cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cefoxitin: Clinical Evaluation in Thirty-Eight Patients

Abstract Clinical and bacteriological efficacy, patient tolerance, and toxicity of cefoxitin, a beta-lactamase-resistant cephamycin, were evaluated in 38 patients; 13 had soft tissue infection, 12 had pneumonia, 3 had urinary tract infection, 2 had peritonitis, and 4 had miscellaneous infections. In five patients, infection was clinically evident, though not bacteriologically proven. The latter patients were evaluated with regard to tolerance and toxicity only. Among the 34 infections in 33 patients, 71% were considered clinically cured; 86% of those patients who could be recultured were bacteriologically cured. Phlebitis was noted in 32% of the total group, and eosinophilia was observed in 16%. Unexplained deterioration in renal function occurred in two patients. Mean peak cefoxitin levels in serum were 72 μg/ml 30 min after a 2-g infusion and 32 μg/ml 30 min after a 1-g infusion. Cefoxitin was more active against facultatively and obligately anaerobic gram-negative organisms isolated from these patients than was cephalothin.
Reference-Point Indentation Correlates with Bone Toughness Assessed Using Whole-Bone Traditional Mechanical Testing

Traditional bone mechanical testing techniques require excised bone and destructive sample preparation. Recently, a cyclic-microindentation technique, reference-point indentation (RPI), was described that allows bone to be tested in a clinical setting, permitting the analysis of changes to bone material properties over time. Because this is a new technique, it has not been clear how the measurements generated by RPI are related to the material properties of bone measured by standard techniques. In this paper, we describe our experience with the RPI technique, and correlate the results obtained by RPI with those of traditional mechanical testing, namely 3-point bending and axial compression. Using different animal models, we report that apparent bone material toughness obtained from 3-point bending and axial compression is inversely correlated with the indentation distance increase (IDI) obtained from RPI with r2 values ranging from 0.50 to 0.57. We also show that conditions or treatments previously shown to cause differences in toughness, including diabetes and bisphosphonate treatment, had significantly different IDI values compared to controls. Collectively these results provide a starting point for understanding how RPI relates to traditional mechanical testing results.
Dynamic Signal Coordination for Networks with Oversaturated Intersections

An algorithm to design signal coordination for networks with oversaturated intersections is presented. The basic concept of signal coordination applied to oversaturated single arterials is extended for a grid network of arterials, which involves greater analytical and computing complexity. In this algorithm, signal coordination is formulated as a dynamic optimization problem. The problem is developed to coordinate oversaturated signals along an arterial that crosses multiple, parallel coordinated arterials. Signals along crossing arterials are also oversaturated. During an oversaturated period, the algorithm manages local queues by spatially distributing them over a number of signalized intersections and by temporarily spreading them over signal cycles. Depending on the traffic demand's variation and the position of critical signals, the algorithm intelligently generates optimal signal timing (green times and offsets) along individual arterials. If critical signals are located at the exit points, the algorithm sets the optimal signal timing that protects them from becoming excessively loaded. If critical signals are located at the entry points, the algorithm ensures that queues are reduced or cleared before released platoons arrive at a downstream signal system. In addition, the algorithm eventually finds a set of common cycles propagated from upstream signals, thus promoting traffic progression. The micro-genetic algorithm was used to solve the signal optimization problem. The algorithm was tested on a one-way arterial system with 20 signals. The results indicate that the algorithm successfully managed queues along coordinated arterials, made the signals share the burden of traffic, and created the opportunity for traffic progression in specified directions.
Origin of equilibrium space charge potentials in ionic crystals

Abstract A simple model is constructed which illustrates the origin of ionic space charge regions at surfaces of ionic crystals of the AgCl and NaCl type. The model differs from previous treatments by considering explicitly the binding states of ions on surfaces and the surface density of such states. The problem is then formally analogous to that of an intrinsic semiconductor with a fixed density of surface electronic states. The space charge potential difference is determined by the occupation statistics of the surface ionic states. The model predicts significant differences from previous calculations of the temperature variation of the surface space charge potential.
The effects of police work and professional relationships on health

Abstract Research by the author reported in detailed elsewhere indicates that police officers with low workloads are oriented toward their departments, particularly their sergeants, and suffer more stress when relations with others in their departments are negative. This research also indicates that police officers with high workloads are not susceptible to stress from this source, because they appear to be more “crime-fighter” oriented, but that they are susceptible to stress from any difficult professional and other problems they encounter, more so than are low-workload officers facing such problems. These findings are consistent with other studies of high- and low-workload officers. The findings are relevant to the theoretical concepts of Wilson and others regarding policing. Implications for police administration are indicated.
Characterization of Plant Exudates by Principal-Component and Cluster Analyses with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Variables

