cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid change in the fabrication of crowns and fixed prostheses.

A significant change is occurring in fixed prosthodontics, and, in my opinion, there is no question but that it will continue. Many dental laboratories have closed in the past few years. According to the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), approximately 5,000 laboratories closed in the period from 2006 through 2013, with 9,042 laboratories now functioning (Bennett Napier, CAE, chief staff executive, NADL, written communication, April 2, 2014). Why are dental laboratories closing? One reason is that laboratory owners cannot afford to upgrade their facilities to include expensive digital technology such as scanners, milling machines and the various accessory items. Another major reason is the significant percentage of crowns being made offshore. NADL estimates that approximately 34 percent of crowns currently placed in the United States have been made offshore (Bennett Napier, written communication, April 2, 2014). A third significant reason is the lowering of laboratory prices seen nationally and the inability of small dental laboratories to compete with the laboratories that are oriented toward mass production of indirect restorations. So what does the future hold in terms of the obvious major changes now going on in the fabrication of crowns and fixed prostheses? In this column, I will discuss the changes in fabrication of indirect restorations and the various steps necessary in the primary methods of fabricating restorations, as well as compare the potential influence each technique has on dental practices and the cost of each concept. This information should assist dentists attempting to make a decision about which of the methods of crown and fixed-prosthesis fabrication to use in their practices. The techniques and times I have listed in the following information are based on my long experience mentoring numerous conventionalfixed-prosthodontic study clubs and accomplishing research about scanning and in-office milling.
The tendency to alternate direction of movement as reflected in starting stem running speed

Based on the recent identification by Douglas of direction of movement as the single extra-maze cue for spontaneous alternation in rats, the prediction was made and confirmed that Ss’ trial-2 running speed in the starting stem of a T-maze would be affected by the relative orientations of the trial-2 and trial-1 starting stems.
Four probability-preserving properties of inferences

Different inferences in probabilistic logics of conditionals ‘preserve’ the probabilities of their premisses to different degrees. Some preserve certainty, some high probability, some positive probability, and some minimum probability. In the first case conclusions must have probability 1 when premisses have probability 1, though they might have probability 0 when their premisses have any lower probability. In the second case, roughly speaking, if premisses are highly probable though not certain then conclusions must also be highly probable. In the third case conclusions must have positive probability when premisses do, and in the last case conclusions must be at least as probable as their least probable premisses. Precise definitions and well known examples are given for each of these properties, characteristic principles are shown to be valid and complete for deriving conclusions of each of these kinds, and simple trivalent truthtable ‘tests’ are described for determining which properties are possessed by any given inference. Brief comments are made on the application of these results to certain modal inferences such as “Jones may own a car, and if he does he will have a driver's license. Therefore, he may have a driver's license.”
Deletion of Selenoprotein M Leads to Obesity without Cognitive Deficits

Selenium is an essential trace element that is co-translationally incorporated into selenoproteins in the form of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine. This class of proteins largely functions in oxidation-reduction reactions and is critically involved in maintaining proper redox balance essential to health. Selenoprotein M (SelM) is a thioredoxin-like endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein that is highly expressed in the brain and possesses neuroprotective properties. In this study, we first assessed the regional pattern of SelM expression in the mouse brain to provide insights into the potential functional implications of this protein in physiology and behavior. Next, we generated transgenic mice with a targeted deletion of the SelM gene and subjected them to a battery of neurobehavioral tests to evaluate motor coordination, locomotion, and cognitive function in comparison with wild-type controls. Finally, these mice were tested for several measures of metabolic function and body composition. Our results show that SelM knock-out (KO) mice display no deficits in measures of motor coordination and cognitive function but exhibit increased weight gain, elevated white adipose tissue deposition, and diminished hypothalamic leptin sensitivity. These findings suggest that SelM plays an important role in the regulation of body weight and energy metabolism. Background: Selenoprotein M (SelM) is highly expressed in the brain and postulated to have neuroprotective properties. Results: SelM expression is present in high levels in hypothalamic nuclei involved in energy metabolism, and SelM KO mice exhibit increased adiposity without apparent cognitive deficits. Conclusion: SelM protects against obesity. Significance: Increased understanding of the genes that protect against obesity may yield improved treatments and prevention strategies.
Porcine Valve Bioprosthesis: Early Thrombosis with Systemic Emboli

Abstract We report the case of a patient who had early postoperative thrombosis, with systemic emboli, of an aortic Hancock porcine valve bioprosthesis. Anticoagulants were not used postoperatively because the patient had a history of epistaxis. Progressive symptoms and a 57 mm Hg transvalvular gradient prompted reoperation at six months. Thrombosis of the valve may have been related to postoperative low cardiac output, prolonged dysrhythmias, or lack of anticoagulants.
Examining the Effectiveness of Student Authentication and Authenticity in Online Learning at Community Colleges

