cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it: Conversational flow as a predictor of networking success

Abstract Networking success, or the capacity to make new connections and develop relationships, is an increasingly important component of professional performance. Others’ perceptions of one’s networking skills shape success, but little is known about the factors that drive these perceptions. In the present research, we theorize that the ability to establish and maintain flow during conversations uniquely predicts individuals’ networking success above and beyond other factors, such as extraversion, attractiveness, or interestingness. Consistent with this idea, Study 1 showed that individuals’ ability to maintain conversational flow during live, synchronous conversations is positively associated with networking success during a speed-networking event, even after factoring in other potential predictors. In Study 2, participants reported on their existing networks, indicating that strong networkers are better at maintaining conversational flow than weak networkers. In Studies 3a-3b, we manipulated conversational flow and demonstrated that participants attribute stronger networking skills and are more eager to connect with a target who maintains high (versus low) levels of conversational flow.
On Development of a Game‐Theoretic Model for Deception‐Based Security

This chapter presents a game‐theoretic model to analyze attack–defense scenarios that use fake nodes (computing devices) for deception under consideration of the system deploying defense resources to protect individual nodes in a cost‐effective manner. The developed model has important applications in the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT). Our game‐theoretic model illustrates how the concept of the Nash equilibrium can be used by the defender to intelligently choose which nodes should be used for performing a computation task while deceiving the attacker into expending resources for attacking fake nodes. Our model considers the fact that defense resources may become compromised under an attack and suggests that the defender, in a probabilistic manner, may utilize unprotected nodes for performing a computation while the attacker is deceived into attacking a node with defense resources installed. The chapter also presents a deception‐based strategy to protect a target node that can be accessed via a tree network. Numerical results provide insights into the strategic deception techniques presented in this chapter.
Bipolar Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita: Minimum 10-Month Follow-Up

Purpose To examine the outcomes of patients who have undergone bipolar latissimus dorsi transfer for loss of elbow flexion in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Methods This study retrospectively evaluated 6 cases (5 patients) of bipolar latissimus dorsi transfer performed to restore active elbow flexion in pediatric patients with AMC. Elbow range of motion and strength were evaluated before and after surgery. Functional outcomes were evaluated by the patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living. Complications and patient satisfaction were also evaluated at final follow-up. Results The patients were a mean age of 7.8 ± 3 years. The mean follow-up was 30.2 months (range, 10–44 months). At most recent follow-up, all cases reported improved function of the surgical extremity when performing activities of daily living and overall satisfaction. The postoperative active range of motion was 76° ± 14°. All cases had active elbow flexion against gravity. One patient was noted to have decreased muscle activation of the transfer 6 months after surgery, but strength improved by the 10-month follow-up. No other complications were noted. Conclusions We recommend bipolar latissimus dorsi transfer as a reliable option to restore functional elbow flexion in patients with AMC. Meticulous pedicle handling and assessment of the latissimus dorsi viability is paramount. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic V.
Overview of the management of primary tumors of the spine.

Narrative review. To provide a narrative review for diagnosis and management of Primary spine tumors. A detailed review of literature was done to identify relevant and well cited manuscripts to con...
Multi-Ontology Refined Embeddings (MORE): A hybrid multi-ontology and corpus-based semantic representation model for biomedical concepts.

Abstract Objective Currently, a major limitation for natural language processing (NLP) analyses in clinical applications is that concepts are not effectively referenced in various forms across different texts. This paper introduces Multi-Ontology Refined Embeddings (MORE), a novel hybrid framework that incorporates domain knowledge from multiple ontologies into a distributional semantic model, learned from a corpus of clinical text. Materials and Methods We use the RadCore and MIMIC-III free-text datasets for the corpus-based component of MORE. For the ontology-based part, we use the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) ontology and three state-of-the-art ontology-based similarity measures. In our approach, we propose a new learning objective, modified from the sigmoid cross-entropy objective function. Results and Discussion We used two established datasets of semantic similarities among biomedical concept pairs to evaluate the quality of the generated word embeddings. On the first dataset with 29 concept pairs, with similarity scores established by physicians and medical coders, MORE’s similarity scores have the highest combined correlation (0.633), which is 5.0% higher than that of the baseline model, and 12.4% higher than that of the best ontology-based similarity measure. On the second dataset with 449 concept pairs, MORE’s similarity scores have a correlation of 0.481, based on the average of four medical residents’ similarity ratings, and that outperforms the skip-gram model by 8.1%, and the best ontology measure by 6.9%. Furthermore, MORE outperforms three pre-trained transformer-based word embedding models (i.e., BERT, ClinicalBERT, and BioBERT) on both datasets. Conclusion MORE incorporates knowledge from several biomedical ontologies into an existing corpus-based distributional semantics model, improving both the accuracy of the learned word embeddings and the extensibility of the model to a broader range of biomedical concepts. MORE allows for more accurate clustering of concepts across a wide range of applications, such as analyzing patient health records to identify subjects with similar pathologies, or integrating heterogeneous clinical data to improve interoperability between hospitals.
Non-GAAP Earnings and Board Connectedness in a Multiplex Network

