cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet Biogenesis in the Lung Circulation

Platelets are indispensable in hemostasis, thrombosis, and immune responses. In humans, billions of platelets are produced each day from megakaryocytes, however the mechanisms of mature platelet production are incompletely understood. Megakaryocytes are produced in the bone marrow and have been visualized to communicate with the bone marrow sinusoids to release proplatelet fragments. Megakaryocytes have also been found in other tissues, including the lung, but the function of megakaryocytes in these locations is unclear. Historical data indicate that the lung may be a site of platelet biogenesis. The concentration of megakaryocytes in the blood exiting the lung is much lower than the blood entering the lung (implying filtering) and conversely, platelet counts are higher in blood draining from the lungs. Additionally, when the lung circulation in entirely bypassed, megakaryocytes accumulate in the blood and there is a high incidence of thrombocytopenia. However, direct proof of platelet biogenesis in the lung is lacking. We used lung intravital microscopy combined with fluorescently labeled mouse strains and directly visualized intravascular megakaryocytes releasing platelets in the lung circulation. We also visualized megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and spleen releasing proplatelet fragments, and megakaryocyte migration in toto from the bone marrow, which are presumably the source material for lung platelet production. The megakaryocyte-releasing events in the lung were quantified and represent at least half of the total platelet production in mice, which can be increased by the application of thrombopoietin. We also observed a much larger extravascular pool of megakaryocytes in the lung that were not platelet generating as observed by lung intravital imaging. The function of these lung-resident megakaryocytes is unknown, but RNA-Seq data points to a potential role in lung immunity. Orthotopic, single-lung transplantation experiments into thrombocytopenic and hematopoietic progenitor-deficient animals ( c-mpl -/- ) revealed that peripheral blood platelet counts and bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors could be fully reconstituted by the lung transplant procedure implying the presence of hematopoietic progenitors in the mouse lung. Indeed, these progenitors were directly detected in the extravascular lung and purified populations of hematopoietic progenitors in the lung could correct thrombocytopenia in c-mpl -/- animals. Finally, the lung transplant procedure produced donor-derived chimerism of other hematopoietic lineages such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. We conclude that the lung has significant hematopoietic potential including being a major site of platelet biogenesis. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Polysomnography Findings and Sleep Disorders in Children With Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood

Study Objectives:Patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) experience bouts of hemiplegia and other paroxysmal spells that resolve during sleep. Patients often have multiple comorbidi...
The Effect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on the Relation between the Strength of Corporate Governance and Auditor-Client Alignments

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) increased the public's focus on corporate governance, expanded auditor responsibilities to include opining on the strength of internal controls, and increased regulatory scrutiny of audit firms' practices. Given this, we posit that, post-SOX, an auditor-client realignment occurred whereby Big 4 auditors were less likely to audit clients with relatively weaker corporate governance. We test this controlling for multiple audit risk measures - earnings manipulation risk, financial risk, and litigation risk - as proxied for by models of discretionary accruals, financial distress, and litigation risk, respectively. We use a pre- / post-SOX design (comparing client portfolio characteristics in 2000-2002 to those in 2003-2004) to capture the effects of resource constraints and increased scrutiny on auditor-client alignments, and we find that clients with relatively weaker governance are more likely to be audited by non-Big N auditors post-SOX than pre-SOX. Given extant literature suggesting that Big N auditors perform or are perceived to perform more effective audits, we posit that this presumably unintended consequence of SOX may have long-term detrimental effects.
Behavioural evidence for parallel outcome-sensitive and outcome-insensitive Pavlovian learning systems in humans.

There is a dichotomy in instrumental conditioning between goal-directed actions and habits that are distinguishable on the basis of their relative sensitivity to changes in outcome value. It is less clear whether a similar distinction applies in Pavlovian conditioning, where responses have been found to be predominantly outcome-sensitive. To test for both devaluation-insensitive and devaluation-sensitive Pavlovian conditioning in humans, we conducted four experiments combining Pavlovian conditioning and outcome-devaluation procedures while measuring multiple conditioned responses. Our results suggest that Pavlovian conditioning involves two distinct types of learning: one that learns the current value of the outcome, which is sensitive to devaluation, and one that learns about the spatial localization of the outcome, which is insensitive to devaluation. Our findings have implications for the mechanistic understanding of Pavlovian conditioning and provide a more nuanced understanding of Pavlovian mechanisms that might contribute to a number of psychiatric disorders. Pool and colleagues show that Pavlovian conditioning involves learning of different classes of responses: some flexibly adapt to changes in outcome value, whereas others persist even when the outcome is no longer valuable for the individual.
The Culture of Management and the Management of Culture: An Introduction

Management is not an abstraction; rather, it is an active process conducted within a specific organizational environment. To be successful and effective, managers must appreciate the organizational environment within which they operate and align their efforts with its underlying system of assumptions, beliefs, and values—that is, with its culture. This chapter provides an introduction to the cultural forces at work within work-related environments: national cultures, organizational cultures, and organizational climates. It offers a broad and pragmatic insight into organizational culture and culture typologies. It also invites managers to explore the culture of their work and organizational environments, to determine the cultural elements and forces at work, and to select a managerial approach that is appropriate and culturally attuned.
Election Results: A Victory Too Big to Believe?

