cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overall indices for assessing agreement among multiple raters

The need to assess agreement exists in various clinical studies where quantifying inter-rater reliability is of great importance. Use of unscaled agreement indices, such as total deviation index and coverage probability (CP), is recommended for two main reasons: (i) they are intuitive in a sense that interpretations are tied to the original measurement unit; (ii) practitioners can readily determine whether the agreement is satisfactory by directly comparing the value of the index to a prespecified tolerable CP or absolute difference. However, the unscaled indices were only defined in the context of comparing two raters or multiple raters that assume homogeneity of variances across raters. In this paper, we introduce a set of overall indices based on the root mean square of pairwise differences that are unscaled and can be used to evaluate agreement among multiple raters that often exhibit heterogeneous measurement processes in practice. Furthermore, we propose another overall agreement index based on the root mean square of pairwise differences that is scaled and extends the concept of the recently proposed relative area under CP curve in the presence of multiple raters. We present the definitions of overall indices and propose inference procedures in which bootstrap methods are used for the estimation of standard errors. We assess the performance of the proposed approach and demonstrate its superiority over the existing methods when raters exhibit heterogeneous measurement processes using simulation studies. Finally, we demonstrate the application of our methods using a renal study.
Patriotism and a Free Press: A Content Analysis of Civil Religion in Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing and The Newsroom

American civil religion abounds in Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing, but an idealized patriotism is also pronounced in The Newsroom and Sorkin’s other works. A quantitative content analysis found that ...
Assessing a Local Food System: The Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition Assessment Process

This case study features the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition, an alliance of individuals, commu­nity organizations, institutions, agencies, non­profits, and businesses with a shared interest in developing the local food system in southeastern Washington and north central Idaho. The aim of this case study is to demonstrate how a community coalition could utilize the tools in the U.S. Depart­ment of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service’s economic impact toolkit (Thilmany McFadden et al., 2016) to guide its ongoing local food system assessment efforts and to provide structure and direction to its assessment process. The overall goals of the Coalition’s local food economic impact assessment are to (1) make meaningful use of existing data and studies; (2) identify gaps in data, then use the methods presented in the Toolkit to fill in critical data gaps to provide a more complete baseline picture of the region; (3) define and communicate what consti­tutes economic impact to community stakeholders within the construct of a local food system; (4) understand how data and economic impact prin­ciples can help identify leverage points in the local food system; and (5) use information about lever­age points to strategically acquire and invest resources in food system projects and research that will strengthen the economic viability of the region. The Moscow Farmers Market economic assessment is an example of how these goals aligned to influence results. This assessment docu­mented the value of the city of Moscow’s invest­ment to the Moscow Farmers Market Commission and city council. As a result of this assessment, the city moved the farmers market management out of the city’s arts department and funded a full-time community events and farmers market coordinator.
Modeling and Analysis of the Impact of Natural Gas Composition Variations on Combustion in a Dual Fuel Compression Ignition Engine

The desire to meet rising energy demands while simultaneously adhering to stringent climate policies has propelled advanced combustion technologies and alternative fuels. Natural gas (NG) is an attractive, domestically-available alternative that has been shown to achieve high efficiencies when used on dual fuel engines. However, the composition of NG can vary significantly depending on the source and these variations may detrimentally impact engine operation. To study these effects, a dual fuel engine simulation model was developed and calibrated against experimental data obtained from a heavy-duty 6-cylinder dual fuel compression ignition engine. Different NG compositions were studied on this simulation model to analyze the impact that composition plays on the combustion process in a dual fuel engine architecture. The results show that composition can play a significant role in the combustion efficiency, peak pressure, and combustion phasing. These impacts were studied in a constant equivalence ratio case in which differences in stoichiometric air-fuel ratios were taken into account. The results reveal that if variations in stoichiometric air-fuel ratio are accounted for, blends with high methane contents and low nitrogen behave similarly.
Device Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale for Cryptogenic Stroke: Patient Selection and Outcomes According to New Randomized Trials