Principal-component and cluster analyses have been applied to nuclear magnetic resonance data for exudates derived from both conifers and angiosperms in order to classify these materials on the basis of molecular structure. The method succeeds in distinguishing resins produced by the conifer families Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae, and Pinaceae from each other and from resins produced by the angiosperm family Fabaceae. Other exudate types, including gums, gum resins, and kinos, also are distinguished from each other and from the resins.
Problems of structural characterization of oxide-type samples with X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Our early successes in use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy as a tool for structural investigation involved metallic samples that presented a symmetrical cubic lattice comprising one or two strongly scattering elements. Only one phase was present, and disorder was mainly thermal and effectively controlled by cooling the sample. A complete description of the metal phase could be obtained from one or at most two coordination numbers. X-Ray absorption spectra from oxidized samples were unapproachably complex. The development of such computer programs as FEFF and EXCURVE98, which: calculate backscattering and phase shift functions for any composition; identify significant single and multiple scattering paths for any arrangement of atoms; and calculate the X-ray absorption spectrum expected for an atom in a specified structure, has made application of XAS to oxides feasible, though not easy. Low point symmetry, more common than high symmetry in structural inorganic chemistry, is interpreted by EXAFS as disorder that cannot be approximated as a Gaussian distribution of interatomic distances about the average, and leads to meaningless structural parameters if not accommodated by a realistic model. Many inorganic compounds occur in multiple structural modifications, and many convert to other phases by contact with ambient moisture or CO2. Thus, comparison between XAS from samples and standards can be misleading if the standards are not authenticated. A strategy for analysis of EXAFS from oxide-type samples is proposed. Rather than adding shells of atoms until sufficient variables are accumulated to fit the EXAFS and trying to interpret the consequent stack of numbers, a model should be developed based on the circumstances of sample formation and previously reported structural chemistry of the element. The model is tested and, if promising, refined against experiment. The ultimate problem, then, is to deduce the significance of perturbations from the model, rather than infer the model from structural parameters.
Radius Measurement of Spherical Surfaces With Large Radii-of-Curvature Using Dual-Focus Zone Plates

The measurement of spherical surface radii exceeding few meters presents a challenge, because the familiar radius-bench method requires large part displacements. Dual-focus zone plates can extend the radius-bench method to measurements of large radii.
Theoretical investigations of the interaction of silver trimer with ethylene molecule

Abstract The interaction of silver trimer with ethylene molecule is investigated within the density functional framework using the Becke exchange and Perdew–Wang (91) correlation functionals. Structural forms and electronic properties (binding energy and ionization potential) of the cluster–molecule complex are determined. Ag 3 –C 2 H 4 forms two isomers. In agreement with the experimental results, the computed ionization potential of the more stable isomer is lower than that of the bare Ag 3 cluster.
Monolayer cultures of disaggregated human adipocytes

Two theories have been advanced to explain the origin of adipocytes and both have experimental evidence in support. One theory proposed that adipocytes are specialized differentiated cells with specific lipid storage functions. The other held that they are unspecialized anlage cells which have the potential to store lipid depending on conditions. In an attempt to examine the little understood roles which these cells play in obesity and other abnormalities of lipid metabolism, disaggregated human adipocytes from infants and young children, free of stromal contamination, have been succesfully grown in culture. The details of the techniques used, and some peculiar morphological characteristics of these cells in culture, are described.
Design of Ultra-Low Power Biopotential Amplifiers for Biosignal Acquisition Applications

Rapid development in miniature implantable electronics are expediting advances in neuroscience by allowing observation and control of neural activities. The first stage of an implantable biosignal recording system, a low-noise biopotential amplifier (BPA), is critical to the overall power and noise performance of the system. In order to integrate a large number of front-end amplifiers in multichannel implantable systems, the power consumption of each amplifier must be minimized. This paper introduces a closed-loop complementary-input amplifier, which has a bandwidth of 0.05 Hz to 10.5 kHz, an input-referred noise of 2.2 μ Vrms, and a power dissipation of 12 μW. As a point of comparison, a standard telescopic-cascode closed-loop amplifier with a 0.4 Hz to 8.5 kHz bandwidth, input-referred noise of 3.2 μ Vrms, and power dissipation of 12.5 μW is presented. Also for comparison, we show results from an open-loop complementary-input amplifier that exhibits an input-referred noise of 3.6 μ Vrms while consuming 800 nW of power. The two closed-loop amplifiers are fabricated in a 0.13 μ m CMOS process. The open-loop amplifier is fabricated in a 0.5 μm SOI-BiCMOS process. All three amplifiers operate with a 1 V supply.
Britain in a social Europe: industrial relations and 1992

