cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addressing large tibial osseous defects in primary total knee arthroplasty using porous tantalum cones.

Abstract Background Tibial osseous defects can present a serious challenge in primary total knee arthroplasty. We describe a technique of using porous tantalum cones along with primary arthroplasty implants to address large tibial osseous defects in primary total knee arthroplasty and present the short-term results. Methods We present 17 cases (15 patients) in which primary total knee implants and porous tantalum cones were used to address large tibial bony defects. Clinical results were evaluated using Knee Society Scores, pre- and postoperative knee range of motion, and serial radiographs. Results At an average of 3.5 years of follow-up, all 17 knees had functioning implants with stable metaphyseal cones demonstrating radiographic evidence of osteointegration. At a minimum follow-up of two years, no patient had signs of osteolysis, instability, infection, or systemic complications. All 15 patients had excellent results with an average post-operative Knee Society Score of 94.6. Knee flexion improved by an average of 12.0° and knee extension improved to neutral in all patients. Conclusion Primary total knee arthroplasty with porous tantalum cone augmentation produced excellent short-term results and should be considered an effective method for addressing large tibial osseous defects in primary total knee arthroplasty.
Serum Nutrient Levels and Aging Effects on Periodontitis.

Periodontal disease damages tissues as a result of dysregulated host responses against the chronic bacterial biofilm insult and approximately 50% of US adults >30 years old exhibit periodontitis. The association of five blood nutrients and periodontitis were evaluated due to our previous findings regarding a potential protective effect for these nutrients in periodontal disease derived from the US population sampled as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004). Data from over 15,000 subjects was analyzed for blood levels of cis-β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, folate, vitamin D, and vitamin E, linked with analysis of the presence and severity of periodontitis. Moderate/severe disease patients had lower cis-β-carotene levels across all racial/ethnic groups and these decreased levels in moderate/severe periodontitis were exacerbated with age. β-cryptoxanthin demonstrated lower levels in severe disease patients across the entire age range in all racial/ethnic groups. Folate differences were evident across the various age groups with consistently lower levels in periodontitis patients >30 years and most pronounced in females. Lower levels of vitamin D were consistently noted across the entire age range of patients with a greater difference seen in females with periodontitis. Finally, an analytical approach to identify interactions among these nutrients related to age and periodontitis showed interactions of vitamin D in females, and folate with race in the population. These findings suggest that improving specific nutrient intake leading to elevated blood levels of a combination of these protective factors may provide a novel strategy to affect the significant increase in periodontitis that occurs with aging.
Closing the Loop: Optimizing Diabetes Care in the Hospital by Addressing Dispersed Information in Electronic Health Records and Using Clinical Decision Support

Multiple factors hinder the management of diabetes in hospitals. Amid the demands of practice, health care providers must collect, collate, and analyze multiple data points to optimally interpret g...
Risk of concussion due to head acceleration in rear impact sled tests of passenger automobile seats.

Objective: Acceleration-based injury metrics can be useful for quantitatively evaluating risk of concussion (a form of mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI) after automobile collisions, especially ...
A Bayesian Analysis of Evidence in Support of the Null Hypothesis in Gerontological Psychology (or Lack Thereof).

Objectives Nonsignificant p values derived from null hypothesis significance testing do not distinguish between true null effects or cases where the data are insensitive in distinguishing the hypotheses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Bayesian analyses in gerontological psychology, a statistical technique that can distinguish between conclusive and inconclusive nonsignificant results, by using Bayes factors (BFs) to reanalyze nonsignificant results from published gerontological research. Methods Nonsignificant results mentioned in abstracts of articles published in 2017 volumes of 10 top gerontological psychology journals were extracted (N = 409) and categorized based on whether Bayesian analyses were conducted. BFs were calculated from nonsignificant t-tests within this sample to determine how frequently the null hypothesis was strongly supported. Results Nonsignificant results were directly tested with BFs in 1.22% of studies. Bayesian reanalyses of 195 nonsignificant t-tests found that only 7.69% of the findings provided strong evidence in support of the null hypothesis. Conclusions Bayesian analyses are rarely used in gerontological research, and a large proportion of null findings were deemed inconclusive when reanalyzed with BFs. Researchers are encouraged to use BFs to test the validity of nonsignificant results and ensure that sufficient sample sizes are used so that the meaningfulness of null findings can be evaluated.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nitrides of Iridium and Palladium

We describe the synthesis of nitrides of iridium and palladium using the laser-heated diamond anvil cell. We have used the in-situ techniques of x-ray powder diffraction and Raman scattering to characterize these compounds and have compared our experimental findings where possible to the results of first-principles theoretical calculations. We suggest that palladium nitride is isostructural with pyrite while iridium nitride has a monoclinic symmetry and may be isostructural with baddeleyite.
Naturally Occurring A51V Variant of Human Cytochrome c Destabilizes the Native State and Enhances Peroxidase Activity.

