cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring and calibrating the racial/ethnic densities of executives in US publicly traded companies

We measure the racial/ethnic densities (RAEDs) of executives in a random sample of 523 US publicly traded companies and the S&P 500®. When we calibrate the RAEDs of executives as a whole against the RAEDs of the 2019 US population, we find that American Indians/Alaska Natives, Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented and Whites are overrepresented. However, when we calibrate executive RAEDs against a benchmark that seeks to take into account key features of the demand for and supply of proto-executive talent, namely the RAEDs of the cohorts of students graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the broad New York Times 2017 list of the top 100 US four-year colleges and universities, matched to executives’ BA/BS graduation years, mostly different and at times opposite findings obtain. For example, for executives as a whole in S&P 500® firms, Blacks and Hispanics are overdense relative to their top-bachelor’s-qualified benchmark RAEDs while Whites are underdense. For CEOs in S&P 500® firms, Blacks are underdense while Asians/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and Whites are at their top-bachelor’s-qualified benchmark expected densities. We conclude that because the sign and magnitude of a deviation from a racial/ethnic benchmark can influence the inferences that are made and policies that are proposed with regard to the presence and/or magnitude of racial bias or discrimination, the choice of benchmark against which executive RAEDs are calibrated is an overlooked but highly important one.
The Semiotics of ‘Public Use’: “Use the Purpose by Which All May Benefit”

This text is a semiotic analysis of issues arising from the recent Supreme Court decision of Kelo v. City of New London (2005), in particular analyzing the terms “private property” and “public use”. The semiotics of the Supreme Court cases Bauman v. Ross (1897) and Kelo shows how, within the span of approximately 100 years, the speech of the court has affected the language of legal discourse. The legal signs in Bauman and Kelo are based on the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: “…nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. This resulted in two different languages, of the layperson, and of legal/political institutions. Focus is here on a fundamental change in the meaning of the sign/expression “public use”.
Acute Therapy of Bacterial Meningitis

Antimicrobial therapy for bacterial meningitis has markedly reduced mortality rates from this disorder. The efficacy of an antibiotic in meningitis depends on many factors, including its penetration into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the bactericidal efficacy of the antibiotic within purulent CSF, and the need for bactericidal activity in CSF because bacterial meningitis represents an infection in an area of impaired host defense. Penicillin G and ampicillin are equally efficacious for meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis. This recommendation may change, however, with the emergence of strains of pneumococci or meningococci that are relatively or highly resistant to penicillin; a third-generation cephalosporin (cefotaxime or ceftriaxone) should be used for meningitis due to relatively resistant strains and vancomycin for pneumococcal meningitis caused by strains that are highly resistant to penicillin. With the high percentage of strains of Haemopbilus influenzae type b that...
An exonuclease induced by bacteriophage lambda. II. Nature of the enzymatic reaction.

λ exonuclease exhibits a much greater rate of attack on native deoxyribonucleic acid than on denatured DNA, the difference in rate being 350-fold for T7 phage DNA. The attack is exclusively exonucleolytic, and the only acid-soluble products are deoxyribonucleoside 5‘-monophosphates. In contrast to the known Escherichia coli exonucleases, its initial site of attack is at the 5‘ termini of a DNA molecule, with a strong preference for termini bearing a phosphoryl residue as compared with those bearing a free hydroxyl group.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Elevated Folate Levels: An Unusual Cause of Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure

Patient: Male, 49 Final Diagnosis: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures in the setting of vitamin B12 deficiency and elevated folate levels Symptoms: Seizures Medication: — Clinical Procedure: None Specialty: Neurology Objective: Unknown ethiology Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to abnormal myelination or demyelination, resulting in sub-acute combined degeneration, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric problems, including delusions, hallucinations, cognitive changes, depression, and dementia. Vitamin B12 deficiency also leads to brain shrinkage and neurodegenerative disorders. Case Report: We report the case of a 49-year-old man presenting with new-onset seizures one and a half years following subtotal gastrectomy due to stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma. The patient did not have any history of head injury. Laboratory tests were negative for any metabolic derangements. There were no signs of infection. MRI brain and EEG were normal and there were no changes in medications. Conclusions: In case of unexplained new-onset seizures, patients should be tested for vitamin B12 and folic acid levels and these should be done as part of the initial work-up.
Multiple Germline κ Light Chains Generate Anti-Insulin B Cells in Nonobese Diabetic Mice

