cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactive spoken simulation control and conversational tutoring

Introduction We describe how spoken dialogue interfaces make a simulation-based trainer and an intelligent tutoring system into a powerful package for Naval damage control education. An advanced simulator gives a student real-time experience that would otherwise be extremely costly to provide. The dialogue interface to the simulator uses a simple finite-state script to allow the user to issue orders and requests in a realistic way. Subsequently, the reflective tutor communicates to the student about their experience with the simulator entirely through a 'conversationally intelligent* dialogue system, with capabilities like topic management and coordination of multi-modal input and output.
Imaging Microscopy of the Temporal Bone: An Anatomy Tutorial

The enclosed CD program uses imaging microscopy datasets to construct a computer-based learning module of the middle/inner ear anatomy. T2-weighted microMR images of a cadaver temporal bone specimen scanned on a 9.4 T were acquired at a 78-mm slice thickness after opacification of the middle ear space with dilute gadolinium solution. Images of a second specimen scanned on a microCT unit were acquired at a 20-mm slice thickness. The Temporal Bone Anatomy Tool presents both datasets in orthogonal planes along with a 3D reconstruction (Fig. 1). The Virtual Endoscopy Video Player displays a 3D fly-through sequence composed from the microMR dataset (Fig. 2).
Function Space Approach for Gradient Descent in Optimal Control

We develop an iterative numerical method for open-loop optimal control problems based on constrained-gradient descent in function space. The descent algorithm uses a projection of the gradient onto the tangent space of the manifold representing the constraints of the dynamical equation. A key feature of our algorithm is preconditioning of the quadratic portion of the cost functional with a relatively simple procedure. This preconditioning has a simple geometric interpretation, which gives intuitive reasoning for the rapid convergence of the iterations in neighborhoods of local optima. We give two illustrative examples including a continuous stirred-tank chemical reactor, and a bilinear quantum system. The relation of this algorithm to earlier proposed Banach space projection algorithms is outlined.
Stoppage and the Racialized Rhetorics of Mobility

Across a range of disciplines, scholars have raised questions and theorized mobility. Border rhetoric scholars, for instance, trace the racialized tenor of discourses of mobility as they are figure...
American Indian Fragile Families and the Marriage Initiative: A Replication Study

Beginning in the mid-1990s, the federal government, supported by both Republican and Democratic administrations, has allocated roughly $1.5 billion to promote “healthy marriage initiatives.” A major target of these initiatives have been unmarried parents, or what researchers call fragile families. Over the past two decades, studies have examined this issue within the general population. This study applied three areas of the marriage initiative used by McLanahan (2006) to American Indian people: potential participation in marriage promotion programs, potential impact of marriage programs, and likelihood of marriage. Data for 3,152 women were examined from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, including 154 who self-identified as American Indian. This study showed that American Indians exhibited a high willingness to participate in marriage promotion programs. American Indians were less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to see marriage as better for children. This study underscores the need to understand American Indian families and their unique approaches to developing healthy marriage and family structures. For marriage promotion programs to work, they should reflect the cultural practices of the individual American Indian communities.
Patients with Abrasion or Ecchymosis Seat Belt Sign Have High Risk for Abdominal Injury, but Initial Computed Tomography is 100% Sensitive.

Abstract Background Trauma providers seek to accurately assess the risk of patients with abdominal seat belt sign (ASBS). As hospital costs continue to rise, identification of strategies to safely discharge emergency department (ED) patients has become crucial. Objectives The purpose of this study is to 1) describe a large cohort of patients by type of ASBS and 2) determine the value of computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis as a screening tool to rule out intra-abdominal injury (IAI) and support discharge of stable patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective case series of all patients presenting to our urban, Level I trauma center from 2013–2015. We studied motor vehicle collision patients who presented with ASBS. We further classified individuals into ASBS groups: Abrasion, Ecchymosis, Abrasion + Ecchymosis, or Unknown ASBS to examine differences between groups. Results In one of the largest described cohorts, the ASBS remained associated with IAI, most commonly, solid organ injury. Of 425 patients, 36.1% had some IAI on CT, but only 13.6% required laparotomy. Categorizing the type of skin injury in ASBS, we found that both abrasion and ecchymosis were associated with IAI. Initial CT performed with 100% sensitivity. Conclusions This study shows that ED trauma patients with significant seat belt abrasion or contusion can have IAI. With the very high sensitivity of modern abdominal CT scanners, clinicians could consider safe ED discharge of stable ASBS patients while providing strong return precautions. Our large cohort strengthens the evidence on decision-making in ASBS patients to ensure outcomes and use of health care resources.
Corporate Investment Relationships and the Search for Innovations: An Examination of Startups’ Search Shift Toward Incumbents

Existing literature shows that corporate investment relationships play an important role in the development of startups. Although startups are relevant sources of innovations, especially those that...
Self-Assessed Financial Literacy in Housing Markets

