cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Operations in Children With Marfan’s Syndrome: Indications and Results

Abstract Background . The development of new screening techniques for the early detection of Marfan's syndrome has prompted evaluation of the results of cardiac operations in children with this syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical indications, operative results, and need for reoperation in children with Marfan's syndrome. Methods . From 1980 to 1996, 245 patients underwent cardiac operations for complications of Marfan's syndrome; 26 (11%) were less than 18 years of age. The mean age at the time of operation was 10.3 ± 1 years (range, 8 months to 17 years); 18 of the patients were male. Indications for operation were aortic root dilatation (15 patients), mitral regurgitation (4 patients), aortic root dilatation and mitral regurgitation (6 patients), and aortic arch aneurysm (1 patient). Operations included aortic root replacement (15 patients), aortic root replacement and mitral repair (5 patients), aortic root replacement and mitral replacement (1 patient), mitral repair (3 patients), mitral replacement (1 patient), and arch aneurysm repair (1 patient). The mean aortic root diameter in patients undergoing aortic root replacement was 6.2 ± 0.2 cm. Only 1 patient underwent ascending aortic dissection. Results . There were no operative deaths. At a mean follow-up of 67.1 ± 10.2 months, 8 patients required a second cardiac procedure (41% ± 17% 10-year freedom from reoperation). Indications for further operations were distal aortic pathology (3 patients), aortic root dilatation after initial mitral operation (3 patients), failed mitral repair (1 patient), and homograft degeneration (1 patient). Risk factors for a second cardiac procedure were age less than 10 years at the time of the first operation ( p p Conclusions . We conclude that (1) aortic root dilatation is the most common surgical indication in children with Marfan's syndrome, (2) mitral regurgitation is the second most common indication, (3) aortic dissection is unusual in children with Marfan's syndrome, and (4) careful follow-up is necessary, particularly in younger children, because more than half of all children with Marfan's syndrome require repeated cardiac operations within 10 years.
Dislocation modeling for the silicon world

We describe the challenges of modeling the behavior of dislocations which arise during the manufacture of semiconducting devices. Work on three prototype systems of increasing complexity is described, which shows that useful information about both the nucleation of dislocations and the final configurations that they achieve can be obtained. We conclude that dislocation modeling has advanced to the point where the chief remaining obstacle to understanding dislocation problems in real-life manufacturing situations is the difficulty of obtaining realistic three-dimensional stress fields from current process-modeling codes.
Mechanism-based triarylphosphine-ester probes for capture of endogenous RSNOs.

Nitrosothiols (RSNOs) have been proposed as important intermediates in nitric oxide (NO•) metabolism, storage, and transport as well as mediators in numerous NO-signaling pathways. RSNO levels are finely regulated, and dysregulation is associated with the etiology of several pathologies. Current methods for RSNO quantification depend on indirect assays that limit their overall specificity and reliability. Recent developments of phosphine-based chemical probes constitute a promising approach for the direct detection of RSNOs. We report here results from a detailed mechanistic and kinetic study for trapping RSNOs by three distinct phosphine probes, including structural identification of novel intermediates and stability studies under physiological conditions. We further show that a triarylphosphine-thiophenyl ester can be used in the absolute quantification of endogenous GSNO in several cancer cell lines, while retaining the elements of the SNO functional group, using an LC–MS-based assay. Finally, we demon...
Type II skeletal myofibers possess unique properties that potentiate mitochondrial H2O2 generation

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in a number of skeletal muscle pathologies, most notably aging-induced atrophy and loss of type II myofibers. Although oxygen-derived free radicals are thought to be a primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction, the underlying factors governing mitochondrial superoxide production in different skeletal myofiber types is unknown. Using a novel in situ approach to measure H(2)O(2) production (indicator of superoxide formation) in permeabilized rat skeletal muscle fiber bundles, we found that mitochondrial free radical leak (H(2)O(2) produced/O(2) consumed) is two- to threefold higher (P < 0.05) in white (WG, primarily type IIB fibers) than in red (RG, type IIA) gastrocnemius or soleus (type I) myofibers during basal respiration supported by complex I (pyruvate + malate) or complex II (succinate) substrates. In the presence of respiratory inhibitors, maximal rates of superoxide produced at both complex I and complex III are markedly higher in RG and WG than in soleus muscle despite approximately 50% less mitochondrial content in WG myofibers. Duplicate experiments conducted with +/-exogenous superoxide dismutase revealed striking differences in the topology and/or dismutation of superoxide in WG vs. soleus and RG muscle. When normalized for mitochondrial content, overall H(2)O(2) scavenging capacity is lower in RG and WG fibers, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity, which is largely responsible for H(2)O(2) removal in mitochondria, is similar in all three muscle types. These findings suggest that type II myofibers, particularly type IIB, possess unique properties that potentiate mitochondrial superoxide production and/or release, providing a potential mechanism for the heterogeneous development of mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle.
Outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) following refractory pediatric cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit.

