cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1989 AFIT neural network research

A brief summary of the research at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the area of the neural networks is presented. AFIT has been investigating neural networks for military applications. During 1989, the research group consisted of approximately twenty people. Some of the work from this group is discussed. AFIT research into the areas of backpropagation relations to conventional algorithms, feature selection, neural networks for segmentation or general purpose preprocessing, angle-of-arrival detection, speech recognition, optical neural networks, and brain implants are presented. >
SUGAR (Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised): Breaking Tradition

Purpose In this letter, the authors respond to Guo, Eisenberg, Ratner, and MacWhinney's (2018) letter to the editor, which expressed concerns regarding the clinical applicability of the Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised (SUGAR; Pavelko & Owens, 2017) language sample analysis (LSA) method. Method The authors respond to concerns regarding transcription and morpheme segmentation and language sample elicitation contexts. The results of two published research studies are described, which detail the impact of this new LSA method. Results Published research studies have documented that the SUGAR method of LSA can accurately distinguish between children developing language typically and children with language impairment and can also aid clinicians in developing intervention goals. Conclusion SUGAR is a clinically applicable method of LSA that clinicians can use as one part of a comprehensive evaluation to efficiently and accurately identify children with language impairment. Further, clinicians...
Global Vision-Based Reconstruction of Three-Dimensional Road Surfaces Using Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter

This paper presents a vision-based technique and a system developed for the global reconstruction of three-dimensional (3-D) road surfaces. Using the system, the technique globally reconstructs 3-D road surfaces by estimating the global camera pose using the Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF) and integrating it with existing local road surface reconstruction techniques. The AEKF adaptively updates the covariance of uncertainties such that the estimation works well even in environments with varying uncertainties. Numerical results show the efficacy of the proposed technique over the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF)-based technique by 50% in accuracy, and the on-road test has demonstrated the ability of the proposed technique for the real-world global 3-D road surface reconstruction.
From Motives to Actions: A Study of Citizen Engagement in Health and Human Service Contracts

ABSTRACTAnalyzing data from 93 semi-structured interviews, this paper identifies common forms of citizen participation, motives driving these efforts, uses of feedback, and engagement challenges. I...
An uncharacterized region within the N-terminus of mouse TMC1 precludes trafficking to plasma membrane in a heterologous cell line.

Mechanotransduction by hair cell stereocilia lies at the heart of sound detection in vertebrates. Considerable effort has been put forth to identify proteins that comprise the hair cell mechanotransduction apparatus. TMC1, a member of the transmembrane channel-like (TMC) family, was identified as a core protein of the mechanotransduction complex in hair cells. However, the inability of TMC1 to traffic through the endoplasmic reticulum in heterologous cellular systems has hindered efforts to characterize its function and fully identify its role in mechanotransduction. We developed a novel approach that allowed for the detection of uncharacterized protein regions, which preclude trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM) in heterologous cells. Tagging N-terminal fragments of TMC1 with Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and GFP fusion reporter, which intrinsically label PM in HEK293 cells, indicated that residues at the edges of amino acid sequence 138–168 invoke intracellular localization and/or degradation. This signal is able to preclude surface localization of PM protein AQP3 in HEK293 cells. Substitutions of the residues by alanine or serine corroborated that the information determining the intracellular retention is present within amino acid sequence 138–168 of TMC1 N-terminus. This novel signal may preclude the proper trafficking of TMC1 to the PM in heterologous cells.
Feed and wrap magnetic resonance urography provides anatomic and functional imaging in infants without anesthesia.

Summary Objective To describe a technique for performing magnetic resonance urogram (MRU) in infants without sedation or anesthesia. Methods Eighteen infants underwent MRU in the absence of sedating medications using a ‘feed and wrap’ technique (FW-MRU). Dynamic contrast enhanced images were obtained. Dynamic radial VIBE and compressed sensing image reconstruction were used to correct for motion artifact. Results Seventeen of the 18 patients had successful FW-MRU. Feed and wrap’ magnetic resonance urogram provided high-quality anatomic and functional renal data. Conclusion Initial experience with FW-MRU demonstrates it to be a promising anesthesia-free modality for obtaining anatomic and functional imaging of the urinary tract in infants.
An Approach to Labeling Audio Tags Based on Self-Attention Generative Adversarial Networks

With the wide application of various information systems, a large amount of audio tags information have generated. How to de-weight, integrate, query and use the audio tags information in these heterogeneous data sources has become a problem that we are currently facing. This paper proposes a tag labeling system based on self-attention generative adversarial networks (SAGAN). It aims to add labels to heterogeneous data sources, use LDA method to cluster labels, and then introduce attention mechanism based SAGAN, explore the correspondence between semantic similarity and audio tags features, and find a feasible audio tags labeling method.
Reflections about Professor Robert F. Lusch: Friend, Co-author and Marketing Visionary:

This personal commentary offers some brief reflections about the late Professor Robert F. Lusch. These insights are offered by someone who knew him for many decades as a friend, colleague and co-au...
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Long-Term (R)-α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation Promotes Weight Loss in Overweight or Obese Adults without Altering Baseline Elevated Plasma Triglyceride Concentrations.