We examine whether the quality of non-GAAP earnings disclosures varies with the board of directors’ connectedness. We construct a two-layer multiplex network where nodes represent boards while ties represent shared directorships in the first layer and industry membership in the second layer. The overlap between the layers creates a network where central boards have greater access to more relevant information and best practices relative to peripheral boards. We use this multiplex centrality to capture board connectedness. Relying on two governance theories, namely, resource dependence theory and agency theory, we predict that better connected boards in the network are better able to not only mitigate managerial opportunism but also to advise and counsel management in developing and disclosing higher quality non-GAAP earnings. Consistent with our predictions, we find that firms with highly central boards have less persistent non-GAAP exclusions, are less likely to receive a non-GAAP comment from the SEC, and are less likely to use non-GAAP exclusions to meet or beat earnings benchmarks. Our study extends prior literature on the role of corporate governance on non-GAAP earnings quality.
Design of tough adhesive from commodity thermoplastics through dynamic crosslinking.

Tough adhesives provide resistance against high debonding forces, and these adhesives are difficult to design because of the simultaneous requirement of strength and ductility. Here, we report a de...
Genomic analysis of Salmonella Typhimurium from humans and food sources accurately predicts phenotypic multi-drug resistance

Abstract Introduction Salmonella Typhimurium is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S., causing over a million cases each year. In recent years, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has become a standard tool for routine epidemiological subtyping. Objectives The objectives of this study are 1) to compare the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of multidrug resistant (MDR) S. Typhimurium isolates, 2) to examine the genetic relatedness of a historic collection of MDR and pan-susceptible isolates from retail chickens. Methods We used data on Salmonella Typhimurium isolates in the publicly available NARMS national clinical and retail meat datasets from 2016 to 2018. Staramr (0.5.1) was used to identify AMR determinants and predictive resistance from genomes submitted to NCBI. Sensitivity and specificity of the WGS method were calculated with phenotypic resistance results as the reference. SNP-based cluster analysis was used to examine the genetic relatedness of MDR resistant and pan-susceptible isolates from retail chickens. Results The overall sensitivity of WGS as a predictor of clinical resistance was 96.47% and the overall specificity was 100.00%. The disagreement between phenotypic and genotypic results were mostly related to streptomycin. The MDR isolates differed by an average of 73.1 SNPs from each other, while the pan-susceptible isolates differed by an average of 473.1 SNPs (p Conclusion WGS can reliably predict AMR in S. Typhimurium isolates and it can reveal genetic determinants to elucidate the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.
Essentially Reasonable?: Why the Ninth Circuit’s Decision in Native Village of Point Hope Strays from the Purpose of NEPA

In Native Village of Point Hope v. Jewell, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management did not have to include information on animal populations in its environmental impact statement (“EIS”) at the lease-sale stage of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act oil and gas development program. Federal agencies are required to complete an EIS before conducting a major federal action. This process ensures that decision-makers take a hard look at adverse environmental impacts. The Ninth Circuit concluded in Native Village of Point Hope that coverage of animal populations is not “essential” in an early-stage “programmatic” EIS, but may be appropriate at a later stage. This Comment argues that the Ninth Circuit should have followed the lead of its own precedent in holding that the missing information about animal populations is “essential” in early-stage programmatic EIS, in order to maintain consistency, transparency, and predictability in the federal courts. Moreover, it would have ensured that agencies fully evaluate the environmental impacts of offshore oil production before making critical decisions.
In-depth LC-MS/MS analysis of the chicken ovarian cancer proteome reveals conserved and novel differentially regulated proteins in humans

Ovarian cancer (OVC) remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy in the world due to the combined lack of early-stage diagnostics and effective therapeutic strategies. The development and application of advanced proteomics technology and new experimental models has created unique opportunities for translational studies. In this study, we investigated the ovarian cancer proteome of the chicken, an emerging experimental model of OVC that develops ovarian tumors spontaneously. Matched plasma, ovary, and oviduct tissue biospecimens derived from healthy, early-stage OVC, and late-stage OVC birds were quantitatively characterized by label-free proteomics. Over 2600 proteins were identified in this study, 348 of which were differentially expressed by more than twofold (p ≤ 0.05) in early- and late-stage ovarian tumor tissue specimens relative to healthy ovarian tissues. Several of the 348 proteins are known to be differentially regulated in human cancers including B2M, CLDN3, EPCAM, PIGR, S100A6, S100A9, S100A11, and TPD52. Of particular interest was ovostatin 2 (OVOS2), a novel 165-kDa protease inhibitor found to be strongly upregulated in chicken ovarian tumors (p = 0.0005) and matched plasma (p = 0.003). Indeed, RT-quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that OVOS2 mRNA and protein were also upregulated in multiple human OVC cell lines compared to normal ovarian epithelia (NOE) cells and immunohistochemical staining confirmed overexpression of OVOS2 in primary human ovarian cancers relative to non-cancerous tissues. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence for involvement of OVOS2 in the pathogenesis of both chicken and human ovarian cancer.
Generalized non-local means for iterative denoising

