cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three tests of information asymmetry among Medicaid adults

Information asymmetry has well known efficiency consequences for health insurance markets. Unlike private insurance, Medicaid programs are designed to attract clinically and socioeconomically vulnerable patients, and allow limited enrollee cost sharing. This suggests that the Medicaid expansion authorized by the Affordable Care Act may attract an adversely selected population that poses unknown utilization, and hence, financial risks to its federal and state financers. In this study, I test for information asymmetry by examining whether unobserved determinants of Medicaid enrollment are correlated with unobserved determinants of emergency department and primary care visits, using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. I use instrumental variables, correlation tests, and a simulation analysis to test for correlated unobservables. I find evidence of information asymmetry in Medicaid for emergency care use, but not primary care visits, once certain demographic and health variables are controlled. Since new Medicaid enrollees may not have “baseline” claims or diagnostic data, it may be helpful to collect information on their self-rated health status and disease history, such as obesity and heart attacks. Controlling for these variables may improve forecasts of health care use among Medicaid enrollees, and can reduce estimation bias in non-experimental studies of Medicaid.
Fluoxetine in treatment of adolescent patients with autism: a longitudinal open trial.

Retrospective chart reviews of seven adolescent and young adults with autistic disorder treated with fluoxetine alone or in combination with other medications were performed. Patient's ages varied from 9–20 years (M ± SD, = 16 ± 3.87). Fluoxetine doses ranged from 20–80 mg per day (M ± SD of final doses 37.14 ± 21). Duration of treatment ranged from 1.3–32 months (M 18.04 ± 10.39). Patients' symptoms were monitored using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) rating scale during every visit. Side effects included initial appetite suppression, vivid dreams, and hyperactivity. Improvement from baseline was seen in four subscales: irritability (21%), lethargy (37%), stereotypy (27%), and inappropriate speech (21%). Lethargy subscales improved significantly during treatment (p < .029). Hyperactivity subscale increased by 14% but did not attain statistical significance. Fluoxetine appears to have important behavioral effects in treatment of clinic-referred autistic children. Future double-blind placebo controlled studies evaluating core and associated symptom response with fluoxetine are warranted.
Role of inflammation in preventing the induction of transplantation tolerance (TRAN1P.876)

Costimulation blockade targeting the CD40-CD154 pathway is an effective approach to induce tolerance to allografts in murine and non-human primate models. However inflammation generated during infection and exposure to pathogen associated molecular patterns abrogates costimulation blockade induced tolerance. Here we have characterized the alloreactive CD8 T cell response during costimulation blockade in the absence or presence of inflammation. Costimulation blockade consisting of donor splenocytes (DST)/anti-CD154 antibody (MR1) stimulated proliferation of alloreactive CD8 T cells but resulted in deletion of the cells by apoptosis. Exposure to LPS during blockade prevented this deletion, but surprisingly reduced proliferation kinetics of the alloreactive CD8 T cells. These data suggest that LPS increases the frequency of alloreactive CD8 T cells by providing survival signals during cell division. RNA-seq analyses revealed differential expression of genes involved in apoptosis (like Fasl, Perp, Birc5, E2F transcription factors), cell cycle (Ki-67, Bub1, Nusap1), CD8 T cell differentiation and function (granzyme B, T-bet, Eomes) and type I interferon induced genes (Ifi44, Ifit1, Usp18) between the treatment groups. Such phenotypic differences will facilitate identification of pathways that can be targeted to prevent the abrogation of transplantation tolerance in situations of inflammation.
Safety, Visibility, and Performance in a Wide-Area File System

As mobile clients travel, their costs to reach home filing services change, with serious performance implications. Current file systems mask these performance problems by reducing the safety of updates, their visibility, or both. This is the result of combining the propagation and notification of updates from clients to servers. Fluid Replication separates these mechanisms. Client updates are shipped to nearby replicas, called WayStations, rather than remote servers, providing inexpensive safety. WayStations and servers periodically exchange knowledge of updates through reconciliation, providing a tight bound on the time until updates are visible. Reconciliation is non-blocking, and update contents are not propagated immediately; propagation is deferred to take advantage of the low incidence of sharing in file systems. Our measurements of a Fluid Replication prototype show that update performance is completely independent of wide-area networking costs, at the expense of increased sharing costs. This places the costs of sharing on those who require it, preserving common case performance. Furthermore, the benefits of independent update outweigh the costs of sharing for a workload with substantial sharing. A trace-based simulation shows that a modest reconciliation interval of 15 seconds can eliminate 98% of all stale accesses. Furthermore, our traced clients could collectively expect availability of five nines, even with deferred propagation of updates.
Generalized tuberculosis in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Abstract Objective.—Generalized, or hematogenously disseminated, tuberculosis (TB) in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been associated with a high incidence of cases remaining undiagnosed until postmortem. To better characterize generalized TB in the setting of AIDS, this report describes the clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic features of 20 fatal cases. Design.—The medical records, autopsy protocols, and histologic material from patients with AIDS and concomitant TB were reviewed. All patients were autopsied at a tertiary care medical center during the years 1985–1997. Results.—In 50% of our 20 cases, diagnosis was not made until postmortem. Signs and symptoms were few, including the absence of fever (temperature ≥38°C) in 55% of patients. Consistent laboratory abnormalities of a nonspecific nature were limited to hyponatremia (sodium <135 mmol/L) in 60%. Both peripheral and deep (thoracic and abdominal) lymphadenopathy, unusual in adults with TB, occurred in...
Real-Time image alignment for a gyro-visual hybrid pointing device

