cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological management of posttraumatic seizures in adults: Current practice patterns in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

Introduction/Background Patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) uncertainty remains around posttraumatic seizure prophylaxis and for duration of treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for those who developed posttraumatic seizures (PTS). In early 2017, a collaborative group of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-intensive care physicians and rehabilitation medicine physicians was formed in the UK with the aim of examining current practice patterns, gauging the degree of uncertainty, and thus designing relevant future studies. In order to address the first two objectives, we undertook a questionnaire survey of clinicians managing patients with TBI. Material and method An online questionnaire survey was developed and piloted. Following approval by the Academic Committee of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons, it was distributed via relevant electronic mailing lists. Results The online questionnaire was answered by 117 respondents, predominantly neurosurgeons (76%) from 30/32 trauma-receiving hospitals in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Fifty-three percent of respondents do not use seizure prophylaxis and 38% prescribe prophylaxis for 1 week. Seventy percent feel there is uncertainty regarding seizure prophylaxis and 69% would participate in further research to address this question. Sixty-two percent of respondents used levetiracetam for treatment of seizures and 42% continued for a total of 3 months’ post-seizure but 90% were unclear concerning duration of treatment of seizures. Conclusion The survey results demonstrate the uncertainty in both described aspects of management of patients who have suffered a TBI. The majority of respondents would want to participate in future research to help try and answer these questions and this shows the importance and relevance of these two clinical questions.
Complex-Trait Prediction in the Era of Big Data

Accurate prediction of complex traits requires using a large number of DNA variants. Advances in statistical and machine learning methodology enable the identification of complex patterns in high-dimensional settings. However, training these highly parameterized methods requires very large data sets. Until recently, such data sets were not available. But the situation is changing rapidly as very large biomedical data sets comprising individual genotype-phenotype data for hundreds of thousands of individuals become available in public and private domains. We argue that the convergence of advances in methodology and the advent of Big Genomic Data will enable unprecedented improvements in complex-trait prediction; we review theory and evidence supporting our claim and discuss challenges and opportunities that Big Data will bring to complex-trait prediction.
Researching the Wertheim Collection at the Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums have led a two-year, joint conservation and archival project on the Wertheim Collection, a group of 43 French paintings, sculptures, and drawings that was bequeathed to the ...
The 75th Volume of Herpetologica: A Benchmark and a Transition

Abstract A series of articles written by former presidents of the Herpetologists' League has been organized to commemorate the 75th volume of Herpetologica. In this preamble to the series, I summar...
From the Bronx to Batavia and Beyond: Leon Max Lederman (1922–2018)

Leon Max Lederman was a towering figure in the world of elementary particle physics in the second half of the 20th century. His experiments shaped our understanding of the world of particle physics...
Tracking and Imaging of Transplanted Stem Cells in Animals

The shortage of organ donors has contributed to the rapid development of cell-based therapy in which stem cells are transplanted and administered to repair or regenerate damaged tissues or organs. The common sources of stem cells are embryonic, mesenchymal, stromal, and induced pluripotent cells. Despite the popularity of stem cell therapy, evaluation of the therapeutic efficiency of transplanted stem cells and their tracking in vivo remains a major challenge. Current imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide imaging, and positron emission tomography have certain limitations such as toxicity, shorter circulation time, and higher cost. Here, we describe near-infrared imaging methods to track and monitor stem cell recruitment to the site of injury.
Teaching Interdisciplinary Courses with Data

Teaching interdisciplinary courses is an exciting way to build collaborations between different departments and to make students aware of the potential impact of their work. Students in these courses can develop skills in synthesis and complex problem solving by learning to draw parallels between different fields of study and application areas. The goal of this BoF is to bring together a community of educators who are teaching interdisciplinary and/or data science courses with the goal of expanding a support network of data science faculty and developing educational standards for undergraduate data science curricula. We would like to leverage the SIGCSE community to bring together people from different disciplines, institutions, and organizations. The session will include a chance for participants to discuss their experience with and challenges with interdisciplinary course teaching. The second half of the hour will be spent trying to identify common themes to be addressed in follow up discussions and meetings. These materials will be posted on the Data Science Pedagogy repository: https://github.com/data-science-pedagogy
An Item Response Theory Analysis of Residents’ Perceived Sporting Event Impacts

The evaluation of event impact is practical and helpful in increasing event quality. From residents’ positive points of view, hosting sporting events brings both the community and the country toget...
The impact of language and systemic factors on tweeted countries of the world