This paper introduces a novel dimension of household heterogeneity that plays an important role in housing markets. Households who self-assess themselves to be more financially literate are 1) more likely to own a house and 2) take on higher leverage on their home. We solve a heterogeneous agent portfolio choice model to infer the role of mortgage terms and of expectations on future house prices for the empirical patterns. We find that households with higher levels of self-assessed financial literacy are in fact better at the parts of the transaction that are relevant to them, namely access to more accommodating mortgage terms when they are young and better risk-return trade-offs when they are old. Moreover, by ignoring heterogeneity in financial literacy, standard models introduce quantitatively substantial biases in evaluating housing market policies. Housing demand elasticity with respect to wealth is downsized by approximately 40% when taking financial literacy into account.
Endovascular middle cerebral artery embolic stroke model: a novel approach.

A video (video 1) describing a novel murine endovascular embolic stroke model is presented. Traditional middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion models include a blind insertion of a monofilament string12 into the common or external carotid artery with the expectation to selectively occlude the MCA. However, significant mortality occurs due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and variability in stroke size, possibly related to the filament’s malposition—for example, external carotid or proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). Additionally, while the string is in place, it occludes the entire extracranial ICA affecting also the collateral pial circulation. Our model includes tail artery access, which tolerates several procedures facilitating survival studies. This model uses autologous blood3 4 clot deployed directly into the MCA, resembling what occurs in clinical practice. Autologous thrombi could be lysed with IA/IV tissue plasminogen activator. In summary, we describe a novel model that resembles real practice, permits multiple catheterizations, results in reliable embolization under fluoroscopic guidance and allows therapeutic interventions not available with traditional models.
Stromal androgen and hedgehog signaling regulates stem cell niches in pubertal prostate development

Stromal androgen-receptor (AR) action is essential for prostate development, morphogenesis and regeneration. However, mechanisms underlying how stromal AR maintains the cell niche in support of pubertal prostatic epithelial growth are unknown. Here, using advanced mouse genetic tools, we demonstrate that selective deletion of stromal AR expression in prepubescent Shh-responsive Gli1-expressing cells significantly impedes pubertal prostate epithelial growth and development. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses showed that AR loss in these prepubescent Gli1-expressing cells dysregulates androgen signaling-initiated stromal-epithelial paracrine interactions, leading to growth retardation of pubertal prostate epithelia and significant development defects. Specifically, AR loss elevates Shh-signaling activation in both prostatic stromal and adjacent epithelial cells, directly inhibiting prostatic epithelial growth. Single-cell trajectory analyses further identified aberrant differentiation fates of prostatic epithelial cells directly altered by stromal AR deletion. In vivo recombination of AR-deficient stromal Gli1-lineage cells with wild-type prostatic epithelial cells failed to develop normal prostatic epithelia. These data demonstrate previously unidentified mechanisms underlying how stromal AR-signaling facilitates Shh-mediated cell niches in pubertal prostatic epithelial growth and development.
Computers in Civil Engineering Practice

The current use of computers in civil engineering is discussed. Engineers’ expectations from computer use are outlined and realistic considerations are presented. Advantages and shortcomings of computers are compared. Future technical and organizational needs are discussed and trends in computer applications are reviewed.
Biology of simian virus 40 (SV40) transplantation antigen (TrAg): II. Isolation and characterization of additional temperature-sensitive mutants of SV40

Abstract Fourteen independent temperature-sensitive mutants of simian virus (SV40) were isolated following nitrous acid or hydroxylamine mutagenesis. Three mutants were assigned to the A group and seven to the BC group on the basis of standard qualitative and quantitative complementation assays. Three other mutants did not complement mutants of any complementation group well under standard conditions nor was delayed complementation observed in quantitative assays. However, these mutants were shown to complement members of the A and BC complementation groups but not members of the D group when the qualitative complementation test was modified by allowing the parental virions to uncoat at permissive temperature prior to incubation at 41°. The assignment of these mutants to the D group was substantiated by demonstrating the wild-type infectivity of DNA extracted from cells infected at 33° for growth at 41°. Thirteen of the mutants were tested for the production of tumor (T), capsid (C), virion (V), and major coat protein (VP1) antigens at permissive and nonpermissive temperature by immunofluorescence assays along with mutants which have been described previously by others for comparison. The temperature-sensitive ( ts ) mutants isolated in this study produced fully immunoreactive T antigen at both temperatures. None of the ts A mutants produced C, VPl, or V antigens at elevated temperature. The BC mutants isolated in this study all produced T antigen at 41°. These late mutants demonstrated two patterns of expression of virion antigens. One group synthesized C, V, and VP1 at 41° and were indistinguishable from wild type on the basis of antigenic phenotype. A second group showed cytoplasmic and nucleolar fluorescence for C and VPl antigens at the nonpermissive temperature similar to that observed for ts BCll previously. Mutants in this group did not produce V antigen at high temperature.
Write on! A Guide to Getting on Law Review

