metabolic activation of the carcinogens N -nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and N -nitroso(2-hydroxypropyl)(2-oxopropyl)amine (HPOP) by Fischer rat and Syrian hamster hepatocytes was investigated in order to determine the existence of species differences in the induction of cell mutation. The conversion of BOP and HPOP into forms mutagenic to V79 cells was studied by using the hepatocyte-mediated mutagenicity assay. Mutations at the hypoxanthine:guanine phosphoribosyltransferase locus and the Na-K-ATPase locus were scored by the induction of 6-thioguanine resistance (TG r ) or ouabain resistance ( Oua r ), respectively. Hepatocytes of both species were capable of converting BOP and HPOP to mutagens for V79 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Metabolism of BOP by rat hepatocytes resulted in higher mutation frequencies than that by hamster hepatocytes. At a BOP concentration of 240 µm, rat hepatocyte metabolism yielded 90.7 TG r mutants and 19.5 Oua r mutants per 10 5 V79 cells. At the same concentration, hamster hepatocyte metabolism of BOP yielded 54.1 TG r mutants and 13.0 Oua r mutants per 10 5 V79 cells. These results did not correlate with the known carcinogenic potency of BOP in the hamster as compared to the rat. Hamster hepatocytes carried out the catabolism of BOP to CO 2 at faster rates than rat hepatocytes; therefore, the species difference in mutagenic activation was not due to a defect in BOP uptake or metabolism by hamster hepatocytes. In contrast, metabolism of HPOP by hamster hepatocytes resulted in significantly higher mutation frequencies than that by rat hepatocytes. At an HPOP concentration of 240 µm, hamster hepatocyte metabolism yielded 83.5 TG r mutants per 10 5 V79 cells; rat hepatocyte metabolism yielded only 19.8 TG r mutants per 10 5 V79 cells. This species difference in mutagenic activation correlated well with the known potency of HPOP as a carcinogen for the hamster as compared to the rat. Since hamster pancreatic cells and subcellular fractions are known to have very limited capacity to perform the metabolic activation of HPOP, the results of this study imply that liver metabolism plays an important role in the conversion of HPOP to an agent(s) which subsequently affects the hamster pancreas. The mutagenic potency of BOP versus HPOP was compared after metabolism by hepatocytes from both species. Following their metabolism by hamster hepatocytes, the two compounds were nearly equivalent in mutagenic potency. After metabolism by rat hepatocytes, BOP was a significantly more potent mutagen than HPOP. This result was not consistent with the concept that cell mutation induced by BOP requires its conversion to HPOP and suggests that rat liver may convert BOP to a mutagen by another pathway(s) independent from its enzymatic reduction to HPOP.
Form and Function in Neurobiology

A common strategy in modern neurobiology is to study aspects of nervous function in simpler animals whose nervous systems are less complex than our own and are thus more approachable. The unequivocal success of this strategy suggests that nervous tissue is more alike than it is dissimilar across the phyla. In particular the building blocks of nervous systems are seen to be remarkably similar and the functional differences from simple to complex nervous systems are the result of elaborations on the basics rather than of fundamental differences. Neural tissue possesses a kind of equipotentiality and may be capable of undergoing “elaborations” towards more complex forms without requiring qualitative changes. While this line of reasoning does not demonstrate that highly developed mental abilities may arise in forms other then the human it does suggest that it is not unreasonable to consider such development as possible.
Why providers transfuse blood products outside recommended guidelines in spite of integrated electronic best practice alerts