This study is intended to unveil the difference of social mediated world via major languages and investigates the volume of tweets individual countries received during 2015–2016 in nine languages –...
Neurally-Adjusted Ventilatory Assist Can Facilitate Extubation in Neonates With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is associated with a high risk of neonatal mortality and long-term morbidity due to lung hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and prolonged exposure to positive-pressure ventilation. Ventilator-associated lung injury may be reduced by using approaches that facilitate the transition from invasive ventilation to noninvasive ventilation (NIV), such as with neurally-adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA). We reported our use of NAVA in neonatal patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia during the transition from invasive ventilation to NIV. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of neonatal subjects with congenital diaphragmatic hernia admitted to a tertiary care children9s hospital between December 2015 and May 2018 was conducted. Subject data and factors that affected the use of NAVA were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten neonatal subjects with congenital diaphragmatic hernia were placed on NAVA, and 6 were successfully transitioned, after surgery, from pressure control synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation to invasive ventilation with NAVA and then to NIV with NAVA without the need for re-intubation. The transition from pressure control synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation to invasive ventilation with NAVA resulted in a decrease in peak inspiratory pressure, mean airway pressure, and F IO 2 . Barriers to the use of NAVA included symptomatic pleural effusion or chylothorax and pulmonary sequestration. CONCLUSIONS: Both invasive ventilation with NAVA and NIV with NAVA were used successfully in subjects with congenital diaphragmatic hernia during the transition from invasive ventilation to NIV. The transition to NAVA was associated with a decrease in peak inspiratory pressure, mean airway pressure, and the need for supplemental oxygen. A prospective trial is needed to determine the short- and long-term impacts of this mode of ventilation in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Lower Extremity Lymphatic Function in Nonambulatory Patients with Neuromuscular Disease.

Background: Lymphedema results from inadequate lymphatic function causing swelling in subcutaneous tissues. Lymph is transported proximally through valved lymphatic channels and muscle contraction....
The use of trans-abdominal ultrasound for pregnancy detection and fetal aging before day 45 of gestation in the sheep

Trans-abdominal ultrasound is a reliable technique for pregnancy detection in the small ruminant, and has become increasingly adaptable to field conditions in a production setting. Currently, limited information is available related to early pregnancy detection and estimating fetal age using this technique. Therefore, our objective was to determine the accuracy of trans-abdominal ultrasound during early pregnancy in the ewe. We hypothesized that trans-abdominal ultrasound is sensitive enough to distinguish reproductive status, and determine fetal age and number before day 40 of gestation.
Longitudinal CT and MRI Characteristics of Unilocular Thymic Cysts.

After more than 5 years of follow-up, unilocular thymic cysts, as initially defined at MRI, never developed irregular wall thickening, mural nodularity, or septations that would raise concern for m...
Synthesizing 2D Ground Images for Maps Creation and Detecting Texture Patterns

This chapter presents a methodology for the generation of paths from surveillance ground maps. The methodology detects and monitors texture patterns across consecutive images using an online sequential algorithm that creates piecewise linear approximation of the monitored trajectory. It takes under consideration the local structure of the patterns in order to extract a local path. The overall global path is sequentially formed from each segment. We present the preprocessing steps used to extract patterns of interest from an image and the results from two case study examples. The methodology has applications in the autonomous path planning of aerial vehicles following a specified structure, such as that of a river or road.
Interrelationships between selected measures of static and dynamic balance.

(1967). Interrelationships between Selected Measures of Static and Dynamic Balance. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 509-510.
Development and Application of Local 3-D CT Reconstruction Software for Imaging Critical Regions in Large Ceramic Turbine Rotors

Current 3-D X-ray CT imaging technology is limited in some cases by the size and sensitivity of the X-ray detector. This limitation can be overcome to some degree by the use of region-of-interest (ROI) reconstruction software when only part of a larger object need be examined. However, images produced from ROI data often exhibit severe density shading if they are reconstructed by unaltered 3-D X-ray CT algorithms (called Global methods here). These density artifacts can be so severe that low-contrast features are hidden. Time-consuming methods introduced previously to remedy these artifacts require specialized processing to replace or approximate the missing data outside the desired volume. Although these methods are required for true densitometry measurements, in many NDT applications only the detection of internal features or relative density variations is required. In such cases, the use of Local (or Lamda) X-ray CT, which produces an “edge-enhanced” reconstruction and requires only minor modifications of the standard 3-D X-ray CT algorithm, is recommended.
Sustainable Energy Law in Latin America

Comparative analysis of energy and environmental legislation in Latin America. International and Constitutional law frameworks are discussed on a regional basis. Energy and environmental law frameworks for Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela are discussed in separate chapters. A summary of the energy sector in Latin America is also provided in the appendix. This paper was the basis for the doctoral dissertation for the Doctor of Juridical Science Degree (SJD) in Environmental Law.
Gravitational Gauge Fields

In spite of the experimental success of Einstein’s classical theory of gravity — general relativity — the theory leaves much to be desired if we examine it from the viewpoint of fundamental quantum field theory. One problem is that the theory is not renormalizable if coupled to matter. Another problem is that the Euclidean action is not bounded from below for arbitrary metrics and consequently, the functional path integral is not well defined. Furthermore, there is the puzzle of why the cosmological term is zero or near zero in our universe — a fact that deserves a fundamental explanation.
Pure communication between agents with close preferences

