cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Malocclusion associated with macroglossia in a dog

Macroglossia (defined as enlargement of the tongue but not indicating the cause) is a rare condition in dogs. The association with malocclusion has not been described before. It has been reported that resection of as much as 60% of the body of the tongue is well tolerated by dogs. Although the tongue is a very vascular organ, intraoperative haemorrhage during tongue amputation can be effectively controlled by a tourniquet at the base of the tongue. Healing of the amputation wound is usually rapid and uneventful.
Seismological Detection of Slab Metamorphism

The occurrence of more or less continuous ground vibrations ("volcanic tremor") is an important indicator of volcanic activity. But results from the "Hi-net" seismic network in Japan reported by [Obara][1] show that continuous ground vibrations can occur far away from any volcanic activity. In his Perspective, [Julian][2] discusses the idea that this tremor is excited by flow of metamorphic fluids. He also identifies other possible locations where such a tremor may be detected and explains what may be learnt from measuring it. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/296/5573/1679 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5573/1625
Retinopathy of prematurity and iron: a modification of the oxygen hypothesis.

To the Editor.— Despite several decades of study, retinopathy of prematurity remains incompletely understood. The role of oxygen in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity has received much attention.1,2 I wish to suggest a modification of the hypothesis that retinopathy of prematurity is caused by oxidative damage to the developing retina. I propose that during the first few weeks of life the developing retina is abnormally susceptible to damage by oxygen because it is exposed to elevated concentrations of ionic iron capable of catalyzing the formation of toxic oxygen species.
Late Bloom in the Desert: The East Asian Library Collection and Services at Arizona State University

Unlike the majority of East Asian library collections which were established with the full support and well thought-out plans from the library administration, the East Asian collection at ASU started in 1968 with a somewhat make-do arrangement. There was no librarian hired or designated to take charge of the basic library functions of East Asian language materials; the cataloging responsibility for these materials was added to the duties of a catalog librarian who happened to have a Chinese language background and was given an assistant who knew the Japanese and Korean languages.
Podcast: Boulware v. United States

Can you go to jail for tax evasion even when you don't owe the government anything in taxes? Is it a crime to avoid a tax liability that doesn't even exist? In Boulware v. United States, the Ninth Circuit said yes, it is. But Boulware petitioned the Supreme Court for cert, and the high court agreed to hear his case. This document is a transcript of remarks that I made while recording a podcast on the Supreme Court's ultimate decision in Boulware v. United States. These remarks should be useful to anyone looking for a nontechnical, easily accessible (but nonetheless informative) summary of the issues involved in Boulware.
Outcomes of Patients With Acute Type B (DeBakey III) Aortic Dissection A 13-Year, Single-Center Experience

Background—Aortic dissection remains the most common aortic catastrophe. In the endovascular era, the management of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is undergoing dramatic changes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with ATBAD who were treated at our center over a 13-year period. Methods and Results—We reviewed patients with ATBAD between 2001 and 2014, analyzing variables based on status (complicated [c] versus uncomplicated [u]) and treatment modalities. We defined cATBAD as rupture, expansion of diameter on imaging during the admission, persistent pain, or clinical malperfusion leading to a deficit in cerebral, spinal, visceral, renal, or peripheral vascular territories at presentation or during initial hospitalization. Postoperative outcomes were defined as deficits not present before the intervention. Outcomes were compared between the groups by use of Kaplan-Meier and descriptive statistics. We treated 442 patients with ATBAD. Of those 442, 60.6% had uATBAD...
Quantification of middle and lower cloud variability and mesoscale dynamics from Venus Express/VIRTIS observations at 1.74 μm

Abstract We present an analysis of VIRTIS-M-IR observations of 1.74 μm emission from the nightside of Venus. The 1.74 μm window in the near infrared spectrum of Venus is an ideal proxy for investigating the evolution of middle and lower cloud deck opacity of Venus because it exhibits good signal to noise due to its brightness, good contrast between bright and dark regions, and few additional sources of extinction beside the clouds themselves. We have analyzed the data from the first 407 orbits (equivalent to 407 Earth days) of the Venus Express mission to determine the magnitude of variability in the 1.74 μm radiance. We have also performed an analysis of the evolution of individual features over a span of roughly 5–6 h on two successive orbits of Venus Express. We find that the overall 1.74 μm brightness of Venus has been increasing through the first 407 days of the mission, indicating a gradual diminishing of the cloud coverage and/or thickness, and that the lower latitudes exhibited more variability and more brightening than higher latitudes. We find that individual features evolve with a time scale of about 30 h, consistent with our previous analysis. Analysis of the evolution and motion of the clouds can be used to estimate the mesoscale dynamics within the clouds of Venus. We find that advection alone cannot explain the observed evolution of the features. The measured vorticity and divergence in the vicinity of the features are consistent with evolution under the influence of significant vertical motions likely driven by a radiative dynamical feedback. We measure a zonal wind speed of around 65 m/s, and a meridional wind speed around 2.5 m/s by tracking the motion of the central region of the features. But we also find that the measured wind speeds depend strongly on the points chosen for the wind speed analysis.
Effect of previous induced abortions on postabortion contraception selection