The highly selective nature of organ-specific autoimmune disease is consistent with a critical role for adaptive immune responses against specific autoantigens. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoantibodies to insulin are important markers of the disease process in humans and nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice; however, the Ag-specific receptors responsible for these autoantibodies are obscured by the polyclonal repertoire. NOD mice that harbor an anti-insulin transgene (Tg) (V H 125Tg/NOD) circumvent this problem by generating a tractable population of insulin-binding B cells. The nucleotide structure and genetic origin of the endogenous κ L chain (Vκ or IgL) repertoire that pairs with the V H 125Tg were analyzed. In contrast to oligoclonal expansion observed in systemic autoimmune disease models, insulin-binding B cells from V H 125Tg/NOD mice use specific Vκ genes that are clonally independent and germline encoded. When compared with homologous IgL genes from nonautoimmune strains, Vκ genes from NOD mice are polymorphic. Analysis of the most frequently expressed Vκ1 and Vκ9 genes indicates these are shared with lupus-prone New Zealand Black/BINJ mice (e.g., Vκ1–110*02 and 9–124) and suggests that NOD mice use the infrequent b halpotype. These findings show that a diverse repertoire of anti-insulin B cells is part of the autoimmune process in NOD mice and structural or regulatory elements within the κ locus may be shared with a systemic autoimmune disease.
Northern Exploration, Boundary Surveys, and Borderlands: Reports, Documents, and Maps from the United States Congressional

Significant interdisciplinary scholarship exists concerning the unique economic, social, and political culture of international border and frontier areas. Notable themes of Alaskan and northern Canadian history also include discovery, exploration, and boundary issues. Primary literature concerning these topics is dispersed in many sources. One such source, the United States Congressional Serial Set , has been re-indexed and digitized, allowing online access to the full text documents and high-resolution images of the accompanying maps and illustrative material. This version, covering the years 1817–1980, was searched for citations pertaining to the discovery, exploration, and boundaries of Alaska and northern Canada. Summary level bibliographic records were reviewed for all entries, represented by thirty-three subject and geographic index terms (nineteen northern expeditions as listed under the broad category of "Discovery and Exploration" plus fourteen additional subject and geographic terms selected from the cross-references and related topics presented by the software). Numerical counts and examples of complete citations are provided. Results illustrate the usefulness of the digitized Serial Set , available to patrons of numerous US and Canadian libraries, in researching these topics in a quick and efficient manner. The set also provides additional opportunities for northern research. Many of the explorations and surveys contain historical scientific data and observations that are difficult to extract from modern sources. Viewing northern affairs broadly, the set concerns the entire northern US border areas and their historical, political, military, and diplomatic relations with Canada.
Histone H3 Messenger RNA in Situ Hybridization Correlates with in Vivo Bromodeoxyuridine Labeling of S-Phase Cells in Rat Colonic Epithelium

Measurements of cell cycle phase fractions, particularly S-phase, are useful for studies of cell biology and carcinogenesis. Up-regulation of histone gene expression is tightly coupled to the G1-S-phase transition of the cell cycle, and mRNA levels rise 30-100-fold during S-phase. Labeling of histone H3 mRNA using in situ hybridization (ISH) was assessed as a measure of S-phase cells and compared with that found using in vivo 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) labeling in formalin-fixed rat colonic crypts under baseline, modified 72-h starvation, and 24-h refeeding conditions. The labeling index scored in single-labeled sections by histone H3 ISH tightly correlated with that found by in vivo BrdUrd labeling (r = 0.99, p < 0.0001) and clearly discriminated between the control, starved, and refed states (P < 0.001). In 180 crypt sections double labeled using histone H3 ISH and BrdUrd, 92% of 1572 labeled cells exhibited both nuclear BrdUrd and cytoplasmic histone H3 label. It is concluded that histone H3 ISH is an accurate measure of the S-phase fraction and provides an alternative to in vivo BrdUrd labeling in rat colon. This finding warrants validation in human studies.
The Preparation and Characterization of Large Oligoribonucleotides

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the preparation and characterization of large oligonucleotides. It is concerned primarily with a survey of methods for the preparation and characterization of oligomers and polymers derived from natural RNA's, such as those obtained from E . coli phages, TMV, and ribosomes. Ribonucleic acid occupies a central position in events involved in the enzymatic synthesis of proteins: (1) in the transmission of hereditary traits, (2) in mutability and, perhaps, (3) in memory. Derived oligonucleotides with chain lengths greater than 10 are of interest per se and as potential carriers of specific functions of the parent RNA. Synthetic polynucleotides of chain length 50–100 are widely used as templates for cell-free protein synthesis and large segments of natural nucleic acids have been considered to serve as templates for in vivo protein synthesis, but have not yet been chemically isolated from RNA.
Maternal dietary glycaemic intake during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects

High sugar intake has been linked to fetal anomalies in the presence and absence of insulin resistance. Using dietary data collected in the Boston University Slone Epidemiology Birth Defects Study, we examined whether high dietary glycaemic index (dGI) or load (dGL) increased the risk of birth defects. Non-diabetic mothers of 1921 cases and 704 controls were interviewed within 6 months of delivery (1988-98) about pregnancy events and exposures, including a 99-item food frequency questionnaire. Case groups included amniotic bands, craniosynostosis, gastroschisis, hypospadias, small intestinal defects, anorectal defects, limb reductions, omphalocele, cleft lip and/or palate, renal agenesis, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Cubic splines were used to determine cut-point values for high dGI and dGL in relation to the risk of each birth defect. The cut-points were used in logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Control mothers in the lowest quartile of glycaemic intake were more likely to be non-Hispanic White, ≥ 30 years of age, have higher family income, have a normal body mass index and reside in Boston. Findings were null for most case groups. The anorectal defect case group was found to have elevated risks for dGL [adjusted OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.9], while estimates for dGI were elevated for the amniotic band case group [adjusted OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.1]. Because this is the first paper (to our knowledge) to explore dGI and dGL in relation to a spectrum of birth defects, additional studies are needed.
Mode selection and spatial hole burning suppression of a chirped grating distributed feedback laser