Abstract This paper studies cheap-talk games when the speaker’s and the receiver’s preferences are close. It is shown that, as they tend to coincide, the most informative equilibrium converges toward full information transmission.
Asymptotic neutrality of large ions

Il est demontre qu'un noyau de charge Z peut s'entourer d'au plus Z+0 (Z a ) electrons, avec a=47/56
Quality of the Literacy Environment in Day Care and Children's Development

Although traditional assessments of day care environments have been linked to children's development, understanding of the specific characteristics of the environment that enhance language, literac...
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers used for the treatment of hypertension appear to be safe in the early posttransplant period

Angiotensin II converting enzyme inibitors (ACE) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are frequently avoided as treatment for hypertension in the early posttransplant period (0 to 90 days) for fear of nephrotoxicity. The following retrospective study was designed to explore the safety of these drugs in the early posttransplant period and determine appropriate clinical criteria for starting these medications. The records of all adult renal transplants performed between January 1997 and December 2000 (N = 290) were reviewed. All patients started on ACE or ARB for treatment of hypertension within 90 days of their transplant were included in the analysis (n = 17). Controls (n = 19) were patients who were treated with a calcium channel blocker (CCB) for hypertension. Cases and controls were matched for gender and type of transplant, living or cadaver. Patients were considered to be enrolled whey they met the following criteria: hypertension, serum creatinine ≤3.0 mg/dL, or falling 1 mg/dL/d and serum potassium ≤5.5 mEq/L. Exclusion criteria were coexistent pancreas transplant, anaphylaxis to ACE, and use of ACE or ARB for treatment of posttransplant erythrocytosis. There were no differences between cases and controls in hemoglobin or serum potassium concentrations or calculated glomerular filtration rate at 3, 6, and 9 months. In renal transplant patients with reasonable allograft function, administration of ACE and ARB to treat hypertension in the early posttransplant period appears to be well tolerated and not associated with excess hyperkalemia, anemia, or acute renal dysfunction.
Delivery of Stents to Target Lesions: Techniques of Intraoperative Stent Implantation and Intraoperative Angiograms

Mullins et al. [6] reported the first use of stent implantation to treat stenotic branch pulmonary arteries in 1988. In the early to mid-1990s, numerous reports confirmed its safety and efficacy, but there were limited stent and balloon designs and stent implantations were performed using relatively large delivery systems (10- to 12-Fr sheaths) [7, 8]. The general accepted patient size was limited to those weighing 12 kg or greater. Intraoperative stent implantation for branch pulmonary artery stenosis was reported in the early to mid-1990s [1-3, 5, 9]. Indications in these early reports included small patient size or difficult anatomy or patients who had additional cardiac lesions and needed surgery independent of the branch stenosis. The idea was to take advantage of the open-heart exposure provided in the operating room to permit direct access to the stenotic segment. Hence, all intraoperative stent implants were performed under direct visualization on bypass. There were no discussions on advantages over the routine percutaneous approach. Currently, with advances in stent and balloon technology as well as increased operator experience, many of those reported cases probably would have undergone cardiac catheterization for a percutaneous stent implant rather than open-heart surgery. The purpose of this report is to review the current indications, advantages, and disadvantages of intraoperative stent implantation as well as to discuss the techniques that are helpful to optimize intraoperative stent positioning. The role and advantages of intraoperative angiography will also be presented.
Non-Traditional Risk Factors are Important Contributors to the Racial Disparity in Diabetes Risk: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

BACKGROUND Traditional risk factors, particularly obesity, do not completely explain the excess risk of diabetes among African Americans compared to whites.
The Role of Morphogenetic Cell Death during Drosophila Embryonic Head Development

This article addresses the role of programmed cell death (apoptosis) during embryonic head development of Drosophila. Previous studies showed that reaper (rpr) is expressed in and required by cells undergoing apoptosis. We have analyzed the correlation between the pattern of expression of rpr and morphogenetic movements affecting head development. Furthermore, we have investigated the defects in head development resulting from the absence of apoptosis in embryos deficient for rpr. Our results show that, in the head, domains of high incidence of cell death as marked by expression of rpr correlate with regions where most morphogenetic movements occur; these regions are involved in formation of mouth structures, the internalization of neural progenitors, and head involution. Cellular events driving these movements are delamination, invagination, and intercalation as well as disruption and reformation of contacts among epithelial cells. The analysis of rpr-deficient embryos demonstrates that, despite of the widespread occurrence of apoptosis during normal head morphogenesis, many aspects of this process proceed in an apparently unperturbed manner even when cell death is blocked. In particular, movements that happen early during embryonic development and that are evolutionarily more ancient (e.g., formation of the dorsal ridge and the pharynx) take place almost normally in rpr-deficient embryos. Later events which are mostly associated with head involution (e.g., retraction of the clypeolabrum, formation of the dorsal pouch, fusion of lateral gnathal lobes) are evolutionarily more recent and fail to occur normally in rpr-deficient embryos.
Collisions of polyatomic ions with surfaces