Abstract Objective The objective was to compare contraceptive method selection in women undergoing their first pregnancy termination versus women undergoing repeat pregnancy termination in an urban abortion clinic. We hypothesized that women undergoing repeat abortions will select highly effective contraceptives (intrauterine device, subdermal implant, tubal ligation) more often than patients undergoing their first abortion. Study design We conducted a retrospective analysis of all women undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion at John H. Stroger, Jr., Hospital of Cook County from October 1, 2009, to October 31, 2011. We compared contraceptive method selection in the postabortion period after receipt of contraceptive counseling for 7466 women, stratifying women by history of no prior abortion versus one or more abortions. Results Of the 7466 women, 48.6% (3625) had no history of previous abortion. After controlling for age, race and number of living children, women with a history of abortion were more likely to select a highly effective method [odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.33]. Most significantly, having living children was the strongest predictor of a highly effective method with an OR of 3.17 (95% CI 2.69–3.75). Conclusions In women having a first-trimester abortion, the factors most predictive of selecting a highly effective method for postabortion contraception include history of previous abortion and having living children. The latter holds true independent of abortion history. Implications This paper is unique in its ability to demonstrate the high interest in highly effective contraceptive selection in high-risk, low-income women with prior abortion history. Efforts to integrate provision of highly effective methods of contraception for postabortion care are essential for the reduction of future unintended pregnancies.
Effects of GABaergic drugs on single unit activity of A9 and A10 dopamine neurons

Abstract It has been thought that GABAergic neurons may provide a tonic inhibitory influence upon dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (A9) and the ventral tegmental area (A10). These studies explore the effects of two related GABA agonists, muscimol and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-[5,4-c]-pyridin-3-ol (THIP), and the GABA antagonist, picrotoxin, upon the single unit activity of both populations of dopamine neurons. Unexpectedly, IV administration of muscimol and THIP caused dose-related increases in the firing of both A9 and A10 dopamine neurons. However, non-dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata were markedly inhibited by IV administration of these drugs. In contrast to their systemic actions, iontophoresis of muscimol and THIP slowed the firing of both dopamine and pars reticulata neurons, although the dopamine cells were much less sensitive to these inhibitory effects. Therefore, despite the ability of muscimol and THIP to inhibit dopaminergic activity when applied directly, these drugs increase dopamine cell firing after IV treatment. Systemic administration of these agents does not appear to provide a useful pharmacologic or therapeutic means of inhibiting the activity of A9 or A10 dopaminergic neurons.
Assessing the effectiveness of a 3‐D instructional game on improving mathematics achievement and motivation of middle school students

This research study assessed the effectiveness of a three-dimensional mathematics game, DimensionM, through a pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design. Participants consisted of 437 eighth graders. The classrooms were randomly assigned either to the treatment group that utilized DimensionM as a supplement to regular classroom instructions or to the control group that received regular class instructions without any computer activities. The results of the analysis on the pretest-posttest data revealed that the DimensionM game increased mathematical knowledge acquisition in algebra and maintained student motivation to learn. The findings suggest that the implementation of DimensionM in mathematics education can greatly benefit middle school students learning algebra. Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic Evaluations on the effectiveness of instructional games are known in the community of both practitioners and experienced researchers in educational research., What this paper adds This paper specifically added to the literature by evaluating the effectiveness of the novel instructional game, the DimensionM game, on increasing middle school student mathematical knowledge acquisition in algebra and maintaining student motivation to learn., Implications for practice and/or policy The study results suggested that the implementation of DimensionM in mathematics education can benefit middle school students' learning of algebra and can be helpful to maintain their motivation in learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The meaning of Ladino: The semiotics of an online speech community

Abstract This article shows how the semiotics of a language, that is, what a language signifies, is a negotiated process observable by following online debates. Indeed, the adoption of new media seems to instigate, if not intensify and revitalize, these debates. I analyze an electronically mediated discussion group stating its goals as the maintenance, revitalization and standardization of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish). Employing theories from linguistic anthropology, I show how language ideologies map out the boundaries of what I call “Ladinoland” by insisting on particular meanings of Ladino. Group members assign the language these meanings through debates about Ladino’s glottonym, recursive boundary marking between Ladino native and novice users, and erasures of linguistic elements perceived to be non-standard.
Measuring the development impact of a proposed transportation system