BACKGROUND Best practice alerts (BPAs) provide clinical decision support (CDS) at the point of care to reduce unnecessary blood product transfusions, yet substantial transfusions continue outside of recommended guidelines. OBJECTIVE To understand why providers order blood transfusions outside of recommended guidelines despite interruptive alerts. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS Inpatient healthcare providers. INTERVENTION Provider-BPA interaction data were collected from January 2011 to August 2012 from the hospital electronic medical record. MEASUREMENTS Provider (free-text) responses to blood transfusion BPA prompts were independently reviewed and categorized by 2 licensed physicians, with agreement assessed by χ2 analysis and kappa scoring. RESULTS Rationale for overriding blood transfusion BPAs was highly diverse, acute bleeding being the most common (>34%), followed by protocolized behaviors on specialty services (up to 26%), to “symptomatic” anemia (11%–12%). Many providers transfused in anticipation of surgical or procedural intervention (10%–15%) or imminent hospital discharge (2%–5%). Resident physicians represented the majority (55%) of providers interacting with BPAs. CONCLUSION Providers interacting with BPAs (primarily residents and midlevel providers) often do not have the negotiating power to change ordering behavior. Protocolized behaviors, unlikely to be influenced by BPAs, are among the most commonly cited reasons for transfusing outside of guidelines. Symptomatic anemia is a common, albeit subjective, indication cited for blood transfusion. With a wide swath of individually uncommon rationales for transfusion behavior, secondary use of electronic medical record databases and integrated CDS tools are important to efficiently analyze common practice behaviors. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:1–7. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Hospital Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Hospital Medicine
Sickle Cell Disease in the Post Genomic Era: A Monogenic Disease with a Polygenic Phenotype

More than half a century after the discovery of the molecular basis of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), the causes of the phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease remain unclear. This heterogeneity manifests with different clinical outcomes such as stroke, vaso-occlusive episodes, acute chest syndrome, avascular necrosis, leg ulcers, priapism and retinopathy. These outcomes cannot be explained by the single mutation in the beta-globin gene alone but may be attributed to genetic modifiers and environmental effects. Recent advances in the post human genome sequence era have opened the door for the identification of novel genetic modifiers in SCD. Studies are showing that phenotypes of SCD seem to be modulated by polymorphisms in genes that are involved in inflammation, cell–cell interaction and modulators of oxidant injury and nitric oxide biology. The discovery of genes implicated in different phenotypes will help understanding of the physiopathology of the disease and aid in establishing targeted cures. However, caution is needed in asserting that genetic modifiers are the cause of all SCD phenotypes, because there are other factors such as genetic background of the population, environmental components, socio-economics and psychology that can play significant roles in the clinical heterogeneity.
Biocompatible and bioactive surface modifications for prolonged in vivo efficacy.

Generally, medical implants, regardless of their construction materials, will become coated in a layer of non-specific proteins mere seconds after implantation. This adsorbed layer activates an irrevocable host defense mechanism, known as the foreign body reaction, which ultimately results in the production of a fibrous avascular capsule that isolates the device from its target tissues, clogs the pores of membranes and sensors, and prevents drug release from a delivery vehicle. Many devices eventually fail because of their inability to effectively communicate with the surrounding tissues. It is becoming apparent that sub-cellular interactions at the biological-material interface have macroscopic outcomes. The success of the next generation of implants depends on overcoming limitations in biological communication by selective modification of device surfaces. This review focuses on recent advances in increased implant efficacy through selective surface modifications. Several approaches co-opt solutions found in the natural world to create a surface that mimics the properties of the cell membrane, thereby imparting a pseudo-biological character to synthetic materials. We begin with a short description of the foreign body reaction and then examine the biocompatible and bioactive device surface modification advances from the past five years that hold the potential of increased in vivo effectiveness.
High-temperature creep of olivine crystals from four localities