The A51V variant of human cytochrome c is linked to thrombocytopenia 4 (THC4), a condition that causes decreased blood platelet counts. A 1.82 A structure of the A51V variant shows only minor changes in tertiary structure relative to the wild-type (WT) protein. Guanidine hydrochloride denaturation demonstrates that the global stability of the A51V variant is 1.3 kcal/mol less than that of the WT protein. The midpoint pH, pH1/2, of the alkaline transition of the A51V variant is 1 unit less than that of the WT protein. Stopped-flow pH jump experiments show that the A51V substitution affects the triggering ionization for one of two kinetically distinguishable alkaline conformers and enhances the accessibility of a high-spin heme transient. The pH1/2 for acid unfolding of the A51V variant is 0.7 units higher than for that of the WT protein. Consistent with the greater accessibility of non-native conformers for the A51V variant, the kcat values for its peroxidase activity increase by 6- to 15-fold in the pH range of 5-8 versus those of the WT protein. These data along with previously reported data for the other THC4-linked variants, G41S and Y48H, underscore the role of Ω-loop C (residues 40-57) in modulating the peroxidase activity of cytochrome c early in apoptosis.
COVID-19 Incidentally Detected on PET/CT During Work-up for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

AIM: To describe the incidental detection of COVID-19 disease on positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in a patient with cancer despite initial negative swab by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CASE REPORT: Clinical and radiographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained and evaluated for COVID-19 by the Food and Drug Administration-approved reverse transcription-PCR assays. On radiographic examination, PET/CT was consistent with COVID-19-related pneumonia not seen on prior imaging. Initial nasopharyngeal swab 2 days after PET/CT imaging was negative for COVID-19. Subsequent repeat swab 10 days later was positive for COVID-19, while the patient was febrile on screening assessment. The patient remained COVID-19-positive until 1 month after abnormal PET/CT imaging. CONCLUSION: PET/CT can be sensitive for early COVID-19 detection, even in the setting of a negative confirmatory PCR test. This highlights the importance of continued patient surveillance and use of appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize COVID-19 transmission.
Surgeon level variation in outcome of repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with particular reference to the management of recurrence.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study is to investigate firstly, the rate of recurrence following primary repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and secondly, the rate of recurrence following revisional surgical repair. The primary outcome is rate of recurrence. Secondary outcomes are to establish whether recurrence is related to surgeon, surgeon volume, side of defect, the use of a patch, or a thoracopscopic approach Methods All repairs performed in an English regional center over 22 years were recorded. Possible explanatory variables were whether the repair was itself of a recurrence, the surgeon's identity, the surgeon's volume of prior repairs, the side of the defect, the use of a patch. Results 198 repairs were performed; 170 primary repairs and 28 of recurrences. Failure occurred significantly more commonly among recurrences (32%) than primary repairs (11%), p = 0.005. Failure of the primary repair was significantly more common where a patch was used 8/34 (23%) rather than a sutured repair 10/136 (7%), p = 0.006, or where a thoracoscopic technique was used 4/13 (31%) rather than laparotomy 14/157 (9%) p = 0.01. Failure of the primary repair was unrelated to the identity of the surgeon (Χ2 = 5, p = 0.9) or the volume of prior repairs (t = 0.3, p = 0.6). However, failure of repair of a recurrence was significantly related to the surgeon's volume of prior repairs (t = 2.3, p = 0.01) and the identity of the surgeon (Χ2 = 17, p = 0.014), but not the use of a patch (Χ2 = 1.6, p = 0.2). Conclusions Repair of a recurrence of a CDH has a higher probability of failure than the original repair and is related to both the identity of the surgeon and the prior volume of experience. There is a volume outcome relationship for the repair of recurrence, but not the primary repair of CDH. Our study suggests the repair of recurrence of CDH should be restricted to surgeons with proven outcomes for this procedure.
Internet exchanges for used goods: an empirical analysis of trade patterns and adverse selection 1

In the past few years, we have witnessed the increasing ubiquity of user-generated content on seller reputation and product condition in Internet-based used-good markets. Recent theoretical models of trading and sorting in used-good markets provide testable predictions to use to examine the presence of adverse selection and trade patterns in such dynamic markets. A key aspect of such empirical analyses is to distinguish between product-level uncertainty and seller-level uncertainty, an aspect the extant literature has largely ignored. Based on a unique, 5-month panel data set of user-generated content on used good quality and seller reputation feedback collected from Amazon, this paper examines trade patterns in online used-good markets across four product categories (PDAs, digital cameras, audio players, and laptops). Drawing on two different empirical tests and using content analysis to mine the textual feedback of seller reputations, the paper provides evidence that adverse selection continues to exist in online markets. First, it is shown that after controlling for price and other product, and for seller-related factors, higher quality goods take a longer time to sell compared to lower quality goods. Second, this result also holds when the relationship between sellers' reputation scores and time to sell is examined. Third, it is shown that price declines are larger for more unreliable products, and that products with higher levels of intrinsic unreliability exhibit a more negative relationship between price decline and volume of used good trade. Together, our findings suggest that despite the presence of signaling mechanisms such as reputation feedback and product condition disclosures, the information asymmetry problem between buyers and sellers persists in online markets due to both product-based and seller-based information uncertainty. No consistent evidence of substitution or complementarity effects between product-based and seller-level uncertainty are found. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The Nrf2a pathway impacts zebrafish offspring development with maternal preconception exposure to perfluorobutanesulfonic acid.

