cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Stochastic Linear Combination of Non-Linear Regressions

In this paper we study the problem of estimating stochastic linear combination of non-linear regressions, which has a close connection with many machine learning and statistical models such as non-linear regressions, the Single Index, Multi-index, Varying Coefficient Index Models and Two-layer Neural Networks. Specifically, we first show that with some mild assumptions, if the variate vector x is multivariate Gaussian, then there is an algorithm whose output vectors have l2-norm estimation errors of O(√p/n) with high probability, where p is the dimension of x and n is the number of samples. Then we extend our result to the case where x is sub-Gaussian using the zero-bias transformation, which could be seen as a generalization of the classic Stein's lemma. We also show that with some additional assumptions there is an algorithm whose output vectors have l∞-norm estimation errors of O(1/√p + √p/n) with high probability. Finally, for both Gaussian and sub-Gaussian cases we propose a faster sub-sampling based algorithm and show that when the sub-sample sizes are large enough then the estimation errors will not be sacrificed by too much. Experiments for both cases support our theoretical results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that studies and provides theoretical guarantees for the stochastic linear combination of non-linear regressions model.
Esperanza and the Melancholy of Otherness: A Discussion of “A Country of Two: Race and Social Class in an Immigrant Therapeutic Dyad”

Santiago Delboy’s paper, “A Country of Two,” (this issue) focuses on race and class relations in an immigrant treatment dyad. In this discussion I will further examine racial tension from the persp...
It takes two (Las1 HEPN endoribonuclease domains) to cut RNA correctly.

The ribosome biogenesis factor Las1 is an essential endoribonuclease that is well-conserved across eukaryotes and a newly established member of the higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide-binding (HEPN) domain-containing nuclease family. HEPN nucleases participate in diverse RNA cleavage pathways and share a short HEPN nuclease motif (RφXXXH) important for RNA cleavage. Most HEPN nucleases participate in stress-activated RNA cleavage pathways; Las1 plays a fundamental role in processing pre-rRNA. Underscoring the significance of Las1 function in the cell, mutations in the human LAS1L (LAS1-like) gene have been associated with neurological dysfunction. Two juxtaposed HEPN nuclease motifs create Las1's composite nuclease active site, but the roles of the individual HEPN motif residues are poorly defined. Here using a combination of in vivo experiments in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in vitro assays, we show that both HEPN nuclease motifs are required for Las1 nuclease activity and fidelity. Through in-depth sequence analysis and systematic mutagenesis, we determined the consensus HEPN motif in the Las1 subfamily and uncovered its canonical and specialized elements. Using reconstituted Las1 HEPN-HEPN′ chimeras, we defined the molecular requirements for RNA cleavage. Intriguingly, both copies of the Las1 HEPN motif were important for nuclease function, revealing that both HEPN motifs participate in coordinating the RNA within the Las1 active site. We also established that conformational flexibility of the two HEPN domains is important for proper nuclease function. The results of our work reveal critical information about how dual HEPN domains come together to drive Las1-mediated RNA cleavage.
Risk of cancer subsequent to low-dose radiation

Prominent among media items related to the Three Mile Island episode were prophecies of future cancers. The credibility of some of these estimates are discussed. The average person has been exposed by the age of 50 to 2.5 rad (0.025 Gy) from natural background. We define low doses as under 25 rad (0.25 Gy). The most heavily exposed members of the general population during the Three Mile Island event received 83 mrad (0.83 mGy). Those exposed to 2500 mrad (25 mGy) would show no pathologically recognizable effects of radiation though there is evidence that chromosomal damage may occur with doses about 1 rad (0.01 Gy). An official stated among the consequences of the Three Mile Island accident that two additional cancer deaths would result. No epidemiologist could detect such an increase in the population at risk. It has been generally agreed that the linear hypothesis is useful for determining protection standards, not prognosis. Objective criteria for pathologic diagnosis of cause-effect relations are presented.
Molecular and morphological phylogeny of thistle fruit flies Acanthiophilus Becker 1908 and Tephritomyia Hendel 1927 (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract Acanthiophilus and Tephritomyia are medium-sized genera in the family Tephritidae. Both exclusively infest plants of the tribe Cardueae and share several morphological characters. Although both were recently revised based on morphological characters, the phylogenetic relationships between these genera and between them and allied genera in the ‘Tephritis group’ remain unclear because no comprehensive morphological or molecular phylogenetic study has been conducted on the group as a whole. Here, we examine whether the two genera form a monophyletic group as suggested by their morphology and life history attributes, and their position within the Tephritis group. We analysed data from two mitochondrial and one nuclear gene as well as 26 morphological characters using Bayesian inference, Maximum Likelihood, and cladistic methods, and conducted an ancestral state analysis to investigate the evolution of morphological traits in this group. Our results confirm the monophyly of Acanthiophilus and Tephritomyia but contrary to our original hypothesis, these genera do not together form a monophyletic group. Instead, they group with Trupanea, which is not restricted to Cardueae host plants. The ancestral state reconstruction suggests that wing pattern and oviscape length are homoplastic characters in the Trupanea clade and are unreliable characters for phylogenetic inference.
Understanding How Teen Support Line (TSL) is Addressing the Need for Confidential and Round-the-clock Psychosocial Support for Adolescents Living HIV (ALHIV) in Malawi