Many law reviews select their members using a competition known as a "write on". Every year, many first year law students who have little to no experience with legal academic writing struggle to make sense of the basic principles necessary to do well in this endeavor. This Comment guides these students by presenting a strategy to succeed in this competition. By understanding some key information, a prospective applicant can increase her chances of getting on law review and improve her writing and editing abilities. It is my hope that this Comment will not only provide a benefit for individual applicants to law reviews, but will also have the downstream effect of boosting the quality of legal scholarship published by student-run law journals.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Natural Resources Conservation: A Flagship Species Example from Costa Rica

Abstract Conservation of species, protected areas, and natural resources requires appropriate problem-solving strategies. An interdisciplinary problem-solving strategy is introduced requiring users to ask and answer three basic questions about any management or policy process. Is it reasonable? Is it politically practical? And is it morally justified? Concepts needed to ask and answer these questions in an interdisciplinary way are given, explained, and illustrated using Baird's tapir in Costa Rica as an example. As well, problem solvers must understand and account for their own standpoint or role in conservation. Finally, users of this approach must integrate all their knowledge about these three questions and their standpoint into an overall judgment that they are willing to take conservation action on and responsibility for. Use of this interdisciplinary approach is expected to improve conservation process and outcomes.
The US Medical Care System for the Elderly

This paper examines the structure of the American medical care system, especially the system of care for the elderly. We focus on three sets of interactions: coverage rules (how people get health insurance and who pays for it); the reimbursement system (how providers are paid); and access rules (what are the financial and nonfinancial barriers to receipt of care). Coverage in the United States is variable – guaranteed and complete for the elderly, but neither guaranteed nor complete for the nonelderly. Historically, reimbursement of providers was very generous, and access to providers was open. Increasingly, though, the reimbursement and access routes are being restricted, as insurers respond to the perception of significant moral hazard in the receipt of care. David Cutler David Wise Department of Economics Kennedy School of Government Harvard University Harvard University 1875 Cambridge Street 79 Kennedy Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Cambridge, MA 02138 dcutler@harvard.edu dwise@nber.org and NBER and NBER
Recombinant Duck Interferon Gamma Inhibits Duck Hepatitis B Virus Replication in Primary Hepatocytes

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), which has been cloned in several mammalian species and recently in birds, plays a critical role in modulating immune system function. IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) have been shown to be crucial in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis and in the transient disappearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from the liver after adoptive transfer of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes into HBV-transgenic mice. Similar studies in the natural animal hosts of related hepadnaviruses have been limited because the corresponding probes and recombinant cytokines were not available. For this reason, we initiated studies to clone and characterize cytokines from the duck, the natural host of the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). We describe here the cDNA cloning and initial characterization of the IFN-γ homologue of ducks (DuIFN-γ). The DuIFN-γ cDNA codes for a predicted mature protein of 145 amino acids with a molecular mass of 16.6 kDa. The precursor protein has 67% identity with the previously cloned chicken IFN-γ and 21 to 34% identity with mammalian IFN-γ. Recombinant DuIFN-γ induces the transcription of several IFN-inducible genes including IFN regulatory factor 1 and guanylate-binding protein, and it exhibits antiviral activity that protects duck cells from vesicular stomatitis virus-mediated lysis. Importantly, treatment of primary duck hepatocytes with recombinant DuIFN-γ inhibits DHBV replication in a dose-dependent fashion. Time course analysis revealed that IFN-γ treatment does not affect initial covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) conversion but inhibits the synthesis of progeny cccDNA by amplification.
Civilian medical qualification determinations.

ABSTRACT Much like their counterparts in private industry, federal medical officers, particularly preventive and occupational medicine physicians, must ensure a workforce fit to perform their duties. Meeting this objective often requires balancing competing interests between employers and employees. The medical examination is the method for protecting the government's interests in identifying federal civilian applicants and workers who are medically unqualified to perform their duties while also preventing discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. Scant published guidance on performing authorized medical examinations and analyzing the resultant information is available for federal medical officers. This is needed to foster an equitable, compliant decision for both federal employers and employees. Using the Department of Defense as an example, this article provides a legal road map for the practitioner by defining medical standards and physical requirements, discussing medical examina...
Jane Jacobs' ‘Cities First’ Model and Archaeological Reality

In The Economy of Cities, Jane Jacobs conjectured that the world's first cities preceded the origins of agriculture, a proposition that was most recently revived by Peter Taylor in the pages of this journal. Jacobs' idea was out of line with extant archaeological findings when first advanced decades ago, and it remains firmly contradicted by a much fuller corpus of data today. After a review of how and why Jacobs formulated her 'cities first' model, we review current archaeological knowledge from the Near East, China and Mesoamerica to document the temporal precedence of agriculture before urbanism in each of these regions. Contrary to the opinions of Jacobs and Taylor, archaeological data are in fact sufficiently robust to reconstruct patterns of diet, settlement and social organization in the past, and to assign dates to the relevant sites. Our response illustrates how generations of archaeological discoveries have yielded solid empirical foundations for the evaluation of wider social scientific debates.
Signal detection using third-order moments