This paper presents a novel pointing device that measures pointing location changes using a Nintendo Wiimote and a FireWire camera. The goal is allowing users to control the cursor on a computer screen through waving the device in mid air. The core of the proposed technique is a real-time image alignment module that estimates the pointing location of the device based on visual input. Image alignments are performed using a modified inverse compositional algorithm, which runs at 92 fps on GPUs. To improve the robustness of image alignment results, we propose using gyroscopic measures to provide a rough alignment. The experiment results show that the proposed hybrid pointing device delivers more precise controls than the ones using gyroscopic or visual information only.
Calculating electromagnetic force and energy using singularity functions

The purpose of this article is to provide physical insight into a new analytical approach to calculate electromagnetic force and energy using singularity functions, specifically the unit impulse function and its integral, the unit step function. The electromagnetic force acting on a charged conductor is expressed in terms of a special singularity integral which is the sifting integral of the unit step function. The well-known parallel-plate capacitor problem in electrostatics is considered as an example to demonstrate the validity and use of this special integral. The authors believe that this technique can easily be extended to problems involving high-frequency microwave systems such as waveguides and resonant cavities.
Dose-to-duration encoding and signaling beyond saturation in intracellular signaling networks.

The cellular response elicited by an environmental cue typically varies with the strength of the stimulus. For example, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the concentration of mating pheromone determines whether cells undergo vegetative growth, chemotropic growth, or mating. This implies that the signaling pathways responsible for detecting the stimulus and initiating a response must transmit quantitative information about the intensity of the signal. Our previous experimental results suggest that yeast encode pheromone concentration as the duration of the transmitted signal. Here we use mathematical modeling to analyze possible biochemical mechanisms for performing this “dose-to-duration” conversion. We demonstrate that modulation of signal duration increases the range of stimulus concentrations for which dose-dependent responses are possible; this increased dynamic range produces the counterintuitive result of “signaling beyond saturation” in which dose-dependent responses are still possible after apparent saturation of the receptors. We propose a mechanism for dose-to-duration encoding in the yeast pheromone pathway that is consistent with current experimental observations. Most previous investigations of information processing by signaling pathways have focused on amplitude encoding without considering temporal aspects of signal transduction. Here we demonstrate that dose-to-duration encoding provides cells with an alternative mechanism for processing and transmitting quantitative information about their surrounding environment. The ability of signaling pathways to convert stimulus strength into signal duration results directly from the nonlinear nature of these systems and emphasizes the importance of considering the dynamic properties of signaling pathways when characterizing their behavior. Understanding how signaling pathways encode and transmit quantitative information about the external environment will not only deepen our understanding of these systems but also provide insight into how to reestablish proper function of pathways that have become dysregulated by disease.
Gender Wage Differentials in Information Systems: 1991 – 2008 A Quantitative Analysis

This paper investigates trends and changes in the gender earnings gap for individuals employed in clerical and professional level information systems positions in the U.S. labor market for the period of 1991 through 2008. It examines changes in the earnings gap for IS workers, specifically considering changes relative to the so-called â€œInternet bubbleâ€ observed primarily during the late 1990s. Quantitative analysis of changes in the wage gap, adjusted for key determinants, is based on data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). Examination of these data suggests that the gender earnings gap is persistent despite frequent claims to the contrary from industry surveys and that the gap is narrower for professional level positions. Furthermore, the data suggest that female IS workers, particularly in professional level occupations, may have experienced a beneficial effect from the internet bubble, but it is unclear whether or not that beneficial effect may be fading in the post-bubble internet bust of the early 21st century.
AFLP analysis of the entomopathogen Nomuraea rileyi

