cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract B012: Characterizing tumor-induced exhaustion in melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab

Immune checkpoint blockade, including anti-PD-1 therapies, has had unprecedented success in treating various forms of cancer, including melanoma. Yet the majority of patients do not achieve durable clinical remission. The limited understanding of how these therapies work at the cellular and molecular level prevents the optimization required to improve patient outcomes. We performed RNA-seq and ATAC-seq on four sorted T-cell subpopulations (naive CD8 T-cells, non-naive CD8, non-naive CD4 T-cells, T regulatory cells) from patients with metastatic melanoma before and after pembrolizumab treatment. While there were no significant changes before and after treatment in the sorted peripheral blood populations, we identified many alterations in the tumor compared to the blood following treatment. These differences may represent impediments to fully reinvigorating exhausted T-cells and be potential targets for achieving more durable clinical responses. We identified a zinc finger gene, ZC3H12C, as not only one of the most highly upregulated in non-naive CD8 T-cells in the tumor, but it also had the highest number of associated altered open chromatin regions. This gene and its locus are also significantly different in exhausted T-cells compared to effector and memory cells in a mouse model of chronic viral infection using Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV). This conservation between species suggest an important role in T-cell exhaustion and provided an avenue to test its function in vivo, so we generated ZC3H12C knockout mice using CRISPR-Cas9. Following C13 (chronic) LCMV infection, virus-specific P14 CD8 T-cells lacking ZC3H12C are unable to persist compared to wild type P14 cells. These results suggest ZC3H12C may be critical to the survival of exhausted T-cells in the tumor and their ability to persist after anti-PD1 treatment. Here, we used transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis of a clinical human cancer data set to identify a novel target and used reverse translation in a mouse model to validate its importance in T-cell exhaustion. This gene and more broadly this strategy have the potential to provide immediately useful targets for improving immunotherapies. Citation Format: Josephine R. Giles, Alexander C. Huang, Saskinath Manne, Jorge Henao-Meji, E. John Wherry. Characterizing tumor-induced exhaustion in melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B012.
Bee Hive Monitor

This paper will cover a project for a device that will monitor a beehive and give a status of the health and productivity of the hive to the beekeeper. Bee keeping is a very large industry with approximately 2.44 million bee colonies in the US. Bees are vital to our food supply. The value of pollination by bees in the US alone is estimated to be worth $16 billon. A phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has brought significant loss to honeybee colonies. If a hive experiences CCD most of the bees will leave the hive for no apparent reason. It is imperative to understand a hive’s health and activities for a beekeeper to take care of the bees effectively. The system in this paper takes readings from inside the hive such as temperature, humidity, and noise. A camera is mounted on the outside of the hive to monitor bee activity and keep track of the activity at the beehive entrance. All this data is interpreted by algorithms that alert the beekeeper on the health of the hive. Some of these algorithms use machine learning to determine the health of the hive. This paper reviews various project currently in the market for beehive monitoring as well as a literature review of some of the research in bee monitoring systems.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to Measure Burnout Syndrome in Critical Care Nurses.

Background and purpose Burnout syndrome is common in critical care nursing. The Critical Care Societies Collaborative recently released a joint statement and call to action on burnout in critical care professionals. Methods We conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the 22-item MBI. Results The exploratory factor analysis identified three factors but after questions were removed; we were left with a 2-factor, 10-item abridged version of the MBI-HSS to test with CFA modeling. The CFA indicated conflicting fit indices. Conclusions we conducted an exploratory and CFA of the abridged MBI-HSS in critical care nurses from the United States and found the two-factor model was the best fit achieved.
Dodge City and the Birth of the Wild West

Review of: "Dodge City and the Birth of the Wild West," by Robert R. Dykstra and Jo Ann Manfra.
Dramatic Clinical Improvement in Nine Consecutive Acutely Ill Elderly COVID-19 Patients Treated with a Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Cocktail: A Case Series

