cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW PRACTICE PARAMETER FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA IN HEALTHY TERM INFANTS. † 1040

In October 1994, the Provision Committee for Quality Improvement and Subcommittee on Hyperbilirubinemia of the American Academy of Pediatrics published a Practice Parameter for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term newborns (Pediatrics 1994;94:558-62). It was expected that if these guidelines are followed, a significant reduction in unnecessary intervention could be safely achieved. The aim of the present study was to compare the management of neonatal jaundice in the periods immediately before and after the introduction of the new guidelines. We examined the rate of phototherapy and exchange transfusion in two university affiliated community hospitals in Jerusalem, Bikur-Cholim and Misgav Ladach, during two periods from June 1, 1992 through September 1, 1993, and from June 1, 1995 through September 1, 1996. All data were prospectively recorded in a computerized database. The rate of phototherapy, in the two study periods, significantly decreased (p 37 weeks gestation) infants, and from 22.9% (88/383) to 8.5%(27/316) in preterm ( 2000 g) infants in Bikur-Cholim. For Misgav Ladach a similar decrease was observed from 4.4%(126/2807) to 2.2% (108/4879) among full term infants (p<0.0001) and from 13.2% (14/106) to 10.7% (20/186) in preterm infants (not significant). The use of exchange transfusion was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the first period compared with the second period, 0.2% (15/6499) vs. 0.03% (3/8650). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean birth weight(3264 vs. 3273 g) and in the mean duration of hospitalization (3.1 vs 3.5 days) in the two study periods. We conclude that a significant decrease in the use of phototherapy and exchange transfusion occurred since the introduction of the new practice parameters. This trend was observed for both term and preterm newborns, although the new guidelines were not intended for infants born before term.
Effects of acidic deposition on North American lakes : palaeolimnological evidence from diatoms and chrysophytes

Analysis of sediment diatom and chrysophyte assemblages is the best technique currently available for inferring past lake water pH trends. Use of this approach for assessing the ecological effects of acidic deposition is increasing rapidly. As of August 1989, sediment core inferred pH data existed for at least 150 lakes in North America and cores from about 100 more lakes are being analysed. Equations for inferring past pH are based on at least 15-20 calibration data-sets involving about 700 lakes. Palaeolimnological studies indicate that recent acidification has been caused by acidic deposition in the Adirondack Mountains (New York), northern New England, Ontario, Quebec and the Canadian Atlantic provinces. Inferred pH decreases are commonly as much as 0.5-1.0 pH units. With the exception of one lake, no acidification trends were observed in regions currently receiving low deposition of strong acids (e.g. Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada in the western United States). Slight or no trends towards decreasing pH were observed in study lakes receiving moderately acidic deposition (upper Mid-west and northern Florida). The amount of inferred acidification (increase in H+ concentration) correlates with the amount of S and N loading and the ability of watersheds and lakes to neutralize acid inputs, and is generally consistent with current lake-acidification theory. In most cases, the primary cause of recent acidification (post-1850) is acidic deposition, as opposed to land-use changes or natural processes, though these may be contributing factors. Acid loading has decreased in some regions since 1970 (e.g., northeastern United States). Some lakes have become less acidic in response, but others continue to lose acid neutralizing capacity. Many currently acidic lakes were naturally acidic (pH < 5.5) before the onset of anthropogenic acidification. These lakes are typically small (less than 10 ha+) are located at moderately high elevations, have thin or peaty soils, or are located in outwash deposits. Many of these have acidified further recently. I NTRODUCTION Acidification of lakes by atmospheric deposition of strong acids is a major environmental issue in North America and causes and effects have been studied intensively. Several research projects have been implemented to determine the acidity status of lakes before the onset of acidic deposition, and to estimate their response to strong acid inputs. Information from these studies is necessary to fully assess the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic resources and to accurately predict the nature and extent of response to future changes in deposition. Historical changes have been assessed by (i) comparison of recent and historical water chemistry, fish and diatom data, (ii) use of empirical and dynamic models and (iii) analysis of palaeoecological data (National Research Council I986). Other than the sparse historical chemistry and fisheries t Present address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, 200 S.W. 35th
On the Interaction of Electrons in Metals

The energy of interaction between free electrons in an electron gas is considered. The interaction energy of electrons with parallel spin is known to be that of the space charges plus the exchange integrals, and these terms modify the shape of the wave functions but slightly. The interaction of the electrons with antiparallel spin, contains, in addition to the interaction of uniformly distributed space charges, another term. This term is due to the fact that the electrons repell each other and try to keep as far apart as possible. The total energy of the system will be decreased through the corresponding modification of the wave function. In the present paper it is attempted to calculate this “correlation energy” by an approximation method which is, essentially, a development of the energy by means of the Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory in a power series of e2.
An asymptotic method for a singular hyperbolic equation

Ho & Meyer [1] have sketched an argument for arriving at asymptotic properties of solutions of a pair of non-linear conservation laws with floating, shocktype boundary condition of importance in gas dynamics and oceanography. To clarify the mathematical basis of their method of inequalities, a proof of their main asymptotic results is given here. It depends on substantially weakened hypotheses.
Robust estimation of a normal mixture

