cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Herpes simplex virus hepatitis: An analysis of the published literature and institutional cases

Hepatitis is a rare complication of herpes simplex virus (HSV), often leading to acute liver failure (ALF), liver transplantation (LT), and/or death. Our aim was to identify variables associated with either survival or progression (death/LT), based on an analysis of cases in the literature and our institution. A total of 137 cases (132 literature, 5 institutional) of HSV hepatitis were identified. The main features at clinical presentation were fever (98%), coagulopathy (84%), and encephalopathy (80%). Rash was seen in less than half of patients. Most cases (58%) were first diagnosed at autopsy and the diagnosis was suspected clinically prior to tissue confirmation in only 23%. Overall, 74% of cases progressed to death or LT, with 51% in acyclovir-treated patients as compared to 88% in the untreated subjects (P=0.03). Variables on presentation associated with death or need for LT compared to spontaneous survival: male gender, age>40 yr, immunocompromised state, ALT>5,000 U/L, platelet count<75x10(3)/L, coagulopathy, encephalopathy, and absence of antiviral therapy. In conclusion, HSV hepatitis has a high mortality and is often clinically unsuspected. Patients who are male, older, immunocompromised, and/or presenting with significant liver dysfunction are more likely to progress to death and should thus be evaluated for LT early. Based on the frequent delay in HSV diagnosis, low risk-benefit ratio, and significantly improved outcomes, empiric acyclovir therapy for patients presenting with ALF of unknown etiology is recommended until HSV hepatitis is excluded.
Performance of a Temperate-Zone Channel Catfish Biofloc Technology Production System During Winter

Abstract Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) have been grown successfully in an outdoor biofloc technology production system. Outdoor biofloc production systems in the tropics are operated year-round, whereas the channel catfish studies were conducted only during the growing season and biofloc production tanks were harvested and idled for the winter. If an outdoor biofloc production system is to be adopted by farmers at temperate latitudes, then data gaps related to system and fish performance over the winter must be addressed. The present study was conducted to address these data gaps for channel catfish culture. Waters from a recently completed biofloc production experiment that contained low (153.3 mg/L) and high (790.0 mg/L) total suspended solids were retained for this study. Three 15.7-m 3 tanks per water type each were stocked (8 kg/m 3 ) with market size channel catfish from that same study for a 152-day study from November to April. Mean chlorophyll a concentrations were similar in both treatments during the first 55 days, after which treatments diverged and chlorophyll a concentration increased linearly ( P R 2 = 0.721) to a mean final concentration of 2251.7 mg/m 3 in the low solids treatment. Ammonia from ammonium chloride spikes (1.25–1.5 mg TAN) added on three occasions during the experiment was biotransformed completely, putatively by algal uptake and nitrification. Ammonia biotransformation rate was linearly related to mean water temperature in the high solids ( P R 2 = 0.920) and low solids ( P = 0.002, R 2 = 0.761) treatments. Catfish survival through the winter was high (99.75%) in biofloc tanks and did not differ significantly between treatments. Net fish yield did not differ significantly between treatments. However, net fish yields were 1–4% less than initial fish biomasses. Water in the biofloc production tanks appeared to retain through the winter the ability to biotransform ammonia regardless of whether phytoplankton or suspended solids predominate and despite sustained input of ammonia-nitrogen. Having an active biofloc in the spring obviates the start-up time required to establish a new, fully functional biofloc and the associated TAN and nitrite spikes.
The Principle of Mutual Exclusivity in Word Learning: To Honor or Not to Honor?

According to Markman and Wachtel, children assume that nouns pick out mutually exclusive object categories, and so each object should have only one category label. While this assumption can be useful in word learning, it is not entirely reliable. Therefore, children need to learn when to and when not to make this assumption. 6 studies examined whether knowledge about hierarchical organization of categories and about cross-language equivalents for object labels can help children limit their use of this assumption appropriately. These studies revealed that adults as well as children resisted assigning 2 novel names to the same object in some situations. By age 4, children also seemed to know enough about categorization to accept 2 names for an object if the names picked out categories from different levels of a hierarchy (e.g., animal and lemur) but not if they picked out categories from the same level (e.g., lemur and seal). Moreover, monolingual as well as bilingual children seemed to know enough about languages to accept 2 names for the same object if the names clearly came from different languages. Together, these findings suggest that even preschool children can make use of knowledge about language and categorization to fine tune the mutual exclusivity assumption in order to use it effectively in word learning.
Chiral Pd-, Cu- and Ni-chelates and their utilities as catalysts in allylic acetoxylation of alkenes