The dimorphic, asexual entomopathogen Nomuraea rileyi is a well known mortality agent of noctuid insects in subtropical and temperate agricultural systems. Genomic DNA was extracted from N. rileyi isolates collected from Anticarsia gemmatalis velvetbean caterpillar in Florida, Brazil, and Argentina as well as from non-Anticarsia hosts and subjected to a modified single-step AFLP analysis. Compared to RAPDs, the employed AFLP method provided a reliable and sensitive method for detecting genomic differences among N. rileyi populations. All ten AFLP primers produced polymorphic bands when used to amplify the different Nomuraea DNA samples. Approximately 65% (141 bands) of the total scorable bands (216) detected with ethidium bromide were polymorphic and ranged 400-3000 bp. A total of 43 haplotypes were found among the 73 N. rileyi isolates. Analysis of the AFLP data revealed extensive polymorphism among different N. rileyi isolates derived from both homologous and heterologous noctuid host species. For example, the dominant haplotype isolated from the Florida A. gemmatalis population was detected in diseased Pseudoplusia includens soybean looper and Plathypena scabra green cloverworm. Cluster analysis demonstrated that the AFLP polymorphisms observed among the N. rileyi isolates were associated with geographical location and/or with local insect population (s). Examination of this entomopathogen from a single field over a multiseasonal time frame demonstrated that the N. rileyi population is stable and can probably overwinter and initiate the disease cycle the following year.
A test of the theory of planned behavior for two health-related practices

This study tested the utility of the theory of planned behavior in predicting two health-related behaviors. The first behavior (breast self-exam) is relatively simple, while the second (exercise) is complex. Data were utilized from health risk appraisals completed on 185 telephone company employees. Attitude, normative belief, and self-efficacy measures served to predict behavioral intention and subsequent attempt to change both the behaviors. As tested in path models, the results for breast self-examination were closer to the results expected from theory, with less good fit for exercise. Different models were developed for each behavior, although the self-efficacy measures made independent contributions to each. While the theory of planned behavior received support in the data, the results suggest that different models may appropriate for different types of behavior.
Initial 5-fluorouracil trabeculectomy in young patients.

The effectiveness of initial trabeculectomy with adjunctive 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for uncomplicated glaucoma in patients age 40 years or younger at the time of surgery was evaluated retrospectively in a consecutive series of 20 eyes of 20 patients. Fifteen patients had juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma, 4 had pigmentary glaucoma, and 1 had glaucoma associated with angle recession. Mean patient age was 26.8 ± 9.7 years (range, 13 to 40 years) at the time of surgery. The mean total 5-FU dose administered was 27.8 ± 8.8 mg (range, 15 to 45 mg). The intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 34.4 ± 11.5 mmHg preoperatively to 10.5 ± 4.0 mmHg postoperatively after a mean follow-up of 31.1 ± 17.3 months (range, 11.5 to 70 months). Nineteen eyes (95%) had a postoperative IOP of 20 mmHg or less without pressure-lowering medications. One patient required additional medical therapy to control the IOP. Complications included bleb-related endophthalmitis (2 eyes) and hypotony maculopathy (1 eye).
Enduring love: a grounded formal theory of women's experience of domestic violence.

Using a grounded formal theory approach, 13 qualitative research reports were analyzed with the goal of synthesizing a middle-range theory of women's responses to violent relationships. The combined sample numbered 282 ethnically and geographically diverse women ages 16-67. Within cultural contexts that normalized relationship violence while promoting idealized romance, these women dealt with the incongruity of violence in their relationships as a basic process of enduring love. In response to shifting definitions of their relationship situations, many women moved through four phases, which began with discounting early violence for the sake of their romantic commitment ("This is what I wanted"), progressed to immobilization and demoralization in the face of increasingly unpredictable violence that was endured by the careful monitoring of partner behavior and the stifling of self ("The more I do, the worse I am"), shifted to a perspective that redefined the situation as unacceptable ("I had enough"), and finally moved out of the relationship and toward a new life ("I was finding me"). Variations in the manifestation and duration of these phases were found to be linked to personal, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts.
Are supine chest and abdominal radiographs the best way to confirm PICC placement in neonates

Background Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in NICUs. Although they have many benefits, they also have many potential complications. Confirming catheter tip position is essential to decreasing complications, but the best method to achieve confirmation is unclear. Objectives Literature review for studies that address line position confirmation to assist health care providers in evaluating the available research and to identify gaps in the literature. Method A literature search of four major databases followed by an ancestry approach was performed. Articles reviewed specifically discuss PICC lines and PICC line placement confirmation. Results Data on confirming PICC placement were lacking. Fluoroscopic placement is ideal, but cannot be done at the bedside and is costly. Supine chest radiograph is the most widely used method and is convenient, but when line tip position is unclear, contrast or ultrasound confirmation can be used. When PICC lines are placed in the saphenous vein, infants may benefit from supine and lateral abdominal radiographs to ensure placement in the inferior vena cava. Discussion More studies are needed to generalize findings. PICC line tips should be located in the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava close to the junction with the right atrium (0.5-1 cm outside of the cardiac chambers in premature infants and 1-2 cm outside of the cardiac chambers in larger infants). Arm position is very important when performing radiographs for placement because movement of the arm can cause migration of the catheter. There is also significant inter-observer variability when identifying line tip position.
Ras: the stress and the strain.