BACKGROUND α-Lipoic acid (LA) is a dietary supplement for maintaining energy balance, but well-controlled clinical trials in otherwise healthy, overweight adults using LA supplementation are lacking. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to evaluate whether LA supplementation decreases elevated plasma triglycerides in overweight or obese adults. Secondary aims examined if LA promotes weight loss and improves oxidative stress and inflammation. METHODS Overweight adults [n = 81; 57% women; 21-60 y old; BMI (in kg/m2) ≥ 25] with elevated plasma triglycerides ≥100 mg/dL were enrolled in a 24-wk, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, assigned to either (R)-α-lipoic acid (R-LA; 600 mg/d) or matching placebo, and advised not to change their diet or physical activity. Linear models were used to evaluate treatment effects from baseline for primary and secondary endpoints. RESULTS R-LA did not decrease triglyceride concentrations, but individuals on R-LA had a greater reduction in BMI at 24 wk than the placebo group (-0.8; P = 0.04). The effect of R-LA on BMI was correlated to changes in plasma triglycerides (r = +0.50, P = 0.004). Improvement in body weight was greater at 24 wk in R-LA subgroups than in placebo subgroups. Women and obese participants (BMI ≥ 35) showed greater weight loss (-5.0% and -4.8%, respectively; both P < 0.001) and loss of body fat (-9.4% and -8.6%, respectively; both P < 0.005). Antioxidant gene expression in mononuclear cells at 24 wk was greater in the R-LA group (Heme oxygenase 1 [HMOX1] : +22%; P = 0.02) than in placebo. Less urinary F2-isoprostanes (-25%; P = 0.005), blood leukocytes (-10.1%; P = 0.01), blood thrombocytes (-5.1%; P = 0.03), and ICAM-1 (-7.4%; P = 0.04) at 24 wk were also observed in the R-LA group than in placebo. CONCLUSIONS Long-term LA supplementation results in BMI loss, greater antioxidant enzyme synthesis, and less potential for inflammation in overweight adults. Improved cellular bioenergetics is also evident in some individuals given R-LA.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00765310.
Relationship Between Severity of T Cell Lymphopenia and Immune Dysregulation in Patients with DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletions and/or Related TBX1 Mutations): a USIDNET Study

DiGeorge syndrome has substantial heterogeneity with variable immune deficiency and dysregulation. Implicated immunopathology includes reduced thymic output and increased peripheral homeostatic proliferation with Th2 skewing and expansion of self-reactive cells. We hypothesized that T cell lymphopenia severity will be associated with higher odds of autoimmunity and/or asthma. Using the US Immunodeficiency Network registry, we identified patients with 22q11.2 deletion (and/or TBX1). Initial absolute CD3+ T cell values were stratified: normal, 50–99% and below 50% of the lower limit of age-adjusted normal values. Patients with and without reported autoimmunity and asthma were compared using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Among 415 patients, autoimmunity was reported in 17 (4.1%), and asthma was reported in 28 (6.7%). Compared with those with no reported autoimmunity, patients with reported autoimmunity more frequently had low CD19+ B cells [3.3% (12/364) vs 28.6% (4/14); p = 0.002] and low IgG [6.2% (20/321) vs 29.4% (5/17); p = 0.005] levels. There were no statistically significant differences in other immune characteristics among those with and without reported asthma. Patients with absolute CD3 levels below 50% of age-adjusted normal values had higher odds of reported autoimmunity (n = 319, OR = 7.56, 95% CI = 1.58–36.17, p = 0.01) and reported asthma (n = 319, OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.06–18.93, p = 0.04) as compared with those with normal CD3 values, adjusted for age and low IgG. Absolute CD3+ T cell counts below 50% of age-adjusted normal values may be associated with higher odds of autoimmunity and/or asthma in patients with DiGeorge syndrome and be potentially useful to identify higher-risk patients.
Exploration of Mapper-A Method for Topological Data Analysis

The paper introduced the theory of mapper method for data with high dimension to capture topology and geometric information. By using Mapper TDA for magnetic resonance data processing, the paper also learns about a new method based on literature review to detect global time allocation of whole brain activation maps for constructing brain networks. In conclusion, mapper TDA is quite practical and potential for various fields of studies especially for data sets that need to be lower dimension and clustered.
Power Grid Resilience under Wildfire: A Review on Challenges and Solutions