Background: Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV) face various psychosocial challenges as they cope with their status. Some of these challenges include but not limited to: stigma and discrimination; body image; suicidal traits; disclosure and ART adherence. Noting that coping with such challenges is not easy for ALHIV, Baylor-Malawi started the Teen Support Line (TSL) initiative in order to provide a round-the-clock psychosocial support service to ALHIV in Malawi. Launched in 2012, with initial funding from iCATCH, the 24-hour and toll-free hotline acts as the first line of support …
Decontaminating N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic: simple and practical approaches to increase decontamination capacity, speed, safety and ease of use.

Summary Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially N95 respirators. Efficient, effective and economically feasible methods for large-scale PPE decontamination are urgently needed. Aims (1) to develop protocols for effectively decontaminating PPE using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP); (2) to develop novel approaches that decrease set-up and take-down time while also increasing decontamination capacity; (3) to test decontamination efficiency for N95 respirators heavily contaminated by make-up or moisturizers. Methods We converted a decommissioned Biosafety Level 3 laboratory into a facility that could be used to decontaminate N95 respirators. N95 respirators were hung on metal racks, stacked in piles, placed in paper bags or covered with make-up or moisturizer. A VHP® VICTORY™ unit from STERIS was used to inject VHP into the facility. Biological and chemical indicators were used to validate the decontamination process. Findings: N95 respirators individually hung on metal racks were successfully decontaminated using VHP. N95 respirators were also successfully decontaminated when placed in closed paper bags or if stacked in piles of up to six. Stacking reduced the time needed to arrange N95 respirators for decontamination by approximately two-thirds while almost tripling facility capacity. Make-up and moisturizer creams did not interfere with the decontamination process. Conclusions Respirator stacking can reduce the hands-on time and increase decontamination capacity. When personalization is needed, respirators can be decontaminated in labelled paper bags. Make up or moisturizers do not appear to interfere with VHP decontamination.
Becoming ‘active labour protestors’: women workers organizing in India’s garment export factories

India ranks fifth in the global garment exports. The bedrock of this export industry are poorly paid, migrant women and men. Marked by high rate of exploitation and precarious employment, garment w...
Prognostic Significance of Computed Tomography Findings in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

(1) Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) can be a severe, progressive disease with lung involvement. We aimed to characterize findings by computed tomography (CT) and identify factors associated with death; (2) Veins and lung segments were classified into five locations: right upper, middle, and lower; and left upper and lower. Severity of vein stenosis (0–4 = no disease–atresia) and lung segments (0–3 = unaffected–severe) were scored. A PVS severity score (sum of all veins + 2 if bilateral disease; maximum = 22) and a total lung severity score (sum of all lung segments; maximum = 15) were reported; (3) Of 43 CT examinations (median age 21 months), 63% had bilateral disease. There was 30% mortality by 4 years after CT. Individual-vein PVS severity was associated with its corresponding lung segment severity (p 11, lung cysts, and total lung severity score >6 had higher hazard of death; and perihilar induration had lower hazard of death; (4) Multiple CT-derived variables of PVS severity and lung disease have prognostic significance. PVS severity correlates with lung disease severity.
Stability analysis of Baishuihe landslide under the combined effect of reservoir and rainfall

Reservoir drawdown and rainfall have important influence on bank landslides, but existing research on these two factors is too idealistic. A new reservoir drawdown model was proposed for the rapid drawdown stage based on the consideration of reduction, navigation and power generation. A rainfall model was proposed considering actural rainfall and rainfall time based on fifty years of daily rainfall data. At last, taking Baishuihe landslide as an example, the landslide stability was analyzed under the combined influenced of rainfall and reservoir drawdown. Results show that the Baishuihe landslide is mainly influenced by reservoir drawdown. The terminal reservoir drawdown model can reduce the effect of continuous decline of reservoir on landslide and the stability decreases about 0.7%~1.2% compared with normal scenario. The reservoir drawdown model proposed in this paper is of significance to the reservoir operation in the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Postscript: The Virtues of Weak Modularity

‘Modularity’ refers to the encapsulation of information within specific systems such that these systems are isolated from one another. A less Platonic way of phrasing this would be to claim that biases exist in neuro-cognitive response systems that are geared to specific classes of stimuli. Fodor (1983) advanced the view that perceptual and sensory input systems are strongly modular but that cognitive systems are not.
Using Data Bars, Color Scales, Icon Sets, and Sparklines