This review summarizes the most recent randomized clinical trials that studied the role of device-mediated patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in patients after an ischemic stroke presumed to have been caused by a paradoxical embolism. Three major randomized trials published in 2017 studied the strategy of using PFO closure for secondary prevention in patients between the ages of 18 and 60 who presented with an index stroke having characteristics of an embolic mechanism. All patients had a PFO that potentially could have enabled paradoxical embolism and other causes of stroke were excluded by a thorough neurologic and cardiac evaluation. Patients were randomized to PFO closure versus medical therapy alone using a variety of guideline-recommended medications. After multiple years of follow-up, all three trials showed superiority in the device arm versus the medical arm with a relative risk reduction of recurrent stroke from 46 to 100% and an absolute recurrent stroke reduction from 0.49 to 1.32% per year. Complications related to the procedure and the device were infrequent and mostly transient. These results have transformed the care of these patients, lead to FDA approval of two PFO closure devices, and started the process of updating guidelines. Patient selection is critically important since the presence of a PFO may be incidental. Therefore, both a neurologist and a cardiologist, who can also perform this procedure safely and effectively, should complete the initial evaluation and discuss their findings and recommendations with the patient as part of a shared decision-making process. There are remaining questions regarding how these trial results relate to older patients, patients with overt venothrombotic disease, and those with thrombophilia.
Sperm DNA fragmentation and recurrent pregnancy loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation in male partners of women with recurrent pregnancy loss and fertile control women. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) A total of 579 male partners of women with recurrent pregnancy loss and 434 male partners fertile control women. Intervention(s) Prospective studies were identified through a Pubmed search. Recurrent pregnancy loss was defined as two or more previous pregnancy losses. Fertile control women had a history of a live birth or ongoing pregnancy. Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary outcome was the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation. The summary measures were reported as mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). Result(s) Fifteen prospective studies were included in a qualitative review. Pooled data from 13 studies with sufficient data for meta-analysis suggest that male partners of women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss have a significantly higher rate of sperm DNA fragmentation compared to the partners of fertile control women: mean difference 11.91, 95% CI 4.97–18.86. Conclusion(s) These findings support an association between sperm DNA fragmentation and recurrent pregnancy loss. However, given the significant heterogeneity between studies and lack of prospective pregnancy outcome data, further large prospective studies are needed.
The recreational mathematics activities of ordinary nineteenth century Americans: A case study of two mathematics puzzle columns and their contributors

This study analyses two American recreational mathematics columns from the end of the nineteenth century—one from Atlanta, Georgia’s Sunny South and one from Wilmington, Delaware’s Delaware Gazette...
Lynne’s Last Christmas: A Battle with Dementia

Edited by Donald Hricik Lexington, KY: Kindle Direct Publishing, 2018 ISBN 978-1-7907-5140-2This self-edited and self-published memoir offers the story of one women’s battle with dementia, as told ...
Illiteracy, dementia risk, and cognitive trajectories among older adults with low education.

Objective To investigate whether illiteracy was associated with greater risk of prevalent and incident dementia and more rapid cognitive decline among older adults with low education. Methods Analyses included 983 adults (≥65 years old, ≤4 years of schooling) who participated in a longitudinal community aging study. Literacy was self-reported (“Did you ever learn to read or write?”). Neuropsychological measures of memory, language, and visuospatial abilities were administered at baseline and at follow-ups (median [range] 3.49 years [0–23]). At each visit, functional, cognitive, and medical data were reviewed and a dementia diagnosis was made using standard criteria. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association of literacy with prevalent and incident dementia, respectively, while latent growth curve models evaluated the effect of literacy on cognitive trajectories, adjusting for relevant demographic and medical covariates. Results Illiterate participants were almost 3 times as likely to have dementia at baseline compared to literate participants. Among those who did not have dementia at baseline, illiterate participants were twice as likely to develop dementia. While illiterate participants showed worse memory, language, and visuospatial functioning at baseline than literate participants, literacy was not associated with rate of cognitive decline. Conclusion We found that illiteracy was independently associated with higher risk of prevalent and incident dementia, but not with a more rapid rate of cognitive decline. The independent effect of illiteracy on dementia risk may be through a lower range of cognitive function, which is closer to diagnostic thresholds for dementia than the range of literate participants.
Long‐term opioid use in curative‐intent radiotherapy: One‐Year outcomes in head/neck cancer patients

Background No study has determined the incidence of long-term opioid use, or risk factors for long-term use, ≥1 year after radiotherapy. Methods Medical records of 276 head/neck cancer patients were retrospectively assessed for persistent opioid use 1-year after curative-intent radiotherapy. Numerous potential risk factors were assessed and the physicians' documented reasons for continued use were qualitatively categorized as suspected opioid use disorder (OUD) or as medically indicated for control of ongoing pain. Results Of note, 20 of 276 patients continued using opioids long-term. High maximum opioid dose and the use of opioids and/or psychotropics/non-opioid analgesics at the radiation oncology intake visit were associated with this outcome. Three patients continued due to suspected OUD and 17 due to medical indications. Conclusion Of note, 7.2% of patients developed long-term opioid use, which was associated with high maximum opioid dose and early initiation of opioids and/or psychotropics/non-opioid analgesics. Physicians cited medical indications as the primary reason for continued use.
Gene Expression Patterns Identify Novel Biologically Relevant Signaling and Transcriptional Pathways Involved in Terminal Erythroid Differentiation and Polycythemia Vera.