This paper studies the potential impacts of wildfires on the electric power grid, and explores the challenges and solutions for reducing the intensity, duration and impact of this unfavorable event on the grid. To this end, the paper overviews the efforts toward impact analysis and risk evaluation of wildfire and forecasting models to estimate the wildfire damages. Then the solutions to improve different aspects of grid resilience including robustness, resourcefulness, rapid recovery and adaptability are discussed. The mitigation solutions are categorized in four groups including situational awareness, preventive activities, corrective responses, and restorative actions. The state-of-the-art methodologies and algorithms in each category are presented. Challenges and future research opportunities are also discussed in the paper.
Origin of the magnetic and orbital ordering in α -Sr 2 Cr O 4

Motivated by recent experimental progress in transition metal oxides with the ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}\mathrm{Ni}{\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ structure, we investigate the magnetic and orbital ordering in $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. Using first-principles calculations, first we derive a three-orbital Hubbard model, which reproduces the ab initio band structure near the Fermi level. The unique reverse splitting of ${t}_{2g}$ orbitals in $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, with the $3{d}^{2}$ electronic configuration for the ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{4+}$ oxidation state, opens up the possibility of orbital ordering in this material. Using real-space Hartree-Fock for multiorbital systems, we constructed the ground-state phase diagram for the two-dimensional compound $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. We found stable ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, antiferro-orbital, and staggered orbital stripe ordering in robust regions of the phase diagram. Furthermore, using the density matrix renormalization group method for two-leg ladders with the realistic hopping parameters of $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, we explore magnetic and orbital ordering for experimentally relevant interaction parameters. Again, we find a clear signature of antiferromagnetic spin ordering along with antiferro-orbital ordering at moderate to large Hubbard interaction strength. We also explore the orbital-resolved density of states with Lanczos, predicting insulating behavior for the compound $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, in agreement with experiments. Finally, an intuitive understanding of the results is provided based on a hierarchy between orbitals, with ${d}_{xy}$ driving the spin order, while electronic repulsion and the effective one dimensionality of the movement within the ${d}_{xz}$ and ${d}_{yz}$ orbitals driving the orbital order.
Interdisciplinary Experiential Education of Intellectual Property Concepts in an Engineering Context

Drawing from a curricular model proposed in a recent report from educators in the UK, this article examines the need to educate US engineering students in intellectual property concepts through partnerships between law students and undergraduate engineering students. The educational vehicle that is the focus of this article is the engineering senior capstone design project. In the proposed pedagogical model, law students studying intellectual property will take on the role of advisors to engineering students (their clients) while the latter group endeavors to develop an engineering solution to a real world problem. This article also seeks to identify and address concerns of licensing authorities and professional associations that may arise as a result of implementation of the model.
A Beam-Specific Optimization Target Volume for Stereotactic Proton Pencil Beam Scanning Therapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

Abstract Purpose We investigate two margin-based schemes for optimization target volumes (OTV), both isotropic expansion (2 mm) and beam-specific OTV, to account for uncertainties due to the setup errors and range uncertainties in pancreatic stereotactic pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy. Also, as 2-mm being one of the extreme sizes of margin, we also study whether the plan quality of 2-mm uniform expansion could be comparable to other plan schemes. Methods and Materials We developed 2 schemes for OTV: (1) a uniform expansion of 2 mm (OTV2mm) for setup uncertainty and (2) a water equivalent thickness–based, beam-specific expansion (OTVWET) on beam direction and 2 mm expansion laterally. Six LAPC patients were planned with a prescribed dose of 33 Gy (RBE) in 5 fractions. Robustness optimization (RO) plans on gross tumor volumes, with setup uncertainties of 2 mm and range uncertainties of 3.5%, were implemented as a benchmark. Results All 3 optimization schemes achieved decent target coverage with no significant difference. The OTV2mm plans show superior organ at risk (OAR) sparing, especially for proximal duodenum. However, OTV2mm plans demonstrate severe susceptibility to range and setup uncertainties with a passing rate of 19% of the plans meeting the goal of 95% volume covered by the prescribed dose. The proposed dose spread function analysis shows no significant difference. Conclusions The use of OTVWET mimics a union volume for all scenarios in robust optimization but saves optimization time noticeably. The beam-specific margin can be attractive to online adaptive stereotactic body proton therapy owing to the efficiency of the plan optimization.
External validation of a machine learning classifier to identify unhealthy alcohol use in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Unhealthy alcohol use (UAU) is one of the leading causes of global morbidity. A machine learning approach to alcohol screening could accelerate best practices when integrated into electronic health record (EHR) systems. This study aimed to validate externally a natural language processing (NLP) classifier developed at an independent medical center. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING The site for validation was a midwestern United States tertiary-care, urban medical center that has an inpatient structured universal screening model for unhealthy substance use and an active addiction consult service. PARTICIPANTS/CASES Unplanned admissions of adult patients between October 23, 2017 and December 31, 2019, with EHR documentation of manual alcohol screening were included in the cohort (n = 57 605). MEASUREMENTS The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) served as the reference standard. AUDIT scores ≥5 for females and ≥8 for males served as cases for UAU. To examine error in manual screening or under-reporting, a post hoc error analysis was conducted, reviewing discordance between the NLP classifier and AUDIT-derived reference. All clinical notes excluding the manual screening and AUDIT documentation from the EHR were included in the NLP analysis. FINDINGS Using clinical notes from the first 24 hours of each encounter, the NLP classifier demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) and precision-recall area under the curve (PRAUC) of 0.91 (95% CI = 0.89-0.92) and 0.56 (95% CI = 0.53-0.60), respectively. At the optimal cut point of 0.5, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 0.66 (95% CI = 0.62-0.69), 0.98 (95% CI = 0.98-0.98), 0.35 (95% CI = 0.33-0.38), and 1.0 (95% CI = 1.0-1.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS External validation of a publicly available alcohol misuse classifier demonstrates adequate sensitivity and specificity for routine clinical use as an automated screening tool for identifying at-risk patients.
BizTalk Server 2000 Business Process Management for the Internet