Abstract A robust procedure for estimating the five parameters of a mixture of two normals is proposed. The procedure is based on a robustification of the steps of the EM algorithm. This results in the use of an iteratively reweighted median and MAD. Simulation results are presented that show the superiority of the robustified EM when compared to the usual EM algorithm estimates.
Diversity and High Academic Expectations Without Tracking: Inclusively Responsive Instruction

This article presents an instructional model (inclusively responsive instruction) that takes advantage of student diversity in order to differentiate student learning while maintaining high expectations. In the history of U.S. education, diversity and academic rigor were often considered at odds, and educators tried to emphasize one at the expense of the other. This article uses a detailed set of examples from Japanese mathematics education to illustrate how diverse ideas, as important resources, can drive classroom instruction. Teaching and learning supports are described that are essential to helping all teachers balance group and individual learning in classrooms. Current U.S. instructional approaches and the model of inclusively responsive instruction are compared in terms of balancing diversity and academic expectations.
The Beclin 1–VPS34 complex – at the crossroads of autophagy and beyond

An increasing body of research on autophagy provides overwhelming evidence for its connection to diverse biological functions and human diseases. Beclin 1, the first mammalian autophagy protein to be described, appears to act as a nexus point between autophagy, endosomal, and perhaps also cell death pathways. Beclin 1 performs these roles as part of a core complex that contains vacuolar sorting protein 34 (VPS34), a class III phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. The precise mechanism of Beclin 1-mediated regulation of these cellular functions is unclear, but substantial progress has recently been made in identifying new players and their functions in Beclin 1–VSP34 complexes. Here we review emerging studies that are beginning to unveil the physiological functions of Beclin 1–VPS34 in the central control of autophagic activity and other trafficking events through the formation of distinct Beclin 1–VPS34 protein complexes.
Morphological Features of the Solid-Liquid Interface of a Gallium Film

This paper presents a new experimental method to investigate solid-liquid interface morphologies during Zone-Melting-Recrystallization at lower than the typical processing temperatures. Gallium films were used as a substitute for silicon films. In situ preliminary investigation identified three phenomena typically occurring during ZMR of silicon films: a) Transition from planar to dendritic to cellular morphologies was observed for different processing conditions; b) cell period proved to be dependant on scanning velocity; c) instabilities at the solidification interface at low heating strip temperatures were caused by supercooling and optical property variations as the material changed phase.
Kinetic changes in rat renal 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase induced by chronic ethanol exposure.

Abstract Several lines of investigation have suggested that exposure to ethanol may lead to alterations in both the synthesis and degradation of the E and F series of prostaglandins (PG). It has been suggested that these changes in PG metabolism underlie cartain of the pathophysiological consequences of chronic alcoholism but few data re availalbe as to the mechanism resonsible for these changes. We now report that chronic exposure to ethanol in moderate doses (17% total dietary calories as ethanol) and high doses (35% total dietary calories as ethanol) results in a concentration dependent loss of renal 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase for the NAD mediated reactioins. Soluble fractions of kidney homogenates in teh presnet of > 10 Km concentratons of NAd exhibited dose dependent loss of specific and total organ PG dehydrogenase activity toward PGE2 and F2α. A similar dose dependent decrease in the Vmax of the NAD mediated reaction was measured for the oxidation of PGE1, E2, and F2α. Moderate doses of ethanol resulted in an increase in the Km for PGE2 and F2α. Km values for the NADP mediated reactions were not significantly influenced by exposure to high doses of ethanol other than for PGE1. These data suggest that chronic ethanol consumption results in a dose dependent, selective inhibition of the metabolism of PGs of the “2” series by the renal PGDH enzyme which utilizes NAD.
Funding, Management, and Individual-Level Factors: What Factors Matter in Predicting Perceived Organizational Effectiveness?

Scholars have examined organizational effectiveness in state and federal government agencies to determine which factors matter. Their findings revealed that public organizational effectiveness is affected by environmental, human resource management, organizational, and individual-level factors. However, what is conspicuously absent is the impact funding has on organizational effectiveness. To further previous literature, this article examined agency funding levels as well as management and individual-level factors to determine the relationship these factors had on organizational effectiveness. In doing so, a model was developed to predict perceived organizational effectiveness, and it was tested on 330 United States government workers in the state of New York. The findings from the analysis were clear: perceived organizational effectiveness was impacted by employee perceptions regarding the level of funding the agencies were allocated. Additionally, the level of role ambiguity and employee participation i...
QRS PATTERN IN MITRAL STENOSIS.

