cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Layoffs and Their Ethical Implications under Scientific Management, Quality Management and Open-Book Management

Two major management philosophies of the 20th Century, scientific management and quality management, are often contrasted. Scientific management is seen as a system that focuses on task efficiencies whereas quality management is described as a collaborative, people-centered process approach to continuous improvement. This paper examines the ethical implications of these diverse approaches, particularly in the way information is used to decide which employees to lay off in times of economic difficulty. The paper uses case examples of quality management as teaching tools to place the conduct of managers within utilitarian, deontological and justice approaches to ethical decision making. Finally, it suggests that a third system, open-book management, may help deal with this ethical dilemma, though not without risk.
Safety and Efficacy of Topical Mitomycin C in Myringotomy Patency

OBJECTIVE: To develop an alternative method for prolonged middle ear ventilation using topical mitomycin C.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty guinea pigs with normal ears had bilateral myringotomies performed using the argon laser. After myringotomy, either mitomycin C (0.4 mg/mL) or saline pledgets were applied topically. Monitoring consisted of otomicroscopy and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions.RESULTS: Before myringotomy, all tympanic membranes were intact, and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions were measurable. After myringotomy, none (0%) of the saline-treated myringotomies were patent at day 7 as compared with 100% of the mitomycin C-treated myringotomies. At day 42, 10 (52.6%) of 19 mitomycin-treated myringotomies remained patent and 4 (28.6%) of 14 were patent at 131 days. Five (13.1%) ears developed purulent otorrhea; 3 were mitomycin C-treated and 2 were treated with saline solution. Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions testing did not document any evidence of ototoxicity.CONCLUS...
ESTIMATING THE RELIABILITY OF MULTIPLE TRUE‐FALSE TESTS

This study was designed to examine the level of dependence within multiple true-false (MTF) test item clusters by computing sets of item intercorrelations with data from a test composed of both MTF and multiple choice (MC) items. It was posited that internal analysis reliability estimates for MTF tests would be spurious due to elevated MTF within-cluster intercorrelations. Results showed that, on the average, MTF within-cluster dependence was no greater than that found between MTF items from different clusters, between MC items, or between MC and MTF items. But item for item, there was greater dependence between items within the same cluster than between items of different clusters.
Suppression of mitogenic activity by stable expression of the regulatory domain of PKCβ

The amino-terminal regulatory domain portion of each protein kinase C (PKC) family member (which in the case of PKC beta 1 includes the pseudosubstrate, C1, V1 and C2 domains) plays an important role in regulating the kinase activity of the carboxyl-terminal catalytic domain. To examine the possibility that this regulatory domain region (designated 'PAT') might have biological functions independent of the catalytic domain, we have developed derivatives of R6 cells which stably express a truncated PKC beta 1 cDNA that encodes the amino-terminal 317 amino acids, including the entire regulatory domain. These R6-plPAT cells express abundant amounts of a 38 kDa protein which binds a labeled phorbol ester, but lacks protein kinase activity. In contrast to the 79 kDa PKC beta 1 holoenzyme which, when overexpressed in R6 cells, is found mostly in the cytosol, the 38 kDa PAT protein is predominantly associated with the particulate subcellular fraction. Furthermore, the PAT protein fails to show down-regulation following treatment of R6-plPAT cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Evidence is also presented that TPA-stimulated growth is suppressed in R6-plPAT cells. These findings suggest that the PKC beta 1 regulatory domain could be involved in the suppression of mitogenic signaling.
Spectroscopic and magnetochemical studies on the active site copper complex in galactose oxidase

Abstract Galactose oxidase is a radical copper oxidase, an enzyme making use of a covalently modified tyrosine residue as a free radical redox cofactor in alcohol oxidation catalysis. We report here a combination of spectroscopic and magnetochemical studies developing insight into the interactions between the active site Cu(II) and two distinct tyrosine ligands in the biological complex. One of the tyrosine ligands (Y495) is coordinated to the Cu(II) metal center as a phenolate in the resting enzyme and serves as a general base to abstract a proton from the coordinated substrate, thus activating it for oxidation. The structure of the resting enzyme is temperature-dependent as a consequence of an internal proton equilibrium associated with this tyrosine that mimics this catalytic proton transfer step. The other tyrosine ligand (Y272) is covalently crosslinked to a cysteine residue forming a tyrosine–cysteine dimer free radical redox site that is required for hydrogen atom abstraction from the activated substrate alkoxide. The presence of the free radical in the oxidized active enzyme results in formation of an EPR-silent Cu(II) complex shown by multifield magnetic saturation experiments to be a diamagnetic singlet arising from antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between the metal and radical spins. A paramagnetic contribution observed at higher temperature may be associated with thermal population of the triplet state, thus permitting an estimate of the magnitude of the isotropic exchange coupling (J>200 cm−1, JS1·S2) in this complex. Structural correlations and the possible mechanistic significance of metal–radical coupling in the active enzyme are discussed.
Communication Strategies and Accommodations Utilized by Health Care Providers With Hearing Loss: A Pilot Study