Hematopoietic proliferation, lineage commitment, and terminal differentiation are characterized by the emergence of a cell type-specific gene expression and transcriptional programs that determine the specific phenotype and function of cells in the erythroid lineage. Our objectives in this study were to identify unique gene expression patterns that characterize the transcriptional program of normal primary human erythroid precursors during terminal differentiation, and define the gene expression patterns seen in erythroblasts (EBL) of patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Homogenous populations of primary proEBL were generated from purified liquid cultures of CD34+ cells collected from healthy volunteers and PV patients. All patients with PV were diagnosed based on established criteria and had the JAK2-V617F mutation. Morphologic examination and surface expression of CD71 confirmed the purity of proEBL cell populations. ProEBL from normal individuals were induced to terminally differentiate generating orthochromatic EBL. RNA was extracted from normal proEBL, PV proEBL, and normal orthochromatic EBL. Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 arrays representing approximately 39,000 human genes were used for gene expression analysis. Four replicates from four independent primary cell cultures were analyzed for each comparison group (e.g. undifferentiated proEBL versus terminally differentiated orthochromatic EBL). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering showed distinct gene expression profiles in the proEBL and terminally differentiated EBL lineages. 1109 genes (2.0 fold change, P 23) were identified. Biological functions of the identified networks included RNA post-transcriptional regulation, cell cycle control, translational regulation, DNA replication and repair and cellular assembly/organization. In a proof of principle study, gene expression patterns in PV proEBL (n=6) were compared to normal proEBL (n=5). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering showed a distinct gene expression profile for PV. A binary regression predictive model was also developed to find gene expression patterns predictive for PV. Using this model a 150 gene predictor was found that could predict PV patients from control at 100% accuracy. Ingenuity pathways analysis of a subset of gene subsets demonstrated several biologically relevant networks that were distinct in patients with PV, including myc, CDC2, and JAK2. Deregulation of normal transcriptional mechanisms in hematopoietic cells is associated with the pathogenesis of PV. Further, our data shows that genomic studies provide new insights into transcriptional programs that govern erythroid differentiation, and identify biologically relevant deregulated pathways as potential targets for therapy in PV.
Time to improvement of semen parameters after microscopic varicocelectomy: When it occurs and its effects on fertility.

While ligation of clinical varicoceles has been clearly shown to improve semen parameters in subfertile men, evidence describing when to expect improvement and the potential effects on fertility following surgery are sparse. A chart review was undertaken to identify men who had undergone a microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2018. Semen analyses were reviewed to determine if a significant improvement occurred post-operatively and when the improvement was seen. Pregnancy data were reviewed to determine if fecundity rates were affected by semen parameter improvement or the interval at which improvement occurred. A total of 170 men met criteria for inclusion, including pregnancy data on 140. 69.4% of patients experienced a significant improvement in total progressive sperm count (TPSC), 78.8% of which occurred after 3 months. The overall pregnancy rate was 40.7%. When comparing men whose TPSC improved to those who did not, there was an odds ratio (OR) of 5.89 (2.28-15.28, 0.0003) for achieving pregnancy, while an OR of 2.05 (0.80-5.28, 0.13) was found when comparing pregnancy rates between early and late improvement in semen parameters. Pregnancy rates were not affected by time to improvement, but were higher in men who had a significant improvement in TPSC after surgery.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Abstract Acalculous cholecystitis is a rare entity, typically only presenting in patients with chronic illness and other comorbidities. For this reason, it is very rare in children and upon diagnosis, efforts should be made to search for an underlying cause or predisposition. Although typically treated with cholecystectomy, in rare cases appropriate identification and treatment of the underlying cause can lead to resolution of symptoms without surgery. We present the case of a 4 year old girl who presented to the emergency department with acute acalculous cholecystitis and sepsis who was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Treatment with atovaquone-proguanil regimen resulted in complete resolution of her illness without the need for surgical intervention.
Early Acceptance Matching Game for User Association in 5G Cellular HetNets

We examine the use of matching theory for user association in millimeter wave (mmWave)-enabled cellular heterogeneous networks. In a mmWave system, the channel variations can be fast and unpredictable, rendering centralized user association potentially inefficient. We propose an efficient distributed matching algorithm, called early acceptance (EA), tailored for user association in 5G HetNets. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is assessed by comparing with the well-known deferred acceptance (DA) matching algorithm, in which user association is delayed until the algorithm terminates. Numerical results show that the proposed distributed EA matching algorithm reaches a near-optimal solution compared to a centralized algorithm, and leads to a more power-efficient and much faster user association process compared to the distributed DA algorithm.
The effect of heart rate variability on blood pressure is augmented in spinal cord injury and is unaltered by exercise training.