Abstract 1. 1. There are three types of electrocardiograms and vectorcardiograms seen with mitral stenosis (with or without mitral insufficiency): (a) the right ventricular type of anterior QRS loop which is the most common; (b) the combined hypertrophy type; and (c) the emphysema type or posterior QRS loop. This latter group has not been emphasized as having diagnostic significance for mitral stenosis. Eight examples of the posterior type are presented here. 2. 2. Pathologic data give a basis for understanding the appearance of opposite electrical manifestations in a single disease state. 3. 3. Although examples of both anterior and posterior types are emphasized in this paper, it is to be expected that mixtures exist. The recognition of the electrical patterns which result from a variety of “blends” is not difficult. 4. 4. In the vectorcardiogram and electrocardiogram it may be possible to differentiate the posterior QRS loop of chronic lung disease from that of mitral stenosis.
On the spatial distribution and occurrence rate of Galactic classical novae

We use a Monte Carlo technique, together with a simple model for the distribution of dust in the Galaxy, to investigate the observability, spatial distribution and occurrence rate of Galactic classical novae. We compare our model distributions of nova apparent magnitudes and positions on the sky to the corresponding distributions for observed classical novae in an updated version of the Duerbeck nova atlas. We conclude that most Galactic novae come from the disc population, rather than from the bulge as is often assumed, and we estimate the nova rate to be 41 ± 20 yr-l. A suggestion for reducing the uncertainties in the fraction of novae that is produced by the bulge, and in the nova rate, is offered.
Evaluation of Operational Objective Streamline Methods

Abstract Objective streamline analysis techniques are separated into predictor-only and predictor-corrector methods, and generalized error formulas are derived for each method. Theoretical analysis errors are obtained from the ellipse, hyperbola and sine wave curve families, curves which taken alone or in combination often describe many meteorological flow patterns. The predictor-only method always under-estimated streamline curvature. The predictor-corrector method overestimated curvature where the stop increment was directed toward increasing curvature and underestimated curvature where the step increment was directed toward decreasing curvature. This led to at least a partial compensation which reduced the cumulative error.
American Pediatric Society Presidential Address 2005: Pediatric scientists priming the pipeline.

American Pediatric Society Presidential Address 2005: Pediatric Scientists Priming The Pipeline
Al–Al2O3 syntactic foams – Part I: Effect of matrix strength and hollow sphere size on the quasi-static properties of Al-A206/Al2O3 syntactic foams

Abstract The microstructure and quasi-static compressive mechanical properties of Al-A206/Al 2 O 3 hollow sphere syntactic foams were investigated for foams with three different hollow sphere size ranges (0.106–0.212 mm, 0.212–0.425 mm, 0.425–0.500 mm) and three different conditions including As cast (F), T4 and T7. The peak strength, plateau strength and toughness of the foams were found to increase with increasing wall thickness to diameter ( t / D ) ratio. Since the t / D ratio was found to increase with decreasing sphere diameter, the foams produced with the smallest hollow spheres (0.106–0.212 mm) showed superior performance for the peak strength (F: 226 MPa, T4: 312 MPa, T7: 342 MPa), plateau strength (F: 190 MPa, T4: 269 MPa, T7: 269 MPa), and toughness (F: 59 J/cm 3 , T4: 78 J/cm 3 , T7: 88 J/cm 3 ). These properties were also found to generally increase with increasing matrix yield strength. The 0.212–0.425 mm T7 heat treated syntactic foams in this study exhibit the highest specific plateau strength (102 MPa-cm 3 /g) and the second highest specific energy absorption (41 J/g) of aluminum syntactic foams reported in literature for which comparable data is available.
The residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology.

Objectives: To assess the residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology, determine the impact of pediatric fellowship programs on residency training, and evaluate the need for fellowship training in pediatric otolaryngology. Design: An anonymous, web-based survey of chief residents in otolaryngology. Methods: Respondents described their experience in pediatric otolaryngology using a 5-point Likert scale and reported their comfort levels (yes/no) with various medical and surgical issues in pediatric otolaryngology. Results: The survey was successfully completed by 70 respondents, representing a response rate of 26%. The majority of the respondents reported positive experiences with regard to the following aspects of pediatric otolaryngology training: didactics (81%), clinical research opportunities (78%), positive faculty role models (87%), career mentorship (74%), independent medical (84%) and surgical (81%) decision-making, and overall comprehensive residency experience (87%). Basic science research opportunities (50%) were reported as less available than clinical research opportunities (78%) (P = .002). Compared with other surveyed issues, a lower comfort level was reported for management of craniofacial anomalies (P < .001), excision of large lymphatic malformations (P < .001), cochlear implantation (P < .001), laryngotracheal reconstruction (P < .001), and surgical correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency (P < .001). No statistically significant difference was noted in responses based on the presence of a fellowship program at the institution. Conclusions: The residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology is perceived as comprehensive by graduating chief residents participating in this survey. The presence of a fellowship program does not appear to negatively impact the residency experience. Based on the reported comfort levels, the management of complex issues in pediatric otolaryngology may require additional training.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Double Metal Cyanides of Iron and Zinc: Catalyst Precursors for the Copolymerization of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides

Several synthetic approaches for the preparation of double metal cyanide (DMC) derivatives of iron(II) and zinc(II) are described. These include (1) metathesis reactions of ZnCl2 or ZnI2 with KCpFe(CN)2CO in aqueous solution, (2) reactions of KCpFe(CN)2CO and its phosphine-substituted analogues with Zn(CH3CN)4(BF4)2 and subsequent displacement of acetonitrile at the zinc centers by the addition of a neutral (phosphine) or anionic (phenoxide) ligand, and (3) reactions of the protonated HCpFe(CN)2(phosphine) complexes with Zn(N(SiMe3)2)2, followed by the addition of phenols. All structures are based on a diamond-shaped planar arrangement of the Fe2(CN)4Zn2 core with various appended ligands at the metal sites. Although attempts to replace the iodide ligands in [CpFe(μ-CN)2PPh3ZnI(THF)]2 with acetate using silver acetate failed, two novel cationic mixed-metal cyanide salts based on the [CpFe(PPh3)(μ-CN)2Zn(NC5H5)]22+ framework were isolated from pyridine solution and their structures were defined by X-ray cr...
Unusual cause of cough and wheeze in a 10-year-old child.

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS A 10-year-old girl with a history significant for mild persistent asthma and allergic rhinitis presented to the clinic for evaluation of a harsh, nonproductive, unremitting cough of 6 weeks’ duration. There was no antecedent illness, and the cough was not noted to be associated with upper respiratory tract symptoms, fever, or chest tightness. She had been using both inhaled and nebulized -agonists and inhaled budesonide with no significant relief. During the ensuing weeks, she received various combinations of antibiotics, antitussives, inhaled and/or oral corticosteroids, long-acting -agonists, and leukotriene modifiers all with minimal relief of symptoms. Symptoms were worse during the day and aggravated by exposure to cold air. There was no history of nocturnal cough or disrupted sleep. Visits to the primary care physician’s office and once to the emergency department documented normal respiratory rate and quality and normal oxygen saturation, with diffuse expiratory wheezes and barky cough.
Constant Amplitude Electroretinography for the Determination of Retinal Sensitivity in Normal and Abnormal Subjects

The goal of clinical electroretinography (ERG) should be to obtain rapidly a maxi­ mum amount of reliable information with minimal discomfort to the patient. Numer­ ous attempts have been made to accomplish this, but no one method has become generally accepted. Because at almost every clinic where electroretinography is used a proce­ dure has been devised that is specially modi­ fied for that clinic, and it is still virtually im­ possible to compare ERG data from different laboratories. Although it is easy to record the ERG, the origins of its components are still not fully understood. Using a contact lens electrode and capacitance coupled amplification, only two major electrical deflections constitute the ERG wave form as it is observed clinically. However, the criteria for classifying these responses as normal or abnormal vary widely. A useful diagnostic method depends upon developing such criteria quantitatively as well as qualitatively. The usefulness of a technique may be further extended by em­ ploying equipment and procedures that may be readily duplicated by other investigators. At low stimulus intensities the electroretinographic response is even simpler than it is at high intensities: the ERG consists only of a small corneal-positive deflection, the fawave; the corneal-negative a-wave does not appear until higher stimulus intensities are
Pore-fluid migration and the timing of the 2005 M8.7 Nias earthquake

Two great earthquakes have occurred recently along the Sunda Trench, the 2004 M9.2 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and the 2005 M8.7 Nias earthquake. These earthquakes ruptured over 1600 km of adjacent crust within 3 mo of each other. We quantitatively present poroelastic deformation analyses suggesting that postseismic fluid flow and recovery induced by the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake advanced the timing of the Nias earthquake. Simple back-slip simulations indicate that the megapascal (MPa)–scale pore-pressure recovery is equivalent to 7 yr of interseismic Coulomb stress accumulation near the Nias earthquake hypocenter, implying that pore-pressure recovery of the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake advanced the timing of the Nias earthquake by ∼7 yr. That is, in the absence of postseismic pore-pressure recovery, we predict that the Nias earthquake would have occurred in 2011 instead of 2005.
A summary of NASA/FAA experiments concerning helicopter IFR airworthiness criteria

A sequence of ground and flight simulation experiments was conducted to investigate helicopter instrument-flight-rules airworthiness criteria. The first six of these experiments and major results are summarized. Five of the experiments were conducted on large-amplitude motion base simulators. The NASA-Army V/STOLAND UH-1H variable-stability helicopter was used in the flight experiment. Artificial stability and control augmentation, longitudinal and lateral control, and in pitch and roll attitude augmentation were investigated. Previously announced in STAR as N82-23219
Low temperature passivation of Si 1−x Ge x alloys by dry high pressure oxidation

Thermal passivation of Si1−xGex using high pressure (70 MPa) oxidation was studied for potential use in MOS-device applications. Alloys of CVD-grown Si1−xGex (x = 10 and 15 at.%, 200 and 150 nm thick, respectively), were oxidized at 500 and 550°C using high purity dry oxygen at a pressure of 70 MPa. For comparative purposes, a second set of alloys were oxidized using conventional wet atmospheric pressure oxidation at 800°C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and metal-oxide semiconductor capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements were used to characterize the as-grown oxides. Chemical analysis by XPS confirmed that under high pressure conditions compositionally congruent oxides are grown from these alloys. High resolution TEM and Raman spectroscopy show that the as-grown oxide/semiconductor interface is planar and free of Ge enrichment on a scale of 1-2 monolayers. A midgap interface state density for both the 10 and 15 at.% samples of 1 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 was estimated based on 1 MHz C-V measurement.
The in vivo determination of left ventricular volume. Comparison of the fiberoptic-indicator dilution and the angiocardiographic methods.