Online learning is rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent delivery methods of learning in institutions of higher education. It provides college students, especially adult students, an alternative, convenient, and cost-efficient method to earn their credentials, upgrade their skills and knowledge, and keep or upgrade their employment. But at the same time it brings about new issues and challenges different from traditional instruction, including student verification, prevention of academic dishonesty, and use of new technology. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of student authentication and authenticity in online learning at community colleges through faculty's perceptions of the three key institutional factors: (a) institutional policies and procedures; (b) professional development and training; and (c) technology support services. The results of this study show that there are significant gaps between what are considered by faculty as important in the three areas and what are i...
Differences Between Latino Daily Light and Heavier Smokers in Smoking Attitudes, Risk Perceptions, and Smoking Cessation Outcome

INTRODUCTION: Daily light smoking is increasing and disproportionately represented among Latinos. The current study examines differences in smoking attitudes, psychosocial characteristics, risk perceptions, and cessation rates between Latino daily light (3-9 cigarettes/day) and heavier smokers (≥ 10 cigarettes/day). METHODS: Participants (N = 131; M(age) = 36.8, 73.3% female, 53.1% light smokers) were enrolled in a study focused on motivating smokers to quit. Cessation was biochemically verified at 2 and 3 months after end of treatment. RESULTS: Heavier smoking was more prevalent among males (65.7%) and those from Puerto Rico (69.0%). Compared with heavier smokers, light smokers were less nicotine dependent (p < .001), reported fewer pros of smoking (p ≤ .001), less perceived stress (p ≤ .001), had fewer friends who smoked (p ≤ .005), were more likely to live in a household with an indoor smoking ban (p ≤ .001), and self-reported better health (p < .05). Regarding risk perceptions, Latino light smokers reported less perceived vulnerability for the health effects from smoking on their child's health (p < .05). There were no significant differences in smoking cessation rates between daily light and heavier smokers at either 2- or 3-month follow-up. Belief that quitting would improve "their own health," however, significantly predicted smoking cessation at both 2- and 3-month follow-up, but only among heavier smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Latino light smokers do not seem to be more likely to quit smoking than Latinos who smoke at heavier rates. Differences between Latino light and heavier smokers in demographics, smoking attitudes, and psychosocial factors may need to be considered when developing cessation programs and mass media campaigns. Future research should continue to explore whether Latino light smokers need different or more targeted treatments.
A Double Sampling Scheme for, Analytical Surveys

Abstract The concept of analytical sample surveys is discussed in general, and a double sampling scheme is proposed for certain situations. Emphasis is placed on the presentation of a method which can be used to solve a certain class of problems. It is assumed that the subgroups of the population which are to be compared form a one-way classification, and are not identifiable in advance of drawing a simple random sample from the population. With double sampling, a large sample is selected, and the group to which each element belongs is identified. Then a subsample is selected within each of the groups according to a sampling rule specified in advance. It is desired to find those values of the preliminary and main sample sizes which will maximize some precision statement subject to a given budget. Approximate procedures to secure quick and reliable solutions are given. The validity of the approximations is also investigated.
Receptor heteromerization and drug discovery.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that convert extracellular information into intracellular signals. They are involved in many biological processes and therefore represent powerful targets to modulate physiological and pathological states. Recent studies have demonstrated that GPCR activity is regulated by several mechanisms. Among these, protein–protein interactions (and in particular interactions with other receptors leading to heteromerization) has been shown to have an important role in modulating GPCR function. This has expanded their repertoire of signaling and added a new level of regulation to their physiological roles. Emerging studies provide evidence for tissue-specific and disease-specific receptor heteromerization. This suggests that heteromers represent novel drug targets for the identification of selective compounds with potentially fewer side-effects.
Effect of annealing time on solute carbon in ultralow-carbon Ti-V and Ti-Nb steels

The influence of annealing temperature and time on solute carbon levels was investigated in four ultralow-carbon (ULC) bake-hardenable steels; two Ti-V ULC steels with different V/C levels and two Ti-Nb ULC steels with different Nb/C levels. Internal-friction and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques were used to understand the precipitation/dissolution behavior in the various steels. An effect of annealing time on the carbon Snoek-peak height was observed in both Ti-V steels and in the Ti-Nb steel having a lower Nb/C ratio. Despite differences between these steels resulting from their composition (and, thus, carbide solubility) differences, after cold rolling and annealing at different temperatures, the maximum Snoek-peak height was achieved after annealing for shorter times in each instance, on the order of 1 minute. The highly stabilized Ti-Nb ULC steel with a higher Nb/C ratio did not show the effect because of the absence of solute carbon. For the Ti-V steels, most of the precipitates examined using STEM contained both Ti and V. The energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis indicated that both the Ti-V steels annealed at 845 °C for 1 minute have greater Ti/V ratios compared to their corresponding Ti-V steels in the as-received (hot-rolled) condition. This behavior is consistent with dissolution of carbides causing the carbon in solution to increase, as indicated by a greater carbon Snoek-peak height for both Ti-V steels in the annealed condition. The reduction in Snoek-peak height at longer annealing times is believed to be associated with segregation to lower-energy defect sites.
Calibration of molecular weight scales for DNA