BizTalk Server 2000 unites, in a single product, enterprise application integration (EAI), business-to-business integration, and the advanced BizTalk Orchestration technology to allow developers, IT professionals, and business analysts to easily build dynamic business processes that span applications, platforms, and businesses over the Internet.
An Introduction to Online and Offline Partial Evaluation using a Simple Flowchart Language

These notes present basic principles of partial evaluation using the simple imperative language FCL (a language of flowcharts introduced by Jones and Gomard). Topics include online partial evaluators, offline partial evaluators, and binding-time analysis. The goal of the lectures is to give a rigorous presentation of the semantics of partial evaluation systems, while also providing details of actual implementations. Each partial evaluation system is specified by an operational semantics, and each is implemented in Scheme and Java. Exercises include proving various properties about the systems using the operational semantics, and modifying and extending the implementations.
A computational model of acquisition for children's addtion strategies

Abstract GlPS is a problem-solving system that models the strategy shifts of children learning to add. The system uses a generalized form of means-ends analysis as its reasoning algorithm, and it learns probabilistic selection and execution concepts for its operators. With this combination, GIPS models the “SUM-to-MIN― transition that children exhibit when learning to add (Siegler & Jenkins, 1989). The system generates the appropriate final strategy, as well as the intermediate strategies that Siegler and Jenkins observed.
A common XBT/personal computer interface

The concept of a virtual instrument is explored. The problem of how to move data between a host computer and the specialized interface is discussed. If use with the greatest variety of host computers is a goal, then RS-232 appears to be the interconnection method of choice. These ideas are realized in an improved, flexible design for a digital interface to an expendable bathythermograph (XBT) is reported. It makes use of the simplified serial communications and hardware features of RS-232 parts on a variety of personal computers. This design philosophy is shown to be applicable to other marine instrumentation needs. >
Differential effects of morphine on noxious stimulus-evoked fos-like immunoreactivity in subpopulations of spinoparabrachial neurons

In previous studies we reported that although morphine dose dependently inhibits noxious stimulus-evoked expression of the c-fos proto-oncogene in the rat spinal cord, morphine was without effect in certain populations of presumed nociresponsive neurons, even under conditions of complete behavioral analgesia. To determine whether the neurons that continue to express the c-fos gene include projection neurons, we evaluated the effect of morphine on noxious stimulus-evoked c-fos expression in spinoparabrachial neurons retrogradely labeled with Fluoro-gold. In the formalin test, we found that morphine analgesia was associated with a significant reduction in the number of Fos-like- immunoreactive spinoparabrachial projection neurons in the lateral reticulated area of the neck of the dorsal horn. Morphine, however, did not reduce the number of Fos-like-immunoreactive spinoparabrachial projection neurons either in the superficial dorsal horn or in the area around the central canal. These results indicate that under conditions of morphine analgesia two distinct populations of spinoparabrachial neurons can be recognized on the basis of their expression of the c-fos gene in response to noxious stimulation. Since the expression of the c- fos gene has been correlated with neuronal activity, these data suggest that activity, and central transmission of nociceptive information, persists in certain nociresponsive projection neurons during morphine analgesia. Alternatively, if activity has, in fact, been blocked in these neurons, our results indicate that injury can produce significant molecular changes in neurons even though the neuronal activity and pain associated with the injury is blocked by morphine.
A trust model for supply chain management

Many real-world applications, such as Supply Chain Management (SCM), can be modeled using multi-agent systems. One shortcoming of current SCM models is that their trust models are ad hoc and do not have a strong theoretical basis. We propose a trust model for SCM that is grounded in probabilistic game theory. In this model, trust can be gained through direct interactions, and/or by asking for information from other trustworthy agents. We will use this model to simulate and study supply chain market behavior.
Reactivity of lithium toward nonaqueous solvents of relevance to energy storage applications as studied by surface analytical techniques

