cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The EMALT Score: An Improved Model for Prediction of Early Mortality in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Purpose:Needs, risks, and outcomes of patients admitted to a post liver transplant intensive care unit (POLTICU) differ in important ways from those admitted to pretransplant intensive care units (...
The Management of International Reporting Standards

In this article, I examine current financial reporting policy initiatives to improve the access of international companies to the U.S. capital market, one of the largest and lowest cost source of equity funding for non-U.S. registrants. The conventional wisdom underlying the management of international reporting standards is that active pursuit of a unified set of accounting and reporting standards is desirable (Sharpe 1999). The unanswered question at this point is, what constitutes an internationally-acceptable threshold? The major point of this article is the following. If the quest for an international reporting benchmark is to amount to something other than a theoretical goal, policymakers should embrace the realities of the marketplace.
Association analysis of exome variants and refraction, axial length, and corneal curvature in a European-American population.

Refractive errors, myopia, and hyperopia are common visual disorders greatly affecting older individuals. Refraction is determined by genetic factors but only a small percentage of its variation has been explained. We performed a genetic association analysis with three ocular phenotypes: spherical equivalent (a continous measure of refraction), axial length, and corneal curvature in 1,871 European-Americans from the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Individuals were genotyped on the Illumina exome array and imputed to the Haplotype Reference Consortium reference panel. After increasing the number of analyzed variants in targeted protein-coding regions 10-fold via imputation, we confirmed associations for two previously known loci with corneal curvature (chr4q12, rs2114039; g.55092626T > C, β = -0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]): -0.06, -0.01, P value = 0.01) and spherical equivalent (chr15q14, rs634990; g.35006073T > C, β = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.09, P value = 3.79 × 10-3 ). Despite increased single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density, we did not detect any novel significant variants after correction for multiple comparisons. In summary, we confirmed two previous loci associated with corneal curvature and spherical equivalent in a European-American population highlighting the potential biological role of those regions in these traits.
Standards in Human Vibration Litigation

Abstract This chapter presents a study of impact and vibration acceleration effects on the human body. The issue of human response to impact and vibration has been addressed in books, conference proceedings, theses, dissertations, reports, and refereed papers. Domestic guidelines/standards for human response to vibration are found in the American National Standards Institute and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. There are international guidelines/standards in the organizations of individual European countries. Furthermore, there are international consensus guidelines/standards by the International Standards Organization. Past work has concentrated primarily on the effect of impact and vibration exposure on men, both whole-body vibration from transport injuries and hand-arm vibration from the use of vibratory tools. An important aspect of developing effective guidelines and standards for vibration injury is the setting of standards. Responsible, standards-setting bodies take the work seriously and generally have a policy that requires periodic review to improve standards within their evolving contexts. Accepted practices for improving standards exist as well. Standards are reviewed periodically according to the standard developers' policies. After covering the fundamentals of vibration and the human body, the chapter turns to two case studies: Bartley et al. versus EUCLID, INC . (whole-body vibration injuries) and Potter et al. versus Chicago Pneumatic Tool et al. (hand-arm vibration injuries). The cases are complex, technically, biomechanically, and legally. However, in our view they are excellent teaching tools with forensic engineering analysis that illustrates for the reader the value of studying the interaction between biomechanics and products liability.
Spatial Coverage Measurement of Geo- Tagged Visual Data: A Database Approach

Due to the popularity of GPS-equipped cameras such as smartphones, geo-tagged image datasets are widely available and they became a good source to record every corner of urban streets and to understand people's everyday life. However, even in the presence of such large visual datasets, a simple question is not yet answered about how much such data cover a certain area spatially. For example, when we have millions of geo-tagged images in San Francisco, how do we know if this dataset visually covers the city completely or not in an intuitive way? Do we have visual coverage of a specific region from all directions or from only a certain direction? This paper provides an answer to such a question by introducing new measurement models to collectively quantify the spatial and directional coverage of a geo-tagged image dataset for a given geographical region. Our experimental results using large real datasets demonstrate that our proposed models are able to well represent the spatial coverage of a geo-tagged image dataset, which is comparable to human perception.
Acoustic Tag State Estimation with Unsynchronized Hydrophones on AUVs

This paper presents an underwater robotic sensor system for localizing acoustic transmitters when the robot's hydrophones cannot be time-synchronized. The development of the system is motivated by applications where tracking of marine animals that are tagged with an underwater acoustic transmitter is required. The system uses two novel real-time calibration algorithms that improve the accuracy of time of flight (TOF) and time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements. The first algorithm corrects non-linear clock skews in TOF measurements based on temperature variation. The second algorithm compensates the localized relative clock skew between clocks using a mixed integer linear program. To validate the system's performance, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was deployed to track a moving tag where GPS data was used as ground truth. Compared to traditional TOF and TDOA filtering methods, the results show that the proposed system can achieve reduction of mean localization errors by 59%, and a reduction of the standard deviation of measurements by 44%.
International Pro-Consuls and Marginalized Élites: The Security Syntheses and the Élite Fight for Survival