Abstract Since the voluntary phaseout of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), smaller congeners, such as perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) have served as industrial replacements and been detected in contaminated aquifers. This study sought to examine the effects of a maternal preconception PFBS exposure on the development of eggs and healthy offspring. Adult female zebrafish received a one-week waterborne exposure of 0.08, 0.14, and 0.25 mg/L PFBS. After which, females were bred with non-exposed males and embryos collected over 5 successful breeding events. PFBS concentrations were detected in levels ranging from 99 to 253 pg/embryo in the first collection but were below the limit of quantitation by fourth and fifth clutches. Therefore, data were subsequently binned into early collection embryos in which PFBS was detected and late collections, in which PFBS was below quantitation. In the early collection, embryo 24 h survival was significantly reduced. In the late collection, embryo development was impacted with unique patterns emerging between Nrf2a wildtype and mutant larvae. Additionally, the impact of nutrient loading into the embryos was assessed through measurement of fatty acid profiles, total cholesterol, and triglyceride content. There were no clear dose-dependent effects, but again unique patterns were observed between the genotypes. Preconception PFBS exposures were found to alter egg and embryo development, which is mediated by direct toxicant loading in the eggs, nutrient loading into eggs, and the function of Nrf2a. These findings provide insight into the reproductive and developmental effects of PFBS and identify maternal preconception as a novel critical window of exposure.
The gravity data ontology: laying the foundation for workflow-driven ontologies

Ontologies can be tailored in ways that can facilitate the description of workflows by specifying how concepts representing services are used to access and create concepts representing data and products. Early work on the development of such ontologies, and reported in this paper, has resulted in the construction of a gravity data ontology. The relationships that are defined in the ontology capture inputs and outputs of methods, e.g., derived data and products, as well as other associations that are related to workflow computation. This paper presents the basis for a computation-driven ontology that evolved into the workflow-driven ontology approach. In addition, the paper describes the process used to construct an ontology for gravity data using the computation-driven approach, and it presents a gravity ontology that documents the processes and methods associated with gravity data and related products.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 regulation of c-myc protooncogene transcription. Possible involvement of protein kinase C.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) regulates the expression of c-myc protooncogene in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells (Reitzma, P. H., Rothberg, P. G., Astrin, S. M., Trial, J., Barshavit, Z., Hall, A., Teitelbaum, S. U., and Kahn, A. J. (1983) Nature 306, 492-494). The regulation of c-myc expression occurs at least in part at the transcriptional level (Simpson, R. U., Hsu, T., Begley, D. A., Mitchell, B. S., and Alizadeh, B. N. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 4104-4108). Also, 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulates an increase in protein kinase C (PKC) levels and inhibitors of PKC block 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells (Martell, R. E., Simpson, R. U., and Taylor, J. M. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 5570-5575). In this report we demonstrated that sphinganine, an inhibitor of PKC that is mechanistically and structurally distinct from 1-(5-isoquinoline sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine-HCl (H-7), also blocks 1,25-(OH)2D3 induction of HL-60 cell differentiation. The effect of inhibitors of PKC on 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulation of c-myc transcription was examined. H-7 (18 microM) and sphinganine (3 and 6 microM) blunted 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced reduction of c-myc transcription as assessed by nuclear run-off assays. We showed that c-myc/beta-actin ratios (cpm/cpm, % of control mean +/- S.E.) were as follows: ethanol control, 100 +/- 14%; 50 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3, 17 +/- 5%; 50 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 6 microM H-7, 13 +/- 6%; 50 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 18 microM H-7, 53 +/- 6% 50 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 18 microM N-[2-guanidinoethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide (HA-1004), 10 +/- 8%; 50 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 6 microM sphinganine, 49 +/- 8%. No significant differences in c-myc transcription between control, 18 microM H-7, 18 microM HA-1004, and 3 or 6 microM sphinganine-treated cells were observed. The block in c-myc transcription was beyond exon 1, and regulation of exon 1 transcription by 1,25-(OH)2D3 was not detected. Furthermore, we demonstrated that expression of markers for HL-60 cell differentiation was more rapidly induced by 25 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate than 50 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3, suggesting that direct activation of PKC by phorbol esters may make processes required for 1,25-(OH)2D3 induction of differentiation unnecessary. In summary, these data suggest that a primary effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on HL-60 cells is to regulate PKC levels, and regulation of c-myc transcription by 1,25-(OH)2D3 is a result of this action.
Spermatogenesis in Hydra oligactis: I. Morphological description and characterization using a monoclonal antibody specific for cells of the spermatogenic pathway