This article suggests that European Community social policy is now moving into a third stage that is having an increasing impact on the UK. However, continuing differences in European labour markets, collective bargaining and trade union organisation make it impossible to identify a common European pattern of industrial relations
Results of secondary prophylaxis in children with severe hemophilia

In this study, 13 children with severe hemophilia were given routine replacement infusions of factor VIII or IX to treat arthropathy. The children who had a mean age of 6.9 years (range 2.0-12.5) at initiation of prophylaxis had experienced an average of 43 acute hemorrhages (range 8-127) in the year prior to prophylaxis, of which a mean of 24 (range 5-46) were into joints. Therapy was begun in five children, using factor VIII concentrate at 20 U/kg three times a week, and one boy received factor IX concentrate 40 U/kg twice a week. This dose schedule was inadequate for three factor VIII-deficient boys and for the one factor IX-deficient boy. Two of three factor VIII-deficient boys responded to an increase to 30 U/kg prior to the 3-day interval. The dose frequency was increased to three times a week for the factor IX-deficient boy, but he continued to bleed and was taken to synovectomy. One of the original five factor VIII-deficient boys plus seven other factor VIII-deficient boys were begun on factor VIII 20 U/kg every other day; 3 boys ceased bleeding. Trough factor VIII levels were measured 24 hr after an infusion in the five boys who continued to bleed. Factor VIII dosage was adjusted to achieve a trough level of > 1%; 4 responded to an increase in the dose of factor VIII; 1 had an adequate trough but, due to compliance issues, was taken to synovectomy. Serial clinical and radiographic assessments determined stabilization of joint disease in more than one-half of the boys. No child showed reversal of abnormal radiographic findings. Institution of aggressive factor VIII and IX concentrate in children with established hemophilic arthropathy does not reverse joint disease but may alter the clinical course of hemophilia. Future studies to compare this intervention with primary prophylaxis instituted prior to the onset of recurrent joint hemorrhage are warranted.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 revisited.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition with a worldwide incidence of 1 per 2500 to 3000 individuals. Caused by a germ-line‐ inactivating mutation in the NF1 gene on chromosome 17, the disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In the past several years, significant progress has been made in standardizing management of the major clinical features of neurofibromatosis type 1. Moreover, improved understanding of how the neurofibromatosis type 1 protein, neurofibromin, regulates cell growth recently provided insight into the pathogenesis of the disease and has led to the development of new therapies. In this review, we describe the clinical manifestations, recent molecular and genetic findings, and current and developing therapies for managing clinical problems associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Pediatrics 2009;123:124‐133
A multi-channel model of separating equilibrium in the face of the digital divide

We develop a multi-channel model of separating equilibrium where a seller markets a durable good to high and low type consumers in two different channels - an online Internet storefront and an offline brick-and-mortar store. We show how the digital divide, where high type consumers dominate the online channel and low type consumers dominate the offline channel, artificially segments the marketplace thereby mitigating the classic cannibalization problem. This allows the seller to more efficiently market its goods to each consumer segment. We show conditions under which low type consumers are initially served in the offline channel, but subsequently bridging the divide results in low type consumers not being served in either channel. We also examine the implications of bridging the digital divide when the seller uses delay by engaging in intertemporal price discrimination.
On the Move: Simulation to Improve and Assure Transport Team Performance ☆

There are proven benefits to specialized pediatric transport teams. However, there is a need to address a scarcity of clinical practice opportunities and competing demands for technical and nontechnical competence of these teams. Simulation-based training for transport teams should include human factors, crew resource management, and error management training. Simulation-based training is ideally suited to these needs; however, there is a relative paucity of evidence specific to transport medicine. Preliminary work has assessed feasibility and efficacy of simulation-based training for aeromedical transport. Experience suggests that current simulation-based training in other domains provides a foundation for and is applicable to transport medicine. Considering the unique challenges faced by transport professionals, simulation-based training offers great potential benefit in attending to those challenges; addressing performance gaps; and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes.
Sneaking in through the back entrance: the biology of malaria liver stages

Malaria infection is caused by sporozoites, the life cycle stage of Plasmodium that is transmitted by female anopheline mosquitoes. The inoculated sporozoites migrate in the skin, enter a capillary and use the bloodstream for the long haul to the liver. Here, the parasites invade hepatocytes and differentiate to thousands of merozoites that specifically infect red blood cells. Hepatocytes, however, are not directly accessible to sporozoites entering the liver sinusoid. The liver phase of the malaria life cycle can occur only if the parasites first cross the layer of sinusoidal cells that line the liver capillaries. Experimental observations show that sporozoite entry into the liver parenchyma involves a complex cascade of events, from binding to extracellular matrix proteoglycans via passage through Kupffer cells and transmigration through several hepatocytes, until the final host cell is found. By choosing the liver as their initial site of replication, Plasmodium sporozoites can exploit the tolerogenic properties of this unique immune organ to evade the host's immune response.
Comparison of Production, Meat Yield, and Meat Quality Traits of NWAC103 Line Channel Catfish, Norris Line Channel Catfish, and Female Channel Catfish × Male Blue Catfish F1 Hybrids