The noise suppression capability of higher-order moments and spectra has made them attractive when the goal is to extract or reconstruct a signal that is contaminated by multivariate Gaussian noise or certain types of non-Gaussian noise. Two new detectors, one centralized and one distributed, which are based on the third-order moment of the data are proposed. The asymptotic performance of the centralized detector and the asymptotic distribution of the components of the distributed detector are analyzed. Further, the performance of these detectors is simulated and compared to that of the matched filter for three different types of interference: Gaussian noise, Gaussian noise corrupted by a sinusoid with random phase, and Arctic under-ice noise.
Configuration averaging of operators

Abstract In order to calculate scalar averages of the product of any operators, over a finite number of many particle states, a diagramatic method is developed. This is generalized to the configuration averages and it is found that configuration averages trivially follow from scalar averages. The configuration average of the product of three and four two-body operators is derived.
Angiotensin III stimulates ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases and astrocyte growth in cultured rat astrocytes

Angiotensin (Ang) III is a biologically active metabolite of Ang II with similar effects and receptor binding properties as Ang II. Most Ang III studies delineate physiological effects of the peptide but, the intracellular pathways leading to the actions are unknown and are a focus of these studies. We investigated in cultured brainstem and cerebellum rat astrocytes whether Ang III stimulates ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases and astrocyte growth. Ang III significantly stimulated ERK1/2 MAP kinases in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The maximal stimulation occurred with 100 nM Ang III (2.8±0.3 and 2.3±0.1-fold over basal, in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes, respectively). This stimulation occurred as early as 1 min, and was sustained for at least 15 min. Moreover, inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway by 10 μM PD98059 attenuated Ang III-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Ang III induction of ERK1/2 occurred via stimulation of the Ang AT(1) receptor since pretreatment with 10 μM Losartan, a selective AT(1) receptor blocker, prevented Ang III-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The selective AT(2) Ang receptor blocker PD123319 was ineffective. Comparable to Ang II, Ang III also stimulated astrocyte growth in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect that occurred via activation of the AT(1) receptor as well. These findings suggest that Ang III has similar effects as Ang II in astrocytes since it rapidly stimulates the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinases and induces astrocyte proliferation through activation of the AT(1) receptor. These studies are important in establishing signaling pathways for Ang III and provide validation of the central role of Ang III.
Leptin Signaling Targets the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Promoter in Vivo

The regulation of TRH gene expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) by leptin is critical for normal function of the thyroid axis in rodents and humans. The TRH neuron in the PVH expresses both leptin and melanocortin-4 receptors, suggesting that both signaling systems may regulate TRH gene expression in vivo. Indeed, the TRH promoter responds to both of these signaling pathways in cell culture through identified cis-acting elements, which include signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and cAMP-response element binding protein binding sites that mediate leptin and melanocortin responses, respectively. To determine whether leptin signaling can directly target the TRH promoter in vivo, we developed a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to use on leptin-treated animals. After a single injection of leptin in fasting animals, we could detect a significant increase in TRH gene expression in the PVH that correlated well with the induction of phosphorylated-STAT3 in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, using a STAT3 antibody, we could immunoprecipitate the STAT-binding site containing regions of both the TRH promoter and the promoter of the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 gene, another well-defined target of leptin action. In contrast, upstream regions of these promoters that lack STAT sites were not precipitated. Taken together these experiments demonstrate that STAT3 mediates transcriptional effects of leptin in vivo and that the TRH promoter is a likely direct site of leptin action. In addition, these experiments demonstrate that chromatin immunoprecipitation can be used to characterize leptin-signaling in vivo.
992-110 Finite Element Analysis of Post-shock Sensing Performance in Transvenous Implantable Defibrillator Lead Systems