Abstract A morphological description of cells participating in sperm formation in Hydra oligactis males using a maceration procedure is presented. These descriptions are corroborated by the use of a monoclonal antibody, AC2, that binds to both a subpopulation of interstitial cells that appears to participate exclusively in gamete formation, and to all the gamete-differentiation products, including sperm intermediate cells, spermatids, and sperm. Use of the antibody as an interstitial cell marker has allowed an analysis of the behavior of the gamete-precursor (AC2+) subpopulation of interstitial cells during the asexual state and the early stages of gamete formation, when no differentiating sperm intermediates are present. The results indicate there is a gamete-producing subpopulation of interstitial cells which is present in low numbers in asexual males and undergoes extensive growth following the onset of spermatogenesis to give rise to sperm intermediate cells, and, eventually, the sperm. No input from the AC2− interstitial cells is required to account for this growth or subsequent sperm production. We speculate that the AC2+ interstitial cells may represent a unique subpopulation which is developmentally restricted to sperm production.
IF YOU CONVINCE THEM, THEY WILL COME. AIRPORTS AND COMPETITION IN AN UNCERTAIN GLOBAL AIR TRAVEL MARKET

Airports no longer have the luxury of operating as public utilities, secure from the competition or the demands of the global economy. Domestic deregulation of the airline industry, the inability of the federal government to achieve fully its open skies goals, the globalization and consolidation strategies of the nation's major carriers, and the globalization of the world economy in general, place airport managers and policy makers in a precarious position. This article examines the effect of these changes on the strategies and tactics of America's airports to succeed in what has become a fiercely competitive market for international air service. With the devolution of decision making authority to states and localities, airports find themselves pitted against one another in a battle for economic and political resources. This examination suggests that airports hoping to succeed in securing or maintaining direct international access or gateway status must adopt aggressive and innovative strategies.
Non-ITLC SG miniaturized chromatography procedures to evaluate hydrolyzed reduced Tc-99m in specific Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals

2108 Objectives The current miniaturized chromatography system (MCS) to evaluate hydrolyzed reduced Tc-99m (Tc-HR) in Tc-99m Disofenin, Pentetate and Medronate consists of ITLC-SG chromatography paper. Since this product has been discontinued, alternative MCS paper were evaluated. Methods A number of MCS systems were evaluated to determine the Tc-HR fraction in specific radiopharmaceuticals (RRX) including Medronate, Pentetate and Disofenin. The optimal MCS consisted of SA impregnated paper with distilled water (SA-MCS). For Tc-99m Medronate, the effect of pre-spotting with unlabeled Medronate on this MCS was further evaluated. Activity distribution of the specific RRX was obtained with SA-MCS. In addition, the Tc-HR fraction in specific RRX was assessed and compared to the standard MCS consisting of ITLC-SG with distilled water MCS (SG-MCS). For each specific RRX and MCS, ten replicate samples were obtained and the data statistically summarized by calculating mean percent Tc-HR and standard deviation. Results Using the SA paper with distilled water MCS, maximal separation between Tc-HR and the specific radiopharmaceutical was achieved for all Tc-99m RRX evaluated with Rf values of 0.0 and 0.9-1.0, respectively. The mean Tc-HR percent in Tc-99m-Disofenin (N=10) for the SG-MCS and the SA-MCS was 0.8% and 1.3%, respectively. The mean Tc-HR percent in Tc-99m-Pentetate (N=10) for the SG-MCS and the SA-MCS was 0.1% and 0.1%, respectively. The mean Tc-HR percent in Tc-99m-Medronate (N=10) for the SG-MCS, the SA-MCS and SA-MCS with pre-spotting was 0.3%, 2.4% and 0.4%, respectively. The standard deviation in all RRX tested was less than 0.009%. Conclusions A MCS consisting of SA impregnated chromatography paper with distilled water was utilized to evaluate Tc-HR in specific Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals. Maximum separation in radiochemical species was achieved and comparable results in accuracy were noted when compared to conventional SG-MCS
Drug-Induced Vasculitis: New Insights and a Changing Lineup of Suspects

An increasing number of therapeutic agents have been associated with a vasculitic syndrome. This usually involves small vessels, primarily capillaries, venules, and arterioles in leukocytoclastic vasculitis, small-vessel disease similar to an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis, or mid-sized muscular arteries in a polyarteritis-like picture. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies are present in many cases of vasculitis regardless of the size of the vessel involved. Monoclonal antibodies used to treat many autoimmune disorders have become the most common agents associated with drug-induced vasculitis. Important advances in epigenetics, genetics, and neutrophil apoptosis are providing new insights into the pathogenesis of both drug-induced vasculitis and idiopathic vasculitis. Although management has not changed significantly in the past few years where withdrawal of the offending agent is the primary intervention, increasing awareness of drug-induced vasculitis can lead to earlier diagnosis and prevention of severe organ damage and fatalities.
Advances and trends in FPGA design