Abstract This paper introduces a methodology of measuring economic development impact incident to a proposed transportation system and provides an empirical result of such estimation. As the methodology, a Multi-Regional Variable Input-Output (MRVIO) model is introduced, and as a case study, the proposed Coosa River Navigation project is discussed. The Coosa River project when completed is expected to reduce the cost of shipping commodities from origin to destination, and such reduction in shipping costs will stimulate the economy of the Coosa River Corridor, the Gulf-Coast Region, the Rest of Alabama, and the Remainder of the U.S. The empirical measurement was done in terms of industrial outputs, personal income, and employment of each of 31 industries in four regions in decennial years starting in 1990 and ending in 2039
Estrogen Biphasic Regulation of Paracellular Permeability of Cultured Human Vaginal- Cervical Epithelia

The objective of the study was to understand effects of estrogen and aging on paracellular permeability of human vaginal-cervical epithelia. Assays included determinations of transepithelial electrical conductance across cultures of normal human ectocervical epithelial cells on filters. Baseline transepithelial electrical conductance across steroid-deprived cells from postmenopausal women was lower than across cells of premenopausal women. Short-term (24–48 h) treatment with 10 nm 17β-estradiol increased transepithelial electrical conductance in both groups of cells. In cells of premenopausal women longer-term treatment with estrogen for up to 14 d had no additional effect on permeability, but in cells of postmenopausal women it caused a secondary increase in transepithelial electrical conductance that continued for the duration of the 2-wk treatment. Binding assays of 17β-[3H]estradiol revealed saturable binding to high affinity (1.2–1.3 nm), low capacity sites (0.2–1.2 pmol/mg DNA) in cells of both prem...
Guided propagation of naturally occurring infrasound in the troposphere and stratosphere

[1] Understanding microbarom observations requires a quantitative description of diffracted arrivals which are not predicted by ray theory. A simple and efficient wave description of diffracted arrivals propagating in the troposphere and stratosphere is proposed. It is found that under certain conditions the diffracted arrivals can account for a considerable portion of the total infrasonic energy transmitted from a source on the ocean surface.
Notes on Fading-Memory Conditions

In some studies concerning the approximation of nonlinear systems, the concept of a weighting function w plays a central role. This paper, in which attention is focused on continuous-time cases, directs attention to some interesting properties of systems that have R+ fading memory or fading memory. In particular, we show that half-line input-output maps that have R+ fading memory with respect to some w in fact have R+ fading memory with respect to all such w’s. And we show that a similar proposition holds in a setting concerning Volterra-series approximations for continuous-time systems with inputs and outputs defined on all of R. We show also that, in that setting, fading memory is equivalent to uniform fading memory. Some related results are also described.
Effect of a Converging Flow at the Streamer Cusp on the Genesis of the Slow Solar Wind

The observation by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) instrument on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory of blobs of plasma generated near the cusp region of the streamer belt has sparked the hope of gaining new insight into the genesis of the slow solar wind. The observations suggest that open and closed field lines reconnect near the cusp of the helmet streamer to form blobs of higher density plasmas that are ejected into the slow solar wind. Models of this process have been suggested, and simulation studies have been conducted. We take the recent simulation work of Einaudi et al. as our starting point to investigate the formation of the slow solar wind and of the blobs observed by LASCO. We report two main conclusions. First, our results confirm the overall scenario suggested in the above paper (Einaudi et al.), which is that reconnection indeed causes the formation of blobs and the acceleration of the slow solar wind. Second, by employing more realistic two-dimensional configurations including the cusp and bent field lines with fast solar wind flow, we find that reconnection giving rise to plasma blobs is driven by converging flows with reconnection rates largely insensitive to changes in resistivity.
On understanding nonliteral speech: Can people ignore metaphors?

How do people understand expressions such as Some jobs are jails? A predominant view contends that we must first derive the literal meaning of such statements. Second, we test this meaning against the context. Third, if the literal meaning fails to make sense, only then do we seek an alternative, nonliteral meaning. This serial, three-stage model implies that people can and do ignore the nonliteral meanings of sentences whenever the literal meanings are plausible in context. To test this view we asked subjects to make rapid decisions about the literal truth of sentences such as Some jobs are jails . Subjects correctly judged that such sentences are literally false, but the availability of a “true” metaphorical interpretation—for example, that some people are trapped in their occupations—interfered. When metaphoric interpretations of literally false sentences were available, subjects took significantly longer to decide that such sentences were false. This suggests that people do not have the option to ignore the nonliteral meanings of sentences. Instead, people seem to process both the nonliteral and literal meanings of sentences in the same ways, and at the same time.
Comparison of the cytotoxic effects of cadmium chloride and cadmium-metallothionein in LLC-PK1 cells.