Purpose Poor communication between health care providers and patients may negatively impact patient outcomes, and enhancing communication is one way to improve outcomes. Effective communication is particularly important for health care providers who have hearing loss. The authors found that a systematic survey of the communication strategies and experiences of health care providers with hearing loss had not yet been conducted. Method In this pilot study, 32 health care professionals with hearing loss were recruited via the Association of Medical Professionals With Hearing Losses and were asked to complete a 28-question survey. Results Health care providers with hearing loss already employ strategies that all health care providers are encouraged to use in order to enhance patient–provider communication, and survey participants have found the strategies to be effective. Conclusions The communication techniques and assistive technologies used by individuals with hearing loss seem to be effective: All partici...
Realization of stationary homogeneous systems: The degree 2 case

For degree 2, stationary, continuous-time, homogeneous systems, we consider realizations in the form of feedback-free interconnections of linear stationary systems, adders, and multipliers. Given a symmetric kernel or transfer function representation, we present necessary and sufficient conditions for realizability and a constructive procedure for obtaining an interconnection realization.
Test of a Latent Structure of Performance Ratings Derived from Wherry’s (1952) Theory of Rating

A model of the latent structure of performance ratings based on Wherry's (19.52) theory of rating was developed which sought to explain relationships between multiple ratings, each of multiple performance dimensions, obtained from multiple rating sources. The model was tested using data obtained from first-and second-level supervisors who rated the performance of approximately 700 entry level clerical and professional/technical employees of 96 insurance, financial, and service organizations. Results only partially confirmed the a priori model, supporting specifications of dimensional true performance and overall rater bias effects, but failing to support specifications of areal (dimensional) bias effects on ratings.
Monitoring breast masses with ultrasound tomography in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy

The purpose of this study was to correlate changes in biomechanical properties of breast cancer lesions in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Nine patients were examined repeatedly throughout their treatment, using an experimental prototype based on the principles of ultrasound tomography. The study was HIPAA compliant, approved by the Institutional Review Board, and performed after obtaining the requisite informed consent. Images of reflection, sound speed and attenuation, representing the entire volume of the breast, were reconstructed from the exam data and analyzed for time-dependent changes during the treatment period. It was found that changes in tumor properties could be measured in all cases. Furthermore, changes in sound speed were found to vary strongly from patient to patient. A comparison of the sound speed response curves with pathological findings suggests that complete responders exhibit distinctly different responses as measured by sound speed. These preliminary results were used to define a cut-point for predicting response. Subsequently, a prospective prediction of the treatment response of a new patient was made correctly. We hypothesize that changes in the biomechanical properties of breast cancers, as measured by sound speed, can predict response. Future studies will focus on testing this hypothesis and defining and quantifying markers of response.
Strain-Induced Phase and Oxygen-Vacancy Stability in Ionic Interfaces from First-Principles Calculations

Understanding interfacial chemistry is becoming crucial in materials design for heterointerfaces. Using density functional theory, we elucidate the effect of strained interfaces on phase and oxygen-vacancy stability for CeO2|ZrO2, ThO2|ZrO2 and CeO2|ThO2 interfaces. The calculations show that ZrO2 transforms from cubic fluorite to the orthorhombic columbite under tensile strain providing evidence of a previous experimental speculation of an unrecognized ZrO2 phase. We also show oxygen vacancy formation energy decreases in the presence of tensile strain. As a result, the interfacial strain could be used as a knob to stabilize oxygen vacancies on either side of the interface, and control their concentration for fast-ion conductor applications.
Differential expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors 1-5 in the developing nervous system

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) binds to G protein-coupled receptors and can regulate a wide range of cellular functions. In a previous study, we isolated two key enzymes in the S1P pathway that were expressed in migrating neural crest cells. To determine if S1P receptors are present in neural crest cells or peripheral nervous system, we examine the expression patterns of S1P receptors (S1pr1-5) in mouse, and s1pr1 and s1pr3 in chick embryos. Here, we present a comprehensive expression analysis of these receptors using in situ hybridizations, which provide spatiotemporal information. We showed that S1pr2 was expressed in migrating cranial neural crest cells and enteric neurons. S1pr1 was prominently expressed in the neuroepithelium whereas S1pr4 and S1pr5 were in neurons at later stages. On the contrary, S1pr3 was predominantly detected in non-neuronal cells within and surrounding neural structures. We also described novel expression sites for S1P receptors in the developing nervous system.
Staff Nurses Working Together to Improve Care for Late-preterm Infants