The interactions between metallic lithium and perdeuterated tetrahydrofuran (TDF) have been examined in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) by X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopies (XPS and AES, respectively) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The AES, XPS, and TPD spectra of thick layers of Li vapor deposited on clean polycrystalline silver (Ag(poly)) foils exposed to up to 100 langmuirs of TDF at room temperature showed no evidence for features other than those associated with clean Li/Ag(poly) surfaces. This indicates that the sticking coefficient of (gaseous) TDF on Li at ca. 300 K is negligibly small. Clearly defined C(1s) and O(1s) XPS features were observed, however, for submonolayer coverages of TDF ([theta](TDF) < 1) on Li/Ag(poly), obtained by first condensing a thick layer of TDF below 140 K and late: gently warming the specimen to ca. 300 K. The binding energies of these peaks were smaller than those observed for condensed TDF recorded at ca. 135 K, for which the features were identical to those found for [theta](TDF) < 1 on bare Ag(poly) at the same temperature. The m/e = 48 TPD spectra of TDF condensed on Ag(poly) yielded for [theta](TDF) < 1 a well-defined peak centered in the range 210-240 K, a temperaturemore » much higher than that associated with the desorption of bulklike TDF (ca, 170 K). 30 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.« less
Mapping of functional regions of Clostridium perfringens type A enterotoxin.

Studies were conducted to allow construction of an initial map of the structure-versus-function relationship of the Clostridium perfringens type A enterotoxin (CPE). Removal of the N-terminal 25 amino acids of CPE increased the primary cytotoxic effect of CPE but did not affect binding. CPE sequences required for at least four epitopes were also identified. Images
Molecular Nature of Two Nonconjugative Plasmids Carrying Drug Resistance Genes

Two nonconjugative R-plasmids, N-SuSm and N-Tc, have been characterized. Both were of relatively small size (5 × 106 to 6 × 106 daltons) and present in multiple copies within their respective bacterial hosts. N-SuSm possessed a guanine plus cytosine content of 55%, whereas N-Tc was 49% guanine plus cytosine. Although these plasmids were inherently nontransmissible they could be mobilized by a large variety of transfer agents including Ent, Hly, and K88. The fi− transfer factors tested were far more likely (about 200×) to mobilize these nonconjugative plasmids than were the fi+ transfer factors tested. Although the mobilization phenomenon was not found to be associated with a detectable level of direct stable recombinational union between N-SuSm or N-Tc with a transfer factor, we were able to demonstrate a low level of recombination between these replicons and a transfer factor by P1-mediated transduction. The isolation of recombinants between transfer factors and nonconjugative plasmids presumably represents one means by which unitary molecular types of R-plasmids arise and by which existing R-plasmids may acquire new resistance determinants.
Treatment of airway mucus hypersecretion

Airway mucus hypersecretion is now recognized as a key pathophysiological feature in many patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. Consequently, it is important to develop drugs that inhibit mucus hypersecretion in these susceptible patients. Conventional therapies, including anticholinergics, ss2-adrenoceptor agonists, corticosteroids, mucolytics and macrolide antibiotics, have variable efficacy in inhibiting airway mucus hypersecretion, and are less effective in COPD than in asthma. Novel pharmacotherapeutic targets are being investigated, including inhibitors of nerve activity (e.g. large conductance calcium-activated potassium, BKCa, channel activators), tachykinin receptor antagonists, epoxygenase inducers (e.g. benzafibrate), inhibitors of mucin exocytosis (e.g. anti-myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), peptide and Munc-18B blockers), inhibitors of mucin synthesis and goblet cell hyperplasia (e.g. epidermal growth factor (EGF), receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase inhibitors, MAP kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK), inhibitors, human calcium-activated chloride (hCACL2), channel blockers and retinoic acid receptor-a antagonists), inducers of goblet cell apoptosis (e.g. Bax inducers or Bcl-2 inhibitors), and purinoceptor P(2Y2) antagonists to inhibit mucin secretion or P(2Y2) agonists to hydrate secretions. However, real and theoretical differences delineate the mucus hypersecretory phenotype in asthma from that in COPD. More information is required on these differences to identify specific therapeutic targets which, in turn, should lead to rational design of anti-hypersecretory drugs for treatment of airway mucus hypersecretion in asthma and COPD.
DETECTION OF OCCULT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE HEAD INJURIES

Abstract Among 109 consecutive victims of severe head injury, intra-abdominal injury could not be excluded in 87. These patients were considered to be at risk from occult intra-abdominal haemorrhage. 60 patients underwent diagnostic peritoneal lavage. 10 of these had a positive lavage, correctly indicating intra-abdominal haemorrhage. In each case a lesion requiring surgical repair was identified. 49 patients had a negative lavage, and only 1 of these patients subsequently showed signs of a missed intra-abdominal lesion. 13 patients had low systolic blood-pressure (
The effect of hemodilution with albumin or Ringer's lactate on water balance and blood use in open-heart surgery.