Abstract Recent studies have shown that ionic cadmium (Cd 2+ ) can selectively damage the tight junctions between LLC-PK 1 cells. The objective of the present studies was to determine if cadmium that is bound to metallothionein (Cd-Mt) can also damage the junctions between these cells. Cells on Falcon Cell Culture Inserts were exposed to Cd 2+ or Cd-Mt from the apical and basolateral compartments. The integrity of cell junctions was assessed by monitoring the transepithelial electrical resistance, and cell viability was evaluated by monitoring the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. Exposure to Cd 2+ for 1–4 hours caused a pronounced decrease in the transepithelial resistance without affecting cell viability. By contrast, exposure to Cd-Mt had little effect on the electrical resistance until the cells began to die, which did not occur until 24–48 hours of exposure. Additional results showed that the cells accumulated Cd 2+ more rapidly than Cd-Mt. These results indicate that Cd-Mt does not damage the junctions between LLC-PK 1 cells, but that it can kill the cells after prolonged exposure.
Overconsolidation effects of ground freezing

ABSTRACT Chamberlain, E.J., 1981. Overconsolidation effects of ground freezing. Eng. Geol., 18: 97-110. Temporary ground freezing is a valuable technique for stabilizing soft soils during construction. It imparts large increases in strength and bearing capacity to most soils. However, freezing can cause significant changes in soil structure and density which can lead to adverse settlement during thaw. Settlement of clay soils after freezing and thawing is the result of the suction forces that draw pore water to the freezing front. These suction forces cause an increase in the effective stress on the clay beneath the freezing front, and thus cause an overconsolidation of the clay. As these suction forces often exceed 1 atm, their direct measurement is not easy. A technique for indirectly determining the maximum suction occurring during freezing is presented which utilizes the apparent memory that clay soils have for maximum past (preconsolidation) pressures. Suctions as large as 532 kN m-2 were observed after freezing and thawing a clay soil which was initially consolidated to 128 kN m-2. The volume changes resulting from the freezing and thawing of clays were related to the plastic limit and were observed in the laboratory to be as high as 25%. If provisions are not made to account for these volume changes in a ground freezing project, considerable damage to structures can occur from settlement and the resulting stresses.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) depress allogeneic natural cytotoxicity by earthworm coelomocytes

Coelomocytes of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris caused significant spontaneous allogeneic cytotoxicity in a 24-h trypan blue assay, but not in an assay using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Allogeneic cytotoxicity assays using cells from worms exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) suggest that PCBs can suppress a natural killing (NK-like) reaction. The implications of this work are twofold: understanding the evolution of natural killing (NK-like) activity and providing preliminary information on how spontaneous killing, a component of cellular immunity, may be compromised by pollutants.
Workshop 1 Odor measurements using human judges (including judge training and standardization)

This group consisted of participants from various academic institutes and industry: Most of the academic research groups had no formal training program in place. Several of the group members had worked with John Greenman's group to train and standardize. Also, a couple of academicians did set up some type of training where they at least worked together smelling human breath to train and calibrate before they began seeing patients. However the industry had elaborate training programs in place. Samples used by industry for training were mostly garlic and onions; some of the groups used scratch & sniff tests or essential oils. Organoleptic judges should have training documentation after completion of training. This should be recommended to the ADA. Airborne infections: Concern about sniffing patients in close proximity was raised. Some people in industry monitor their judges closely by conducting medical exams on an ongoing basis. Medical histories of the patients should be looked at closely. Universal precaution laws should be followed closely. How to sniff: Different methods were discussed, ‘blinding’ helps. Different ways of sniffing – some used glass tube, breathing out, e.g. counting out loud to twenty or saying ha ha ha etc. Descriptors should be provided to the group for training as it is difficult for organoleptic judges to come up with appropriate phrases. While most of the academic groups trained directly with subjects, several academic groups reported developing training programs based on ASTM standards. The people from Industry all used ASTM standards. Certification was provided after 1 year of training with subjects.
A model of plankton dynamics for the coastal upwelling system of Monterey Bay, California

Abstract A seven-box plankton model for the mixed layer of the open ocean (Fasham et al., 1990, Journal of Marine Research 48, 591–639) was modified and applied to the coastal upwelling ecosystem of Monterey Bay, California. Upwelling velocities, photosynthetically active radiation and changes in mixed-layer depth drove the model. The observed long-term mean (1989–1995) seasonal cycles of nitrate concentration, primary production and phytoplankton concentration within the mixed layer were reproduced. Bacteria and zooplankton biomass, and ammonium concentration were within the same order of magnitude as observations. Modeled dissolved organic nitrogen (labile) values were an order of magnitude lower than observations (total). New production estimates were high, leading to an annual f -ratio of 0.84, typical of productive coastal upwelling systems. Export production was much lower, and horizontal export by upwelling-induced advection was the dominant loss term for phytoplankton primary production. It exceeded sinking and grazing and the flux of zooplankton-derived detritus throughout most of the year. The model suggests that a large proportion of the daily phytoplankton growth is ungrazed in the mixed layer, and is advected downstream and offshore of the production site.
Presence of an Encephalomyocarditis Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site Sequence in Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Defective RNAs Abolishes Rescue by Helper Virus