Post-shock sensing abnormalities have been observed in transvenous (TV) implantable defibrillator (ICD) lead systems. This may be related to the proximity of the sensing and defibrillation (DF) electrodes, and due to local conduction block in areas of high potential gradients. Potential gradients of g 64 V/cm have been shown to cause local conduction block. To study the effect of lead geometry on potential gradient at the sensing circuit following a high voltage shock, a finite element model was constructed to simulate three TV ICD leads: Endotak 60 TM , TVL TM , and Transvene TM . The first two lead systems use integrated bipolar sensing (tip to distal DF coil); the latter uses true bipolar sensing (tip to ring electrode). The model consisted of a three-dimensional, cylindrically symmetric right ventricle, with the lead surrounded by blood except at the distal electrode, which was in contact with myocardium. The model was calculated assuming an applied voltage of 650 V at the distal DF coil, with the proximal DF coil at 0 V. The potential gradient at each point of a 635 to 824 node finite element model was solved using LaPlace's equation, assuming typical values for conductivity of blood (0.01 S/cm) and myocardium 10.002 S/cm). Results Potential gradient values at the distal sensing electrode were l 30 V/cm in all TV ICD systems. The potential gradient at the proximal sensing electrode in the Transvene TM was l 30 V/cm. Potential gradients of g 64 V/cm (range 64 to 660 V/cm) were seen at all nodes within 3 mm of the distal DF electrode. Conclusions Nodes adjacent to the sensing circuit in the true bipolarsensing lead had potential gradients l 30 V/cm, whereas the area surrounding the sensing cathode of integrated bipolar systems had potential gradients g 64 V/cm. This model demonstrates: 1) how post-shock sensing performance may be significantly affected by lead geometry; 2) that integrated bipolar sensing systems may be affected more by shock delivery than true bipolar sensing systems
Hypocapnia and other ventilation-related risk factors for cerebral palsy in low birth weight infants.

Ventilatory management patterns in very low birth weight newborns, particularly iatrogenic hypocapnia, have occasionally been implicated in perinatal brain damage. However, such relationships have not been explored in large representative populations. To examine the risk of disabling cerebral palsy in mechanically ventilated very low birth weight infants in relation to hypocapnia and other ventilation-related variables, we conducted a population-based prospective cohort study of 1105 newborns with birth weights of 500-2000 g born in New Jersey from mid-1984 through 1987, among whom 777 of 902 survivors (86%) had at least one neurodevelopmental assessment at age 2 y or older. Six hundred fifty-seven of 777 assessed survivors (85%), of whom 400 had been mechanically ventilated, had blood gases obtained during the neonatal period. Hypocapnia was defined as the highest quintile of cumulative exposure to arterial PCO(2) levels 60 mm Hg in mechanically ventilated very low birth weight infants would seem prudent.
The pathways of oxalate formation from phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan and ascorbic acid in the rat☆

The metabolic pathway by which L-[14C1]phenylalanine, L-[14C1]tyrosine, L-[14C1]tryptophan, and L-[14C1]ascorbic acid are converted to [14C]oxalate have been investigated in the male rate. Only [14C]oxalate was detected in the urine of rats injected with L-[14C1]ascorbic acid, but [14C]-labeled oxalate, glycolate, glyoxylate, glycolaldehyde, glycine, and serine were recovered from the [14C1]-labeled aromatic amino acids. DL-Phenyllactate, an inhibitor of glycolic acid oxidase and glycolic acid dehydrogenase, reduced the amount of [14C]oxalate recovered in the urine of rats given the [14C1]-labeled aromatic amino acids, but increased the amount of [14C]glycolate formed from L-[14C1]phenylalanine and L-[14C1]tyrosine and the amount of [14C]glycolate produced from [14C1]tryptophan. Based on the [14C]labeled intermediates identified and the relative distribution of the radioactivity, it is postulated that phenylalanine and tyrosine are converted to oxalate via glycolate which is oxidized directly to oxalate by glycolic acid dehydrogenase. Tryptophan is metabolized via glyoxylate which is oxidized directly to oxalate by glycolic acid oxidase. Neither glycolate, glyoxylate, glycolic acid oxidase or glycolic acid dehydrogenase are involved in the formation of oxalate from ascorbic acid.
A laboratory scale model for the study of subsurface scattering in low-loss media with applications to ground penetrating radar

Abstract Cross-borehole electromagnetic probing in the VHF band has been used successfully for locating underground tunnels and other subsurface structures, even when these are deeply buried and devoid of highcontrast reflecting materials. Full scale studies of available and developmental field techniques can be expensive and difficult, and analytical models are insufficient in complexity for adequate description of real-world problems. Laboratory scale models offer a valuable alternative approach for investigating such subsurface exploration techniques, although they, too, have limitations related to the impossibility of perfectly scaling all relevant parameters, duplicating the intricacy of a real-world host medium, etc. This study utilized a circular metal tank lined with microwave absorbing material and filled with a relatively inexpensive low-loss ceramic powder medium. Simulated boreholes, targets, scaled dipole antennas and baluns were constructed, and instrumentation operating in the 2–4 GHz band was assembled and automated. The result is a scale model measurement technique that has proven useful for tunnel detection investigations and that is neither unduly expensive nor difficult to implement.
Use of Culture and Temporary Immunosuppression to Prolong Adrenal Cortical Allograft Survival

Life-long corticosteroid replacement therapy is today the only form of treatment for adrenal insufficiency. The transplantation of adrenal cortical tissue could represent a more physiological approach to the treatment of this syndrome. Successful experimental transplantation of other endocrine tissues across major histocompatibility barriers encouraged us to attempt similar approaches with the adrenal cortex. Recipient rats received bilateral adrenalectomy, followed by the implantation of adrenal cortical tissue beneath the renal capsule. The tissue was transplanted either immediately after its isolation or after pretreatment with 1 week of culture (either at 24 C or in the presence of 95% oxygen). The results show that 1 week of culture of the donor tissue followed by short term treatment of the recipients with cyclosporine A allows long term (30 days) survival of the transplanted adrenal cortical tissue in all animals. (Endocrinobgy 121: 745–748,1987)
Transluminal dilation of esophageal strictures in infants following atresia repair.