In this chapter I show how the effort of the international community to establish institutions that would serve their objectives ran against the vital interests of the Albanian elites. The mandate of the international administration was set to achieve the political objectives of the great powers. The mandate given to the international administration was based on a project that intentionally ignored the security synthesis of the people of Kosova, Serbs and Albanians alike. These ethnies, and their elites, expected the international administration to take their side unconditionally and without any support for the other side. The Serbs were calling on the UNSC Resolution 1244. The Albanian politicians were relying on the strength of the support by their nation.
The Future of the Natural Systems Sciences

This paper is the latest in a series that taken together provide an historical and taxonomic panorama of the new sciences of “system ness ” or complexity. It does not try to discriminate between the three or four major domains of the systems sciences. It does not try to define the uses and abuses of, and confusion between, the terms “ system, ” “ systems analysis, ” “ sciences of complexity, ” “ science of chaos, ” “ general systems theory, ” “ system science, ” or “ the systems sciences. ” Instead, it regards all of these activities and the holistic intellectual movements that feed into them, as one, as yet unsynthesized and unintegrated superspecialty. This paper assumes that there is sufficient similarity in all “ mature ” systems that transference of descriptive models, diagnosis of problems, prescription of remedies, and cross-application or cross-fertilization of tools and methods is not only desirable, but is in fact urgently needed. It also assumes that a significant increase of knowledge of natural systems will enable a much more mature social application of that knowledge. So, while the focus of the paper is on natural systems, it should be of use to both natural and social scientists. One special caveat is necessary. The organizers of the World Congress reąuested the specific title of this paper. They and the author realize that no one person can adequately capture the potential of a new field. We apologize in advance for any omissions or errors you discover.
Assessing the relationship between food insecurity and mortality among U.S. adults.

Abstract Purpose Significant evidence supports a relationship between food insecurity and health, but little work has investigated its relationship on all-cause mortality within a high resource country, such as the United States. Methods Data from the 2003–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was matched to National Death Index information. Cox models were used to study the relationship between mortality and food insecurity, adjusting for relevant covariates in a sequential manner (demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle variables, body mass index). Food insecurity was used as dichotomous and as four categories. Results Of 20,918 participants, 11.6% (representing 208,789,244 U.S. residents) were food insecure. When food insecurity was dichotomized, there was 49% higher odds of mortality after adjusting for demographics (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.19–1.87). After adjusting for comorbidities, the HR remained significant, but lost significance with adjustment for lifestyle factors and body mass index (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.94–1.42). However, marginal food security lost significance after adjustment for lifestyle variables. Conclusions Food insecurity significantly impacts all-cause mortality in the United States; however, lifestyle may explain this relationship. Interventions should account for level of severity when creating targeted programs.
INCIDENCE AND OUTCOMES OF CARDIOGENIC SHOCK IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS COMPLICATED BY ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock (CS). Sepsis can predispose to the development of AMI and is also a known cause of CS. The incidence and outcomes of CS with the clinical phenotype of sepsis-AMI are not well studied. We analyzed the United States
'Era mejor cuando éramos ilegales' (it was better when we were illegals): Indigenous people, the State and 'public interest' indigenous radio stations in Colombia

This article discusses the intervention of the Colombian State in the development of indigenous radio stations, focusing on the case of the Misak and Nasa communities. As shown, these radio stations have had different contributions in these indigenous communities, such as forging a new generation of leaders, promoting their languages, and encouraging political mobilisation. However, these media projects have also brought new challenges for these communities, calling for a more careful consideration of the complexities of state intervention in community radio projects. This article contributes to a better understanding of the impact of state intervention in indigenous media, by focusing on three main features that illustrate some of the unintended consequences of these projects: 1) contradictory state legislation that, instead of empowering indigenous media projects, tamed their political potential; 2) the ‘natural’ role of radio stations as a ‘modern disruptors’ (Appadurai, 1996) that may have positives as well as negative consequence in the changes they generate in indigenous communities; and 3) the internal political struggles within these indigenous communities.
Evaluating Clonal Hematopoiesis in Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocytes in Breast Cancer and Secondary Hematologic Malignancies