A series of chiral ML★2 complexes of Pd, Cu and Ni [L★=2-trifluoroacetylcamphorato (tfacam), (R)-N-α-methylbenzylsalicylaldimine, 2-(2′-phenolato)-4-substituted-oxazoline (phenox)] have been prepared and characterized, including X-ray structures of Pd(tfacam)2 (1) and Pd(4-Ph-phenox)2 (3a). The Pd- and Cu-chelates are active (pre) catalysts for the allylic acetoxylation of alkenes. The yields and chemoselectivities in these reactions are high but little enantioselectivity (0–5%) was found. Several mechanistic probes, including tests of the stability of the product and PdL★2 under the reaction conditions, the product distribution from the acetoxylation of D-1-cyclohexene, and the low acetolysis reactivity of L★Pd(η3-allyl), indicate the intervention of (η3-allyl)-Pd intermediates in the catalytic process in which either or both L★ groups dissociate or at least dechelate in the product-forming step.
Nonlinear scale for plotting color-matching functions

A nonlinear function, log*(x), is defined, which has some useful properties when applied to data from color-matching experiments. The function is linear near zero, logarithmic far from zero, and passes smoothly through zero, retaining the sign of the original data. Error bars tend to be equalized in size on the transformed scale, and small but significant deviations from zero can be clearly displayed.
Natural regulatory T cells in autoimmunity

The suppressive/immunomodulatory function of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells is crucial for the maintenance of immune homeostasis, which helps to prevent autoimmunity and reduce the inflammation induced by pathogens and environmental insults. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the types and mechanisms of action of Treg cells and their role in the immune tolerance to self-antigens, with a particular focus on naturally occurring Treg cells.
THE EFFECTS OF CHANGING FROM DAILY TO ALTERNATE DAY STEROIDS ON THE HYPERLIPIDEMIA OF CHILDREN WITH KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS

Hyperlipidemia is a problem of most patients who have received kidney transplants and the use of steroids is felt to be one of the major causes of this problem. To evaluate the effect of daily (QD) vs alternate day (QOD) steroids on serum cholesterol (C) and triglyceride (T) levels, we compared the lipid levels of the children receiving QD to those receiving QOD prednisone. In addition, we followed the changes in C and T in 9 children who were changed from QD to QOD prednisone after transplantation. The serum C and T levels were compared in 15 children receiving QD prednisone (242±46 mg% and 150±98 mg% respectively) to 26 children receiving QOD prednisone (242±49 mg% and 124±59 mg% respectively) and there was no significant difference. However, in 9 children who were changed from QD to QOD prednisone at 6 months after transplant and then followed for 1 year, serum C and T decreased. While receiving QD prednisone, serum C increased from 257±65 mg% pre-transplant to 268±75 mg% (p=ns) and serum T decreased from 262±212 to 168±78 mg% (p=ns). After the change from QD to QOD prednisone, the serum C decreased to 211±48 mg% (p<0.01) and T decreased to 120±70 mg% (p<0.02) in 1 year. During this period the prednisone dose was decreased from 1.3±0.4 to 0.7±0.3 mg/kg QOD. The change from QD to QOD steroids and decreasing steroid doses is associated with a decrease in the degree of hyperlipidemia after renal transplantation.
A renormalization group explanation of numerical observations of analyticity domains

A recent paper considers the dependence of the size of analyticity domains of some functions appearing in KAM theory as a function of the distance to breakdown. They tentatively conclude that the relation is linear. In this note we argue that McKay's renormalization group picture predicts a power-law dependence with an exponent close to 1 but not equal to 1.
Development and preliminary evaluation of an intraoral tongue drive system

Tongue Drive System (TDS) is a wireless tongue-operated assistive technology (AT), developed for people with severe physical impediments to control their environments using their tongue motion. We have developed a new intraoral TDS (iTDS) in a form of a dental retainer, which can tightly clasp onto the upper teeth, completely hidden inside the mouth, using commercial off-the-shelf components (COTS). The iTDS retainer was tested by two healthy subjects and their performance was compared with that of an external TDS (eTDS) implemented in the form of a headset. The iTDS retainer showed comparable performance with the eTDS headset. The iTDS is expected to improve the stability and robustness of the TDS, while giving users a certain degree of privacy.
Positive and negative modulators of prostate cell proliferation