Multiple studies have reported a variety of prograde and retrograde dilation techniques for management of anastomotic strictures in infants and children following repairs for tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia. These techniques have involved rigid bougies which create undesired axial forces on anastomoses or elastic balloons and may result in ineffective radial force on strictures as a result of balloon distention in directions of least resistance. Recent studies have described the application of nonelastic balloon catheter dilation of benign esophageal strictures in adults.1,2 We have employed a similar technique in the management of severe anastomotic esophageal strictures in infants. This procedure avoids bougienage risks, need for general anesthesia, and gastrostomy for retrograde methods.
Bismuth-doped silicate glass fiber for ultra-broadband amplification media

Bismuth (Bi) -doped silicate glass for future photonics applications was proposed by Y. Fujimoto et al . in 2001 [1]. And its broadband fluorescence characteristic at 1.3um band was demonstrated for the first time. From this report, several studies such as clarifying the fluorescence mechanism, surveying the optical properties of Bi-doped glass with various host glass materials and so on have been done. However, there was no report on fabricating Bi-doped silicate glass fiber (BiDF) for the demonstration of optical amplification and laser oscillation. In 2005, Haruna et al . succeeded in fabricating the BiDF by Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) method for the first time, and evaluated its absorption and fluorescent characteristics [2]. In this report, the absorption bands around 0.5 um, 0.7 um, 0.8 um and 1.0um were shown, and the very wide fluorescence band with a FWHM of 192 nm centered at 1.06um was also indicated. The background loss of the fiber was as low as <0.05 dB/m at 1.55 um because of the MCVD method that is well-established method for the conventional optical fibers. Furthermore, the 1.3 um band amplification using the BiDF prepared by the similar MCVD method was reported by V. V. Dvoyrin et al . in 2005 [3], and the laser oscillation by this fiber was also demonstrated in 2006 [4]. In this paper, a current research progress on the Bi-doped glasses and fibers is reviewed. By looking at the optical properties such as fluorescence characteristics, future possible applications are explained and its fluorescence mechanism is also discussed.
Comparison of treatment regimes with adjustment for auxiliary variables

Treatment regimes are algorithms for assigning treatments to patients with complex diseases, where treatment consists of more than one episode of therapy, potentially with different dosages of the same agent or different agents. Sequentially randomized clinical trials are usually designed to evaluate and compare the effect of different treatment regimes. In such designs, eligible patients are first randomly assigned to receive one of the initial treatments. Patients meeting some criteria (e.g. no progressive disease) are then randomized to receive one of the maintenance treatments. Usually, the procedure continues until all treatment options are exhausted. Such multistage treatment assignment results in treatment regimes consisting of initial treatments, intermediate responses and second-stage treatments. However, methods for efficient analysis of sequentially randomized trials have only been developed very recently. As a result, earlier clinical trials reported results based only on the comparison of sta...
A Stable Rapidly Oscillating Periodic Solution for an Equation with State-Dependent Delay

We exhibit a differential delay equation with state-dependent delay $$\begin{aligned} x'(t) = f(x(t - h(x_t))) \end{aligned}$$ for which the familiar non-increasing “oscillation speed” is defined and for which there exists an asymptotically stable rapidly oscillating periodic solution.
Bayesian and Frequentist Methods for Provider Profiling Using Risk-Adjusted Assessments of Medical Outcomes

“Provider profiling” is the evaluation of the performance of hospitals, doctors, and other medical practitioners to enhance the quality of medical care. We propose a new method and compare conventional and Bayesian methodologies that are used or proposed for use for such “report cards.” Conventional statistical approaches to these provider assessments use likelihood-based frequentist methodologies, and the new Bayesian method is patterned after these. For each of three models, we compare the frequentist and Bayesian approaches using data used by the New York State Department of Health for its annually released reports that profile hospitals permitted to perform coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We use additional, constructed data sets to sharpen our conclusions. Comparisons across methods associated with different models are important because of current proposals to use random-effects (exchangeable) models for provider profiling. We also summarize and discuss important issues in the conduct of provide...
Symptomatic burden as an endpoint to evaluate interventions in patients with atrial fibrillation