A new kind of distributed feedback (DFB) laser with a linearly chirped grating is proposed and investigated theoretically for the first time. The eigenmodes of the chirped grating DFB (CG‐DFB) and the field intensity distribution are calculated. With a suitable cavity length and chirp factor, the threshold gain difference to the next competence mode can be very large and will keep the single longitudinal mode stable. The chirp factor can be chosen to make the field intensity distribution quite uniform and at the same time keep the threshold gain difference large. This behavior effectively suppresses spatial hole burning and hence makes CG‐DFB lasers that are stable single mode at high power, and with a narrow linewidth.
PROPAGATION OF Pcl MICROPULSATIONS IN A PROTON--HELIUM MAGNETOSPHERE.

Abstract The dispersive propagation of Pcl hydromagnetic emissions in a proton-helium magnetosphere is considered. The addition of singly charged helium ions to the medium allows the propagation of hydromagnetic nose emissions. A graphical method which determines the nose emission propagation path, and the proton and helium concentrations at the top of the path, is presented. Only three of twelve nose emissions considered are consistent with the proton-helium explanation. The propagation of two or more adjacent narrow-band emissions along different tubes of force in a proton magnetosphere is considered as an alternative explanation. It is also shown that propagation path L values of normally dispersed hydromagnetic emissions may be increased by 0.1–0.5 Earth radii by helium concentrations of 3–10 per cent.
Rapid and Quantitative Imaging of Excitation Polarized Fluorescence Reveals Ordered Septin Dynamics in Live Yeast

We report an imaging method for fast, sensitive analysis of the orientation of fluorescent molecules by employing a liquid-crystal based universal polarizer in the optical path of a wide-field light microscope. We developed specific acquisition and processing algorithms for measuring the anisotropy and for correcting artifacts caused by fluorescence bleaching, background light, and differential transmission of optical components. We call this approach the Fluorescence LC-PolScope and we used it to analyze the architectural dynamics of septin-green fluorescent protein (septin-GFP) constructs in the neck region of budding yeast. We describe three different states of highly anisotropic septin arrays in which the prevailing orientation of GFP dipoles was either parallel or perpendicular to the mother-bud axis. The transitions between these ordered states were characterized by transient isotropic states. To analyze the patterns of polarized fluorescence, we modeled the alignment of septin-GFP constructs in different stages of septin ring formation. Based on our model, our experimental data are consistent with the formation of paired rather than single filaments and the axis of the α-helical septin terminus linked to a GFP molecule is likely oriented normal to the cell surface. The Fluorescence LC-PolScope combines the molecular specificity of fluorescence tagging with the structural specificity of polarized light analysis.
SERIAL PASSAGE OF MICROGLIAL SIV RESULTS IN SELECTION OF HOMOGENEOUS ENV QUASISPECIES IN THE BRAIN

The pathogenic effects of HIV include infection of the central nervous system (CNS) which can result in cognitive and motor dysfunction. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of rhesus macaques provides an excellent model of HIV-induced disease. We have achieved a reproducible infection of the CNS using a stock of virus obtained by serial passage of microglia-associated SIV. Since the envelope genes of both HIV and SIV encode determinants important in viral pathogenesis, and the variability inherent in these viruses provides a molecular footprint of viral quasispecies, we analyzed the viral env sequences resulting from this serial passage. SIV env sequences were analyzed by direct PCR amplification of DNA isolated from microglia from infected animals. Nucleotide sequence comparison reveals that serial passage of microglia-associated SIV resulted in divergence from the donor stock of virus. Furthermore, an enrichment of unique env quasispecies which is maintained through the serial passage was found in the diseased brains.
Surgery for metastatic intracranial neoplasm

The course of 167 patients with a surgically treated metastatic brain neoplasm is reviewed. The most common primary site was lung (37%) followed by breast and skin. Three quarters of the patients had a previous history of malignancy, and one third had a tumor visible on chest roentgenogram. Operative mortality was below 10% after 1950, and was lowest when complete tumor removal was achieved. Corticosteroids had little effect on operative mortality. Median survival after surgery was 6 months, but seven patients survived 5 years or more. Survival was longer if the primary tumor had been adequately treated previously. Surgery is indicated to establish the diagnosis in a patient without a known primary tumor or in one without evidence of dissemination except for a solitary brain tumor. In the latter instance, longterm palliation sometimes rewards aggressive management.
The fine structure of the extrafoveal receptors of the Rhesus monkey.