Abstract NWAC103 line channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, Norris line channel catfish, and Norris line female channel catfish × Dycus Farm line male blue catfish I. furcatus F1 hybrids were compared for production, meat yield, and meat quality traits. Juvenile fish from each genetic group were stocked at 12,000 fish/ha into three, 0.04-ha ponds per genetic group. Fish were fed once daily to satiation from June through October, and fed on days when afternoon water temperatures were above 17°C from November through December. Fish were harvested, weighed, and counted in January, and 150 fish per genetic group (50 fish per pond) were processed and measured for meat and body component yield. Instrumental and sensory panel evaluations of quality were measured on fresh, frozen-thawed, and baked fillets. Stocking weight, harvest weight, and net production (kg/ha) were highest for the NWAC103 line channel catfish, intermediate for the hybrid, and lowest for the Norris line channel catfish. Growth at unit size (a)...
A review of smoking cessation services in women attending colposcopy clinics in Scotland

The most common reason for women being referred to colposcopy clinics is an abnormal smear suggesting pre-cancerous change within the cervix. It has been demonstrated that in women with low-grade lesions, smoking cessation led to a reduction in size of the cervical lesion over a 6-month period. Smoking is also recognised as an independent risk factor for treatment failure of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. As 'stop smoking' services have become an integral part of the colposcopy clinic at St John's Hospital, Livingston, a national survey was undertaken. The aim of the survey was to establish what smoking cessation information, advice and support is available in colposcopy clinics throughout Scotland, and if staff had attended standardised training on raising the issue of smoking. The study demonstrated that 52% of colposcopy clinics in Scotland always establish smoking status but only 37% of clinics discuss the benefits of smoking cessation in relation to abnormal cervical smears. There was inaccurate and inconsistent written and verbal advice given on the benefits of cessation and whether women should cut down or stop smoking completely. The majority of staff had not attended standardised training on how to raise the issue of smoking and very few clinics have established referral pathways for smoking cessation support.
The effect of locomotive radial steering bogies on wheel and rail wear

Since Electro-Motive Division's (EMD) 3-axle radial steering bogie for heavy haul freight locomotives was introduced in production in 1993, over 70 million miles of service have already been accumulated on this new design. By the end of 1996, over 800 AC and DC traction locomotives with this new bogie technology will have been put into service. Wheel wear data, which is relatively straightforward to obtain, is showing that wheel flange wear has been virtually eliminated and that wheel tread wear has not increased in spite of dramatic increases in adhesion to 45% for starting heavy trains and to 35% and higher for train operation. Wheel wear data indicates that wheel life will likely double, even in operations where wheels are re-profiled for tread wear. This is due to the profound effect of low flange wear on minimizing metal removed in wheel truing. The wheel wear results also suggest changes to traditional railroad wheel truing policies. The effect of the radial bogie design on rail wear savings is more difficult to assess, and this paper discusses several rail wear considerations. Laboratory tests have provided considerable insight into the influence of wheel-rail angle of attack on wheel and rail wear. An approach is suggested for combining the available field and lab data with a cost model to project the life cycle cost savings for rail wear as well as wheel wear improvements.
Judgments of Meaning in Life, Religious Beliefs, and the Experience of Cognitive (Dis)Fluency.

The primary aim of the current studies was to test whether religiousness interacted with self-reported levels of meaning in life (MIL) to predict the ease or difficulty in judging one's MIL, the search for meaning itself, and religious doubt. Undergraduate students in Study 1 (N = 111) and adult participants recruited online in Study 2 (N = 206) completed measures of religious beliefs, MIL, cognitive fluency related to MIL, and related variables. Study 3 merged these data sets. In Study 4 (N = 255), online participants completed measures of religious beliefs, cognitive fluency related to religious beliefs, and MIL. Studies 1 and 2 showed that highly religious people with lower MIL reported greater difficulty making their MIL judgments than other people. Study 3 showed that they were also more likely to search for MIL and that disfluency mediated this effect. Study 4 demonstrated that they also reported more difficult judgments of religious beliefs and more religious doubts than their religious peers with high MIL. The current studies demonstrate that the experience of ease or difficulty associated with MIL judgments represents an important yet largely unexamined aspect of MIL. Our findings have implications for understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying responses to meaning threats.
Blue Water Sailing and Neurosurgery: A Natural Fit? “Uma vida só se vive”