Late-preterm infants have unique nursing care needs that require attention for the infant to transition easily to the newborn phase of life. With limited physiological reserves to respond to stress, the focus of nursing care is early recognition of stress and conservation of reserves. Evaluating current nursing practices compared with evidence-based practices can reveal what may seem to be minor practices that can have significant negative effects on care of the late-preterm infant. Involving all members of the health care team to increase awareness of the issues surrounding this unique population can lead to staff development and united efforts that improve outcomes for the late-preterm infant.
Photoresist with Low Fluorescence for Bioanalytical Applications

The negative photoresist SU-8 has found widespread use as a material in the fabrication of microelectrical-mechanical systems (MEMS). Although SU-8 has been utilized as a structural material for biological MEMS, a number of SU-8 properties limit its application in these bioanalytical devices. These attributes include its brittleness, nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules, and high fluorescence in the visible wavelengths. In addition, native SU-8 is a poor substrate for cellular adhesion. Photoresists composed of resins with epoxide side groups and photoacids were screened for their ability to serve as a low-fluorescence photoresist with sufficient resolution to generate microstructures with dimensions of 5-10 microm. The fluorescence of structures formed from 1002F photoresist (1002F resin combined with triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts) was as much as 10 times less fluorescent than similar SU-8 microstructures. The absorbance of 1002F in the visible wavelengths was also substantially lower than that of SU-8. Microstructures or pallets with an aspect ratio as high as 4:1 could be formed permitting 1002F to be used as a structural material in the fabrication of arrays of pallets for sorting adherent cells. Several different cell types were able to adhere to native 1002F surfaces, and the viability of these cells was excellent. As with SU-8, 1002F has a weak adhesion to glass, a favorable attribute when the pallet arrays are used to sort adherent cells. A threshold, laser pulse energy of 3.5 microJ was required to release individual 50 microm, 1002F pallets from an array. Relative to SU-8, 1002F photoresist offers substantial improvements as a substrate in bioanalytical devices and is likely to find widespread use in BioMEMS.
Repetitive nerve stimulation of facial muscles in MuSK antibody-positive myasthenia gravis

To better define electrophysiological abnormalities in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies (Ab), we compared electrophysiological features of 14 MuSK Ab-positive, 73 acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab)-positive, and 22 MuSK and AChR Ab-negative (seronegative) patients with generalized disease. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) abnormalities were observed in 86% of MuSK Ab-positive and 82% of AChR Ab-positive patients but in only 55% of seronegative patients. RNS decrements in the orbicularis oculi were more common and severe in the MuSK Ab-positive patients than the other two groups. Single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) of the extensor digitorum communis was abnormal in 90% of MuSK Ab-positive patients. The high frequency of RNS abnormalities in facial muscles in the MuSK Ab-positive population reflects the propensity for facial muscle involvement in this form of MG and emphasizes the importance of including facial muscles in RNS protocols when evaluating these patients.
Second-order state transition for relative motion near perturbed, elliptic orbits

This paper develops a tensor and its inverse, for the analytical propagation of the position and velocity of a satellite, with respect to another, in an eccentric orbit. The tensor is useful for relative motion analysis where the separation distance between the two satellites is large. The use of nonsingular elements in the formulation ensures uniform validity even when the reference orbit is circular. Furthermore, when coupled with state transition matrices from existing works that account for perturbations due to Earth oblateness effects, its use can very accurately propagate relative states when oblateness effects and second-order nonlinearities from the differential gravitational field are of the same order of magnitude. The effectiveness of the tensor is illustrated with various examples.
Purification and characterization of deoxycytidine kinase from acute myeloid leukemia cell mitochondria

Deoxycytidine kinase is a key anabolic enzyme for the activation of ara-C and other antitumor drugs, as well as normal purine and pyrimidine deoxynucleotides. Previously, two forms of the kinase have been identified; deoxycytidine kinase I (70 kDa) and deoxycytidine kinase II (70 kDa). Deoxycytidine kinase I utilized dCyd and ara-C as substrates, while deoxycytidine kinase II used dCyd and dThd as substrates. Deoxycytidine kinase kinase II had very low activity on ara-C as a substrate. We report a procedure for the purification of a novel deoxycytidine kinase (52 kDa) from isolated human peripheral blood leukemia cell mitochondria. This enzyme has activity similar to deoxycytidine kinase II. The enzyme was extracted from the mitochondria with digitonin (1 mg/8 mg protein) and 0.3 M NaCl, and the extract was purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and thymidine-Sepharose affinity chromatography. This procedure produced a near homogeneous enzyme preparation with a yield of 70%. The mitochondrial deoxycytidine kinase was localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane. The enzyme phosphorylated dCyd (Km = 17 microM), however, ara-C was not a good substrate for the mitochondrial deoxycytidine kinase. ATP was the best phosphate donor, whereas dCTP and dTTP were potent inhibitors of mitochondrial deoxycytidine kinase. In contrast, phosphorylation of ara-C by deoxycytidine kinase I utilized GTP, dGTP, or ATP as a phosphate donor.
Nutritional Management of Liver Transplant Candidates