Non-local means (NL-means) filter removes independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) image noises using self-similarity. In this paper, we derive a generalized NL-means (GNL-means), which is specifically used to deal with non-i.i.d. noises in the NL-means filtered images. Inspired by BM3D and LPG-PCA, which perform denoising iteratively, our idea is also to iteratively apply NL-means. However, NL-means can't be applied directly due to the correlated noises in the image filtered by NL-means. We modify the original NL-means to incorporate noise dependence into the weight function, and show how the new weight can be calculated and give a reasonable estimator. We evaluate GNL-means on several benchmark images, and compare it to NL-means and other state-of-the-art non-local methods including BM3D and LPG-PCA. Our experimental results demonstrate that, while it is not surprising that BM3D essentially achieves the best denoising effect, GNL-means always performs better than NL-means, and better than LPG-PCA on average.
Automated calibration of the Suomi National Polar‐Orbiting Partnership (S‐NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) reflective solar bands

[1] Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) reflective bands are currently calibrated via weekly updates to look-up tables (LUTs) utilized by operational ground processing in the Joint Polar Satellite System Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS). The parameters in these LUTs must be predicted ahead 2 weeks and cannot adequately track the dynamically varying response characteristics of the instrument. As a result, spurious “predict-ahead” calibration errors of the order of 0.1% or greater are routinely introduced into the calibrated reflectances and radiances produced by IDPS in sensor data records (SDRs). Spurious calibration errors of this magnitude adversely impact the quality of downstream environmental data records (EDRs) derived from VIIRS SDRs such as Ocean Color/Chlorophyll and cause increased striping and band-to-band radiometric calibration uncertainty of SDR products. A novel algorithm that fully automates reflective band calibration has been developed for implementation in IDPS in late 2013. Automating the reflective solar band (RSB) calibration is extremely challenging and represents a significant advancement over the manner in which RSB calibration has traditionally been performed in heritage instruments such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. The automated algorithm applies calibration data almost immediately after their acquisition by the instrument from views of space and on-onboard calibration sources, thereby eliminating the predict-ahead errors associated with the current offline calibration process. This new algorithm, when implemented, will significantly improve the quality of VIIRS reflective band SDRs and consequently the quality of EDRs produced from these SDRs.
Statin therapy and gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study with propensity score‐matching

Purpose Whereas some studies suggest that statins exert a gastroprotective effect against gastrointestinal hemorrhage, others report that statin use is associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Aim of report: To investigate the risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage among statin-users compared with non-users. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using clinical, administrative, and pharmacy data encompassing October 2003 to March 2012 from patients enrolled in the San Antonio military health care system. Two treatment groups were defined: statin-users (use for at least 90 days) and non-users (never received statin). A propensity score-matched cohort was generated to match statin-users and non-users based on 82 variables. Main outcome measures were defined by the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision-clinical modification diagnoses codes or procedural codes for gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastritis/doudenitis, gastroduodenal ulcers, endoscopy procedures, and endoscopy procedures related to gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Results A total of 43 438 patients were identified; 13 626 (31.4%) were statin-users and 29 812 were non-users. We propensity score-matched 6342 non-users with 6342 statin-users. The risk of outcomes was similar between the two groups for gastrointestinal hemorrhage (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.0; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.91, 1.11); gastrointestinal ulcers (OR: 0.99; 95%CI [0.80, 1.24]); gastritis/duodenitis (OR: 0.92; 95%CI [0.83, 1.02]); and endoscopic procedures (OR: 1.07; 95%CI [0.98, 1.17]). Conclusion Statin use was not significantly associated with either an increased or decreased risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Choice of statin therapy should not be limited in those patients at risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biographical Feature: Gary V. Doern, Ph.D.

Mention the name “Gary Doern” to clinical microbiologists, and the following terms are woven through their comments: “mentor,” “role model,” “colleague,” “inspirational,” “friend,” “family man,” “leader,” and “recognized and respected authority in the field.” Gary
A high-throughput permeability assay platform for shear stress characterization of endothelial cells

We characterized the first high-throughput permeability assay platform enabling compound permeability assays, at the full spectrum (1-60dyn/cm2) of shear stress, on endothelial cells. The platform comprises four parallel channels, with a porous membrane bonded between layers enabling permeability assays under four shear stresses per chip, ranging ~15x in magnitude. In the bEnd.3 brain endothelial cell line, decreased permeability was observed at rates of 4.06e-8 and 6.04e-8cm/s per unit shear stress (dyn/cm2) for FITC-Dextran and propidium iodide, respectively. Image analysis of cell stains indicated increased elongation and cell alignment with shear stress at rates of 9.15e-4 and 0.12° per dyn/cm2, respectively.
An adaptive psychophysical method for subject classification.