n the cold gray light before dawn, my wife and I were 120 nautical miles south of Madagascar in the Southern Ocean. IWe had spent a sleepless and frightening night fighting a south-westerly gale with 45-knot winds, but the constant roaring grayness and windblown spume seemed to be receding with the morning light.suddenly we were engulfed by a huge rumbling noise like a jetliner passing right overhead.and in a few seconds, our home-built, 12-ton steel sailboat was hoisted 40 feet upward, rolled over, and dropped onto the cabin top in a sickening 360degree rollover. We were flung around inside the small cabin like rag dolls in a washing machine, along with a lot of sea water and our possessions. When I opened the hatch to look around, walls of gray water towered up 50 feet or more above the boat, topped by terrifying foaming, tumbling, white breaking wave tops. The boat was miraculously intact, but we’d lost all electronics and the storm trysail. We turned and ran downwind, hand steering, careening down the giant waves for 12 hours without a break, surfing the crests to avoid another knock down. The Southern Ocean is an unforgiving place, for novices. Maybe parallels can be drawn to that first intraoperative aneurysm rupture, after residency.instant action is needed, and life is in the balance. Since that memorable “maiden voyage,” we have been enormously privileged to sail more than 17,000 blue water miles in 3 oceans, from the beautiful, subarctic Outer Hebrides in Northern Scotland, across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, the Bahamas (Figures 1 and 2), and the peaceful anchorages of the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to wonderful neurosurgical colleagues, it has been possible to integrate these blue water experiences with a full and demanding neurosurgical life. Our children were conceived at sea, and textbooks were edited in the mid Atlantic.
Jaguar spacing, activity and habitat use in a seasonally flooded environment in Brazil

Between July 1980 and February 1984, six jaguars (two males, four females) were fitted with radio-collars and monitored for a cumulative total of 105 months, in the Pantanal region of southwestern Brazil. Mean home range size (minimum convex polygon) for five of them (one male, four females) was 142- 1 km2. Mean home range size during the dry season was 54·3 km2, whereas in the wet season it was significantly smaller, 12·8 km2. Mean home range overlap of the four females was 42%. Use of gallery forest and forest patches exceeded the availability of these habitat types in the animals' home ranges, whereas open forest and grassland were used less than expected on the basis of their availability. Mean distance moved between locations on consecutive days was 2·4 km (0.2-10·4 km). The mean one-day movement of the male jaguar was significantly (P<0·001) larger than that of the females. Mean distance travelled by all animals during one-day intervals in the dry season was significantly greater (P<0·001) than that travelled in other months. Jaguars were more active during daytime than night-time (P<0·001). Overall level of activity for the wet season did not differ from that of the dry season. With their larger body size, jaguars in the Pantanal may require more food than jaguars in other areas of the species' range. This, in addition to differences in prey availability and the annual availability of dry land, appear to influence the difference in home range size between jaguar populations.
Characterizations of Boundaries of Holomorphic 1-Chains within \hat{\mathbb{C}}\times\hat{\mathbb{C}} and \mathbb{C}\times\hat{\mathbb{C}}

By way of a particular Cauchy-type integral, we characterize the closed rectifiable 1-currents γ, with support contained in ℂ2 and satisfying condition A1, that bound holomorphic 1-chains within \(\hat{\mathbb{C}}\times\hat{\mathbb{C}}\) . Also, we derive characterizations for the boundaries of holomorphic 1-chains within \(\mathbb{C}\times\hat {\mathbb{C}}\) , which yield examples of characterizations within a non-compact, non-Stein space. Additionally, we illustrate a connection between some of these characterizations and the Cauchy integral characterization of boundary values of meromorphic and holomorphic functions over a domain in ℂ.
Treasured object use--a cognitive and developmental marker.

A semistructured telephone interview designed to elicit data concerning the history of the treasured object and the history of attachment to other objects after age 2 was conducted with mothers of 54 developmentally disordered patients (21 mentally retarded, 33 pervasive developmental disordered). Results indicated a dramatically reduced frequency of treasured objects use among this population that is independent of both diagnosis and IQ. The proportion of developmentally disordered children who ever (after age 2) form an object attachment is also significantly reduced and does vary with both diagnosis and IQ. The type of object to which an attachment is formed differs according to diagnosis.
Eclipses by a Circumstellar Dust Feature in the Pre-main-Sequence Star KH 15D

Photometry and spectroscopy of the unique pre-main-sequence eclipsing object KH 15D in the young cluster NGC 2264 are presented. The orbital period is 48.34 days, and both the length (~16 days) and depth (~3 mag) of the eclipse have increased with time. A brightening near the time of central eclipse is confirmed in the recent data but at a much smaller amplitude than was originally seen. Spectra taken when the star is bright show that the primary is a weak T Tauri star of spectral type K7. During eclipse there is no detectable change in spectral type or reddening, indicating that the obscuration is caused by rather large dust grains and/or macroscopic objects. Evidently, the star is eclipsed by an extended feature in its circumstellar disk orbiting with a semimajor axis of ~0.2 AU. Continued photometric monitoring should allow us to probe the disk structure with a spatial resolution of ~3 × 106 km or better.
The potential paradox of organizational citizenship behavior: Good citizens at what cost?