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) defective RNAs (D-RNAs) have been used for the expression of heterologous genes in a helper-virus-dependent expression system. The heterologous genes were expressed under the control of an IBV transcription-associated sequence (TAS) derived from gene 5 of IBV Beaudette. However, coronavirus D-RNA expression vectors display an inherent instability following serial passage with helper virus, resulting in the eventual loss of the heterologous genes. The use of the picornavirus encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence to initiate gene translation was investigated as an alternative method to the coronavirus-mediated TAS-controlled heterologous gene expression system. IBV D-RNAs containing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene, under EMCV IRES control, were assessed for IRES-mediated CAT protein translation. CAT protein was detected from T7-derived IBV D-RNA transcripts in a cell-free protein synthesis system and in situ in avian chick kidney (CK) cells following T7-derived D-RNA synthesis from a recombinant fowlpox virus expressing the bacteriophage T7 DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. However, CAT protein was not detected in CK cells from IRES-containing IBV D-RNAs, in which the IRES-CAT construct was inserted at two different positions within the D-RNA, in the presence of helper IBV. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the IRES-containing D-RNAs were not rescued on serial passage with helper virus, indicating that the EMCV IRES sequence had a detrimental effect on IBV D-RNA rescue.
The effect of intramuscular progesterone on the rate of cervical shortening

Objective The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) exposure is associated with the rate of cervical shortening. Study Design Women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) at Results Two hundred thirty-seven patients with 1171 cervical length measurements were included, of whom 184 patients (77.6%) were exposed to 17-OHPC. Gestational age, number of previous PTDs, gestational age at initiation, and interval between cervical length examinations were similar between the 2 groups, although women who were not exposed to 17-OHPC were more likely to have delivered multiples in their previous PTD (24.5% vs 4.4%; P P = .76). Among preterm deliveries, the corresponding rates were 0.8 and 1.2 mm, respectively, among women with and without 17-OHPC ( P = .67). Conclusion Cervical shortening among women with previous preterm delivery occurs at a similar rate, regardless of exposure to 17-OHPC.
Purification of human renin substrate

Abstract Renin substrate, angiotensinogen, has been purified from human plasma by methods which permit the processing of large amounts of outdated bank blood. The purified protein is homogeneous by disc gel electrophoresis at pH 9.5. The specific activity of 18 nmol/mg corresponds to a molecular weight of 56,000, while a higher value, 90,000, is found by gel filtration. Chromatography of partially purified renin substrate on DEAE-cellulose in a descending pH gradient shows evidence for the existence of multiple forms. However, some of these forms appear to be lost after chromatography on hydroxylapatite.
Salvage Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer After Cryotherapy

Few data exist regarding irradiation for prostate adenocarcinoma after cryotherapy failure. In this study, we summarized our results of postcryotherapy high-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy for biochemically recurrent prostate adenocarcinoma. Nine patients were treated to a median dose of 79.2 Gy (range, 72-81 Gy). At a median of 31 months of follow-up, 7 patients experienced biochemical control, and no patients experienced grade 3 or higher toxicities. Background: To summarize our results of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate adenocarcinoma after cryotherapy failure. Materials and Methods: Patients underwent IMRT with curative intent for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after cryotherapy. Radiation was delivered to a minimum dose of 72 Gy (range, 72-81 Gy). Acute and late treatment-related gastrointestinal and genitourinary effects were scored according to Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0. Prostate-specific antigen failure was defined by Radiation Therapy Oncology GroupAmerican Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 2006 consensus definition. Results: Nine patients were treated from 2008 to 2010. The median follow-up was 31 months (range, 15-40 months). The mean preradiotherapy prostate-specific antigen was 4.3 ng/mL (range, 1.07-15.6 ng/mL). The median elapsed time between cryotherapy and IMRT was 20.5 months (range, 8.5-56.5 months). Biochemical control was achieved in 7 patients. Two patients developed distant metastases shortly after completion of radiotherapy. No patients experienced grade 3 or higher toxicities. Conclusions: Our results suggest that high-dose IMRT after cryotherapy failure is well tolerated, without severe morbidity. The results also showed that IMRT can render a significant number of patients biochemically free of disease after initial cryotherapy. High-dose IMRT should be considered as a treatment option for these potentially salvageable cases.
Long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in children with neuroblastoma and opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome: relationship to MRI findings and anti-neuronal antibodies.