End-diastolic volumes, stroke volumes, and ejection fractions determined in quick succession by the fiberoptic indicator-dilution technique and the angiocardiographic method were compared in 63 patients with various disorders, aged 6 weeks to 58 years. The calibration methods are discussed in detail. Good agreement was found (r=0.965) although end-diastolic volume by the fiberoptic-indicator method (FO) (mean, 106.3 ml/m 2 ) consistently exceeded enddiastolic volume by the angiocardiographic method (A) (92.5 ml/m 2 ). Variations in injection techniques, the absolute size of the volume (range, 31.0 to 478.5 ml/m 2 ), and heart rate (from 55 to 179 beats/min) did not influence this correspondence significantly. Stroke volumes, ejection fractions, and end-systolic volumes were compared in 41 patients with nonregurgitant lesions. The correlation coefficients are 0.808, 0.824, and 0.950, respectively. These results show better agreement than was previously suggested by workers utilizing other indicator-dilution systems. Reasons for this finding, such as the fact that studies were carried out in quick succession in the same patients, the advantage of indocyanine green over other indicators, the characteristics of the fiberoptic sampling system, the adequacy of mixing in the human left ventricle, and the errors inherent in the angiocardiographic method are discussed. Since agreement existed over a wide range of volumes, a set of regression equations was calculated that permitted the interchange of stroke volume, ejection fraction, and end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes in situations where one technique is favored over the other. Thus, for end-diastolic volume by angiocardiography, EDV A =0.785 EDV FO + 10.6 (in ml/m 2 ).
Tissue residues of dietary cadmium in wood ducks.

One-week-old wood ducks were fed cadmium in diets containing 18 or 30% protein for a period of three months. Seven drakes from each group were sacrificed, and blood, brain, muscle, kidney, liver, and wing feather tissues were collected and analyzed for cadmium. Highest cadmium concentrations were found in the kidney, liver, and feather tissues; blood, muscle, and brain cadmium residue levels were undetectable. Except in the kidney tissue, protein level of the diet did not affect cadmium residue levels. For birds that were changed to a cadmium-free, high-protein ration at 13 weeks of age, regression analysis indicated a significant decrease in cadmium residue levels for the kidney tissue only. Growth, as measured by body weight at 13 weeks of age, was not affected by the various cadmium treatment levels. Histopathological examination revealed lesions in the kidney tissues of the 100 ppm cadmium treatment groups, which were more severe in those birds receiving the 18% protein diet. Vacuolation of the pancreatic acinar cells was observed in all groups, but tended to occur more frequently in the higher cadmium level groups.
Three-dimensional micro-Fresnel optical elements fabricated by micromachining technique

We report, for the first time, a three-dimensional binary phase micro-Fresnel optical element standing perpendicular to the substrate. The lens is fabricated by micromachining technique. The lens has a diameter of 650 µm, a focal length of 0.5 mm, and an optical axis of 1 mm above the surface of the substrate. Light from an optical fibre is successfully collimated by the micro-optical element, and the beam profile closely approximates a Gaussian shape.
Information optimal compressive imaging: design and implementation

Compressive imaging exploits sparsity/compressibility of natural scenes to reduce the detector count/read-out bandwidth in a focal plane array by effectively implementing compression during the acquisition process. How-ever, realizing the full potential of compressive imaging entails several practical challenges, such as measurement design, measurement quantization, rate allocation, non-idealities inherent in hardware implementation, scalable imager architecture, system calibration and tractable image formation algorithms. We describe an information-theoretic approach for compressive measurement design that incorporates available prior knowledge about natural scenes for more efficient projection design relative to random projections. Compressive measurement quantization and rate-allocation problem are also considered and simulation studies demonstrate the performance of random and information-optimal projection designs for quantized compressive measurements. Finally we demonstrate the feasibility of optical compressive imaging with a scalable compressive imaging hardware implementation that addresses system calibration and real-time image formation challenges. The experimental results highlight the practical effectiveness of compressive imaging with system design constraints, non-ideal system components and realistic system calibration.
Expression of the Erythropoietin Receptor by Trophoblast Cellsin the Human Placenta