Abstract Surface-induced dissociation (SID) of polyatomic ions is reviewed. Instrumentation is described, including hybrid, tandem quadrupole and tandem time-of-flight instruments built especially to study polyatomic ion—surface collision phenomena. In addition, in-line devices that allow SID to be performed on conventional tandem mass spectrometers are noted, as are experiments which utilize ion cyclotron resonance instruments. The extent of energy deposition accompanying surface collisions is characterized and compared with data from gaseous collisions at non-zero scattering angles. The large internal energies available through SID are shown to facilitate structural characterization of molecular ions of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and peptides. Applications to ion strucutre and chemistry are also illustrated. Emphasis is given to competing ion—surface collision phenomena, including charge-changing collisions and ion—surface reactive collisions. These latter processes are shown to provide information on adsorbates and to be thermochemically controlled. When certain projectile ions, especially small fluorocarbons, undergo charge exchange with surface adsorbates, they are released from the surface as ions. The influence of the nature of the surface on these processes and on SID is discussed. Current trends in research on ion—surface collisions are identified.
Poly(alkylene oxide) Ionomers. V. Polymers and Copolymers of Cyclic Ethers with Pendant Carboxylate Groups

ω-Alkenonic acids, methyl ω-alkenoates, and methyl ω-epoxyalkanoates of 3 to 11 carbon atoms with –(–CH2–)– spacer groups between the epoxy ring and the carboxyl group have been synthesized and are being characterized. The compounds which have 1, 2, 5 and 8 –(–CH2–)– groups were selected for more extensive studies including polymerization and copolymerization studies. With an aluminumalkyl–water initiator modified with acetylacetone (AlEt3–H2O–AcAc, 1:0.5:1), methyl ω-epoxyalkanoates have been polymerized to polymers of moderate to high molecular weight (for n=8, Mn=2.5×105, and copolymerized with such cyclic ethers as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and n-hexene oxide. Investigations of the copolymerizations of ω-epoxyalkanoates with other cyclic ethers and the use of other modified aluminumalkyl–water systems as initiators are now underway. Classical cationic initiators for ω-epoxyalkanoate polymerizations have not resulted in the formation of high polymers although the epoxides were not present after several days of reaction.
Outbreak of Influenza A/USSR/77 at Marquette University

An outbreak of influenzalike illness occurred at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in February 1978. Epidemiologic and laboratory data indicate that the outbreak was due to influenza A/USSR/77 (N1H1) virus. A self-administered questionnaire inquiring about the presence and spectrum of illness was given to faculty members, dental students, and residents of an undergraduate dormitory. Age-specific attack rates were 61.5% for persons less than or equal to 22 years of age, 24.7% for those 23 or 24 years of age, and 9.7% for those greater than or equal to 25 years of age. This pattern of age-specific attack rates paralleled the age distribution of persons without hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody to influenza A/USSR/77 virus found in independent serosurveys. Prior swine influenza (H1N1) immunization provided no protection from illness in this outbreak. Past epidemic antibody titers in undergraduates were only weakly associated with clinical illness. The data on disease impact gathered in this study indicate that in a university setting influenza A/USSR/77 virus produced a short-lived outbreak of respiratory illness with a very high attack rate in young adults.
Pyrolysis of saturated triglycerides

Saturated monoacid triglycerides were pyrolyzed in a flowing atmosphere of helium at 630–650 C, and the products were colleted at low temperature. They were fractionated by thin layer chromatography, according to polarity, and were further resolved and analyzed by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and IR spectrometry. Alkanes, alkenes, ketones, esters, free acids and cyclic products were identified. Among the latter are probably lactones and substituted dioxanes and dioxolanes, for which structures have been postulated. The parent acid of the triglyceride and the cyclic residual products, after loss of one acid group from the triglyceride, were prominent products. Many products of pyrolysis had structures similar to the major ions produced in the mass spectrum of the triglyceride.
Anthropometric measures and nutrition intake, habits and perceptions of Division I women’s volleyball players