Aim To describe our experience using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in resuscitating children with refractory cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to describe hospital survival and neurologic outcomes after ECPR.
News from NIH: pain management

As noted by the recent Institute of Medicine report, Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research, chronic pain affects about 116 million American adults and costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in healthcare-related costs and lost productivity [1]. As such, research into understanding pain and improving pain management spans the missions of most of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutes and Centers. This column will highlight just a few of the many NIH activities related to pain management. A trans-NIH Pain Consortium initiative is described along with two studies. One study highlights research to test new and improved treatments to control cancer pain. Another study highlights research to advance the field of pain assessment. These studies are just a small sampling of the kinds of translational pain research conducted at NIH but hopefully they serve to illustrate some exciting research directions and the breadth of pain management research at the NIH.
Restoration of Upper Extremity Function in Tetraplegia

Electrical stimulation of the peripheral nervous system has been utilized to provide functional control of the upper extremity in cervical level spinal cord injury. An implanted neuroprosthesis utilizing electrical stimulation has received Food and Drug Administration approval and is available for implementation in clinical practice. This neuroprosthesis provides for two basic hand grasps under user control and is governed by a sensor that is generally worn on the opposite shoulder. Use of the system enables independent performance of activities of daily living. A second-generation technology is currently under human investigation that provides for finer control of grasp, control of the forearm and elbow, and more natural control governed by the user's ipsilateral extremity. Advanced concepts are under development that record afferent activity to regulate grasp and that use cortical signals to provide the control input.
Effects of intrathecal injections of melatonin analogs on capsaicin-induced secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in rats

Melatonin, its agonists/antagonists were administered intrathecally (i.t.) before/after intradermal injection of capsaicin. Capsaicin produced an increase in the paw withdrawal frequency (PWF) in the presumed area of secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Melatonin agonists in the absence of a capsaicin injection decreased the PWF significantly, whereas melatonin antagonists given intrathecally alone were ineffective in the absence of a capsaicin injection. Pre-treatment with a melatonin agonist i.t. caused a reduction in the PWF after capsaicin. In contrast, the PWF increased after capsaicin with pre-administration of a melatonin antagonist i.t. Combined pre-treatment with melatonin and a melatonin antagonist i.t. prevented the change in PWF induced by melatonin alone after capsaicin. Intrathecal post-treatment with a melatonin agonist reduced the enhanced PWF that followed an injection of capsaicin, but treatment with a combination of a melatonin agonist and its antagonist did not alter the responses. The PWF was unaffected when melatonin analogs were applied i.t. at the T6 level or were injected intramuscularly adjacent to the L4 vertebra. In spinal rats, the data showed comparable effects of melatonin analogs on capsaicin-induced secondary mechanical hyperalgesia. Animal motor function tested by 'activity box' showed that motion activity was not affected by i.t. melatonin or its antagonist. These results suggest that activation of the endogenous melatonin system in the spinal cord can reduce the generation, development and maintenance of central sensitization, with a resultant inhibition of capsaicin-induced secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia.
Multi-agent reinforcement learning: weighting and partitioning

This article addresses weighting and partitioning, in complex reinforcement learning tasks, with the aim of facilitating learning. The article presents some ideas regarding weighting of multiple agents and extends them into partitioning an input/state space into multiple regions with differential weighting in these regions, to exploit differential characteristics of regions and differential characteristics of agents to reduce the learning complexity of agents (and their function approximators) and thus to facilitate the learning overall. It analyzes, in reinforcement learning tasks, different ways of partitioning a task and using agents selectively based on partitioning. Based on the analysis, some heuristic methods are described and experimentally tested. We find that some off-line heuristic methods perform the best, significantly better than single-agent models.
Spillover benefits to local enthusiasm: Increases in league-wide interest as a consequence of local sports team competitiveness

Abstract Previous research on competitive balance has examined the impact of league balance on local demand. Instead we examine how the competitiveness of the local team impacts consumer interest in other league games. Our modeling shows an 8.93 percent increase in NFL playoff television ratings for out-of-market games when the local team is actively competing in the same playoff tournament. Additionally, we find a 4.94 percent ratings premium when the out-of-market game features teams from the same conference as the local team and the local team is still active. We conclude that local team success is indeed related to increased interest in out-of-market games.
Alice strings, magnetic monopoles, and charge quantization.