The last 10–15 years have seen an expansion in the understanding of the intracellular signalling pathways activated in cardiac myocytes in response to hypertrophic or lethal stimuli. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were identified as potential key mediators of cardiac myocyte responses in the early to mid-1990's, with the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) being potently activated by heterotrimeric Gq protein-coupled receptor (GqPCR) agonists, and the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38-MAPKs being potently activated by cell stresses.
Molecular Model for Elastin Structure and Function

Amino acid sequences in elastin contain striking patterns. These are interpreted in terms of possible molecular conformations, and an ‘oiled coil’ model is proposed to explain the protein's elastic behaviour.
Treatment of massive super-obesity with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Abstract Background Controversy exists concerning the optimal treatment of patients with massive super-obesity (body mass index >60 kg/m 2 ). The ideal surgical operation must balance optimal weight loss with minimal morbidity and mortality. We report our results for this patient population undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Methods We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing LAGB at our institution. Patients with a preoperative body mass index >60 kg/m 2 were identified and their charts were reviewed. Weight loss data were collected when the patients returned for band adjustments. All band adjustments were patient driven and performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Results Between November 2001 and October 2004, 352 patients underwent LAGB. Of these, 53 had a preoperative body mass index >60 kg/m 2 (15%). The mean absolute weight and body mass index was 186.6 kg (range 139.6–250.6) and 66 kg/m 2 (range 60.0–79.8), respectively. The average follow-up was 12.5 months (range 1.3–31). The most prevalent co-morbidities were obstructive sleep apnea (64%), hypertension (42%), and diabetes mellitus (42%). Postoperative complications included one band removal for chronic obstruction, one band revision for slippage, and one nonfatal pulmonary embolism. The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 15% (−1.1 to 27.4) with 18 months of follow-up. Compared with our cohort of nonmassive super-obese patients, massive super-obese patients required a longer period of follow-up to accomplish a similar percentage of excess weight loss. Conclusion LAGB is an appropriate surgical option for the treatment of massive super-obesity. The procedure can be performed with minimal morbidity and mortality and leads to promising medium-term weight loss. Longer term follow-up of massive super-obese patients is necessary and may demonstrate even more successful results.
Effect of ozone on elastic behavior of excised lungs of dogs.

Abstract We measured the static, deflation V P behavior of excised paired lobes of dogs' lungs before and after ventilation with either air or ozone (6.8–10.3 ppm × 2.5 hours). The lobes exposed to ozone showed only a slight increase in recoiling force at intermediate and large volumes and a more rapid fall in dynamic compliance compared with lobes exposed to air. We exposed additional excised lobes to air or ozone (4.3–10.0 ppm × 2.5 hours) during ventilation characterized by a large tidal volume, slow frequency (9–10 cycles/minute) and end-expiratory collapse (distending pressure about 1 cm H2O): both groups showed similar impairment of alveolar stability and, following continuous inflation for several hours at 10–15 cm H2O), similar degrees of recovery. It is uncertain to what extent the results reflected changes in surface active material and/or tissue elasticity. Nonetheless, any direct interaction between ozone and either of these elements would appear to play a subordinate role in the appreciable changes in elastic behavior of the lungs that many accompany acute exposure to the gas in vivo.
The role of coping in maintaining the psychological well-being of mothers of adults with intellectual disability and mental illness.

Background Mothers who have a child with intellectual disability (ID) or mental illness face a lifetime of caregiving responsibilities and challenges. The present study investigated changes over time in how mothers cope with the challenges of caring for an adult child with disabilities and the effects of changes in coping on maternal well-being. Methods A sample of 246 ageing mothers of adults with ID and 74 mothers of adults with mental illness was drawn from two parallel longitudinal studies of later-life caregiving. Results There was considerable variability at the individual level in the degree to which mothers changed over time in their use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. For both groups, an increase in their use of emotion-focused coping led to declining levels of well-being. For the parents of adults with ID, an increase in their use of problem-focused coping resulted in a reduction in distress and an improvement in the quality of the relationship with their adult child. For the parents of adults with mental illness, an increase in the use of problem-focused coping had no effect on levels of distress, but led to an improved relationship with their adult child. Conclusions The present study underscores the importance of coping in the lives of older mothers of adults with disabilities.
MO‐G‐137‐01: Proton Therapy Range Verification Using Prompt Gamma Rays: A Simulation Study with the Geant4 Monte Carlo Toolkit