This talk will give an overview of emerging trends in the architecture of FPGAs. The topics to be covered will include new FPGA architectures and upcoming research topics, the growth in FPGAs with embedded tranceivers, the segmentation of FPGA architectures into mainstream and low-cost families, the relationships between FPGAs and structured ASICs, and applications and trends in CPLDs.
Perceptions of employment stability among working professionals within the global economic crisis

A survey was designed and formally tested via multivariate statistical analysis of working professionals, representing the service sector from the Pittsburgh, PA, metropolitan area to testing assumptions concerning the effectiveness of governmental intervention, demographics and strategies for coping with the potential of unemployment in terms of personal and overall economic employment security. It was found that most professionals are generally optimistic about their personal employment security, regardless of if they perceived their chosen career path to be recession-proof. Although there were no gender differences, younger, more technologically savvy professionals were more confident in the economy and their personal security than their older counterparts. Overall, governmental financial bailouts were not perceived as good strategies for economical and employment stability. Employers should expect to enjoy a continued increase in employee productivity and efficiency through the current recession.
Estimating Hydraulic Conductivity and Porosity of Soils from Spectral Electrical Response Measurements

A procedure is developed to estimate the hydraulic conductivity and porosity of soils from the laboratory measurements of their frequency dependent electrical response (FDER) using inversion schemes and regression models. The FDER (resistivity and phase spectra) of a soil contains valuable information about its porosity, hydraulic conductivity, texture and fluid properties. In this study the FDER of the soil is modeled as a heterogeneous system using the multi-Cole-Cole model. The intrinsic parameters, which innately describe the response of the multi-Cole-Cole model, are retrieved by an inversion scheme and are used in empirical regression models to predict the hydraulic conductivity and porosity. Measurements of hydraulic conductivity, porosity and spectral electrical response of a variety of soil samples at laboratory scale were also performed. Multiple regression analyses suggest that the porosity and permeability can be well predicted by the parameters of the multi-Cole-Cole model. Establishing such ...
On the theory of optimal sensor placement

On the Theory of Optimal Sensor Placement An optimal sensor placement is defined as a sensor configuration that achieves the minimum capital cost while observing prespecified performance criteria. Previous formulations of this problem have resulted in the definition of a mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP) with dimensions dependent on the value of the integer decision variables. The main contribution of this work is an equivalent reformulation of the design problem such that the dimension of the NLP is independent of all decision variables. Additionally, the traditional sensor-placement problem, based on static process conditions, is extended to linear dynamic processes. The final contribution is the exact conversion of the general NLP into a convex program through the use of linear matrix inequalities. The aggregation of these results show that the sensor-placement problem can be solved globally and eficiently using standard interior-point and branch-and-bound search algorithms.
AASAP: a program to increase recruitment and retention in clinical trials.

Abstract Objective To evaluate a theory based, subject-centered, staff/subject communication program, AASAP (anticipate, acknowledge, standardize, accept, plan), to increase recruitment and retention in RCTs. Methods AASAP was evaluated with logistical regression by comparing rates of recruitment (at telephone screening, baseline assessment, initial intervention) and intervention retention (over 16 weeks) before (−AASAP) and after (+AASAP) it was introduced to a 3-arm RCT to reduce disease distress among highly distressed subjects with type 2 diabetes. Results Included were 250 subjects in −AASAP and 338 in +AASAP. Significant improvement in recruitment occurred at each of the 3 recruitment stages: agreed at screening (OR = 2.52; p p p p p Conclusion AASAP is a structured program of subject/staff communication that helps improve external validity by enhancing both subject recruitment and retention. Practical implications AASAP can be taught to non-professional staff and can be adapted to a variety of health settings. It can also be used by clinicians to engage patients in programs of ongoing care.
Effects of Cure Pressure on Resin Flow, Voids, and Mechanical Properties

The effects of cure pressure on resin flow, compaction, void content, and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites were investigated. Tests were performed on lami nates made of Fiberite T300/976 and T300/934 unidirectional prepreg tape. Data are pre sented on compaction, resin flow, and void content which lend support to the validity of the Springer-Loos model. Data are also given showing the effects of cure pressure on void content and on the compressive strength and short-beam shear strength and modulus.
Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of a Minor Salivary Gland in a Cat

Neoplasms derived from salivary glands are uncommon in domestic animals and descriptions of neoplasms derived from minor salivary glands are quite rare. A primary neoplasm derived from a minor salivary gland is described in a 13-year-old domestic shorthair cat. The oral neoplasm was locally invasive, and had metastasized to the regional lymph nodes and hilus of the lungs.
THE BEST LINEAR PREDICTOR FOR TRUE SCORE FROM A DIRECT ESTIMATE AND SEVERAL DERIVED ESTIMATES