Abstract The molecular weights of T2, T5st + , T5st-0 and T7 DNA's were found by molecular autoradiographic determination of the phosphorus content of the phage DNA and/or the phage particle. The values obtained for the molecular weights of the sodium salts of these DNA's were 132 ± 12 × 10 6 a.m.u. † for T2, 83 ± 4 × 10 6 a.m.u. for T5st + , 77 ± 2 × 10 6 a.m.u. for T5st-0 and 25 ± 2 × 10 6 a.m.u. for T7. The sedimentation rates of these DNA's relative to T7 DNA (32.6 s) were determined in sucrose gradients. The S suc of T2, T5st + and T5st-0 were 57.0 s, 49.2 s and 48.1 s, respectively. These data and the relative sedimentation rates of T7 “whole” and “half” molecules were used to obtain the relationship: S suc = 0.0833 M 0.350 . Emperical relationships for M versus [η] or S 20 · w 0 were obtained. These are: log 10 ([ η ] + 5) + 2.774 = 0.653 log 10 M and log 10 (S 0 0 · w − 3.0) + 1.859 = 0.449 log 10 M . These latter two relationships hold over a molecular weight range of 300,000 to 130 × 10 6 a.m.u. for duplex DNA. The mass per unit length of DNA molecules measured by the protein film technique was determined to be 19 ± 0.1 × 10 6 a.m.u. per micron for DNA in films cast on water.
Replication and expansion of findings related to racial differences in veterans with combat-related PTSD.

Racial differences in those seeking treatment at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) outpatient posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment program were examined. One hundred eleven (71 Caucasian and 40 African American) veterans were compared on both self-report measures and interview measures of PTSD, depression, dissociation, and general psychopathology. Participants completed the following self-report measures: the Beck Depression Inventory, the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Mississippi Combat PTSD Scale, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Participants also completed the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-1), which is a structured interview for PTSD, and completed a non-structured clinical interview. The two groups did not differ on measured demographic variables, nor were there significant differences on self-report or interview measures of anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptomatology. Contrary to expectation, groups did not differ on self-report measures of dissociation, paranoia, or schizophrenia. African Americans were significantly more likely to endorse items of bizarre mentation from the MMPI-2. These results suggest that African American and Caucasian veterans with combat-related PTSD do not differ with regard to manifestation or severity of psychopathology. Depression and Anxiety 16:64–70, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Importance of Age Dependent Mortality and the Extrinsic Incubation Period in Models of Mosquito-Borne Disease Transmission and Control

Nearly all mathematical models of vector-borne diseases have assumed that vectors die at constant rates. However, recent empirical research suggests that mosquito mortality rates are frequently age dependent. This work develops a simple mathematical model to assess how relaxing the classical assumption of constant mortality affects the predicted effectiveness of anti-vectorial interventions. The effectiveness of mosquito control when mosquitoes die at age dependent rates was also compared across different extrinsic incubation periods. Compared to a more realistic age dependent model, constant mortality models overestimated the sensitivity of disease transmission to interventions that reduce mosquito survival. Interventions that reduce mosquito survival were also found to be slightly less effective when implemented in systems with shorter EIPs. Future transmission models that examine anti-vectorial interventions should incorporate realistic age dependent mortality rates.
Useful Irresponsibility? A Reply to Mao on the Purpose(s) of Comparative Rhetoric

For comparative rhetoric and pragmatism, two areas of inquiry often overlooked, any press is good press. I therefore appreciate the attention given to my article (“Pragmatism”) concerning these top...
R-wave amplitude in lead II of an electrocardiograph correlates with central hypovolemia in human beings.

Abstract : Objectives: Previous animal and human experiments have suggested that reduction in central blood volume either increases or decreases the amplitude of R waves in various electrocardiograph (ECG) leads depending on underlying pathophysiology. In this investigation, we used graded central hypovolemia in adult volunteer subjects to test the hypothesis that moderate reductions in central blood volume increases R-wave amplitude in lead II of an ECG. Methods: A four-lead ECG tracing, heart rate (HR), estimated stroke volume (SV), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were measured during baseline supine rest and during progressive reductions of central blood volume to an estimated volume loss of greater than 1,000 mL with application of lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) in 13 healthy human volunteer subjects. Results: Lower-body negative pressure resulted in a significant progressive reduction in central blood volume, as indicated by a maximal decrease of 65% in SV and maximal elevation of 56% in HR from baseline to 60 mm Hg LBNP. R-wave amplitude increased (p less than 0.0001) linearly with progressive LBNP. The amalgamated correlation (R2) between average stroke volume and average R-wave amplitude at each LBNP stage was -0.989. Conclusions: These results support our hypothesis that reduction of central blood volume in human beings is associated with increased R-wave amplification in lead II of an ECG.
Hydration, Swelling, Interlayer Structure, and Hydrogen Bonding in Organolayered Double Hydroxides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Citrate-Intercalated Hydrotalcite