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) - a coenzyme found in every cell in the human body - is involved in hundreds of critical metabolic processes. However, as humans age, intracellular NAD+ levels decrease - this depletion appears to be exacerbated during complicated SARS-COV-2 infections. NAD+ depletion impairs our antiviral defense systems and our ability to optimally control inflammation. Methods: Ten consecutive acutely-ill presumed SARS-CoV-2 infected patients older than 50 years were treated with over-the-counter nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), betaine, sodium chloride and zinc sulfate (NMN cocktail). Eight patients had positive nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 NAA test results, one patient was clinically diagnosed with COVID-19 based on classic symptoms and one patient was excluded as COVID-19 was ruled out. The COVID-19 patients were monitored with clinical evaluations, body temperatures and room air (RA) oxygen saturation (O2 sat) levels. Serial inflammatory cytokine measurements and chest X-rays (CXRs) were done in 7/9 of the COVID-19 patients. Results: Cases #1, 4, 7 and 10 were critically-ill with worsening O2 sats, pulmonary infiltrates and inflammation prior to administration of the NMN cocktail. Post-treatment, prompt clinical improvement was seen including fever resolution in 2-3 days (4/4), rapid CXR improvement (4/4), dramatic drops in CRP (4/4) and IL-6 (3/4) within 72 hours and hospital discharge in ≤ 5 days (3/3 cases). No patient required ICU care or intubation post treatment. Cases 5 and 8 (bilateral pneumonias but no prior CXRs) and cases 2 and 3 (symptomatic outpatients with failed trials of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), azithromycin (AZ) and zinc (Zn) with no CXRs performed) had a strong temporal relationship between NMN cocktail use and rapid clinical improvement. Patient #6 improved with prompt fever and symptom resolution but after premature NMN cocktail discontinuation he relapsed. Summary: The NMN cocktail resulted in rapid and dramatic clinical and laboratory improvement in older persons with complicated SARS-CoV-2 infections. NMN with and without boosters deserves further study in elderly patients with complicated COVID-19 as this treatment has a strong molecular rationale for success, can be safely administered orally at home and in critically ill hospitalized patients.
Age-Stratified Sex-Related Differences in the Incidence, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of female sex on the incidence, management, and outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) in different age groups. Methods Patients admitted with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and non–ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI), between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2015, were identified in the National Inpatient Sample. We compared STEMI and NSTEMI rates, management patterns, and in-hospital morbidity and mortality in men and women stratified into 4 age groups ( Results A total of 6,720,639 weighted hospitalizations for MI (79.8% NSTEMI, and 20.2% STEMI) were included. The incidence rate of hospitalizations for MI was lower in women than men across all age groups. Women were less likely than men to undergo coronary angiography, revascularization, or to use circulatory-support devices. These differences were consistent across all age groups. Adjusted odds of death for women (vs men) varied by age: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.08 (0.97 to 1.20), 1.05 (1.02 to 1.08), 0.92 (0.91 to 0.94), and 0.86 (0.85 to 0.88) for NSTEMI, and 1.15 (1.04 to 1.27), 1.22 (1.18 to 1.26), 1.09 (1.06 to 1.11), and 0.97 (0.94 to 0.99), for STEMI, in age groups ( Conclusion Compared with men, women have lower incidence of MI and less likelihood of undergoing invasive treatment regardless of age. However, post-MI outcomes are age specific. The negative impact of female sex on most outcomes was most pronounced in young and middle-aged women.
The Heterogeneous Effect of Information on Student Performance: Evidence from a Randomized Control Trial in Mexico

A randomized control trial was conducted to study whether providing 10th grade students with information about the returns to upper secondary and tertiary education, and a source of financial aid for tertiary education, can contribute to improve student performance. The study finds that the intervention had no effects on the probability of taking a 12th grade national standardized exam three years after, a proxy for on-time high school completion, but a positive and significant impact on learning outcomes and self-reported measures of effort. The effects are larger for girls and students from households with a relatively high income. These findings are consistent with a simple model where time discount determines the increase in effort and only students with adequate initial conditions are able to translate increased effort into better outcomes.
Soluble Biomarkers for Prediction of Vascular and Gastrointestinal Disease Severity in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Disease severity biomarkers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) provide an early and noninvasive screening tool to identify patients at increased risk for internal organ involvement that may impact diagnostic testing and treatment decisions. This review will focus on soluble SSc vascular and gastrointestinal disease biomarkers. Due to high morbidity and mortality associated with SSc pulmonary hypertension, multiple biomarkers are currently under investigation including serum autoantibodies, chemistries (such as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)), proteins (midkine (MDK) and follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3)), chemokines (C-X-C motif ligand 4 (CXCL4) and C-C motif ligand 21 (CCL21)), plasma growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF)), cell adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)), and endothelial microparticles (CD144+ endothelial microparticle (CD144+ EMP)). A subset of these has also been proposed as SSc digital ulcer biomarkers (anti-endothelin-1 type A receptor (anti-ETAR), PlGF, and NT-proBNP). A combination of NT-proBNP and high sensitivity cardiac troponins T (hs-cTnT) and I (hs-cTnI) may be useful for assessing primary SSc cardiac involvement. Putative SSc renal disease biomarkers include VEGF and endostatin levels, while anti-U1 and U3 ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1- and anti-U3-RNP) antibodies and fecal-calprotectin (F-calprotectin) are associated with GI involvement. Serum autoantibodies are the mainstay SSc severity biomarkers, but new biomarkers are under investigation.
A distinct cognitive profile in individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome

Abstract Background 3q29 deletion syndrome is associated with mild to moderate intellectual disability. However, a detailed understanding of the deletion’s impact on cognitive ability is lacking. The goal of this study was to address this knowledge gap. A second goal was to ask whether the cognitive impact of the deletion predicted psychopathology in other domains. Methods We systematically evaluated cognitive ability, adaptive behavior, and psychopathology in 32 individuals with the canonical 3q29 deletion using gold-standard instruments and a standardized phenotyping protocol. Results Mean FSIQ was 73 (range 40-99). Verbal subtest score (mean 80, range 31-106) was slightly higher and had a greater range than nonverbal subtest score (mean 75, range 53-98). Spatial ability was evaluated in a subset (n = 24) and was lower than verbal and nonverbal ability (mean 71, range 34-108). There was an average 14-point difference between verbal and nonverbal subset scores; 60% of the time the verbal subset score was higher than the nonverbal subset score. Study subjects with a verbal ability subtest score lower than the nonverbal subtest score were 4 times more likely to have a diagnosis of intellectual disability (suggestive, p-value 0.07). The age at which a child first spoke two-word phrases was strongly associated with measures of verbal ability (p-value 2.56e-07). Cognitive ability was correlated with adaptive behavior measures (correlation 0.42, p-value 0.02). However, though group means found equivalent score, there was, on average, a 10-point gap between these skills (range −33 to 33), in either direction, in about 50% of the sample suggesting that suggesting that cognitive measures only partially inform adaptive ability. Cognitive ability scores did not have any significant relationship to cumulative burden of psychopathology nor to individual neurodevelopmental or psychiatric diagnoses. Conclusions Individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome have a complex pattern of cognitive disability. Two-thirds of individuals with the deletion will exhibit significant strength in verbal ability; this may mask deficits in non-verbal reasoning, leading to an over-estimation of overall ability. Deficits in verbal ability may be the driver of intellectual disability diagnosis. Cognitive ability is not a strong indicator of other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric impairment; thus individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome who exhibit IQ scores within the normal range should receive all recommended behavioral evaluations.
Clinical Outcomes, Treatment Toxicity, and Health Care Utilization in Older Adults with Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Although balancing treatment efficacy with risks of complications is critical for older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), few studies have described these patients' clinical outcomes, rates of toxicities, and health care utilization. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults ≥65 years diagnosed with aggressive NHL and receiving systemic therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital from April 2000 to July 2020. We abstracted patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, treatment toxicity, unplanned hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions within 6 months of treatment initiation from the medical record. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined factors associated with rates of grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity and unplanned hospitalization. RESULTS Among 295 patients (median age, 73 years; 39.0% female), 5-year overall survival (OS) was 74.2%. Five-year OS by age group (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+ years) was 82.2%, 72.0%, 73.6%, and 66.4%, respectively. Overall, 42.4% experienced grade 3+ toxicity, with 8.1% experiencing grades 4-5. The rates of unplanned hospitalization and ICU admission were 41.0% and 6.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR], 4.29; p < .001) and high comorbidity score (OR, 4.22; p < .001) were associated with likelihood of grade 3+ toxicity. Hypoalbuminemia (OR, 2.83; p = .003), high comorbidity score (OR, 3.93; p = .001), and receipt of EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin; OR, 5.45; p = .012) were associated with likelihood of unplanned hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS The majority of older adults receiving upfront therapy for aggressive NHL survive beyond 5 years, yet nearly half experience substantial treatment toxicities and unplanned hospitalizations. Our findings underscore the need for supportive care interventions to enhance the care experience of this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The results of this study highlight the potential benefits of intensive chemoimmunotherapy for the majority of older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, even at advanced ages. Nearly half of older adults experienced substantial treatment toxicities and unplanned hospitalizations, emphasizing the unmet need for supportive care interventions in this population. The present study also identified hypoalbuminemia and patient comorbidity score as factors associated with grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity and unplanned hospitalization. These findings may guide the development and implementation of targeted supportive care interventions in high-risk older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
An Fe–Ni–Cr–H interatomic potential and predictions of hydrogen-affected stacking fault energies in austenitic stainless steels

Abstract While Fe–Ni–Cr austenitic stainless steels exhibit relatively good resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, they still suffer from significant degradation of ductility, fatigue and fracture properties in gaseous hydrogen environments. Experimental studies in the literature suggest that hydrogen reduces stacking fault energy in austenitic stainless steels. This phenomenon causes a large separation of partial dislocations and lower propensity for cross-slip. Whereas lower stacking fault energy does not correlate well with loss of ductility in the absence of hydrogen, lower stacking fault energy trends toward greater loss of ductility when hydrogen is present. Calculations of stacking fault energy are challenging for austenitic stainless steels. One main issue is that in alloys, stacking fault energy is not a single value but rather varies depending on local composition. Herein, we first report an Fe–Ni–Cr–H quaternary interatomic potential and then use this potential to perform time-averaged molecular dynamics simulations to calculate stacking fault energies for tens of thousands of realizations of local compositions for selected stainless steels alloys with and without internal hydrogen. From statistical analyses, our results suggest that hydrogen reduces stacking fault energy, which likely impacts deformation mechanisms of Fe–Ni–Cr austenitic stainless steels when exposed to hydrogen environments. We then perform validation MD simulation tests to show that hydrogen indeed statistically increases the stacking fault widths due to statistically reduced stacking fault energies.
A Foundation, But Can We Use It?