In this chapter, we’ll look at how you can use four graphical elements to give your worksheets more visual appeal and oomph without using full-scale charts. These four elements are data bars, color scales, icon sets, and sparklines. Each is a graphical element that appears in a single cell.
Modeling and dispatching refinement for implantation to reduce the probability of tuning beam

Implantation equipment is expected to possess the highest possible productivity due to the short process time in a semiconductor manufacturing factory. The setup time of implantation plays a more important role in improving tool productivity as compared with other processes. Dedicated tools for individual recipe groups avoid setup occurrence but lead to low tool utilization and high equipment cost. Restraining the occurrence of setup is necessary for improving productivity in implant area. Aiming at how to improve same recipe rate, a novel dispatching algorithm is proposed in this paper, which politically selects timings of changing recipes for lots with Q-time constraints according to queue lengths of individual recipes. The proposed algorithm let the interruptions due to Q-time issue can be coupled with unavoidable recipe changes which are caused by that tools exhaust some kind of lots. Compared to the conventional dispatching in which the lots with low arrival rates would interrupt continuous production runs of tools when they almost suffer Qtime over, the rate of tuning beams can be reduced by 12%.
Fabrication and characterization of fiber waveguides from single-crystal Er 3+ -Doped YAG

Rod-in-tube preforms and laser heated pedestal growth were used successfully to fabricate graded-index Erbium doped YAG fibers suitable for low-loss waveguides in laser gain or power delivery applications.
House Money and Overconfidence on the Trading Floor

We examine the trading activity of a population of professional futures traders for evidence of the behavioral characteristics generally referred to as overconfidence and/or "gambling with the house money". The results are broadly consistent with the Gervais and Odean (2001) model of overconfidence and learning, which predicts that successful and inexperienced traders are the most likely to be overconfident. We find little evidence of overconfidence in the general trading population - a group of largely experienced traders. However, we find that the most successful traders are more likely to take risk when winning than the less successful traders - providing support for the notion that the successful are more likely to be overconfident. We also find that trader experience is related to a measure of overconfidence: traders with more experience are less likely to take more risk after a period of abnormally good profits than their less experienced counterparts.
A Model to Explain Ehl in a Non-Flooded or Starved Rolling Element Bearing

Abstract Are elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theories as applied to real machine elements too complicated? Is it possible that the EHL film is simply equal to the residual layer of lubricant in the ball (or roller) tracks in a bearing that occurs after a few rotations of a prelubricated bearing? The paper introduces this hypothesis. If the initial lubricant layer in a bearing exceeds the EHL film thickness, the steady-state theoretical film thickness is about 0.728 times the flooded EHL film. However, if the initial layer of lubricant in a bearing is much less than the flooded EHL film, the film thickness simply equals the initial layer thickness. The EHL film will prevail as long as there is lubricant in the bearing. In traction tests we have found that under high-speed conditions, it is not easy to flood the interface. As a result the film thickness (as implied from traction measurements) is about 0.728 times the expected film thickness. If the hypothesis put forth in the paper is valid, the EHL film thickness can be calculated by very indirect methods. Efforts have been made to compute the film thickness based on surface pressure measurements made in an 85 mm bore bearing with some (limited) success.
S-plane bode plots - identifying poles and zeros in a circuit transfer function

A simple s-plane transformation scheme is introduced for analog circuits. Here the jω axis is moved step by step along the σ axis to meet the poles and zeros spread on the s-plane. This transformation is then applied to the circuit by adding 1) a conductance in parallel with each capacitance, and 2) a resistance in series with each inductance in the circuit. One of the major applications of the s-plane transformation is to identify and extract roots of the transfer functions. This is particularly useful in dealing with complex conjugate roots. Several examples are given that demonstrate the use and power of this technique.
Crystalline l-amino-acid oxidase from the soluble fraction of rat kidney cells

Abstract 1. 1. l - Amino - acid oxidase ( l - amino - acid:O 2 oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.3.2) has been crystallized from the soluble fraction of rat-kidney cells and compared with crystalline l - amino - acid oxidase isolated earlier from extracts of rat-kidney mitochondria. The immunochemical and physicochemical properties of the crystalline enzyme from the soluble fraction are essentially the same as those of crystalline mitochondrial oxidase. 2. 2. l - Amino - acid oxidase is present in the soluble fraction of rat-kidney cells in concentrations some 4-fold greater than those isolated from mitochondrial extracts. 3. 3. Crystalline l - amino - acid oxidase obtained from either the soluble fraction or from mitochondrial extracts is completely precipitable with antienzyme and the resulting enzyme-antienzyme complex shows full oxidase activity.
Phase Transition in Pulsar Timing