We demonstrate that U(1) charge is quantized in the presence of an Alice string in 3+1 dimensions, and show that spontaneously broken gauge theories containing such strings necessarily possess magnetic monopoles. The string and monopole quantization conditions are compared, and we make a few brief comments concerning their modification in a \ensuremath{\theta} vacuum.
A matter of class: Interpreting subdivision in a malocclusion

Confusion exists in the orthodontic community regarding the meaning of subdivision in Angle's classification system. The purpose of this study was to survey orthodontic educators in the United States to determine their viewpoint on the meaning of subdivision and to ascertain the criteria on which they base their interpretations. Fifty-seven surveys were mailed to department chairs in the United States, asking them to identify the definition to which their orthodontic residency program subscribes; 34 surveys were returned. Twenty-two responses supported the notion that subdivision refers to the Class II side, 8 responses said that it refers to the Class I side, 3 responses supported neither view, and 1 response indicated that not everyone in the program could agree on the meaning of subdivision. Although the prevailing belief appears to be that subdivision indicates the side with a molar malocclusion, the orthodontic community does not have a consistent standard, and it is time to resolve this controversy.
Plasticity theory strength-differential(SD) phenomenon, and volume expansion in metals and plastics

Appreciable differences have been reported recently between tensile and compressive yield strengths (SD or strength-differential effect) in martensitic steels and other alloys, as well as in plastics. Data on plastic volume changes are not yet available for the steels, but a volumeexpansion in both tensile and compressive deformation accompanies the SD effect in plastics and in granular media. In this paper, the coupled SD-volume expansion predictions of elementary perfect plasticity and more complex forms of work-hardening plasticity theory, including a possible key role of the theoretical strength under triaxial tension, are described briefly and pictorially. They then are compared with available data to provide some estimates of the likely successes and failures of the approach. An attempt is made to sharpen the distinction between true and apparent SD, and to suggest several critical experiments.
Time-dependent shape fluctuations and the giant dipole resonance in hot nuclei: Realistic calculations

Abstract The effects of time-dependent shape fluctuations on the giant dipole resonance (GDR) in hot rotating nuclei are investigated. Using the framework of the Landau theory of shape transitions we develop a realistic macroscopic stochastic model to describe the quadrupole time-dependent shape fluctuations and their coupling to the dipole degrees of freedom. In the adiabatic limit the theory reduces to a previous adiabatic theory of static fluctuations in which the GDR cross section is calculated by averaging over the equilibrium distribution with the unitary invariant metric. Nonadiabatic effects are investigated in this model and found to cause structural changes in the resonance cross section and motional narrowing. Comparisons with experimental data are made and deviations from the adiabatic calculations can be explained. In these cases it is possible to determine from the data the damping of the quadrupole motion at finite temperature.
The Southern Pub Crawl and Brawl: An Examination of the Alcohol–Violence Nexus in a Southern City

This research examines the relationship between alcohol availability and crime, specifically the variation of effects between the presence of off- and on-site establishments on violent crime. We contribute to extant research by providing a more comprehensive disaggregation of alcohol establishments. Framed in routine activities theory, we argue that alcohol availability will exacerbate violent crime rates by increasing quantities of motivated offenders and suitable targets, while simultaneously decreasing the number of capable guardians. We find a nuanced relationship between the presence of alcohol establishments and violence that varies based on establishment type as well as the characteristics of its block group.
Preparing Future Teachers for Diverse Schools in an Online Learning Community: Perceptions and Practice

This study provides an example of one institution's efforts to design coursework that meets the simultaneous challenges of supporting the aims of increasing access to online courses and simultaneously better preparing teachers to work in diverse classrooms. Based on online pre- and post-surveys and monthly open-ended writing prompts administered to students in an introductory teacher preparation course, the study sought to discover students' motivation to select online or blended courses, student perspectives on the benefits and challenges to taking this course online, characteristics of the learning environment that promoted or interfered with students' learning, instructor's perspective of learners' reaction to topics addressing K-12 classroom diversity, and the impact of an online format on students' discussions of issues related to learner diversity. Findings suggest that online courses should include a classroom placement component in which students experience a diverse classroom in order to best prepare students for diverse teaching assignments. Thus, the best online teacher preparation courses maybe those that blend virtual and face-to-face interaction rather than being strictly online.
6-(Alkylamino)-9-alkylpurines. A New Class of Potential Antipsychotic Agents

A series of 6-(alkylamino)-9-alkylpurines was synthesized and evaluated for the property of antagonizing the behavioral effects in animals of the dopamine agonist apomorphine. This model for identifying potential antipsychotic agents is based on the hypothesis that agents that antagonize apomorphine-induced aggressive behavior in rats and apomorphine-induced climbing in mice, but that do not block stereotyped behavior, could have an antipsychotic effect in humans without producing extrapyramidal side effects. The antiaggressive-behavior activity of lead compound 1 (6-(dimethylamino)-9-(3-phenylalaninamidobenzyl)-9H-purine) was improved 48-fold with 6-(cyclopropylamino)-9-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-9H-purine (80) (po ED50 of 2 mg/kg), which was obtained through an iterative sequence of structure−activity relationship studies that encompassed evaluation of the effects of structure variations at the purine 9-, 6-, and 2-positions. Potency was enhanced with a 9-cyclopropyl group, the duration of ...
Air-blast atomization of non-Newtonian liquids

