cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes and Direct Costs of Needle Aponeurotomy, Collagenase Injection, and Fasciectomy in the Treatment of Dupuytren Contracture.

Purpose The aims of our study were to evaluate the rates and predictors of reinterventions and direct costs of 3 common treatments of Dupuytren contractures—needle aponeurotomy, collagenase injection, and surgical fasciectomy. Methods A retrospective review identified 848 interventions for Dupuytren contracture in 350 patients treated by a single surgeon from 2005 to 2016. The treatments included needle aponeurotomy (NA) (n = 444), collagenase injection (n = 272), and open fasciectomy (n = 132). We collected information on demographics, contracture details, and comorbidities. Outcomes included reintervention rates, time to reintervention, and direct cost of treatments. Standardized costs were calculated by applying 2017 Medicare reimbursement to professional services and cost-to-charge ratios to hospital charges. Results Demographics were similar among the 3 treatment groups. The fifth finger was the most commonly affected digit including 43% of the NA, 60% of the collagenase, and 45% of the fasciectomy groups. The 2-year rates of reintervention following NA, collagenase, and fasciectomy were 24%, 41%, and 4%, respectively, and the 5-year rates were 61%, 55%, and 4%, respectively. Younger age and severity of preintervention proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture were predictive of reintervention in the NA and collagenase groups. The standardized direct costs for NA, collagenase, and fasciectomy were $624, $4,189, and $5,291, respectively. Including all reinterventions, the cumulative costs per digit following NA, collagenase, and surgery at 5 years were $1,540, $5,952, and $5,507, respectively. Conclusions Treatment with collagenase resulted in the highest rate of reintervention at 2 years, comparable reintervention rates to NA at 5 years, and the highest cumulative costs. The NA was the least expensive and resulted in longer duration before reintervention compared with collagenase. More severe PIP joint contractures and younger age at time of initial intervention were predictive of reintervention after collagenase and NA. Fasciectomy has a high initial cost but the lowest reintervention rate. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut y tratamiento quirúrgico paliativo: Revisión bibliográfica

Introduction: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is one of the most severe forms of epilepsy in childhood due to the high frequency of seizures, drug resistance and associative frequency with cognitive impairment. The most common epileptic seizures are tonic, atonic and atypical absences, but other types can coexist. Palliative surgical treatment of LGS consists of performing callosotomy or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Objective: Review which palliative treatment for LGS, such as callosotomy and vagus nerve stimulation, that performs a better response in the remission of seizures. Methods: Bibliographic review of PubMed, LILACS, SciELO and CAPES Journal Platform. It was chosen articles mainly in English, published since 2000 and covering the palliative surgical treatment of LGS. The collected data were organized in tables. Results: 17 articles were selected, 8 were about callosotomy and 9 about VNS. Regarding callosotomy, a response was evaluated in 327 patients, and the state of free epileptic seizures was reached in 74 patients (22.62%). While an improvement of more than 50% occurred in 70.84% of the patients. Regarding VNS, 9 articles were selected, totaling 983 patients. They obtained a reduction of more than 50% of the seizures in 57,8% of them. Conclusion: Both procedures are effective in decreasing the frequency and severity of seizures in LGS. Callosotomy appears to be more effective in decreasing atonic attacks. In the articles evaluated, there was no difference in the reduction of all types of seizures.
Power efficient scheduling in multihop networks (Invited Paper)

In this paper, we present schedulers that minimize the total transmit power in a multihop wireless network. The focus is on guaranteeing an end-to-end delay bound for a single variable bit rate flow on a multihop fading channel. We first compute an analytical approximation for the transmit power required to send a variable bit rate source over a finite state fading channel. We then use this approximation to derive schedulers that have low complexity and near optimal performance over multihop networks where the fading processes on the multiple hops are independent. Properties of the optimal delay allocation are also studied; in the special case of a Gaussian network, the optimal delay allocation strategy is completely characterized.
Degrees of Freedom Region of the ( M , N ₁, N ₂) MIMO Broadcast Channel With Partial CSIT: An Application of Sum-Set Inequalities Based on Aligned Image Sets

The degrees of freedom (DoF) region is characterized for the 2-user multiple input multiple output (MIMO) broadcast channel (BC), where the transmitter is equipped with $M$ antennas, the two receivers are equipped with $N_{1}$ and $N_{2}$ antennas, and the levels of channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) for the two users are parameterized by $\beta _{1}, \beta _{2}$ , respectively. The achievability of the DoF region was established by Hao, Rassouli and Clerckx, but no proof of optimality was heretofore available. The proof of optimality is provided in this work with the aid of sum-set inequalities based on the aligned image sets (AIS) approach.
Chern insulator transitions with Wilson fermions on a hyperrectangular lattice