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the foundations of adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer. As a complication of cytotoxic regimens, breast cancer patients are at risk for therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs). These t-MNs are commonly refractory to antileukemic therapies and result in poor patient outcomes. We previously demonstrated that somatic mutations in leukemia-related genes are present in the tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILeuks) of a subset of early breast cancers. Here, we performed genomic analysis of microdissected breast cancer tumor cells and TILeuks from seven breast cancer patients who subsequently developed leukemia. In four patients, mutations present in the leukemia were detected in breast cancer TILeuks. This finding suggests that TILeuks in the primary breast cancer may harbor the ancestor of the future leukemogenic clone. Additional research is warranted to ascertain whether infiltrating mutant TILeuks could constitute a biomarker for the development of t-MN and to determine the functional consequences of mutant TILeuks.
Efficiently approximating selectivity functions using low overhead regression models

Today's query optimizers use fast selectivity estimation techniques but are known to be susceptible to large estimation errors. Recent work on supervised learned models for selectivity estimation significantly improves accuracy while ensuring relatively low estimation overhead. However, these models impose significant model construction cost as they need large numbers of training examples and computing selectivity labels is costly for large datasets. We propose a novel model construction method that incrementally generates training data and uses approximate selectivity labels, that reduces total construction cost by an order of magnitude while preserving most of the accuracy gains. The proposed method is particularly attractive for model designs that are faster-to-train for a given number of training examples, but such models are known to support a limited class of query expressions. We broaden the applicability of such supervised models to the class of select-project-join query expressions with range predicates and IN clauses. Our extensive evaluation on synthetic benchmark and real-world queries shows that the 95th-percentile error of our proposed models is 10-100X better than traditional selectivity estimators. We also demonstrate significant gains in plan quality as a result of improved selectivity estimates.
Fetal/neonatal neurology training for neurologists

The survey of child neurologists and neurodevelopmentalists (CN/NDDs) presented in this issue of Neurology ® by Aravamuthan and colleagues1 suggests guidelines to encourage earlier referrals of children who are suspected of having cerebral palsy (CP). This survey was conducted given the high percentage of patients who were not diagnosed by CN/NNDs. Guidelines would leverage the skills of CN/NNDs, who are specifically trained to diagnose phenotypic mimics of static encephalopathies, particularly atypical and progressive disorders with associated genetic etiologies. The authors suggest that earlier and more accurate diagnoses would enhance anticipatory guidance for treatment interventions and prognosis given the complex comorbid conditions associated with CP. Future directions in training and experience were discussed to better prepare CN/NNDs for CP diagnoses.
Automated mortgage origination delay detection from textual conversations

Abstract For modern mortgage firms, the process of setting up and verifying a new loan, known as origination, is complex and multifaceted. The literature notes that this process is rife with delays that can stunt the firm's business opportunities, but no modern analytical techniques have been developed to address the problem. In this paper, we suggest the use of text analytic and machine learning techniques to predict likely delays. In collaboration with a large national mortgage firm, we derive a large dataset of transcripts from employees' communications pertaining to potential loans. We first use information retrieval to generate an initial list of “seed terms,” or terms most associated with loans that were delayed. We then use an array of machine learning approaches to generate predictive models based upon these seed terms. We find that these approaches are comparable in performance to less interpretable state-of-the-art approaches utilizing word embeddings. The resultant models offer interpretable and high-performing solutions to mitigate the risk of delays through early risk detection.
Prevalence of self-reported obesity among diverse Latino adult populations in New York City, 2013-2017.

Introduction Latinos in the United States represent a heterogeneous population disproportionally impacted by obesity. Yet, the prevalence of obesity by specific Latino group is unclear. Using the New York City Community Health Survey (2013-2017), this study compared self-reported obesity in the city's largest Latino adult populations (Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Dominicans, Ecuadorians, and Colombians). Methods Age-standardized prevalence using the 2000 Census and prevalence ratios (PRs) for self-reported obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) by country of origin were estimated using weighted multivariable logistic regression adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, health status, and behaviors. Results Obesity prevalence among Mexicans (36.8%; 95% CI [31.5, 42.4]) and Puerto Ricans (36.3%; 95% CI [31.7, 41.3]) was significantly higher than that among Colombians (23.8%; 95% CI [18.8, 29.5]), Ecuadorians (24.2%; 95% CI [20.7, 28.1]), and Dominicans (27.0%; 95% CI [25.0, 29.1]). After adjusting for covariates, compared to Mexicans, the PRs of obesity remained significantly lower for Colombians (PR = 0.80; 95% CI [0.64, 1.00]), Ecuadorians (PR = 0.72; 95% CI [0.61, 0.86]) and Dominicans (PR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.65, 0.85]). There was no significant difference between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. Conclusion Obesity prevalence differs by country of origin, suggesting that clustering of Latinos in public health research may obscure unique risks among specific groups. Despite group differences, all Latino groups exhibit high prevalence of obesity and warrant renewed efforts tailored to the specific context and culture of each group to prevent and reduce obesity.
Learning Embeddings that Capture Spatial Semantics for Indoor Navigation.