Using a resource allocation framework, I propose that the time individuals allocate to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) may come at the expense of task performance. Because most reward systems favor task performance, individuals may unintentionally hurt their careers by helping the organization. The question then becomes how individuals can engage in OCB and still have positive career outcomes. I explore a number of organizational, situational, and individual variables that may moderate this relationship and suggest implications and future research directions.
Concise Review: Defining Characteristics of Mammalian Spermatogenic Stem Cells

The enormous number of sperms produced daily and over the lifetime of mammals requires a stable source of stem cells that give rise to progenitor cells that proceed through spermatogenesis. Spermatogenic stem cells develop from primitive germ cells that occupy the developing gonad. A transplantation assay was developed for the spermatogenic stem cells, and it remains the only functional measure of authentic stem cells in the testis. Somatic cells comprise a “niche” environment that is essential for the maintenance of stem cell activity. Dividing progenitor cells have intercellular bridges and form syncytia with 2, 4, 8, or 16 cells. Fragmentation of these syncytia may allow some progenitor cells to occupy “niches” and function as stem cells, but this notion requires further investigation. Spermatogenic stem cells can be maintained in culture and are influenced by a number of growth factors. Thus far, the ultimate differentiation of cultured stem cells into functional gametes has not been demonstrated with any efficiency and reproducibility. The ability to maintain spermatogenic stem cells in culture and to induce differentiation into haploid cells and sperm could have many important implications for human medicine. STEM Cells2013;31:8–11
Alopecia Areata Registry Accomplishments

The Alopecia Areata Biobank and Clinical Trials Network (Registry), established in 2000 with funding support from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases under award number HHSN268200682279C, was created to collect patient epidemiological data and to provide tissue samples for understanding the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). The National Alopecia Areata Foundation took over financial and administrative responsibility for the Registry in 2012 and continues to enroll patients. Five study centers participate in patient enrollment, sample collection and function as a clinical trials network: University of Texas, Houston, Central site (Dr Madeleine Duvic and Joyce Osei, Registry Coordinator), University of Minnesota (Dr Maria Hordinsky), Columbia University (Dr Angela Christiano), University of California, San Francisco (Dr Vera Price), and University of Colorado (Dr David Norris). The project began with self-registration of individuals with alopecia areata or with a relative with the condition. By mid2014, 10,256 individuals self-enrolled in this ‘‘First Tier’’ of the Registry which involves a short questionnaire. In this First Tier group, 8,260 registrants have alopecia areata, including alopecia universalis (AU), alopecia totalis (AT), persistent patchy alopecia areata (AAP), and transient patchy alopecia areata (AAT). The remainder were either unaffected, unrelated individuals, or unaffected relatives who served as a control group (Table 1). Approximately 30% were adult males and 70% were adult females. For clarification, the terms used for phenotypes of AA are as follows: AU implies 100% hair loss everywhere; AT implies 100% scalp hair loss with or without some body hair loss; AAP implies patchy AA present continually for 41 year; and AAT implies patchy AA present for 6 months–1 year. Of the 10,256 individuals in the First Tier group, 3,869 (38%) have participated in ‘‘Second Tier’’ registration by completing a long detailed questionnaire and physician exam, as well as donating blood or saliva samples. In the Second Tier group 76% have alopecia areata, and the remainder are unaffected, unrelated individuals, or unaffected relatives. The five study centers of the Registry found eight genes that contribute to the onset of AA (Petukhova et al., 2010). Significantly, many genes found to be associated with AA are also associated with other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and celiac disease—all autoimmune diseases with pre-existing treatments. This discovery uncovered the genetic and immunological factors involved in AA, and is leading the development of drugs that specifically target the mechanisms causing the onset of AA. An example is the selection of the Jak pathways as a target for treatment (Xing et al., 2014). The Registry is also exploring the use of scalp biopsies as possible biomarkers to quantitatively track the disease during clinical trials. The Registry’s database and tissue bank is available to serious investigators for basic research, as well as human clinical trials (www.alopeciaareataregistry.org).
Analyzing Steam Electric Power Plant Discharges

The temperature distribution resulting from the advection, dispersion, and cooling of water from a steam electric power plant condenser is analyzed for a station located on a peninsula and discharging near the midpoint of a small narrow estuary. A theoretical temperature distribution equation is developed and used to predict the mean monthly temperatures to be expected within a mile of the discharge point for various levels of operation. Temperatures are related to an equilibrium temperature toward which water temperatures are driven by meteorological conditions. Analyses presented are based on methods developed during a continuing research program sponsored by the Prime Movers Committee of the Edison Electric Institute and conducted by the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University.
Broader Use of Steel Slag Aggregates in Concrete

