cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of user-friendly and interactive data collection system for cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent motor disorder that appears in early age and it requires multiple tests to assess the physical and mental capabilities of the patients. Current medical record data collection systems, e.g., EPIC, employed for CP are very general, difficult to navigate, and prone to errors. The data cannot easily be extracted which limits data analysis on this rich source of information. To overcome these limitations, we designed and prototyped a database with a graphical user interface geared towards clinical research specifically in CP. The platform with MySQL and Java framework is reliable, secure, and can be easily integrated with other programming languages for data analysis such as MATLAB. This database with GUI design is a promising tool for data collection and can be applied in many different fields aside from CP to infer useful information out of the vast amount of data being collected.
The Wasserstein metric in factor analysis

We consider the problem of approximating a (nonnegative definite) covariance matrix by the sum of two structured covariances –one which is diagonal and one which has low-rank. Such an additive decomposition follows the dictum of factor analysis where linear relations are sought between variables corrupted by independent measurement noise. We use as distance the Wasserstein metric between their respective distributions (assumed Gaussian) which induces a metric between nonnegative definite matrices, in general. The rank-constraint renders the optimization non-convex. We propose alternating between optimization with respect to each of the two summands. Properties of these optimization problems and the performance of the approach are being analyzed.
Atrial natriuretic factor does not inhibit basal or angiotensin II-stimulated proximal transport.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) can functionally overcome the effects of angiotensin II in several tissues. Since ANF and angiotensin II in physiological concentrations have opposite effects on renal sodium excretion, we evaluated whether functional antagonism of the two hormones occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule, as has been recently reported with use of the shrinking split-droplet technique. We used the more conventional technique of in vivo microperfusion to measure the response to systemic ANF (0.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) when the endogenous angiotensin II level and proximal transport were normal or when transport was first stimulated by systemic angiotensin II administration (20 ng.kg-1.min-1). In both cases, ANF did not significantly alter bicarbonate, chloride, or water transport in either the early or late proximal convoluted tubule. This inability by ANF to directly affect proximal transport is consonant with the known lack of high-affinity receptors and appropriate second messenger system for ANF in the proximal convoluted tubule.
The ammonoid suture problem; relationships between shell and septum thickness and suture complexity in Paleozoic ammonoids

The most widely cited explanation for the functional enigma of sutural complexity in ammonoids, the Buckland hypothesis, has related septal folding and fluting to buttressing, providing increased shell strength against implosion, along with increased efficiency and decreased weight in shell and septum construction. In Paleozoic ammonoids, sutures ranged from simple to extremely complex. Comparison of shell and septum thickness (in polished sections) with sutural complexity in 49 Paleozoic ammonoid genera (Middle Devonian–Upper Permian) indicates that no significant reduction in either septum thickness or shell thickness accompanied a one-hundred-fold increase in sutural complexity. These preliminary results fail to support the Buckland hypothesis, suggest there may have been alternative incentives for increasing sutural complexity, and add support to views that septal fluting may have been related to buoyancy control.
Universal Prenatal Chromosomal Microarray Analysis: Additive Value and Clinical Dilemmas in Fetuses with a Normal Karyotype.

Objective To assess the additive value of prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for all indications and the likelihood of detecting pathologic copy number variations (CNVs) based on specific indications. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling results obtained between 2010 and 2014 in a single institution. A total of 3,314 consecutive patients undergoing invasive genetic testing for different indications were offered CMA in addition to standard karyotype. The prevalence of pathologic CNVs was compared between patients with low-risk indications and those with high-risk indications. Likewise, the prevalence of pathologic CNVs among patients with different sonographic abnormalities was calculated and compared with the low-risk group. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of pathologic CNVs was significantly higher in patients with high-risk indications and specifically those with sonographic abnormalities, compared with the low-risk group (2.8 and 5.9% vs. 0.4%, respectively; all p Conclusion Prenatal CMA detected clinically relevant CNVs in fetuses with a normal karyotype. Major structural malformations and nuchal translucency (NT) ≥ 3.0 mm are associated with the highest risk for a CMA abnormality. Nevertheless, the prevalence of pathologic CNVs in the low-risk population was high enough (1:250) to consider genetic counseling in this group.
Role of contextual cues on the perception of spectrally reduced interrupted speecha)

Understanding speech within an auditory scene is constantly challenged by interfering noise in suboptimal listening environments when noise hinders the continuity of the speech stream. In such instances, a typical auditory-cognitive system perceptually integrates available speech information and “fills in” missing information in the light of semantic context. However, individuals with cochlear implants (CIs) find it difficult and effortful to understand interrupted speech compared to their normal hearing counterparts. This inefficiency in perceptual integration of speech could be attributed to further degradations in the spectral-temporal domain imposed by CIs making it difficult to utilize the contextual evidence effectively. To address these issues, 20 normal hearing adults listened to speech that was spectrally reduced and spectrally reduced interrupted in a manner similar to CI processing. The Revised Speech Perception in Noise test, which includes contextually rich and contextually poor sentences, was used to evaluate the influence of semantic context on speech perception. Results indicated that listeners benefited more from semantic context when they listened to spectrally reduced speech alone. For the spectrally reduced interrupted speech, contextual information was not as helpful under significant spectral reductions, but became beneficial as the spectral resolution improved. These results suggest top-down processing facilitates speech perception up to a point, and it fails to facilitate speech understanding when the speech signals are significantly degraded.
Paramagnetic Resonance of S 7 2 8 Ions in CdSe and CdTe