Incorporating domain-specific priors in search and navigation tasks has shown promising results in improving generalization and sample complexity over end-to-end trained policies. In this work, we study how object embeddings that capture spatial semantic priors can guide search and navigation tasks in a structured environment. We know that humans can search for an object like a book, or a plate in an unseen house, based on the spatial semantics of bigger objects detected. For example, a book is likely to be on a bookshelf or a table, whereas a plate is likely to be in a cupboard or dishwasher. We propose a method to incorporate such spatial semantic awareness in robots by leveraging pre-trained language models and multi-relational knowledge bases as object embeddings. We demonstrate using these object embeddings to search a query object in an unseen indoor environment. We measure the performance of these embeddings in an indoor simulator (AI2Thor). We further evaluate different pre-trained embedding onSuccess Rate(SR) and success weighted by Path Length(SPL).
Implementation of a Nurse Practitioner Led CNS Follow-Up and Survivorship Clinic in a NCI-Designated Cancer Center.

Purpose/objective(s) The role of the advanced practice provider (APP) in radiation oncology (RO) is not well defined but it has been shown that the APP can provide safe and efficient patient care. Most APPs are certified for primary care without specific concentration in oncology or RO during formal training. There are very limited fellowships available to train APPs before providing care in a specialty setting such as RO and even fewer resources for disease-site specific training. The purpose of this work is to describe our workflow and integration of a Nurse Practitioner (NP) into the RO clinic with a specific emphasis on independent management of a central nervous system (CNS) follow-up and survivorship clinic. Materials/methods MDs and NPs provide services for our NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center which includes 10 hospitals/clinics with services/technology including external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GK) and proton beam therapy. The hospital which is designated for GK includes 7 radiation oncologists (3 subspecializing in CNS diseases), 2 neurosurgeons who perform GK, and 2 NPs. Within this hospital, a NP assumed leadership of our CNS follow up clinic. We herein reviewed the clinical workflow for implementing this service and evaluated metrics associated with this clinic. Results In 2019, a NP assumed leadership for our CNS follow up clinic. Upon development of this workflow, our CNS radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons developed standardized imaging and follow up schedules for the various CNS diseases treated. The MDs provided education to the NP on management of CNS radiation side effects and imaging review. For 3-6 months prior to implementation of our clinic, the NP saw follow ups in conjunction with the radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon. This provided confidence to the NP and MDs to ensure the images were reviewed properly and the patients were satisfied with their quality of care. Given the complexity of imaging review, the NP introduced a weekly CNS imaging review meeting during which the imaging of all follow ups are reviewed. The NP also became the organizer of a bimonthly CNS tumor conference. In 2020 the NP provided independent management of the clinic and saw 360 CNS specific follow ups (out of 1,040 of their total follow ups) accounting for 35% of their practice. This correlated with an approximate increase of 10% in the number of consultations RO providers saw during this time period. In 2020, the NP's overall patient satisfaction score was 94.9% compared to an average of 90% for all RO providers. Conclusion A CNS follow up clinic led by a NP was successfully implemented at our NCI Designated Cancer Center. This service was associated with excellent patient care and satisfaction and provided additional time and effort for our RO providers and neurosurgeons to see new consults and perform procedures. With specialty training from the radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon, an APP can be a critical asset to the RO team specifically in the CNS setting.
Learning and Approximating the Optimal Strategy to Commit To

Computing optimal Stackelberg strategies in general two-player Bayesian games (not to be confused with Stackelberg strategies in routing games) is a topic that has recently been gaining attention, due to their application in various security and law enforcement scenarios. Earlier results consider the computation of optimal Stackelberg strategies, given that all the payoffs and the prior distribution over types are known. We extend these results in two different ways. First, we consider learning optimal Stackelberg strategies. Our results here are mostly positive. Second, we consider computing approximately optimal Stackelberg strategies. Our results here are mostly negative.
Crecimiento y productividad en las industrias brasileñas. Efectos de la orientación del comercio exterior

Introduccion. La relacion entre productividad, aumento del producto y expansion de las exportaciones ha merecido una atencion cada vez mayor en la bibliografia contemporanea de la politica comercial y del desarrollo. Como la productividad es un determinante potencial de importancia de la ventaja comparativa en los plazos mediano y largo, se han postulado varias hipotesis para explicar posibles vinculos entre las diferencias sectoriales en el comportameinto de la productividad y el comercio, en particular en los paises en desarrollo. No obstante la diversidad de explicaciones que se han postulado, hasta ahora no se ha llegado a consenso alguno acerca de cual debe merecer mas atencion...
Genetic control and evolution of sexually dimorphic characters in Drosophila