Steel slag is an industrial byproduct obtained from the steel manufacturing industry. It is produced in large quantities during the steel-making operations which utilize Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). Steel slag can also be produced by smelting iron ore in the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF). Steel slag can be used in the construction industry as aggregates in concrete by replacing natural aggregates. Natural aggregates are becoming increasingly scarce and their production and shipment is becoming more difficult. Steel slag is currently used as aggregate in hot mix asphalt surface applications, but there is a need for some additional work to determine the feasibility of utilizing this industrial by-product more wisely as a replacement for both fine and coarse aggregates in a conventional concrete mixture. Most of the volume of concrete is aggregates. Replacing all or some portion of natural aggregates with steel slag would lead to considerable environmental benefits. Most of the natural aggregates in the state of Ohio are shipped in from out of the state, whereas large steel slag deposits are locally available. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the durability of concrete made with steel slag aggregates. This research has shown that replacing some percentage of natural aggregates by steel slag aggregates causes negligible degradation in strength. It is shown that as the amount of steel slag is increased beyond 75%; the workability of the concrete mixture became an important issue which eventually requires larger amounts of water reducing admixtures to achieve a
Raiders of the lost jewel (in the Crown)

Purpose – This paper aims to offer an overview of papers in the WTO @ 20 collection. Design/methodology/approach – An overview of the papers in the WTO @ 20 collection, complete with a personal perspective on the continuing relevance of the organization. Findings – This paper adds further support to the notion that the compliance rate with the WTO dispute settlement system and the “quality” of judgments handed down require greater study and less impressionistic reporting. Originality/value – This paper positions the papers in the WTO @ 20 collection in their appropriate context.
Family Medicine: Bridge to Life

Reflecting on the suicide of a close friend, this essay explores what comprises, and inspires a will to live, and how those in Family Medicine can address suicide risk even in the face of debilitating or terminal illness. Research indicates that the will to live is a measurable indicator of general well-being, distinct from depression, and an important predictor of a person's motivation to "hold on to life". As such, understanding what is at the heart of a desire to live should alter clinical practice. This essay offers ideas for ways in which to create bridges for patients that could help sustain life.
Restraint Techniques, Injuries, and Death: Conducted Energy Devices

Conducted energy devices (CED) are becoming a mainstay and the go-to less lethal weapon for law enforcement to combat violent and aggressive individuals while maintaining a margin of safety, as well as reducing the need for impact weapons and injuries associated with their use. With the use of CED, there are physiologic effects that one should be familiar with, both what a CED can and cannot do.
LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE MORPHOLOGY AND STROKE RISK IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A META-ANALYSIS

The left atrial appendage (LAA) has been classified according to its morphology into 4 different types (Chicken Wing (CW), Cauliflower, Windsock and Cactus). LAA morphology has been found to independently influence the thromboembolic (TE) risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). TE risk
Escalating multiple-dose safety and tolerance study of oral WR 6026 in HIV-infected subjects: AIDS clinical trials group 173

WR 6026 is an 8-aminoquinoline with activity against Pneumocystis carinii in vitro and in an animal model of P. carinii pneumonia that has predicted the clinical utility of related compounds. This study was conducted to assess the safety and tolerance of WR 6026 given once daily for 21 days to HIV-infected subjects with CD4 counts 20%) was seen in 3 of 6 study subjects who received 150 mg/day for > or =19 days. Methemoglobin level was correlated with peak plasma WR 6026 concentrations. Three other study subjects developed skin rashes that may have been drug-related, and two developed asymptomatic serum triglyceride levels >1000 mg/dl. We conclude that WR 6026 is well tolerated at doses up to 120 mg/day for 21 days in HIV-infected volunteers including those with CD4 counts <200 cells/microl. Methemoglobinemia appears to be the primary dose-limiting toxicity.
“Is Marketing a Science?” Revisited:

The term “marketing concept” probably stimulates more interest today than “marketing principles.”Does this less definitive approach impair the hopes of those who aspire to have marketing accepted a...
Automotive steering system preferences evaluated using a driving simulator