A $U(1)$ gauge theory coupled to a Wilson fermion on a $2+1$ dimensional cubic lattice is known to exhibit Chern insulatorlike topological transitions as a function of the ratio $M/R$ where $M$ is the fermion mass and $R$ is the Wilson parameter. I show that, with $M$ and $R$ held fixed, a rectangular lattice with anisotropic lattice spacing can exhibit distinct topological phases as a function of the lattice anisotropy. As a consequence, a $2+1$ dimensional lattice theory without any domain wall in the fermion mass can still exhibit chiral edge modes on a $1+1$ dimensional defect across which lattice spacing changes abruptly. Likewise, a domain wall in the fermion mass on a uniform rectangular lattice can exhibit discrete changes in the number and chirality of zero modes as a function of lattice anisotropy. The construction presented in this paper can be generalized to higher dimensional space-time lattices.
A seat at the table: examining the impact, ingenuity, and leadership practices of Black women and girls in PK-20 contexts

I have spent the last few weeks examining statements issued by school leaders across the United States in response to the killing of George Floyd: a beloved father, son, and friend. Derek Chauvin, ...
Aerosol, vapor, or chemicals? College student perceptions of harm from electronic cigarettes and support for a tobacco-free campus policy.

This study is the first to examine the influence of e-cigarette emission phrasing on perceived harm of secondhand exposure, and whether harm perception was associated with support for a tobacco-fre...
Changes in Size and Demographic Composition of Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Population Receiving Care at Integrated Health Systems

Abstract Objective To examine temporal changes in the number and demographic composition of transgender/gender non-binary (TGNB) population using data from integrated health care systems. Methods Electronic health records from Kaiser Permanente health plans in Georgia and Northern and Southern California were used to identify TGNB individuals, who sought care from January 2006 to December 2014, and the data were analyzed by year, site, age, and sex assigned at birth. Results In 2006, the number of TGNB people (and corresponding 95% CI) per 100 000 population were 3.5 (1.9, 6.3) in Georgia, 5.5 (4.8, 6.4) in Southern California, and 17 (16, 19) in Northern California. In 2014, these frequencies increased to 38 (32, 45), 44 (42, 46), and 75 (72, 78) per 100 000 population, respectively. When analyzed by age, the most rapid increase was observed among persons 18 to 25 years old, and this increase accelerated after 2010. The ratio of transmasculine to transfeminine persons also changed from 1:1.7 in 2006 to 1:1 in 2014 overall and from 1:1 in 2006 to 1.8:1 in 2014 among persons Conclusion This analysis confirms previous observations that the proportion of TGNB people is growing, especially among young adults. The composition of the TGNB population is also changing from predominantly transfeminine to roughly 1:1 overall and to predominantly transmasculine in children and adolescents.
Mothers, babies, and abortion at the border: Contradictory U.S. policies, or targeting fertility?:

Migrant women’s fertility—or more precisely, non-white migrant women’s fertility—has long been the subject of fear and anger in the United States. This negativity is evident in attitudes, discourse...
The Reference Assistant

In 2017, the authors conducted the third survey in an unofficial series about a type of law student employee in the law library that the authors call the reference assistant. This article analyzes the survey results, argues the advantages of the reference assistant, and details a case study of successful implementation of the reference assistant model at the BYU Law Library.
Effect of biochanin A on the rumen microbial community of Holstein steers consuming a high fiber diet and subjected to a subacute acidosis challenge.

Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) occurs when highly fermentable carbohydrates are introduced into the diet, decreasing pH and disturbing the microbial ecology of the rumen. Rumen amylolytic bacteria rapidly catabolize starch, fermentation acids accumulate in the rumen and reduce environmental pH. Historically, antibiotics (e.g., monensin, MON) have been used in the prevention and treatment of SARA. Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavone produced by red clover (Trifolium pratense), mitigates changes associated with starch fermentation ex vivo. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of BCA on amylolytic bacteria and rumen pH during a SARA challenge. Twelve rumen fistulated steers were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: HF CON (high fiber control), SARA CON, MON (200 mg d-1), or BCA (6 g d-1). The basal diet consisted of corn silage and dried distiller’s grains ad libitum. The study consisted of a 2-wk adaptation, a 1-wk HF period, and an 8-d SARA challenge (d 1–4: 40% corn; d 5–8: 70% cracked corn). Samples for pH and enumeration were taken on the last day of each period (4 h). Amylolytic, cellulolytic, and amino acid/peptide-fermenting bacteria (APB) were enumerated. Enumeration data were normalized by log transformation and data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The SARA challenge increased total amylolytics and APB, but decreased pH, cellulolytics, and in situ DMD of hay (P < 0.05). BCA treatment counteracted the pH, microbiological, and fermentative changes associated with SARA challenge (P < 0.05). Similar results were also observed with MON (P < 0.05). These results indicate that BCA may be an effective alternative to antibiotics for mitigating SARA in cattle production systems.
Listening-Related Fatigue in Children With Hearing Loss: Perspectives of Children, Parents, and School Professionals.