Air-blast atomization of viscous non-Newtonian liquids was carried out using a co-axial twin-fluid atomizer. Both Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids were investigated with particular emphasis on the non-Newtonian rheological characteristics. Shear thinning, extension thinning and extension thickening fluids were investigated. Non-Newtonian shear viscosities were measured over five decades of shear rates γ for 12 solutions of polymeric materials. By using the die-swell technique, the first normal stress difference N1 was determined for all solutions. The contraction flow technique was also used for measurement of the extensional viscosity. It was found that viscoelastic liquids are much more difficult to atomize than viscoinelastic liquids. The normal stresses developed in viscoelastic materials are much higher than their associated shear stresses. Consequently, the development of the large normal stresses appears to be the most important rheological mechanism that inhibits breakup. The accuracy of the wave-mechanism-based models in predicting droplet sizes after breakup of inelastic non-Newtonian liquids has also been demonstrated. The atomized drop sizes were expressed in terms of three dimensionless groups, the liquid/air mass ratio (M1MA), the Weber number (We) and the Ohnesorge number (Z) in simple forms whose exponents and coefficients were determined by least-squares fit to the experimental data. The exponents of the power dependences of the wave-mechanism-based simple models were found to be comparable to their counterparts reported in the literature for air-blast atomization of Newtonian liquids with viscosities up to 1 Pa s. For shear thinning viscoinelastic materials it was found that the atomization quality is closely related to the apparent viscosity of the fluid in the limit of infinite shear rates (ηx). The functional dependence of the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) on ηx is: SMD ∞ η∞0.42.
Laparoscopic repair of incarcerated paraesophageal hernias

Paraesophageal hernias comprise only 2–5% of all hiatal hernias, yet unlike the more common sliding hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernias are prone to undergo volvulus, with obstruction, ischemia, and gangrenous perforation. Due to their propensity toward calamitous complications, they must be recognized and repaired as expeditiously as possible. Traditionally these hernias have been repaired by either an open transabdominal or an open transthoracic approach. Laparoscopic repair with Nissen fundoplication has already been successfully applied to the repair of the more common sliding hiatal hernia. Described here is the laparoscopic repair of two paraesophageal hernias. The merit of an anti-reflux procedure as part of this repair is discussed.
The United States Supreme Court’s Decision in Kirtsaeng v. Wiley & Sons : An “Inevitable” Step in Which Direction?

This opinion analyzes the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Kirtsaeng v. Wiley & Sons. In this decision, the Court ruled that the principle of copyright exhaustion as provided in Section 109(a) of the Copyright Act equally applies to products “lawfully made” in the United States as well as to products that have been “lawfully made” in foreign countries. This “revolutionary” decision came after almost two decades of conflicting positions, including two previous Supreme Court decisions that had failed to clarify the issue, notably Quality King v. L’anza and Costco v. Omega. Yet, a closer look at the decision, particularly at the concurring and dissenting opinions in the case, seems to show that Supreme Court’s position may have been a necessary step that the Court had to take in order to redress the ambiguities that continued to linger on the issue, especially in light of the additional uncertainty that the Court itself had injected into the interpretation of Section 109(a) with its decision in Quality King. Accordingly, more chapters may be awaiting to be written in this American saga on the territorial application of the principle of copyright exhaustion. As the concurring opinion in the case directly suggested, Congress could overrule the Supreme Court and clarify with a legislative amendment that the application of copyright exhaustion in the United States is not international but instead national exhaustion for all products. Calls for copyright reforms not surprisingly, started just days after the decision in Kirtsaeng. Furthermore, even if the Court’s decision would survive future reforms, copyright owners continue to have alternative means, such as contractual clauses and technical measures, to largely reduce the positive effects of the decision for international trade.
Memory mechanisms: The yin and yang of protein phosphorylation

Protein phosphorylation has long been known to play a key role in triggering the synaptic changes underlying learning and memory. Recent studies highlight the importance of tightly regulated dephosphorylation as a mechanism controlling the induction of long-term synaptic change and lasting memory.
Determinants of Consumer Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction with the Performance of Apparel Products

The purpose of the study was to investigate determinants of consumer satisfaction and dissatisfaction (CS/D) with the performance of apparel products at the purchase and productconsumption stages. An experimental design was used. The sample consisted of 120 students enrolled at a university located in a metropolitan area in the midwestern United States. Results showed that performance expectation was a significant determinant of CS/D at the purchase stage. Perception of product performance and confirmation or disconfirmation between perceived product performance and experience-based norm were also significantly related to CS/D at purchase. Results indicated that the perception of product performance and confirmation or disconfirmation between perceived product performance and expectation held during purchase were also significant determinants of CS/D at the product-consumption stage. CS/D at purchase was also significantly related to CS/D at the product-consumption stage.
On the processing of information: Probabilistic and otherwise

Abstract The suggestion is made that probability estimation is not a useful method for the study of probabilistic information processing (PIP) of naive subjects. It is felt that results from probability estimation studies provide more information about response processes than about PIP as such. A plea is made for a more serious consideration of descriptive models of decision making behavior. Two models of opinion revision are described that use Bayes' theorem as a starting point, but include the consideration of human error. Finally, a more complex PIP model, which exists in the form of a computer program, is briefly described.
Early ischemic ultrastructural and histochemical alterations in the myocardium of the rat following coronary artery occlusion.