Paramagnetic-resonance measurements for ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ in CdSe and CdTe are reported. The resonance parameters for ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ are compared with those of the isoelectronic ion ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{2+}$ in the same crystals. The ${{b}_{n}}^{m}$ parameters characterizing the splitting of the $^{8}S_{\frac{7}{2}}$ ground state are much larger for ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ than for ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{2+}$ in both CdSe and CdTe. The $g$ values for ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ are significantly lower than those for ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{2+}$. The presently available theories of the splitting of the $^{8}S_{\frac{7}{2}}$ state are considered in the interpretation of these results.
Keeping Clubhouses Open: Toward a Roadmap for Sustainability

Clubhouses are recovery centers that help persons with serious mental illness obtain and maintain community-based employment, education, housing, social integration, and other services. Key informants from U.S. clubhouses were interviewed to create a conceptual framework for clubhouse sustainability. Survival analyses tested this model for 261 clubhouses. Clubhouses stayed open significantly longer if they had received full accreditation, had more administrative autonomy, and received funding from multiple rather than sole sources. Cox regression analyses showed that freestanding clubhouses which were accredited endured the longest. Budget size, clubhouse size, and access to managed care did not contribute significantly to sustainability.
Methods for Incorporating Oxygen-Generating Biomaterials into Cell Culture and Microcapsule Systems

A major obstacle to long-term performance of tissue construct implants in regenerative medicine is the inherent hypoxia to which cells in the engineered construct are exposed prior to vascularization of the implant. Various approaches are currently being designed to address this problem. An emerging area of interest on this issue is the use of peroxide-based materials to generate oxygen during the critical period of extended hypoxia that occurs from the time cells are in culture waiting to be used in tissue engineering devices through the immediate post-implant period. In this chapter we provide protocols that we have developed for using these chemical oxygen generators in cell culture and tissue constructs as illustrated by pancreatic islet cell microencapsulation.
Incarcerated Mothers: Trauma and Attachment Issues

ABSTRACTAlthough men comprise the largest portion of the prison population in the United States, the number of women in prison has increased more than 800% during the past three decades. More than 60% of these women are mothers of children under 18 years of age. There continues to be a gap in our knowledge base regarding mothers who are incarcerated. In this study, unresolved issues of trauma and attachment are explored for 28 incarcerated mothers involved with the child welfare system. Data were collected using the Trauma Attachment and Belief Scale (TABS) and the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Findings from the TABS revealed scores of average and high average in beliefs related to five need areas that are sensitive to the effects of traumatic experiences, namely self-safety, self-trust, self-esteem, self-intimacy, and self-control. Most participants were classified as disorganized/disoriented based on their narrative responses to questions from the AAI protocol. Implications for the results are discu...
Utilizing Behavior Change Techniques to Elicit Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Abstract Introduction: Two 2-day continuing education seminars were developed to address the orthopedic physical therapy deficits in the country of Guyana. Material was presented in a way to address all stages of behavior change. Methods: Surveys evaluating pre- and post-seminar knowledge was evaluated. Chart reviews to establish adherence to clinical practice guidelines were performed. Results: Pre-seminar surveys revealed minimal knowledge of clinical practice guidelines which was consistent with pre-seminar chart review data. Post-seminar data indicate improvements in both knowledge and adherence to guidelines. Discussion: A brief series of two 2-day seminars utilizing behavior change strategies to improve adherence to clinical practice guidelines shows promise for countries and regions that rely on international health volunteers to provide clinical instruction. Because this study is limited to one situation, further studies with longer follow-up in a variety of clinical settings are recommended to support generalizability of findings.
Zika Virus Persistently Infects and Is Basolaterally Released from Primary Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus that has emerged as the cause of encephalitis and fetal microencephaly in the Americas. ZIKV uniquely persists in human bodily fluids for up to 6 months, is sexually transmitted, and traverses the placenta and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to damage neurons. Cells that support persistent ZIKV replication and mechanisms by which ZIKV establishes persistence remain enigmatic but central to ZIKV entry into protected neuronal compartments. The endothelial cell (EC) lining of capillaries normally constrains transplacental transmission and forms the BBB, which selectively restricts access of blood constituents to neurons. We found that ZIKV (strain PRVABC59) persistently infects and continuously replicates in primary human brain microvascular ECs (hBMECs), without cytopathology, for >9 days and following hBMEC passage. ZIKV did not permeabilize hBMECs but was released basolaterally from polarized hBMECs, suggesting a direct mechanism for ZIKV to cross the BBB. ZIKV-infected hBMECs were rapidly resistant to alpha interferon (IFN-α) and transiently induced, but failed to secrete, IFN-β and IFN-λ. Global transcriptome analysis determined that ZIKV constitutively induced IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), IRF9, and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) 1 to 9 days postinfection, despite persistently replicating in hBMECs. ZIKV constitutively induced ISG15, HERC5, and USP18, which are linked to hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence and IFN regulation, chemokine CCL5, which is associated with immunopathogenesis, as well as cell survival factors. Our results reveal that hBMECs act as a reservoir of persistent ZIKV replication, suggest routes for ZIKV to cross hBMECs into neuronal compartments, and define novel mechanisms of ZIKV persistence that can be targeted to restrict ZIKV spread.IMPORTANCE ZIKV persists in patients, crossing placental and neuronal barriers, damaging neurons, and causing fetal microencephaly. We found that ZIKV persistently infects brain endothelial cells that normally protect neurons from viral exposure. hBMECs are not damaged by ZIKV infection and, analogous to persistent HCV infection, ZIKV constitutively induces and evades antiviral ISG and IFN responses to continuously replicate in hBMECs. As a result, hBMECs provide a protective niche for systemic ZIKV spread and a viral reservoir localized in the normally protective blood-brain barrier. Consistent with the spread of ZIKV into neuronal compartments, ZIKV was released basolaterally from hBMECs. Our findings define hBMEC responses that contribute to persistent ZIKV infection and potential targets for clearing ZIKV infections from hBMECs. These results further suggest roles for additional ZIKV-infected ECs to facilitate viral spread and persistence in the protected placental, retinal, and testicular compartments.
Long-term risk of seizures in adult survivors of sepsis.