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the Mg/Al (3:1) layered double hydroxide (LDH), hydrotalcite (HT), containing citrate, C6H5O73-, as the charge balancing interlayer anion provides new molecular scale insight into the interlayer structure, hydrogen bonding, and energetics of the hydration and consequent swelling of LDH compounds containing organic and biomolecules. Citrate-HT exhibits affinity for water up to very high hydration levels, in contrast to the preferred low hydration states of most LDHs intercalated with small, inorganic anions. This result is consistent with the recent experimental observation of the delamination of lactate-HT. The high water affinity is rationalized in terms of the preference of citrate ion for hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) donated from water molecules rather than from the hydroxyl groups of the metal hydroxide layer and the need to develop an integrated interlayer H-bond network among the citrate ions, water, and −OH groups of the hydroxide layers. The changes in the orienta...
America's Constitutional Narrative

America has always been a wonderfully diverse place, a country where billions of stories spanning centuries and continents converge under the rubric of a Constitution that unites them in an ongoing narrative of national self-creation. Rather than rehearse familiar debates over what our Constitution means, this essay explores what the Constitution does. It treats the Constitution as a verb – a creative and contested practice that yields a trans-generational conversation about the meaning of our past, the imperatives of our present, and the values and aspirations that should point us toward our future. And it meditates on how this practice, drawing deeply on the capacious wellsprings of text and history, simultaneously reinforces the political order and provides a language for challenging its legitimacy, thereby constituting us as “We, the People,” joined in a single project framed centuries ago that nevertheless remains inevitably our own.
Molecular orbital studies of the hydrolysis reactions of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxides

Kinetic studies of the hydrolysis of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxides have shown that hydrolysis proceeds through an acid-catalyzed SN1 mechanism and that the rate-determining step is the formation of a benzylic carbocation. The formation of this carbocation indicates that the diol epoxide can react with nucleophilic sites on DNA as an alkylating agent. Previous work has indicated that the kinetic data could be accurately fit to kobsd = kH [H+] + k0, in which kH [H+] is the pseudo first-order rate constant for acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and k0 is the rate constant for spontaneous hydrolysis. The observation made in several laboratories, that DNA catalyzes the hydrolysis of carcinogenic diol epoxides, is of direct interest in light of our recent calculation indicating that the local environment of DNA has a high concentration of hydrogen ions. The significance of acidic domains around nucleic acids is primarily in the ability of the protons to catalyze reactions. We have hypothesized that the high concentration of hydrogen ions at the DNA surface is responsible for the catalysis and that the generation of benzylic carbocations at the DNA surface can result in either nontoxic tetraols or in mutagenic nucleotide adducts, depending on the nucleophile with which the carbocation reacts. The calculations presented here are concerned with qualitatively understanding the rate constants in terms of the mechanisms of the acid-catalyzed and the spontaneous (H2O-catalyzed) hydrolyses. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Learning Disabled Adolescent: A New Perspective In College Guidance

Many learning disabled youngsters can have a successful col lege experience, says this writer, who provides guidelines for counseling such students.
Whole mounted radical prostatectomy specimens do not increase detection of adverse pathological features.

Purpose: The optimal method to process radical prostatectomy specimens to maximize the detection of adverse pathological features is unclear and accurate staging is critical. We compare the ability of whole mounted sections to detect these features compared to partially submitted radical prostatectomy specimens.Materials and Methods: A total of 93 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens were processed as whole mounts. Tissue sections were analyzed and the pathological outcomes measured included Gleason score, surgical margin status, and presence or absence of extraprostatic tumor extension and/or seminal vesicle invasion. The pathological outcomes of the preceding cohort were compared to those of a similar cohort consisting of 554 men whose radical prostatectomy specimens were processed as partially submitted glands.Results: A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of the method of tissue processing on the pathological outcomes. When considered alone or adjuste...
Optical properties of polycrystalline Nd:YAG for different levels of Nd doping

Multiple percentages of neodymium doped polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) from 0 to 10% are now commercially available. This paper summarizes a detailed characterization of this material from the mid infrared to ultraviolet. Characterization includes material transmittance and scatter (BSDF) measurements for multiple doping levels of polycrystalline samples. Material Characterization is presented in the form of standard models.
Radiation Damage in Fast-Breeder and Fusion Reactors