A phase transition in the nature of matter in the core of a neutron star, such as quark deconfinement or Bose condensation, can cause the spontaneous spin-up of a solitary millisecond pulsar. The spin-up epoch for our model lasts for $2\times 10^7$ years or 1/50 of the spin-down time (Glendenning, Pei and Weber in Ref. \cite{glen97:a}). The possibility exists also for future measurements on X-ray neutron stars with low-mass companions for mapping out the tell-tale ``backbending'' behavior of the moment of inertia. Properties of phase transitions in substances such as neutron star matter, which have more than one conserved charge, are reviewed.
LIC For Surface Flow Feature Detection

The Line Integral Convolution (LIC) algorithm has received a lot of attention and interest. Yet, only a few of the current LIC related algorithms deal specifically with color textures for automatic detection of flow features. In this paper, I give a brief review of current work in this area.
Protection from guanethidine-induced neuronal destruction by nerve growth factor: effect of NGF on immune function.

Abstract The chronic administration of guanethidine causes an immune-mediated destruction of sympathetic neurons in rats. Destruction can be prevented by various immunosuppressive agents, including γ-irradiation and cyclophosphamide, as well as by administration with nerve growth factor (NGF). Experiments were conducted to determine whether: (1) NGF prevented accumulation of guanethidine within sympathetic neurons; and (2) NGF caused an inhibition of immune function by either blocking proliferation of immune-competent cells or by blocking effector function even in the presence of antigen and activated immune cells. NGF did not prevent accumulation of guanethidine within sympathetic ganglia in vivo, a necessary prerequisite for neuronal destruction, nor was it inhibitory on immune function using several assay systems. NGF, purified by either conventional methods or additionally by HPLC (‘ultra-pure’), did not inhibit either proliferation of cloned cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to antigen (class I major histocompatibility antigens) or lysis of target cells bearing the appropriate antigens. In addition, NGF did not exhibit growth stimulating effects in this assay system (i.e. it could not substitute for T cell growth factor). NGF also did not cause an inhibition of either murine or rat allogeneic mixed lymphocyte responses measured by lysis of appropriate target cells or proliferation, respectively. Finally, NGF did not inhibit, but rather appeared to stimulate the antibody response to sheep red blood cells generated in vivo in young rats. Thus NGF does not appear to prevent the immune-mediated neural destruction induced by guanethidine by acting as an immunosuppressive agent, but rather acts by some other mechanism such as preventing expression or recognition of antigen(s) on the sympathetic neuron.
Reductive Dehalogenation of Dichlorobenzenes and Monochlorobenzene to Benzene in Microcosms

Anaerobic microcosms were constructed using sediments from a historically chlorobenzene-contaminated site and were provided with yeast extract as an electron donor. In these methanogenic microcosms, all three isomers of dichlorobenzene (DCB) were reductively dehalogenated to monochlorobenzene (MCB) when added together or individually, with 1,2-DCB dehalogenation being the most rapid and 1,4-DCB the slowest. When nearly all of the DCBs were consumed, benzene was detected and its accumulation was concomitant with MCB disappearance. Small amounts of toluene were also detected along with benzene. Subsequent MCB doses were also converted to benzene, and benzene reached levels in excess of 5000 μmol/L in some microcosms. An initial DCB dose stimulated, and in some cases was necessary for, MCB dehalogenation. Subsequent doses of DCB or MCB were dehalogenated more rapidly than previous ones, consistent with a growth-related process. Addition of a ca. 4% inoculum from microcosms that had consumed DCBs or MCB stimu...
Optimization of radioembolic effect with extended-shelf-life yttrium-90 microspheres: results from a pilot study.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) radioembolization with extended-shelf-life glass microspheres. We postulated that this approach, for the same planned tissue dose of 120 Gy, would increase the embolic load, improve distribution, and result in enhanced tumor response without causing additional adverse events. Materials and Methods Between June 2007 and September 2008, 50 patients with extensive tumor burden and/or markedly hypervascular tumors (13 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 37 liver metastases) underwent radioembolization with extended-shelf-life microspheres at a planned dose of 120 Gy. Baseline and follow-up imaging and laboratory data were obtained. Response in the target lesion was assessed with cross-sectional imaging by using World Health Organization (WHO) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines. Results The mean delivered radiation dose was 126 Gy. The mean increase in embolic load with this approach was 111%, corresponding to an increase from 3.6 to 7.3 million microspheres. Clinical toxicities included fatigue (28 patients, 56%), abdominal pain (19 patients, 38%), and nausea/vomiting (six patients, 12%). Grade 3–4 bilirubin toxicity was seen in one patient. Two gastroduodenal ulcers were observed. With cross-sectional imaging, response rates according to WHO and EASL guidelines were 51% and 69%, respectively. Conclusions The results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of extended-shelf-life 90 Y glass microspheres. The increased embolic load and lowered activity per microsphere theoretically resulted in better tumor coverage and, hence, improved response rates. This standardizable treatment paradigm provides a minimally embolic therapy for liver tumors.
Strongly first order phase transitions near an enhanced discrete symmetry point