Management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is clinically challenging and has led to the development of new pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies. However, no clear consensus on optimal endpoints for defining responses to therapy exists. This paradox arises largely because symptoms, often used to gauge efficacy of interventions, have not been well correlated with long-term "hard" endpoints such as stroke and death. One widely used symptom-based metric is "time to first symptomatic AF episode," but this correlates poorly with frequency of symptomatic episodes. Similarly, although quality-of-life (QOL) measures have been used, the precise and unbiased assessment of QOL is difficult to define and measure. The availability of implantable devices capable of monitoring and recording all AF episodes has made the accurate determination of total time in AF ("burden") possible. However, QOL tools and formal measures of AF burden do not correlate well, suggesting that measures of subjective well-being are important adjunct measures to conventional measures of disease severity when evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for AF. Although measurement of total AF burden requires invasive monitoring, symptomatic AF burden (defined by frequency, duration and severity of symptoms) can be determined in all patients with symptomatic AF and may serve as a valid endpoint, as elimination of symptoms is a common and realistic therapeutic goal. Therefore, we propose an algorithm to quantify symptomatic AF burden as an endpoint in clinical trials.
Biotinidase deficiency Accumulation of lactate in the brain and response to physiologic doses of biotin

Biotinidase deficiency is the most common cause of late onset, biotin-responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency (MCD). We studied the two oldest known boys with this disorder who had high CSF content of lactate that could have contributed to the clinical disorder. The symptoms of these patients implied that near physiologic, rather than pharmacologic, doses of biotin may be sufficient for treatment.
Diisopropylfluorophosphate and tetanic stimulation fail to reverse mecamylamine antagonism of Renshaw cells

Abstract Mecamylamine-induced antagonism of Renshaw cells was studied in the spinal cord of DIAL anesthetized adult male or spayed female mongrel cats. Renshaw cell unit responses to 1- or 2-Hz supramaximal antidromic stimulation of lumbar segment 7 ventral root were recorded by conventional means from glass micropipettes (2.7 m NaCl, tip diameter 1.0 to 1.6 μm, 2.0 to 4.0 MΩ resistance). Data were analyzed by computer. Mecamylamine (1.0 mg/kg iv) antagonizes the response to 1- or 2-Hz stimulation. The onset occurs within 60 sec, only the first one or two spikes remain after 2 min, and this antagonism is observed 30 min after injection. Persistence of action of acetylcholine (ACh) induced by diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP 2.0 to 2.5 mg/kg iv) increases the spike frequency of the Renshaw cell burst and reduces the variability in the number of spikes per discharge in response to 1- or 2-Hz antidromic stimulation. Excess ACh generated by 2 min of 20-Hz antidromic stimulation fails to reverse the mecamylamine-induced antagonism to 1- or 2-Hz antidromic stimulation. Also, DFP-induced persistence of action of ACh or 20-Hz (2 min) antidromic stimulation to induce excess ACh in the presence of DFP, fails to reverse the mecamylamine-induced antagonism of response to 1- or 2-Hz antidromic stimulation. It is concluded that the data agree with a mechanism of action of mecamylamine as a noncompetitive open channel blocker of the nicotinic receptor ion-channel complex which renders it nonresponsive to the agonist ACh and to the open channel blocker, DFP.
Dengue Virus Evolution and Virulence Models

Dengue virus transmission has increased dramatically in the past 2 decades, making this virus one of the most important mosquito-borne human pathogens. The emergence of dengue hemorrhagic fever in most tropical countries has made its control a public health priority, but no vaccines or treatments exist. Little is understood about dengue virus pathogenesis, because no other animals develop symptoms of disease, and research, therefore, has been limited to studies involving patients. Although epidemiologic and evolutionary studies have pointed to host and viral factors in determining disease outcome, only recently developed models could prove the importance of viral genotypes in causing severe epidemics. The influence of host immune status and mosquito vectorial capacity are also being tested in mathematical models to determine virus population dynamics. Therefore, new technologies are allowing us to better understand how specific virus variants cause more disease than others, and these virus variants should be targeted for detection, control, and treatment.
Palatal myoclonus associated with abnormal ocular and extremity movements. A polygraphic study.

The electroencephalogram, electromyogram, and electro-oculogram were recorded during wakefulness and sleep from two patients with palatal myoclonus. The myoclonus of branchial muscles was persistently present and irregularly varied around a fixed frequency. Its amplitude varied directly with the amplitude of background EMG activity both during wakefulness and in sleep. The complex abnormal ocular movements occurred at the same frequency as the branchial myoclonus. They disappeared during sleep to return during desynchronized sleep following a rapid eye movement. Voluntary extremity movements provoked in them a rhythmical myoclonus of identical frequency to the simultaneously recorded branchial myoclonus. These observations suggest that voluntary or involuntary muscle activity is necessary for the expression of palatal myoclonus and that the abnormal branchial muscle, ocular, and extremity movements are caused by a common pathophysiologic mechanism.
Effects of Two Residential Environmental Workshops on High School Students.