The fine structure of the extrafoveal receptors of the Rhesus monkey was studied by electron microscopy. In addition, some observations were made on the relations of the receptors to such other cells as bipolar neurons, Muller cells and the pigment epithelium. In the outer segments of both rods and cones the cell membrane encloses a column of flattened sacs. In the basal third of cone outer segments and in the basal twentieth of rod outer segments, the membrane of the sacs was frequently seen to be continuous with the cell membrane, but the points of continuance fell off sharply above these levels. This might represent a narrowing of the infolding sites with resultant diminution of the chance of encountering them in sections. However, cross-sections of distal rod outer segments have never shown sac and cell membrane confluences and suggest independence of the sacs from tbe cell membrane. Sacs also lack continuities with one another, unlike the situation in the guinea-pig as described by Sjostrand. Receptor inner segments were rich in mitochondria. In one area studied, cones exhibited about fifteen times the number of cross-sections of this organelle seen in rods. Descriptions are also provided of the basal bodies, rootlets, Golgi areas, external limiting membrane, nuclear areas, and synaptic terminations. Observations pertinent to the question of retinal attachment, the site of the so-called “R” membrane, and general receptor function are discussed.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of sulfided silico-alumino-titanate (Si−Al−Ti) mixed oxides xerogels supported Ni−Mo catalyst

Layered semicrystalline silico-alumino-titanate (Si−Al−Ti) mixed oxides were synthesized by a modified sol-gel method with hydrothermal synthesis temperatures less than 200°C and autogenic pressure. The solid products are semicrystalline materials with a surface area of 136–367 m2/g and a monomodal pore size distribution with an average pore diameter of 36–47 A. The catalytic activity for pyrene hydrogenation in a batch reactor at 300°C and 500 psig was determined for sulfided Ni−Mo supported on the Si−Al−Ti mixed oxide. The activity was a function of the support composition, the heat treatment before and after loading the active metals, the addition of organic templates, and different methods of metal loading. The most active sulfided Ni−Mo/Si−Al−Ti catalyst has an activity in the same range as the commercial catalyst, Shell 324, but the metal loading is 37% less than the commercial catalyst.
Low-temperature specific heat, thermal conductivity, and ultrasonic velocity of glassy carbons

We have measured the specific heat (0.1<T < 1 K) and thermal conductivity (0.07 <T<300 K) of two glassy carbons, one pyrolysed at 1000‡C, the other at 2500‡ C. The temperature dependence of ultrasonic velocity (0.2–300K) was also measured on the 2500‡C material. The above properties are remarkably similar to those of amorphous materials, yet it appears that these features arise from origins other than the localized excitations responsible for the low-temperature behavior of amorphous materials.
Forecasting ability of the investor sentiment endurance index: The case of oil service stock returns and crude oil prices

Abstract Using a binomial probability distribution model this paper creates an endurance index of oil service investor sentiment. The index reflects the probability of the high or low stock price being the close price for the PHLX Oil Service Sector Index. Results of this study reveal the substantial forecasting ability of the sentiment endurance index. Monthly and quarterly rolling forecasts of returns of oil service stocks have an overall accuracy as high as 52% to 57%. In addition, the index shows decent forecasting ability on changes in crude oil prices, especially, WTI prices. The accuracy of 6-quarter rolling forecasts is 55%. The sentiment endurance index, along with the procedure of true forecasting and accuracy ratio, applied in this study provides investors and analysts of oil service sector stocks and crude oil prices as well as energy policy-makers with effective analytical tools.
Psychodynamic Treatment of Excessive Virtual Reality Environment Use

This clinical case study explores the psychodynamic treatment possibilities of excessive Internet virtual reality environment use. The client discussed resides in the virtual world Second Life and experiences her relationships in this environment as more real and meaningful than those in her real life. Instead of focusing on reducing Internet use, therapy conceptualized use of the virtual environment as a compensatory strategy of escapism and conceptualized the relationships and process in a psychodynamic paradigm. This allowed the therapy to address the defenses of splitting and the recapitulation of traumatic events that were evident in the virtual world within an environment that was safer for the client to explore. As a result of accepting the use of the virtual reality environment as an aid to therapy, the client was able to gain insight into her intrapersonal conflicts and eventually bridge the virtual environment to her real life to initiate a trauma-focused therapy.
SU-FF-J-43: Use of Kilovoltage Cone Beam CT (kV-CBCT) for Hypofractionated Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (HF-IGRT) of Lung Tumors