Sexually dimorphic abdominal pigmentation and segment morphology evolved recently in the melanogaster species group of the fruitfly Drosophila . Here we show that these traits are controlled by the bric-a-brac (bab) gene, which integrates regulatory inputs from the homeotic and sex-determination pathways. bab expression is modulated segment- and sex-specifically in sexually dimorphic species, but is uniform in sexually monomorphic species. We suggest that bab has an ancestral homeotic function, and that regulatory changes at the bab locus played a key role in the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Pigmentation patterns specified by bab affect mating preferences, suggesting that sexual selection has contributed to the evolution of bab regulation.
The significance of placental/fetal weight ratios

Abstract The placental coefficient (placental weight/fetal weight) was determined in 956 third trimester births in order to ascertain and define the abnormally small or large placenta. With the described methods, any term infant with a placental coefficient less than 0.10 and greater than 0.18 may be considered to have a relatively small or large placenta. Any coefficient less than 0.08 or greater than 0.2 at term may be considered to be associated with an abnormally small or large placenta. The data are presented and discussed in respect to the clinical significance and applicability. It seems that marked deviations in the placental coefficient are associated with perinatal adversities.
High performance 1300-nm dilute-nitride quantum well lasers by MOCVD

InGaAsN QW active lasers have shown promise as the material of choice for the active region of 1300-nm GaAs-based VCSELs. One of the challenges of growing InGaAsN QW lasers by MOCVD is due to the difficulties in incorporating N into the InGaAs QW, while maintaining a high optical quality film. The low purity of the N-precursor used in MOCVD (U-Dimethylhydrazine) is suspected as a possible reason for the low optical quality of MOCVD-grown InGaAsN QWs. In our approach, U-Dimethylhydrazine and AsH/sub 3/ are utilized in the growth of our InGaAsN QW.
Structural Mechanisms of Nucleosome Recognition by Linker Histones.

Linker histones bind to the nucleosome and regulate the structure of chromatin and gene expression. Despite more than three decades of effort, the structural basis of nucleosome recognition by linker histones remains elusive. Here, we report the crystal structure of the globular domain of chicken linker histone H5 in complex with the nucleosome at 3.5 A resolution, which is validated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The globular domain sits on the dyad of the nucleosome and interacts with both DNA linkers. Our structure integrates results from mutation analyses and previous cross-linking and fluorescence recovery after photobleach experiments, and it helps resolve the long debate on structural mechanisms of nucleosome recognition by linker histones. The on-dyad binding mode of the H5 globular domain is different from the recently reported off-dyad binding mode of Drosophila linker histone H1. We demonstrate that linker histones with different binding modes could fold chromatin to form distinct higher-order structures.
Phenomenological research methods.

Research methods are plans used in the pursuit of knowledge. They are outlines of investigative journeys, laying out previously developed paths, which, if followed by researchers, are supposed to lead to valid knowledge. These paths are drawn on maps based on assumptions about the nature of reality and the processes of human understanding. The map developed for Western science during the past three centuries is based on the notion that reality consists of natural objects and that knowledge is a description of these objects as they exist in themselves. The purpose of the paths laid out on this map is to eliminate the distorting influence of personal perspective and the subjective properties of researchers.
Manganese(I) poly(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate complexes: spectroscopic and structural characterization of Mn⋯H–B interactions in solution and in the solid state

The manganese(I) tricarbonyl complexes (BmR)Mn(CO)3 (R = Me, Bz, But, p-Tol) and (PhBmMe)Mn(CO)3, the first bis(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate derivatives for this metal, have been readily prepared and fully characterized. In particular, the presence of three-center–two-electron Mn⋯H–B interactions in these species, both in solution and in the solid state, has been investigated using a combination of IR and NMR spectroscopies and, in the case of the methyl-, tert-butyl- and para-tolyl-substituted derivatives, by X-ray crystallography. To complement these synthetic and structural studies, the tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate complexes (TmMe)Mn(CO)3 (R = Me, Bz, But, p-Tol) and (PhTmMe)Mn(CO)3, as well as the related pyrazolylbis(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate (pzBmMe)Mn(CO)3, have also been synthesized and characterized by a combination of analytical and spectroscopic techniques.
Measurement of interrater agreement with adjustment for covariates.