Purpose: To simulate a coincidence detector system for in vivo range verification using prompt gamma (PG) emission technique for proton radiation therapy and to compare the results with the alternative technique utilizing the positron‐emitting nuclei (PEN). Methods: A coincidence detector system for characterizing both emitted and registered prompt gamma spectrum was simulated by Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit version 9.4.9 p02. The interaction of 110 MeV protons with target phantom of PMMA (5 cm × 5 cm × 50 cm) was used in the simulation. A virtual detector (5 cm × 5 cm × 1 mm) was replicated 500 times to form a bank of detectors. A lower bank was placed 1 cm above the phantom while another bank was placed 1 cm above the lower bank. A coincidence requirement was met when a gamma had passed through both a bottom detector segment and the corresponding top detector segment directly above it. Our investigation used the built‐in physics list consisting of electromagnetic as well as nuclear interactions. Results: The depths corresponding to the maximum prompt gamma counts were found to be in close proximity to the range of protons as determined by the Bragg Peak. We noted that the PEN yields had their maximum and distal 50% yield more superficially than the Bragg Peak. This is clearly different compared to PG yields that showed their maximum in closer proximity to the Bragg Peak. The 50% distal PEN yields also lied shallower to the Bragg peak whereas the 50% distal PG yields lied deeper with respect to the Bragg Peak. Conclusion: This work shows clearly that the range of the incident protons can be measured in vivo via a suitable detector system utilizing the PG technique. More realistic simulations by implementing and optimizing various detector materials are now being planned.
Responses to thiourea and to surgical thyroidectomy by the autotransplanted pituitary gland in the red spotted newt.

Abstract Two tests of thyrotropic function were conducted on autotransplanted pituitary glands in red spotted newts, Notophthalmus (Diemictylus, Triturus) viridescens viridescens , Rafinesque. In the first of these, the engrafted newts together with intact control animals were maintained in aqueous solutions of thiourea for 150 days. A marked goitrogenic response was seen in half the intact animals and in slightly more than a third of the animals with autotransplanted pituitary glands. In the second test, other newts with autotransplants and newts with intact pituitary glands were kept in thiourea and were also thyroidectomized surgically. Representative groups were killed at 15, 30 and 60 days after thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy cells appeared in most of the intact and autotransplanted pituitary glands of newts killed at 30 and 60 days after thyroidectomy but not at 15 days. In similar tests mammalian glands have failed to support either goitrogenesis or the formation of thyroidectomy cells. It follows, then, that the transplanted pituitary gland of the newt is more active thyrotropically than those of the mammals thus far examined. Reasons for this difference are discussed.
Graphical analysis of enthalpy-composition relationships in mixed magmas

Enthalpy-composition diagrams (H∗-X) calculated from existing temperature-composition (T-X) phase diagrams and thermodynamic data provide a simple and effective means for evaluating the enthalpy-temperature effects of magma mixing. If athermal mixing is assumed, adiabatic mixing lines on H∗-X diagrams are straight lines because enthalpy, unlike temperature, is an extensive property of a system. Comparison of binary T-X diagrams with their derivative H∗-X diagrams shows that incorrect predictions can be obtained when T-X diagrams are used to analyze mixing problems. An H∗-X diagram calculated using experimentally determined phase equilibria for anhydrous basalt-rhyolite mixtures predicts that adiabatic mixing of basalt and rhyolite at their respective liquidus temperatures will result in small amounts of crystallization ( < 2 wt.% ). Because the phase equilibria of hydrous basalt-rhyolite mixtures have not yet been determined, an H∗-X diagram for such mixtures cannot be constructed. However, existing hydrous phase equilibria can be used to predict whether adiabatic mixtures of anhydrous basalt and hydrous rhyolite will be super- or subliquidus. Calculations at Ptotal = 200 MPa show that on an H∗-X diagram a mixing chord drawn between anhydrous basalt and water-saturated rhyolite at their respective liquidus temperatures lies below the enthalpy values calculated for a Paricutin andesite and Mt. St. Helens dacite at their estimated liquidus temperatures. This indicates that the liquidus for mixtures of anhydrous basalt and water-saturated rhyolite is noticeably convex upward, suggesting that larger amounts of crystallization will occur than in the anhydrous case.
Stabilised heterozygosis of supergenes mediating certain Y-linked colour patterns in populations of Lebistes Reticulatus

Stabilised heterozygosis of supergenes mediating certain Y-linked colour patterns in populations of Lebistes Reticulatus
Growing Edges of Just War Theory: Jus ante bellum, jus post bellum, and Imperfect Justice

This essay addresses two growing edges of the just war tradition. First, theorists have been accused of focusing narrowly on justifying war ( jus ad bellum ) and governing its conduct ( jus in bello ), neglecting wider considerations that encompass justice during the years prior to and after war. Second, calling a war “just” allegedly makes it seem “good” so that it is easier to fight a war and to bend or set aside the rules. Based on “imperfect justice,” we argue for a “justified” war theory, taking all criteria and categories seriously, including jus ante bellum and jus post bellum .
COMPUTER-ASSISTED ENUMERATION OF NMR SIGNALS

Abstract The NMR signals of both rigid and nonrigid molecules are enumerated using computer-assisted combinatorial techniques. These techniques essentially require the knowledge of the symmetry group of the molecule (cycle indices) from which NMR signals (such as 13 C NMR, proton NMR, etc.) are enumerated. The program can be used not only for structure elucidation but also for studying dynamic NMR processes and phenomena.
Effects of an Extended Hatchery Phase and Vaccination against Enteric Septicemia of Catfish on the Production of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Fingerlings