The Future of Education . Reimagining Our Schools from the Ground Up. By Kieran Egan . Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 2008. 203 pp. $30. ISBN 9780300110463. Egan argues that the three principal goals of current education--academic, social, and developmental growth--are fundamentally incompatible and therefore "destined to defeat our best efforts." He proposes a complete overhaul of teaching and the curriculum and presents a speculative account of the next half-century to describe how we might achieve that.
Electroencephalographic Calibration Study: A First Look

ABSTRACT.The purpose of this article is to determine the incidence and extent of miscalibration in standard analog electroencephalographic (EEG) equipment with simultaneous pen writing. The study was done through a random sampling of tracings from community laboratories nationwide. In addition, we hope to identify the standards of EEG calibration that would prevent such miscalibration.
Feedback considerations for speech training systems

Explores the role of visual feedback of speech information on the development and use of specific speech production skills by a deaf learner. A young deaf female subject received training in which visual feedback of airflow was used to teach the production of a voicing distinction. The results showed that provision of the feedback resulted in improvements in the segments being taught, and that providing the feedback during production resulted in improved performance during some phases of teaching but not during others. The findings have implications on our understanding of speech learning that relies on the use of a visual surrogate for hearing.
The Steward's Legislative Role in Workplace Government: A Proposal for Immunity from Employer Discipline

The author develops the model of collective bargaining relationships as a form of workplace government. In light of this model, he discusses the representational and legislative role of the steward within the workplace and reviews in some depth the problems involved in balancing the steward's responsibilities against the rights of the employer. Finally, he proposes a new standard for achieving that balance patterned after a legislative im munity model.
Ideology, Motivated Reasoning, and Cognitive Reflection: An Experimental Study

Social psychologists have identified various plausible sources of ideological polarization over climate change, gun violence, national security, and like societal risks. This paper describes a study of three of them: the predominance of heuristic-driven information processing by members of the public; ideologically motivated cognition; and personality-trait correlates of political conservativism. The results of the study suggest reason to doubt two common surmises about how these dynamics interact. First, the study presents both observational and experimental data inconsistent with the hypothesis that political conservatism is distinctively associated with closed-mindedness: conservatives did no better or worse than liberals on an objective measure of cognitive reflection; and more importantly, both demonstrated the same unconscious tendency to fit assessments of empirical evidence to their ideological predispositions. Second, the study suggests that this form of bias is not a consequence of overreliance on heuristic or intuitive forms of reasoning; on the contrary, subjects who scored highest in cognitive reflection were the most likely to display ideologically motivated cognition. These findings corroborated the hypotheses of a third theory, which identifies motivated cognition as a form of information processing that rationally promotes individuals’ interests in forming and maintaining beliefs that signify their loyalty to important affinity groups. The paper discusses the normative significance of these findings, including the need to develop science communication strategies that shield policy-relevant facts from the influences that turn them into divisive symbols of identity.
Local Blockade of Sodium Channels by Tetrodotoxin Ameliorates Tissue Loss and Long-Term Functional Deficits Resulting from Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Although relatively little is known of the mechanisms involved in secondary axonal loss after spinal cord injury (SCI), recent data from in vitro models of white matter (WM) injury have implicated abnormal sodium influx as a key event. We hypothesized that blockade of sodium channels after SCI would reduce WM loss and long-term functional deficits. To test this hypothesis, a sufficient and safe dose (0.15 nmol) of the potent Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) was determined through a dose–response study. We microinjected TTX or vehicle (VEH) into the injury site at 15 min after a standardized contusive SCI in the rat. Behavioral tests were performed 1 d after injury and weekly thereafter. Quantitative histopathology at 8 weeks postinjury showed that TTX treatment significantly reduced tissue loss at the injury site, with greater effect on sparing of WM than gray matter. TTX did not change the pattern of chronic histopathology typical of this SCI model, but restricted its extent, tripled the area of residual WM at the epicenter, and reduced the average length of the lesions. Serotonin immunoreactivity caudal to the epicenter, a marker for descending motor control axons, was nearly threefold that of VEH controls. The increase in WM at the epicenter was significantly correlated with the decrease in functional deficits. The TTX group exhibited a significantly enhanced recovery of coordinated hindlimb functions, more normal hindlimb reflexes, and earlier establishment of a reflex bladder. The results demonstrate that Na+ channels play a critical role in WM loss in vivo after SCI.
A comparison of commercial and custom-made electronic tracking systems to measure patient flow through an ambulatory clinic