Abstract We propose a group theoretic condition which may be applied to extensions of the Standard Model in order to locate regions of parameter space in which the electroweak phase transition is strongly first order, such that electroweak baryogenesis may be a viable mechanism for generating the baryon asymmetry of the universe. Specifically, we demonstrate that the viable corners of parameter space may be identified by their proximity to an enhanced discrete symmetry point. At this point, the global symmetry group of the theory is extended by a discrete group under which the scalar sector is non-trivially charged, and the discrete symmetry is spontaneously broken such that the discrete symmetry relates degenerate electroweak preserving and breaking vacua. This idea is used to investigate several specific models of the electroweak symmetry breaking sector. The phase transitions identified through this method suggest implications for other relics such as dark matter and gravitational waves.
Practical points in evaluation and resuscitation of the injured child

The ultimate goal of resuscitation of an injured child is delivery of oxygen to intracellular organelles in order to maintain aerobic metabolism. This can be obtained by following ATLS protocols with immediate attention to the "ABCDE's" and compulsive reevaluation of the adequacy of resuscitation maneuvers. After stabilization, seriously injured children should be transferred to trauma centers with established pediatric trauma programs utilizing preexisting transfer agreements and protocols. Pediatric trauma is indeed a team endeavor, requiring the coordinated expertise and teamwork of prehospital EMS providers, trauma team members, and the pediatric trauma and rehabilitation centers. With careful and compulsive communication and coordination, injured children can be returned to their families in better mental and physical condition than pre-injury with reasonable expectation of a full and productive life.
Ultrafine particles in human lung macrophages.

Abstract As knowledge about size dependency of particle toxicity continues to grow, attention has been focused on ultrafine particles (i.e., < 0.1 μm in diameter). In recent studies with rats, investigators learned that ultrafine particles likely have greater pulmonary toxicity than larger particles, and it is possible that exposure to, and accumulation of, these particles in the human lung may be associated with adverse respiratory health effects. As part of an ongoing study, the authors performed bronchoalveolar lavage in 14 healthy current nonsmokers to investigate the extent to which ultrafine particles were present in lung macrophages. In addition, 10 of the 14 subjects performed pulmonary function tests. Eleven of the 14 subjects were utility workers, and 3 were nonmaintenance employees of a university. The authors used a Zeiss CEM902 electron microscope to study macrophages isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Morphometric quantification revealed ultrafine particles in lung macrophages of al...
Carbon and nitrogen export during the JGOFS North Atlantic Bloom experiment estimated from 234Th: 238U disequilibria

Abstract The disequilibrium between the particle-reactive tracer 234 Th ( t 1 2 = 24.1 days) and its soluble parent, 238 U, was used to examine Th scavenging and export fluxes during the U.S. JGOFS North Atlantic Bloom Experiment (24 April–30 May 1989) at ∼47°N, 20°W. Four profiles of dissolved and particulate 234 Th in the upper 300 m and a non-steady box model were used to quantify dissolved 234 Th uptake and particle export rates. The highest export fluxes occured during the first half of May. From POC/ 234 Th and PON/ 234 Th ratios, particulate organic C and N fluxes were calculated. Results were 5–41 mmol C m −2 day −1 and 0.9–6.5 mmol N m −2 day −1 from the 0–35 m layer. The ratio of POC export flux to primary production ranged from 0.05 to 0.42, peaking in the first half of May. The estimated fluxes agree with the observed losses of total C and N from the upper ocean during the bloom, but yield significantly higher fluxes than were measured by floating traps at 150 and 300 m.
Segmentation and classification of bacterial culture images

Abstract A procedure using simple image processing and pattern recognition techniques to automatically extract and count organisms using images of bacterial cultures is described in this paper. Methanospirillum hungatei and Methanosarcina mazei were used for the experiments. The methanogens were grown in anaerobic serum vials for 1–3 week period. Samples of the growing cultures were withdrawn from the vials and photographed. The procedure was applied to images containing one kind of organism as well as images containing both type of organisms. The procedure separated and correctly identified the cultures as M. hungatei and M. mazei even in images where the organisms were overlapping or touching. The edge detection, the splitting, and the classification stages, by using this procedure, were accomplished in less than a minute. The image analysis and pattern recognition techniques described in this paper are simple, fast, and able to identify organisms based on their shapes. Our results indicate that such systems can be used to semi-automate routine culture-automate routine culture methods allowing rapid direct microscopic techniques for the detection, enumeration, and identification of bacteria.
Supporting video library exploratory search: when storyboards are not enough