SUMMARY The kappa coefficient measures chance-corrected agreement between two observers in the dichotomous classification of subjects. The marginal probability of classification by each rater may depend on one or more confounding variables, however. Failure to account for these confounders may lead to inflated estimates of agreement. A multinomial model is used that assumes both raters have the same marginal probability of classification, but this probability may depend on one or more covariates. The model may be fit using software for conditional logistic regression. Additionally, likelihood-based confidence intervals for the parameter representing agreement may be computed. A simple example is discussed to illustrate model-fitting and application of the technique.
Mapping neural circuits in the mammalian brain: scanning laser photostimulation in vitro

Determination of the organization, sign and strength of neuronal circuitry has resisted conventional anatomical and electrophysiological methods; it has proved particularly difficult to discretely activate isolated single circuits within the network of connections in the mammalian brain slice. Traditional electrical stimulating electrodes are poor tools for a detailed investigation of the organization of functional connections within brain slices, as they lack good spatial resolution and activate multiple neuronal circuits simultaneously. Scanning laser photostimulation offers many advantages over this and other current approaches: spatial resolution is superb, fibers of passage are not activated, and thousands of presynaptic locations can be stimulated. With this approach, caged neurotransmitters are activated in a restricted region of the brain slice by photolysis with a UV argon laser. Combining computer-controlled positioning of the laser light and whole cell recording in brain slices allows the construction of detailed maps of the position, strength, sign and number of inputs converging on a single postsynaptic neuron. We describe the technique of photostimulation, outline the instrumentation necessary to implement it, and discuss the interpretation of photostimulation- derived data. Finally, we will present examples of mapping circuits in the mammalian visual cortex using this approach. Although only recently developed, scanning laser photostimulation offers neuroscientists a powerful tool for determining the organization and function of local brain circuits.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An Essential Function of Yeast Cyclin-dependent Kinase Cdc28 Maintains Chromosome Stability

Multiple surveillance pathways maintain genomic integrity in yeast during mitosis. Although the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28 is a well established regulator of mitotic progression, evidence for a direct role in mitotic surveillance has been lacking. We have now implicated a conserved sequence in the Cdc28 carboxyl terminus in maintaining chromosome stability through mitosis. Six temperature-sensitive mutants were isolated via random mutagenesis of 13 carboxyl-terminal residues. These mutants identify a Cdc28 domain necessary for proper mitotic arrest in the face of kinetochore defects or microtubule inhibitors. These chromosome stability-defective cdc28(CST) mutants inappropriately continue mitosis when the mitotic spindle is disrupted at 23 degrees C, display high rates of spontaneous chromosome loss at 30 degrees C, and suffer catastrophic aneuploidy at 35 degrees C. A dosage suppression screen identified Cak1, a kinase known to phosphorylate and activate Cdc28, as a specific high copy suppressor of cdc28(CST) temperature sensitivity and chromosome instability. Suppression is independent of the kinase activity of Cak1, suggesting that Cak1 may bind to the carboxyl terminus to serve a non-catalytic role in assembly and/or stabilization of active Cdc28 complexes. Significantly, these studies implicate Cdc28 and Cak1 in an essential surveillance function required to maintain genetic stability through mitosis.
Idiopathic temporal bone encephaloceles in the obese patient

Objectives Our aims were to introduce temporal bone encephalocele (TBE) to the differential diagnosis of persistent middle ear effusion, cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea, or chronic otitis media in obese adults and to demonstrate the basic pathophysiologic principles of morbid obesity as it may lead to the cascade of increased intra-abdominal pressure, increased central venous pressure, benign increased intracranial pressure, and TBE. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records was performed to determine the location, nature, and etiology of the encephaloceles identified at our institution from 1989 to 2005. Body mass index was calculated from the patient height and weight data. Results Eight patients with spontaneous, idiopathic TBE were identified. Body mass index values ranged from 32.0 to 67.5 kg/m2 with a mean of 48.6 kg/m2. All patients identified with a spontaneous, idiopathic TBE were obese. Conclusion TBE is associated with morbid obesity in our population and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating mastoid and middle ear disease in the morbidly obese.
Stability analysis of a decentralized controller for a mobile robot

A composite system model for a wheeled mobile robot is proposed. The overall system can be thought of as a composite of two subsystems: one is the vehicle with m degrees of freedom, and the other is the robot arm with n degrees of freedom. The interconnections between them are interactive forces. A simplified decentralized controller for the two subsystems is proposed and the resulting closed-loop error systems are modelled as a composite of two error subsystems. The interconnections between the error subsystems are mismatches on interactive forces. Conditions are derived for stability when the interconnections are not completely known. An interesting conclusion is that we can choose arbitrarily large weighting gains to decrease the trajectory errors without increasing the magnitude of the physical control torques.
New light on GVHD prevention