Understanding how patients move through outpatient clinics is important for optimizing clinic processes. This study compares the costs, benefits, and challenges of two clinically important methods for measuring patient flow: (1) a commercial system using infrared (IR) technology that passively tracks patient movements and (2) a custom-built, low cost, networked radio frequency identification (RFID) system that requires active swiping by patients at proximity card readers. Readers for both the IR and RFID systems were installed in the General Eye Service of the Wilmer Eye Institute. Participants were given both IR and RFID tags to measure the time they spent in various clinic stations. Simultaneously, investigators recorded the times at which patients moved between rooms. These measurements were considered the standard against which the other methods were compared. One hundred twelve patients generated a total of 252 events over the course of 6 days. The proportion of events successfully recorded by the RFID system (83.7 %) was significantly greater than that obtained with the IR system (75.4 %, p 0.05 for all comparisons). Both RFID and IR methods are effective at providing patient flow information. The custom-made RFID system was as accurate as IR and was installed at about 10 % the cost. Given its significantly lower costs, the RFID option may be an appealing option for smaller clinics with more limited budgets.
Tumor Cell-Triggered Macrophage-Mediated Suppression of the T-Cell Cytotoxic Response to Tumor-Associated Antigens. II. Mechanisms for Induction of Suppression

The mechanisms were investigated for the tumor cell-triggered macrophage-induced suppression of T-cell-mediated tumor immunity. Interaction between tumor cells and macrophages triggered the production of prostaglandin(s) (PG) that initiated the suppressor events. In our experiments, PGE1 or PGE2 suppressed the generation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in the syngeneic mixed lymphocyte tumor cell cultures. Indomethacin, a PG synthetase inhibitor, blocked the induction of the macrophage-mediated suppression, which suggested that suppression was caused by endogenous PG. This suppression might be further mediated by the generation of suppressor T-cells. Significant reduction in the levels of macrophage-induced suppression was seen in hosts receiving cyclophosphamide treatment, which could eliminate the precursors of suppressor T-cells. These findings indicated that tumor cells may trigger a chain of reactions, through the generation of suppressor factors or suppressor cells, to subvert the host's immune surveillance.
Strong Evidence for Gender Differences in Risk Taking

Abstract Are men more willing to take financial risks than women? The answer to this question has immediate relevance for many economic issues. We assemble the data from 15 sets of experiments with one simple underlying investment game. Most of these experiments were not designed to investigate gender differences and were conducted by different researchers in different countries, with different instructions, durations, payments, subject pools, etc. The fact that all data come from the same basic investment game allows us to test the robustness of the findings. We find a very consistent result that women invest less, and thus appear to be more financially risk averse than men.
Vicarious Reinforcement and Punishment in Operant Programs for Children

Vicarious reinforcement and punishment have been well investigated in laboratory research but only recently have been examined in applied programs. Investigations with children, primarily in the classroom, have shown that contingencies implemented for select individuals influence the behaviors of others who are not directly included in the contingency. The present paper reviews the evidence attesting to vicarious reinforcement and punishment effects and discusses the limitations pertaining to strength, durability, and consistency of these effects. Variables that appear to influence the spread of contingency effects and the mechanisms through which these effects appear to occur are discussed. Also recommendations for enhancing behavior change in existing behavioral programs are provided. Finally, the methodological and clinical implications of vicarious reinforcement and punishment effects in applied settings are presented.
Viatical settlements: ethical perspectives.

Viatical settlements are new within the last decade. A settlement contract is a written agreement between a viator (terminally ill person) and an independent viatical settlement company. The company purchases the viator’s life insurance policy before the person expires, paying a designated percentage of the policy’s worth in exchange for ownership of the policy and beneficiary rights. The viatical settlement company assumes the responsibility for paying the premiums on the policy until the death of the viator. Settlement or proceeds to the viator typically average between 50 and 80 percent of the face value of the policy. This article examines the ethical ramifications of viatical settlements.
Trends of Variables and Energy Fluxes over the Atlantic Ocean from 1948 to 19721

Abstract Regression coefficients have been computed from monthly. seasonal and annual means of eleven meteorological variables and eight energy fluxes by 10° areas over the North and South Atlantic Oceans from January IMS through December 1972. Many linear trends of annual means have been plotted on charts and studied for spatial and flux-variable, relationships. Pressure tendencies showed that pressures, increased under the eastern part of the subtropical high-pressure nets in both hemispheres and decreased east of the mean trough extending southwestward from the Icelandic low-pressure center. Net effects of these trends were to increase the strengths of the westerlies and easterlies in both hemispheres. Meridional winds evolved in such a manner that warm air transport to Greenland increased. Equatoward wind components increased over the eastern tropical Atlantic. Charts presenting trends in air temperature, humidity, clouds, rain and surface fluxes show the relations between these variables, surface flu...
A geometric morphometric assessment of hominoid crania: conservative african apes and their liberal implications