The election not only delivered a landslide victory to the incumbent Bangladesh Awami League with 96% of the seats but also produced unbelievable results at the constituency level. In 51 out of 300 seats, more than 80% of the popular votes were secured by the candidates of the ruling party alliance. This chapter analyzes the results, compares them with two previously inclusive elections in 2001 and 2008, shows the trend and pattern of voting, and explains the incredulity of the loss of the opposition, particularly the BNP. The chapter also shows the discrepancies between the constituencies which used electronic voting machines (EVM) and elsewhere.
Interaction of race and pathology for neuroendocrine tumors: Epidemiology, natural history, or racial disparity?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although minority race has been associated with worse cancer outcomes, the interaction of race with pathologic variables and outcomes of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) is not known. METHODS Patients from the US Neuroendocrine Study Group (2000-2016) undergoing curative-intent resection of GEP-NETs were included. Given few patients of other races, only Black and White patients were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 1143 patients were included. Median age was 58 years, 49% were male, 14% Black, and 86% White. Black patients were more likely to be uninsured (7% vs 2%, P = .011), and to have symptomatic bleeding (13% vs 7%, P = .009), emergency surgery (7% vs 3%, P = .006), and positive lymph nodes (LN) (47% vs 36%, P = .021). However, Black patients had improved 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (90% vs 80%, P = .008). Quality of care was comparable between races, seen by similar LN yield, R0 resections, postoperative complications, and need for reoperation/readmission (all P > .05). While both races were more likely to have pancreas-NETs, Black patients had more small bowel-NETs (22% vs 13%, P < .001). LN positivity was prognostic for pancreas-NETs (5-year RFS 67% vs 83%, P = .001) but not for small-bowel NETs. CONCLUSIONS Black patients with GEP-NETs had more adverse characteristics and higher LN positivity. Despite this, Black patients have improved RFS. This may be attributed to the epidemiologic differences in the primary site of GEP-NETs and variable prognostic value of LN-positive disease.
Using minimal (measurable) residual disease assessments to guide decision-making for timing of allogeneic transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia.

Purpose of reviewThe current review aims to highlight recent and important developments in the detection and value of minimal (measurable) residual disease (MRD) testing in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the impact on the timing of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.Recent
Design of functional composite and all-inorganic nanostructured materials via infiltration of polymer templates with inorganic precursors

Robust and efficient approaches for the synthesis of materials with structure, porosity, and composition controlled at the nanoscale are highly important for a wide range of applications. Polymer templates are promising platforms to achieve such control. The self-assembly process of polymers provides access to diverse structures that can serve as templates for the deposition of inorganic materials. By infiltrating metal precursors from gas or liquid phases, using sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) or swelling-based infiltration (SBI), respectively, into the polymer templates, one can create finely-tuned texturing of the surface films and bulk materials. In this review, we outline the specifics and dynamics of the polymer infiltration process and characterize the structure and properties of the synthesized materials. Finally, we highlight recent progress in implementing polymer infiltration-based nanoporous ceramics for many applications, including sensors, antireflective coatings, oil-absorbing foams, nanolithographic patterns, and catalytic materials.
On being a client with posttraumatic stress disorder: Interactions with treatment providers and institutional barriers

Premature dropout from psychological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common. Little research has sought to understand perceptions of treatment and barriers to treatment in this population. This study analyzed anonymous posts among an online community of individuals with PTSD (93 forum users comprising 158 posts regarding treatment providers and 40 forum users comprising 50 posts regarding institutional barriers). Results indicated that individuals with PTSD desire greater clarity about expectations for treatment, collaboration toward treatment goals, open discussion of client-therapist boundaries, and increased validation among therapists in response to trauma disclosure. Individuals with PTSD also reported multiple systemic issues that were barriers to treatment including a lack of available services in their area, being placed on a waitlist for long periods of time, the cost of treatment as a financial burden, and poor crisis response in emergency rooms. Findings indicated areas of growth for treatment providers which will help inform future treatment studies in improving care and treatment adherence among individuals with PTSD.
Caffeine Delays Retinal Neurovascular Coupling during Dark to Light Adaptation in Healthy Eyes Revealed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of caffeine on retinal hemodynamics during dark to light adaptation using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods Thirteen healthy individuals (13 eyes) underwent OCTA imaging after dark adaptation and at repeated intervals during the transition to ambient light in two imaging sessions: control and after ingesting 200 mg of caffeine. We analyzed the parafoveal vessel density (VD) and adjusted flow index (AFI) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP), as well as the vessel length density (VLD) of the SCP. After adjusting for age, refractive error, and scan quality, we compared parameters between control and caffeine conditions. Results In the dark, MCP VD decreased significantly after caffeine (-2.63 ± 1.28%). During the transition to light, initially, DCP VD increased (12.55 ± 2.52%), whereas SCP VD decreased (-2.09 ± 0.91%) significantly with caffeine compared to control. By 15 minutes in light, DCP VD reversed and was significantly decreased (-5.45 ± 2.62%), whereas MCP VD increased (4.65 ± 1.74%). There were no differences in AFI or VLD. Conclusions We show that, overall, caffeine causes a trend of delayed vascular response in all three macular capillary plexuses in response to ambient light. Whereas the MCP is constricted in the dark, during the transition from dark to light, there is initially delay followed by prolonged constriction of the DCP and constriction followed by slow dilation of the SCP. We posit that these delayed vascular responses may present potential risk of capillary ischemia.
Strategic application of modular risk components to safely increase lung transplantation volume.