The holy grail of allogeneic stem cell transplantation is to establish a donor immune system in the recipient without causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Differences in the antigens presented to T cells by GVHD target tissues and by recipient malignant cells or viruses form the basis for
Influenza B Virus BM2 Protein Has Ion Channel Activity that Conducts Protons across Membranes

Successful uncoating of the influenza B virus in endosomes is predicted to require acidification of the interior of the virus particle. We report that a virion component, the BM2 integral membrane protein, when expressed in Xenopus oocytes or in mammalian cells, causes acidification of the cells and possesses ion channel activity consistent with proton conduction. Furthermore, coexpression of BM2 with hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein prevents HA from adopting its low-pH-induced conformation during transport to the cell surface, and overexpression of BM2 causes a delay in intracellular transport in the exocytic pathway and causes morphological changes in the Golgi. These data are consistent with BM2 equilibrating the pH gradient between the Golgi and the cytoplasm. The transmembrane domain of BM2 protein and the influenza A virus A/M2 ion channel protein both contain the motif HXXXW, and, for both proteins, the His and Trp residues are important for channel function.
Stabilization of chaotic dynamics: a modern control approach

Modern techniques for dynamic control of chaotic systems are introduced. The problem of controlling chaos is addressed in the same conceptual framework as proposed by Ott, Grebogi and Yorke. However, the novelty here is the introduction of LQ and ℋ∞ techniques to address the problem. These techniques have been tested on representative systems, specifically the Logistic Map.
Stresses in rotating thin plates with curvilinear boundaries

Abstract The problem of curvilinear plates rotating at constant speed about an axis in the plane of the plate is considered in this paper.Stress components are expressed in terms of coordinates and in terms of certain potential functions.It is shown that by suitable construction of these functions the stress components can be easily determined.
Isolation of uracil auxotrophs from Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416

K. LI AND T.P. WEST. 1995. Two uracil auxotrophs of the phytopathogen Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416, which is known to be involved in food spoilage, were isolated by a combination of ethylmethane sulphonate and D-cycloserine counterselection. One mutant exhibited depressed orotate phosphoribosyltransferase activity while the other mutant lacked orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase activity. Pyrimidine limitation of either auxotroph elevated aspartate transcarbamoylase and dihydroorotase activities by at least 1.5-fold indicating that these pathway enzymes may be repressible by a uracil-related compound in B. cepacia. Overall, regulation of de novo pyrimidine synthesis in the uracil auxotrophs of B. cepacia ATCC 25416 was observed.
Giant proteases: Beyond the proteasome

Proteasomes and related proteases are thought to be the principal machinery responsible for intracellular protein degradation. A new class of giant proteases has been discovered that can augment the catabolic functions of proteasomes and, under some conditions, may even substitute for proteasomes altogether.
Crystal field effects in RERh4B4 compounds (RE = rare earth)

Abstract By analysis of a large body of available data, crystal field parameters have been obtained for compounds in the series RERh 4 B 4 (RE = rare-earth). These parameters have then been used to calculate properties related to the electronic and magnetic properties of such compounds, and it is shown that a substantial unification of current information is obtained for properties including bulk magnetization (polycrystalline and single crystal), magnetic susceptibility, magnetic anisotropy, Schottky anomalies in the specific heat and suppression of the superconducting transition temperature due to magnetic impurities. In agreement with previous discussions crystal field effects are found to clarify the systematics of magnetic transition temperature, but not to give a full explanation. Other phenomena, such as discrepancies in the magnetic moment of ErRh 4 B 4 as measured by neutron diffraction and by Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy cannot be explained as crystal field related phenomena.
An Evaluation of Unstructured Text Mining Software

Five text mining software tools were evaluated by four undergraduate students inexperienced in the text mining field. The software was run on the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, and employed a variety of techniques to mine unstructured text for information. The considerations used to evaluate the software included cost, ease of learning, functionality, ease of use and effectiveness. Hands on mining of text files also led us to more informative conclusions of the software. Through our evaluation we found that two software products (SAS and SPSS) had qualities that made them more desirable than the others.
Human plasma digoxin levels.

MEASUREMENT of plasma digoxin concentrations by radioimmunoassay in an unselected series of patients revealed an average in-patient level of 2.08±0.14 ng/ml and average out-patient level of 0.94±0.10 ng/ml (mean±S.E.M.). Possible reasons for this difference are given. Only atrial tachycardia with A-V block was clearly associated with high plasma digoxin concentrations. No correlation between elevated plasma digoxin levels and other arrhythmias could be found. The usual dosage of oral digoxin in the over 60 age group is probably excessive, especially when reduced renal function is present. Frequent measurements of plasma glycosides are very useful for interpreting the clinical situation, but the whole concept of specific “digitalis-induced” arrhythmias should be revised.
Analysis of Elastic Crack Bridging in Ceramic Matrix Composites