Background Volleyball is a physically demanding sport and success is based on aspects speed, power, agility, endurance, rapid processing and focus. Nutrition plays a significant role in maximizing performance and volleyball athletes need to be well-informed. Meanwhile, players can be self- conscious of body size and appearance especially in lieu of body contour revealing uniforms. At this time research-based information of this athletic population with regard to body composition, nutrition intake, habits and perceptions is limited and was studied. Methods FM% (22.1±5.7%) and FFM% (77.9±5.7%). The average energy and protein intake was 1577±451 kcal/day and 1.04±0.23 g/kg with 52%, 28%, 20% of energy derived from carbohydrate protein and fat. The average intake of Vita- min C, B1 ,B 2 ,B 3 ,B 6 B12 and zinc were above DRI recom- mendations while folate, calcium, iron and magnesium were below. Meanwhile 75% ofplayers alleged using one or more nutrition supplements ≥ 2 days/week. Only two of the players had taken a college nutrition course while seven indicated that they dedicated personal time to nutri- tion study and all ranked their coaches, friends and the internet as the primary sources of nutrition information. However, the players scored 38%±12% of the answers cor- rect on a nutrition questionnaire while ranking water (hydration), protein and then carbohydrate in order of importance to maximizing sport performance. Related to health, 67% and 33% alleged never having their blood glu- cose and blood pressure and lipids checked. Furthermore, 75% either agreed or strongly agreed that they would like to change the way their body looks and worry about becoming fat while all players disagreed that skipping meals was a good way to control weight.
Formal adult infectious disease specialist consultations in the outpatient setting at a comprehensive cancer center (1998–2008): Diverse and impactful

Purpose The literature on the impact of infectious disease (ID) consulations in the outpatient treatment of cancer is scarce.
Transacting in the State of Union: A Case Study of Exchange Governed by Convergent Interests

Transaction cost economics (TCE) treatments rarely devote extended consideration to the comparative advantages of non-contractual governance. This paper focuses on one form of non-contractual alternative. After addressing the concept of a `state of contract' as it may be inferred from TCE theory. I offer an alternative, `the state of union', in which the parties to an exchange can have their cake (efficient production frontiers) and eat it too (equitable outcomes without costly safeguards). An application of the concept is presented in a case study. The paper concludes with an assessment of implications of the argument for scholars and managers.
Prenatal diagnosis and treatment of holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency.

Holocarboxylase synthetase is one of two enzymes known to be involved in the metabolism of biotin. It catalyses the fixation of biotin to inactive apocarboxylases yielding active carboxylases. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to multiple carboxylase deficiency which is fatal in the absence of prompt diagnosis and treatment with biotin. In a pregnancy at risk for deficiency of holocarboxylase synthetase prenatal diagnosis was performed by assay of the enzyme in amniocytes. The Km for biotin was 62·8nM which was 12 times the control value of 5·0nM. The Vmax was 2 per cent of the control value. This was confirmed by assay of the activity of propionyl CoA carboxylase (20–26 per cent control), 3-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase (14–19 per cent control) and pyruvate carboxylase (12–30 per cent control) and demonstration of biotin responsiveness in vitro. All carboxylase activities were restored to 51–58 per cent of control when amnio-cytes were cultured in medium containing 1μM biotin. Diagnosis was ultimately confirmed by assay of holocarboxylase synthetase in lymphocytes from the infant after birth. The Km for biotin of the holocarboxylase synthetase of the infant was 60·3nM while that of a parallel control was 6·9nM. Prenatal treatment of the mother with biotin led to a concentration of biotin of 240nM in the serum of the infant at birth that was four times the Km of the enzyme for biotin. The infant was clinically well at birth, and organic acid analysis of the blood and urine revealed no accumulation of the characteristic metabolites. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of economic incentives for harmonic and asymmetry reduction based on the concept of working power

With the introduction of renewable energy sources and the technological revolution known as smart grid, a review of the traditional energy accounts based on current standards needs to be addressed. The energy delivered to customers by distorted and asymmetrical voltages and currents has not only a useful component, but it can also have a harmful one. Unfortunately, traditional energy meters are not capable of distinguishing them. These components can be identified using a new concept of working, detrimental, and reflected energy meters. Measurement of these three components of energy delivery to the customers enables identification of the party responsible for waveform distortion and asymmetry in distribution systems and consequently, losses of revenue. This may create economic incentives for both the energy provider and customers aimed at the reduction of harmonics and asymmetry.
Infection of sympathetic and sensory neurones with herpes simplex virus does not elicit a shut-off of cellular protein synthesis: implications for viral latency and herpes vectors

Abstract Infection of non-neuronal cell types with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) results in the degradation of host mRNA (Kwong & Frenkel 1987) and a shutoff in host protein synthesis (Roizmanet al.1965). This effect is mediated by a virion associated protein that is encoded by the viralvhsgene (Read & Frenkel 1983). This virion host shutoff (VHS) helps regulate viral gene expression and promotes efficient viral replication during the lytic cycle (Kwong & Frenkel 1987). Cultured sympathetic and sensory neurones, in contrast to primary rat fibroblasts, PC-12 cells, and Vero cells, showed no reduction in protein synthesis following infection with HSV-1. The resistance of neurones to VHS may be important in allowing establishment of a latent infection. In addition, this finding has a favourable impact on the idea of using HSV as a vector to deliver foreign genes into neurones.
Encoding repetition rate and duration in the inferior colliculus of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus.