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: The majority of transplant centers in the United States do not use strict protein, Na+ and fluid restrictions in patients awaiting liver transplant. Modalities long used to treat end-stage liver disease include strict protein, sodium (Na+) and fluid restrictions. We sought to determine the extent to which other liver transplant (LTx) centers restrict protein, Na+ and fluid while providing adequate calories and protein in patients awaiting LTx. Directors of the 79 adult LTx centers in the United Network for Organ Sharing were surveyed by mail on their policies for provision of calories, protein, vitamins, Na+ and fluid; 51 of 79 (65%) responded. Calorie needs were most often determined by either the Harris-Benedict equation (stress factor range, 1.2-1.5) (43% of centers) or a calorie range of 25-35 kcal/kg actual, estimated dry, or ideal body weight (IBW) (24%). Protein is provided according to g/kg by 83% (range most frequently used: 1.0-1.5 g/kg actual, estimated dry, or IBW); only 15% prescribe a fixed amount(e.g., 40 g/d). Daily total protein and animal protein are never restricted by 6% and 17%, respectively, routinely restricted by 2% and 2%, and restricted only in encephalopathy by 77% and 64%, respectively. Oral branched-chain ammo acid (BCAA) formulas are never prescribed routinely; 63% provide them during encephaiopathy. When oral supplementation is indicated, standard calorie/protein supplements are prescribed by 91% and modular protein supplements by 33%. When parenterai nutrition is required, BCAA formulas are used by 37% vs 63% who rarely/never use them (i.e., only in encephalopathy). An oral multivitamin is prescribed by 91%. When tube feedings are required, 48% recommend a nutrient-dense or isocaloric intact protein formula. In the presence of ascites and/or edema, recommended daily Na+ restrictions include ≤1g (29%), 2g (54%), and ≥3g (17%) and daily fluid restrictions include
Catch-up brain growth-demonstration by CAT scan

hematoma, or tumor. The clinical features are consistent with those described in the anterior spinal artery syndrome,' which is thought to result from occlusion of the anterior spinal artery. Although many etiologies have been implicated as initiating the vascular compromise, occlusion following Hemophihts i~uenzae infection has not previously been described. Few clinical reports document spinal cord injury after purulent meningitis. Conus medullaris syndrome due to intramedullary vasculitis has been described after meningococcal meningitis. -~ Cerebral angiography has demonstrated arterial Occlusion and resultant encephalomalacia ~ in patients with H. influenzae meningitis. We find no descriptions of the findings of spinal cord angiography. Although there is ample pathologic documentation of cerebral vascular involvement in purulent meningitis, pathologic descriptions of spinal cord lesions are comparatively few and generally predate the use of effective antibiotics. Vascular and perivascular inflammation , with or without capillary thrombosis or focal hemorrhages, have been described in the brain and spinal cord." ~ The upper cervical cord Was noted as the most frequent site of cord vascular injury in one report) Arterial thrombosis was rare in two autopsy series" '; however, these repoi'ts describe frequent arteritis and phlebitis accompanying tL influenzae meningitis. Cortical blindness in this child may have resulted from cerebral hypoxia due to apneic spells, convulsive episodes, or cerebral vasculitis. Cortical blindness is infrequently reported in patients with H. infl, enzae meningitis. ~ The occipital cortex, specifically laminas 3 and 4 of Brodmann, is thought to be the area most sensitive to hypoxic damage, since it represents a border zone in the distribution of major cerebral arteries. ~ The prognosis of cortical
Efficient conversion of triacylglycerols and fatty acids to biodiesel in a microwave reactor using metal triflate catalysts

We report that catalytic quantities of the Lewis acidic metal catalysts scandium triflate and bismuth triflate promote conversion of oleic, linoleic, palmitic and myristic acids and their glyceryl triesters to the corresponding methyl esters (biodiesel) in greater than 90% yield upon microwave heating. Additionally, both catalysts could be recovered and reused in esterification reactions at least six times.
Metal-Oxide-Junction, Triple-Point Cathodes for High Current Vacuum Electron Devices