Statistical prediction problems often involve both a direct estimate of a true score and covariates of this true score. Given the criterion of mean squared error, this study determines the best linear predictor of the true score given the direct estimate and the covariates. Results yield an extension of Kelley's formula for estimation of the true score to cases in which covariates are present. The best linear predictor is a weighted average of the direct estimate and of the linear regression of the direct estimate onto the covariates. The weights depends on the reliability of the direct estimate and on the multiple correlation of the true score with the covariates. One application of the best linear predictor is to approximate the human true score from the observed holistic score of an essay and from essay features derived from a computer analysis.
Non-synaptic mechanisms of Ca2+-mediated injury in CNS white matter

Clinical deficits after injury to the CNS are due, in large part, to dysfunction of white matter (myelinated fiber tracts), including descending and ascending tracts in the spinal cord. A crucial set of questions, in the search for strategies that will preserve or restore function after CNS injury, centers on the pathophysiology of, and mechanisms underlying recovery of conduction in, CNS white matter. These questions are relevant both to spinal cord injury, and to brain infarction, which frequently affects white matter.
Elevated MTORC1 signaling and impaired autophagy

A-type lamins, generated from the LMNA gene by differential splicing, are type V intermediate filament proteins that polymerize to form part of the nuclear lamina, and are of considerable medical interest because missense mutations in LMNA give rise to a wide range of dystrophic and progeroid syndromes. Among these are dilated cardiomyopathy and two forms of muscular dystrophy (limb-girdle and Emery-Dreifuss), which are modeled in lmna−/− mice and mice engineered to express human disease mutations. Our recent study demonstrates that cardiac and skeletal muscle pathology in lmna−/− mice can be attributed to elevated MTORC1 signaling leading to impairment of autophagic flux. An accompanying paper from another laboratory shows similar impairments in mice engineered to express the LMNA H222P associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in humans and also in left ventricular tissue from human subjects. MTORC1 inhibition with rapalogs restores autophagic flux and improves cardiac function in both mouse models, and extends survival in the lmna−/− mice. These findings elaborate a potential treatment option for dilated cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy associated with LMNA mutation and supplement growing evidence linking impaired autophagy to human disease.
Biophysical properties of gap junctions between freshly dispersed pairs of mouse pancreatic beta cells

Coupling between beta cells through gap junctions has been postulated as a principal mechanism of electrical synchronization of glucose-induced activity throughout the islet of Langerhans. We characterized junctional conductance between isolated pairs of mouse pancreatic beta cells by whole-cell recording with two independent patch-clamp circuits. Most pairs were coupled (67%, n = 155), although the mean junctional conductance (gj) (215 +/- 110 pS) was lower than reported in other tissues. Coupling could be recorded for long periods, up to 40 min. Voltage imposed across the junctional or nonjunctional membranes had no effect on gj. Up to several hours of treatment to increase intracellular cAMP levels did not affect gj. Electrically coupled pairs did not show transfer of the dye Lucifer yellow. Octanol (2 mM) reversibly decreased gj. Lower concentrations of octanol (0.5 mM) and heptanol (0.5 mM) than required to uncouple beta cells decreased voltage-dependent K+ and Ca2+ currents in nonjunctional membranes. Although gj recorded in these experiments would be expected to be provided by current flowing through only a few channels of the unitary conductance previously reported for other gap junctions, no unitary junctional currents were observed even during reversible suppression of gj by octanol. This result suggests either that the single channel conductance of gap junction channels between beta cells is smaller than in other tissues (less than 20 pS) or that the small mean conductance is due to transitions between open and closed states that are too rapid or too slow to be resolved.
Application of Conflict Scoping Process to Transportation Projects

The conflict scoping process (CSP) is a formalized, proactive project management tool for identifying, predicting, assessing, managing, and resolving conflict that has been introduced to project managers at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) over the course of the past year. In a transportation project, conflict escalation can cost an agency and project valuable time and money and thus potentially lead to cancellation. The CSP tool is designed to increase accountability, transparency, and trust with stakeholders while reducing project cost and time delays. The CSP approach has been applied to 25 first-phase implementation projects at the Minnesota DOT, which ranged from early planning, predesign, and environmental impact to final design and construction stages. The CSP tool brings visibility to the importance of managing interpersonal relationships, the potential and real effects of conflict, and the value of earlier conflict resolution. Project managers are trained in CSP techniques, work t...
The 16 PF and CPI: A comparison

This study assessed the cross-inventory generalizability of personality characterizations for Cattell's 16 PF and Gough's CPI. The univariate and multivariate relationships of these scales to their measures of impression management and general aptitude also were explored. Although many PF and CPI content scales and highly similar descriptions, all were found to have poor and inconsistent cross-inventory convergences. The 16 PF and CPI correlates of the desirability scales were found to be similar and consistent with prior research, although the number and magnitude of those for some CPI scales seemed somewhat inappropriate (as were some between the CPI and general aptitude). The relationships of the desirability scales to the content scales of each inventory were found to be heavily dependent upon rotation after factor analysis. It was concluded that the high degree of scale dissimilarity between the 16 PF and CPI must caution against clinical and research generalization across these two inventories. In addition, further investigation of these current impression management scales seems worth pursuing because they appeared to represent the most consistent characteristics measured.
Putting Science to Work in Developing a Climate Policy