.— The present study was conducted to evaluate production management methods to improve overall survival of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, fry to the fingerling stage by incorporating the use of a live, attenuated vaccine against Edwardsiella ictaluri and employing an extended hatchery phase. In this experiment, four treatments were used. In Treatment 1, 10-d posthatch (PH) fry were vaccinated and then directly stocked into earthen ponds. In Treatments 2 and 3, 10-d PH fry were sham-vaccinated (control) and vaccinated, respectively, kept in nursery tanks for 22 d, and then stocked into earthen ponds. Fry in Treatment 4 were sham-vaccinated at 10 d PH, kept in nursery tanks for 22 d, and then vaccinated prior to stocking into earthen ponds. Mean fingerling yield at harvest ranged from 4716 kg/ha in Treatment 1 to 8112 kg/ha in Treatment 4. Mean individual fish weight ranged from 38.8 g in Treatment 1 to 40.9 g in Treatment 4, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) ranged from 1.15 in Treatment 4 to 1.51 in Treatment 1. Mean survival ranged from 47.5% in Treatment 1 to 73.4% in Treatment 4. In specific comparisons to evaluate the nursery effect (Treatments 1 and 3), yield and overall survival were significantly different (P 0.05) in yield, average weight, and FCR were observed between treatments. Results indicate that implementing an extended hatchery phase and vaccination strategy with older fry can improve overall survival of fingerling fish.
Development and optimization of a direct plaque assay for human and avian metapneumoviruses

The genus Metapneumovirus within the subfamily Pneumovirinae and family Paramyxoviridae includes only two viruses, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), which cause respiratory disease in humans and birds, respectively. These two viruses grow poorly in cell culture and other quantitation methods, such as indirect immuno-staining and immuno-fluorescent assays, are expensive, time consuming, and do not allow for plaque purification of the virus. In order to enhance research efforts for studying these two viruses, a direct plaque assay for both hMPV and aMPV has been developed. By optimizing the chemical components of the agarose overlay, it was found that both hMPV with a trypsin-independent F cleavage site and aMPV formed clear and countable plaques in a number of mammalian cell lines (such as Vero-E6 and LLC-MK2 cells) after 5 days of incubation. The plaque forming assay has similar sensitivity and reliability as the currently used immunological methods for viral quantitation. The plaque assay is also a more simple, rapid, and economical method compared to immunological assays, and in addition allows for plaque purification of the viruses. The direct plaque assay will be a valuable method for the quantitation and evaluation of the biological properties of some metapneumoviruses.
Occurrence of rhizomal endophytes in three temperate northeast pacific seagrasses

Abstract Endophytes are bacterial or fungal organisms inhabiting plants and algae. This study addressed the research questions of whether fungal and/or bacterial endophytes inhabit the rhizomes of Zostera marina , Zostera japonica and Phyllospadix scouleri and whether the number of endophyte taxa differs between seagrass species in the San Juan Archipelago of Washington State, USA. A total of 42 endophyte taxa were isolated with 37 taxa inhabiting Z. marina , 31 inhabiting Z. japonica and 27 inhabiting P. scouleri
Glaucoma in the Dog and Cat

Conjunctivitis, mydriasis, corneal edema, lens luxation, buphthalmos, and blindness are caused by elevated IOP in the glaucomas. Primary glaucomas with a bilateral potential for development are noted in two cats and several dog breeds, with secondary glaucomas caused by uveitis and neoplasia common in the cat and dog. Tonometric evaluation is essential for the early diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Medical therapy of topical demecarium bromide and timolol maleate, with systemic dichlorphenamide, are recommended for general glaucoma maintenance therapy in dogs and cats. Transcleral cyclophotocoagulation will surgically reduce IOP in cases in which maximum medication has been reached.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Stimulates Phosphorylation of FoxO1 in Vascular Endothelial Cells via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase- and Protein Kinase A-dependent Signaling Pathways to Regulate ET-1 Synthesis and Secretion