In psychophysical experiments, one’s goal is usually to measure some continuous parameter hypothesized to determine the statistical properties of a subject’s responses. Methods are well developed that adaptively manipulate stimulus characteristics in such a way that the reliability of the parameter estimate is maximized. However, such methods are inapplicable in situations in which the goal is to assign subjects to discrete categories, rather than to measure a continuous parameter. This paper introduces a technique that is directly applicable to efficient categorization and that adaptively manipulates stimulus characteristics in such a way that the information obtained from each trial is maximized. This technique is based on the principle of minimum estimated expected entropy, whereby stimulus parameters on each trial are chosen in order to minimize the estimated expected entropy of the a posteriori probability distribution that expresses how likely a subject is to belong to each of a group of mutually exclusive categories. A sample implementation of the technique—the classification of infant subjects according to their audiograms—is then described and evaluated via computer simulation.
Synthesis of C-substituted triazoles, isoxazoles, and pyrazoles by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to acetylenic sugars

Abstract Addition of phenyl azide to 3,5-di-O-acetyl-6,7-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-β- l -idio-hept-6-ynofuranose (1) and subsequent saponification gave a 4-substituted 1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole derivative (3) whose optical rotatory dispersion (o.r.d.) curve was positive. The α- d -gluco analog (5) of 1 similarly gave the 5-epimer (7) of 3; its o.r.d. curve was negative. Both 3 and 7 were degraded to the known 1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxaldehyde. Similarly, addition of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzonitrile N-oxide to 1 or 5 gave the corresponding, crystalline 3-mesitylisoxazoles as single products; 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy was used to establish the orientation of addition. Related 3-mesitylisoxazoles (11 and 13) were obtained from 1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene- d -glycero-α- d -galacto-oct-7-ynopyranose (10) and its l -glycero 6-epimer (12), respectively; 11 showed the expected, large levorotation, and the 6-epimer 13 was also levorotatory. Benzonitrile (N-phenyl)imine, prepared in situ from 1-(α-chlorobenzylidene)-2-phenylhydrazine and base, did not react with 10 (or its 6-epimer 12), but did react with the 6-keto analog to give a 5-substituted 1,3-diphenyl-1,2-diazole.
The Dissemination and Accessibility of Canadian Government Information.

Abstract Recently promulgated policies indicate that the federal government views government information as a corporate resource. While the policies acknowledge that revenues need to be generated to offset the considerable cost of gathering and disseminating government information, there is an explicit recognition of an obligation on the part of the government to keep the citizenry informed. This paper surveys the present status of major government information players and selected information issues in the context of possible policy impacts on Canadian libraries.
SU‐FF‐T‐260: Image Fusion Reduces Errors for Mobile Tumors and Stereotactic Radiotherapy in IGRT

Purpose: To evaluate set‐up error for mobile tumors:lung,liver, and prostate under image‐guidedradiotherapy, and accuracy for cranial stereotactic radiotherapy with fixed (SRS) or removable frame systems (SRT). Methods and Materials: Twenty‐six patients with lung,liver or prostate cancer were implanted with 3 gold markers inside in the tumors. Markers and planning isocenter coordinates were transferred to a fusion system. Patients were positioned according to skin tattoos and lasers followed by stereoscopic KV x‐ray acquisition. The x‐ray sets were then fused with corresponding digital reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) of the plan. New skin tattoos were made after fusion on the first treatment day. For extracranial treatments, markers were manually matched between the x‐ray images and DRRs. Auto‐fusion matching bone structures was applied for SRS/SRT. Deviations between actual and planning isocenters were determined by the fusion software. Results: Average prostate motions plus setup errors in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions were (mean ± one standard deviation): 3.0±1.5 mm, 2.4 ± 1.0 mm, and 4.2 ± 1.8 mm, among 24 patients each treated with 25–45 fractions. Errors >10 mm in one of the three directions was found in 1.9% of the total 1773 measurements. Errors >5mm, occurred in 10.8%, but the rate reduced to 7.5% if 4 patients were excluded from the analysis. Errors for the lung following 32 fractions were: 3.3 ± 4.4 mm, 3.3 ± 2.9 mm, and 1.7 ± 1.2 mm. For liver the errors were: 4.2 ± 3.1 mm, 4.6 ± 4.6 mm, and 2.6 ± 2.7 mm. No error >2.0 mm occurred for SRS, but 15% exceeded 2.0 mm for SRT despite with good immobilization device. Conclusions: Use of image fusion provides a reliable method to evaluate quality of immobilization, verify and increase treatment accuracy. Results from this investigation may have implications for appropriate tumor margins for different sites and techniques.
Reformulating the Determiner Phrase Analysis