Abstract To determine the effect of intraoperative albumin administration on blood use, water balance, and postoperative clinical course, we studied two groups of adult cardiac surgical patients. Group I (30 patients) received 25 gm of albumin during withdrawal of 2 units of blood prior to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and 50 gm of albumin in the oxygenator prime. Group II (32 patients) received no albumin prior to the end of CPB. No difference in clinical course could be identified, nor was there a significant difference in blood use. Group I patients had lower hematocrit values intraoperatively from the time of blood withdrawal until the conclusion of operation. Coronary artery bypass operations were associated with greater positive water balance than were heart valve operations. Forty-three percent of the patients having coronary artery bypass grafting had a positive water balance greater than 5 liters, whereas 50% of those undergoing valve procedures had a balance less than 3 liters. We conclude that the principal effect of withholding albumin under these circumstances is to increase net positive water balance. The greater positive water balance does not appear to be detrimental.
Exact four-body calculation of the 4ΛHe-4ΛH binding energy difference

Abstract The coupled, two-variable integral equations that determine the 4 Λ He and 4 Λ H bound states, when the NN and ΛN interactions are represented by separable potentials, are derived from the Schrodinger equation. The integral equations are solved numerically for simple s-wave potentials and for tensor potentials in the truncated t -matrix approximation without resort to separable expansion of the kernels. The Λ-separation energy difference ΔB Λ resulting from the genuine four-body model is shown to be approximately twice as large as that coming from an “effective two-body” model calculation, when identical central potentials are used. The four-body model estimate of ΔB Λ made with tensor forces is consistent with the experimental value, indicating that charge symmetry breaking implied by the low energy Λ N scattering parameters is compatible with that suggested by the known binding energy difference in the A = 4 hypernuclear isodoublet.
Aldose and aldehyde reductases from human kidney cortex and medulla

Aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase were purified to homogeneity from multiple samples of human kidney cortex and medulla. A single form of aldose reductase is expressed in kidney that is kinetically and immunochemically indistinguishable from aldose reductase expressed in other human tissues. The results support the conclusion that there is a single human aldose reductase, and that aldose reductase is expressed in a reduced form, characterized by high sensitivity to aldose reductase inhibitors and ability to catalyze the reduction of glucose. Aldose reductase is easily oxidized to a form that is insensitive to aldose reductase inhibitors and unable to catalyze the reduction of glucose. This form does not appear to exist in vivo, even in kidney from diabetics. There is wide variation in the level of expression of aldose reductase in kidney, especially in cortex. The immunochemically separate but similar aldehyde reductase is also expressed in kidney as a single enzyme indistinguishable from aldehyde reductase from other human tissues. Aldehyde reductase levels exceed those of aldose reductase, both in cortex and medulla.
Electrophoretic variants of aspartate aminotransferase and adductor muscle proteins in the native oyster (Ostrea lurida)

Summary Six phenotypes of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) and three phenotypes of adductor muscle protein were found in extracts of the native oyster (Ostrea lurida) by starch gel electrophoresis. The AAT phenotypes were presumed to be genetic variants under the control of three allelic genes (A, B, C) and the muscle protein phenotypes under the control of a two-allele system (A and B).
An apparent homozygous deletion in maltase-glucoamylase, a lesson in the evolution of SNP arrays

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays possess clinical potential due to their high throughput capacity, sensitivity and versatility. We used such an array to perform a genome-wide SNP analysis of a patient with a multi-system undiagnosed disease involving peripheral neuropathies and food intolerances. The patient had a homozygous deletion within the gene encoding maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM), an intestinal starch digestion enzyme, predicting absence of enzyme activity and potential starch indigestion. We then performed validation testing using a functional MGAM analysis that involved starch ingestion followed by measuring blood glucose and insulin levels as well as hydrogen breath levels. Gastrointestinal tissue was also obtained via endoscopy and immunohistochemical staining for intestinal MGAM was performed. Our results strongly suggest the presence and functioning of MGAM which disproved deficiency predictions based on SNP array analysis findings, classifying the deletion as a functional polymorphism. This study highlights a current clinical limitation of SNP arrays, i.e., distinguishing deleterious genomic alterations from misleading functional polymorphisms. We conclude that novel findings from SNP arrays should be clinically validated and published.
Selective purging of human multiple myeloma cells from autologous stem cell transplantation grafts using oncolytic myxoma virus.