Objective: To examine the association between sepsis and the long-term risk of seizures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative claims data from all emergency department visits and hospitalizations at nonfederal acute care hospitals in California, Florida, and New York from 2005 to 2013. Using previously validated diagnosis codes, we identified all adult patients hospitalized with sepsis. Our outcome was any emergency department visit or hospitalization for seizure. Poisson regression and demographic data were used to calculate age-, sex-, and race-standardized incidence rate ratios (IRR). To confirm our findings, we used a matched cohort of hospitalized patients without sepsis for comparison and additionally assessed claims data from a nationally representative 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Results: We identified 842,735 patients with sepsis. The annual incidence of seizure was 1.29% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27%–1.30%) in patients with sepsis vs 0.16% (95% CI 0.16%–0.16%) in the general population (IRR 4.98; 95% CI 4.92–5.04). A secondary analysis using matched hospitalized patients confirmed these findings (IRR 4.33; 95% CI 4.13–4.55), as did a separate analysis of Medicare beneficiaries, in whom we found a similar strength of association (IRR 2.72; 95% CI 2.60–2.83), as we did in patients ≥65 years of age in our primary statewide data (IRR 2.83; 95% CI 2.78–2.88). Conclusions: We found that survivors of sepsis faced a significantly higher long-term risk of seizures than both the general population and other hospitalized patients. Our findings suggest that sepsis is associated with pathways that lead to permanent neurologic sequelae.
Abstract TP223: Characterizing Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Conversion in Infectious Endocarditis

Introduction: Ischemic stroke is a common complication of infective endocarditis (IE) and can delay valve surgery. Identifying risk factors for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hemorrhagic conversio...
Active Learning Strategies for Integrating the ACM Code of Ethics into CS Courses: (Abstract Only)

The ACM Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical conduct within the computing industry. The Code describes ethical conduct for individuals and organizations, as well as the basic moral principles underlying these prescriptions. Principles defined in the Code include: Avoid harm; be fair and take action not to discriminate; respect privacy; ensure the public good is the central concern during all professional computing work. While these principles are intuitive in many situations, students, faculty, and industry professionals often struggle to apply these concepts to computing. It is not obvious how to apply the concepts of harm, privacy, or the public good in courses on Operating Systems or Programming Languages, so discussion of the Code is often restricted to specialized Ethical Issues in Computing or Software Engineering courses. We believe this approach misses an educational opportunity to build on moral sensitivity--the ability to detect a potential moral problem within a particular context--as a foundation. Integrating the Code throughout the CS curriculum provides an opportunity to increase students' exposure to subtle moral dilemmas and improve their moral sensitivity. In this birds-of-a-feather (BoF) session, we will discuss: Which topics can be used to introduce ethical discussions into core Computer Science courses? How do you write and facilitate case study discussions? What other active learning techniques can be used to examine ethical issues? What concerns would faculty have in introducing ethical discussions into technical courses? What portions of the Code might be difficult for students and future practitioners to uphold?
Paper Circuitry and Projection Mapping: An Interactive Textbook Approach to Veterinary Education