To compare the rheologies of olivine samples from various tectonic settings, an experimental investigation of the high-temperature creep behavior of crystals from China (Fo89–91), Norway (Fo93) and the Red Sea (Fo90) was carried out. The results were examined in the context of the well-documented flow data for olivine from the USA (Fo89–93). Both the major element and the minor element compositions differed depending on locality. Creep experiments were performed in an 1 atm deformation rig at temperatures from 1200 to 1500°C and compressive stresses from 15 to 175 MPa. Oxygen fugacity was varied over the full stability field of olivine. During deformation along three orientations, the samples remained in contact with orthopyroxene. The mechanical results for samples from all three localities can be summarized as follows: For the [110]c orientation, three rate-controlling creep mechanisms were observed; each can be described by a power-law relationship. Activation energies of 160 kJ mol−1, 1100 kJ mol−1 and 380 kJ mol−1 and oxygen fugacity exponents of 0.37, 0.04 and 0.13 were obtained for the low-, intermediate- and high-temperature creep regimes, respectively. For the [101]c orientation, activation energies of 270 kJ mol−1 and 660 kJ mol−1 and oxygen fugacity exponents of 0.30 and 0.05 were measured for the low- and high-oxygen fugacity creep regimes, respectively. For the [011]c orientation, an activation energy of 510 kJ mol−1 was obtained over the full range of oxygen fugacity; however, oxygen fugacity exponents of 0.02 and 0.31 were determined for the low- and high-oxygen fugacity creep regimes, respectively. The stress exponent is approximately 3.5 for all creep regimes. Within experimental error, the creep results for olivine from all three localities are the same as those reported for San Carlos olivine single crystals. Therefore, moderate differences in forsterite content (from Fo89 to Fo93) and in the concentrations of minor elements (such as Ni, Cr and Mn) do not significantly affect the creep behavior of olivine, Consequently, rheological data obtained for olivine samples from specific localities can be reasonably applied to model plastic deformation processes in the upper mantle.
Life expectancy of adults with cerebral palsy

To determine the predictors of mortality and find the life expectancies of adults with cerebral palsy (CP), data on 24,768 individuals aged 15 years and over who received services in California between January 1980 and December 1995 were analyzed. Multivariate statistical methods to identify mortality predictors, and actuarial methods to determine corresponding life expectancies were used. The key predictors were lack of basic functional skills: mobility and feeding. Adults lacking these skills had much reduced life expectancies, as short as 11 years for the worst functioning groups. By contrast, survival of high-functioning adults was close to that of the general population. The influence on survival of cognitive skills, type of CP, and other factors appears to be expressed largely through their effect on basic functioning. Life expectancies of adults of a given age can differ by 40 years or more, according to their functional level.
Understanding the mechanism and determinants of compromise effects

In this article, compromise effects are distinguished theoretically from attraction effects, which have received more research attention in the past. This article proposes and tests expected-loss minimization under decision uncertainty as the underlying mechanism to explain compromise effects. Next, it examines the effects of a consumer's familiarity with the product and attribute-importance structure on compromise effects. The empirical results demonstrate the negative influences of familiarity and asymmetry of attribute importance on compromise effects, as well as the mediating effect of attribute importance on the familiarity–compromise-effect relationship. Further research directions are also discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of Natural and Applied Tracers to Guide Targeted Remediation Efforts in an Acid Mine Drainage System, Colorado Rockies, USA

Stream water quality in areas of the western United States continues to be degraded by acid mine drainage (AMD), a legacy of hard-rock mining. The Rico-Argentine Mine in southwestern Colorado consists of complex multiple-level mine workings connected to a drainage tunnel discharging AMD to passive treatment ponds that discharge to the Dolores River. The mine workings are excavated into the hillslope on either side of a tributary stream with workings passing directly under the stream channel. There is a need to define hydrologic connections between surface water, groundwater, and mine workings to understand the source of both water and contaminants in the drainage tunnel discharge. Source identification will allow targeted remediation strategies to be developed. To identify hydrologic connections we employed a combination of natural and applied tracers including isotopes, ionic tracers, and fluorescent dyes. Stable water isotopes (δ18O/δD) show a well-mixed hydrological system, while tritium levels in mine waters indicate a fast flow-through system with mean residence times of years not decades or longer. Addition of multiple independent tracers indicated that water is traveling through mine workings with minimal obstructions. The results from a simultaneous salt and dye tracer application demonstrated that both tracer types can be successfully used in acidic mine water conditions.
Cell secretion: an update.