Purpose: We retrospectively studied geometric and dosimetric differences between bony (vertebral body‐based) and soft tissue (GTV‐based) registrations of kilovoltage cone‐beam CT(CBCT) scans for setup and intra‐fraction motion assessment of lungtumor patients receiving hypofractionated image‐guidedradiation therapy (HF‐IGRT). Method and Materials: kV‐CBCT scans were acquired before and after HF‐IGRT treatment for ten patients with lungtumors. Pre‐treatment CBCT was registered with planning CT using GTV‐based and bony registrations to determine the treatment isocenter. Isocenter positions and tumor and normal tissue DVHs were compared for the two registration types. Intra‐fraction motion of vertebral bodies and GTV during the approximately half‐hour treatment was determined from pre‐ and post‐treatment CBCTs acquired at the same isocenter. Normal tissuedoses were evaluated. Results: The average ±1 SD differences (mm) between isocenter position determined by bony and GTV registrations of planning CT with pre‐treatment CBCT are 1.8±4.2 (left‐right), 0.5±5.7 (ant‐post), 0.6±3.6 (sup‐inf), and 6.4±4.5 (3‐D magnitude). For 6 patients, the distance between the GTV and bony registration isocenters exceeded 5 mm. For the clinical margins used (1 cm GTV‐PTV), coverage and most normal tissue DVHs were minimally affected by registration type except for maximum bronchus dose in one patient that increased by 15 Gy. For 7 patients, GTV and vertebral intrafraction motion determined from the pre‐ and post‐treatment CBCTs, was similar. The average difference was 2.3±1.6 mm with a maximum in one patient of 5 mm. Except for one maximum bronchus dose increase of 18 Gy, normal tissuedose changes were small. Conclusion: Isocenter positions determined by bony and GTV registration can differ by more than 5 mm. This can affect normal tissuedoses and, for reduced margins, target coverage. For target dose delivery, GTV‐based registrations are more accurate. Difference in intra‐fraction GTV and vertebral motion is often, but not always, within 3 mm.
Senior users of the internet: lessons from the cybernun study

This paper presents a study that examined computer use and life satisfaction of senior religious sisters. A sample was obtained of 103 nuns in Upstate New York. Participants self-identified as computer users (CU) or non-users (NU), completed demographic information, the life satisfaction index-Z (LSIZ), the attitudes toward computer use scale (ATCUS), and responded to additional semi-structured questions. No statistically significant differences were found between CU and NU in life satisfaction. A cross-comparative, grounded analysis of the more open-ended responses found interesting differences in perceptions of sisters about computer use. Senior usability concerns were also considered.
Fluctuations in the structure of three-phase lines

Abstract We study the fluctuations in the density and composition of the contact line at which three phases meet. The equilibrium structure of the contact line is obtained by minimizing a model free-energy functional and then the fluctuations about that structure are analyzed via the spectrum of the free energy’s second functional derivative. Three zero eigenvalues correspond to three fluctuation modes in which the positions of the contact line and interfaces change with no change in their internal structure. These eigenvalues are at the bottom of a continuum in which most of the corresponding fluctuation modes involve perturbations in the structure of the interfaces, extending far from the three-phase contact line. We identify one mode that is localized at the contact line and discuss its physical significance.
Influx of zinc by channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus): Uptake from external environmental solutions

Abstract 1. Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) take up zinc (measured with 65 Zn) from external ambient solutions in a concentration dependent manner. At a concentration of 10 −6 M Zn, this uptake is equivalent to 0.4% of the total body Zn each day. 2. Zinc influx was increased by external acid conditions (decreasing pH from 7.3 to 5). 3. Elevated Ca 2+ and Cd 2+ , but not Al 3+ , concentrations markedly decreased the uptake of Zn. 4. These observations may be relevant to circumstances that occur under natural conditions, and influence the zinc nutrition and toxicity of the fish.
Stress-induced eating is mediated through endogenous opiates

The interaction of endogenous opiates and stress-induced eating in rats was evaluated by pharmacological manipulation. Eating induced by the tail-pinch method was inhibited by the opitate antagonist naloxone; after being repeatedly stressed over a 10-day period and then given nalozone, the rats behaved in a manner indistinguishable from the "wet-dog" shakes of opiate withdrawal. Thus endogenous opiates may have a role in the control of stress-related eating, a finding that may have therapeutic implications for humans.
Tumoural vascularity as a prognostic factor in cancer patients: the evidence continues to grow

Accurate prognostic indicators would help in identifying patients at high risk for recurrence and death. Recent and previous studies indicate that intratumoural microvessel density (iMVD) of invasive breast carcinoma (a measure of tumour angiogenesis) is associated with aggressive tumour growth; iMVD may thus be a valuable prognostic indicator. Moreover, the bulk of accumulating data indicates that microvessel density in the area of most intense neovascularization in invasive breast carcinoma is an independent, significant and accurate prognostic indicator in predicting poorer survival. Such an indicator would be useful in the selection of high-risk patients with breast carcinoma for systemic adjuvant therapy.
A study of component release from resin pit and fissure sealants in vitro