We present an interactive book platform that was initially developed for veterinary students. This platform provides a simple tangible book interface that users can touch, flip through pages, and read the content. Meanwhile, they experience a dynamic content display system using a projector. In this paper, we present an interactive book which specifically covers Cattle (Bovine) laminitis, a painful and widely prevalent disease in cattle. Our project aims to support students' understanding of the multi-faceted nature of bovine laminitis, through the use of an interactive book interface. We implemented the unique approach of using paper circuitry to create the electrical pathway from an actual book to the computer. Book pages with embedded paper circuitry become an interactive surface, that visualizes a progression of bovine laminitis through its stages of disease. Future development of the work will include developing content from other disciplines for the same platform.
A Rapid Method for Directed Gene Knockout for Screening in G0 Zebrafish

Summary Zebrafish is a powerful model for forward genetics. Reverse genetic approaches are limited by the time required to generate stable mutant lines. We describe a system for gene knockout that consistently produces null phenotypes in G0 zebrafish. Yolk injection of sets of four CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes redundantly targeting a single gene recapitulated germline-transmitted knockout phenotypes in >90% of G0 embryos for each of 8 test genes. Early embryonic (6 hpf) and stable adult phenotypes were produced. Simultaneous multi-gene knockout was feasible but associated with toxicity in some cases. To facilitate use, we generated a lookup table of four-guide sets for 21,386 zebrafish genes and validated several. Using this resource, we targeted 50 cardiomyocyte transcriptional regulators and uncovered a role of zbtb16a in cardiac development. This system provides a platform for rapid screening of genes of interest in development, physiology, and disease models in zebrafish.
Kuiper Belt Objects. Physical Studies

Abstract The Kuiper belt stretches beyond the orbit of Neptune to an orbital distance of about 50 astronomical units from the Sun. The known objects in the Kuiper belt are icy bodies of up to about the size of Pluto, one of the biggest objects in the Kuiper belt. Centaurs are icy bodies that have escaped from the Kuiper belt by dynamical interaction with outer solar system bodies. This chapter describes the discoveries of Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) and Centaurs and our knowledge about their physical properties, mostly from telescope observations. The data include brightnes, albedo and chemistry, diameter and mass, and period of rotation. The New Horizons mission will fly by Pluto as the first KBO in 2015 and possibly other KBOs thereafter.
The Transformation of US Capitalism and Democracy, 1965–2009

US capitalism in the period 1965–2009 drew on two distinct models: that of 1933–1980 and that of 1981–2009, and not just a single, gradually evolving model like that examined in Chap. 13. At the same time, the return to the laissez-faire regime after 1980 is only superficially based upon the familiar, but simpler, laissez-faire model of earlier times. The differences in the nature and extent of the deregulation in these two eras of US history have not been widely or deeply appreciated, and I aim to elucidate that difference in this chapter.
Gravity Spreading and Air Entrainment by Heavy Gases Instantaneously Released in a Calm Atmosphere

Measurements of gravity spreading and dilution of right circular cylindrical volumes of dense gas released instantaneously in still air are described. Effects of volume released (34, 54, and 135 liters), initial density (2.19, 2.95, and 4.27 relative to air), and initial volume height-to-diameter ratio (0.4, 1.0, and 1.6) are reported. Ground level peak gas concentrations measured are compared with previously reported smaller scale experimental measurements, and scaling relationships are demonstrated.
Family and Career

When Marvin Gottlieb suggested a paper at this conference on “househusbanding and all that,” I was only moderately surprised. After 26 years of marriage to one of your colleagues, Karen Olness, I know that child health professionals are among the least stuffy members of the health industry. It is hard to be stuffy around kids. And since every child is a new agenda, it is not surprising that people who enter the child health professions tend to be open to change—and to find spouses who are open to change. I am sure that there are represented among us scores of fascinating explorations of happier ways to combine our career and family agendas. I am delighted to have an opportunity to share a few stories from our family’s exploration. This chapter is based in part on my book, The Househusband: Reflections on a Changing World (Torjesen, 1979).
The AgNOR technique, PCNA immunohistochemistry, and DNA ploidy in the evaluation of choroid plexus biopsy specimens

The histologic distinctions between normal choroid plexus and choroid plexus papilloma and between choroid plexus papilloma and choroid plexus carcinoma are sometimes difficult. The authors performed the silver nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) technique, immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and DNA ploidy analysis by flow cytometry on 9 samples of normal choroid plexus, 8 papillomas, and 13 carcinomas to evaluate whether these techniques can aid in these differential diagnoses. Significant differences were found in the mean AgNOR count between normal choroid plexus (1.35 +/- 0.11) and choroid plexus papillomas (2.42 +/- 0.81) (P < 0.001), but not between choroid plexus papillomas and carcinomas. In the normal choroid plexus, AgNORs were smooth and round; in the papillomas and carcinomas, however, they varied in size and shape. Compound AgNORs were commonly present in the tumors but were essentially absent in controls. Antibody to PCNA did not stain normal choroid plexus cells (except for focal staining in one sample of normal choroid plexus adjacent to a carcinoma) but stained many papilloma and carcinoma cells. DNA ploidy analysis demonstrated aneuploidy in some papillomas and carcinomas but could not be used for the distinction of normal choroid plexus from papillomas. These results suggested that the AgNOR technique and PCNA immunohistochemistry could be used to distinguish normal choroid plexus from choroid plexus papilloma in small, diagnostically difficult biopsy specimens.
Decision Models for Fungicide Applications for Soybean Rust

ABSTRACT Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, can be a devastating disease to southeastern U.S. soybean (Glycine max) production. Fungicides can be applied to avoid yield loss, but ...
Calcium uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum and its modulation by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in normal and failing human myocardium.