The production of power by fast-breeder and fusion reactors involves the generation of intense fast neutron fluxes. These neutrons cause void swelling and irradiation creep in the normal operating temperature ranges of the two reactor types and give rise to serious design problems. No facilities exist to permit the accelerated study of fast neutron effects, and strong reliance must be placed on simulation of neutron damage by heavy ions. The techniques of heavy-ion damage studies have been established, and the procedures for damage calculations taken to the stage where ion bombardment is proving a valuable tool in the development of advanced reactors. Transmutation processes are also important in these reactors but generally pose less severe problems in terms of the availability of experimental facilities; 14-MeV neutron effects in insulating materials may be an exception, because they require a high intensity neutron source.
Effects of four prophylaxis pastes on surface roughness of a composite, a hybrid ionomer, and a compomer restorative material.

Purpose This study was undertaken to compare the effects of three prophylaxis pastes (Nupro with coarse, medium, or fine pumice) with a new paste (Clinpro with perlite) on the surface roughness of a resin composite (Dyract AP), a hybrid ionomer (Fuji II LC), and a compomer (TPH Spectrum). Materials and methods Twenty disks (2 mm thick x 10 mm in diameter) of each material were prepared in split molds and stored for 24 hours at 37 degrees C in a 100% relative humidity humidistat. Baseline Mylar surface roughness values were determined. A single operator polished each specimen for 10 seconds with each paste. Five tracings of each specimen of surface roughness (Ra, microm) were made using a surface profilometer. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (three restorative materials and four prophylaxis pastes as factors) and compared using Tukey-Kramer intervals calculated at the 0.05 level of significance. Results Analysis of variance showed significant differences among restorative materials (after polishing) and prophylaxis polishing agents. Tukey-Kramer intervals for comparisons were 0.04 and 0.05 microm, respectively. All polishing agents produced significant increased roughness compared with baseline, yielding the following results (X + SD, microm) for the three restorative materials (Fuji II LC, TPH Spectrum, Dyract AP): perlite, 0.16 +/- 0.07, 0.28 +/- 0.26, 0.79 +/- 0.64; course pumice, 0.36 +/- 0.17, 0.48 +/- 0.25, 0.88 +/- 0.46; medium pumice, 0.26 +/- 0.10, 0.35 +/- 0.30, 0.46 +/- 0.21; and fine pumice, 0.16 +/- 0.06, 0.34 +/- 0.30, 0.42 +/- 0.24). Fine pumice and perlite produced the least roughness on the hybrid ionomer, medium and fine pumice on the resin composite, and perlite on the compomer. Clinical significance Since prophylaxis pastes have the potential to increase the surface roughness of resin composite, hybrid ionomer, and compomer restorative materials, routine polishing during prophylaxis should be avoided.
Glioblastoma cell line-derived spheres in serum-containing medium versus serum-free medium: A comparison of cancer stem cell properties

In addition to the primary culturing of cancer stem cells (CSCs) from tumor tissues, CSCs are found in established tumor cell lines. However, it is unclear how culture conditions affect CSC enrichment. Additionally, the differentiation potential of cell line-derived CSCs has not been well studied. In our study, the glioblastoma cell lines LN229, T98G, U251n and U87, were cultured as spheres in serum-containing medium (serum spheres) or serum-free medium (serum-free spheres). We found that LN229 and U251n cells expressed multiple stem cell markers such as Nestin, Sox2, Musashi-1 and CD44, and their serum spheres expressed even higher levels of Nestin, Sox2 and Musashi-1 compared to monolayer cells and serum‑free spheres. LN229 and U251n cells showed higher migration and colony formation potential compared to T98G and U87 cells, which did not express Nestin, Sox2 and Musashi-1. Serum spheres of LN229 and U251n cells also exhibited higher resistance to temozolomide compared to serum-free spheres. All tumor cell lines showed neuronal differentiation (Tuj-1 positive). Only U251n serum spheres exhibited both astrocytic (GFAP‑positive) and neuronal differentiation. We conclude that sphere culture in serum-containing medium provides the most efficient enrichment of cancer stem cells. U251n cells are distinguished from other tumor cells due to their potential for multilineage differentiation.
Not Correcting for Restriction of Range can be Advantageous

In validating a selection test (x), complete test-criterion (y) scores are typically not available for all cases. Given this incomplete xy data set, one can estimate the population correlation using either the uncorrected correlation (computed using the data only from the selected group) or the so-called corrected correlation. Although the uncorrected value is always more biased than the corrected value, the former can have a substantially smaller expected mean square error when sample sizes are small, selection is extreme, and the population correlation is low.
Legal requirements for social impact assessment: Assessing the social science fallout from Three Mile Island