Abstract The early ultrastructural and histochemical changes in the myocardium following coronary artery occlusion in the rat were studied. Hearts from rats in which the left main coronary artery had been occluded for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 180 min were examined. Evidence of damage to myocardial cells and the microvasculature was present at 5 min of ischemia and became progressively more severe with time. Both by electron microscopic and histochemical techniques glycogen depletion was observed within 10 min of the onset of ischemia; neutral fat accumulated at 60 to 180 min of ischemia, predominately in apparently viable cells surrounding the cells with more severe ischemic injury. Loss of oxidative enzyme activity, as determined histochemically, lagged behind ultrastructural evidence of mitochondrial damage. Thus morphologic evidence of ischemic myocardial damage occurs earlier in the rat than in dogs. Wavy fibers were identified in the ischemic zone, but showed less ultrastructural damage than other cells in the same microscopic fields. By histochemical techniques, wavy fibers in the ischemic zone showed glycogen loss but still had oxidative enzyme activity 3 hr after the occlusion.
Characterizing and correcting gradient errors in non‐cartesian imaging: Are gradient errors linear time‐invariant (LTI)?

Non-Cartesian and rapid imaging sequences are more sensitive to scanner imperfections such as gradient delays and eddy currents. These imperfections vary between scanners and over time and can be a significant impediment to successful implementation and eventual adoption of non-Cartesian techniques by scanner manufacturers. Differences between the k-space trajectory desired and the trajectory actually acquired lead to misregistration and reduction in image quality. While early calibration methods required considerable scan time, more recent methods can work more quickly by making certain approximations. We examine a rapid gradient calibration procedure applied to multiecho three-dimensional projection reconstruction (3DPR) acquisitions in which the calibration runs as part of every scan. After measuring the trajectories traversed for excitations on each of the orthogonal gradient axes, trajectories for the oblique projections actually acquired during the scan are synthesized as linear combinations of these measurements. The ability to do rapid calibration depends on the assumption that gradient errors are linear and time-invariant (LTI). This work examines the validity of these assumptions and shows that the assumption of linearity is reasonable, but that gradient errors can vary over short time periods (due to changes in gradient coil temperature) and thus it is important to use calibration data matched to the scan data.
Queer Theory, Historicism, and Early Modern Sexualities

There was a time in Renaissance studies when any acknowledgment of the presence of homosexuality in a poem or play was likely to be accompanied by indignant or apologetic disavowals. Publishing Shakespeare's Bawdy (1947) at a time when "all editions of Shakespeare intended for use in schools were bowd lerized," Eric Partridge protected himself by coming out as one of those rational "heterosexual persons" who must find the notion of a homosexual Shakespeare ludicrous. C. S. Lewis, writing a few years later, could not deny the overt homo eroticism of Richard Barnfield's poetry, but could still express his distaste for the poet's sexual and artistic failures: "His sonnets, like The Affectionate Shepherd, are pederastic, whether because Barnfield suffered in fact from the most uninterest ing of all misfortunes or in a sheer humanist frenzy of imitation."1 During the last quarter century, literary scholars of diverse critical and polit ical stripes have given sustained and rigorous attention not only to Renaissance homosexuality, but also to graphically sexual topics such as bestiality and enemas in A Midsummer's Night Dream and fisting in Coriolanus.2 Yet at least one recent
The Maljamar CO2 Pilot: Review and Results

This paper presents the results of a CO/sub 2/ flood pilot performed in the Permian Age carbonate rock formations of the Maljamar Cooperative Agreement (MCA) Unit. Field background and pilot development are reviewed. Injection and production history are presented, along with an evaluation of the pilot. A summary of the observation well logging results is also given.
Cadherin 23 and protocadherin 15 interact to form tip-link filaments in sensory hair cells.