Nonclassical sites of erythropoietin (EPO) and erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R) expression have been described that suggest new physiological roles for this hormone unrelated to erythropoiesis. The recent finding of EPO expression by trophoblast cells in the human placenta prompted us to consider whether these cells also express EPO-R. With use of immunocytochemistry, EPO-R was identified in villous and extravillous cytotrophoblast cells, as well as in the syncytiotrophoblast at all gestational ages. EPO-R was also expressed by cells within the villous core, including endothelial cells of fetoplacental blood vessels. Placental tissues and isolated and immunopurified trophoblast cells, as well as trophoblast-derived choriocarcinoma Jar cells, expressed immunoreactive EPO-R on Western blot. EPO-R mRNA was also detected in the same placental tissues and trophoblast cells by nested-primer reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Finally, EPO-R was functional insofar as the receptor was phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to exogenous EPO treatment of cultured trophoblast or Jar cells. Thus, the present findings support the hypothesis that trophoblast cells of the human placenta express EPO-R. In view of these results, taken together with previous work demonstrating EPO expression by the same cells, an autocrine role for this hormone in the survival, proliferation, or differentiation of placental trophoblast cells is proposed.
Deriving Receptive Fields Using an Optimal Encoding Criterion

An information-theoretic optimization principle ('infomax') has previously been used for unsupervised learning of statistical regularities in an input ensemble. The principle states that the input-output mapping implemented by a processing stage should be chosen so as to maximize the average mutual information between input and output patterns, subject to constraints and in the presence of processing noise. In the present work I show how infomax, when applied to a class of nonlinear input-output mappings, can under certain conditions generate optimal filters that have additional useful properties: (1) Output activity (for each input pattern) tends to be concentrated among a relatively small number of nodes. (2) The filters are sensitive to higher-order statistical structure (beyond pairwise correlations). If the input features are localized, the filters' receptive fields tend to be localized as well. (3) Multiresolution sets of filters with subsampling at low spatial frequencies - related to pyramid coding and wavelet representations - emerge as favored solutions for certain types of input ensembles.
Injectable immunotherapy: recommendations for safe allergen vial preparation in the office setting.

Purpose of review To review the proper technique for preparing allergen vials to be used in subcutaneous immunotherapy in the office setting, examine the potential for bacterial contamination during mixing and handling and associated risk factors and review the data relevant to contamination during vial mixing. Recent findings Existing literature on the subject of safe vial preparation suggests that the incidence of bacterial contamination of allergen vials is very low. Historically, there is no report of bacterial infection for subcutaneous immunotherapy using vials prepared in the office setting or otherwise when using the proper sterile technique. Summary In-office compounding of vials is a safe practice with literature to support continuing this practice of preparation.
Estimating face pose by facial asymmetry and geometry

A robust pose estimation approach is proposed by combining facial appearance asymmetry and 3D geometry in a coarse-to-fine framework. The rough face pose is first estimated by analyzing the asymmetry of the distribution of the facial component detection confidences on an image, which actually implies an intrinsic relation between the face pose and the facial appearance. Then, this rough face pose, as well as error bandwidth, is utilized into a 3D-to-2D geometrical model matching to refine the pose estimation. The proposed approach is able to track a face with fast motion in front of cluttered background and recover its pose robustly and accurately in real- time. Experiment results are provided to demonstrate its efficiency and accuracy.
THE INACTIVATION OF ENZYMES BY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT,-IV. THE NATURE AND INVOLVEMENT OF CYSTINE DISRUPTION*

Two divergent theories of the mechanisms involved in U.V. inactivation of enzymes have been developed over a period of years. The one proposes that the random destruction of any amino acid residue causes inactivation. The second emphasizes the importance of the disruption of a cluster of specific cystines and hydrogen bonds responsible for the spatial integrity of the active center. Consistent with the latter postulates, previous studies in this series have shown that the number of cystines disrupted in trypsin is correlated with loss in enzymic activity and in ribonuclease the disruption of cystines is very non-random. In the present experiments only 1–1.1 titrable (with pCMB) SH groups are formed for each cystine disrupted. The available evidence suggests that about 0.1 of the disrupting events produce two SH groups: 0.2 lead to the formation of one -SH and one -SOnH: and about 0.7 involve the cleavage of a C-S bond with the appearance of one -SH plus an oxide (perhaps -C = O) of the C moiety. The disruption of cystine is such that neither serine, alanine, glycine nor H2S is formed in large amounts. The kinetics of SH production emphasize that the various cystines in RNase and trypsin have unequal radiation sensitivities; some must differ by at least a factor of 10. Tentatively it is concluded that u.v. absorbed directly by cystines (ca 20 per cent) causes random, symmetric breakage of S-S, whereas quanta absorbed in aromatic residues (ca 80 per cent) lead to efficient energy transfer and localization in chromophores adjacent to critical cystines followed by addition of hydrogen to specific C-S bonds resulting in their cleavage.
Radio‐television criticism in the newspapers: Reflections on a deficiency

This study examines radio‐television columns in the newspapers to determine how columnists have responded to accelerating developments and issues in the electronic media. The indications are: show business as usual.
Evaluation of multiple test methods for the detection of the novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) during the New York City outbreak.