Purpose Children with hearing loss (CHL) are considered at risk for listening-related fatigue and its negative consequences. We collected data via focus groups and interviews from three stakeholder groups-CHL, their parents, and teachers/school professionals-in order to define the construct of listening-related fatigue from the perspective of CHL and key stakeholders. This is an important first step in our long-term goal to construct and validate a measure (i.e., scale) of listening-related fatigue for the pediatric population, with a focus on CHL. This article provides an overview of the data gathering process, analysis of qualitative reports, and the development of a theoretical framework for understanding the experience of listening-related fatigue in CHL. Method We conducted focus groups and interviews in school-age children exhibiting bilateral, moderate-to-profound hearing loss (n = 43), their parents (n = 17), and school professionals who work with CHL (n = 28). The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a hierarchical coding system. Qualitative analysis was conducted using an iterative inductive-deductive approach. Results We identified primary themes from the focus group/interview discussions to develop a theoretical framework of listening-related fatigue in CHL. The framework demonstrates the complex interaction among situational determinants that impact fatigue, symptoms or manifestations of fatigue, and the utilization of, and barriers to, coping strategies to reduce listening-related fatigue. Conclusions Participant discussion suggests that listening-related fatigue is a significant problem for many, but not all, CHL. Qualitative data obtained from these stakeholder groups help define the construct and provide a framework for better understanding listening-related fatigue in children.
“We’ll See Who’s Powerless Now!” Using WALL-E to Teach Administrative Ethics

Using fiction is a popular way to communicate sometimes-complex administrative practices. This paper uses Disney Pixar’s WALL-E to examine the movie’s ethical dilemmas and how to communicate those ...
Soluble and Volatile Metabolites of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs): Role and Practical Applications in Inhibiting Pathogens and Activating Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR)

Abstract Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) release soluble and volatile compounds, which are implicated in antibiosis, cell signalling, induction of resistance and tolerance in plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. Due to public concerns about the potential environmental hazards of chemical use in agriculture, exploration of PGPRs for alternative antimicrobials is picking up momentum. Biochemical and metabolomics analyses of diverse PGPRs have identified several potential compounds for development and deployment in agriculture. Chemical profiling and functional analyses have provided fundamental insights into the nature of soluble and volatile chemicals produced by PGPRs. These studies are providing a solid launching point for further studies into unravelling the chemical basis of activities of PGPRs. In this chapter, some of these findings will be discussed, which will hopefully stimulate much needed additional investigations focused on exploring the full spectrum of the antimicrobial potential of PGPRs. Future challenges in the field, including biosafety concerns and potential ecological consequences of PGPR-derived antimicrobials will also be discussed.
Ependymomas: MIB-1 proliferation index and survival

The biologic behavior of ependymomas is highly variable, and its correlation with histologic features is at best imprecise. This retrospective study attempted to correlate the malignant histologic characteristics of ependymomas with MIB-1 proliferation index and survival. Biopsy and resection specimens taken from 34 patients who received treatment 1972 to 1996 were histologically examined. The patients' ages range was 1 to 59 years. The histologic specimens were assessed for anaplastic features (necrosis, mitosis, vascular proliferation, cellular pleomorphism, and overlapping of nuclei) and an MIB-1 (Ki-67 antigen) proliferation index was also determined. The overall median MIB-1 proliferation index was 7.8% (range 0.1 - 62.5%). An MIB-1 of 20% was significant for a decrease in survival (RR = 5.7) (p = 0.0013). The median MIB-1 for patients 20 years was 5.1% (range 0.2, 9.4%) (KW p = 0.055). Three of 5 histological features evaluated were significantly associated with outcome: > 5 mitotic figures per high-power field, necrosis, and vascular proliferation, but not nuclear overlap or pleomorphism. All pathologic factors except pleomorphism were significantly related to the MIB-1 proliferation index. In brief, our data support the association of poor prognoses in ependymomas with young age, the presence of three to four anaplastic histologic features, and an MIB-1 proliferation index > 20%.
Downsizings, mergers, and acquisitions: Perspectives of human resource development practitioners

Purpose – This paper seeks to provide perspectives of HR practitioners based on their experiences with mergers, acquisitions, and/or downsizings.Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study utilized interviews with 13 HR practitioners. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method.Findings – HR practitioners were not involved in planning decisions related to downsizings, mergers, and/or acquisition. Neither the practitioners in this study nor other members of the HR team in their organizations had an upfront due diligence role in these change initiatives.Research limitations/implications – Additional research is needed to guide HRD practitioners in repositioning their roles so that they are more central to an organization's strategic decisions. Given the method of this study, the findings are not intended for generalization to larger populations. Future research should address the needs of HRD practitioners who are affected by downsizings, mergers, and/or acquisitions.Practical implicatio...
Performance evaluation of efficient multipath crossbars