Abstract High school students' knowledge of and participation in responsible environmental behaviors were compared after participation in a six-day residential environmental education workshop. One treatment group received instruction, for the most part at the awareness level, in environmental issues while the other group received instruction, also at the awareness level, in both environmental issues and action strategies. The results showed that those students receiving the issue awareness instruction failed to demonstrate an increase in their level of knowledge of environmental action and did not report participating in a significantly greater number of environmental behaviors. However, those students receiving instruction in both environmental issues and action strategies did demonstrate an increased level of knowledge of environmental action and reported participating in a greater number of environmental behaviors. Educational implications are also discussed.
Directed Evolution of Aminoglycoside Phosphotransferase (3′) Type IIIa Variants That Inactivate Amikacin but Impose Significant Fitness Costs

The rules that govern adaptive protein evolution remain incompletely understood. Aminoglycoside aminotransferase (3′) type IIIa (hereafter abbreviated APH(3′)-IIIa) is a good model enzyme because it inactivates kanamycin efficiently; it recognizes other aminoglycoside antibiotics, including amikacin, but not nearly as well. Here we direct the evolution of APH(3′)-IIIa variants with increased activity against amikacin. After four rounds of random mutation and selection in Escherichia coli, the minimum inhibitory concentration of amikacin rose from 18 micrograms/mL (wild-type enzyme) to over 1200 micrograms/mL (clone 4.1). The artificially evolved 4.1 APH(3′)-IIIa variant exhibited 19-fold greater catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) than did the wild-type enzyme in reactions with amikacin. E. coli expressing the evolved 4.1 APH(3′)-IIIa also exhibited a four-fold decrease in fitness (as measured by counting colony forming units in liquid cultures with the same optical density) compared with isogenic cells expressing the wild-type protein under non-selective conditions. We speculate that these fitness costs, in combination with the prevalence of other amikacin-modifying enzymes, hinder the evolution of APH(3′)-IIIa in clinical settings.
Cannulating tunneled dialysis access in the keloid‐prone patient

K eloids are benign overgrowths of scar tissue composed of overproduction of cellular matrix and dermal fi broblasts. As with all genetic diseases, the prevalence of keloids varies between different patient populations, ranging from 0.09% in Great Britain to 16% in the Congo.1 Patients with the genetic predisposition to keloid formation can form large overgrowths following any skin insult.2 In addition to cosmetic concerns and disfi gurement, keloids can also be painful.3 Recurrence of keloids is common despite both medical therapy and surgical removal. Patients on hemodialysis (HD) who are prone to keloid formation present a unique challenge. Multiple studies have shown that the preferred method of access for hemodialysis is via an arteriovenous fi stula (AVF).4 This was further promoted by the Fistula First initiative resulting in an increased prevalence of AVF. During cannulation of the AVF, the skin overlying the fi stula is traumatized, predisposing this population to keloid formation. Further K/DOQI guidelines suggest rotating the site of the needle placement along the AVF to decrease the incidence of pseudoaneurysms.5,6 While the K/DOQI guidelines are benefi cial to the HD population at large, if we generalize to include this unique population, we place them at risk for extensive scarring and keloid formation. To our knowledge, management of HD patients prone to keloids has not been addressed in the literature. We present four cases of patients on HD who developed keloids, and how they were managed. In our centers’ diverse patient population, the incidence of keloids is about 1 in 200.
Effect of spool diameter on the temperature-dependent extinction ratios of polarization-maintaining fibers

The temperature dependence of polarization-maintaining fibers, wound onto two different diameter (4- and 1-in.) glass cylinders, is measured and compared. The fluctuation of the extinction coefficient for the smaller spool is much greater for the same set of conditions and is roughly proportional to the rate of the temperature change.
Feasibility study of inflatable structures for a lunar base

The design of a structure on the moon requires addressing a host of issues not encountered on Earth. A modular inflatable structure consisting of thin membranes of composite material integrated with supporting columns and arches is proposed. An initial linear analysis of the structure is briefly reviewed. The actual response of an inflatable membrane is nonlinear and, hence, a nonlinear numerical analysis of the stresses and displacements was undertaken. Results indicate that an inflatable structure is a feasible concept for a lunar structure.
Utilization of D-methinnine by growing rats

Abstract Two rat growth assays were conducted using chemically defined diets to determine the efficacy of D-methionine (MET) relative to L-MET. Experiment 1 established the linear growth response region for weanling rats fed a MET-free diet supplemented with graded levels of L-MET. Growth was linear when rats were fed L-MET levels between 0.10 and 0.25%. In experiment 2, the efficacy of D-MET was determined using the slope-ratio technique. Graded levels of D- and L-MET were fed to weanling rats, resulting in growth in the linear portion of the growth curve as established in experiment 1. Efficacy of D-MET was 88.5% of L-MET. Evaluation of urinary MET excretion revealed that only about 0.1% of the D-MET ingested was excreted via the kidneys.