Hair cells of the inner ear are so-called because of the hair-like projections, or stereocilia, that protrude from their apical surface. Sound-induced stereocilial motion is thought to be coupled to mechanoelectrical transduction channels via the 'tip links' that connect stereocilia to one another. Kazmierczak et al. now report the composition of mammalian tip links. They are formed by the interaction of two members of the family of calcium-dependent cell adhesion proteins, cadherin and protocadherin 15. Interestingly, mutation of these cadherins causes deafness in humans and one such mutation disrupts the interaction between the two molecules. Hair cells of the inner ear have stereocilia that protrude from their apical surface. Sound-induced stereocilial motion is thought to be coupled to mechanoelectrical transduction channels by means of the 'tip links' that connect stereocilia to one another. This paper reports the composition of mammalian tip links cadherin 23 and protocadherin 15 and show how the two molecules interact. Interestingly, mutation of these cadherins causes deafness in humans. Hair cells of the inner ear are mechanosensors that transduce mechanical forces arising from sound waves and head movement into electrochemical signals to provide our sense of hearing and balance. Each hair cell contains at the apical surface a bundle of stereocilia. Mechanoelectrical transduction takes place close to the tips of stereocilia in proximity to extracellular tip-link filaments that connect the stereocilia and are thought to gate the mechanoelectrical transduction channel1,2,3. Recent reports on the composition4,5,6,7,8, properties and function9,10,11 of tip links are conflicting29. Here we demonstrate that two cadherins that are linked to inherited forms of deafness in humans12,13,14,15 interact to form tip links. Immunohistochemical studies using rodent hair cells show that cadherin 23 (CDH23) and protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) localize to the upper and lower part of tip links, respectively. The amino termini of the two cadherins co-localize on tip-link filaments. Biochemical experiments show that CDH23 homodimers interact in trans with PCDH15 homodimers to form a filament with structural similarity to tip links. Ions that affect tip-link integrity and a mutation in PCDH15 that causes a recessive form of deafness16 disrupt interactions between CDH23 and PCDH15. Our studies define the molecular composition of tip links and provide a conceptual base for exploring the mechanisms of sensory impairment associated with mutations in CDH23 and PCDH15.
A Multi-objective, Return on Investment Analysis for Freshwater Conservation Planning

Efforts toward systematic conservation planning for freshwaters have progressed less than similar efforts in terrestrial and marine environments. Although there are important differences, many of the tools that have been used in terrestrial and marine systems can also be used for freshwater conservation planning. In this paper, we used return on investment (ROI) analysis to identify optimal riparian land conservation portfolios under different objectives. Our overarching research question is: how do different strategies for evaluating ROI objectives influence the resulting conservation portfolio and the outcome of interest, lake water quality? We examined agricultural riparian land investments to improve water quality in 55 inland lakes in southwestern Michigan. We simulated investments and compared the ROIs for the following strategies: (1) economic; (2) ecological; and (3) environmental policy. Furthermore, as a reference point, we also compared the resulting three conservation portfolios to that derived by simulating riparian land enrollment under the Conservation Reserve Program. We found that (1) investments in freshwater resources through the conservation of riparian land were more effective than the conservation of randomly selected parcels of similar land area in the catchment; (2) the costs and benefits of riparian land conservation varied considerably among lakes; (3) the choice of investment objectives, and therefore ROI strategies, resulted in very different conservation portfolios; (4) the simulated enrollment process of the Conservation Reserve Program fared poorly in terms of improving lake water quality as compared to the three strategies.
Differential Effects of Fixed Instructional Ratios on Students' Progress in Reading

The impact of differential instructional ratios of known/unknown vocabulary words during a drill procedure in reading was investigated. A total of 42 average to low-average children between second and fifth grade participated in the study. Based on the model of Curriculum-based Assessment described by Gickling and Havertape (1981), a flashcard drill intervention was employed that presented known and unknown words under one of four treatment conditions: (a) 90% known to 10% unknown words; (b) 80% known to 20% unknown words; (c) 60% known to 40% unknown words; and (d) 50%o known to 50% unknown words. Pre-and posttest data were obtained on oral reading fluency, comprehension, and reading from grade-level vocabulary word lists. Additionally, bi-weekly CBM reading probes were obtained. Differences across the four conditions were evaluated at the end of an 8-week daily drill intervention. The results tended to provide partial support for Gickling's suggested drill ratios.
Neural network design using Voronoi diagrams

A novel approach is proposed which determines the number of layers, the number of neurons in each layer, and their connection weights for a particular implementation of a neural network, with the multilayer feedforward topology, designed to classify patterns in the multidimensional feature space. The approach is based on construction of a Voronoi diagram over the set of points representing patterns in feature space and this finds added usefulness in deriving alternate neural network structures for realizing the desired pattern classification. >
K 1 of exact categories by mirror image sequences

We establish a presentation for K1 of any small exact category P, based on the notion of “mirror image sequence,” originally introduced by Grayson in 1979; as part of the proof, we show that every element of K1(P) arises from a mirror image sequence. This provides an alternative to Nenashev's presentation in terms of “double short exact sequences.”
Toward a Culture of Humanism: A Proposal for the Future of Bioethics Education in Medicine