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of high-performance crossbars where crossbars can be asymmetrical in size, buffered at all crosspoints, and capable of multipath routing. A crossbar, as a building block of switching networks, with the mentioned features in its structure can demonstrate fault-tolerant property. This property is a major factor for crossbars to play the role of high-performance entity in modern computer and communication systems. A generic condition of n /spl times/ k crossbar with n inputs (rows), k columns, and n outputs (rows) under which a crossbar becomes multipath is examined. In a multipath crossbar a packet can be routed through k different paths to an output. The multipath feature ensures the property of fault-tolerance and provides a faster congestion resolution especially under multicast traffic. The paper describes a two-dimensional Markov chain associated with the queueing model, and presents the performance evaluation of crossbars.
The intramolecular conformation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate in aqueous solution as studied by fast Fourier transform 1H and 1H-(31P) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of 5'-AMP were examined over a concentration range of 0.001 to 2.2 m in the Fourier mode in the 1H and 1H-{31P} configuration and were analyzed by computer simulation. The principal conclusions with respect to the solution conformation of 5'-AMP are as follows. (a) The exocyclic C(5')—O(5') and C(4')—C(5') bonds are flexible, and preferentially exist in the gauche-gauche conformation with a "W" relationship across H(4')—C(4')—C(5')—O(5')—P(5') in which the above atoms lie in one plane as in its crystal structure. (b) The ribose moiety exists as a flexible ring system undergoing interconversion between the 3E and 2E conformations. The sugar ring conformation is strongly concentration dependent, being 63 ± 10% 2E and 37 ± 10% 3E at concentrations below 0.01 m. At higher concentrations, the population of the 3E form increases at the expense of the 2E form, and at 2.0 m, 3E is the preferred conformation. In the solid state the conformation of the sugar ring is 3E for 5'-AMP.
Identification and reconstitution of anion exchange mechanisms in bacteria

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the identification and reconstitution of anion exchange mechanisms in bacteria. Work with vesicles and proteoliposomes shows that the chemiosmotic transport of sugar phosphates occurs, not by proton-symport, but by anion exchange, in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Further analysis shows the existence of a variable stoichiometry that allows homologous sugar phosphate exchange to mediate an unexpected net uptake of substrate. Because this exchange causes the influx of protons along with the sugar phosphate, continued transport depends on maintenance of a pH gradient (alkaline inside), thereby ensuring that the Pi-linked exchangers take part in the overall chemiosmotic circuitry of the cell. The study of Pi-linked exchange has defined not only their physiological and biochemical properties, but has also been the vehicle for development of a particularly simple set of protocols designed to study such proteins in an artificial liposomal system. Such methods that take advantage of the stabilizing effects of osmolytes (e.g., glycerol), have made it possible to use reconstitution in an analytical fashion, not just as a preparative tool.
Low vapor pressure braze alloys for thermionic energy converters

The evaluation of cesium diode electrode materials called for braze fillers with very low vapor pressures and a wide range of melting points. Binary alloys of low vapor pressure refractory metals were chosen to fill this need. These alloys of Th, Zr, Hf, Ru, Nb, Ir, Mo, Ta, Os, Re, and W have reported melting point minima or eutectics from 1,510 K to above 3,000 K. Preliminary data are compiled on the use of several of these braze alloys. Melting points and surface wetting on a Ta base are given. Results of brazing Ir, LaB6, Nb, Re, W, and Zr-22 wt % ZrO2 materials into Ta and Nb-1% Zr bases are presented. Current braze usage is summarized.
Architecture for a digital programmable image processing element

A very high speed integrated circuit is required to perform a 3-pixel-by-3-pixel sliding window convolution over an image. To perform this on real-time video requires on the order of \frac{9 mult}{pixel} \times \frac{512^{2} pixels}{frame} or 71 × 106multiplies/sec. A device has been designed to perform 90 × 106multiply-accumulate operations/sec. using 8-bit input words and providing full precision output. Since the device can perform general vector multiplication, it is therefore useful for general digital filtering. Sets of devices may be used to increase accuracy or to chain together to form high-order FIR filters, This paper describes the algorithms and architecture used within the device.
Signal Recovery on Graphs

We consider the problem of signal recovery on graphs as graphs model data with complex structure as signals on a graph. Graph signal recovery implies recovery of one or multiple smooth graph signals from noisy, corrupted, or incomplete measurements. We propose a graph signal model and formulate signal recovery as a corresponding optimization problem. We provide a general solution by using the alternating direction methods of multipliers. We next show how signal inpainting, matrix completion, robust principal component analysis, and anomaly detection all relate to graph signal recovery, and provide corresponding specific solutions and theoretical analysis. Finally, we validate the proposed methods on real-world recovery problems, including online blog classification, bridge condition identification, temperature estimation, recommender system, and expert opinion combination of online blog classification.
A pre-diffusion growth model of intentions and purchase