Summary Growth and maintenance of the prostate is dependent on androgens. However, the mechanism by which androgens regulate growth of the prostate and how regulation is lost in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been elucidated. The growth of epithelial and stromal cells cultured from prostate is androgen-independent but is dependent on polypeptide growth factors. This suggests that androgens act indirectly through growth factors to regulate prostatic growth. Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) families of growth modulators have been identified in prostate. We have utilized prostate stromal (PS) and epithelial cells (PE) cultured from normal human prostate and BPH to investigate how these growth factors regulate prostate growth. Stromal cells synthetize basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF2) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, FGF7). Basic FGF is a potent mitogen for PS but a weak mitogen for PE, whereas, KGF is only mitogenic for PE. EGF, produced by the prostatic epithelium, is also a mitogen for PE. PS and PE synthesize TGFβs. TGFβs inhibit the proliferation of both PS and PE. The antiproliferative influence of TGFβs on PS is attenuated by bFGF. TGFβ upregulate the level of bFGF expression, as well as their own expression. TGFβ expression is negatively regulated by androgen, while androgens do not directly affect bFGF expression. Stromal cell expression of KGF is controlled by androgen. These observations suggest that growth of the prostatic stroma is regulated by the interaction of EGF, FGFs and TGFβ. Growth of the prostatic epithelium is positively regulated by EGF and KGF and negatively influenced by TGFβ. In the normal prostate the rate of cell proliferation is equal to the rate of cell death. This implies that the influence of bFGF is equal to the influence of TGFβ in the stroma, while the influence of EGF and KGF is equal to the influence of TGFβ in the epithelium. In BPH characterized by stromal hyperplasia, the influence of bFGF is greater than the influence of TGFβ, whereas, in epithelial hyperplasia the influence of kGF and EGF is greater than the influence of TGFβ. Continued progress in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling prostate growth can be expected to identify new modalities which target polypeptide growth factors and their receptors for the treatment of BPH and prostate cancer.
Having a Jolly good time--together! Evolution by cooperative interaction.

What’s in a word? “Hybridization” is easy to say (for professors) but carries surprisingly deep meaning from an evolutionary viewpoint. Cliff Jolly’s research contributions have included important work and thought on the nature of baboon diversity and interactions. Hybridization among baboon subspecies reflects compatible genes for many different physical and behavioral traits, essentially all traits, each of them complex. Modern developmental genetics has shown that a few general principles characterize the phenogenetic logic by which genes assemble embryos and maintain the complex traits and abilities of organisms, including behavior. How cooperative viability is maintained while complex adaptive traits evolve and populations diverge is a question we can begin to answer more definitively than has been possible before. A careful look leads us to challenge the nature of the Darwinian explanations that have been the standard for more than a century.
Atoll magnetostratigraphy: calibration of their eustatic records

Results of palaeomagnetic measurements of a core from Mururoa atoll, French Polynesia, led us to document for the first time the atoll's magnetostratigraphy. Periods of slow aggradation, correlated with sea-level low-stands, show that atolls are accurate recorders of sea level fluctuations. The timing and amplitude of sea level fluctuations may be reconstructed on the basis of precise dating of atolls and shallow-water platforms. Magnetostratigraphy is therefore a first step towards a quantitative calibration of the eustatic records of coral atolls.
Comparing antibiotics: statistical rigor vs practicality

To the Editor.— Lin et al 1 have concluded that seven days of ceftriaxone therapy is as effective as ten days of therapy in children with bacterial meningitis, based on the failure to find statistically significant differences in various measures of outcome between two randomized groups of 35 children each. While this conclusion may be correct, the evidence reported is not sufficient to support it. To illustrate, let us consider one of their findings: in each of the two treatment groups, four (11.4%) of 35 children had two or more neurological complications. This result suggests that the two treatments may have a similar effect. However, a 90% confidence interval for the difference between the true percentages is —12.5% to 12.5%; a statistical test at a two-sided 10% significance level would therefore not reject the hypothesis that the true percentages differ by as much as 12.5%. Thus, the study was too
Differential modification of elastase-induced emphysema in hamsters by trypsin.

The administration of trypsin 24 h before, admixed with, or 24 h after administration of an emphysema-inducing dose of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) to hamsters resulted in significantly enhanced destruction of lung tissue as evidenced by mean linear intercept values 4 weeks post PPE. The coadministration of trypsin with a non-emphysema-inducing dose of PPE resulted in a significant destructive lung lesion. Administration of trypsin 24 h before or admixed with human leukocyte elastase (HLE) resulted in a lesion that was significantly reduced relative to that produced by administration of HLE alone. When trypsin was administered 24 h after HLE, no effect on the lesion was observed. In vitro, coincubation of trypsin with PPE resulted in a slight enhancement of rate of hydrolysis of elastin, while coincubation of trypsin with HLE resulted in a significant reduction of the rate of hydrolysis. These results suggest that interaction with other proteases may offer an additional physiological control mechanis...
Project-based learning approach in a senior level course in autonomous mobile robots