Developed in the 1980s, the Determiner Phrase (DP) analysis stimulated a lot of interest in the internal structure of nominal phrases and in the study of correspondences between nominal and clausal structure. Research across a range of languages has uncovered correspondences in areas such as agreement morphology, syntactic movement, and argument structure, some of which are reviewed here. Nominal phrases and clauses also match up in terms of their semantic function: both can serve as predicates or arguments. The issue of exactly what distinguishes a nominal argument from a nominal predicate has received a lot of attention, leading in particular to proposals about the underlying role of the definite article (and determiner elements in general). This article reviews some of these issues and proposals and suggests a reformulation that appeals to the feature ‘person’, a feature found in both the nominal and clausal domains.
Exponents of someN-compact spaces

For any topological spaceT, S. Mrowka has defined Exp (T) to be the smallest cardinal κ (if any such cardinals exist) such thatT can be embedded as a closed subset of the productN κ of κ copies ofN (the discrete space of cardinality ℵ0). We prove that forQ, the space of the rationals with the inherited topology, Exp (Q) is equal to a certain covering number, and we show that by modifying some earlier work of ours it can be seen that it is consistent with the usual axioms of set theory including the choice that this number equal any uncountable regular cardinal less than or equal to 2ℵ 0. Mrowka has also defined and studied the class ℳ={κ: Exp (N κ)=κ} whereN κ is the discrete space of cardinality κ. It is known that the first cardinal not in ℳ must not only be inaccessible but cannot even belong to any of the first ω Mahlo classes. However, it is not known whether every cardinal below 2ℵ 0 is contained in ℳ. We prove that if there exists a maximal family of almost-disjoint subsets ofN of cardinality κ, then κ∈ℳ, and we then use earlier work to prove that if it is consistent that there exist cardinals which are not in the first ω Mahlo classes, then it is consistent that there exist such cardinals below 2ℵ 0 and that ℳ nevertheless contain all cardinals no greater than 2ℵ 0. Finally, we consider the relationship between ℳ and certain “large cardinals”, and we prove, for example, that if μ is any normal measure on a measurable cardinal, then μ(ℳ)=0.
Oxygen toxicity and oxidant stress in the developing lung

Normal lung growth and function requires that a delicate balance be maintained in at least three general areas: protease/antiprotease balance, inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance, and oxidant/anti-oxidant balance. When any of these delicate balances are disrupted in favour of protease, inflammatory and oxidant production at rates and sites which exceed local countermeasures, cell injury will occur. In this monograph, we will review the mechanisms by which the developing lung regulates its oxidant/anti-oxidant balance, examine the sources and consequences of unopposed oxidant production (i.e. oxidant stress), and speculate upon the prospects of attenuating oxidant stress in human infants with acute oxidant-induced lung injury.
The Interactive Role of Anxiety Sensitivity and Pubertal Status in Predicting Anxious Responding to Bodily Sensations among Adolescents

The present study examined the interaction between pubertal status and anxiety sensitivity (AS) in predicting anxious and fearful responding to a three-minute voluntary hyperventilation challenge among 124 (57 females) adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years (Mage = 15.04; SD = 1.49). As predicted, after controlling for baseline anxiety, age, and gender, there was a significant interaction between pubertal status and AS in predicting anxious responding to bodily sensations to the hyperventilation challenge. Specifically, adolescents reporting more advanced pubertal status and higher levels of AS reported the greatest post-challenge self-reported anxiety focused on bodily sensations, whereas pubertal status had relatively less of an effect on low AS adolescents. A test of specificity also was conducted; as expected, the interaction between AS and pubertal status was unrelated to generalized negative affectivity, suggesting the predictor variables interact to confer specific risk for anxious responding to bodily sensations. Finally, exploratory analyses of psychophysiological reactivity to the challenge indicated AS, but not pubertal status, moderated the relation between challenge-related change in heart-rate and post-challenge anxiety such that high AS youth who had experienced a relatively greater heart-rate change reported the most anxious reactivity to the challenge. Results are discussed in relation to theory regarding vulnerability to anxious responding to bodily sensations among adolescents.
Construction of a sugar beet BAC library from a hybrid with diverse traits

A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of the 750-Mbp sugar beet genome represented in hybrid US H20 was constructed fromHind III-digested DNA, with an average insert size of 120 kbp. US H20 is a variety grown in the eastern United States. It exhibits heterosis for emergence and yield, presumably because of its hybridity between eastern and western US germplasm sources. Filter arrays were used to assess the abundance and distribution of particular nucleotide sequences. An rRNA gene probe found that 1.2% of the library carried sequences similar to these highly repetitive and conserved sequences. A simple sequence repeat element (CA)8 thought to be predominantly distributed throughout centromere regions of all chromosomes was present in 1.7% of clones. For more than half of the 28 randomly chosen expressed sequence tags (ESTs) used as probes, a higher-than-expected number of single-copy hybridization signals was observed. Assuming 6× genome coverage, this suggests that many duplicate genes exist in the beet genome.
Legislative Pay and Legislator Quality