In this paper, we investigate whether information on the history of purchase intentions is useful in predicting actual purchase behavior. The research is motivated by two factors. The first factor is the empirical finding in the literature that measuring intentions just prior to purchase provides better predictions of actual purchase as compared to when these intentions are measured earlier. The second factor is the role of the timing of the formation of intentions prior to purchase. While one stream of literature based on preference fluency predicts that early formation of intentions is more likely to lead to actual purchase, the other stream based on the memory-based “recency” effect predicts that formation of intentions just prior to purchase is more likely to lead to actual purchase. Together, these two factors motivate the potential need to account for the entire history of intentions prior to purchase. A canonical example of a market where intention histories are tracked is the movie industry, where “first choice” movie watching intentions are tracked up to (and in some cases beyond) the time of release. Accommodating the history of intentions in an econometric model that predicts actual box office performance is challenging due to the differing numbers of observations for the movies, the large numbers of observations for certain movies, as well as the role of various time-invariant and time-varying covariates influencing intentions. We propose a two-part model where the first part involves a hierarchical growth model that summarizes the trajectories of intentions via “growth factors.” These growth factors also reflect the role of the various covariates. The second part is a regression of the box office performance on the growth factors and other covariates. The models are simultaneously estimated within a Bayesian framework. Consistent with the previous literature, we find that including information on intentions improves our ability to predict behavior, with the recent intentions being the most informative. Importantly, when the history of intentions is accounted for, our results indicate that the data support the “recency” literature—intentions grow over time leading up to purchase, and this growth has a positive impact on opening box office performance. While a linear growth model performs best for most movies, there exists a subset of movies for which the quadratic growth model better captures the “spike” in intentions just prior to purchase. Further, accounting for information on the history of intentions dramatically improves model fit and forecasting performance relative to when only the intentions at one point in time (e.g., the ones just prior to purchase) are accounted for.
The structure of an NAD-pyruvate complex

Abstract The structure of an NAD-pyruvate complex was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopic methods. Pyruvate in alkaline solution adds as an enolate anion specifically to the C-4 position of NAD+ to yield an addition complex which has a maximum absorption at 340 mμ. This complex undergoes a slower cyclization reaction involving the carbonyl group of the pyruvate and the amino group of the nicotinamide. The cyclized product has an absorption maximum at 417 mμ. The complex is not active with respect to lactic dehydrogenase but has the same biological activity in stimulating 32P-orthophosphate into lipids of rat liver homogenates as does a physical mixture of NADH and pyruvate.
Influence of Particle Shape on the Properties of Magnetorheological Fluids

We present studies of the rheological properties and dispersion stability of MR fluids as a function of particle shape by comparing fluids made with uniform nickel spheres to those employing nickel...
Isostatic Hot‐Pressing of UO2

Final-stage isostatic hot-pressing of nearly stoichiometric UO2 was investigated. The rate of hot-pressing is linearly dependent on the pressure driving force F=P+(2γ/r)—p, where P and p are the external and internal pressures, respectively, γ the average surface energy, and r average pore radius. The apparent activation energy for hot-pressing agrees with that for U bulk diffusion. Grain growth during hot-pressing follows d∝tn, where d is the grain diameter, t is time, and n=0.2. Grain size is also a function of temperature at constant density. The results indicate that Nabarro-Herring creep is the controlling mechanism of hot-pressing over the range of variables investigated, although the applicability of this model is questioned. The results also show that sintered UO2 can entrap gas that can lead to swelling.
Metadata capital: Simulating the predictive value of Self-Generated Health Information (SGHI)

Metadata is crucial for understanding data, and can be viewed as a form of capital in the context of Big data. This paper reports on research simulating the potential of SGHI (Self-Generated Health Information) for predicting asthma episodes. A data set of 2,000 cases was generated using the Monte Carlo simulation method, with secondary modifications on air quality and geo-location. The research is being pursued as part of a National Consortium for Data Science (NCDS) effort. The research conducted demonstrates that metadata has an inherent “predictive value” and confirms that metadata is crucial for data analytics. The work presented also provides insights into the best direction for future work in this area.
Sensitive multistep clinical molecular screening of 180 unrelated individuals with retinoblastoma detects 36 novel mutations in the RB1 gene

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a neoplasm of retinal origin caused by mutations in RB1, the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene. To facilitate genetics counseling and patient management, we adopted a multistep molecular screening assay for detecting RB1 mutations. This assay included DNA sequencing to identify mutations within coding exons and immediate flanking intronic regions, Southern blot analysis to characterize genomic rearrangements, and transcript analysis to characterize potential splicing mutations buried within introns. In a pilot investigation of 180 patients from North America, we identified germline RB1 mutations in 77 out of 85 bilateral RB patients (91%), 7 out of 10 familial unilateral (70%), and 6 out of 85 unilateral patients with no family history of RB (7%). Mutations included 36 novel alterations spanning the entire RB1 gene. Seven of these novel changes were missense or silent mutations. Sequence analysis predicted that, in five out of seven cases, the changes can cause aberrant splicing. This was confirmed by transcript analysis in four out of five cases. In addition, four intronic point mutations within nonconsensus sites activated cryptic splice sites. Without the transcript analysis, the significance of these 11 mutations would have remained undefined. In a separate investigation of a subset of unilateral RB tumors, we identified somatic biallelic RB1 gene inactivation in 34 out of 56 cases (61%) cases. In 14 tumors, only one of the two RB1 mutations could be detected, and in eight tumors, no mutations were detected. The absence of detectable RB1 mutations in eight bilateral cases and eight unilateral tumors suggests that alternative genetic mechanisms may underlie the development of RB in certain individuals.
Cyclic variations of uranium concentrations and oxygen isotopes in tufa from the middle Miocene Barstow Formation, Mojave Desert, California