To define differences in heart rate and blood pressure variability (HRV/BPV) after spinal cord injury (SCI) compared with uninjured controls, and to determine whether variabilities are impacted by whole-body exercise after SCI. Individuals with SCI (n = 40), aged 18–40, and uninjured age/sex-matched controls (n = 22) had HRV and BPV determined during supine paced (0.25 Hz) breathing. Spectral and cross-spectral values were derived for fluctuations at low (LF 0.05–0.15 Hz) and high (HF 0.20–0.30 Hz) frequencies. Thirty-two individuals with SCI further underwent either 6 months of whole-body exercise training (n = 17) or a control intervention (n = 15). Individuals with SCI had injuries graded A–C in severity, neurological levels of injury C1–T10. LF and HF HRV and LF BPV were significantly lower in individuals with SCI (p = 0.008–0.002), though HF BPV was similar. The LF cross-spectrum demonstrated similar phase and gain relationships between groups. The HF phase relationship between pressure and heart rate differed markedly: individuals with SCI demonstrated a −11.7 ± 3.4° phase lag (241 ± 70 ms feedback mechanism of pressure into heart rate), whereas uninjured controls demonstrated a +21.5 ± 10.8° phase lead (443 ± 224 ms feedforward mechanism of heart rate into pressure, p = 0.007). Whole-body exercise increased mean VO2peak by 2.09 ml/kg, whereas HRV, BPV, and their cross-spectral relationships were not significantly altered relative to the control intervention after SCI. After SCI, marked frequency-specific differences exist in the relationship between heart rate and blood pressure variabilities. The high-frequency cross-spectral relationship indicates that a feedback mechanism of blood pressure into heart rate may predominate in this range.
Requisite Omega-3 HUFA Biomarker Thresholds for Preventing Murine Lupus Flaring.

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease typified by uncontrolled inflammation, disruption of im-mune tolerance, and intermittent flaring – events triggerable by environmental factors. Preclinical and clinical studies reveal that consumption of the marine ω-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HU-FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) might be used as a precision nutrition intervention to lessen lupus symptoms. The anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects of -3 HUFAs are inextricably linked to their presence in membrane phospholipids. The -3 HUFA score, calculated as [100  (-3 HUFAs/(-3 HUFAs + -6 HUFAs))] in red blood cells (RBCs), and the Omega-3 Index (O3I), calculated as [100  ((DHA+EPA)/total fatty acids)] in RBCs, are two biomarkers potentially amenable to relating tissue HUFA balance to clinical out-comes in individuals with lupus. Using data from three prior preclinical DHA supplementation studies, we tested the hypothesis that the -3 HUFA score and the O3I inversely correlate with indicators of autoimmune pathogenesis in the cSiO2-triggered lupus flaring model. The three studies employed both low and high fat rodent diets, as well as more complex diets emulating the U.S. dietary pattern. The -3 HUFA scores in RBCs were comparatively more robust than the O3I at predicting HUFA balances in the kidney, liver, spleen, and lung. Importantly, increases in both the -3 HUFA score (>40%) and the O3I (>10%) were strongly associated with suppression of cSiO2-triggered 1) expression of interferon-regulated genes, proinflammatory cytokine production, leukocyte infiltration, and ectopic lymphoid structure development in the lung, 2) pulmonary and systemic autoantibody production, and 3) glomerulonephritis. Collectively, these findings identify achievable -3 HUFA scores and O3I thresholds that could be targeted in future human intervention studies querying how -3 HUFA consumption influences lupus and other autoimmune dis-eases.
Endovascular repair of a cadaveric vascular allograft nonanastomotic pseudoaneurysm.

Abstract Patients who have undergone revascularization with a cryopreserved cadaveric arterial allograft (CCAA) require lifelong surveillance because of the risk of allograft failure. The reported long-term complications of these grafts include thrombosis, anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, and graft disruption. We have described a case in which a CCAA developed a nonanastomotic pseudoaneurysm at the site of a previously ligated branch vessel and was repaired using a covered stent graft. This case demonstrates that spontaneous rupture of CCAA branches is a late complication that can occur when using these grafts and that endovascular methods are an option for repair.
STEALTH assessment of creativity in a Physics video game

Abstract Creativity has been of research interest to psychologists dating back many decades, and is currently recognized as one of the essential skills needed to succeed in our complex, interconnected world. One medium that has affordances to assess and support creativity in young people is video games. In this paper, we briefly discuss the literature on video games and creativity and provide an example of current work being done relative to measuring creativity in the context of a game called Physics Playground using stealth assessment. To validate the stealth assessment of creativity, we conducted a one-group pretest-posttest study with 167 8th and 9th graders from a K-12 school in Florida. Results suggest that our stealth assessment of creativity is valid (i.e., our stealth assessment estimate significantly correlated with our external performance-based measures of creativity). Additional analyses revealed that creativity (i.e., estimated using our stealth assessment of creativity) significantly predicts in-game performance (e.g., number of levels solved), game enjoyment, and learning of physics content. We conclude with a discussion of future directions in this line of creativity research.
Declaring Brain Death