1. Encoding of temporal stimulus parameters by inferior collicular (IC) neurons of Eptesicus fuscus was studied by recording their responses to a wide range of repetition rates (RRs) and durations at several stimulus intensities under free field stimulus conditions. 2. The response properties of 424 IC neurons recorded were similar to those reported in previous studies of this species. 3. IC neurons were classified as low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass according to their preference for RRs (Fig. 6) and/or durations (Fig. 8) characteristic of, respectively, search, approach, or terminal phases of echolocation. These neurons selectively process stimuli characteristic of the various phases of hunting. 4. Best RRs (Fig. 7A) and best durations (Fig. 7B) were not correlated with either the BFs or recording depths (Figs. 7C, D and 10). This suggests that each isofrequency lamina is capable of processing RRs and durations of all hunting phases. 5. Responses of one half of IC neurons studied were correlated with the stimulus duty cycle (Fig. 9). These neurons may preferentially process terminal phase information when the bat's pulse emission duty cycle increases. 6. While the stimulus RR affected the dynamic range and overall profile of the intensity rate function (Fig. 11), only little effect was observed with different stimulus durations (Fig. 12).
Cobalt- and nickel-binding property of cullin-2.

Treatment with divalent metal ions such as cobalt (Co(2+)) or nickel (Ni(2+)) result in the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF1alpha). Recently, HIF1alpha was shown to be ubiquitinated by an E3-ligase complex and be subsequently targeted for proteasomal degradation. In this study, we demonstrated that Co(2+) and Ni(2+) specifically bind to cullin-2. Mutant analysis revealed that cullin-2 possesses at least three sites for the binding. Furthermore, fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that only Co(2+) and Ni(2+) have the binding activity to cullin-2, but other metal ions, including Cu(2+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), and Zn(2+), did not. Finally, we found that Co(2+) and Ni(2+) do not bind to any components of the E3-ligase other than cullin-2, suggesting that cullin-2 is a key target of Co(2+) and Ni(2+). Interestingly, Co(2+) did not affect the complex formation of the ligase, suggesting that the metal binding to cullin-2 affects the function, but not the assembly of the E3-ligase.
Radiotherapy for pituitary adenoma: Long-term outcome and sequelae

Purpose: To review outcome and treatment sequelae in patients treated with external beam radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas. Methods and Materials: One hundred forty-one patients with pituitary adenomas received radiotherapy at the University of Florida and had 2-year minimum potential follow-up. One hundred twenty-one had newly diagnosed adenomas, and 20 had recurrent tumors. Newly diagnosed tumors were treated with surgery and radiotherapy (n = 98 ) or radiotherapy alone (n = 23). Patients with recurrent tumors received salvage treatment with surgery and radiotherapy (n = 10) or radiotherapy alone (n = 10). The impact of age, sex, presenting symptoms, tumor extent, surgery type, degree of resection, hormonal activity, primary or salvage therapy, and radiotherapy dose on tumor control was analyzed. Tumor control is defined by the absence of radiographic progression and stable or decreased hormone level (in hormonally active tumors) after treatment. Effect of therapy on vision, hormonal function, neurocognitive function, life satisfaction, and affective symptoms were examined. A Likert categorical scale survey was used for assessment of neurocognitive, life satisfaction, and affective symptom status. Survey results from the radiotherapy patients were compared with a control group treated with transsphenoidal surgery alone. Multivariate analysis used the forward step-wise sequence of chi squares for the log rank test. Results: At 10 years, tumor control for the surgery and radiotherapy group (S + RT) was 95% and not statistically different (p = 0.58) than for patients treated with radiotherapy alone ( RT ) (90%). Patients with prolactin-and ACTH-secreting tumors had significantly worse tumor control, as did patients treated for recurrent tumors. Multivariate analysis for tumor control revealed that only young age was predictive of worse outcome (p = 0.0354). Visual function was either unaffected or improved in most patients, although four patients developed visual loss due to treatment. Hormonal function was affected adversely in 46 of the 93 patients for whom detailed hormonal information was available. Neurocognitive function evaluation revealed that patients in the S + RT group were more likely (p = 0.005) to report difficulty with memory than those in the RT-alone or S-alone groups. No significant difference in life satisfaction or affective symptoms was evident. Conclusions: Pituitary adenomas are well controlled by external beam radiotherapy, either alone or in combination with surgery. Visual symptoms often improve after treatment. Hormonal sequelae require medical intervention in many patients. Neurocognitive sequelae may be different among treatment groups.
Newborn cerebrovascular responses after first trimester moderate maternal ethanol exposure in sheep.