Uranium concentrations of 42 to 169 ppm in fibrous calcite from spring-deposited tufa in the middle Miocene Barstow Formation, California, are among the highest reported for calcite. Fission-track maps of multiple bands of uniformly dull-luminescent fibrous calcite show that the concentration of U increases in the outward growth direction of the calcite of each individual band. Homogeneous dull luminescence in the fibrous calcite indicates no change in redox conditions of the fluid from which the calcite was precipitated. It is proposed that the cyclic pattern of increase in U concentration reflects a cyclical change in the U/Ca ratio in the fluid. Episodic mixing between Ca-rich spring water with a low U/Ca ratio and Ca-poor saline alkaline lake water with a high U/Ca ratio could produce the episodes of formation of fibrous calcite with increasing U concentrations. The spring water supplies the Ca for calcite precipitation, and the U concentrations increase with the decreasing fraction of spring water and increasing fraction of lake water. These cycles reflect a variable recharge of groundwater into the lake by springs. The large variation in U concentrations suggests mixing of 0% to 45% spring water with the lake, while the narrow range in δ 18 O of −6.37‰ to −6.87‰ limits the variation of the proportions of spring and lake water to 5%.
Matter and geometry in a unified theory

The prediction of general relativity on the gravitational collapse of matter ending in a point is viewed as an absurdity of the kind to be expected in any consistent physical theory due to ultimate conflicts of the axioms of geometry with the properties of physical objects. The necessity to introduce a probability interpretation for the solution of partial differential equations in space time for quantum theory points to similar roots. It is pointed out that quantum theory in the very small is not going to eliminate the problem, but macroscopic quantum effects in the large, modifying the properties of the horizon, may achieve it. Solutions such as wormholes allow as much empirical evidence as any science fiction. The present approach considers successive modifications of the field equations and equations of motion of gravitational theory by admixture of terms with higher derivatives. The rigorous application of a gauge principle combines Einstein's equations with the tensor analog of Maxwell's equations which are of third order for the metric. It is speculated that the natural presence of torsion in such a gauge theory is related to matter sources.
A method of determining DNA and chondrocyte content of articular cartilage

Abstract A novel and precise method was devised to study the DNA and chondrocyte content of articular cartilage. It involved the sequential digestion of cartilage matrix with hyaluronidase, trypsin, and collagenase to release the chondrocytes. A direct cell count and DNA assays were then performed on the cells. The concentration of cells was the quotient of the total number of cells and the weight of cartilage used. The DNA content of cartilage is identical to the amount of DNA in the chondrocytes. Our data also confirmed the earlier findings that cell density and DNA content of articular cartilage decreased gradually to a relatively constant level as animals matured to adulthood.
MANDIBULAR LESIONS IN THE WESTERN ARCTIC CARIBOU HERD OF ALASKA

Lesions were noted in 7.0 and 4.4% of mandible pairs collected from the Western Arctic caribou herd of northwestern Alaska in 1959-61 and 1975-77, respectively. The prevalence of mandibular lesions in the 1959-61 collection is believed to be the highest reported in wild caribou herds of North America. The frequency of occurrence of mandibular lesions was highest in caribou 7 years of age and older, and there was a higher prevalence in adult males than in adult females. Trauma, dental abscesses, and periodontal disease were the probable cause of most lesions. Pathogenic bacteria were not isolated from mandibular lesions from an 11 year-old female. Thirty-three of 98 (33.7%) mandibles with lesions were missing one tooth, while ten (10.2%) were missing more than one tooth. The first molar (M1) was the most common tooth lost in association with lesions, although the loss of two or more teeth was more common among premolars than among molars.
Statistical analysis of continuous ozone measurements

Abstract Statistical techniques for extracting information from a continuous record of air quality are presented and applied to ozone measurements from five monitoring sites in the Chicago metropolitan area. Statistical descriptors such as the mean and variance of ozone concentration, autocorrelation function, and the equivalent number of independent observations in a continuous record are determined. The frequencies and durations of exceedances above selected concentration levels are developed, and models examined to describe the distribution of exceedance durations. Daily maximum hourly and hourly ozone measurements during summer months are highly autocorrelated; this correlation is highly persistent and limiting coefficients are on the order of ± 0.2 to ± 0.3 at time lags of 15 to 20 days or more. The equivalent number of independent observations in a continuous record of summer daily maximum hourly ozone measurements was approximately 20 to 79 % of the total number of measurements; for summer hourly ozone measurements, only a few per cent of the hourly measurements were statistically independent. At higher exceedance levels (100 ppb or greater), observed average and median exceedance durations of summer daily maximum hourly ozone concentrations were, in general, on the order of one to two days. The observed distributions of exceedance durations were reasonably well-described by exponential and power function models. These models can be used to estimate expected frequencies and durations of exceedances and the conditional probabilities of exceedance duration. Results of the analyses of exceedance duration support the notion that episode control schemes need to include actions which can be implemented within a short time period, e.g., one day, after initiation of an exceedance episode in order to be effective in protecting the public health and air quality.
Radioimmunoassay of IgM and IgG antitetanus toxoid antibody.