This chapter will address the full examination of a suspected brain-dead patient. Ultimately, the physician determining brain death must use his own best judgment. Sequential systematic steps in examination are useful to achieve comprehensiveness and to avoid having an important test slip one’s mind. Examination concentrates on testing of seven brainstem reflexes with circuitry going through the mesencephalon, pons, and medulla oblongata. Ancillary tests can never replace a clinical examination. Errors relate to disregarding contributing confounders.
To Promote Innovation, Congress Should Abolish the Supreme Court Created Exceptions to 35 U.S. Code s.101

Recent Supreme Court decisions have caused havoc in the Biotechnology and Software industries in the U.S. by vastly increasing the number of U.S. patents being invalidated based on the patent eligible subject matter requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101. As a result, the spotlight on 35 U.S.C. §101 is increasing and there are discussions amongst the patent bar for how best to address the unintended consequences. I here argue that Congress should abolish the Supreme Court-promulgated, non-statutory exceptions to 35 U.S.C. §101, in toto, because they: 1) run directly in conflict with the express statutory language of 35 U.S.C. §101 and its Congressional intent; 2) have been extremely difficult to implement in practice by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the District courts and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; 3) offer no significant benefit that outweighs the havoc and harm caused to public and private innovation-driven industries; 4) run in direct contrast to the laws of other industrialized nations on this narrow legal issue; and 5) otherwise greatly discourage current and future innovators from developing and commercializing their new discoveries and technologies in America.
The Effect of Estrogen Administration In Vivo on the Elemental Composition of the Intraluminal Fluids of the Seminiferous Tubules, Rete Testis, and Epididymis of the Rat

The maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis is dependent upon the presence of androgens. This study examined the effects of androgen suppression by estradiol valerate on the elemental composition of the intraluminal fluids of the testis and epididymis. In the fluid from the caput epididymidis, the concentrations of sodium (106.1 +/- 3.4 to 182.8 +/- 16.9 mmol/1, P less than 0.01) and chloride (16.5 +/- 2.2 to 79.3 +/- 10.8 mmol/1, P less than 0.01) rose after treatment with estradiol valerate. By contrast, this treatment reduced the concentrations of phosphorus (63.7 +/- 1.6 to 47.8 +/- 3.2 mmol/1, P less than 0.01), sulfur (18.4 +/- 1.0 to 10.8 +/- 1.0 mmol/1, P less than 0.01), calcium (0.93 +/- 0.09 to 0.50 +/- 0.07 mmol/1, P less than 0.01), and magnesium (2.21 +/- 0.41 to 0.76 +/- 0.16 mmol/1, P less than 0.01). In the distal cauda epididymidis, the concentration of chloride rose after treatment with estradiol valerate (24.4 +/- 1.7 to 54.9 +/- 3.9 mmol/1, P less than 0.01), but the concentrations of the other measured elements (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur) were not altered by estrogen treatment. In rete testis fluid the concentration of phosphorus fell (2.00 +/- 0.30 to 0.67 +/- 0.12 mmol/1, P less than 0.01), while that of calcium rose (0.66 +/- 0.15 to 1.55 +/- 0.21 mmol/1, P less than 0.01). Estrogen treatment did not appear to affect the elemental composition of seminiferous tubular fluid or serum. Therefore, estradiol valerate had a marked impact on the elemental composition of luminal fluid only in the caput epididymidis--where sperm maturation is initiated--and a minor effect on that of cauda epididymidal fluid--in which mature spermatozoa are stored.
Recreational Fishing and the Benefits of Oyster Reef Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay

In this paper, I use a travel cost model of recreation demand to analyze the economic benefits to the Bay's recreational fishermen from proposed oyster reef restoration programs. The model explicitly links historical oyster bottom conditions to recreational fishing catch to capture ecosystem and habitat benefits. I find that observed catch is indeed higher in areas associated with higher quality reef areas. This relationship enables the estimation of recreational fishing values for improved Bay habitat since fishermen value higher catches and restoration of oyster bottom will lead to higher quality reef areas hence higher catch. It should be noted that our model provides a reduced form relationship between catch, the underlying fish population, and habitat quality; however, recent work show that oyster bottom provide good foraging habitat for a number of species and may therefore act as attractors and perhaps may lead to larger numbers of striped bass in the future. We find that benefits from oyster reef restoration are measurable and can account for a substantial portion of the costs of restoration.
Field Study of Communication and Workload in Police Helicopters: Implications for AI Cockpit Design