Newborn Cerebrovascular Responses after First Trimester Moderate Maternal Ethanol Exposure in Sheep
Effects of Graduated Driver Licensing on Fatalities in 16-Year-Olds: In Reply

The letter by Desapriya et al concerns 2 issues: exposure measurement and unmeasured variables. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify them. We did not use vehicle miles traveled as our exposure measure but instead based our analysis on population of 16-year-olds, because our focus was the net benefit of graduated driver licensing (GDL) in reducing motor vehicle mortality among 16-year-olds. We did acknowledge in our discussion section1(p61) that, in the absence of …
Predictive behavior classification for cognitive radio: Introduction and preliminary results

Cognitive Radio systems rely heavily on artificial intelligence capabilities to perform a variety of tasks. Sharing spectrum resources more efficiently, self organization, and interference mitigation are just a few examples. For many CR applications, a primary goal is to decentralize and distribute network functions among participant nodes. As a consequence, any given node in a CR network may be required to coordinate with not only its peers, but also with a number of unknown transmitters. Thus, it is desirable that individual nodes be capable of predicting future states of non-peer transmitters in order to better optimize their own operation. In this paper we introduce methods for identifying cognitive behavior in an unknown transmitter and predicting likely future states based on physical spectrum observations. We discuss the problem in the context of our Universal DSA Network Simulation (UDNS) and present two behavior classification algorithms used to this end.
Comparison of predictions and under-the-wing EBF noise data

Detailed three-dimensional free field noise data were obtained by NASA for an under-the-wing externally blown model three-flap wing, and for a similar slotless wing. Spatial (polar and azimuthal) and spectral characteristics of these data are presented. These data are compared with predictions from some published EBF noise calculation methods. Methods include the totally empirical ANOPP and GELAC procedures, and a semi-empirical noise component method. The latter method adds the separately computed dipole noise due to fluctuating lift and drag, trailing edge noise, and quadrupole noise due to the deflected jet. Each of these components is calculated for the local geometry and flow conditions.
Graphical Solutions for Hillslopes: Discharge, Head, and Velocity Diagrams

Graphical solutions for discharge (Q) , head (h) , and velocity are presented for general recharge conditions on hillslopes underlain by a horizontal impermeable layer and with a constant-head boundary at the toe and a no-flow boundary upslope. Recharge (R) may be defined for different sections of the hillslope having constant, but not necessarily equal, hydraulic conductivities. Q diagrams are determined using conservation of mass, which requires that the change in Q between two points on a hillslope be equal to the area of the R diagram between them. h diagrams have “exact” (with Dupuit’s assumptions) values for head. Darcy velocity, q , diagrams may be made by dividing the value of the Q diagram at any point by the value of the h diagram at that point. Pore velocity diagrams may be made by dividing values from the q diagrams by the effective porosity. Three examples illustrate the graphical solutions for various scenarios.
INGUINAL CYSTOCELES: A PREVIOUSLY OVERLOOKED ETIOLOGY OF PROSTATISM IN MEN WITHOUT BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

AbstractPurpose: We determine whether inguinal cystoceles, a type of extraperitoneal herniation of the bladder, are responsible for symptoms consistent with prostatism in men without bladder outlet obstruction.Materials and Methods: From January 1996 to February 1997 inguinal cystoceles were treated with surgical repair of the floor of the inguinal canal in 8 men with a relatively long history of symptoms consistent with prostatism. The diagnosis of inguinal cystoceles was based on the filling phase of video urodynamic studies done with the patient standing. The clinical outcome of surgery was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score and urodynamic findings.Results: All inguinal cystoceles studied were physically occult but clearly detected as wide-mouthed, mild protrusions of the bladder wall in the inguinal region on cystograms obtained with the patient standing. Although clear cystoceles were present on radiography on the right side in 1 case, the left side in 2 and bilaterally in 5, app...
Circular operators on minimal norm ideals of ℬ(ℋ)

In this article the notion of circular operator is extended to the Banach space setting. In particular, this property is considered for elementary operators of lengths one and two acting on minimal norm ideals of ℬ(ℋ). Necessary and sufficient conditions for the circularity of generalized derivations and Luders operators are also obtained.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Three-Strand β-Sheet Folding

Traditionally, the empirical force field had great difficulties in simulating β-sheet folding. In the current study, we tested molecular dynamics simulations of β-sheet folding using a solvent-referenced potential. Three available β-sheet-forming synthetic peptides, TWIQNGSTKWYQNGSTKIYT, RGWSVQNGKYTNNGKTTEGR, and VFITSDPGKTYTEVDPGOKILQ, were simulated at their experimental temperatures. From extended initial conformations, all three peptides folded into β-sheet conformations. The calculated ratios of the β-structure from the 100 ns simulations were 26.5%, 17.8%, and 28.5%, respectively, for the three peptides. From different initial conformations, folding into β-sheets was also observed. With the same energy functions, the alanine-based peptide folded into helical conformations, demonstrating the sequence dependence of folding. During simulations, the β-sheet folding is usually initiated by the fast formation of turns. The three-strand compact structures with favorable inter-strand side-chain interactions...
On the Complexity of Exclusion Algorithms for Optimization