Abstract A radioimmunoassay was developed to quantitate antitetanus toxoid antibody in whole plasma which can detect 0.75 ng IgG antibody (0.75 μg/ml plasma) and 1.60 ng IgM antibody (0.40 μg/ml plasma). The IgG antibody was measured by direct binding to a tetanus toxoid-Sepharose immunoadsorbent. The IgM antibody was measured by inhibition of binding by soluble tetanus toxoid because of the relatively high and erratic non-specific reaction between IgM and the immunoadsorbent. The immunoglobulin standards were [ 131 I]IgG or [ 131 I]IgM coupled to Sepharose, respectively, and the amount of antibody activity in the 125 I-labeled antiglobulin reagents could be calculated from the amount bound to the immunoadsorbent and the specific activity of the appropriate immunoglobulin standard. The assay is sensitive, reproducible and suitable for use with large numbers of samples: it should find wide applicability in both clinical and experimental settings.
Nomic Necessity in Marketing Theory: The Issue of Counterfactual Conditionals

One of the well-established characteristics of lawlike generalizations is nomic necessity, i.e., the quality of universality or inevitability. In turn, the ability to support so-called “counterfactual conditionals” is considered the hallmark of lawlike statements which possess nomic necessity. Unfortunately, there seems to be some inconsistent interpretation of this counterfactual-support requirement, revealed even in some of the most prominent works on the subject in the field of marketing. This paper represents an attempt to clarify the situation.
Crystal structure of the human acyl protein thioesterase I from a single X-ray data set to 1.5 A.

Abstract Background: Many proteins undergo posttranslational modifications involving covalent attachment of lipid groups. Among them is palmitoylation, a dynamic, reversible process that affects trimeric G proteins and Ras and constitutes a regulatory mechanism for signal transduction pathways. Recently, an acylhydrolase previously identified as lysophospholipase has been shown to function as an acyl protein thioesterase, which catalyzes depalmitoylation of Gα proteins as well as Ras. Its amino acid sequence suggested that the protein is evolutionarily related to neutral lipases and other thioesterases, but direct structural information was not available. Results: We have solved the crystal structure of the human putative Gα-regulatory protein acyl thioesterase (hAPT1) with a single data set collected from a crystal containing the wild-type protein. The phases were calculated to 1.8 A resolution based on anomalous scattering from Br − ions introduced in the cryoprotectant solution in which the crystal was soaked for 20 s. The model was refined against data extending to a resolution of 1.5 A to an R factor of 18.6%. The enzyme is a member of the ubiquitous α/β hydrolase family, which includes other acylhydrolases such as the palmitoyl protein thioesterase (PPT1). Conclusions: The human APT1 is closely related to a previously described carboxylesterase from Pseudomonas fluorescens . The active site contains a catalytic triad of Ser-114, His-203, and Asp-169. Like carboxylesterase, hAPT1 appears to be dimeric, although the mutual disposition of molecules in the two dimers differs. Unlike carboxylesterase, the substrate binding pocket and the active site of hAPT1 are occluded by the dimer interface, suggesting that the enzyme must dissociate upon interaction with substrate.
Oxygen sensing and signaling: impact on the regulation of physiologically important genes.

A growing number of physiologically relevant genes are regulated in response to changes in intracellular oxygen tension. It is likely that cells from a wide variety of tissues share a common mechanism of oxygen sensing and signal transduction leading to the activation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Besides hypoxia, transition metals (Co2+, Ni2+ and Mn2+) and iron chelation also promote activation of HIF-1. Induction of HIF-1 by hypoxia is blocked by the heme ligands carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. There is growing, albeit indirect, evidence that the oxygen sensor is a flavoheme protein and that the signal transduction pathway involves changes in the level of intracellular reactive oxygen intermediates. The activation of HIF-1 by hypoxia depends upon signaling-dependent rescue of its α-subunit from oxygen-dependent degradation in the proteasome, allowing it to form a heterodimer with HIF-1β (ARNT), which then translocates to the nucleus and impacts on the transcription of genes whose cis-acting elements contain cognate hypoxia response elements.
Complacency and Automation Bias in the Use of Imperfect Automation