This paper reports on the work performed by civilian helicopter crews, using audio and video recordings and a variety of workload measures (heart rate and subjective ratings) obtained in a field study of public service helicopter missions. The number and frequency of communications provided a significant source of workload. This is relevant to the design of automated cockpit systems, since many designs presuppose the use of voice I/O systems. Fluency of communications (including pauses, hesitation markers, repetitions, and false starts) furnished an early indication of the effects of fatigue. Three workload measures were correlated to identify high workload segments of flight, and to suggest alternate task allocations between crew members.
Oxidative methylation of acetonitrile to acrylonitrile with CH4

Several basic catalysts have been tested for the oxidative methylation of acetonitrile to acrylonitrile. We found that Li/MgO catalysts with nominal lithium content in the vicinity of 25 wt % are effective for this reaction. Such optimum performance is associated with the maximum concentration of the [Li+O-] surface centers of Li/MgO. The coupling reaction takes place via radical mechanism between methane and the α-carbon of acetonitrile and, leads to propionitrile, which is further transformed via oxidative dehydrogenation to acrylonitrile. Experimental evidences indicate that the reaction is Langmuir-Hinselwood. It was concluded that the above active centers are primarily responsible for the advantageous behavior observed and not the basicity of the catalysts. Other supports and catalysts which were found to be very active by other researchers in generating methyl radicals from methane, proved to be ineffective for the transformation of acetonitrile to acrylonitrile. For example mono- and bimetallic combinations of alkali metals on Sm2O3, La2O3, CaO, and Bi2O3 catalyzed primarily the oxidation of acetonitrile to COx.
Managerial Problem Solving: A Cultural Perspective

Illustrates how organizational culture can stifle effective problem solving and decision making. In the organization in question this had critical implications for quality, staff retention and organizational change. The myopic, non‐innovative generation of apparent solutions to major organizational problems made the organization a victim, not a master, of change. Precedent determined action so that “more of the same” becomes the forte of the organization. Investigates the nature of the organizational culture and the mechanisms of influence it exerted over the problem‐solving process. The research utilized a qualitative methodology well suited to investigating organizational culture and was based in a civil service agency. Suggests an alternative, or model, culture, the adoption of which would enable the organization to cope with environmental and organizational change. Offers recommendations which derive from the research.
High expression of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone grp94 is a novel molecular hallmark of malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy that is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) and overproduction of immunoglobulin or light chains with evidence of end-organ damage such as bone damage, anemia, hypercalcemia, and renal dysfunction. The pathogenesis of MM is closely linked to dysregulated unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Constitutive activation of UPR in mice, as demonstrated by transgenic expression of a master UPR transcription factor XBP1s (a UPR-specific splice variant of X-box binding protein 1), causes myeloma. grp94 (gp96) is a key downstream chaperone in the ER that mediates the UPR as a part of the protein quality control mechanism in the secretory pathway. Our recent study has shown that the persistence of plasma cells as well as the development of myeloma in XBP1s-transgenic mice is critically dependent on grp94. However, the role of grp94 in the initiation and progression of human MM is still unknown. The expression level of grp94 in BMPCs was measured by flow cytometry, real-time RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. We compared the expression levels of grp94 in BMPCs in a spectrum of patients including MM, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering MM (SMM), as well as non-plasma cell disorders (NPC). We found that grp94 was highly expressed in malignant plasma cells in patients with MM, but not in BMPCs in patients with MGUS/SMM and NPC. The expression level of grp94 correlated significantly with CD138 expression level. We also found that the grp94 expression level in BMPCs from International Staging System (ISS) stage III MM patients is higher than those in ISS stage I/II MM patients. grp94 is highly expressed in BMPCs in MM, which correlates with the advanced stage of this disease. Our data demonstrated that grp94 is a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. It also positioned grp94 as a promising therapeutic target for MM.
NHTSA's Compatibility Research Program Update

This paper provides an update of NHTSA’s research activities in vehicle compatibility and aggressivity. This paper presents newly initiated efforts underway to develop test assessment methodologies intended to evaluate vehicle compatibility. The rigid barrier load cell data collected from 18 years of the agency’s New Car Assessment Program testing are reviewed to evaluate potential test measures that may be used to evaluate a vehicle’s compatibility in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes. These parameters are then evaluated using a series of vehicle-to-vehicle and moving deformable barrier (MDB)to-vehicle tests. In these tests, the face of the MDB has been instrumented with an array of load cells to compute test measures. This study is part of NHTSA’s ongoing compatibility research program and is being coordinated with the IHRA compatibility group.
Galactomannan binding agents for silicon anodes in Li-ion batteries