Previous experiments at the University of Michigan have explored the mechanism of electron emission from triple points (vacuum-conductor-dielectric interface) for application to high current cathodes. Recent experiments have fabricated metal-oxide junction (MOJ) cathodes consisting of hafnium oxide (HfO2) coatings over metal (#304 stainless steel) substrates. High dielectric constant HfO2 coatings are deposited by ablation-plasma-ion lithography (APIL) using a KrF laser at 248 nm and 50 J/cm2 fluence. Experiments were performed on the Michigan Electron Long-Beam Accelerator (MELBA), with a relativistic magnetron, at parameters V=-300 kV, currents 1-15 kA, and pulse-lengths of 0.3-0.5 microseconds. Preliminary experiments tested three cathode configurations: 1) stainless steel cathode - no coating 2) stainless steel cathode - totally coated with HfO2 (approximately 0.5 microns thick), and 3) stainless steel cathode - coated with patterned arrays of HfO2 islands Experimental data show initial peak currents for the third case, HfO2 islands, reached an average of 6 kA, which was 60% larger than either of the other two cases. Current turn-on and rise time are also significantly faster for the patterned arrays of HfO2. Future experiments will explore the effect of another innovative cathode consisting of HfO2 dielectric islands exposed to vacuum between two conductors, (cathode and a top metal layer). A semi-analytic theory is developed to assess electron multiplication in the immediate vicinity of a triple point.
Electric Turbo Assist as an Enabler for Engine Downspeeding

Electric Turbo Assist (ETA) is a novel air system technology that provides an extra degree of freedom in engine-turbocharger matching for optimal system performance and emissions. This paper presents simulation results from a research project to develop and demonstrate ETA, an integrated turbocharger-motor/generator, for a particular off-road machine duty cycle. Engine cycle simulation tools have been employed to investigate the potential of ETA to reduce fuel consumption through a combined downspeeding and exhaust energy regeneration strategy while meeting the required emissions levels and maintaining the desired engine response. Results show that ETA enables a flexible air system that can meet and even exceed the required air-fuel ratio and exhaust gas recirculation targets when the engine is downspeeded, while providing a useful fuel saving over the non-ETA baseline engine calibration.Copyright © 2012 by Caterpillar Inc.
Development of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors for Offshore Pipeline Leak Detection

Distributed fiber optic (FO) sensors have been used for onshore pipeline monitoring and leak detection applications. The use of FO sensors for offshore pipeline leak detection is still very new and requires developments to adapt the technology to such applications. This includes progressing the understanding of FO sensor performance for offshore leak detection, the need to develop requirements and procedures for offshore installation of pipeline and FO cable, and the need to design and develop sensor technology to cover long underwater pipelines.ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company (EMURC) has undertaken an extensive offshore pipeline leak detection research and development program. One of the key goals of the program is to develop FO sensor technology for offshore use. This paper summarizes the key findings from several technology development studies.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Determination of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Reactive Oxygen Species in Live Rat Cortical Neurons

Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is critical for maintaining the physiological function of the respiratory chain to generate ATP. A significant loss of ΔΨm renders cells depleted of energy with subsequent death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules, but their accumulation in pathological conditions leads to oxidative stress. The two major sources of ROS in cells are environmental toxins and the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many diseases; therefore, the ability to determine ΔΨm and ROS can provide important clues about the physiological status of the cell and the function of the mitochondria. Several fluorescent probes (Rhodamine 123, TMRM, TMRE, JC-1) can be used to determine Δψm in a variety of cell types, and many fluorescence indicators (Dihydroethidium, Dihydrorhodamine 123, H2DCF-DA) can be used to determine ROS. Nearly all of the available fluorescence probes used to assess ΔΨm or ROS are single-wavelength indicators, which increase or decrease their fluorescence intensity proportional to a stimulus that increases or decreases the levels of ΔΨm or ROS. Thus, it is imperative to measure the fluorescence intensity of these probes at the baseline level and after the application of a specific stimulus. This allows one to determine the percentage of change in fluorescence intensity between the baseline level and a stimulus. This change in fluorescence intensity reflects the change in relative levels of ΔΨm or ROS. In this video, we demonstrate how to apply the fluorescence indicator, TMRM, in rat cortical neurons to determine the percentage change in TMRM fluorescence intensity between the baseline level and after applying FCCP, a mitochondrial uncoupler. The lower levels of TMRM fluorescence resulting from FCCP treatment reflect the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential. We also show how to apply the fluorescence probe H2DCF-DA to assess the level of ROS in cortical neurons, first at baseline and then after application of H2O2. This protocol (with minor modifications) can be also used to determine changes in ∆Ψm and ROS in different cell types and in neurons isolated from other brain regions.
Lower Digit Symbol Substitution Score in the Oldest Old is Related to Magnetization Transfer and Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the White Matter