OBJECTIVE: We examine the effects of two different kinds of decision-aiding automation errors on human-automation interaction (HAI), occurring at the first failure following repeated exposure to correctly functioning automation. The two errors are incorrect advice, triggering the automation bias, and missing advice, reflecting complacency. BACKGROUND: Contrasts between analogous automation errors in alerting systems, rather than decision aiding, have revealed that alerting false alarms are more problematic to HAI than alerting misses are. Prior research in decision aiding, although contrasting the two aiding errors (incorrect vs. missing), has confounded error expectancy. METHOD: Participants performed an environmental process control simulation with and without decision aiding. For those with the aid, automation dependence was created through several trials of perfect aiding performance, and an unexpected automation error was then imposed in which automation was either gone (one group) or wrong (a second group). A control group received no automation support. RESULTS: The correct aid supported faster and more accurate diagnosis and lower workload. The aid failure degraded all three variables, but "automation wrong" had a much greater effect on accuracy, reflecting the automation bias, than did "automation gone," reflecting the impact of complacency. Some complacency was manifested for automation gone, by a longer latency and more modest reduction in accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Automation wrong, creating the automation bias, appears to be a more problematic form of automation error than automation gone, reflecting complacency. IMPLICATIONS: Decision-aiding automation should indicate its lower degree of confidence in uncertain environments to avoid the automation bias. Language: en
Strain Energy Release Rates for Crack Growth in an Elastic Cylinder Subjected to Axial Shear

Abstract Strain energy release rates have been calculated by finite element analysis (FEA) for various modes of failure of a long cylindrical elastic tube bonded between a rigid cylindrical core and a rigid surrounding tube. The core is subjected to an axial load so that the elastic tube is sheared. Fracture loads have been calculated for cracks propagating either along the interface or into the elastic material, at 45° to the interface, using linear elastic fracture mechanics and computed strain energy release rates. They are derived in terms of the initial crack size, the interfacial or bulk fracture energy, and the shear modulus of the elastic material. For an interfacial crack the failure load was found to be proportional to the tube length, the square root of the core radius, and a decreasing function of the elastic tube thickness, Ro/Ri. For a 45° crack, the presence of the rigid surrounding tube stabilized the crack at a certain size and an increasing load was needed to cause further growth. It is ...
Compensating changes in fertility and mortality.

This paper illustrates a method of studying changes in vital rate schedules which have no effect on the intrinsic rate of population growth. These changes are described as compensating changes in fertility and mortality. The analysis proceeds from the discrete perspective of Leslie matrices, wherein the central idea is to establish the set of all compensating changes by identifying that class of Leslie matrices which possess the same positive eigenvalue, λ1. A root-squaring technique is adapted for the purpose of estimating λ1. Finally, a variety of compensating fertility and mortality changes is illustrated using data from Japan.
Fluxes of Heat and Momentum Measured with a Boundary-Layer Wind Profiler Radar-Radio Acoustic Sounding System.

Abstract A 915-MHz boundary-layer wind profiler radar with radio acoustic sounding system (RASS) capability has been used to measure the turbulent fluxes of heat and momentum in the convective boundary layer by eddy correlation. The diurnal variation of the heat flux at several heights between 160 and 500 m above ground level and values of the momentum flux for 2-h periods in midday from 160 to 1000 m are presented, as well as wind and temperature data. The momentum flux is calculated both from the clear-air velocities and from the RASS velocities, and the two results are compared.
The FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib inhibits ABCG2 at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, with implications for both chemosensitization and adverse drug interactions.

The oral second-generation bis-aryl urea fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor quizartinib (AC220) has favorable kinase selectivity and pharmacokinetics. It inhibits mutant and wild-type FLT3 in vivo at 0.1 and 0.5 µM, respectively, and has shown favorable activity and tolerability in phase I and II trials in acute myeloid leukemia, with QT prolongation as the dose-limiting toxicity. Co-administration with chemotherapy is planned. We characterized interactions of quizartinib with the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein) and ABCG2 (breast cancer resistance protein). Its effects on uptake of fluorescent substrates and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, binding to ABCB1 and ABCG2 drug-binding sites by effects on [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin ([125I]-IAAP) photolabeling and ATPase activity, and cell viability by the WST-1 colorimetric assay. Quizartinib inhibited transport of fluorescent ABCG2 and ABCB1 substrates in ABCG2- and ABCB1-overexpressing cells in a concentration-dependent manner, from 0.1 to 5 µM and from 0.5 to 10 µM, respectively, and inhibited [125I]-IAAP photolabeling of ABCG2 and ABCB1 with IC50 values of 0.07 and 3.3 µM, respectively. Quizartinib at higher concentrations decreased ABCG2, but not ABCB1, ATPase activity. Co-incubation with quizartinib at 0.1 to 1 µM sensitized ABCG2-overexpressing K562/ABCG2 and 8226/MR20 cells to ABCG2 substrate chemotherapy drugs in a concentration-dependent manner in cell viability and apoptosis assays. Additionally, quizartinib increased cellular uptake of the ABCG2 substrate fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin, which also prolongs the QT interval, in a concentration-dependent manner, predicting altered ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics when co-administered with quizartinib. Thus quizartinib inhibits ABCG2 at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, with implications for both chemosensitization and adverse drug interactions. These interactions should be considered in the design of treatment regimens combining quizartinib and chemotherapy drugs and in choice of concomitant medications to be administered with quizartinib.