This past decade has witnessed the publication of a flurry of scientific papers and reports on the subject of cell secretion, following discovery of a permanent plasma membrane structure termed ‘porosome’ and its determination as the universal secretory machinery in cells. This discovery has led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of the secretory process, demonstrating that membrane-bound secretory vesicles transiently dock and fuse at the porosome base to release their contents to the cell exterior. The regulated release of intravesicular contents during cell secretion is governed by dilation of the porosome opening to the outside, and the extent of vesicle swelling. In agreement, a great number of articles have been written and studies performed, which are briefly discussed in this article.
Brainstorming in large groups as a facilitator of children's creative responses.

Summary Six groups of fourth graders (N = 122) from three private schools seated in formal classroom settings were given an unusual-uses problem, and for a 10-minute period they either brainstormed as a total group or brainstormed individually. In the second phase of the experiment, all groups brainstormed individually for five minutes. In two schools (four groups), those who had engaged in group brainstorming in the first phase made significantly more responses and demonstrated a higher level of creativity than those who had brainstormed individually in both phases. Differences for the third school were not significant. Results for these two schools with their traditional classrooms are consistent with the results of experiments with adults showing that brainstorming in small, informal groups tends to facilitate creativity in subsequent problem-solving sessions. Additional research is needed to determine the extent to which such factors as general arousal, normative effect, imitation, or reinforcement co...
Nitinol properties affecting uses in interventional radiology.

NITINOL is gaining increasing popularity among the manufacturers of endoluminal devices. At the same time, most interventional radiologists know little about its unique properties. A thorough understanding of the physical properties of nitinol, however, is important for optimizing selection and deployment of endoluminal devices in a given clinical scenario. This article reviews the unique physical characteristics of nitinol that influence its use in interventional radiology. This information is intended to aid in the selection of nitinol-based interventional devices and provide better understanding of technical aspects of their deployment and mechanism of action after implantation.
Text messaging to measure asthma medication use and symptoms in urban African American emerging adults: a feasibility study.

Objective. Urban African American adolescents and young adults face disproportionate risk of asthma morbidity and mortality. This study was the first to assess the feasibility of Ecological Momentary Assessment via text messaging to measure asthma medication use and symptoms in African Americans aged 18–25 years. Methods. This study used automated text messaging with N = 16 participants for 14 consecutive days. Participants sent event-based messages whenever they experienced asthma symptoms or took asthma rescue or controller medications. They also received time-based messages daily that prompted for a response about asthma medications or symptoms. Results. Feasibility was assessed using response rates and participant feedback. Rates of event-based messages were relatively low (M = 0.85 messages sent per participant/day), but participants were very responsive to time-based messages (78.5%). All participants expressed positive feedback about the program, though 40.0% reported confusion with event-based mes...
Dielectric and carrier transport properties of vanadium dioxide thin films across the phase transition utilizing gated capacitor devices