This paper describes the experiences of the authors in incorporating a project-based learning approach in teaching an undergraduate level course for engineering technology students. The course is for senior students majoring in electrical or mechanical engineering technology. Topics discussed as part of the course include PID controllers, fuzzy logic control principles, robot mechanics, sensors for mobile robots, FPGA embedded systems implementation, and robot path planning techniques. The main goal of this course is to apply the above topics to the design and implementation of an autonomous navigation robot. Working in collaborative groups, by the end of the semester students were able to have a complete functional autonomous mobile robot capable of performing search and rescue tasks. To achieve the autonomous navigation, students focused in the implementation of two different types of controllers, a PID control and a fuzzy logic based control; both controllers were implemented in an FPGA card. Students also designed a rubric to assess the performance of the two different controllers to evaluate and compare them.
Gastric Cryptosporidiosis in Juvenile Red Drum

Abstract Pond-reared fingerling red drum Sciaenops ocellatus experiencing low mortality were found to be in poor physical condition. Histopathology revealed numerous 2–5-μm spherical organisms lining the gastric microvillus border and clusters of 4–7-μm organisms within epithelial cell cytoplasmic vacuoles suggestive of cryptosporidiosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopy, with which life cycle stages were observed to be compatible with criteria established for Cryptosporidium spp. inother fish. Although few pathologic changes have been attributed to cryptosporidial infections in fish, a moderate inflammatory response in these red drum was elicited by the parasite in association with disruption of the normal tissue architecture, epithelial necrosis, and glandular loss. Ancillary diagnostic tests, including bacteriology and parasitology, were negative. The possible contribution of this organism to mortalities seen in these fish is discussed.
MRI-coupled Fluorescence Tomography Quantifies EGFR Activity in Brain Tumors

Rationale and Objectives This report demonstrates the diagnostic potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-coupled fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) to determine epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in brain cancer. Materials and Methods Two orthotopic glioma xenograft models were used in this study: one represented high EGFR expression and the other low expression. Nude mice were inoculated with cells from either one of the tumor lines or were used in a sham surgery control group. Animals were imaged using a unique MRI-FMT scanner 48 hours after intravenous injection of a near-infrared fluorophore bound to epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand. Coronal images of fluorescence activity of the injected dye in the mouse brain were recovered using the MRI images as anatomical templates. Results In vivo images of fluorescence activity showed significant differences between animal populations, an observation confirmed by receiver operating characteristic analysis that revealed 100% sensitivity and specificity between animal groups implanted with EGFR(+) and EGFR(-) tumor lines. Similar performance was observed between EGFR(+) and sham surgery control animals. Conclusions This preclinical study suggests that MRI-FMT with fluorescent EGF provides excellent discrimination between tumors based on EGFR status. Reliable quantification of receptor status using minimally invasive techniques would be an important innovation for investigating new and existing cancer treatments that target these cellular mechanisms in research animals, and may be applied to identify receptor amplification in human brain cancer patients. This study represents the first systematic multianimal validation of receptor-specific imaging using MRI-guided fluorescence tomography.
The First Named Data Networking Community Meeting: (NDNcomm)

This report is a brief summary of the first NDN Community Meeting held at UCLA in Los Angeles, California on September 4-5, 2014. The meeting provided a platform for the attendees from 39 institutions across seven countries to exchange their recent NDN research and development results, to debate existing and proposed functionality in security support, and to provide feedback into the NDN architecture design evolution.
Entropion following the Cutler-Beard Procedure

Cicatricial entropion is one of several complications that may occur following the Cutler-Beard procedure in upper eyelid reconstruction. Three of ten eyelids developed this complication and were treated successfully. The incidence of entropion following this procedure should be decreased if a tarsal substitute is provided at the time of the initial operation. A composite graft from the nasal septum, a tarsoconjunctival flap from the opposing lower lid, preserved sclera, or autogenous ear cartilage are acceptable tarsal substitutes that can provide the necessary stability to the reconstructed eyelid.
A double-blind evaluation of ciladopa in Parkinson's disease.

We evaluated 32 patients with Parkinson's disease in a double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study with ciladopa (a troponylpiperazine derivative). The dosages administered were 5 mg b.i.d. and 15 mg b.i.d. Significant improvement was found in the gait scores and in the total disability scores in the high dose group (p less than 0.05). In addition, there was a trend toward improvement, though not significant, in the bradykinesia and rigidity scores in the high dose group and in the disability scores in the low dose group. Four patients in the low dose group and five patients in the high dose group decreased their Sinemet doses while no patients increased their Sinemet dose. There were no adverse effects observed in this study. These findings suggest that ciladopa may be an efficacious agent in Parkinson's disease. The low incidence of adverse effects with this agent suggests that higher doses may be utilized and may prove to be more effective.
Ridge Regression in Practice