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous adrenal steroid hormone with controversial actions in humans. We previously reported that DHEA has opposing actions in endothelial cells to stimulate phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric-oxide synthase leading to increased production of nitric oxide while simultaneously stimulating MAPK-dependent secretion of the vasoconstrictor ET-1. In the present study we hypothesized that DHEA may stimulate PI 3-kinase-dependent phosphorylation of FoxO1 in endothelial cells to help regulate endothelial function. In bovine or human aortic endothelial cells (BAEC and HAEC), treatment with DHEA (100 nm) acutely enhanced phosphorylation of FoxO1. DHEA-stimulated phosphorylation of FoxO1 was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with wortmannin (PI 3-kinase inhibitor) or H89 (protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor) but not ICI182780 (estrogen receptor blocker), or PD98059 (MEK (MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase) inhibitor). Small interfering RNA knockdown of PKA inhibited DHEA-stimulated phosphorylation of FoxO1. DHEA promoted nuclear exclusion of FoxO1 that was blocked by pretreatment of cells with wortmannin, H89, or by small interfering RNA knockdown of PKA. DHEA treatment of endothelial cells increased PKA activity and intracellular cAMP concentrations. Transfection of BAEC with a constitutively nuclear FoxO1 mutant transactivated a co-transfected ET-1 promoter luciferase reporter. Treatment of BAEC with DHEA inhibited transactivation of the ET-1 promoter reporter in cells overexpressing FoxO1. ET-1 promoter activity and secretion in response to DHEA treatment was augmented by PI 3-kinase blockade and inhibited by MAPK blockade. We conclude that DHEA stimulates phosphorylation of FoxO1 via PI 3-kinase- and PKA-dependent pathways in endothelial cells that negatively regulates ET-1 promoter activity and secretion. Balance between PI 3-kinase-dependent inhibition and MAPK-dependent stimulation of ET-1 secretion in response to DHEA may determine whether DHEA supplementation improves or worsens cardiovascular and metabolic function.
Serum, pituitary and urine concentrations of prolactin and growth hormone in eight strains of mice with varying incidence of mammary tumors

Eight inbred strains of mice with varying incidences of spontaneous mammary tumor were compared in regard to prolactin and growth hormone concentrations in sera, pituitary glands and urine. Serum prolactin was compared under basal conditions as well as after stimulation with perphenazine. Both hormones were measured with specific, homologous radioimmunoassays. Although some strains having a high incidence of mammary tumors had high levels of prolactin in sera, urine and pituitary glands, neither basal nor perphenazine-induced serum concentrations showed a consistent pattern across mouse strains that correlated with the incidence of mammary tumors. Growth hormone levels in sera, pituitary glands and urine also had no characteristic pattern that applied to all strains studied. The ratio of prolactin depleted from the pituitary gland to prolactin detected in serum after perphenazine injection, which reflected the metabolic clearance rate of prolactin, was highest in two strains with a high incidence of mammary tumors and relatively lower in low-tumor strains. These results suggest that if prolactin plays a part in mammary tumor development in mice, its mechanism varies with strains: while hyperprolactinemia may be the means in some strains, a peculiarity in the metabolism of the hormone may be more important in others.
Improved accuracy of acute graft-versus-host disease staging among multiple centers

The clinical staging of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) varies significantly among bone marrow transplant (BMT) centers, but adherence to long-standing practices poses formidable barriers to standardization among centers. We have analyzed the sources of variability and developed a web-based remote data entry system that can be used by multiple centers simultaneously and that standardizes data collection in key areas. This user-friendly, intuitive interface resembles an online shopping site and eliminates error-prone entry of free text with drop-down menus and pop-up detailed guidance available at the point of data entry. Standardized documentation of symptoms and therapeutic response reduces errors in grade assignment and allows creation of confidence levels regarding the diagnosis. Early review and adjudication of borderline cases improves consistency of grading and further enhances consistency among centers. If this system achieves widespread use it may enhance the quality of data in multicenter trials to prevent and treat acute GVHD.
Hypermethylation of the somatostatin promoter is a common, early event in human esophageal carcinogenesis

BACKGROUND. The promoter of somatostatin (SST), a primary inhibitor of gastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion, is hypermethylated in 80% of human colon cancers. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether and at what stage promoter hypermethylation of SST is involved in human esophageal carcinogenesis. METHODS. SST promoter hypermethylation was examined by real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (MSP) in 260 human esophageal tissue specimens. Real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR and MSP were also performed on esophageal cancer cell lines before and after treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC). RESULTS. SST hypermethylation showed highly discriminative receiver-operator characteristic curve profiles, clearly distinguishing esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinomas (EAC) from normal esophagus (NE) (P < .01). Both SST methylation frequency and normalized methylation value (NMV) were significantly higher in Barrett metaplasia without dysplasia or EAC (BE), low-grade and high-grade (HGD) dysplasia occurring in BE, EAC, and ESCC than in NE (P < .01). SST hypermethylation frequency was significantly lower in NE (9%) than in BE (70%), HGD (71.4%), or EAC (71.6%), whereas 14 (53.8%) of 26 ESCCs exhibited SST hypermethylation. There was a significant relation between SST hypermethylation and BE segment length, a known clinical risk factor for neoplastic progression. Demethylation of KYSE220 ESCC and OE33 EAC cells with 5-Aza-dC reduced SST methylation and increased SST mRNA expression. SST mRNA levels in native unmethylated EACs were significantly higher than in native methylated EACs (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS. SST promoter hypermethylation is a common event in human esophageal carcinomas and is related to early neoplastic progression in Barrett esophagus. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Mixed-variational formulation for phononic band-structure calculation of arbitrary unit cells