This study extends previous work by Mixon and Wilkinson (1999, Public Finance Review 27: 418–433) and Palia (2000, RAND Journal of Economics 31: 165–179) suggesting that formal human capital attainment is lower in political and managerial roles wherein expected compensation is less. The present study constructs a cumulative probability distribution function for years of education attained for both branches of the 109th US Congress and finds that the distribution of years of education attainment in the US Senate second-order dominates that in the US House due to differences in the expected compensation levels favoring the former congressional branch. The stochastic dominance test results are supported by findings of significant differences in education attainment (favoring senators) at different quantiles of the joint education attainment distribution. Finally, goodness-of-fit tests also indicate that the distribution of education attainment quality in the US Senate, as measured by various academic institution quality indicators, is significantly different from that in the US House, again owing to the differences in expected compensation.
Mechanical characteristics of locking and compression plate constructs applied dorsally to distal radius fractures.

Purpose Locking plates are thought to have many advantages such as a decreased incidence of loss of reduction secondary to screw toggling and improved bone healing due to an increased periosteal blood supply. We hypothesized that locking plates will also provide increased stiffness and increased load to failure when they are applied dorsally to stabilize dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures. This study compared the stiffness and strength of dorsally applied locking and standard (nonlocking) T-plates applied to a dorsally comminuted distal radius fracture model. Methods Sixteen pairs of embalmed cadaveric human radii were potted, and a standard wedge osteotomy was performed simulating a dorsally comminuted distal radius fracture. The radii were randomized into 2 groups, so that 8 pairs received a 3.5-mm dorsal locking T-plate over the osteotomy on the right radius and 8 pairs received the same on the left radius. A dorsal 3.5-mm standard T-plate was placed over the osteotomy on the contralateral radius in each group. An axial load was used to test the strength and stiffness of each construct. Paired t tests were then used to compare the strength and stiffness of the locking plate with those of the standard plate. Results A significant difference was found in both the stiffness and the strength between the locking and standard nonlocking plates. The locking T-plate was 33% stiffer than the standard T-plate. The locking T-plate had a 91% increase in the load to failure. Failure for both locking and standard T-plates occurred via volar cortex bone fracture. Conclusions Locking T-plates increased both the stiffness and strength of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures compared with standard nonlocking T-plates by a statistically significant margin.
Perforin gene expression in stimulated human peripheral blood T cells studied by in situ hybridization and northern blotting analysis.

Abstract In situ hybridization was used here to monitor the mRNA level of the pore-forming protein perforin in mitogen-stimulated primary peripheral blood human T cells. In situ hybridization was performed using sense and antisense ribonucleotide probes specific for this granule mediator. After IL-2 treatment, an increase in perforin mRNA could be detected by 4h; they peaked at 12 h, and decreased after 24 h. The perforin mRNA was also induced in T cells treated with a combination of phorbol ester PMA plus lectin or OKT3 mAb. This latter induction followed slower kinetics, peaking at 48 h. For all three mitogens used, even at peak induction times less than 10% of T cells were labeled with perforin probe. Similar patterns of mRNA expression were observed for both unprimed T cells and lectin-primed T blasts. The induction response of mRNA due to IL-2 stimulation is probably mediated by the IL-2 receptor p75 chain since its mRNA was upregulated by IL-2 with a kinetics comparable to that associated with an increase of perforin mRNA. The p55 Il-2 receptor chain increased much more slowly than p75.
FORUM for International Cooperation on Fire Research

The FORUM for International Cooperation on Fire Research is an informal group of people committed to fire research and the application of fire-research results. Since it was formed in 1988, the FORUM has brought together organizational leaders who direct resources for fire research throughout the world. This article is reprinted from the Nordic Fire Safety Engineering Symposium, Development and Verification of Tools for Performance Codes, August 30–September 1, 1993, in Espoo, Finland.
Sensitivity analysis of delamination characterization in composite tapered beams

A composite tapered beam consisting of a S2/SP250 glass/epoxy laminate with (0 2 , ± 45 3 ) s in the thick section and (0 2 , ± 45 2 ) s in the thin section is investigated for sensitivity of the interlaminar normal stress and total strain energy release rate at free edge due to variations of taper angle as well as ply angle. Explicit equations of sensitivity analysis for the tapered beam under both tension and bending are formulated. It is found that variation of σ z is more sensitive at the taper root for a given change in the taper angle than at the other locations. However, variation of G T is less sensitive. The variation of σ z is less sensitive as the taper angle decreases.
Infectious complications in survivors of cardiac arrest admitted to the medical intensive care unit