Autologous stem cell transplantation and novel therapies have improved overall survival of patients with multiple myeloma; however, most patients relapse and eventually succumb to their disease. Evidence indicates that residual cancer cells contaminate autologous grafts and may contribute to early relapses after autologous stem cell transplantation. Here, we demonstrate that ex vivo treatment with an oncolytic poxvirus called myxoma virus results in specific elimination of human myeloma cells by inducing rapid cellular apoptosis while fully sparing normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The specificity of this elimination is based on strong binding of the virus to myeloma cells coupled with an inability of the virus to bind or infect CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. These 2 features allow myxoma to readily identify and distinguish even low levels of myeloma cells in complex mixtures. This ex vivo rabbit-specific oncolytic poxvirus called myxoma virus treatment also effectively inhibits systemic in vivo engraftment of human myeloma cells into immunodeficient mice and results in efficient elimination of primary CD138+ myeloma cells contaminating patient hematopoietic cell products. We conclude that ex vivo myxoma treatment represents a safe and effective method to selectively eliminate myeloma cells from hematopoietic autografts before reinfusion.
Hot Spot Emission from a Freely Precessing Neutron Star

Recent observations of 1E 161348-5055, the neutron star candidate at the center of the supernova remnant RCW 103, show that a component of its emission varies sinusoidally with a period of approximately 6 hours. We argue that this period is what one would expect for a freely precessing neutron star with a spin period of about 1 s. We produce light curves for a freely precessing neutron star with a hot spot. By a suitable choice of parameters, we obtain light curves which are constant with rotational phase when the flux from the star reaches a maximum. At other phases of the precession, the flux varies as the star rotates, but the total flux decreases by a factor of several. These models can explain the behavior observed from 1E 161348-5055 and predict that the spin period should be detectable at minimum flux from sufficiently sensitive measurements.
What causes a prolactinoma to be aggressive or to become a pituitary carcinoma

INTrODUcTION: Malignant prolactinoma is an exceedingly rare endocrine tumor and cannot be diagnosed on histological grounds alone. s imilarly to other neuroendocrine tumors such as pheochromocytoma, the mitoses index, Ki-67, p53, and others are utilized in helping understand whether a tumor is benign or malignant or to better predict tumor behavior. We here present the unusual case of an unfortunate young man with an aggressive prolactinoma, the complications of which led to his premature death. cAsE rEPOrT: A 25-year-old white man developed severe headaches, low energy, and decreased libido. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MrI) showed a 4 x 3 x 2 cm pituitary tumor invading the left cavernous sinus. Laboratory findings revealed elevated prolactin (470 ng/mL) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (AcTH, 82 pg/ml) and decreased total testosterone (176 ng/dl). Visual fields showed superior quadrantanopia in the left eye. Transsphenoidal pituitary resection was undertaken. Pathology revealed a prolactinoma with atypical cells, diffuse p53 nuclear labeling, and a Ki-67 index of 23% (high). Postoperatively, prolactin remained elevated (725-891 ng/ml) and cabergoline was increased to 1 mg three times weekly, with serum prolactin further increasing to 3507 ng/ml five months postoperatively. repeat MrI revealed extension of the tumor with optic chiasm compression and left orbit invasion. Because of acute left vision loss with ophthalmoplegia, an urgent left frontotemporal craniotomy and tumor resection were conducted. The Ki-67 index of the tumor was 24.8%, the mitotic figure immunostain phosphohistone-H3 positive. sixty percent (60%) of tumor cells were positive for p53. cabergoline was increased to 1 mg daily but prolactin remained elevated (770 ng/ml). The patient then underwent proton beam radiation to the area of concern involving the sella. Prolactin thereafter improved to 44 ng/ml. He then developed acute vision loss of the right eye with an MrI showing tumor in the right cavernous
Functional studies of the MEN1 gene.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome affecting primarily parathyroid, enteropancreatic endocrine and pituitary tissues. The inactivating germline and somatic mutations spread throughout the gene and the accompanying loss of the second allele in tumours show that the MEN1 gene is a tumour suppressor. The MEN1-encoded protein, menin, is a novel nuclear protein. Menin binds and alters JunD-, NF-KB-, Smad 3-mediated transcriptional activation. The mouse Menl knockout model mimicks the human MEN1 condition contributing to the understanding of tumorigenesis in MEN1.
Preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction affects long-term outcome for survivors of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair

Abstract Background Early outcomes after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection continue to improve; however, little information is available concerning long-term functional status and quality of life. Methods One hundred patients underwent isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between 1983 and 2001. Medical records were reviewed and a standardized questionnaire was administered to guardians of survivors. Results Median age at repair was 15.5 days (range, 1 to 563 days). Overall hospital mortality was 14%, decreasing from 19% before 1995 to 5% after 1995. At 15 years after repair, actuarial survival was 84% and freedom from late death or reintervention for hospital survivors was 85%. At a median follow-up of 5.9 years (range, 0 to 17.7 years) 64% of guardians described their child's overall health as excellent, 27% good, 9% fair, and 0% poor. With regard to school performance, 40% of children were characterized as above average, 29% average, 4% below average, and 27% were in special education classes or had repeated grades. By multivariable logistic regression, the presence of associated chromosomal or noncardiac syndromes and pulmonary venous obstruction were found to be significant factors with regard to parental assessment of both overall health and school performance. Conclusions The majority of children who undergo isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair can expect an excellent long-term functional outcome. Factors present before operation, such as pulmonary venous obstruction and associated anomalies, can influence overall health and school performance in the long term.
Assignment of NH resonances in nucleic acids using natural abundance 15N-1H correlation spectroscopy with spin-echo and gradient pulses