Summary This study examined the cranial affinities of all extant hominoids using 3D geometric morphometric analysis. A least squares Procrustean superimposition was used to eliminate differences due to location, orientation, and size. Because of a persistent correlation between centroid size and shape variation, an allometric size adjustment was also applied to these data. Phenetic affinities were then examined through a battery of multivariate statistical analyses. Results of this study indicate a strong affinity between Hylobates and Gorilla ; Pan is also similar to these genera, while Pongo and Homo are each very different. The autapomorphic morphologies of orangutan and modern human crania have been well established from previous studies. The similarity between Hylobates and Gorilla , however, has important implications for studies of hominoid morphology. First, these results suggest that African ape crania — and particularly those of Gorilla — retain an overall morphology that is conservative among hominoids. Secondly, this similarity suggests that character coding of cranial features may tend to overestimate the degree of polymorphism among extant apes. This study concludes that allometry may play a greater role in the morphogenesis of hominoid cranial variation than has been previously thought. While this problem likely has negligible impact on systematic studies of extant hominoids, it seriously affects our ability to place fossil taxa within a phylogenetic framework.
A note on the harbour seal ( Phoca vitulina ) in the Faroe Islands

The harbour seal was exterminated as a breeding species in the Faroe Islands in the mid-19th Century. Historical sources document that the harbour seal used to be a common inhabitant of the sheltered fjords where breeding occurred. It was reported to be more common than the grey seal, the other pinniped specie resident around the Faroes. But the number of harbour seals seemingly decreased as human settlements and other anthropogenic activities increased. Seal hunting was apparently already introduced by the Norse that arrived on the islands in the 7th century, a hunt that finally lead to the extermination of the harbour seal. For the last 40 years the harbour seal has only been positively identified twice in the Faroe Islands, in 2001 and 2005.
Germ cell-Sertoli cell interactions: analysis of the biosynthesis and secretion of cyclic protein-2.

Abstract Cyclic protein-2 (CP-2) is secreted in vitro in substantial amounts by mature rat Sertoli cells in intact Stage VI and Stage VII seminiferous tubules. This stage-dependent secretion has led us to postulate that the biosynthesis of this molecule is stimulated by germ cells at a specific state of development. In order to explore this hypothesis and to examine the steps in CP-2's biosynthesis, we generated a polyclonal antiserum against this protein and used it to analyze the biosynthesis and secretion of CP-2. Analysis of the steps in the biosynthesis of CP-2 indicated that its polypeptide core represented most if not all of the translation product of the CP-2 mRNA and that a single asparginelinked oligosaccharide became attached to this core. Analysis of the rate of biosynthesis of CP-2 at specific stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium was also conducted. Two-millimeter segments of tubules at Stages II, VI, VIIa, b, VIII, and XII were cultured for 1 hr in the presence of [35S]methionine and radiolabeled CP-2 immunoprecipitated from the tubules. Data (35S-CP-2 synthesized per hour) demonstrated that the rate of CP-2's biosynthesis increased 9-fold from Stage II to Stages VI and VIIa, b and then decreased 13-fold by Stage XII. To determine whether these rates of biosynthesis were identical to the rates of secretion, tubules were cultured for 17 hr with [35S]methionine, CP-2 was immunoprecipitated from the culture medium and data were expressed as 35S-CP-2 secreted per hour. This analysis demonstrated that the rate of secretion of CP-2 varied in the same stage-specific manner as its rate of synthesis. However, at each stage, the apparent rate of biosynthesis of the molecule exceeded its apparent rate of secretion. In order to explain this observation, we analyzed the rate of export of newly synthesized CP-2 out of the tubules. This demonstrated that quantitative export of the protein into culture medium required at least 17 hr. This period of time was most likely due to the retention of the protein within the tubular lumen, since primary cultures of Sertoli cells were shown to rapidly secrete newly synthesized CP-2. We, therefore, concluded that CP-2 was biosynthesized in a stage-dependent manner and that all CP-2 was secreted.
Structure of the piriform cortex of the opossum. II. Fine structure of cell bodies and neuropil.