Vanadium dioxide $({\text{VO}}_{2})$ is a strongly correlated oxide that undergoes a sharp metal-insulator transition (MIT) in the vicinity of room temperature. Fundamental knowledge of the semiconducting properties of thin film ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ is needed to advance our understanding of the microscopic transition mechanisms that are presently being actively explored and also for novel electron devices that could utilize the phase transition. In this report, the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant and carrier conduction in ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ thin films are investigated, from quantitative capacitance-voltage analyses of a multilayer capacitor with ${\text{HfO}}_{2}/{\text{VO}}_{2}/{\text{HfO}}_{2}/n\text{-Si}$-substrate stack structure. The finite conductance of the ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ in the capacitor structure is taken into account in the impedance transformations to obtain material properties as a function of temperature. The dielectric constant of ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ increases from a value of $\ensuremath{\sim}36$ at room temperature to a value exceeding $6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}$ at $100\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\text{C}$. The carrier type of ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ thin film is electronic, determined by the polarity of the capacitance-voltage spectra. The electron carrier concentration of the ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ thin films shows about four orders of magnitude increase from room temperature to the temperature near phase transition. The approach of deriving insights into carrier conduction from capacitance measurement analyses can be applied to other materials beyond ${\text{VO}}_{2}$, wherein sensitive temperature-dependence or low carrier mobility makes Hall measurements challenging. Furthermore, the stack structure consisting of ${\text{HfO}}_{2}/{\text{VO}}_{2}/{\text{HfO}}_{2}/n\text{-Si}$ shows a strong temperature dependence of capacitance due to the MIT in the sandwiched ${\text{VO}}_{2}$ layer. This suggests the potential for strongly correlated oxides that undergo a hysteretic MIT in thermally tunable capacitors that could be of interest for solid-state devices.
Factors Affecting Change in Soil Test Phosphorus Following Manure and Fertilizer Application

In many states, Morgan (M) or Mehlich-3 (M3) extractions are the basis for P fertility recommendations and P runoff risk assessment. The impact of timing of sampling, P source, and extractable Al on agronomic soil test P (STP) and P release to the environment are not well understood. Incubation studies were conducted to determine: (i) changes in M-P, M3-P, and 0.01 MCaCl 2 -P with time following Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 addition; (ii) the efficiency of liquid dairy manure, NH 4 HPO 4 , and Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 in raising M-P and M3-P levels; and (iii) the degree to which initial P and extractable Al impact the efficiency of applied P. Twenty-eight noncalcareous soils were incubated at 23°C, in the dark, at field capacity moisture content. Extractable P decreased over 60 d, with a greater proportion of P being lost from the more labile pools (CaCl 2 -P > M-P > M3-P). The increase in STP per unit P added (AP-M and AP-M3) was affected by P source: NH 4 HPO 4 raised P levels more efficiently than Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 or liquid dairy manure. There was a positive linear relationship between AP and initial STP. Extractable Al was inversely related to AP-M and AP-M3 and followed exponential decay functions. Extractable Al was positively and linearly related to the amount of P required to raise M-P and M3-P levels 1 mg kg -1 , with Morgan Al as the most accurate predictor of AP. Our results suggest that the New York P index should include guidance on sampling time and account for the higher P sorption capacity of soils inherently high in extractable Al.
The role of plasticity as a limiting factor in the compressive failure of high strength ceramics

Abstract The behavior of aluminum oxide under compressive loading is investigated over a wide range in strain rate and degrees of confinement. It is shown that plastic flow can be generated in Al 2 O 3 at all strain rates if confinement is sufficient to prevent premature failure via microfracture. Moreover, plastic flow is itself a source of microfracture, and the threshold for multiple slip apparently constitutes the practical ultimate strength for the ceramic. Thus, for sufficiently fine-grained alumina tested under optimum conditions, no confinement is required to generate plastic flow, at which stress the material fails via dislocation-induced general microfracture.
New NMR Technique for Studying Diffusion in Multispin Crystals

We present a new NMR method for studying slow diffusion in multispin systems. With this method we can vary the effect of a particular spin species's motion relative to the others, thus enabling us to separate and identify the component motions. We present a new pulse sequence for measuring ${{T}_{1D}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. a generalized dipolar relaxation time, and apply it to a study of potassium diffusion in KF.
Attitudes of Foreign Medical Graduates and U.S. Medical Graduates Toward Mental Illness