It is well known that 2D 15N-1H correlation spectra can resolve overlapped imino proton resonances in the downfleld NMR spectra of nucleic acids according to their 15N chemical shifts, and that these resonances can be assigned by base type on that basis, independent of conformation. This information can be extremely important in determining the solution structure of a nucleic acid by NMR, but previously could only be obtained using 15N-labeled, or very concentrated samples. Here we report the design of a gradient-enhanced, jump-return spin echo version of an 15N-1H HMQC experiment (GE-JRSE HMQC) that is sensitive enough to work on unlabeled nucleic acid samples at normal NMR concentrations. This experiment has led to the assignment of imino proton resonances with non-Watson-Crick chemical shifts in the spectrum of a 29 residue oligoribonucleotide that models the sarcin/ricin loop from 28S rRNA.
GENERALIZATION OF A RESULT ON "REGRESSIONS, SHORT AND LONG"

This paper is concerned with the problem of combining a data set that identifies the conditional distribution P(ylx) with one that identifies the conditional distribution P(zlx) to identify the regressions E(ylx,.) - [E(yjx, z =j),j E Z] when the conditional distribution P(y x, z) is unknown. Cross and Manski (2002, Econometrica 70, 357-368) studied this problem and showed that the identification region of E(y I x, -) can be precisely calculated when y has finite support. Here we generalize the result of Cross and Manski, showing that the identification region can be precisely calculated also in the case in which y has infinite support.
STI testing information available to teens on the internet: what's missing?

Abstract Study Objective The purpose of this descriptive study is to provide baseline knowledge of the current internet content on STI testing available to adolescents on STI informational websites and to determine if barriers to STI testing are being addressed. Design A content analysis of eighteen structured STI informational websites was conducted. Setting The World Wide Web. Participants STI informational websites. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure None. Results Findings suggest STI websites lack specific testing information for males. Few sites addressed consent and confidentiality or need for partner testing. Multiple statements portrayed pediatricians as poor communicators or unaware of adolescent healthcare needs. In contrast, only one statement portrayed pediatricians as a resource for teens. Conclusions The internet has the potential to be an excellent resource for teens seeking information about STI testing. In our analysis, no single site stood out as accurate and comprehensive in addressing adolescent barriers to STI testing.
An Outcomes‐Based Approach to Ventilatory Management: Review of Two Examples

The complexity of patients cared for in modern ICUs, along with continuing advances in the technology of critical care and the escalating costs associated with providing that care, have been motivating factors for critical care practitioner to identify and implement “best” medical practices. Individual best practices are often determined based on their association with improvements in patient outcomes, increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness of medical care, or both. These practices should ideally be determined based on sound medical evidence obtained from rigorously performed clinical trials, the most rigorous being randomized controlled trials. However, such trials have often not been performed for many aspects of critical care medicine. Outcomes research is an emerging field which attempts, in part, to use variations in medical practices, as well as formal scientific investigations, to identify important associations between specific medical practices and clinical outcomes. This review focuses on two areas of mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and weaning, to illustrate how outcomes research can be employed to facilitate decision making in the management of patients with respiratory failure.
Epidemiology of neural tube defects

Epidemiologic studies have established clear variations in the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) associated with demographic and other factors. Methods of counting NTD-affected pregnancies and other birth defects rely on multiple sources of information such as hospital records and birth certificates. Widespread prenatal diagnosis of NTDs presents special challenges for birth defects monitoring programs. Even before prenatal diagnosis was possible, epidemiologists noted geographic variation in NTD rates; distinctive recurrence patterns within families; variations in NTD rates by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic strata, and sex of the infant or fetus; and changing rates over time. We review highlights of studies of these factors and some conclusions that can be drawn from NTD epidemiologic data. These conclusions include the importance of maternal diet, a finding that has led to preventive interventions, and the suggestion of multiple causes of NTDs, indicating that no single prevention program may prevent the occurrence of all NTDs. We also discuss the relevance of epidemiologic data to NTD screening and counseling policies and the importance of prenatal diagnosis data. Future epidemiologic studies will need to incorporate prenatal records, particularly to study trends. Other emerging themes in epidemiologic research include collaboration between different birth defects monitoring programs, new information from unique geographic areas, new techniques to study gene-environment interactions, and a multidisciplinary emphasis on measuring the effectiveness of prevention programs. MRDD Research Reviews 1998;4:241–246. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.