The fine structure of cell bodies and neuropil in the piriform cortex of the opossum has been examined. A close similarity in ultrastructure of many features has been demonstrated between this pylogenetically old cortex in a primitive mammal and the neocortex of higher mammals. Cell bodies of pyramidal cells are very similar to those in the neocortex: The nucleus is pale with a smooth surface, the cytoplasm has a modest number of organelles, and the soma receives a small number of exclusively symmetrical synapses. Semilunar cells, which have apical but no basal den-drites, are very similar to pyramidal cells in ultrastructure of their cell bodies. Two populations of neurons with nonpyramidal ultrastructural features have been distinguished: (1) cells in layer III that closely resemble the well-known large multipolar cells in neocortex by virtue of a large number of symmetrical and asymmetrical somatic synapses and long cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER); and (2) large cells in layer I with very few somatic synapses, a large number of mitochondria, and short cisterns of rough ER that may correspond to cells with somatic appendages described with the Golgi method. Large numbers of profiles are found in all layers that contain round vesicles and make asymmetrical synapses onto dendritic spines, and occasionally, dendritic shafts. Theseprofileshavedistinctly different morphological features in layer Ia, in which olfactory bulb afferents are concentrated, and in layers Ib, II, and III, which contain terminals of association and commis-sural fibers. A smaller number of profiles containing pleomorphic vesicles make symmetrical contacts onto initial segments, dendritic shafts, cell bodies, and occasionally, dendritic spines. Most dendritic spines in all layers are small to medium in size (0.3–1.2 μm) and presumably originate from pyramidal cells. In layer Ia, however, large, flattened spines are also present which appear to originate from semi-lunar cells. In layer III, and to a lesser extent other layers, large irregular spines are present that may be branched appendages on dendrites of complex appendage cells (Haberly, 1983).
Five-co-ordinate complexes of first transition series ions with 2,2′,2″-terpyridine

Abstract A series of complexes of 2,2′,2″-terpyridine (terpy) having the general formula M(terpy)X 2 (M  Mn, Fe, Co, Ni; X  Cl, Br, I) have been prepared. X-ray powder patterns of these complexes have been obtained and compared with the patterns of several analogous zinc compounds which were previously shown to be penta-coordinate. It was concluded that all of these compounds, with the exception of Fe(terpy)Cl 2 , were penta-coordinate. In addition, the room temperature magnetic moments of these compounds are reported. These compounds generally, with the exception of Mn 2+ , exhibit moments significantly above the spin only values.
SPREADSHEETS: ENHANCING LEARNING AND APPLICATION OF ENGINEERING ECONOMY TECHNIQUES

Abstract Electronic spreadsheets are ideally suited for engineering economic analysis. They increase effectiveness both in the classroom and on the job. Spreadsheet advantages include low investment in learning time, low cost, and minimum total solution/presentation time. Their use is contrasted with closed form analysis, custom written and prepackaged software. A Monte Carlo simulation example is given to demonstrate the ease of modeling complex problems. Suggestions for incorporating spreadsheets into the classroom are also presented.
Error measures for template-fit geolocation based on light

Template-fit geolocation offers an opportunity to estimate error in each individual day's position results. The estimate requires determining an empirical calibration constant for latitude and another for longitude based on a trial against realistic noise in irradiance field data, which typically display strong point-to-point correlations. Such a calibration is reported here, making the error estimate available for use. The calibration is based on a 458-day set of blue-light irradiance data taken by an archival tag (Lotek LTD750) at a known location on land (48.57°N, 122.94°W). For the data studied, median values of the estimated daily standard deviations were 0.42° in longitude, 0.95° in latitude. The error estimates include the effects of weather and other data noise, latitude, and season, so (1) they vary widely from day to day and with season, and (2) they can be cautiously expected to remain valid in situations other than the particular one tested. A change in the character of the data noise is the only factor expected to have a significant effect on the calibration; this work should be repeated to sample the expected range of data noise types.
Hot Chips and Remembering a Pioneer

This column briefly introduces the issue's selections from the 22nd annual Hot Chips conference. It also discusses the IEEE's new B. Ramakrishna Rau Award and solicits appropriate nominations.
The Importance of Prions

While agent host-range and strain properties convinced early researchers of a viral etiology, the once unorthodox postulate that prion transmission occurs by conformational corruption of host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC) by a pathogenic isoform (PrPSc) is now widely accepted. Indeed, conformational templating is increasingly understood to be a general mechanism of protein-mediated information transfer and pathogenesis. The high infectivity of prions, their capacity to cause neurodegeneration in genetically tractable animal models, as well as the ability to culture prions in cells, or under cell-free conditions using defined components, provide finely controlled experimental settings in which to elucidate general mechanisms for all diseases involving protein conformational templating, and thus to develop integrated therapeutic approaches.
Propagation of the neuroid action potential of the carnivorous plantDrosera

The neuroid action potentials ofDrosera rotundifolia recorded from single cells resemble those recorded from the surface of tentacle stalks. They have similar amplitudes and durations and they show the same variation of duration with interval that characterizes the extracellularly recorded action potentials. All living cells of the stalk appear to be excitable since cells from both layers were observed to produce action potentials when intracellular recording techniques were used.
Metabolism and Binding of 14C-Maleic Hydrazide