In this commentary, I argue that medical education is the crucial factor that must be developed and reformed if real progress is to be made in the discipline of bioethics in the future. How should we teach bioethics in a way which makes a significant difference to our students? Do they act on what we teach—what they see as real and relevant? To address these critical questions, I first define the pedagogically important relationship between descriptive, deliberative, and prescriptive bioethics, and suggest that descriptive ethics informs the latter two, which in turn relate in a “dynamic equilibrium.” I then outline three important tasks for medical ethics educators over the coming decades: (1) rededication to teaching philosophy in a way which is both engaging and learnercentered; (2) commitment to outcomes-oriented data on the efficacy of teaching bioethics; and (3) responsibility for expanding the vision of bioethics education to encompass the institution in a culture of humanism.
Simple non-invasive biomarkers of advanced fibrosis in the evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background and aims. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common, morbid disease with profound implications for the overall health of the patient. We set out to determine the clinical predictors of advanced histology in the referral population. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of all biopsy-proven NAFLD patients, including 358 unique patients first seen between 1996 and 2009. Liver histology and ultrasound images were reviewed prospectively by clinicians who were blinded to clinical information and test indication. Results. Compared with men, women tended to present at an older age (51.4 10.6 vs 45.3 11.2 years, P 40 IU/L (OR 2.00; 95% CI: 1.14–3.55) were associated with a NAFLD activity score >4. The sensitivity and specificity of an AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) >1 for significant fibrosis was 30.0% (95% CI: 17.2–45.4%) and 92.8% (95% CI: 88.295.8%), respectively; the likelihood ratio is 4.2. In multivariate logistic regression, APRI >1 was the most significant predictor of advanced fibrosis (OR 3.85; 95% CI: 1.55–9.59). In patients without ultrasound-detected steatosis, 20% had advanced fibrosis and 16.7% had active NASH. Conclusion. Patients with suspected NAFLD should routinely be evaluated for advanced liver disease, including non-invasive indices of fibrosis such as APRI, and serious consideration given to liver biopsy.
The role of enteral fat as a modulator of body composition after small bowel resection.

Background After massive small bowel resection (SBR), a postoperative diet high in fat is associated with enhanced villus growth. The purpose of this study was to further elucidate the quantity and composition of enteral fat in structural and metabolic changes after SBR. Methods C57/Bl6 mice underwent a 50% proximal SBR. Mice were then randomized to receive a low-fat diet (12% kcal fat), medium-fat diet (44% kcal fat), or high-fat diet (HFD; 71% kcal fat) ad libitum. In a separate experiment, mice underwent 50% proximal SBR and then were randomized to liquid diets of 42% kcal of fat in which the fat was composed of menhaden oil, milk fat, or olive oil. After 2 weeks, mice underwent body composition analysis and the small intestine was harvested. Results Mice that ingested the greatest amount of enteral fat (HFD) had the greatest percent lean mass. When the effects of the different kinds of enteral fat were analyzed, mice that consumed menhaden oil had the greatest percent lean mass with the greatest overall retention of preoperative weight. Conclusion These findings suggest that enteral fat enriched in omega-3 fatty acids may offer clinically relevant metabolic advantages for patients with short gut syndrome.
Nonuniform Sampling and Recovery of Multidimensional Bandlimited Functions by Gaussian Radial-Basis Functions

Let S⊂ℝd be a bounded subset with positive Lebesgue measure. The Paley-Wiener space associated to S, PWS, is defined to be the set of all square-integrable functions on ℝd whose Fourier transforms vanish outside S. A sequence (xj:j∈ℕ) in ℝd is said to be a Riesz-basis sequence for L2(S) (equivalently, a complete interpolating sequence for PWS) if the sequence \((e^{-i\langle x_{j},\cdot \rangle }:j\in \mathbb {N})\) of exponential functions forms a Riesz basis for L2(S). Let (xj:j∈ℕ) be a Riesz-basis sequence for L2(S). Given λ>0 and f∈PWS, there is a unique sequence (aj) in l2 such that the function $$I_\lambda(f)(x):=\sum_{j\in \mathbb {N}}a_je^{-\lambda \|x-x_j\|_2^2},\quad x\in \mathbb {R}^d,$$ is continuous and square integrable on ℝd, and satisfies the condition Iλ(f)(xn)=f(xn) for every n∈ℕ. This paper studies the convergence of the interpolant Iλ(f) as λ tends to zero, i.e., as the variance of the underlying Gaussian tends to infinity. The following result is obtained: Let \(\delta\in(\sqrt{2/3},1]\) and \(0<\beta<\sqrt{3\delta^{2}-2}\). Suppose that δB2⊂Z⊂B2, and let (xj:j∈ℕ) be a Riesz basis sequence for L2(Z). If \(f\in PW_{\beta B_{2}}\), then \(f=\lim_{\lambda\to 0^{+}}I_{\lambda}(f)\) in L2(ℝd) and uniformly on ℝd. If δ=1, then one may take β to be 1 as well, and this reduces to a known theorem in the univariate case. However, if d≥2, it is not known whether L2(B2) admits a Riesz-basis sequence. On the other hand, in the case when δ<1, there do exist bodies Z satisfying the hypotheses of the theorem (in any space dimension).
Sensor Design Guidelines

This chapter focuses on introducing fundamental design principles of transducers, familiarizing readers who are new to this field with the common vocabulary used in describing transducer performance, and providing a succinct historical background about the implementation of thin films and nanostructures in sensors and analytical instruments. A systematic methodology and a sequence of guiding steps to follow in designing a transducer beginning with a concept, through materials selection, and transducer design and fabrication are presented. These steps are covered in more detail in subsequent chapters with concrete examples.
Histomorphologic observations for cynomolgus monkeys after subchronic subcutaneous injection of recombinant human interleukin-4.