Background: Slowing information processing is common among community-dwelling elderly and it predicts greater mortality and disability risk. Slowing information processing is related to brain macro-structural abnormalities. Specifically, greater global atrophy and greater small vessel disease of the white matter have been associated to slower processing speed. However, community-dwelling elderly with such macro-structural abnormalities can maintain processing speed. The roles of brain micro-structure for slow processing in very old adults living in the community is uncertain, as epidemiological studies relating these brain markers to cognition and in the context of other health characteristics are sparse. Hypothesis: Information processing is cross-sectionally associated with white matter micro-structure independent of overt macro-structural abnormalities and also independent of health related characteristics. Methods: Imaging indices of micro-structure (diffusion tensor imaging, DTI, and magnetization transfer imaging, MTI), macro-structure (white matter hyperintensities, gray matter volume), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and health characteristics were measured in 272 elderly (mean age 83 years old, 43% men, 40% Black) living in the community. Results: The DTI- and MTI-indices of micro-structure from the normal appearing white matter and not from the normal appearing gray matter were associated with DSST score independent of white matter hyperintensities and gray matter volumes. Associations were also independent of age, race, gender, mini-mental score, systolic blood pressure, prevalent myocardial infarction. Interpretation: DTI and MTI indices of normal appearing white matter are indicators of information processing speed in this cohort of very old adults living in the community. Since processing slowing is a potent index of mortality and disability, these indices may serve as biomarkers in prevention or treatment trials of disability.
Effects of ghrelin on neuronal survival in cells derived from dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.

Background The effects of intestinal inflammation on the central neurons projecting to the enteric nervous system are unknown. The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus signals to the gastrointestinal system. Ghrelin is elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and has been implicated as an inflammatory mediator. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gastrointestinal inflammation on the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in rats, as well as the effects of proinflammatory cytokines and ghrelin on neurons from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in vitro. Methods DiI was injected into the stomach wall of rats to retrogradely label neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Intestinal inflammation was induced with indomethacin injection. Serial serum ghrelin measurements were performed. Tissue was examined under fluorescent microscopy. In vitro studies using primary culture of neurons from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus were performed. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for cytokine transcripts and immunohistochemistry for cytokine receptors were performed. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results A significant decrease of DiI labeling was demonstrated in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus of animals injected with indomethacin. Serum levels of ghrelin were significantly elevated 2 days after induction of inflammation. In vitro, apoptosis and cell proliferation were measured after 24-hour exposure to experimental conditions. Ghrelin alone had no effect on apoptosis. Exposure to interleukin (IL)-1β or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α increased apoptosis. The addition of ghrelin to cytokine resulted in significant decreases in apoptosis compared to cytokine alone. Ghrelin significantly increased neuronal proliferation. Exposure to IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α significantly decreased proliferation. The addition of ghrelin to TNF-α or IL-6 significantly increased cellular proliferation compared to cytokine alone. Conclusions Neurons from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus that project to the stomach are reduced in number after induction of colitis in rats. In vitro, proinflammatory cytokines increase apoptosis and decrease cell proliferation of neurons from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. These effects are attenuated by ghrelin.
Modeling of the Melt Blowing Performance of Slot Dies

The dual-jet slot die is the most common device used for producing melt-blown fibers. In this die, high-velocity air impinges upon a polymer stream. A comprehensive model was applied to predict the performance of these slot dies. This model involves the simultaneous solution of the momentum, energy, and continuity equations that are applied to the fiber threadline. Predicted parameters include fiber attenuation, vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, temperature, and stress. Experimental measurements were taken during melt blowing with an actual slot die. These measurements compared very well with the simulated results.
Conversion of failed modern unicompartmental arthroplasty to total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Between January 1983 and January 1991, 29 patients (31 knees) with a failed Robert Brigham metal-backed knee arthroplasty (Johnson & Johnson, Raynham, MA) underwent revision to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Twenty-five patients had osteoarthritis, three avascular necrosis, and one rheumatoid arthritis. The average patient age was 72.3 years (range, 49–88 years), and the average weight was 179 lb. (range, 112–242 lb.). The interval between the primary and secondary index procedures averaged 62 months (range, 7–106 months), and mean postrevision follow-up period was 45 months (range, 24–104 months). The primary mechanism of failure of the UKA was tibial polyethylene wear in 21 knees and opposite compartment progression of arthritis in 10 knees. Sixteen knees had particulate synovitis with dense metallic staining of the synovium. At revision, the posterior cruciate ligament was spared in 30 knees and substituted in 1 knee. Restoration of bony deficiency at revision required cancellous bone—graft for contained defects in seven knees, tibial wedges in four knees, and femoral wedges in two knees. No defects received structural allografts. The data suggest that failed, modern unicompartmental knee arthroplasty can successfully be converted to TKA. In most cases, the posterior cruciate ligament can be spared and bone defects corrected with simple wedges or cancellous grafts. Moreover, the results of revision of failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty are superior to those of failed TKA and failed high tibial osteotomy and comparable to the authors' results of primary TKA with similar-length follow-up periods. Although these results are encouraging, longer-term follow-up evaluation is required to determine survivorship of these revision arthroplasties.
Robust Blind Multiuser Detection Algorithm Using Fourth-Order Cumulant Matrices