Summary The use of biased estimation in data analysis and model building is discussed. A review of the theory of ridge regression and its relation to generalized inverse regression is presented along with the results of a simulation experiment and three examples of the use of ridge regression in practice. Comments on variable selection procedures, model validation, and ridge and generalized inverse regression computation procedures are included. The examples studied here show that when the predictor variables are highly correlated, ridge regression produces coefficients which predict and extrapolate better than least squares and is a safe procedure for selecting variables.
Graduates' Reports of Advocating for English Language Learners:

Beginning teachers, who graduated from a credential program focused on preparing advocates for equity and with attention to teaching English language learners (ELLs), had reported in surveys being ...
Effect of closed classical orbits on quantum spectra: Ionization of atoms in a magnetic field. I. Physical picture and calculations

This is the first of two papers that develop the theory of oscillatory spectra. When an atom is placed in a magnetic field, and the absorption spectrum into states close to the ionization threshold is measured at finite resolution, so that individual energy levels are not resolved, it is found that the absorption as a function of energy is a superposition of sinusoidal oscillations. These papers present a quantitative theory of this phenomenon. In this first paper, we describe the physical ideas underlying the theory in the simplest possible way, and we present our first calculations based upon the theory. In the second paper, the theory is developed in full detail, proofs of all of the assertions are given, and we describe the algorithm that was used to make the calculations.
Safety and Efficacy of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Pulmonary Metastases from High Grade Sarcoma

Introduction. Patients with high-grade sarcoma (HGS) frequently develop metastatic disease thus limiting their long-term survival. Lung metastases (LM) have historically been treated with surgical resection (metastasectomy). A potential alternative for controlling LM could be stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We evaluated the outcomes from our institutional experience utilizing SBRT. Methods. Sixteen consecutive patients with LM from HGS were treated with SBRT between 2009 and 2011. Routine radiographic and clinical follow-up was performed. Local failure was defined as CT progression on 2 consecutive scans or growth after initial shrinkage. Radiation pneumonitis and radiation esophagitis were scored using Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) version 3.0. Results. All 16 patients received chemotherapy, and a subset (38%) also underwent prior pulmonary metastasectomy. Median patient age was 56 (12–85), and median follow-up time was 20 months (range 3–43). A total of 25 lesions were treated and evaluable for this analysis. Most common histologies were leiomyosarcoma (28%), synovial sarcoma (20%), and osteosarcoma (16%). Median SBRT prescription dose was 54 Gy (36–54) in 3-4 fractions. At 43 months, local control was 94%. No patient experienced G2-4 radiation pneumonitis, and no patient experienced radiation esophagitis. Conclusions. Our retrospective experience suggests that SBRT for LM from HGS provides excellent local control and minimal toxicity.
Investigation of Polyethylenimine/DNA Polyplex Transfection to Cultured Cells Using Radiolabeling and Subcellular Fractionation Methods

Quantitative analysis of the intracellular trafficking of nonviral vectors provides critical information that can guide the rational design of improved cationic systems for gene delivery. Subcellular fractionation methods, combined with radiolabeling, produce quantitative measurements of the intracellular trafficking of nonviral vectors and the therapeutic payload. In this work, differential and density-gradient centrifugation techniques were used to determine the intracellular distribution of radiolabeled 25 kDa branched polyethylenimine (bPEI)/plasmid DNA complexes (“polyplexes”) in HeLa cells over time. By differential centrifugation, [14C]bPEI was found mostly in the lighter fractions whereas [3H]DNA was found mostly in the heavier fractions. A majority of the intracellular polymer (∼60%) and DNA (∼90%) were found in the nuclear fraction. Polymer and DNA also differed in their distribution to heavier and denser organelles (lysosomes, mitochondria) in density-gradient centrifugation studies. An unexpec...
Evaluation and standardization of polymerized ragweed extracts by chromatography, radioimmunoassay inhibition, and end point cutaneous titration

The standardization procedures for polymerized ragweed (PRW) must evaluate activity of PRW with assessments that differ from those used for standard unmodified extracts. This is because PRW allergens are different from conventional ragweed extracts in that they are much greater in average molecular weight and much lower in allergenicity for equivalent immunogenicity. We have evaluated seven samples of PRW for three parameters: allergenicity as determined by cutaneous end point titration, molecular weight distribution as determined by Sephadex G-200 chromatography, and availability of antigen E (AgE) determinants as measured by the ability of an extract to inhibit AgE binding to antibody by using a modification of the Farr technique. The skin test titers and molecular weight profiles provide information as to the safety of a PRW preparation and antigen-binding inhibitory activity gives information about allergenicity and immunogenicity. Appropriate limits may be set for each of these parameters to standardize PRW for clinical use.
Groundwater observation network design for the Kansas groundwater management districts, U.S.A.