Abstract Purpose: To describe the incidence, associated factors and outcome of infectious complications in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Materials and methods: We identified a retrospective cohort of 56 patients consecutively admitted to MICU after CPR. We collected data on demographics, the first MICU day APACHE III score, mode and location of cardiac arrest, CPR duration, witnessed aspiration, prior antibiotics, the lowest first MICU day Glasgow coma score (GCS), new infections, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality. Results: Seventy-nine percent of the arrests occurred in the hospital. Pulseless electrical activity was the most common rhythm (52%). New infections developed in 46%. The most common infection was pneumonia (65%) and the most common pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (31%). Blood cultures were obtained in 40 patients during the first 48 h and pathogens were isolated in five (12.5%). Patients with infection were younger (53.7 vs. 70.4 years, P P =0.032). Patients with infection had longer duration of mechanical ventilation (median 9 vs. 2 days, P =0.001) and MICU length of stay (median 8 vs. 3 days, P P =0.197). Conclusions: Infectious complications are common in survivors of cardiac arrest and are associated with increased morbidity.
Use of Homeostatic Model Assessment Indexes for the Identification of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance among Cuban-Americans: A Cross Sectional Study

Aim: to determine cut off points for The Homeostatic Model Assessment Index 1 and 2 (HOMA -1 and HOMA -2) for identifying insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome among a Cuban-American population.
Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Regulates the Progression of Neuropathology Induced by Parkinson's-Disease-Related Mutant α-synuclein

Mutations in alpha-synuclein and Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are linked to autosomal dominant forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known about any potential pathophysiological interplay between these two PD-related genes. Here we show in transgenic mice that although overexpression of LRRK2 alone did not cause neurodegeneration, the presence of excess LRRK2 greatly accelerated the progression of neuropathological abnormalities developed in PD-related A53T alpha-synuclein transgenic mice. Moreover, we found that LRRK2 promoted the abnormal aggregation and somatic accumulation of alpha-synuclein in A53T mice, which likely resulted from the impairment of microtubule dynamics, Golgi organization, and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Conversely, genetic ablation of LRRK2 preserved the Golgi structure and suppressed the aggregation and somatic accumulation of alpha-synuclein, and thereby delayed the progression of neuropathology in A53T mice. These findings demonstrate that overexpression of LRRK2 enhances alpha-synuclein-mediated cytotoxicity and suggest inhibition of LRRK2 expression as a potential therapeutic option for ameliorating alpha-synuclein-induced neurodegeneration.
Molecular and electronic structure of MM quadruply bonded complexes containing O2CC6H4N(Ph)2 supporting ligands

Abstract The complexes trans-M2(TiPB)2(O2CC6H4-4-NPh2)2 where M = Mo (I), and M = W (II) were prepared from the reaction between M2(TiPB)4 and the carboxylic acid Ph2N-4-C6H4CO2H (∼2 equiv.) in toluene (TiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate). The compounds were isolated as microcrystalline powders that are yellow, I or purple II, and are air-sensitive. Compound I was characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and shown to have a centrosymmetric structure and a planar central C6H4-CO2M2O2C-C6H4 unit. Calculations indicate that the HOMO is principally M2δ with mixing of the filled π-orbitals of the N,N-diphenyl-4-aminobenzoate. Oxidation of I and II yield cationic species that have been characterized by EPR and UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy. The radical cations show EPR spectra characteristic of M25+ centers having the MM configuration σ2π4δ1 and compound I+ shows a low energy NIR transition assignable to a ligand to metal charge transfer transition. The homoleptic compound Mo2(O2CC6H4-4-N-Ph2)4, III, was prepared from the reaction between Mo(CO)6 and Ph2N-4-C6H4CO2H in refluxing ortho-dichlorobenzene and is shown to exhibit similar spectroscopic features to those of I.
Lung carcinoma in former smokers.

BACKGROUND A reduction in the risk of lung carcinoma and a lower death rate among former smokers (FS) compared with current smokers (CS) have been documented in numerous U.S. and international studies. The main objective of our study was to compare the differences in demographic and clinical characteristics in groups stratified by smoking status and gender to evaluate the effect of smoking history and cessation on age at lung carcinoma diagnosis and on specific histologic type. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of lung cancer at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from January 1986 to December 1990 and from January 1992 to December 1993. This study included 1039 patients age 19–88 with confirmed primary lung carcinoma who responded to self-administered risk factor questionnaires. Among them, 497 patients (47.83%) were CS, 444 patients (42.73%) were FS, 98 patients (9.43%) had never smoked (NS), and 840 patients (80.8%) were heavy smokers (more than 20 pack-years). RESULTS The median age at lung carcinoma diagnosis for FS was slightly later than that for CS. The histologic type of lung carcinoma for those who had quit smoking more than 20 years previously was not significantly different from that of NS, but was significantly different from that of CS (P < 0.05) and from those who quit smoking fewer than 10 years previously (P < 0.10). CS was a positive predictor for both small cell carcinoma (odds ratio [OR] = 8.79) and squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 2.11) and negatively associated with adenocarcinoma (OR = 0.50), whereas FS was a positive predictor only for small cell carcinoma (OR = 5.50). The variable of pack-years was negatively associated with adenocarcinoma and positively associated with small cell carcinoma in all patients combined and in women, and was also positively associated with squamous carcinoma in all patients after adjustment by smoking status. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that smoking cessation or less life-time smoking exposure affects the distribution of specific histologic subtypes of lung cancer, especially for women, and that smoking cessation may postpone the age at which lung cancer occurs. Cancer 1996;78:1004-10.
TRIMU-5, a μ2-opioid receptor agonist, stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis

Previous work in our laboratory has shown that DAMGO (ICV) will cause an elevation in plasma corticosterone (CS). The effect was blocked by pretreatment with beta-FNA but not by naloxonazine, suggesting indirectly that DAMGO's effect was via a mu 2-opioid receptor. TRIMU-5, a mu 2 agonist/mu 1 antagonist, was tested in a similar series of experiments to show more directly that the effect of DAMGO to increase plasma CS was via the mu 2 receptor. Experiments were conducted on conscious, unrestrained, male Sprague-Dawley rats with chronic IV catheters and ICV cannula guides allowing for serial blood sampling and drug injection into the right lateral ventricle. During this process, animals remained isolated in sound-attenuated one-way vision boxes. TRIMU-5, 50 micrograms, produced a sustained increase in plasma CS for a 3-h period. The response peaked at 30 min, showing a plasma CS level of 19.7 +/- 1.4 micrograms/dl. A lower dose, 10 micrograms, did not produce a significant response. A higher dose, 100 micrograms, produced an elevated hormone response in a pilot study but was lethal in half the animals. The plasma CS increase was blocked by pretreatment with beta-FNA, 20 micrograms ICV, given 18 h before TRIMU-5, but was unaffected by naloxonazine pretreatment, 20 mg/kg i.v., also administered 18 h before TRIMU-5. These data confirm our earlier conclusion that the effect of DAMGO to elevate plasma CS was through a mu 2-opioid receptor.
Properties and Applications of Some of the Vinyl Resins

Within the last several years, considerable interest has been aroused in the industrial possibilities of resinous bodies formed by the polymerization of various vinyl compounds. As a result of extended research in this field in laboratories throughout the world, numerous resins of this type have become available. The characteristics and practical applications of some of these vinyl resins are described.
Effects of growth temperature and supplementation with exogenous fatty acids on some physical properties of Clostridium butyricum phospholipids.

Abstract The effects of the compositional alterations induced in the plasmalogen-rich phospholipids of Clostridium butyricum by growth at different temperatures with biotin or at a given temperature on supplementation with exogenous fatty acids in the absence of biotin, have been studied in lipid dispersions with the spin probe 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and with the fluorescent probe diphenylhexatriene. Plots of TEMPO partitioning vs. temperature revealed deviations from linearity at 48° and 34.5°C for the phospholipids from cells grown on biotin at 37° and at 45° and 29° C for the phospholipids from cells grown on biotin at 25°C. Diphenylhexatriene fluorescence polarization showed a broad inflection beginning at 36°C for the lipids from 37°C grown cells and at 32°C for the lipids from 25°C-grown cells. Maximum polarization was reached at −5°C in each sample. Phospholipids from cells grown on oleate at 37°C had 85% 18 : 1 plus C 19 cyclopropane acyl chains and 90% 18 : 1 plus C 19 -cyclopropane alk-1-enyl chains. The phospholipids had decreased proportions of ethanolamine plus N -methylethanolamine plasmalogens (Khuller, G.K. and Goldfine, H. (1975) Biochemistry 14, 3642) and markedly increased levels of the glycerol acetal derivatives of these plasmalogens. Deviations from linearity were seen in TEMPO partitioning plots at 44° and 28°C and diphenylhexatriene polarization showed a broad transition beginning at 29°C and ending at −2°C. Polarization did not, however, reach a maximum, even at −15°C.
The Role of Interdisciplinary Analysis in Bridging the Gap Between the Technical and Human Sides of Risk Assessment1

It is readily observable that there is a wide gulf between the manner by which the lay public and the manner by which technical experts assess the risks of complex technologies and assimilate these assessments in decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of technological options. On the public side, this gap in methods and value assessments is a major source of distrust of technical experts and disaffection with the social management of technology. From the viewpoint of the technical experts who introduce or regulate technologies, this gap is both a cauldron of frustration and a perceived justification for paternalistic technocratic decision-making that further alienates important segments of the public. It is the author's belief that unless our society learns how to progress in bridging these gaps within the framework of a comparative mode of risk-cost-benefit analysis of options, the potential net benefits of certain technologies such as commercial nuclear power could well be lost to our society. Research on public risk perception, while potentially an important component in achieving this objective, needs to be restructured from its present static orientation to meet the needs of forward-looking decision-making that accommodates dynamic learning processes of both the public and technical experts as well as the “learning curves” of technological improvements historically accompanying successful innovations. Moreover, no less attention needs to be devoted to improved benefit assessment along with ethical and equity considerations in decision-making involving the reconciliation of conflict between individual and societal interests. This paper examines the vital importance of interdisciplinary analysis in fulfilling these needs.