Abstract The passage of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) has been followed by a long series of judicial decisions clarifying and defining the applicability of the statute. Throughout the 1970s, most of these decisions indicated a relatively broad if not expanding view of NEPA's implications. Nevertheless, in a key decision—Metropolitan Edison Co. v. People Against Nuclear Energy (PANE)— the Supreme Court ruled that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was not required to issue an environmental impact statement before restarting the undamaged nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island. The verdict was interpreted by many as narrowing NEPA's requirements for agencies to consider the social science implications of their activities; others saw the verdict merely as reaffirming the existing regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality that social and economic impacts by themselves do not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement. The article reviews the PANE decision, the l...
Fishing for Answers off Fukushima

The triple disaster of the 11 March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent radiation releases at Fukushima Dai-ichi were, and continue to be, unprecedented events for the ocean and for society. More than 80% of the radioactivity from Fukushima was either blown offshore or directly discharged into the ocean from waters used to cool the nuclear power plants ( 1 ). Although offshore waters are safe with respect to international standards for radionuclides in the ocean ( 2 ), the nuclear power plants continue to leak radioactive contaminants into the ocean ( 3 ); many near-shore fisheries remain closed. What are the prospects for recovery?
Acceptance of the Dana Medal of the Mineralogical Society of America for 2007

Ladies, gentlemen, colleagues and friends: It is with the sincerest appreciation and not insignificant degree of humility that I accept the 2007 Dana Medal of the Mineralogical Society of America. I was, to say the least, flabbergasted when I received a telephone call from Bob Hazen back in the Fall of 2005 informing me that I had been chosen to receive this medal. I have always considered the Mineralogical Society of America to be my intellectual “home,” if you will, and there are even intellectual ties between James Dana and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. So it is indeed an honor to be so chosen. I must confess, however, now that I’ve had over a year to think about what this …
Some conclusions from an experiment in software engineering techniques

In two earlier reports we have suggested some techniques to be used producing software with many programmers. The techniques were especially suitable for software which would exist in many versions due to modifications in methods or applications. These techniques have been taught in an undergraduate course and used in an experimental project in that course. The purpose of this report is to describe the results that have been obtained and to discuss some conclusions which we have reached. The experiment was completely uncontrolled, the programmers generally inexperienced and poor, and the programming system used was not designed for the task. The numerical data presented below have no real value. We include them primarily as an illustration of the type of result that can be obtained by use of the techniques described in the earlier reports. We consider these results a drastic improvement over the state of the art. Major changes in a system can be confined to well-defined, small, subsystems. No intellectual effort is required in the final assembly or "integration" phase.
The role of exercise in type II diabetes mellitus.

A number of studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of regular physical activity on levels of HgbA1C in patients with type II diabetes mellitus, largely due to an increase in insulin sensitivity. Benefits are related to short term improvements in insulin sensitivity following individual exercise bouts. Regular exercise can prevent or delay the onset of type II diabetes in high risk populations. The insulin resistant state is associated with a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors all of which improve with regular physical activity. Because of the high incidence of occult coronary disease, patients need a cardiovascular evaluation when initiating an exercise program. High intensity exercise may result in retinal hemorrhage and transient worsening of diabetic proteinuria. The most common complication is hypoglycemia. A combination of aerobic and light resistance exercise is appropriate. Patients should exercise a minimum of three times a week for 30–60 minutes at 50% to 75% of their Vo2max.
Ligand-Dependent Mechanisms of sst2A Receptor Trafficking: Role of Site-Specific Phosphorylation and Receptor Activation in the Actions of Biased Somatostatin Agonists

The somatostatin receptor subtype 2A (sst2A) mediates many of somatostatin's neuroendocrine actions and is the primary therapeutic target for the stable somatostatin analogs used to inhibit hormone secretion by pituitary and gastroenteropancreatic tumors. Two new multireceptor targeting somatostatin analogs currently under clinical investigation, the multisomatostatin receptor agonist cyclo-[diaminoethylcarbamoyl-HydroxyPro-Phenylglycine-D-Trp-Lys-(4-O-benzyl)Tyr-Phe] (SOM230) (Pasireotide) and pan-somatostatin receptor agonist Tyr-cyclo-[D-diaminobutyric acid-Arg-Phe-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe] (KE108), behave as functionally selective ligands at the sst2A receptor, mimicking some of somatostatin's actions but antagonizing others. Further, SOM230 and KE108 are less able to induce receptor internalization than somatostatin, indicating that they exhibit functional selectivity for receptor regulation as well as signaling. Here, we identify agonist-specific differences in the molecular events regulating sst2A receptor endocytosis. SOM230 and KE108 were less potent and less effective than somatostatin at stimulating sst2A receptor phosphorylation at two pairs of residues, Ser341/343 and Thr353/354. Only the pattern of Thr353/354 phosphorylation correlated with receptor internalization, consistent with the known importance of Thr phosphorylation for sst2A receptor endocytosis. As expected, arrestin recruitment to membrane receptors was reduced with SOM230 and KE108. In addition, both receptor dephosphorylation and receptor recycling occurred more rapidly with SOM230 and KE108 than with somatostatin. Surprisingly, however, SOM230 and KE108 also altered sst2A internalization in a phosphorylation-independent manner, because these analogs were less effective than somatostatin at stimulating the endocytosis of a phosphorylation-negative receptor mutant. These results show that the decreased receptor internalization produced by SOM230 and KE108 compared with somatostatin result from phosphorylation-independent effects as well as reduced site-specific receptor phosphorylation and receptor-arrestin association.
Induction of antibodies against carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