Abstract Background In response to the novel influenza A H1N1 outbreak in the NY City area, 6090 patient samples were submitted over a 5-week period for a total of 14,114 viral diagnostic tests, including rapid antigen, direct immunofluorescence (DFA), viral culture and PCR. Little was known about the performance of the assays for the detection of novel H1N1 in the background of seasonal H1N1, H3N2 and other circulating respiratory viruses. In addition, subtyping influenza A became critical for the identification of high risk and/or hospitalized patients with novel H1N1 infection and for monitoring the spread of the outbreak. Study design This study analyzed the performances of the BinaxNOW Influenza AB DFA: 46.7%, 94.5%, 91.3%, 58.9%; R-Mix culture: 88.9%, 100%, 100%, 87.9%; RVP: 97.8%, 100%, 100%, 97.3%. The individual sensitivities of BinaxNOW and 3MA + B as compared to R-Mix culture for the detection of novel H1N1 were 9.6% and 40%, respectively. All unsubtypeable influenza A specimens identified by RVP and tested with the CDC novel H1N1 specific RT-PCR assay were confirmed to be novel H1N1. Conclusions Rapid antigen tests, DFA, R-Mix culture and the xTAG RVP test all detected the novel H1N1 strain, but with highly varied sensitivity. The RVP test provided the best diagnostic option as RVP demonstrated superior sensitivity for the detection of all influenza strains, including the novel H1N1, provided accurate influenza A subtyping and identified a significant number of additional respiratory pathogens.
A New Method for Vibration Mode Analysis

In this paper, a new modal analysis method based on a novel multivariate data analysis technique called smooth orthogonal decomposition(SOD) is proposed. The development of the SOD and its main properties are described. The mathematical justification for the application in modal analysis is also provide d. The proper orthogonal decomposition(POD) and its application in modal analysis are provided for comparison. Numerical simulations of discrete and continuous systems are used in this comparison. It is demonstrated that the SOD-based analysis overcomes main deficiencies of the POD. The SOD identifies linear normal modes and corresponding frequencies without requiring any a priori information about the distribution of mass in the system.
A Generalization of the Kodama State for Arbitrary Values of the Immirzi Parameter

The Kodama State for Lorentzian gravity presupposes a particular value for the Immirzi-parameter, namely $\beta=-i$. However, the derivation of black hole entropy in Loop Quantum Gravity suggests that the Immirzi parameter is a fixed value whose magnitude is on the order of unity but larger than one. Since the Kodama state has de-Sitter spacetime as its classical limit, to get the proper radiation temperature, the Kodama state should be extended to incorporate a more physical value for $\beta$. Thus, we present an extension of the Kodama state for arbitrary values of the Immirzi parameter, $\beta$, that reduces to the ordinary Chern-Simons state for the particular value $\beta=-i$. The state for real values of $\beta$ is free of several of the outstanding problems that cast doubts on the original Kodama state as a ground state for quantum general relativity. We show that for real values of $\beta$, the state is invariant under large gauge transformations, it is CPT invariant (but not CP invariant), and it is expected to be delta-function normalizable with respect to the kinematical inner product. To aid in the construction, we first present a general method for solving the Hamiltonian constraint for imaginary values of $\beta$ that allows one to use the simpler self-dual and anti-self-dual forms of the constraint as an intermediate step.
The determinantal method for bound states and resonances of three-particle systems

Bound state energies, positions and widths of resonances of two-particle systems may be calculated as zeros of an analytic function of the energy, the modified Fredholm determinant of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. This generates degenerate perturbation theory particularly easily. The method is generalized to the threebody problem. Here too, the bound states and resonances appear as zeros of an analytic function of the energy, the modified Fredholm determinant of a square-integrable kernel. It is proved that the multiplicity of a zero equals the degeneracy of the corresponding eigenvalue.
Asymptotic Capacity of Multicarrier Transmission With Frequency-Selective Fading and Limited Feedback

We study the capacity of multicarrier transmission through a slow frequency-selective fading channel with limited feedback, which specifies channel state information. Our results are asymptotic in the number of subchannels . We first assume independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) subchannel gains, and show that, for a large class of fading distributions, a uniform power distribution over an optimized subset of subchannels, or on-off power allocation, gives the same asymptotic growth in capacity as optimal water filling, e.g., with Rayleigh fading. Furthermore, the growth in data rate can be achieved with a feedback rate as . If the number of active subchannels is bounded, the capacity grows only as with the feedback rate of . We then consider correlated subchannels modeled as a Markov process, and study the savings in feedback. Assuming a fixed ratio of coherence bandwidth to the total bandwidth, the ratio between minimum feedback rates with correlated and i.i.d. subchannels converges to zero with , e.g., as for Rayleigh-fading subchannels satisfying a first-order autoregressive process. We also show that adaptive modulation, or rate control schemes, in which the rate on each subchannel is selected from a quantized set, achieves the same asymptotic growth rates in capacity and required feedback. Finally, our results are extended to cellular uplink and downlink channel models.
Sample designs for measuring the health of small racial/ethnic subgroups.