A new blind detection algorithm, based on fourth-order cumulant matrices, is presented and applied to the multiuser symbol estimation problem in direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems. The blind detection is to estimate multiple symbol sequences in the downlink of a DS-CDMA communication system using only the received wireless data and without any knowledge of the user spreading codes. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of higher cumulant matrix properties to reduce the computational load and enhance the performance. Bit error rate simulations of this algorithm are performed for different numbers of users, signal-to-noise ratios, and numbers of symbols per user in comparison with the FastICA and RobustICA algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms both ICA-based detectors in estimating the symbol signals from the received mixed signals. Moreover, the proposed blind detector is computationally fast and exhibits high convergence speed in extracting user symbols.
A new qualitative reaction for hydrocarbons with a tertiary carbon atom

A new qualitative reaction with FeCl3 has been proposed for the detection of admixtures of hydrocarbons with a tertiary carbon atom in straight-chain hydrocarbons.
Relative stress corrosion susceptibilities of alloys 690 and 600 in simulated boiling water reactor environments

The relative susceptibilities of alloys 600 and 690 to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in pure water and a simulated resin intrusion environment at 288 °C were evaluated. A combination of creviced and noncreviced slow-strain-rate, and precracked fracture mechanics tests were employed in the evaluation. Susceptibility was determined as a function of dissolved oxygen content, degree of sensitization, and crevice condition. The results indicated that alloy 600 was susceptible to various degrees of IGSCC in oxygen containing pure water when creviced, and immune to IGSCC when uncreviced. Alloy 690 was immune to IGSCC under all pure water conditions examined. Alloy 600 and alloy 690 were both susceptible to cracking in the simulated resin intrusion environment. Alloy 690, however, exhibited the greatest resistance to SCC of the two alloys.
Body mass index correlates with pollutant-induced interleukin-1β in sputum and blood.

Increasing BMI has been proposed to be associated with asthma development and with airway hyperresponsiveness that is harder to treat with conventional therapies1,2. Increased BMI has been associated with ozone-induced decrements in spirometry3 in humans as well as with increased pulmonary inflammation following ozone (O3) exposure in murine models of obese mice.4,5 Murine studies have recently demonstrated that the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, responsible for release of mature IL-1β from a cell, played an important role in obesity-induced airway hyperresponsiveness through the induction of IL-17a-producing innate lymphoid cells type 3 (ILC3)6. Furthermore, IL-1β blockade was able to mitigate obesity-induced airway hyperreactivity6. Addition of the saturated fatty acid palmitate to in vitro cultures (macrophage) after LPS-priming was sufficient to induce IL-1β release through NLRP3 activation.7 These two studies add to a growing body of evidence that the NLRP3 inflammasome may represent a central figure in BMI-driven pulmonary inflammation and enhanced susceptibility to environmental stimuli. Previous work has shown that increased BMI influences O3-induced decrements in spirometry in otherwise healthy human volunteers3. However, studies examining the relationship between pollutant-induced pulmonary inflammation in overweight and obese humans are still lacking. We hypothesized that increased BMI would be associated with increased airway inflammation after an environmental challenge with O3.
Transcriptional regulation of the CART promoter in CATH.a cells.

Abstract Changes in Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) mRNA levels have been observed in brain as a result of various physiologic stimuli including feeding, drugs of abuse, stress and glucocorticoids, and activators of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Accordingly, we are interested in identifying factors involved in CART gene regulation. CATH.a cells, derived from the locus coeruleus (LC), express a 213-bp CART mRNA species that is translated and processed. The promoter activity of three CART-LUC constructs containing 3451, 641, and 102 bp of 5′ upstream sequence, respectively, were tested in CATH.a cells. cAMP regulation was detected in the construct containing 641 bp of CART promoter sequence which contains a consensus CRE site. Mutation of the CRE site within −641CART-LUC significantly reduced basal and forskolin-induced promoter activity. Additionally, forskolin-induced transcription was inhibited by a dominant-negative mutant of CRE-binding protein (CREB) in CATH.a cells. Finally, tropin-releasing factor (CRF), an endogenously occurring activator of the cAMP/PKA pathway in CATH.a cells, was shown to increase transcriptional activity that was inhibited by a CRF receptor antagonist and a PKA inhibitor. This study provides evidence that the CRE site in the CART proximal promoter is involved in cAMP/PKA/CREB regulation in cells having a neuronal phenotype. Also, given the evidence for involvement of CREB in reward and reinforcement, these results are compatible with a role for CART in these processes as well.
Behavioral characteristics in delusional pregnancy: a matched control group study.