Storyboards, a grid layout of thumbnail images as surrogates representing video, have received much attention in video retrieval interfaces and published studies through the years, and work quite well as navigation aids and as facilitators for shot-based information retrieval. When the information need is tied less to shots and requires inspection of stories and across stories, other interfaces into the video data have been demonstrated to be quite useful. These interfaces include scatterplots for timelines, choropleth maps, dynamic query preview histograms, and named entity relation diagrams representing sets of hundreds or thousands of video stories. One challenge for interactive video search is to move beyond support for fact-finding and also address broader, longer term search activities of learning, analysis, synthesis, and discovery. Examples are shown for broadcast news and life oral histories, drawing from empirically collected data showing how such interfaces can promote improved exploratory search. This paper surveys and reflects on a body of Informedia interface work dealing with news, folding in for the first time an examination of exploratory transactions with an oral history corpus.
Glucagon, insulin, and glucose responses to physiologic testing in normal and massively obese adults

Abstract Ten normal adults and ten nondiabetic massively obese subjects were studied following 4–7 days on identical diets. Intravenous arginine challenge resulted in similar glucose and glucagon responses and threefold greater integrated insulin responses in the obese when compared to the normal subjects. Following oral glucose, glucagon responses were similar, whereas both basal and integrated insulin values were higher in the obese subjects. Basal and integrated insulin concentrations were greater during intravenous glucose testing in the obese subjects, whereas similar glucagon suppression was observed in both groups. Hourly blood samples obtained during a 24-hr period revealed that the obese glucose profile differed significantly from the normals. Insulin values were two- to four-fold higher in the obese subjects, whereas no significant difference was observed in the glucagon concentrations. The nadir and peak glucagon concentrations for both groups occurred at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., respectively, and were positively correlated with plasma amino acid values, and were similar in both groups.
Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Strategies A Case for Training or Constraining Problem Solving

There has been a proliferating amount of research concerned with cognitive “strategies.” Increasingly, the notion of cognitive strategies is influencing the direction of theory and research in learning disabilities. An adequate conceptual analysis of the notion of “strategy” is necessary to avoid inevitable confusion resulting from its use in interpreting empirical data. The relationship between cognitive strategy and theoretical constructs associated with cognitive style, cognitive behavior modification, and metacognition is examined. Some suggestions for the direction future research might take are discussed briefly.
Growth of calcium aluminum germanate garnets in molten bismuth germanate glasses

Abstract Selected calcium (and calcium/lead) bismuth germanate melts can partially crystallize, even upon rapid cooling, to small (up to 0.35 mm, but longer in completely crystalline samples) hexagonal needles that appear to be CaBi 2 Ge 2 O 8 . This tendency to crystallize upon cooling can be suppressed by adding small amounts of Al 2 O 3 . The addition of larger amounts of Al 2 O 3 yields a considerable number of well formed garnets that range up to 0.15 mm in size. These crystals can be separated from the adhering glass by appropriate dissolution techniques. The density, refraction, and infrared spectrum of the garnets suggest the formula Ca 3 Al 2 Ge 3 O 12 . The amorphous garnet-like arrangement of the atoms in these melts appears to be an important factor in their formation.
Polysomnographic sleep is not clinically impaired in vietnam combat veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder

Background: Because sleep is typically disturbed in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this study was undertaken to evaluate a group of Vietnam combat veterans with the disorder using clinical polysomnographic techniques. Methods: Eighteen Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD and 10 healthy non–combat-exposed Vietnam era veterans participated in 2 nights of polysomnographic study and a multiple sleep latency test. Results: No significant differences between subjects and controls were noted except for greater sleep onset latency to stage 2 (p < .03), and lower arousals/hour from stages 3 & 4 (p < .04) on night 2, and lower subjectively estimated total sleep time on night 1 (p < .005) in the case of PTSD subjects. Otherwise, results from the second night served to replicate those from the first, and no significant differences appeared on 2 successive nights for any polysomnographic variable. No daytime hypersomnolence was detected. Conclusions: Polysomnographically recorded sleep was notably better than expected in the presence of clinically significant PTSD with typical histories of disrupted sleep. In these subjects, there is no clinically significant sleep disorder or typical pattern of sleep disturbance detectable by standard polysomnography.
The BMP antagonists Chordin and Noggin have essential but redundant roles in mouse mandibular outgrowth.

Here we investigate the roles of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) antagonists Chordin and Noggin in development of the mandible, which is derived from the first branchial arch (BA1). Both genes are expressed in the pharynx during early mandibular outgrowth and later in the mandibular process. Mice mutant for either Nog or Chd have only mild mandibular defects; however, pups of the genotype Chd 2/2 ;Nog 1/2 exhibit a range of mandibular truncation phenotypes, from normal to agnathia. A few embryos homozygous null for both genes survive to late gestation; many are agnathic, though a few have significant mandibular outgrowth. In mandibular explants, ectopic BMP4 rapidly induces expression of both Chd and Nog, consistent with results obtained in vivo with mutant embryos. Previous work has shown that FGF8 is a survival factor for cells populating the mandibular bud. We find that excess BMP4 represses Fgf8 transcription in mandibular explants. Embryos lacking these BMP antagonists often show a strong reduction in Fgf8 expression in the pharyngeal ectoderm, and increased cell death in the mandibular bud. We suggest that the variable mandibular hypoplasia in double mutants involves increased BMP activity downregulating Fgf8 expression in the pharynx, decreasing cell survival during mandibular outgrowth. © 2001 Elsevier Science
Airway exchange failure and complications with the use of the Cook Airway Exchange Catheter®: a single center cohort study of 1177 patients.