Abstract A micromechanics analytical model based on the consistent shear lag theory is developed for predicting the failure modes in fiber reinforced unidirectional stiff matrix composites. The model accounts for a relatively large matrix stiffness and hence its load carrying capacity. The fiber and matrix stresses are established as functions of the applied stress, crack geometry, and the microstructural properties of the constituents. From the predicted stresses, the mode of failure is established based on a point stress failure criterion. The role of the microstructural parameters of the constituents on the failure modes such as self-similar continuous cracking, crack bridging and debonding parallel to the fibers is assessed.
Monitoring Design for Source Identification in Water Distribution Systems

The design of sensor networks for monitoring contaminants in water distribution systems is currently an active area of research. Much of the effort has been directed at the contamination detection problem and the expression of public health protection objectives. Monitoring networks once they are in place, however, are likely to be used to gather monitoring data for source inversion as well. Thus, the design of these networks with the unique objectives associated with source inversion problems in mind is a necessity. Source inversion problems in water distribution systems are inherently underdetermined and exhibit solution nonuniqueness; and moreover, the structure of the errors associated with a solution are a function of monitoring observations. Optimal inverse experiment design is investigated as an approach for improving solution quality. The approach involves the selection of monitoring locations that are best suited to the generation of a well-conditioned source identification inverse problem. The m...
Does Auditor Reputation Matter? The Case of KPMG Germany and ComROAD AG

We study the stock and audit market effects associated with a widely publicized accounting scandal involving a public company (ComROAD AG) and a large, reputable audit firm (KPMG) in a country (Germany) that has long provided auditors with substantial protection from shareholder legal liability. We use this event to study whether an auditor's reputation helps to ensure audit quality, a rationale for which recent literature and events provide scant support. Given the absence of a strong insurance rationale for audit quality, Germany permits a relatively clean test of whether auditor reputation matters. We find that KPMG's clients sustain negative abnormal returns of 3% at events pertaining to ComROAD, and that these returns are more negative for companies that are likely to have higher demands for audit quality. We also find an increase in the number of clients that drop KPMG in the year of the ComROAD scandal (mostly smaller, recently public companies that are similar to ComROAD). Overall, our results provide support for the reputation rationale for audit quality.
Utility of prompting physicians for brief alcohol consumption intervention.

A comprehensive prompting strategy designed to maximize the rate of Brief Intervention (BI) for “heavy drinking” was implemented from 2001 to 2003 for a randomized controlled trial of a post-BI treatment enhancement. Thirty-one internists at four outpatient practices in a county of 150,000 in a rural US state documented their BI's using an intervention checklist. The prompting procedures implemented in this study yielded documented BI for 39% of identified cases, but participation rates varied by physician and clinic and over time. The overall rate was lower than expected. Implications and recommendations for future BI research and training are offered; the paper's limitations are discussed.
Professional Liability Issues in Graduate Medical Education

Resident physicians, attending physicians, and graduate medical education (GME) institutions share a collective responsibility to deliver safe and appropriate care to patients. The law does not offer concessions in quality of care to accommodate GME. Resident physicians are generally held to the same standard of care as attending physicians in their respective specialties. This principle encourages resident physicians to seek supervision and attending physicians to provide the same. Attending physicians face malpractice exposure not only for the care they provide but also for the care they direct. In addition, they may be held vicariously liable for the negligence of resident physicians working with them, or directly liable for inadequate supervision. What constitutes adequate supervision is unsettled in the law. As the standards in this area evolve, it is reasonable to expect that the profession's and the public's heightened attention to patient safety will continue to move the courts toward higher standards of supervision. GME institutions and programs bear legal responsibility for both the care they deliver and the negligence of their employees. They also face liability for failing to administer safe systems of care. Work hour restrictions and a growing understanding of the role of organizational factors in contributing to and preventing medical injury may increase the legal expectations imposed on GME programs.
Measuring the effectiveness of public forestry assistance programs

Abstract This paper contrasts the effectiveness of fip (a federal timber planting and growing subsidy for non-industrial private forest landowners) and extension forestry in terms of anticipated biological and economic yields. The impact of fip is concentrated in the South, and this paper uses North Carolina as a case study. The paper combines Boyd's general equilibrium model of non-industrial private landowner behavior with Daniels and Hyde's timber supply-and-demand estimates for the same state in order to predict final efficiency impacts. Royer's landowner survey permits further comment on redistributive impacts. The paper finds that neither fip nor extension forestry can be justified on either efficiency on redistributive grounds. Both programs create net welfare losses and both programs transfer larger shares of their payments to wealthier landowners, although the justifications for fip are relatively poorer.