Abstract Objectives: Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia (OMA) syndrome affects 2% to 3% of patients with neuroblastoma. This study examined relationships between long-term neurobehavioral outcomes and potential biologic markers of OMA, including chronic changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scanning and prevalence of late antineuronal antibodies. Study design: Children with neuroblastoma and OMA were identified through medical record review of patients treated at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center from 1979 to 1999. Eleven patients with a mean follow-up time of 7.6 years underwent standard neurologic, neurocognitive, developmental/behavioral, and academic assessments. Consenting patients underwent MRI brain scanning and a blood draw. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antineuronal immunoreactivity. Results: Two (18%) patients had no observed neurologic abnormalities, 7 (64%) demonstrated mild deficits, and 2 (18%) had severe neurologic deficits. However, on neurocognitive, behavioral, and academic assessments, 6 (55%) children performed within the average range, 1 (9%) was moderately below average and 4 (36%) had severe cognitive and behavioral deficiencies. Brain MRI in 5 of 5 patients was notable for cerebellar atrophy without supratentorial involvement. Antineuronal activity was detected in sera of 0 of 10 children at follow-up. Conclusions: Certain patients with neuroblastoma associated OMA may achieve average-range neurobehavioral function in spite of residual neurologic abnormalities, with suggestion of continued improvement over time. Late cerebellar atrophy appears to be a common finding regardless of neurologic outcome, whereas antineuronal immune reactivity does not appear to be a long-term feature of OMA. (J Pediatr 2001;139:552-9)
Parathyroid conditions in childhood

This review of parathyroid surgery in children will briefly discuss parathyroid gland embryology and anatomy before focusing on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of hyperparathyroidism in children. Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is the overproduction of PTH and it is rare in children, with an incidence of 2-5 per 100,000. This rarity means that the principles of caring for children with parathyroid disease are largely extrapolated from the richer adult experience; however, the unique pediatric aspects of parathyroid problems and their surgical treatment, including presentation, imaging, operative approach, and complications, will be considered.
The water‐energy‐climate nexus: Resources and policy outlook for aquifers in Mexico

Three interlinked processes drive groundwater balances in diverse regions globally: (1) groundwater-irrigation intensification, (2) electrical energy supply for agriculture, and (3) climatic variability. Mexico's water-energy-climate nexus offers generic lessons because of its water scarcity and institutional reforms followed in other emerging economies. This paper analyzes data for 280 aquifers in Mexico, all registered water users, population projections, 2010–2100 precipitation and temperature projections for A1B and A2 emissions scenarios from 15 general circulation models, and 1999–2009 agricultural electricity use. Under A2 emissions, aquifers with negative balances will increase from 92 to 130 in number between 2010 and 2100, and the national groundwater deficit will increase by 21.3 km3. Under A2 and medium-variant population growth (which peaks midcentury), negative-balance aquifers will increase from 92 to 133, and the national groundwater deficit will increase by 22.4 km3. Agricultural power pricing offers a nexus-based policy tool to address aquifer depletion, an opportunity that was lost with the 2003 reduction in nighttime tariffs. Under A2, medium-variant population, and simulated 2% real annual increases in agricultural power tariffs, negative-balance aquifers will increase from 92 to 111, and the national groundwater deficit will increase by 17.5 km3 between 2010 and 2100. Regulatory and user-based groundwater management initiatives indicate growing awareness of aquifer depletion; however, the long-term outlook points to continued depletion. This raises the need to harness nexus-based policy options, i.e., increasing agricultural power tariffs, eliminating reduced nighttime tariffs, enforcing legislation linking groundwater extraction to power use, and limiting new power connections for groundwater wells.
A monte carlo metropolis-hastings algorithm for sampling from distributions with intractable normalizing constants

Simulating from distributions with intractable normalizing constants has been a long-standing problem in machine learning. In this letter, we propose a new algorithm, the Monte Carlo Metropolis-Hastings MCMH algorithm, for tackling this problem. The MCMH algorithm is a Monte Carlo version of the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. It replaces the unknown normalizing constant ratio by a Monte Carlo estimate in simulations, while still converges, as shown in the letter, to the desired target distribution under mild conditions. The MCMH algorithm is illustrated with spatial autologistic models and exponential random graph models. Unlike other auxiliary variable Markov chain Monte Carlo MCMC algorithms, such as the Moller and exchange algorithms, the MCMH algorithm avoids the requirement for perfect sampling, and thus can be applied to many statistical models for which perfect sampling is not available or very expensive. The MCMH algorithm can also be applied to Bayesian inference for random effect models and missing data problems that involve simulations from a distribution with intractable integrals.
Impact of an Overt Response System on Staff Performance and Maintenance of Computer-Based Instruction