Recombinant human interleukin-4 (rhuIL-4) is a candidate for the treatment of refractory cancer based on its potential to enhance the function of the immune system. Total daily dosages of 0 (placebo control), 1, 5, or 25 micrograms/kg of rhuIL-4 were given as divided (b.i.d.) subcutaneous dosages to male and female cynomolgus monkeys (5/sex/group) for 1 month followed by a 2-week recovery. Histomorphologic evaluation of 3/sex/group at 1 month revealed vascular lesions, granulocytic hyperplasia, and seminiferous tubular atrophy attributed to treatment with rhuIL-4. Dosage-dependent proliferative and inflammatory vascular lesions with eosinophil infiltration affected principally the arterial tree. After 2 weeks of recovery, these lesions, including chronic endarteritis and chronic and/or obliterative arteritis, occurred with an overall lower incidence, and were not observed for monkeys from the 1.0 micrograms/kg/day group. Granulocytic hyperplasia in bone marrow observed for monkeys from all groups given rhuIL-4 at 1 month was not present after 2 weeks of recovery. Seminiferous tubular atrophy was observed for monkeys from the 5 and 25 micrograms/kg/day groups at 1 month and after 2 weeks of recovery.
Bereavement after homicide. A comparison of treatment seekers and refusers.

BACKGROUND This brief report presents initial findings from a prospective descriptive study of adults after the homicide of a family member. Within the first year of bereavement, the responses and risk factors associated with unrecovered grief and post-traumatic stress disorder in subjects who requested or refused supportive psychotherapy were compared. METHOD Fifty-two adult members of 237 families contacted within three months of a homicide attended a specialised out-patient clinic (32 requested, and 20 refused, supportive therapy) after a structured interview and completion of measures of grief (TRIG), trauma (RIES and DES), and death imagery. RESULTS Only two risk factors (childhood history of sexual abuse and lack of religious faith) were associated with treatment seeking. Treatment-seeking subjects also scored significantly higher (P < 0.001) on all measures of grief, trauma, and intrusive re-enactment imagery of the dying. CONCLUSION Adults who seek therapy after the homicide of a family member are highly reactive to all measures of trauma, grief, and death imagery.
Minimum Weight Design of Cylindrical Shell with Multiple Stiffener Sizes

The minimum weight design for the simply supported orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shell with smearedout and discrete stiffeners subjected to axial compression is studied by a method of multipliers. The method for constraint function minimization proposed by Fletcher and Powell and the quasi-Newton method are used and compared. The difficulty in the formidably expensive computations of eigenvalues in the optimization process is circumvented by an approximate buckling formulation using extremely simple displacement functions. Expensive exact eigensolutton is, however, performed for the optimized design variables to check the buckling load obtained by the approximate method. Seven design variables and fourteen inequality constraints are used for a design with a single stiffener size. Eleven design variables and twenty-one inequality constraints are used for a design with two stiffener sizes. The two designs are compared and discussed. From the calculations presented the design with two stiffener- sizes can be lighter than the one with one stiffener size.
Optimal transistor sizing for CMOS VLSI circuits using modular artificial neural networks

The unpredictable variation in microelectronic circuits due to process tolerances increases significantly with increased levels of miniaturization. If ignored, the variation will result in poor manufacturing yield. If a worst-case approach is adopted, a loss of competitive edge results. This situation provides the motivation for efficient robust design of VLSI circuits. A method is proposed which generates a modular neural network MANN for mapping process level parameters to circuit performance. The MANN-an adaptive mixture of local experts competing to learn different aspects of a problem-is employed in performing extremely efficient optimization of the circuit yield at minimal cost. The MANN calculates circuit performance and optimizes yield with 97% accuracy at 20% of the cost of a full SPICE simulation.
Space is the Place: The Laws of Form and Social Systems

It is well known that Niklas Luhmann’s theory of social systems is grounded in Spencer-Brown’s seminal Laws of Form (LoF) or ‘calculus of indications’. It is also known that the reception of the la...
Comparison of MRI Perfusion and PET-CT in Differentiating Brain Tumor Progression From Radiation Injury After Cranial Irradiation

improved PFS, OS, and 1-year survival was also observed in the BEVArm, but the trial was not powered to detect statistical significance for these outcomes. The BEV arm caused more toxic deaths in this high risk cohort of patients. Acknowledgment: This research was supported by the Spanish Healthcare Research Fund FIS Project, grant EC08/00071. Author Disclosure: S. Villa: K. Advisory Board; Roche Labs. C. Balana: K. Advisory Board; Roche Labs. A. Conde: None. A. Lucas: None. V. Rodriguez: None. M. Zurita: None. R. De Las Penas: K. Advisory Board; Roche labs.M. Gil: K. Advisory Board; Roche labs. J. Sepulveda: K. Advisory Board; Roche labs. R. Luque: None.