There are limited data on rates of failure and airway injury with the use of airway exchange catheters. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of airway exchange catheters to determine the incidence and associated factors for tube exchange failure and airway injury. Among 1177 cases, fa
Primary adrenal insufficiency following traumatic brain injury: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAT) is a relatively rare but serious condition that can lead to signs and symptoms ranging from mild generalized weakness and fatigue to fulminant shock and death. We present the case of a previously healthy 31-year-old man who developed PAT while undergoing rehabilitation after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The patient suffered a TBI with comminuted skull fractures, bifrontal contusions, and bilateral epidural hematomas in a jet-ski accident. Acute hospitalization was prolonged by several medical complications, and the patient was admitted for subacute rehabilitation 1 month after his injury with cognitive deficits, persistent agitation, confusion, generalized weakness, and poor endurance for therapy. His weakness, fatigue, and orthostasis did not improve with attempts at gradual remobilization. The patient also had persistent anorexia, nausea, and hyponatremia despite various treatment regimens. Endocrinology workup showed normal anterior pituitary function but an abnormal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, leading to the diagnosis of PAT. The patient was treated with prednisone and fludrocortisone, which resulted in improvement in clinical symptoms followed by rapid gains in all functional areas. No previous descriptions of PAI following head injury were found in the medical literature. It is important for physiatrists to be aware of this entity because symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can be similar to those commonly seen with TBI alone. PAT may also be confused with other endocrine disorders more frequently seen after TBI such as the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Recognition and appropriate management of adrenal insufficiency can lead to significant clinical and functional gains.
Prediction Intervals for the Exponential Distribution Using Subsets of the Data

We construct prediction intervals for an exponential order statistic of a sample from a population with unknown scale parameter based on subsets of the order statistics. This encompasses the situations where some of the data are missing or where optimal selection of the order statistics is desired. Predictions are made in the cases of right censored samples and two independent samples. We also construct prediction intervals for the mean of a future sample based on subsets of a first sample. Accurate and easily computed approximate prediction intervals using the F distribution are given.
Architecting change from the inside out

In the world of higher education technology services, we find ourselves entwined with change. Our role is usually imparting change on other members of the campus community. New systems, new software, and new instructional tools abound. We hand out change to others, however do we embrace it ourselves? How often do we internally review ourselves? Is our IT department or unit functioning cohesively? Are our employees empowered adequately to expand the boundaries and achieve results? Is management sharing the power? Do we celebrate successes? Do we really understand employee morale? Do contented cows truly give better milk.This paper focuses on the fundamental strategies that University departments should employ year round for continuous improvement. Some of these elements are 1) creating a better work place; 2) hiring to fit; 3) facilitating good employee morale; 4) equipping employees for customer service; 5) communicating priorities; and 6) leading for loyalty. The IT department that architects change from the inside out will realize many benefits.
A Study of Spatial Orientation of Children

(1941). A Study of Spatial Orientation of Children. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 34, No. 7, pp. 481-505.
Automatic brain segmentation and validation: image-based versus atlas-based deformable models

Due to the complexity of the brain surface, there is at present no segmentation method that proves to work automatically and consistently on any 3-D magnetic resonance (MR) images of the head. There is a definite lack of validation studies related to automatic brain extraction. In this work we present an image-base automatic method for brain segmentation and use its results as an input to a deformable model method which we call image-based deformable model. Combining image-based methods with a deformable model can lead to a robust segmentation method without requiring registration of the image volumes into a standardized space, the automation of which remains challenging for pathological cases. We validate our segmentation results on 3-D MP-RAGE (magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo) volumes for the image model prior- and post-deformation and compare it to an atlas model prior- and post-deformation. Our validation is based on volume measurement comparison to manually segmented data. Our analysis shows that the improvement afforded by the deformable model methods are statistically significant, however there are no significant differences between the image-based and atlas-based deformable model methods.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Differential distribution of oligodeoxynucleotides in developing organs with epithelial-mesenchymal interactions