ATP-dependent, oxalate-supported Ca2+ uptake by cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum was examined in microsomes prepared from left-ventricular free wall myocardium obtained from the explanted failing hearts of transplant recipients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and the non-failing hearts of kidney donors for whose hearts no suitable recipients were available. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to values for Vmax, K0.5 (for Ca2+) or nHill of basal Ca2+ uptake. The stimulation of Ca2+ uptake associated with cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of phospholamban could be reproduced by incubation of microsomes with a monoclonal antibody to phospholamban. Stimulation resulted from a decrease in K0.5, with no changes in Vmax or nHill. The magnitude of stimulation of Ca2+ uptake following incubation with anti-phospholamban monoclonal antibody was identical in preparations from normal and failing hearts. Finally, sarcoplasmic reticulum-associated cGMP-inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in these preparations was characterised. Measurement of steady-state kinetics and pharmacologic sensitivity indicated that this activity was functionally homogeneous. Preparations from failing and non- failing hearts did not differ with respect to either values for Vmax and Km or susceptibility to inhibition by the cilostamide derivative OPC 3911. These observations indicate that abnormalities in the regulation of intracellular [Ca2+] in failing human myocardium cannot be ascribed to changes in the level or function of the Ca2 + -transporting ATPase, phospholamban or cGMP-inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
The Fluorescence of Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocyclics

Earlier reports from this laboratory revealed striking solvent effects on the positions of the fluorescence emission maxima in the indole series. The present report describes the extension of this work to the study of the fluorescence of quinoline, acridine, and other benzoquinolines in various solvents. The effects of solvents on the fluorescence spectra are compared with the UV absorption spectra of the same compounds in various solvents. These solvent effects are discussed in relation to hydrogen bonding effects, basicity, and electronic structure.
Methodology for Evaluation of Chemical Desiccation Tolerance in Winter Wheat

Postanthesis drought stress is a persistent problem for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production throughout much of the Great Plains of the USA. Chemical desiccation has been proposed as a method for improving postanthesis drought stress tolerance by identifying genotypes that support grain growth from nonstructural carbohydrates stored in the stems. The objectives of this study were to define cultivar responses to different chemical desiccants and dates of desiccant application and examine grain filling and stem dry weight loss patterns to assess the suitability of chemical desiccation as a screening method for postanthesis drought stress tolerance. In the first year of the study, 10 field-grown winter wheat cultivars were subjected to chemical desiccation with 2% sodium chlorate (NaClO3), 0.15% potassium iodide (KI), and 0.30% KI at 10 and 15 days postanthesis (DPA). Chemical desiccation 10 DPA induced significantly (P≤0.01) greater desiccation injury (for grain yield and its components) than chemical desiccation 15 DPA. Levels of desiccation injury were similar for NaClO3 and 0.30% KI, whereas the 0.15% KI treatment did not induce yield or yield component reduction. The second year of the study included evaluation of stem and grain dry weight changes following chemical desiccation. Chemical desiccation resulted in apparent reduction in grain filling rates and increased stem dry weight losses during grain filling. Cultivars that were more tolerant of chemical desiccation demonstrated increased stem dry weight immediately after anthesis and subsequent increased rates and amounts of stem dry weight loss during grain filling.
Forgiveness – It Depends: A Discussion of “An Analyst Has a Birthday - Can Forgiveness Heal?”

Diane Barclay’s article (this issue) is a clear example of rich and productive clinical work and how in some contexts, both patient and analyst can benefit personally from the inherently intersubje...
Higher Cortical Dysfunction Presenting as Visual Symptoms in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Introduction: As the population ages, increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases will have profound implications for the health care system. Recognizing visual symptoms from neurodegenerative diseases can be challenging, especially in the presence of co-existing eye diseases. Methods: A seven-question survey was completed by attendees at the "neurodegenerative diseases in neuro-ophthalmology" symposium during the 2017 North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society annual meeting using a web-based audience response system. Content included demographics, patient prevalence, and perceived barriers. Results: Fifty-five practicing neuro-ophthalmologists (thirty-three ophthalmology-trained, twenty-two neurology-trained) participated in the survey. Twenty (36%) had 15 years of experience. Forty-one (75%) reported seeing patients more than five half-day/week. Thirty (55%) reported that at least 1 of 10 or 1 of 20 new patients referred have a prior diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease. Twenty-one (40%) of the respondents reported attributing visual complaints to higher order effects in at least 25% of patients with a prior diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease vs. five (9%) without a prior diagnosis. For those diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease by the neuro-ophthalmologist, reasons for referral were unknown cause of visual symptom (56%), to confirm diagnosis and/or treat visual complaint due to neurodegeneration (29%), and functional disorder (5%). Perceived barriers to diagnosing visual dysfunction due to neurodegenerative disease included difficulty making a referral to neuropsychologists or behavioral neurologists (73%), lack of time for in-depth assessment (62%), lack of tools to assess visual dysfunction due to neurodegenerative disease (40%), and lack of knowledge about presenting signs and symptoms (31%). Conclusion: Visual symptoms from neurodegenerative disease in patients with and without prior diagnoses of neurodegenerative disease are evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologists. Lack of time, resources, and knowledge are barriers to diagnosis. A larger study is warranted to guide programs to improve diagnosis of visual consequences of neurodegenerative disease.
Selectivity for Alkynyl or Allenyl Imidamides and Imidates in Copper-Catalyzed Reactions of Terminal 1,3-Diynes and Azides.