Objective: A recent study reported that an estrogenic chemical, bisphenol-A, was released from a fissure sealant. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the major (or detactable) components released from any of seven commercially-available, light-cured pit and fissure sealants in vitro. Methods. The fissure systems of ten extracted, third molar teeth were filled with sealant, light-activated and immersed in separate containers of distilled water. Separate, cylindrical stainless steel molds were filled with sealant which was then light-activated and immersed. Each mold or tooth with sealant was moved to a new container of water at defined times and each remaining water sample (eluate) then analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was present in all eluates from each of the sealants tested. 2,2-bis[4′-(2′-hydroxy-3′-methacryloyloxy)phenyl]propane (BisGMA) was detected at much lower levels (about one thousand-fold less) in eluates from one sealant only. Bisphenol-A was not detected in any eluates. The rates of TEGDMA and BisGMA release were highest on first immersion and decreased thereafter. The total amount of TEGDMA released was on the order of 0.25 mg per tooth. Most release occurred during the first day. Significance. Because bisphenol-A release could not be detected from any of the seven sealants tested, these results call into question earlier concerns expressed about possible adverse effects of bisphenol-A released from resin sealants.
Bushman birth spacing: Direct tests of some simple predictions

Abstract Blurton Jones and Sibly (1978) developed a model of costs (weight of food and baby carried while foraging) of !Kung women's reproduction under ecological-economic constraints that were described by Lee (1972). Predictions are drawn from this model and tested on Howell's (1979) data from reproductive histories of 172 individual women. Women were rated on a scale of dependence on bush or cattlepost foods. The ratings were compared with what is known about the places at which the women gave birth to their children. Agreement was good and the population was divided into two groups for study: 65 women most dependent on bush foods and 70 women substantially dependent on agricultural produce. Thirty-seven women of uncertain or intermediate status were omitted. As predicted by the model, among the women who were dependent on bush foods: (1) first interbirth intervals (IBI) were shorter than were later IBI; (2) the survivorship of children in first IBIs was not strongly related to length of IBI, with shorter IBI giving as good survivorship as longer IBI; (3) IBIs lengthen as the number of surviving children increases, until the fourth child; (4) after the fourth child IBIs do not differ significantly although they tend to be shorter (contrary to the prediction, a null hypothesis whose statistical support is consequently poor); (5) for IBIs after the first IBI, mortality increased markedly as IBI decreased; (6) mortality was even more closely related to backloads entailed by each IBI, as calculated by Blurton Jones and Sibly (1978); (7) mortality was less closely related to backloads calculated from an alternative version of the model from which weight of food was excluded; (8) as reported by Howell (1979), a new pregnancy followed rapidly after the death of the preceeding child but (9) as predicted, a new pregnancy did not follow so fast after the death of older children; (10) for the cattlepost women IBIs were shorter than for women dependent mainly on bush foods; and (11) there was no significant relationship between IBI and mortality for the cattlepost women, and mortality at short IBI was lower than in bush women. The assumption that the benefit accruing from more births will be balanced against the costs (costs to survivorship assumed to result from the work entailed by caring for each child) was successful in giving many predictions confirmed by the data. The significance and limitations of this “optimization” study are discussed.
Identification and Partial Purification of Human Double Strand RNase Activity A NOVEL TERMINATING MECHANISM FOR OLIGORIBONUCLEOTIDE ANTISENSE DRUGS

We have identified a double strand RNase (dsRNase) activity that can serve as a novel mechanism for chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprised of 2'-methoxy 5' and 3' "wings" on either side of an oligoribonucleotide gap. Antisense molecules targeted to the point mutation in codon 12 of Harvey Ras (Ha-Ras) mRNA resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in Ha-Ras RNA. Reduction in Ha-Ras RNA was dependent on the oligoribonucleotide gap size with the minimum gap size being four nucleotides. An antisense oligonucleotide of the same composition, but containing four mismatches, was inactive. When chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were prehybridized with 17-mer oligoribonucleotides, extracts prepared from T24 cells, cytosol, and nuclei resulted in cleavage in the oligoribonucleotide gap. Both strands were cleaved. Neither mammalian nor Escherichia coli RNase HI cleaved the duplex, nor did single strand nucleases. The dsRNase activity resulted in cleavage products with 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl termini. Partial purification of dsRNase from rat liver cytosolic and nuclear fractions was effected. The cytosolic enzyme was purified approximately 165-fold. It has an approximate molecular weight of 50,000-65,000, a pH optimum of approximately 7.0, requires divalent cations, and is inactivated by approximately 300 mM NaCl. It is inactivated by heat, proteinase K, and also by a number of detergents and several organic solvents.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of quinic acid derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents

Quinic acid (QA) esters found in hot water extracts of Uncaria tomentosa (a.k.a. cat's claw) exert anti-inflammatory activity through mechanisms involving inhibition of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). Herein, we describe the synthesis and biological testing of novel QA derivatives. Inhibition of NF-kappaB was assessed using A549 (Type II alveolar epithelial-like) cells that stably express a secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter driven by an NF-kappaB response element. A549-NF-kappaB cells were stimulated with TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of QA derivative for 18 hours followed by measurement of SEAP activity. Amide substitution at the carboxylic acid position yielded potent inhibitors of NF-kappaB. A variety of modifications to the amide substitution were tolerated with the N-propyl amide derivative being the most potent. Further examination of the SAR demonstrated that acetylation of the hydroxyl groups reduced NF-kappaB inhibitory activity. QA amide derivatives lacked anti-oxidant activity and were found to be neither anti-proliferative nor cytotoxic at concentrations up to 100 microM. In conclusion, we have discovered a novel series of non-toxic QA amides that potently inhibit NF-kappaB, despite their lack of anti-oxidant activity. Mechanistic studies and pre-clinical efficacy studies in various inflammatory animal models are on-going.
Surface-level diversity and decision-making in groups : When does deep-level similarity help?