The challenge to incorporate Si into Li-ion battery anodes has attracted much attention. Binding agents are a critical component in a battery that may also be used to enhance electrode performance. Herein, we report the use of galactomannans—a low-cost, environmentally friendly, biorenewable polymer—as a novel binding agent for Si-containing electrodes. Silicon-containing electrodes with as low as 5 wt% binder show large reversible capacities with >90% charge retention after 100 cycles without the use of electrolyte additives. Large capacities and low binder content when compared to carboxymethyl cellulose allows for greater energy densities and fast Li-extraction for high-power applications. The performance enhancement may be attributed to polymer–particle interactions between the hydroxyl groups of galactomannans and the native-oxide layer of Si. These interactions, coupled with the inherent mechanical integrity of galactomannan thin films, allow for minimal cracking and delamination of the electrode upon lithiation. An undamaged electrode microstructure during large volume expansions allows for coulombic efficiencies >99%. Galactomannans also experience ample polymer swelling in common electrolyte solvents, which leads to rapid Li transport and higher ionic conductivities than other biopolymer-bound electrodes. Galactomannan binders may thus provide a critical step forward in next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Steroid Potentiation and Inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Ca++ Responses: Structure-Activity Studies

Pregnenolone sulfate and 15 related steroids were investigated for their effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced elevations in intracellular Ca++ ([Ca++]i) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons by microspectrofluorimetry with the Ca(++)-sensitive indicator fura-2. Several pregn-5-ene steroids markedly potentiated NMDA-mediated [Ca++]i responses. Pregnenolone sulfate and its 21-acetoxy derivative and pregnenolone hemisuccinate were the most active. At a concentration of 50 microM, each produced approximately 300% potentiation of 5 microM NMDA responses. In addition, several steroids were identified that inhibited NMDA-induced elevations in [Ca++]i, the most potent of which was 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-20-one sulfate (IC50, 37 microM). Concentration-response curves for NMDA in the presence of active steroids revealed noncompetitive interaction(s) of these steroids with the NMDA receptor. Although the mechanism(s) responsible for either steroid-induced augmentation or inhibition of NMDA-receptor responses is unknown, these data suggest the presence of one or more steroid recognition sites with a high degree of structural specificity associated with NMDA receptors. These results further raise the possibility that pregn-5-ene 3-sulfates and pregnane 3-sulfates could be endogenous modulators of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic events.
AUTOMATED FOUR-COLOR DNA SEQUENCING USING PRIMERS ASSEMBLED BY HEXAMER LIGATION

Abstract A procedure based on the assembly of sequencing primers by hexamer ligation and then using them in automated DNA sequencing is described. This method is based on a four-color fluorescent terminator chemistry. Sequencing ladders were analyzed using an ABI 373 DNA sequencer (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The best results were obtained for primers assembled by ligation of four to ten hexamers. The accuracy of the method was estimated to be 99.5% up to 400 nt of the read sequence, and somewhat lower at 400–600 nt.
Antigenicity of guinea pig testicular cells grown in cell culture as determined by the isolated ileum technique.

I HAVE previously recorded experiments relating to the antigenicity of testicular tissue and of sperm as well as extracts thereof1. For many reasons, for example to facilitate identification of spermatogenic tissue antigens and to elucidate the mechanism(s) of cell destruction occurring in immunologically induced aspermatogenesis, it was important to have replicating cell cultures of testicular tissue. Replication, rather than mere maintenance, of testicular cells in culture has recently been accomplished, and the results will be published in extenso elsewhere. The attainment of this goal imposed the requirement of demonstrating that spermatogenic cells grown in culture continue to synthesize antigens that are present in the germinal epithelium of the testicle in vivo. Among such antigens are those capable of: (1) eliciting anaphylactic contracture of sensitized ilea; (2) inducing aspermatogenesis; (3) provoking the production of humoral antibody. We have found that replicating guinea pig cells carried in culture for more than 2 months are capable of causing anaphylactic contracture of sensitized ilea and can also be used to sensitize guinea pigs.
D cyclins in lymphocytes

Background D cyclins are essential for the progression of cells through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. There are three distinct D cyclins. Cyclin D1 has been shown to be expressed by many different types of cells but not by lymphocytes. Cyclins D2 and D3 have been found in lymphocytes. Methods We used high-resolution enzymatic amplification staining technology in conjunction with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy and with immunoblotting to reassess the expression of the D cyclins in human lymphocytes. Results Using high-resolution technology for flow cytometry, we found all three D cyclins in quiescent human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cyclin D1 was expressed in quiescent and activated cells at levels commensurate with those of actively proliferating tumor cell lines. Cyclin D1 was functional inasmuch as it was complexed with CDK4. In the quiescent cells, cyclin D1 was expressed in the cytoplasm but, after activation, was found in the nucleus. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that lymphocytes express cyclin D1 and necessitate a reappraisal of the hypothesis that the D cyclins subsume redundant activities with tissue-specific expression. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Methods of visual acuity determination with the spatial frequency sweep visual evoked potential