The use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to inhibit gene expression is a usefull method for determining protein function and has potential therapeutic applications. However, there is still great variability in the successfull application of antisense technology to individual systems. In order to assess the ability of different cell types to take up ODNs, developing embryonic tissues were cultured in vitro in the presence of fluoresceine labelled, phosphorothioate substituted ODNs. The distribution of ODNs in individual cell populations was assayed by fluorescent microscopy and the tissue sections were counterstained for epithelial basement membrane formation. High intracellular levels of ODNs were observed in all mesenchymal cells of the lung, salivary gland, kidney, ovary and testis. However, a significant decrease in ODN levels was observed with the formation of new epithelium in kidney and gonads, whereas mature epithelial cells in all tissues had no detecable levels of ODNs. The ability to inhibit gene expression in mesenchymal cells, but not in epithelial cells, was consistent with the distribution pattern of labeled ODNs. These results may indicate a general resistance of epithelial cells to take up ODNs in culture and bear directly on the ability of ODNs to affect gene expression in complex organs with epithelial components.
A modified commercial electrostatic aerosol analyzer for size distribution measurements of condensing aerosols in hot, wet stack gases

Abstract Modifications to a commercially-available electrical aerosol mobility analyzer are described which allowed particle size distribution measurements in hot (180°C) stack plumes with high water vapor content. Modifications described include physical rearrangement of components, flow system changes and electronic wiring and circuit alterations. Field measurement techniques for use of the modified instrument are described and examples are given of successful field trial measurements in plywood veneer dryer stack plumes.
Granulomatous Pneumonitis Following Intravesical BCG: What Therapy Is Needed?

A 68-year-old man developed fever, cough, and dyspnea after intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Chest radiograph revealed diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates with caseating granulomas on transbronchial biopsy specimen. Cultures were negative and the patient's condition improved with corticosteroids. The mechanism for BCG-induced granulomatous inflammation is poorly understood. Optimal therapy includes corticosteroids.
Cocaine use and other suspected risk factors for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a prospective study with data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area surveys

Using prospectively gathered epidemiologic data, we sought to estimate the degree to which the risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder might be elevated among adults actively using cocaine, with and without illicit use of marijuana or other controlled substances. Study subjects were selected in 1980-84 by taking probability samples of adult household residents at five sites of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Program: New Haven, Connecticut; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; Durham-Piedmont, North Carolina; Los Angeles, California. Soon after sampling at baseline, a total of 18,572 participants completed standardized interviews to measure suspected risk factors (including illicit drug use) and to evaluate whether they had met diagnostic criteria for currently or formerly active obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as other mental disorders. The interviews were re-administered 1 year later to identify incident cases among 13,306 at-risk participants, 414 being active cocaine users. After sorting these participants into strata defined by age and census tract of household residence and after excluding persons found at baseline to have active or prior OCD, we found 105 incident cases of OCD within 103 of the age-matched and residence-matched strata, which also contained a total of 514 subjects who had not developed OCD. Applying standard epidemiologic strategies presented in prior ECA research reports, we performed conditional multiple logistic regression to estimate the risk of OCD for active cocaine users versus non-users. We also performed unconditional multiple logistic regression to estimate OCD risk for the 414 active cocaine users versus the 12,892 participants not using cocaine. Both of these epidemiologic strategies yielded consistent results: subjects actively using cocaine and also marijuana were found to be at increased risk for OCD. Under the conditional model, the estimated relative risk was 7.2 (P = 0.03), while the value from unconditional regression was 4.1 (P = 0.01). Active users of cocaine almost always were active users of marijuana or some other controlled substance, so it was not possible to estimate a relative risk value for subjects using cocaine only. Nonetheless, if replicated, this epidemiologic test of the cocaine-OCD hypothesis warrants attention in laboratory and clinical research, as do other suspected risk factors identified in the study, including sex (being female), employment status (not working for pay) and a prior history of distinct psychiatric disorders such as alcohol dependence, affective disorders and phobic disorders.
Integration host factor is required for replication of pYGK-derived plasmids in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

In this study, we show that integration host factor protein (IHF) is required for replication of pYGK plasmids in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. YGK plasmids were not replicated in A. actinomycetemcomitans strains lacking either the α- or β- subunit of IHF. However, the deletion mutants were complemented, and plasmid replication was restored when the promoter region and gene for either ihfA or ihfB was cloned into pYGK. We also identified two motifs that resemble the consensus IHF-binding site in a 813-bp fragment containing the pYGK origin of replication. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, purified IHFα-IHFβ protein complex was shown to bind to probes containing either of these motifs. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that plasmid replication is IHF-dependent in the family Pasteurellaceae. In addition, using site-direct mutagenesis, the XbaI and KpnI restriction sites in the suicide vector pJT1 were modified to generate plasmid pJT10. The introduction of these new unique sites in pJT10 facilitates the transfer of transcriptional or translational lacZ fusion constructs for the generation of single-copy chromosomal insertion of the reporter construct. Plasmid pJT10 and its derivatives will be useful for genetic studies in Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) and probably other genera of Pasteurellaceae, including Haemophilus, Pasteurella, and Mannheimia.