We examined how surface-level diversity (based on race) and deep-level similarities influenced three-person decision-making groups on a hidden-profile task. Surface-level homogeneous groups perceived their information to be less unique and spent less time on the task than surface-level diverse groups. When the groups were given the opportunity to learn about their deep-level similarities prior to the task, group members felt more similar to one another and reported greater perceived attraction, but this was more true for surface-level homogeneous than surface-level diverse groups. Surface-level homogeneous groups performed slightly better after discovering deep-level similarities, but discovering deep-level similarities was not helpful for surface-level diverse groups, who otherwise outperformed surface-level homogeneous groups. We discuss the implications of this research for managing diversity in the workplace.
Precision gravity studies at Cerro Prieto

Abstract Some 60 gravity stations have been established within and adjoining the Cerro Prieto geothermal field for the purpose of monitoring the small temporal changes due to fluid withdrawal and subsidence. Each station consists of a permanent concrete slab whose initial elevation has been determined by the CFE's second-order levelling survey. It is intended that these stations will be reoccupied and relevelled at time intervals ranging from 6 to 12 months; so far, only the initial occupations have occurred, with 70% of the stations having been completed. Each station occupation consists of a minimum of four sets of four readings apiece, each set read on a different day. Four persons participated equally in making the gravity observations, utilizing two G-model LaCoste and Romberg gravity meters. Three base stations serve as reference points for the field work: (1) an external base in Mexicali, occupied at the beginning and end of every field session; (2) an internal base in the Cerro Prieto area, occupied every 4 or 5 hr to check instrumental drift and possible tares; and (3) a base on the Cerro Prieto volcano, occupied every 3–4 weeks to verify changes which might occur within a long-duaration occupation period. Adverse problems encountered in the field have included rough roads, windy periods, temperature extremes and locally high seismic activity due to both natural and cultural activity. Data reduction has so far included reduction of meter readings to observed gravity values, dedrifting (using Longman's 1959 tidal formulas), calculation of gravity differences between bases and stations, and initial statistical evaluation (analysis of variance). Precision is expected to be approx. 10 μgal. Future reduction will include calculation of Bouguer anomaly values (to supplement the values currently available) and complete statistical regression analyses to study various error sources; this latter task may result in a redesign of field and reduction techniques. Two full days of tidal monitoring and a second reoccupation of all stations will be done in November and December of 1978.
Circuit theory of periodically driven nonlinear systems

The systems under discussion are nonlinear, but driven by a strong periodic "carrier." Examples of such systems are oscillators, frequency multipliers, limiters, modulators, and periodically driven feedback systems. It is of interest to inquire how small perturbations on the periodic driving are propagated throughout the system, and to this end a circuit theory for these perturbations is developed. In different Contexts these perturbations could be desired or undesired modulation, noise, hum, or synchronizing signals. In general the random processes in such a system will, because of the periodic driving, be nonstationary; but various representations are developed that are stationary, and hence can be described by spectral analysis. The concept of impedance is developed for the small perturbations, and the validity of Kirchhoff's Laws is examined. Specific problems are not treated in detail; instead, a general framework is set up within which a variety of problems can be analyzed. Problems of this sort include the theory of noise in oscillators, propagation of noise and modulation in nonlinear systems, the noise theory of frequency multipliers, and synchronization of oscillators.
PROTRACTED DIARRHEA OF INFANCY: THE IMPORTANCE OF GLUCOAMYLASE DEFICIENCY

Intractable diarrhea of infancy is a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting in protracted diarrhea. Secondary carbohydrate intolerance plays an important role in this regard. These are usually related to lactase and sucrase deficiency. More recently, glucoamylase deficiency has been described. In all of the above instances, a marked enteritis was present. We report 2 patients who continued to have diarrhea, with positive reducing substances in the stool, while on diets with glucose polymers as the sole CHO source. These patients aged 4 & 9 months, presented with diarrhea of 1 and 4 months duration. Jejunal biopsies were normal under light microscopy and on EM. Despite minimal morphological changes, both patients had a marked decrease in lactase, sucrase, maltase, and glucoamylase activity in jejunal biopsy specimens. Duodenal fluid, amylase, and trypsin were normal. Formulae (RCF & 3232A), with glucose monosaccharide as the CHO source, alleviated the diarrhea. Conclusions: 1. Glucoamylase deficiency is a significant clinical entity and is important in perpetuating diarrhea in these patients. 2. Light microscopy of small intestinal biopsy may be normal. 3. Formulae containing glucose and fructose monosaccharides as the CHO source alleviate the diarrhea.
Parathyroid-related peptide expression in neuroblastoma