One-hundred forty-nine applicants to two residency programs in psychiatry were surveyed with the Opinion About Mental Illness (OMI) scale. Stepwise regression analyses showed that the place where the applicant was raised was the best predictor. In comparison to those raised abroad, those raised in the United States tend to be less authoritarian-restrictive inclined, tend to report less adherence toward an unsophisticated benevolent approach, and less adherence toward an interpersonal-etiology approach. All subjects, whether raised in the United States or not, showed similar adherence to the concepts of the mental hygiene movement.
INSULIN DELAYS THE MORPHOLOGIC MATURATION OF FETAL RAT LUNG IN VITRO

Infants of diabetic mothers, who have increased circulating levels of insulin, are prone to an increased incidence of RDS. In order to evaluate the relationship between hyperinsulinism and lung maturation we have examined the influence of insulin on the morphologic development of fetal rat lung in organ culture. Ex-plants of 19 day gestation fetal lung were cultured in F12 medium, to which 1.0 u/ml insulin had been added, for 24 hours. Explants grown in F12 medium alone served as controls. After 24 hours the control cultures demonstrated evidence of continued maturation as evidenced by: larger alveolar spaces, less interstitial mesenchyme, decreased glycogen content, and increased numbers of lamellar bodies. Explants cultuted in medium containing insulin had the following features: very tall alveolar lining cells which were filled with glycogen and extended into the alveolar spaces, frequently obliterating them, more interstitial tissue and markedly fewer lamellar bodies than in the control cultures. The control cultures had 8.3±2.1 lamellar bodies per 10 alveolar lining cells, whereas the insulin treated cultures had 1.1±0.4 lamellar bodies per 10 lining cells. These observations indicate that insulin delays the appearance of lamellar bodies and increases the glycogen content of the alveolar lining cells in this culture system. Insulin may act by stimulating glycogen synthesis from glucose thereby diverting substrate away from phospholipid synthesis. Supported by USPHS grant no. HL 19752.
Using Spatial Analysis for Monitoring Fraud in a Public Delivery Program

In this article, fraud in public delivery programs is approached using spatial analysis. By examining welfare recipients' consumer behaviors in a spatial framework, it is possible to identify stores that draw an anomalous clientele, such as those who travel long distances and avoid stores in their local area, indicating that these stores may be committing fraud. This article shows how this idea can be operationalized for monitoring fraud to secure public accountability.
Three-dimensional rotation of the elbow

Abstract With the present emphasis on prosthetic joint replacement in orthopedic surgery, the need for basic biomechanical information for different body joints is in great demand. The lack of such information for the elbow has motivated the present study. An attempt is therefore made to measure the rotatory component of cadaver elbows under passive motion. The results obtained will be used to justify certain noninvasive means to measure three-dimensional angular motion for living subjects. Using biplanar radiographs, cadaver forearms were studied under the passive motions of flexion-extension and supination-pronation. The coordinate axes for the forearm, radius and ulna were defined based on imbedded Kirschner wires. The three-dimensional rotation of the forearm with respect to the humerus, as well as the relative motion among the radius, ulna and humerus, were analyzed based on Eulerian angles. The relationship between the primary modes of motion and the inherent secondary motion was defined and analyzed. No translational motion within the joint was considered because of the tight constraint of the ligamentous structure. However, this hypothesis was examined by monitoring the variation of the displacement of the moving coordinate center. The implications of these findings to the surgical treatment of elbow problems were speculated on.
Human Factors in Spacelab: Crew Training:

At NASA-Ames Research Center's Life Sciences Flight Experiments Project Office two payloads for the Shuttle Spacelab are currently in development. The first payload, Spacelab-3, will launch in November 1984. Unique life sciences hardware designed to support animals in 0-g will fly for the first time. Flight crew training sessions for the Spacelab-3 astronauts began in June 1982. Human factors involvement is extensive. A thorough understanding of both the 1-g and 0-g environments is necessary. The weightlessness of the space environment creates special conditions; e.g., the time required for a 1-g laboratory experiment significantly increases in 0-g. The transportation of objects in 0-g uses different techniques than on earth. These considerations, plus others, are incorporated into the design of the Spacelab-3 crew training program.