Purpose The spatial frequency sweep visual evoked potential (sVEP) is used to rapidly determine visual acuity in children or non-responsive patients. Two techniques have been used to separate signal from noise: (1) the 95% confidence interval for the signal amplitude (95% CI) or (2) the amplitude of a Fourier frequency adjacent to 2× the signal frequency (DFT). The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a significant difference in acuity estimates with these techniques.
Recent modifications and measurements with a ground-based lidar system

A ground-based lidar facility, which has been in operation at the NASA Langley Research Center since 1974, has been substantially upgraded with state-of-the-art technology, including 12-bit CAMAC based digitizers and a 386 computer with a laser printer and optical disk drive. An Nd:YAG laser was added to the system to provide wavelengths at 1064 nm and 532 nm. A new detector package was added to accommodate the ruby 649 nm and the YAG 532 nm wavelengths with provisions to add a detector for 1064 nm later. Photon counting at 532 nm is also possible with the addition of the new detector package and a cooled photomultiplier tube. Backscatter measurements from the stratospheric aerosol cloud, produced by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, have been obtained with the system operating in the analog mode at 694 nm. Regular measurements, approximately weekly, were made over a period of a year and a half after the eruption. The results indicate a continuous aerosol increase, with multi-layered structure, over the measurement site for the first eight months following the eruption, after which the aerosol loading started decreasing and has continued, but the aerosol backscatter a year and a half after the eruption was still substantially above the pre-Pinatubo levels.
Induction of mating in male chicks following preoptic implantation of androgen

Abstract Implantation of testosterone propionate in the anterior hypothalamic region of male chicks selectively increased mating behavior of testosterone-primed, low threshold (for mating) subjects. When equivalent subjects were implanted with blank cannulae, or with testosterone propionate in other brain regions, no increase in mating scores occured. The data provide additional evidence for androgen-sensitive mechanisms in anterior hypothalamus and suggest that neural cells mediating mating behavior can be primed or triggered by androgen very early in development.
Dynamic supply chain formation: integrating multi-attribute auctions and finite capacity scheduling

Dynamic supply chain practices offer the prospect of more efficiently matching suppliers and producers in the face of changing market conditions. Prior research aimed at studying dynamic supply chain formation problems has generally ignored constraints imposed by the finite capacity of manufacturers. In this paper, we consider the problem faced by a manufacturer who can procure key components from a number of possible suppliers through multi-attribute reverse auction mechanisms. Bids submitted by prospective suppliers include a price and a delivery date. The manufacturer has to select a combination of supplier bids that will maximize its overall profit, taking into account the revenue generated by each product it has to deliver, the costs of the components it has to procure as well as late delivery penalties (incurred for missing promised delivery dates to its own customers).
A sense of new beginnings in positron and positronium chemistry

This has been the most future-oriented workshop in my memory. Many participants are thinking about the next experiments to perform, new phenomena to study, and new parameters to measure. We look forward to new optical correlations, both with exciting radiation and intrinsic fluorescence. We very badly need positron and positronium binding energies to atoms, molecules, and radicals. We very badly need work functions, band gaps and edges, and trap depths for positron and positronium in molecular liquids and solids. The binding energies of positronium itself in various molecular materials is an important and poorly understood quantity. New data presented at this workshop on the energy of positronium at its formation, and its thermalization time, are most significant,3 and we look forward to refinements in those measurements and in their interpretation. We need to understand the thermalization times of positrons much better than we do. The role of voids and/or surfaces in positronium formation needs to be illuminated, including numerical estimates and measurements for the cross section of this most important process.
Impression Management and Cross-Cultural Adaption

Abstract The relationship between impression management and cross-cultural adaptation was assessed. A sample of 112 individuals, 35 employees of a U.S.-based corporation and 77 undergraduate students, completed a packet of questionnaires containing M. Snyder's (1974) Self-Monitoring Scale, the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (D. L. Paulhus, 1988), the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (J. Meyers & C. Kelley, 1992), and the Cross-Cultural Interaction Inventory (T M. Yellen & S. J. Mumford, 1975). The individuals' scores on two impression management measures (the Self-Monitoring Scale and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding) were found to be significantly correlated with responses on two cross-cultural adaptability measures (the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory and the Cross-Cultural Interaction Inventory). The results suggest that impression management tendencies may be related to the ability to adapt cross-culturally.
Dear Alma Mater: Women's Epistolary Education in the Society to Encourage Studies at Home, 1873–1897

Anna Ticknor, a Boston Brahmin, founded America's first correspondence school. Hailing from across the nation, all students were women. The letters they exchanged with their instructors between 1873 and 1897 opened up flexible spaces of self-definition, encouragement, and disguise that came to mediate—and enable—a new kind of women's education in Victorian–era America.