Abstract Concerns about the efficiency and economic soundness of the Kansas groundwater monitoring program led to a systematic redesign of this network, a tentative phase of which is presented in this study. The objectives of this paper include monitoring of major aquifers within each groundwater management district at a spatially more uniform level of accuracy, elimination of redundant measurements and optimization of the information gained from each observation well. The theory of regionalized variables is employed to estimate the amount of spatial variability of the water table, on which the network design is based. This study shows that it is not practical to attempt to reduce the already existing level of uncertainty uniformly throughout the various districts; to do so would tremendously increase the cost of well monitoring, which is already very high. Assuming that the currently existing network is satisfactory for the State's objectives, a reduced network consisting of one well every 6.4 km is equally satisfactory. The reduced network yields district-wide maps that do not differ significantly from those produced using the present network and at the same time it reduces the already-existing network by 18–47%. Therefore, adoption of a rearranged square well network is recommended, which is reduced to a 6.4-km spacing to achieve both a uniform level of information about the water table and a minimum required accuracy.
Three Wishes of Black American Children: Psychosocial Implications:

The present study investigated the wishes of black American children aged 7 to 12 yr. (63 boys, 74 girls), to obtain normative data and to compare these children with other cultural groups. Ss wished for material things more often than anything else, boys tended to wish for money and material things more strongly than girls, and girls were more interested in personal attributes and skills than boys. No developmental trends were noted. Findings were compared with those of studies dealing with white American and Greek and Greek-American children, emphasizing psychosocial change in human development.
Embryonic stroke volume and cardiac output in the chick.

Abstract Cine recordings of the hearts of chick embryos of 3 days and 2 hr to 4 days and 21 hr incubation were projected and measured. The measurements were converted to volumes. Stroke volume was determined from the difference in end diastolic and end systolic volume and multiplied by heart rate to yield cardiac output. Mean stroke volume was 0.0058 (±0.00036 SEM) mm 3 per mg body wt; mean cardiac output was 0.956 (± 0.061 SEM) mm 3 /min per mg body wt. Stroke volume and cardiac output rose above their control values after intravascular injection of Ringer's solution, and even more so after the injection of dextran solution. The increases in stroke volume were due to increases in end diastolic volume, in the case of dextran injected embryos they occurred in spite of a simultaneous increase in end systolic volume. It is concluded that the rise in cardiac output with growth of the embryo is in large part due to an increase in stroke volume, and that the increase in stroke volume depends in part on the known increase in embryonic blood volume. The experiments further suggest that a rapid hydrostatic and osmotic equilibrium exists between embryonic blood plasma and an extra vascular compartment.
Technological communities and the diffusion of knowledge

The external acquisition of technological knowledge is a central theme in research on technology management. In this paper it is argued that technological communities may provide a useful unit of analysis to study information and knowledge exchange among scientists and engineers working on a particular research agenda. Based on a worldwide survey of more than 700 individuals engaged in the research and development of neural network technology, the dynamics within that particular community are explored. The primary focus is to compare the characteristics of academic and industrial researchers, with special attention given to the timing of their entry into the field.
A variational approach to a model for Gulf Stream rings

Abstract A variational principle is applied to an idealized system, modeling the barotropic dynamics of a Gulf Stream ring. The ring model is an exact and linearly stable solution of the equations of motion on the f-plane. It consists of two vorticity patches of opposite sign superimposed on each other, interacting nonlinearly. The variational approach is used to reduce the degrees of freedom of the system to the translational modes only. The β-effect is introduced as a perturbation on the ring translational motion. A simplified model suggested by scaling arguments is introduced where only the interactions between the ring and the long Rossby waves are retained. The ring motion is stable in the westward direction, at least for advection velocity larger than a critical value, while it is unstable in the eastward direction.
Safety factors involved in the extraction of biologically active proteins from human immunodeficiency virus

The disruption of the viral coat of human immunodeficiency virus by Triton X-100, a nonionic detergent, is a time-dependent process which requires incubation times of 30 min or longer. Conditions for the production of a noninfectious sample from a viral pellet that can be used to measure reverse transcriptase activity were determined.
Classical and new roles of |[beta]|-arrestins in the regulation of G-PROTEIN-COUPLED receptors

In the classical model of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) regulation, arrestins terminate receptor signalling. After receptor activation, arrestins desensitize phosphorylated GPCRs, blocking further activation and initiating receptor internalization. This function of arrestins is exemplified by studies on the role of arrestins in the development of tolerance to, but not dependence on, morphine. Arrestins also link GPCRs to several signalling pathways, including activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC and mitogen-activated protein kinase. In these cascades, arrestins function as adaptors and scaffolds, bringing sequentially acting kinases into proximity with each other and the receptor. The signalling roles of arrestins have been expanded even further with the discovery that the formation of stable receptor-arrestin complexes initiates photoreceptor apoptosis in Drosophila, leading to retinal degeneration. Here we review our current understanding of arrestin function, discussing both its classical and newly discovered roles.
Oscillation and stability in a delay model of a perennial grass

We study the oscillation and stability of the delay model of a perennial grass where and wherex-1 are arbitrary positive initial conditions.
Visualizing tricoordinate copper transfer.