The automotive steering system is the primary channel through which road and vehicle behavior feedback is transmitted to the driver. While the driver provides directional platform control through the steering wheel, perceptions of the vehicle’s handling responsiveness are simultaneously transmitted back to the driver allowing for correction of any instabilities the vehicle may encounter. Based on these factors, drivers often pay special attention to the steering system when deciding what vehicle to purchase. Therefore, a significant amount of effort and time is invested in attempting to determine the optimal design of steering system components and configurations. In this study, the determination of an optimal steering configuration was attempted based on responses obtained from questionnaires that subjects answered. The questions were designed to evaluate the degree of satisfaction regarding the “control”, “ease of operation”, and “fun” participants experienced after each driving run. During the study, human subjects drove a driving simulator for 15 combinations of 3 different roadway environments and 5 different steering configurations, filling out a questionnaire after each scenario. The subjects were also classified as a type of driver (“utility”, “enthusiast”, and/or “performance”). The study attempted to determine if the mean values of questionnaire responses for “control”, “ease”, and “fun” type of questions changed as the scenario and/or driver type changed. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if the mean values of the three types of questions were statistically different. The overall results suggest that the average responses for vehicle “control”, “ease”, and the “fun” type of questions were dependent on the type of roadway environment; however, only the responses for “fun” type of questions were influenced by the given steering configurations. Indeed, the steering system can impact the driver’s perceptions of the vehicle’s operational experience.
Generalized Sphere-Packing Bounds on the Size of Codes for Combinatorial Channels

Many of the classic problems of the coding theory are highly symmetric, which makes it easy to derive the sphere-packing upper bounds on the size of codes. We discuss the generalizations of the sphere-packing bounds to the arbitrary error models. These generalizations become especially important when the sizes of the error spheres are nonuniform. The best possible sphere-packing bounds are the solutions to the linear programs. We derive a series of bounds from the approximations to the packing and covering problems and study the relationships and the trade-offs between them. We show the method to obtain the upper bounds by optimizing across a family of channels that admit the same codes. We present a generalization of the local degree bound of Kulkarni and Kiyavash, and use it to improve the best-known upper bounds on the sizes of the single deletion correcting codes and the single grain error correcting codes.
The Parametric Piecewise Representation

The parametric representation of a curve has each component expressed as a separate univariate (single parameter) function while that of a surface has each component defined by a separate bivariate (two parameter) function.
Three chords & [somebody’s] truth: Trajectories of experience and taste among hard country fans

Abstract To date, much social scientific work on taste has relied on Bourdieu’s concept of habitus to account for changes in tastes across the life course. But little empirical work has explored the dynamics of taste formation implied but not explicitly theorized by the concept. Dewey enriches Bourdieu’s work by providing a vocabulary to theorize processes of re-socialization. This paper demonstrates Dewey’s utility for understanding taste development by considering a weekly country event where no taste-class homology exists. The analysis centers on taste trajectories, or paths to appreciation taken by patrons who acquired the ability to appreciate country later-in-life. Data point to three types of regulars (Listeners, Players, Dancers); trajectories produce structured variations in experience, indicating prior engagement shapes present experience of music. Taste and experience are shown to be tightly bound; experience shapes perception and makes individuals into persons capable of having particular tastes.
Debt, taxes, and reform in Walter Scott's Count Robert of Paris

Brian Goldberg, “Debt, Taxes, and Reform in Walter Scott’s Count Robert of Paris” (pp. 343–368) Walter Scott’s Count Robert of Paris (1831) treats “debt” in a way determined by the author’s response to the Reform Crisis of 1830–1832. Scott’s solution to the reformist impulse was the reintroduction of the income tax. He believed that an income tax would give the nation’s elites an opportunity to acknowledge their duties and contribute their fair share toward the payment of the national war debt, thus stabilizing the economy and eliminating a crucial motive for reform legislation. Count Robert of Paris reimagines this solution by translating the nation’s relationship to government debt into a system of personal indebtedness. While the novel’s main characters, the Anglo-Saxon mercenary Hereward and the Crusader Count Robert, assume their roles in a working hierarchy through the assumption and discharge of debt, these developments take place in a dystopian fictional world that reflects Scott’s apprehensions about reform. In Count Robert’s late-eleventh-century Constantinople, leaders evade responsibility, justice is inscrutable or impossible to achieve, and the city is populated by Crusaders and Byzantines who are unwilling or unable to recognize or pay what they owe.
An amylin analog used as a challenge test for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Introduction Preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of amylin in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to lay the foundation for repurposing the amylin analog and a diabetes drug, pramlintide, for AD in humans. Methods We administered a single subcutaneous injection of 60 μg of pramlintide to nondiabetic subjects under fasting conditions. Results None of the participants developed hypoglycemia after the injection of pramlintide. The pramlintide challenge induced a significant surge of amyloid-β peptide and a decrease in total tau in the plasma of AD subjects but not in control participants. The pramlintide injection provoked an increase in interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and a decrease in retinol-binding protein 4, which separates AD subjects from control subjects. Discussion Pramlintide use appeared to be safe in the absence of diabetes. The biomarker changes as a result of the pramlintide challenge, which distinguished AD from control subjects and mild cognitive impairment.