Exclusion algorithms are a well-known tool in the area of interval analysis for finding all solutions of a system of nonlinear equations or for finding the global minimum of a function over a compact domain. The present paper discusses a new class of tests for such algorithms in the context of global optimization and presents complexity results concerning the resulting algorithms.
Chronic GVHD and Pretransplantation Abnormalities in Pulmonary Function Are the Main Determinants Predicting Worsening Pulmonary Function in Long-term Survivors after Stem Cell Transplantation

Pulmonary function (PF) was studied in 69 consecutive patients with hematological diseases, with a minimum of 5 year (range 5-13) follow-up after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) from an HLA-matched sibling. Fifty-six (81%) patients received total body irradiation (TBI) based myeloablative stem cell transplantation (MT) and 13 (19%) received a non-myeloablative stem cell transplant (NST). Thirty one (45%) patients developed a late decline in PF from baseline, 25 with a restrictive and 6 with an obstructive pattern PF abnormality. Twelve patients (17%) were symptomatic, 8 with a severe restrictive PF defect, but none required supplemental oxygen. The incidence of developing a late PF abnormality was comparable in both MT (24/56) and NST (5/13) (p=0.51). In multivariate analysis, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) (relative risk [RR]-16) and pre-transplant DLCO or FEV1 of less than 80% predicted (RR-7) were independently associated with a late decline in PF from baseline. Our results indicate that late PF abnormality is common after both MT and NST. Patients with a low pre-transplant DLCO and or FEV1 who developed cGVHD were most severely affected. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether PF will continue to decline or reach a plateau and whether more patients with PF abnormality will eventually become symptomatic.
Morphological and Kinetic Transformation of Calcite Crystal Growth by Prismatic-Associated Asprich Sequences

Many of the interesting mechanical and materials properties of the mollusk shell are thought to stem from the prismatic calcite crystal assemblies within this composite structure. It is now evident that proteins play a major role in the formation of these assemblies. Recently, a superfamily of seven conserved prismatic layer-specific mollusk shell proteins, Asprich, were sequenced, and the conserved 42 AA C-terminal sequence region of this protein superfamily was found to introduce surface voids or porosities on calcite crystals in vitro. Using AFM imaging techniques, we further investigate the effect that this 42 AA domain (Fragment-2) and its constituent subdomains, DEAD-17 and Acidic-2, have on the morphology and growth kinetics of calcite dislocation hillocks. We find that Fragment-2 adsorbs on terrace surfaces and pins acute steps, accelerates and then decelerates the growth of obtuse steps, forms clusters and voids on terrace surfaces, and transforms calcite hillock morphology from a rhombohedral fo...
A simple electrophoretic procedure for separation of RNA on mixed agarose-acrylamide gel columns.

Abstract A simple procedure is described for the preparation of mixed agarose—acrylamide gels for the separation of high molecular weight species of RNA by a modification of the method of P eacock and Dingman 1. A method for the measurement of radioactivity in fractionated gels is described which permits tritium determination with efficiencies as high as 40%.
Hereditary congenital heart defects in dogs

Congenital heart defects is probably the most common class of malformations found in dogs, occurring with a frequency approaching 1 per cent in animals presented to veterinary clinics. The frequency is significantly higher among purebred dogs than in dogs of mixed breeding and specific anatomic malformations occur with highest frequency in certain breeds. Genetic studies of patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot and persistent aortic arch have confirmed that these are specific heritable defects, the genes for which are concentrated in a number of different breeds. Each of these defects is inherited in a complex manner consistent with a polygenic basis. This paper will describe evidence supporting the view that the common forms of congenital heart disease in the dog are polygenic threshold traits. The general criteria for recognition of polygenic traits and methods for their control will be discussed.
Cost-Effectiveness of Five Emission Reduction Strategies for Inland River Tugs and Towboats

Waterborne transit is one of the safest and most efficient forms of goods movement. The tug and tow industry transports more than 800 million tons of cargo each year and is a vital component of the U.S. intermodal freight transportation network. However, emissions from tugboat operations on the nation's inland river waterways and at ports affect air quality, public health, and welfare. Although ports and vessel operators can mitigate these environmental impacts with a variety of technological and operational strategies, the effectiveness and cost of each strategy vary greatly. This study analyzes the cost-effectiveness of five tugboat emission reduction strategies: (a) vessel engine repowering, (b) vessel speed reduction, (c) biodiesel, (d) diesel particulate filters, and (e) selective catalytic reduction. Each strategy is evaluated for its emissions benefits, total costs to involved parties (potentially including the tugboat industry, ports, and government agencies), and overall cost-effectiveness in red...