Copper is a requisite cofactor in myriad cellular enzymes and is shuttled to different cellular sites for the assembly of copper-containing enzymes by Cu(I)-binding metallochaperones. NMR structural studies now reveal a key step in copper ion trafficking to sites of use.
A component-based framework for knowledge discovery in bioinformatics

Motivation: In the field of bioinformatics there is an emerging need to integrate all knowledge discovery steps into a standardized modular framework. Indeed, component-based development can significantly enhance reusability and productivity for short timeline projects with a small team. We present Interactive Knowledge Discovery and Data mining (iKDD), an application framework written in Java that was specifically designed for these purposes.Results: iKDD consists of a component-based architecture and a web-based tool for pre-clinical research and prototype development. The platform provides an intuitive and consistent interface to create and maintain components, e.g., data structures, algorithms and utilities to load, save and visualize data and pipelines. The rich-featured tool supplies database connectivity, workflow processing and rapid prototype building. The architecture was carefully designed using an object-oriented approach that respects crucial goals: usability, openness, robustness and functionality, especially in the abstraction and description of the components, which distinguishes it from other packages. iKDD is well-suited to serve as a public repository of components, to run scientific experiments with a high-level of reproducibility, and also to rapidly build prototypes. This paper describes the general architecture, and demonstrates through examples the ease by which a complex scenario implementation can be facilitated with iKDD.
Postfledging parental care in Savannah sparrows: sex, size and survival

Abstract We investigated postfledging parental care in a philopatric population of Savannah sparrows, Passerculus sandwichensis , breeding on Kent Island, New Brunswick, Canada in an effort to understand the factors influencing adult birds' decisions about parental investment in offspring. Brood division was not based on offspring sex: male and female parents were equally likely to care for sons or daughters. The total duration of parental care, from hatching to independence, was similar for sons and daughters (median=23 days), regardless of the sex of the care-giving parent. The duration of parental care also corresponded closely to the time required for juveniles to acquire basic foraging skills. Despite high levels of extrapair paternity, male Savannah sparrows invested as much in postfledging care and were as effective as females in caring for fledglings, based on recruitment of fledglings into the breeding population the following year. Male parents were more likely to care for smaller fledglings and for offspring from early broods (presumably to enable females to dedicate their efforts towards second clutches). Caring for fledglings was costly for parents: survivorship decreased as a function of the duration of postfledging parental care and the number of fledglings cared for. Parental survivorship, however, was not affected by the sex of the fledglings cared for. This study suggests that sex-biased provisioning may be unlikely except in species with strongly sexually dimorphic offspring, biased offspring sex ratios and sex-biased natal dispersal. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Response to the Letter to the Editor by Shams Y-Hassan, M.D.: “DINO and Medina coronary bifurcation lesion classifications” (CRM-D-12-00096)

We appreciate Dr. Y-Hassan's comments with regard to our recently published manuscript and would like to take the opportunity to respond [1]. Several coronary bifurcation classification systems have been proposed in the literature including the DINO classification developed by Dr. Y-Hassan's group [2]. Of these systems, the Medina Classification has become the most widely adopted because of its simplicity and, currently, is endorsed by the European Bifurcation Club as the preferred classification system [3]. Dr. Y-Hassan correctly points out that the Medina classification fails to include additional lesion characteristics such as lesion length, calcification, and side branch angle, all of which erode the simplicity of this system. Furthermore, the major limitation of other classification schemes that include additional descriptive variables is their complexity which is the main reason for their limited clinical use. In his letter, Dr. Y-Hassan lists angiographic features which many of us associate with procedural complications and proposes specific techniques to address these ‘high-risk’ lesions. Unfortunately, the association of lesion characteristics and treatment strategies with outcomes have not been adequately vetted, requiring the clinician to make lesion assessment and formulate treatment strategies based primarily on anecdote and intuition. The first step to building an
Geobiology comes of age

Interactions between Earth and life in modern environments as well as through time in Earth’s history constitute the purview of modern geobiology (Fig. 1). This new field has developed as a broad partnership of fields in the earth and atmospheric sciences with biology and in particular its modern growth is an amalgam of geology, geomicrobiology, paleobiology and biogeochemistry. It is rapidly becoming the equal of geophysics and geochemistry as the focus of major disciplines in the earth sciences matures. China has been one of the international leaders in the development of geobiology. The very modern state of geobiology in China is demonstrated
Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in pregnancy and lactation