Maleic hydrazide (MH) is taken up by corn and pea seedling roots and bound to some material which is insoluble in 80% ethanol or 5% trichloroacetic acid. (14)C-MH is stable metabolically; chromatography of the 80% ethanol-soluble (14)C from treated corn roots and tobacco pith gives no indication of degradation. Very little (14)C-MH is bound in the zone of cell division (where MH acts to inhibit root elongation) or even in the region of cell enlargement in corn roots and most is bound 1 or more centimeters behind the tip. Likewise, very little MH is bound in corn coleoptile and tobacco pith sections. About 90% of (14)C-MH bound in corn roots is associated with large particles which may be cell wall fragments. The binding is blocked by azide and dinitrophenol, indicating a requirement for metabolic energy; however, inhibitors of protein synthesis (chloramphenicol, puromycin, cycloheximide) and DNA synthesis (fluorodeoxyuridine) do not inhibit binding. Only very small amounts of MH are bound in root homogenates, providing further evidence that the binding process is active. Once the MH is bound in the roots, the complex is stable for at least 1 week. Treatment with 2-aminoethanol releases MH.
Segmenting participation in wildlife watching: A comparison of casual wildlife watchers and serious birders

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine participation patterns of two different segments of the wildlife watching population: casual wildlife watchers and serious birders. We used Texas Conservation Passport holders and members of the American Birding Association to represent the views of these two groups of wildlife watchers. Consistent with the recreation specialization framework, these two groups were defined in terms of their skill at identifying birds, frequency of participation, yearly expenditures, and birdwatching behaviors close to home. Further analysis revealed many significant differences in participation characteristics between casual wildlife watchers and serious birders. Specifically, there were differences in the types of information sources used for trip planning and differences in desired setting preferences. The implication of this study is that managers and planners will be able to more effectively target casual wildlife watchers and/or serious birders with the appropriate pr...
Psychology Student as Advocate: Public Policy in the Classroom

Students of psychology are often unaware of the contribution that psychology can make to the development of public policy. This class assignment encourages students to see themselves as developing social scientists with the ability and responsibility to use psychological science in the public interest. Students select a policy question relevant to the field of psychology, evaluate the psychological research on that issue, write a brief position paper incorporating pertinent references, and forward it to the appropriate government official. The assignment generates high levels of student interest and enhances understanding of the complex political, economic, and scientific issues in the policy-making process.
Solution of the Fokker--Planck transport equation by matrix factorization

A matrix factorization method is used to solve the Fokker-Pianck (Landau) charged particle transport equation. By treating all phase space variables as discrete in analogy to S, neutronics, the collision term takes on a five-point difference form which is readily treatable by this method. In order to illustrate this technique, the energy deposited by fast ions in a geometrically spherical, Maxwellian background plasma is calculated. Although this technique can be generalized to other geometries, its essential elements are best illustrated in this simple context. In the study of charged particle transport in plasmas, numerical techniques for solving the Fokker-Planck equation have been developed which closely parallel those used in neutron transport. This was a natural step in the development of solution methods in charged particle transport (CPT) in view of the fact that the theory and methods of neutron transport have been well developed [ 1,2]. Moreover, since ~~~~ of the pioneering work in CPT was carried out in conjunction with the ongoing effort to build controlled fusion devices, the early methodologies developed to solve the transport equation were made more applicable to those machines. In the well--known analysis of transport in mirror machines by Killeen and Marx [3], for example, the calculations of spatial changes along the magnetic field are based on
Congenital absence of teeth

Summary The rarity of congenitally missing deciduous and permanent teeth is emphasized. A case is presented, a plan of treatment outlined, and the possible etiology suggested.
AN ORTHOGRAPHIC‐SPECIFIC COMPARISON OF THE SPELLING ERRORS OF LEARNING DISABLED AND NORMAL CHILDREN ACROSS FOUR GRADE LEVELS OF SPELLING ACHIEVEMENT

The differences in spelling error features among learning disabled and normal students spelling instructionally on four grade levels of achievement were investigated. The categories of errors were determined by invented spelling research. The results indicated that the ranking of error features for each group were significantly correlated, and that the range of individual variation about the mean group pattern of spelling error variables was highly similar at each level of achievement. The findings are congruent with the theory of developmental word knowledge and support the position that learning disabled and normally achieving children acquire specific aspects of English orthography in highly similar progressions.
Lexical Inferencing in a First and Second Language: Cross-Linguistic Dimensions by WESCHE, MARJORIE BINGHAM, & T. SIMA PARIBAKHT

The article reviews the book "Lexical Inferencing in a First and Second Language: Cross-Linguistic Dimensions," by Marjorie Bingham Wesche and T. Sima Paribakht.