The National Academy of Sciences is an honorific society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. This Viewpoint explores the interconnection between scientific research and policy making in developing a climate policy.
Ethyl Radical Ejection During Photodecomposition of Butanone on TiO2(110)

Abstract The photodecomposition of acetone and butanone were examined on the (1 1 0) surface of rutile TiO2 using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and photon stimulated desorption (PSD). In both cases, photodecomposition was preceded by a required thermal reaction between the adsorbed ketone and coadsorbed oxygen resulting in an adsorbed diolate species. The diolate photodecomposed by ejection of an organic radical from the surface leaving behind a carboxylate species. In the acetone case, only methyl radical PSD was detected and acetate was left on the surface. In the butanone case there was a possibility of either methyl or ethyl radical ejection, with propionate or acetate left behind, respectively. However, only ethyl radical PSD was detected and the species left on the surface (acetate) was the same as in the acetone case. The preference for ethyl radical ejection is linked to the greater stability of the C–CH3 bond in butanone over that of the C–C2H5 bond. Unlike in the acetone case, where the ejected methyl radicals did not participate in thermal chemistry on the TiO2(1 1 0) surface after photoactivation of the acetone diolate, ethyl radicals photodesorbing at 100 K from butanone diolate showed preference for dehydrogenation to ethene on the surface through the influence of coadsorbed oxygen. These results reemphasize the mechanistic importance of organic radical production during photooxidation reactions on TiO2 surface.
Thermodynamics of nucleotide interactions with the Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase iron protein.

The nitrogenase iron (Fe) protein binds two molecules of MgATP or MgADP, which results in protein conformational changes that are important for subsequent steps of the nitrogenase reaction mechanism. In the present work, isothermal titration calorimetry has been used to deconvolute the apparent binding constants (K′a1 and K′a2) and the thermodynamic terms (ΔH′° and ΔS′°) for each of the two binding events of MgATP or MgADP to either the reduced or oxidized states of the Fe protein from Azotobacter vinelandii. The Fe protein was found to bind two nucleotides with positive cooperativity and the oxidation state of the [4Fe–4S] cluster of the Fe protein was found to influence the affinity for binding nucleotides, with the oxidized ([4Fe–4S]2+) state having up to a 15-fold higher affinity for nucleotides when compared to the reduced ([4Fe–4S]1+) state. The first nucleotide binding reaction was found to be driven by a large favorable entropy change (ΔS′°=10–21 cal mol−1 K−1), with a less favorable or unfavorable enthalpy change (ΔH′°=+1.5 to −3.3 kcal mol−1). In contrast, the second nucleotide binding reaction was found to be driven by a favorable change in enthalpy (ΔH′°=−3.1 to −13.0 kcal mol−1), with generally less favorable entropy changes. A plot of the associated enthalpy (−ΔH′°) and entropy terms (−TΔS′°) for each nucleotide and protein binding reaction revealed a linear relationship with a slope of 1.12, consistent with strong enthalpy–entropy compensation. These results indicate that the binding of the first nucleotide to the nitrogenase Fe protein results in structural changes accompanied by the reorganization of bound water molecules, whereas the second nucleotide binding reaction appears to result in much smaller structural changes and is probably largely driven by bonding interactions. Evidence is presented that the total free energy change (ΔG′°) derived from the binding of two nucleotides to the Fe protein accounts for the total change in the midpoint potential of the [4Fe–4S] cluster.
The linear complementarity problem and a subclass of fully semimonotone matrices

Abstract In this paper we investigate a subclass W of the n × n real matrices. A matrix M belongs to W if and only if certain pairs of its complementary cones intersect only in the zero vector. We show that W ⊆ U , where U is the class of matrices M for which LCP(q,M) (the linear complementarity problem) has a unique solution whenever q belongs in the interior of the union of its complementary cones. Membership in W can be established by solving 2n-1 systems of linear equations. Finally, several sufficient conditions are given on a matrix in W so that it possesses nonnegative principal minors.
A preliminary investigation of multi-attribute based sequencing rules for assembly shops

This paper updates the current literature on assembly shop scheduling to include multi-attribute based sequencing rules that have recently been introduced and measures of shop performance that more accurately reflect management's view toward tardiness and inventory. In addition, a new set of sequencing rules, called importance ratio (IR), is proposed. The operation of a hypothetical assembly shop is simulated to test the performance of eight sequencing rules on three distinct sets of product structures. Four measures of system inventory and four measures of job tardiness are used to evaluate sequencing rule performance. The study shows that sequencing rules which incorporate attributes of both job shop and assembly shop scheduling do not necessarily produce the best performance. Moreover, multiple measures of inventory and tardiness performance do provide important insight into the operation and particular benefits of different sequencing rules. Finally, the importance ratio rules introduced are viable ca...
Fabricating Nanoscale DNA Patterns with Gold Nanowires