OBJECTIVES Considerable growth of individual lung transplant programs remains challenging. We hypothesized that the systematic implementation of modular risk components to a lung transplantation program would allow for expeditious growth without increasing mortality. METHODS All consecutive patients placed on the lung transplantation waitlist were reviewed. Patients were stratified by an 18-month period surrounding the systematic implementation of the modular risk components Era 1 (1/2014-6/2015) and Era 2 (7/2015-12/2016). Modular risk components were separately evaluated for donors, recipients, and perioperative features. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-two waitlist patients (Era 1: 48 and Era 2: 84) and 100 transplants (Era 1: 32 and Era 2: 68) were identified. There was a trend toward decreased waitlist mortality (P = .07). In Era 2, the use of ex vivo lung perfusion (P = .05) and donor-recipient over-sizing (P = .005) significantly increased. Moreover, transplantation with a lung allocation score greater than 70 (P = .05), extracorporeal support (P = .06), and desensitization (P = .008) were more common. Transplant rate significantly improved from Era 1 to Era 2 (325 vs 535 transplants per 100 patient years, P = .02). While primary graft dysfunction (PGD) grade 3 at 72 hours (P = .05) was significantly higher in Era 2, 1-year freedom from rejection was similar (86% vs 90%, P = .69) and survival (81% vs 95%, P = .02) was significantly greater in Era 2. CONCLUSIONS The systematic implementation of a modular risk components to a lung transplantation program can result in a significant increase in center volume. However, measures to mitigate an expected increase in the incidence of PGD must be undertaken to maintain excellent short and midterm outcomes.
A diencephalic circuit for opioid analgesia but not positive reinforcement

Mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists are the most effective analgesics, but their use risks respiratory depression and addiction. The epithalamic lateral habenula (LHb) is a critical site that signals aversive states, often via indirect inhibition of reward circuitry, and MORs are highly expressed in the LHb. We found that the LHb is a potent site for MOR-agonist analgesia. Strikingly, LHb MOR activation generates negative reinforcement but is not rewarding in the absence of noxious input. While the LHb receives inputs from multiple sites, we found that inputs from the lateral preoptic area of the hypothalamus (LPO) are excited by noxious stimulation, express MOR mRNA, and are preferentially targeted by MOR selective agonists. Critically, optogenetic stimulation of LHb-projecting LPO neurons produces an aversive state relieved by LHb MOR activation. Therefore targeting this MOR sensitive forebrain circuit can relieve pain yet lower the risk of misuse by pain free individuals.
A Multilevel Model for Evaluating Interprofessional Learning

Medical schools should engage in best practices for evaluating preclinical interprofessional collaborative programs. This innovation models a multilevel program evaluation of Interprofessional Clinical Experience (ICE), a required course for all first-year medical students. Data from student course evaluations and preceptor surveys determined that the course was effective at teaching interprofessional practices. Competency assessments showed nearly all students achieved the expected level. On the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, students increased their self-reported attitudes around interprofessional practices. Improvements to the ICE course will continue based on student and preceptor feedback from this multilevel program evaluation.
Alcohol Acutely Antagonizes Refeeding-Induced Alterations in the Rag GTPase-Ragulator Complex in Skeletal Muscle.