SUMMARY Most national health surveys do not permit precise measurement of the health of racial/ethnic subgroups that comprise <1 per cent of the U.S. population. We identify three potentially promising sample design strategies for increasing the accuracy of national health estimates for a small target subgroup when used to supplement a small probability sample of that group and apply these strategies to American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and Chinese using National Health Interview Survey data. These sample design strategies include (1) complete sampling of targets within households, (2) oversampling selected macrogeographic units, and (3) oversampling from an incomplete list frame. Stage (1) is promising for Chinese and AI/AN; (2) works for both groups, but it would be more cost-effective for AI/AN because of their greater residential concentration; (3) is somewhat effective for groups like Chinese with viable surname lists, but not for AI/AN. Both (2) and (3) efficiently improve measurement precision when the supplement is the same size as the existing core sample, with diminishing additional returns as the supplement grows relative to the core sample, especially for (3). To avoid large design effects, the oversampled geographic areas or lists must have good coverage of the target population. To reduce costs, oversampled geographic tracts and lists must consist primarily of targets. These techniques can be used simultaneously to substantially increase effective sample sizes (ESSs). For example, (1) and (2) in combination can be used to multiply the nominal sample size of AI/AN or Chinese by 8 and the ESS by 4. Copyright q 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disparity in the management of Graves' disease observed at an urban county hospital: a decade-long experience.

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder caused by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins that bind to the thyrotropin receptor on the follicular epithelial cells of the thyroid gland. This results in increased synthesis of thyroid hormone, symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and the development of diffuse goiter. Patients also may develop extrathyroidal manifestation including infiltrative ophthalmopathy, pretibial myxedema, acropachy, and proximal muscle weakness. The annual incidence of GD in the United States is approximately .04%.1 It is 4 to 6 times more common in women and it occurs most often in women between the ages of 20 and 50 years.1 There are 3 treatment options for GD: antithyroid drug therapy, radioiodine ablation, and thyroidectomy. Most patients with GD are treated initially with antithyroid drug therapy to normalize free T4 and free T3 levels and minimize the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Remission of GD occurs in up to 50% of patients after 12 to 18 months of antithyroid drug therapy.2 Lifelong maintenance therapy is one treatment option for failure of remission after 18 months of antithyroid drug therapy. Resection of the thyroid gland emerged as a therapeutic option for GD in the mid-1800s, but it was not until the early 1900s that thyroidectomy could be performed with acceptable morbidity. Radioiodine ablation therapy for GD was introduced in 1942 and it quickly replaced thyroidectomy as the primary method for definitive treatment of GD. In the United States, GD traditionally has been treated with antithyroid drugs and/or radioiodine ablation and surgical therapy has been reserved for selected indications. In a survey of endocrinologists in the United States, only 2% of endocrinologists reported that thyroidectomy was recommended for treatment of GD.3 At our urban, county-subsidized hospital, we have noted a comparatively larger than expected number of patients undergoing thyroidectomy as their initial treatment for GD. Although multiple studies have documented a relationship between socioeconomic status and outcome of surgery for complex cardiovascular and oncologic procedures, few studies have examined the role of socioeconomic factors and primary payer status on definitive therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether social and/or economic disparities exist in the management of GD at our institution over the past decade.
Mechanisms of isoflurane-mediated hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle in chronically hypertensive and normotensive conditions.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of isoflurane on membrane and intracellular mechanisms that regulate vascular smooth muscle (VSM) transmembrane potential (E m ; which is related to VSM tone) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model of essential hypertension and its normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controL Methods: Vascular smooth muscle E m values were measured in situ in locally denervated, superfused, intact, small (200-300-μm OD) mesenteric arteries and veins in anesthetized 9-12-week-old SHR and WKY. Effects of 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (0.60 mM) superfused isoflurane on VSM E m were measured before and during superfusion with specific inhibitors of VSM calcium-activated (K Ca ) and adenosine triphosphate-regulated (K ATP ) potassium channels, and with endogenous mediators of vasodilatation (nitric oxide, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, protein kinase G, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and protein kinase A). Results: Isoflurane significantly hyperpolarized small arteries (5 ± 3.4 mV) and veins (6 ± 4.7 mV) (pooled SHR and WKY, mean ± SD). Inhibition of K C and K ATP channels, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and protein kinase A, but not nitric oxide, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and protein kinase G, abolished such hyperpolarization equally in SHR and WKY vessels. Conclusions: Isoflurane-induced in situ VSM hyperpolarization in denervated, small mesenteric vessels involves a similar activation of K Ca and K ATP channels and cyclic adenosine monophosphate, but not nitric oxide or cyclic guanosine monophosphate, second messenger pathways in both SHR and WKY. A greater isoflurane-induced VSM hyperpolarization (observed previously in neurally intact SHR vessels) suggests enhanced inhibition of elevated sympathetic neural input as a major mechanism underlying such hyperpolarization (and coupled relaxation) in this neurogenic model of hypertension.