Objective:False pregnancy or delusional pregnancy, is the condition of believing one is pregnant despite factual evidence to the contrary. This is the first study to utilize a standardized mental d...
Percutaneous renal cryoablation of angiomyolipomas in patients with solitary kidneys.

Objectives To determine the feasibility and safety of performing percutaneous cryoablation of angiomyolipomas (AMLs) in patients with solitary kidneys. Methods Three patients with AMLs involving a solitary kidney underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation. All lesions were located in the lateral/posterior part of the kidney, allowing for safe access from the skin for cryoprobe insertion. Intravenous sedation and local anesthesia were used for each patient. Follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and physical examination, urinalysis, and serum blood urea nitrogen/creatinine measurement were performed to evaluate for lesion recurrence and to evaluate the safety profile. Results Three tumors (1.2-2.5 cm) were treated. The patients experienced minimal to no pain during percutaneous cryoablation, and all were discharged the same day. No procedural or postoperative complications were noted. During the follow-up period (5-36 months), the first 2 patients had no radiographic evidence of recurrence. Initial follow-up imaging of the third patient displayed persistent AMLs. Conclusions A review of the published data suggested the necessity to prophylactically treat AMLs of solitary kidneys. In this series, percutaneous cryoablation proved a safe and effective method for treating these lesions. This ultimately provides a minimally invasive option for similar patients, potentially avoiding an open surgical procedure or the risk of hemorrhage.
Decreased persistence to cholinesterase inhibitor therapy with concomitant use of drugs that can impair cognition.

Study Objectives. To assess persistence with cholinesterase inhibitor therapy 6 months after the start of treatment, and to determine whether the likelihood of persistence is associated with the coprescription of drugs that can impair cognition. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Community (home residence) or long-term care facility. Patients. A total of 1183 patients enrolled in the Rhode Island Medicaid program, aged 45 years or older, who were dispensed a cholinesterase inhibitor from January 1, 2000‐June 30, 2002. Measurements and Main Results. Patients were considered persistent with treatment if they filled at least five prescriptions for a 1-month supply of the same cholinesterase inhibitor, without an extended gap in days between refills. We compared rates of persistence among patients receiving and those not receiving drugs that can impair cognition. Covariates assessed were patient age, sex, race, and care setting. Approximately one in four patients discontinued cholinesterase inhibitor therapy within 6 months. Patients aged 85 years or older were more persistent than younger patients (77% vs 71%, p<0.05). Caucasian patients were more likely to be persistent than non-Caucasian patients (74% vs 52%, p<0.001). Patients living in the community were less likely to persist than those residing in long-term care facilities (58% vs 76%, p<0.001). After adjusting for race and care setting, patients who were prescribed drugs that can impair cognition were more likely not to have persisted with cholinesterase inhibitor therapy at 6 months than those who did not receive such drugs (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.13‐2.16). Conclusion. A substantial percentage of patients who began receiving cholinesterase inhibitor therapy had discontinued the therapy within 6 months. Many patients also received prescriptions for agents that can impair cognition. Our findings indicated a modest but statistically significant increase in likelihood of treatment discontinuation among patients who also received prescriptions for drugs that can impair cognition. Iatrogenic causes of dementia are important to recognize and address so that therapies for enhancing cognition can be fully effective.
The role of category coherence in experience-based prediction

Both real-world category knowledge and instance-based sample data are often available as sources of inductive inference. In three experiments using natural social categories, we test the influence of general category knowledge on the use of category instances to make property inductions both to other category members and to others in the population. We find that a category’s coherence—the extent to which its features are interrelated through prior knowledge (Murphy & Medin, 1985)—influences inductions positively to new category members and negatively to the population. This effect of coherence is strongest with small as compared with large samples of instances. The results are interpreted from both similarity and explanation-based perspectives.
Positive psychology at work: A conceptual review, state-of-practice assessment, and a look ahead

Positive psychological principles have become increasingly prevalent in the workplace in recent years. However, the field still lacks a comprehensive and practice-based overview of this important trend. The present article focuses on reviewing recent research in positive psychology as it relates to the workplace, including research regarding constructs such as resilience, appreciative inquiry, empowerment, gratitude, psychological capital, work engagement, supervisor and organizational support, positive teamwork and co-worker relations, and positive leadership. For each, we synthesize research examining the nature of the construct itself, its nomological network, individual- and organizational-level outcomes, and how organizations can enhance each within their employees for increased organizational success and enhanced employee experience. Finally, we discuss gaps in the relevant literature and make specific recommendations regarding how to ameliorate such oversights in order to enhance the rigor of posit...