Copper-catalyzed reactions of terminal 1,3-diynes with electron-deficient azides to generate either 3-alkynyl or 2,3-dienyl imidamides and imidates are described. The selectivity depends on the diy...
Extracting Learned Discard and Knocking Strategies from a Gin Rummy Bot

Various Gin Rummy strategy guides provide heuristics for human players to improve their gameplay. Often these heuristics are either conflicting or contain ambiguity that limits their applicability, especially for discard and end-of-game decisions. This paper describes an approach to analyzing the machine learning capabilities of a Gin Rummy agent to help resolve these conflicts and ambiguities. There are three main decision points in the game: when to draw from the discard pile, which card to discard from the player's hand, and when to knock. The agent us-es a learning approach to estimate the expected utility for discards. An analysis of these utility values provides in-sight into resolving ambiguities in tips for discard decisions in human play. The agent’s end-of-game, or knocking, strategy was derived using Monte Carlo Counterfactual regret minimization (MCCFR). This approach was applied to estimate Nash equilibrium knocking strategies under different rules of the game. The analysis suggests that conflicts in the end-of-game playing tips are due in part to different rules used in common Gin Rummy variants.
A Marathon, a Series of Sprints, or Both? Tournament Horizon and Dynamic Task Complexity in Multi-Period Settings

ABSTRACT: When using a tournament in multi-period settings, firms have discretion in selecting the tournament horizon. For example, firms can use a single tournament (a grand tournament) or a sequence of multiple tournaments, each with a shorter horizon than a grand tournament (a repeated tournament). Firms have also begun to use a combination of both in which a repeated tournament is embedded within a grand tournament (a hybrid tournament). Using an experiment, we investigate whether the effect of tournament horizon on performance depends on the dynamic complexity of the task, which reflects the potential for effort in one period to influence the link between effort and performance in future periods. When dynamic task complexity is low, we find that performance is greatest in the hybrid tournament, followed by the repeated and then the grand tournament. In contrast, when dynamic task complexity is high, we find that performance is greatest in the repeated tournament, followed by the grand and hybrid tour...
ANALYSIS OF 945 CASES OF PULMONARY METASTATIC MELANOMA

From 1970 to 1990, 7564 patients with melanoma were seen at Duke University Cancer Center. Complete follow-up data were available in all patients. The estimated probability of a pulmonary metastasis developing 5, 10, or 20 years after initial diagnosis was 0.13, 0.19, and 0.30, respectively. Pulmonary metastases were documented in 945 patients (12%), these having 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 30%, 9%, and 4%, respectively. The methods of diagnosis were chest radiograph (n = 544), computed tomography (n = 157), transthoracic needle biopsy (n = 121), bronchoscopy (n = 14), thoracotomy (n = 112), and autopsy (n = 7). Evidence of advanced pulmonic spread included bilateral disease in 543 and more than two nodules in 595. Univariate predictors for early formation of pulmonary metastases (p horac C ardiovasc S urg 1992;103:743-50)
Tension Development and Nuclear Eccentricity in Topographically Controlled Cardiac Syncytium

The goal of this study was to use topographic control by microfabricated scaffolds with 3-dimensional surfaces to induce active tension development and enhanced contractility in engineered cardiac syncytium (a high density cardiac cell structure with reconstituted cell-to-cell connections and synchronized tissue-like behavior). Deeply microgrooved (feature height 50μm) elastic scaffolds were designed using polydimethylsiloxane molding, and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were grown on them to confluency. Engineered cardiac cell constructs on the topographically modified (T) scaffolds showed higher order of intra and intercellular organization (fiber-like structures) compared to those grown on various flat surfaces (F), and developed self-organized persisting electrical and mechanical activity. These structural and functional changes were accompanied by a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in nuclear eccentricity (mean ± S.E.: 0.79 ∓ 0.01, n=137 in T vs. 0.64 ± 0.01, n=863 in F), and a preferential nuclear orientation, deviating from the axis of the grooves at a shallow angle. The orientation of the nuclei correlated well with the actin fiber arrangement in the T-samples, as well as with the direction of maximum displacement. Topography-induced nuclear deformation, a sign of tension development, implies further functional changes in transcription and cell signaling. In conclusion, we demonstrate topographic control of electromechanics in engineered cardiac syncytium, without external mechanical or electrical stimulation. These findings suggest a possibility to use controled microenvironments in the design of biological autonomous force generators with reconstituted excitable tissue.
An Analogical Approach