Interactive Computer Based Instruction (CBI) systems involve teaching strategies to facilitate greater response opportunities during training in an effort to improve learner performance. The current study investigated the effect of online staff training videos with and without overt response requirements on posttest and maintenance test scores across six block-randomized instructional modules for four employees of a university located in the southeastern region of the United States. The overt response consisted of multiple-choice questions administered throughout select teaching modules using an alternating treatment design. Findings suggest that learning occurred as a result of the CBI training; however, the effectiveness of the overt response system varied across individuals, with no discernible differentiation between learning gains associated with response requirements. Other areas of research for expanding the efficacy of CBI and overt response systems are highlighted.
The mechanism of antigen presentation by dendritic cells and splenic adherent cells in the induction of an allogeneic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to H-2Kk liposomes.

Abstract Induction of an allogeneic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response to purified alloantigen is partially dependent on uptake and processing of the class I alloantigen by antigen-presenting cells (APC) followed by recognition of the alloantigen and self Ia by helper T cells (TH). The activated TH provides the helper signal(s) to the alloantigen-specific CTL for proliferation and differentiation into an active effector CTL. The role of antigen processing and presentation of major histocompatibility complex alloantigens was examined and the ability of different types of APC to present purified H-2K k liposomes was investigated. Splenic adherent cells (SAC), splenic dendritic cells (DC), and B-cell lymphoblastoid lines were all shown to be effective in the presentation of H-2K k liposomes. The relative ability of these cells to serve as APC was determined to be DC > B-cell tumors > SAC. The role of processing of H-2K k liposomes by SAC and DC was examined by investigating the effect of weak bases on pulsing of the APC. These experiments suggest that presentation of alloantigen by both SAC and DC involves a step which is sensitive to inhibition by weak bases. We examined whether the TH were activated by similar mechanisms when stimulated by the various APC. The functional involvement of the T-cell surface marker L3T4 was demonstrated in the induction of TH. In contrast, L3T4 was not involved in the subsequent generation of CTL since monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for L3T4 was not effective in blocking CTL function in the presence of nonspecific T helper factor (THF). Similarly, Ia on the APC was shown to be involved in the stimulation of the TH pathway but not directly in the differentiation of the CTL. Thus, DC and B cells in addition to SAC can present H-2K k to TH. The presentation of alloantigen by both cell types may involve an intracellular route as demonstrated by the blocking of the TH response by weak bases. Both Ia and L3T4 are required on the APC for induction of the TH response. The minimal requirements for activation of the CTL were H-2K k liposomes and a source of THF.
Gradual evolution in bacteria: Evidence from Bacillus systematics

The bacterial genome projects have suggested a central role for horizontal transfer in bacterial adaptation, but it is difficult to rule out an adaptive role for ordinary genetic change in existing genes. The bacterial systematics literature can readily address the importance of gene acquisition in adaptive evolution, since phenotypic characterization typically assesses presence versus absence of metabolic capabilities, and metabolic gains and losses are most likely due to horizontal transfer and/or gene loss. Bacterial systematists have not geared their studies toward quantitative differences in metabolic capabilities, which are more likely to involve adjustments of existing genes. Here, quantitative variation in metabolism within and between three closely related Bacillus taxa has been assayed. While these taxa show no qualitative (i.e. presence versus absence) differences in resource utilization, they are quantitatively different in utilization of 8 % of 95 resources tested. Moreover, 93 % of the resources tested showed significant quantitative variation among strains within a single taxon. These results suggest that ordinary genetic changes in existing genes may play an important role in adaptation. If these results are typical, future genomically based assays of quantitative variation in phenotype (e.g. microarray analysis of mRNA concentrations) may identify hundreds of genes whose expression has been modified. A protocol is presented for identifying those modifications of gene expression and those gene acquisitions that are most likely to have played a role in adaptive evolution.
Effects of Helical Anchor Geometry on Long-Term Performance of Small Wind Tower Foundations Subject to Dynamic Loads

AbstractThe application of this study is to use helical anchors as a foundation system for small wind tower (1 – 10 kW) guyed cables. Helical anchors are currently used to anchor guyed cables of telecommunication and electric towers. However, the increased dynamic vibrations a wind turbine adds to the tower and foundation system under working loads, as well as extreme environmental conditions (e.g., straight line winds, ice load or sudden furling shocks), require additional knowledge about the behavior of helical anchors. These field conditions were simulated in this study by instrumenting a working tower with load cells and 3-axis accelerometers to gather data on wind speed and tower response. These tower responses were then transmitted to the helical anchors through an extensive, large-scale testing program that included monitoring the performance of the helical anchor foundation under dynamic loads, subject to natural variations in both wind regimes, precipitation (water level) and variations in helica...
Phenolic resin char-formation during hyperthermal ablation☆