MANY carcinogens can elicit antibodies when linked to macromolecular carriers1–5. If antibodies against an entire class of carcinogens could be elicited by a non-carcinogenic analogue, and proved capable of neutralising the biological effects of the carcinogens, human immunisation might be of practical value. Mucosal (predominantly IgA) antibodies, capable of facilitating the excretion of an antigen before its absorption into the body, might be particularly useful in this6,7. Here we provide evidence that: an analogue of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) carcinogen dim-ethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), substituted with a fluorine moiety to abrogate carcinogenicity, can induce antibodies which bind a variety of PAH carcinogens; that these antibodies can protect tissue culture cells against one of the prominent in vitro biological effects of such carcinogens—toxicity; and that gastrointestinal mucosal immunisation against PAH carcinogens is feasible, and possibly represents a means of achieving in vivo protection by enhancing carcinogen excretion.
Self-reported global function among adult survivors of childhood lower-extremity bone tumors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)

Introduction Adult survivors of childhood lower-extremity bone tumors may experience physical and psychosocial late effects that impact physical performance, global function and quality of life. The identification of survivors at greatest risk for poor outcomes will inform potential intervention targets.
The Impact of Teacher and Student Expectancy in a Microteaching Situation

Summary In order to examine the influence of teacher and student expectancies on teaching and learning behavior, 156 male and female undergraduates were studied in a microteaching session in which high and low teacher and student expectancy instructions were experimentally varied. All expectancy instructions were ostensibly based on student performance on a language aptitude examination. Results indicated that teachers' perceptions of student performance, but not the student performance itself, differed according to the expectation assigned (p = .07). When the same expectancy was assigned to both teacher and student, a larger number of words were taught than when the teacher and student were assigned dissimilar expectancies (p < .01).
Evolution of aortic valve replacement in children: A single center experience ☆

Abstract Background The availability of an ideal prosthesis for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in children remains controversial due to an early degeneration of xenografts and the potential risks related to anticoagulation with mechanical prostheses. This has led many surgeons to the Ross procedure. This study outlines the evolution of our 30-year experience with AVR in children. Methods One hundred and forty-seven children, aged 10 days to 18 years (mean 11.9±5.7 years), underwent AVR between 1974 and June 2005. Preoperative diagnosis included aortic insufficiency ( n =39), aortic stenosis ( n =14), combined aortic stenosis with insufficiency ( n =78), and complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction ( n =16). Xenografts ( n =11) and mechanical prostheses ( n =47) were used in 58 patients. The remaining 89 patients had placement of homografts ( n =8) or underwent a Ross procedure ( n =81). Of the 147 patients, 87 (59%) had previous procedures. Results Overall early and late mortality was 7.5% (11/147 pts). Overall survival estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, including early mortality, was 94% at 1 year, and 93% at 5, 10, and 20 years. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified date of operation (before 1980) as a risk factor for death ( p =0.002). Follow-up was complete in 136 patients (5 lost to follow-up), with a total follow-up of 2433.72 patient-years. The overall study group aortic valve-related reoperation rate was 20% (20/138 pts), the reoperation rate was highest in xenograft group (60%); followed by mechanical valves group (16%), homograft group (14%), and the Ross procedure group (9%). Ross patients showed significant increase of the annulus diameter ( p =0.002) and the aortic sinus diameter ( p =0.01) at the last follow-up. The actuarial rate for freedom from aortic valve-related reoperation was 99% at 1 year, 94% at 5 years, 88% at 10 years, and 85% at 20 years. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified the presence of a xenograft as a risk factor for aortic valve-related reoperation ( p =0.001). Conclusion AVR in children can be performed with acceptable mortality and minimal mid-term morbidity. The Ross procedure, although more complicated, has the advantage of not requiring anticoagulation. Pulmonary autograft, in our series, has demonstrated growth with no structural degeneration. The potential for development of significant autograft insufficiency and ascending aortic aneurysmal dilatation is small but warrants annual follow-up. Our data supports that the Ross procedure is the AVR of choice in children.
Advantages and disadvantages of 24-hour theophylline