The goal of the Experimental Biology symposium on maternal supplementation was to review all available lines of evidence, delineate unanswered questions, and develop, if it seemed reasonable, a research agenda to determine whether maternal supplementation with specific nutrients might be beneficial. In the case of maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status, the topic addressed in this article, few clinical studies show benefits of maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy or lactation for the infant or child. However, quite a large number of observational studies link higher intrauterine DHA exposure to a number of positive developmental outcomes. This article reviews the factors known to contribute to DHA status of women and their offspring during the reproductive cycle, relates maternal DHA status to that of the developing fetus and newborn, and reviews the evidence for functional differences in behavior related to DHA status, including the available evidence related to DHA supplementation of women pregnant and lactating and their offspring. Other outcomes for infants and children and for women themselves appear plausible and are also addressed as part of a research agenda for future work.
The extensor carpi radialis intermedius tendon.

I examined 312 arms from 156 cadavers in the anatomy laboratory of Loma Linda University to find the incidence of the extensor carpi radialis intermedius tendon. I found 29 bodies (12%) that had a good extensor carpi radialis intermedius. In 17 of these 29 bodies, an extra tendon was found bilaterally. Thirty-two extensor carpi radialis intermedius tendons were suitable for transfer operations, and seven were unacceptable. One must be careful to differentiate between a true extensor carpi radialis intermedius tendon and accessory tendinous bands. The relatively high incidence rate and percentage of tendons suitable for transfer operations make this tendon potentially valuable in treating severe quadraplegia with tendon transfers. It can be used successfully for thumb opposition, to motor the flexor pollicis longus, or as a motor for the extensor pollicis longus of the thumb.
Validity evidence for the Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation scoring system.

Abstract Background Low-cost, objective systems to assess and train endoscopy skills are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation to assess the skills required to perform endoscopy. Methods Thirty-eight subjects were included in this study, all of whom performed 4 tasks. The scoring system measured performance by calculating precision and efficiency. Data analysis assessed the relationship between colonoscopy experience and performance on each task and the overall score. Results Endoscopic trainees' Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation scores correlated significantly with total colonoscopy experience (r = .61, P = .003) and experience in the past 12 months (r = .63, P = .002). Significant differences were seen among practicing endoscopists, nonendoscopic surgeons, and trainees (P Conclusions Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation objectively assesses the technical skills required to perform endoscopy and shows promise as a platform for proficiency-based skills training.
Raising the Bar Significant Advances and Future Needs for Promoting Learning for Students With Severe Disabilities

This essay describes major advances in educating students with severe disabilities. The authors propose that applied behavior analysis, the focus on functional life skills, and the promotion of academic content have been the major advances in the “how” and “what” of learning for this population. An increased focus on literacy, improved instruction for teaching state standards, and increased emphasis on students with the most significant disabilities are provided as goals for the future.
Interpreting Assays for the Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is both an aggressive pathogen and a normal part of the human respiratory microbiome. Clinicians and microbiologists have struggled to develop tests that can identify pneumococcal respiratory infection and accurately distinguish colonization from invasive disease. Molecular methods hold the promise of an improved ability to rapidly detect microorganisms in respiratory secretions and to make an accurate diagnosis; however, interpretation of diagnostic testing for S. pneumoniae remains problematic. Molecular assays, such as those targeting the pneumolysin gene, may cross-react with other streptococcal species, confounding detection and quantification. Assays that target the autolysin gene appear to be more specific. Even when accurately identified, however, the significance of S. pneumoniae DNA detected in clinical samples is difficult to determine. Here we will discuss the challenges faced in the interpretation of molecular testing for S. pneumoniae, and some strategies that might be used to improve our ability to diagnose pneumococcal respiratory infection.
Advantages and limitations of using Spm as a transposon tag

Transposon tagging has become the method of choice for isolating genes whose products are in low abundance. We have recently used the transposable element Spm to tag and clone maize regulatory loci. Our choice of Spm was dictated by several factors: The frequency of transposition of Spm is high enough to obtain detectable transposition events, into loci affecting kernel traits, in populations of <106 seed. Although the copy number of Spm is high in the maize genome, insertions into the gene of interest can be distinguished from other Spm copies by digesting DNAs from segregating populations with methyl-sensitive restriction enzymes, and hybridizing with Spm-specific probes. Since all members of the Spm family thus far examined share DNA homology, hybridization with appropriate probes allows detection of insertions of both autonomous and defective elements. Thus, if a mutable allele can be shown to be under Spm control, one can be reasonably confident of successfully cloning that allele.