In an atomistic, analogical approach to description, our task is to select specific occurrences to model behavior after. In this kind of approach we always predict behavior in terms of positive contexts. Given a positive context x = a l a 2...a k (where the a i are each primitive unanalyzable elements), we first determine all the positive supracontexts of x; that is, all the positive contexts that contain x as a subcontext. For instance, if x = abc, then the positive supracontexts of x, in addition to abc itself, are ab—, a—c, —bc, a—, —b—, ——c, and ---. In order to list the positive supracontexts of any given positive context x, we systematically remove the primitive elements from x. In general, if x contains k primitive elements, then there will be 2 k positive supracontexts for x. With no primitive elements removed we have the given primitive context x = a l a 2...a k . Removing one primitive element, we have k possible supracontexts: $$- {{a}_{2}} \cdots {{a}_{k}}{{a}_{1}} - {{a}_{3}} \cdots {{a}_{k}} \ldots {{a}_{1}}{{a}_{2}} \cdots {{a}_{{k - 1}}} -$$ The next step is to remove two primitive elements, which will give us k(k—1)/2 supracontexts: $$- - {{a}_{3}} \cdots {{a}_{k}} - {{a}_{2}} - {{a}_{4}} \cdots {{a}_{k}} \ldots {{a}_{1}}{{a}_{2}} \cdots {{a}_{{k - 2}}} - -$$ Continuing in this fashion, we keep eliminating more primitive elements. Eventually we arrive at a stage when only one primitive element remains in each supracontext. At this stage there will be k supracontexts: $${{a}_{1}} - \cdots - - {{a}_{2}} - \cdots - \ldots - - \cdots - {{a}_{k}}$$ Finally, we get the null supracontext υ, for which all the k primitive elements have been removed: ——... —.
Total Parenteral Nutrition Cholestasis: A Cause of Mechanical Biliary Obstruction

In a newborn baby with Hirshsprung's disease obstructive jaundice developed following prolonged parenteral nutrition. At laparotomy, thick inspissated bile was flushed from the biliary tree and prompt resolution of the jaundice followed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which inspissated bile appeared to be a complication of total parenteral nutrition. Mechanical obstruction must be recognized as an extreme in the spectrum of total parenteral nutrition cholestasis.
Temporal-frequency tuning of cross-orientation suppression in the cat striate cortex

A sinusoidal mask grating oriented orthogonally to and superimposed onto an optimally oriented base grating reduces a cortical neuron's response amplitude. The spatial selectivity of cross-orientation suppression (XOR) has been described, so for this paper we investigated the temporal properties of XOR. We recorded from single striate cortical neurons (n = 72) in anesthetized and paralyzed cats. After quantifying the spatial and temporal characteristics of each cell's excitatory response to a base grating, we measured the temporal-frequency tuning of XOR by systematically varying the temporal frequency of a mask grating placed at a null orientation outside of the cell's excitatory orientation domain. The average preferred temporal frequency of the excitatory response of the neurons in our sample was 3.8 (± 1.5 S.D.) Hz. The average cutoff frequency for the sample was 16.3 (± 1.7) Hz. The average preferred temporal frequency (7.0 ± 2.6 Hz) and cutoff frequency (20.4 ± 6.9 Hz) of the XOR were significantly higher. The differences averaged 1.1 (± 0.6) octaves for the peaks and 0.3 (± 0.4) octaves for the cutoffs. The XOR mechanism's preference for high temporal frequencies suggests a possible extrastriate origin for the effect and could help explain the low-pass temporal-frequency response profile displayed by most striate cortical neurons.
Spatial/temporal patterns in Weddell gyre characteristics and their relationship to global climate

[1] We examine the spatiotemporal variability of the upper ocean sea ice system of the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean subpolar seas (Weddell gyre) and the nature of its covariability with extrapolar climate. To systematically evaluate the sporadic and sparse distribution of subpolar data, we employed an optimal analysis involving empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). The EOFs reveal that the pattern of spatial covariability of Weddell gyre characteristics is dominated by high interannual variability near the northern (circumpolar) rim of the gyre and lesser variability (10–20% of the variance) in the gyre's central core region. We find considerable, statistically significant teleconnections between subpolar and extrapolar climate. The dominant link is with El Nino–Southern Oscillation. Our analysis of the gyre characteristics suggest that during El Nino, the Atlantic subpolar (Weddell) gyre spins up while the eastern Pacific subpolar gyre spins down; the opposite occurs for La Nina. This regional subpolar response is consistent with recent GCM modeling analyses. These show that equatorial warm anomalies drive changes in the meridional and zonal atmospheric circulation cells. This results in opposite shifts of the subpolar jets in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans that lead to a change in the interaction (especially in cyclones) between the subtropical and polar front jets in those basins, and ultimately in the cyclonic forcing of the subpolar gyres. We also find that the Weddell gyre interior upper ocean characteristics covary positively with sea ice extent in the Atlantic region and negatively with the sea ice extent in the Amundsen/Bellingshausen regions, reflecting a strong Antarctic dipole.
Clonal cells from embryonic retinal cell lines express qualitative electrophysiological differences.