Abstract Ablation is a self-regulating heat and mass transfer process in which incident thermal energy is expended by sacrificial loss of material 1 . The surface of a carbonaceous char is lost during the ablation of fiber-reinforced phenolic resin composites. The transient high temperatures penetrate deeply, resulting in an underlying pyrolysis zone with rapid pyrolysis rates and a high char interface temperature. Phenolic resin char-formation at high heating rates and high temperatures was studied using thermogravimetry (TG). The specialized thermobalance permitted runs in helium at rates of 3–430°C/min up to 1400°C. Computer code analysis provided rate parameters for an Arrhenius type correlation. The parameters represented well the parent TG run but were not independent of heating rate. A complex correlation was considered necessary for universal use. The attractive alternative was parameter evaluation at high heating rates using TG.
Prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract Despite substantial progress in the management of ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure, long-term mortality rates as a result of sudden cardiac death in such patients remain significant. Risk stratification that uses a combination of several predictors of clinical outcome has improved our ability to identify persons at high risk for future arrhythmic events. β-Blockers and amiodarone are effective in primary prevention of sudden death in selected populations. In view of the impressive reduction in sudden death rates by implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with a history of cardiac arrest, prophylactic implantation may also be beneficial. The best way to treat these patients is not known. Three ongoing controlled clinical trials have been designed for drugs, ICDs, or both and will provide answers about whether prophylactic antiarrhythmic intervention with ICDs improves survival and whether device therapy is superior to pharmacologic treatment. Brief reports on these clinical trials are discussed in this review.
Bringing automated support to large groups: the Burr-Brown experience

Abstract The area of computer-assisted support for group work has significant practical implications for most areas of organizational practice. The ability to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of group efforts while meeting with user satisfaction would be a valuable plus for nearly all organizations. However, early research into computer support for group work indicated that such systems would likely be limited in their effectiveness to groups of 3 to 5 persons. Later development showed that electronic meeting support (EMS) technology could be effectively used with groups of 8 to 16 participants. The session here demonstrates that EMS technology can be effectively implemented with a planning group of 31 participants. The company, Burr-Brown, used the EMS developed at the University of Arizona MIS Department to carry out its annual strategic planning. Measures of effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction all indicated that the system provided the intended group support during the three day planning session.
Cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies to prevent trachomatous blindness.

The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma was formed in the mid 1990s. The Alliance of country representatives and experts on trachoma suggested a four-pronged approach to eliminate incident trachomatous blindness: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat the disease, facial cleanliness and environmental improvements to limit disease transmission. The efficacy and effectiveness of the components of this approach have been evaluated, but the strategy as a whole has not been compared with different combinations of its components. The relevant cost-outcome and pharmacoeconomics literature is limited. This article reviews the cost-effectiveness of the approach’s components. Furthermore, the article mentions ongoing research that will address the cost-effectiveness of the entire strategy for eliminating a major cause of preventable blindness in the developing world.
Point Blank against itself: evidence and inference about guns, crime, and gun control

This essay considers the empirical foundations for some of the more important and controversial conclusions concerning guns, crime, and gun control advanced in Gary Kleck’s highly influential treatise,Point Blank. We reveal significant flaws in his original data analyses and identify problematic linkages between his evidence and his inferences. We suggest alternative interpretations for some of Kleck’s findings.
Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng. (gac) fruit carotenoids reevaluated

Abstract Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng., Cucurbitaceae, is indigenous to Southeast Asia and consumed there for dietary as well as medicinal uses. In Viet Nam, this plant is called “gac”, and the seed membrane (seed pulp or aril) of the ripe fruit is widely used as a rice colorant due to its intense red color from its high carotenoid content. Because of conflicting reports on the carotenoid concentrations in gac fruit, we analyzed samples of seed membrane and mesocarp obtained from Viet Nam by HPLC/PDA for carotenoids and tocopherols. On average in three fruits, total carotenoid concentrations (±standard deviation) were 497 (±154) μg/g fresh material with lycopene dominating and exceeding beta-carotene concentrations by a factor of approximately five (408 μg/g versus 83 μg/g). These values agree with recent data from Japan, but are lower than those from a recent study in the US. A sample of pulp mixed with mesocarp had significantly lower concentrations of total carotenoids. The alpha-tocopherol concentration in the pulp was 76 μg/g. In light of its nutritional value, in particular regarding the remarkably high concentration of lycopene, more systematic analyses of the factors affecting the nutrient composition of gac fruit are needed.
The formation of lactic acid by depancreatized dogs.

ConclusionsDepancreatized clogs form easily detectable quantities of lactic acid during strychnine convulsions. Even though these animals may be unable to oxidize carbohydrate, still the production of lactic acid seems intimately concerned with muscular contractions.