The general trend in medical therapy toward once-daily administration has not escaped theophylline preparations. Rapid metabolizers, as are found especially among children and smoking adults, may require a more frequent interval than once-a-day dosing, and greater fluctuations in theophylline levels should be expected. An interaction with food has been seen with once- and twice-daily theophylline preparations. Some products release their contents more rapidly while others do so more slowly in association with a high-fat diet. The food effect is of little concern if the theophylline is taken 1 hour before the meal. The greatest anticipated value of once-daily theophylline medications would be improved patient compliance.
Clinical-radiological presentation and outcome of surgically treated pulmonary carcinoid tumours: a long-term single institution experience.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the presenting features and the outcome of surgically treated pulmonary carcinoid tumours. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive cases with preoperatively suspected or proven pulmonary carcinoid, treated between 1964 and 1994, in order to have full 5-year survival data. Results: Seventy-three patients were retrieved, six had a postoperative histology other than carcinoid. The mean age of the 67 eligible cases was 44 years (range 17–74). There were 59 typical and eight atypical carcinoids. The most frequent presenting symptom was infection, followed by haemoptysis. Sixteen patients were asymptomatic, 15 of these had an abnormal chest X-ray, showing a solitary nodule in 13. Bronchoscopy was abnormal in almost all symptomatic patients. Bronchial biopsy results suggested a malignancy other than carcinoid in seven of eight patients whose postoperative histology was found to be atypical carcinoid. There were 40 lobectomies, 14 bi-lobectomies, nine pneumonectomies, and four limited resections. Ten patients had lymph node involvement (seven typical and three atypical). There was no correlation between the diameter of the primary tumour and the presence of nodal involvement. In particular, three of eight peripheral lesions Conclusion: The specific diagnosis of atypical carcinoid cannot be reliably made on bronchial biopsies. No relationship was found between tumour size and the presence of lymph node metastases, suggesting that radical excision with detailed lymph node sampling is as important in carcinoids as in other lung cancers. Long-term survival was excellent, nodal status and pathology (typical/atypical) were independent prognostic factors.
Social Engineering: The Neglected Human Factor for Information Security Management

Effective information systems security management combines technological measures and managerial efforts. Although various technical means have been employed to cope with security threats, human factors have been comparatively neglected. This article examines human factors that can lead to social engineering intrusions. Social engineering is a technique used by malicious attackers to gain access to desired information by exploiting the flaws in human logic known as cognitive biases. Social engineering is a potential threat to information security and should be considered equally important to its technological counterparts. This article unveils various social engineering attacks and their leading human factors, and discusses several ways to defend against social engineering: education, training, procedure, and policy. The authors further introduce possible countermeasures for social engineering attacks. Future analysis is also presented.
EFFECT OF PHOSPHATE (P) CONCENTRATION ON IONIZED CALCIUM (iCa) CONCENTRATION IN VITRO

From previous studies measuring ultrafilterable Ca, it was felt that increasing P concentration would lead to a decrease in iCa, due to P binding to iCa. Since no specific studies measured directly iCa as a function of P, we examined the effect of P on iCa concentration in vitro. We hypothesized that within the range of clinically encountered pH an increase in serum P would lead to a decrease in iCa. A single donor serum was aliquoted into 25 samples stored in CO2 sealed tubes, and divided into 5 subsets of 5 tubes. pH was altered in 4 of the 5 subsets by adding various concentration of HCL or of NaOH. The pH's studied were: 7.09, 7.28, 7.35, 7.51, and 7.63. P concentration was altered in each subset by adding various concentrations of a P buffer with a pH of 7.4. The P concentrations studied were 2.5, 4.6, 6.8, 8.3, 11.1 mg/dl. iCa was measured using a Radiometer iCa 1 ion-selective electrode (standard error of measurement: 0.04 mg/dl). There was an inverse relationship between iCa and P which was similar at all pH's studied (r ranging from -0.84 to -0.94, p<0.001). The slopes did not differ significantly from each other, indicating no deviation from parallelism of these 5 regression lines. iCa concentration correlated inversely with pH (p<0.001). There was no significant interaction between P concentration and pH. Therefore iCa concentration in vitro inversely correlates with pH and P concentration. We suggest that in addition to factors well known to influence iCa concentration (such as protein, bicarbonate and pH), serum P concentration also plays a significant role.
Effect of altered calcium ion concentration on interictal spike generation in the hippocampal slice

Abstract The effects of changing Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration on epileptiform activity was studied in the hippocampal slice in vitro. Elevation of Ca2+ and/or Mg2+ concentrations, such that the sum of these two cations approximate 5 m m , markedly suppressed interictal spikes. In some experiments, restoration of the original concentration of these ions was followed by a prolonged period of elevated interictal spike discharge rate. The role of these cations would appear to be largely permissive, because, at any concentration, elevated potassium and the presence of a chemical convulsant (penicillin) were still absolute requirements for induction of epileptiform activity.