Surface patterns of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) consisting of nanoscale lines as thin as 40 nm were fabricated on polymer substrates for nanotechnology and bioaffinity sensing applications. Large scale arrays (with areas up to 4 cm(2)) of ssDNA "nanolines" were created on streptavidin-coated polymer (PDMS) surfaces by transferring biotinylated ssDNA from a master pattern of gold nanowires attached to a glass substrate. The gold nano-wires were first formed on the glass substrate by the process of lithographically patterned nanowire electrodeposition (LPNE), and then "inked" with biotinylated ssDNA by hybridization adsorption to a thiol-modified ssDNA monolayer attached to the gold nanowires. The transferred ssDNA nanolines were capable of hybridizing with ssDNA from solution to form double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) patterns; a combination of fluorescence and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were used to characterize the dsDNA nanoline arrays. To demonstrate the utility of these surfaces for biosensing, optical diffraction measurements of the hybridization adsorption of DNA-coated gold nanoparticles onto the ssDNA nanoline arrays were used to detect a specific target sequence of unlabeled ssDNA in solution.
The dual state behavior of supported noble metal catalysts

Abstract In earlier NO reduction studies, difficulties in reproducing results with ruthenium catalysts were traced to some rather unusual pretreatment effects which were able to generate two states for ruthenium catalysts which differed in activity characteristics. This dual state behavior has subsequently been observed for other noble metal catalysts in a variety of reactions. The effect is most dramatic for the water-gas shift reaction, but was also observed for the CO-H2 reaction, ammonia decomposition, and nitric oxide reduction. It was found that sulfur contamination eliminated the effect for ruthenium but not for platinum and palladium catalysts. Chemisorption measurements have shown that the effect is not a simple function of metal loading or dispersion. A mechanism involving surface reconstruction and/or metal-support interaction is proposed.
The induction by Mn++ of heritable respiratory deficiency in non-dividing populations of Saccharomyces.

Abstract 1. 1. Mn ++ can induce heritable respiratory deficiency in Saccharomyces without the advent of cell division. 2. 2. The mutagenicity and toxicity of Mn ++ for non-dividing cells is determined by the cellular free amino acid contents and the relative Mg ++ concentration of the medium in which the cells are exposed. 3. 3. By proper adjustment of Mg ++ and Mn ++ concentrations it is possible to dissociate the mutagenic from the toxic properties of Mn ++ . 4. 4. It is concluded that Mn ++ induces heritable respiratory deficiency in Saccharomyces by directing abnormal protein syntheses resulting in decay of one or more essential physiological systems.
Global distribution of 129I in rivers and lakes: implications for iodine cycling in surface reservoirs

Iodine and 129I concentrations as well as 129I/I ratios were measured in 72 samples from lakes and rivers in order to report the global distribution of anthropogenic 129I. The highest values in ratios and 129I concentrations were found in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, but levels above pre-anthropogenic were found in all samples, including those from the high Arctic and from Antarctica. Low values are observed in equatorial regions, but another maximum is present in the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere, although it is smaller than that in the Northern Hemisphere. The distribution demonstrates on a global scale the rapid atmospheric transport of 129I from its sources, reprocessing plants located in the Northern Hemisphere. The minimum in 129I concentrations observed at low latitudes probably indicates that the overall remobilization of iodine is a function of regional soil ecosystems.
Ontogenetic change in preferred temperature and diel activity of the yellow bullhead, Ictalurus natalis

Abstract 1. 1. In an electronic thermoregulatory shuttlebox, the (24 hr) mean preferred temperature of 12 adult yellow bullheads was 27.6°C, while that of 12 juveniles was 28.8°C; the mean for all ages was 28.4°C (final preferenda). 2. 2. Mean preferred temperatures differed by no more than 0.4°C between photophase (day) and scotophase (night) of the light cycle. 3. 3. Adult bullheads were nocturnal (most active during the central 8 hr of the scotophase), while juveniles were more crepuscular (most active during the two 4-hr “dusk” periods centered about the light-dark and dark-light transitions).
Effect of particle volume change on characteristics in one-dimensional two-phase flow

Generalisation du modele a pression unique de l'ecoulement diphasique disperse unidimensionnel pour inclure une description elementaire du changement de volume des particules
Plutonium isotopes in the atmosphere

The concentrations of 238Pu and 239, 240Pu were measured in surface air and rain samples collected at Fayetteville (36°N, 94°W), Arkansas, during the period between October 1971 and November 1973. The 238PU/239, 240Pu ratios in many of the samples were found to be in the range between 0.1 and 0.3. These results indicate that appreciable amounts of 238Pu are being injected into the atmosphere by the recent nuclear weapons tests.
Providing Physical Activity for Older Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Abstract The U.S. Surgeon General has encouraged adults to become more physically active. Exercise professionals are hopeful that older adults have gotten the message. If so, activity and physical ...