Cells from the embryonic quail retina were immortalized with the v-mil oncogene and cloned by limiting dilution. Their phenotype was examined using the whole-cell patch clamp method. Three membrane currents, Ik(IR), INa and IK, were found at different frequencies within a sample of 170 cells drawn from a large clone. Nearly all combinations of these three markers were found and the frequency of combinations showed that the markers assorted independently. Examination of clones of less than 10 cells showed that heterogeneity originates with a high probability within clones, arguing that chromosomal mutation, for example, is unlikely to account for phenotypic diversity. A possible explanation is that phenotypic differences between cells might reflect the local exchange of instructive signals. If so, then the genes for the three phenotypic markers are controlled independently.
Reliability characteristics of Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern family of bivariate distributions

AbstractIn this paper, we study the Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern family of bivariate distributions from a reliability point of view. The properties of this family of distributions and the association between the two variables are investigated by studying the local dependence function and the association measure defined by Clayton (1978). We also study the effect of the association parameter on the hazard components, the failure rate of the series system, and the regression mean residual life of a parallel system. Stochastic comparisons with respect to the association parameter are also studied. Some examples are provided to illustrate the results.
Influence of aortic pressure on effective regurgitant orifice area in aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND The regurgitant volume in aortic regurgitation is determined by the diastolic filling period, the pressure gradient between the left ventricle and aorta, and the hemodynamic size of the regurgitant orifice area. METHODS AND RESULTS To test the hypothesis that the aortic regurgitant orifice area is related to aortic pressure and aortic root size, 16 fresh calf heart and aorta specimens were studied in vitro using a continuous-flow system over a range of aortic pressures. Regurgitant orifice areas were calculated as the ratio of flow divided by peak velocity through the valve measured by image-guided continuous-wave Doppler, and aortic root areas were measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. When the defect was created at the edge of the noncoronary leaflet (n = 10), regurgitant orifice area gradually increased 51 +/- 33% when aortic pressure was increased from approximately 40 to 152 cm of water (29.6 to 112.5 mm Hg) (p less than 0.0001). Similarly, the aortic root size increased 82 +/- 29% when the defect was created at the leaflet edge (p less than 0.0001). In contrast, when defects were created at the center of the noncoronary leaflet (n = 6), only a small increase in regurgitant orifice area (9 +/- 7%) was observed with increasing pressure (p = 0.043). The aortic root area remained strongly pressure dependent in specimens with defects at leaflet centers (p less than 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The aortic regurgitant orifice area is dependent on both aortic pressure and the nature of the defect in the valve. Because not all regurgitant aortic valves are alike, further study of the nature of the regurgitant orifice area in humans may allow identification of patients who would benefit most from aggressive pharmacological therapy.
Congruences in isols with a finite modulus

1. NOTATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY. Let us consider non-negative integers (numbers), collections of numbers (s#s) and collections of sets (classes). These entities are denoted by small Latin letters, small Greek let ters and capital Latin letters respectively. A mapping / (x 1 . . . . . x~) from certain (not necessarily all) ordered: n-tuples of numbers onto numbers is called a/unction. The words "recursively enumerable" will be abbreviated by "r.ei" The symbols + and . stand for addition and multiplication when applied to pairs0f number~, but for union and intersection when applied to pairs of sets. We write ( for inclusion. A set is immune if it is infinite, but has no infinite r.e. subset; a set is isolated, if it is finite or immune. We also use the following notations:
Laser welding and collagen crosslinks

Strength and stability of laser-welded tissue may be influenced, in part, by effects of laser exposure on collagen crosslinking. We therefore studied effects of diode laser exposure (805 nm, 1-8 watts, 30 seconds) + indocyanine green dye (ICG) on calf tail tendon collagen crosslinks. Effect of ICG dye alone on crosslink content prior to laser exposure was investigated; unexpectedly, we found that ICG-treated tissue had significantly increased DHLNL and OHP, but not HLNL. Laser exposure after ICG application reduced elevated DHLNL and OHP crosslink content down to their native levels. The monohydroxylated crosslink HLNL was inversely correlated with laser output (p<0.01 by linear regression analysis). DHLNL content was highly correlated with content of its maturational product, OHP, suggesting that precursor-product relations are maintained. We conclude that: (1)ICG alone induces DHLNL and OHP crosslink formation; (2)subsequent laser exposure reduces the ICG-induced crosslinks down to native levels; (3)excessive diode laser exposure destroys normally occurring HLNL crosslinks.