Introduction. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with bone metastasis in disseminated neuroblastoma (stage 4), efforts have been made to uncover potential markers and therapeutic targets to correctly diagnose, monitor, and treat this disease process. As described in the adult cancer literature, we propose that parathyroid-related peptide (PTHrP) is expressed in neuroblastoma cell lines and tissue and may be a key effector in the development and propagation of bone metastasis within this disease. Methods. Seven neuroblastoma cell lines were cultured and grown to confluency. In addition, 16 neuroblastoma tissue samples representing Stages I--IV, Ivs, and two bone marrow samples from a ganglioneuroma patient and a stage 4 neuroblastoma patient (with bone marrow involvement) were obtained under Institutional Review Board approval. RNA was then extracted from each of the cell lines and patient samples and reverse transcribed (RT). Conventional RT-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR were used to screen PTHrP expression in the cell lines, tissue, and bone marrow samples. Anti-PTHrP antibody was used to immunoblot neuroblastoma cell lysate for PTHrP. Results. Of the 7 cell lines tested, 6 of the neuroblastoma cell lines had detectable expression of PTHrP. These cell lines also displayed a positive 10-kDa band correlating with PTHrP on immunoblot of whole cell lysate. PTHrP transcript levels were found in all samples tested with the highest average levels found in stage 4 tissue samples. In addition the bone marrow sample from the ganglioneuroma patient had no detectable PTHrP level; whereas the bone marrow from the stage 4 patient showed an 18-fold expression above control (normal adult bone marrow). Conclusions. Because of the close association with osteoclastic stimulation and resultant bone resorption, PTHrP has proven to be an important marker and potential therapeutic target in many adult cancers. The results of this study indicate that innate PTHrP is present at the transcriptional and/or translational levels in most neuroblastoma cell lines and tissue samples. In addition, the presence of PTHrP over-expression in bone marrow positive neuroblastoma suggests that PTHrP plays a role in metastatic disease. Further study will reveal PTHrP function in bone metastasis.
Pillars of Analytics Applied in MS Degree in Information Sciences and Technologies

The Master of Science (MS) program in Information Sciences and Technologies (IST) at Rochester Institute of Technology conducted a significant upgrade of its curriculum in 2013, aiming to better prepare its graduates for the new trends and challenges in the fast evolving IT computing industry. In particular, the upgraded MS program places a strong emphasis on data analytics, where all students in the program get an intensive training in data analytics foundation in our core courses. Students can then continue with advanced work in the Analytics Track to receive deeper theoretical knowledge in the field. In this paper, we report our experience of offering this analytics-centric curriculum over the past two years. We first formally define four pillars of analytics and trace the skills needed to support each pillar and the courses that provide those skills. We then describe the course experiences through a sampling of the projects completed by students in their course work. We also provide some student feedback on the course experience. We conclude with a discussion of the capstone experience and a sampling of capstone projects. We show the movement toward analytics in the capstone experiences, particularly since the program began in 2013. The positive course experience and the fast increasing number of capstone projects in the analytics area show strong evidence about the initial success of the analytics-centric curriculum.
The impact of importance accorded an issue on attitude inferences

Abstract Four experiments provided considerable evidence for the impact of importance on attitude inferences. In Experiments 1, 3, and 4 subjects both perceived speakers' expressed positions and inferred their true attitudes to be more extrme when the speakers accorded high personal importance to the issue than when they accorded it low importance. These findings were demonstrated across two different levels of extremity of avowed positions, two different attitude issues, and in a group as well as in an individual context. Importance accorded the issue influenced attributed attitudes by both making expressed positions appear more extreme and affecting the inference process more directly. Experiment 2 provided evidence for the existence of a belief linking attitude extremity to high personal importance, and Experiment 3 showed that this belief has heuristic value: when subjects were unable to systematically process attribution-relevant information, they increasingly relied on accorded importance in making attitude inferences. Experiment 4 demonstrated some of the possible social consequences of the effect: Subjects perceived a group as more polarized and as having less chance of reaching consensus on an issue when members divided on the issue stated the issue to be important than if they did not do so.
Brain waves suppressed by cell phone conversations

Our research examined the effects of hands-free cell phone conversations on the encoding of traffic-related information while operating a motor vehicle. We recorded event-related brain potentials (ERPs) time-locked to the onset of a lead vehicle's brake lights while participants drove in a high-fidelity driving simulator. Compared to single-task driving conditions, the amplitude of the P300 component of the ERP was reduced by 50% when participants were conversing on the cell phone and the peak latency of the P300 was also delayed for these cellphone drivers. These psychophysiological data provide support the inattention-blindness hypothesis in which cell phone conversations impair the processing of information necessary for the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en