This paper presents phononic band-structure calculation results obtained using a mixed variational formulation for 1-, and 2-dimensional unit cells. The formulation itself is presented in a form which is equally applicable to 3-dimensiomal cases. It has been established that the mixed-variational formulation presented in this paper shows faster convergence with considerably greater accuracy than variational principles based purely on the displacement field, especially for problems involving unit cells with discontinuous constituent properties. However, the application of this formulation has been limited to fairly simple unit cells. In this paper we have extended the scope of the formulation by employing numerical integration techniques making it applicable for the evaluation of the phononic band-structure of unit cells displaying arbitrary complexity in their Bravais structure and in the shape, size, number, and anisotropicity of their micro-constituents. The approach is demonstrated through specific examples.
The Laozi Code

The term “dao” (道) has been playing the theoretically paradigmatic role in almost all East Asian philosophies, religions, and cultures. The meanings of the term “dao” in the Dao De Jing and other ancient East Asian texts have remained hermeneutically problematic up to this point in time. This article argues that one of the main causes of this hermeneutical problematic is the failure to establish a theoretically formal typology of the “dao.” It further suggests that a hermeneutically disciplined reading of the 76 uses of the term “dao” in the Dao De Jing accomplishes two important goals: (1) it demonstrates that a typological approach may enhance an understanding of the Laoian Dao, and (2) it provides some good data to begin reconstructing such a theoretically formal dao-typology.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Invasive Group B Streptococci from Neonates with Early-Onset Disease - A Multi Center Study 1995-97

Antibiotic Susceptibility of Invasive Group B Streptococci from Neonates with Early-Onset Disease - A Multi Center Study 1995-97
Seven deadly sins of childhood: advising parents about difficult developmental phases

Seven of the more difficult developmental phases for any parent to deal with are colic, awakening at night, separation anxiety, normal exploratory behavior, normal negativism, normal poor appetite, and toilet training resistance. For the child living in a high-risk family, these innocent acts can trigger dangerous or even deadly abuse. The two behaviors most commonly associated with fatal abuse are colic and toilet training. When we recognize a child who is going through a provocative phase, we should be prepared to advise the parents on some practical alternatives to a physical response. Such advice is welcomed by most types of families. Any treatment plan for an abusive family that fails to include this type of problem solving may be inadequate.
Reducing Shift Cycles and Test Power using Linear Feedforward Network

A scheme is proposed for inserting a linear feedforward network composed of XOR gates in scan chains. The proposed scheme reduces scan-in, scan-out, and scan clocking power by reducing the number of shift cycles required to load test patterns into scan chains. Reducing shift cycles also contributes to test time and test storage reduction. After inserting the linear feedforward network, the corresponding test stimulus and test response are obtained by solving linear equations for the specified bits. Using the feedforward XOR gates, the number of shift cycles can be reduced significantly with relatively small hardware overhead. The proposed scheme can be used in standard scan architectures as well as in conjunction with other test data compression techniques. Because it can preserve many of the X's in the test cubes, it is very efficient when used with linear expansion schemes to reduce power significantly.
The analysis of nonequilibrium, chemically reacting, supersonic flow in three dimensions using a bicharacteristics method

A second-order numerical method of characteristics based on a bicharacteristics scheme was developed for the evaluation of steady, supersonic, nonequilibrium, chemically reacting flows. The absolute accuracy and order of accuracy of the method was shown by comparisons with spherical source flow and axisymmetric, nonequilibrium flows. Numerical results were obtained for elliptical and super-elliptical nozzles. These results illustrate the complex nature of three-dimensional flows and the inadequacy of quasi-three-dimensional methods which neglect cross flows.
Psychology of Adjustment at Research Universities

Only 38 of 140 universities with the top research programs in psychology offer courses on adjustment. At some schools adjustment has been replaced by a similar course with a new title and more narrow course description.
Extractable organic matter in Precambrian cherts

Precambrian cherts hydrocarbon and fatty acid concentrations and C and S stable isotope ratios, discussing biological evolution rate
Polystyrene–gelatin composites prepared via a gel pathway

Composite polymers of polystyrene and gelatin have been prepared using a gel pathway. The gels have been obtained by mixing at 50°C an aqueous solution containing gelatin and a surfactant (SDS) with styrene containing an initiator (AIBN). The obtained emulsions have the appearance of gels and are very stable both at room temperature and at 50°C. At 50°C, these gels are liquidlike with high viscosity; at room temperature, solidlike gels are formed when the gelatin content is sufficiently high. Polymerization of the gels can be achieved in several days at room temperature and in 24 h at 50°C. Composite polymers with different water-absorbing capacities have been produced by controlling the polymerization temperature and duration. These composite polymers are insoluble in water, ethanol, octane, and cyclohexane, but exhibit some swelling in these liquids. Additional thermal treatment at relatively high temperatures increases the mechanical strength of the composites. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.