The Ragulator protein complex is critical for directing the Rag GTPase proteins and mTORC1 to the lysosome membrane mediating amino acid-stimulated protein synthesis. As there is a lack of evidence on alcohol’s effect on the Rag-Ragulator complex as a possible mechanism for the development of alcoholic skeletal muscle wasting, the aim of our study was to examine alterations in various protein–protein complexes in the Rag-Ragulator pathway produced acutely by feeding and how these are altered by alcohol under in vivo conditions. Mice (C57Bl/6; adult males) were fasted, and then provided rodent chow for 30 min (“refed”) or remained food-deprived (“fasted”). Mice subsequently received ethanol (3 g/kg ethanol) or saline intraperitoneally, and hindlimb muscles were collected 1 h thereafter for analysis. Refeeding-induced increases in myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein synthesis, and mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation, were prevented by alcohol. This inhibition was not associated with a differential rise in the intracellular leucine concentration or plasma leucine or insulin levels. Alcohol increased the amount of the Sestrin1•GATOR2 complex in the fasted state and prevented the refeeding-induced decrease in Sestrin1•GATOR2 seen in control mice. Alcohol antagonized the increase in the RagA/C•Raptor complex formation seen in the refed state. Alcohol antagonized the increase in Raptor with immunoprecipitated LAMPTOR1 (part of the Ragulator complex) after refeeding and decreased the association of RagC with LAMPTOR1. Finally, alcohol increased the association of the V1 domain of v-ATPase with LAMPTOR1 and prevented the refeeding-induced decrease in v-ATPase V1 with LAMPTOR1. Overall, these data demonstrate that acute alcohol intake disrupts multiple protein–protein complexes within the Rag-Ragulator complex, which are associated with and consistent with the concomitant decline in nutrient-stimulated muscle protein synthesis under in vivo conditions.
Systems biology evaluation of refractory Clostridioides difficile infection including multiple failures of fecal microbiota transplantation

Abstract Background Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) aims to cure Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) through reestablishing a healthy microbiome and restoring colonization resistance. Although often effective after one infusion, patients with continued microbiome disruptions may require multiple FMTs. In this N-of-1 study, we use a systems biology approach to evaluate CDI in a patient receiving chronic suppressive antibiotics with four failed FMTs over two years. Methods Seven stool samples were obtained between 2016-18 while the patient underwent five FMTs. Stool samples were cultured for C. difficile and underwent microbial characterization and functional gene analysis using shotgun metagenomics. C. difficile isolates were characterized through ribotyping, whole genome sequencing, metabolic pathway analysis, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations. Results Growing ten strains from each sample, the index and first four recurrent cultures were single strain ribotype F078-126, the fifth was a mixed culture of ribotypes F002 and F054, and the final culture was ribotype F002. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant was identified in the RNA polymerase (RNAP) β-subunit RpoB in the final isolated F078-126 strain when compared to previous F078-126 isolates. This SNV was associated with metabolic shifts but phenotypic differences in fidaxomicin MIC were not observed. Microbiome differences were observed over time during vancomycin therapy and after failed FMTs. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in patients receiving FMT. Continued antibiotics play a destructive role on a transplanted microbiome and applies selection pressure for resistance to the few antibiotics available to treat CDI.
A Rare Case of a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus who Presented with Rowell Syndrome Responding to Treatment with Hydroxychloroquine and Prednisone with One Year of Relapse Free Survival on Belimumab.

Rowell Syndrome, first described in 1963 by Rowell et al., is an infrequently reported and unique syndrome occurring in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This syndrome characteristically presents with erythema multiforme-like lesions as well as other specific immunologic and histopathologic manifestations. Since Rowell's original description, diagnostic criteria have been proposed and modified to better describe the syndrome. We describe a 32-year-old African American female patient with a previous history of SLE who presented with dermatologic, immunologic, and histopathologic manifestations that fit the modified diagnostic criteria for Rowell Syndrome.
Update 2021: Management of Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Accounting for 14% of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy with rapid proliferation, early spread, and poor survival. We provide an overview of recent advances regarding SCLC pathogenesis, subtypes, and treatment development through literature review of key trials. There are no validated biomarkers or approved targeted treatments for this overly heterogeneous disease, but recent analyses have identified some promising targets and four major subtypes which may carry unique therapeutic vulnerabilities in SCLC. Treatment wise, only a third of patients present with limited stage SCLC, which can be managed with a combined modality approach with curative intent (usually chemo-radiotherapy, but in some eligible patients, surgery followed by systemic treatment). For advanced or extensive stage SCLC, combined chemotherapy (platinum–etoposide) and immunotherapy (atezolizumab or durvalumab during and after chemotherapy) has become the new standard front-line treatment, with modest improvement in overall survival. In the second-line setting, for disease relapse ≤ 6 months, topotecan, lurbinectedin, and clinical trials are reasonable treatment options; for disease relapse > 6 months, original regimen, topotecan or lurbinectedin can be considered. Moreover, Trilaciclib, a CD4/CD6 inhibitor, was recently FDA-approved to decrease the incidence of chemotherapy-related myelosuppression in SCLC patients. While modest improvements in survival have been made especially in the metastatic setting with chemo-immunotherapy, further research in understanding the biology of SCLC is warranted to develop biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies and combinational approaches for this aggressive disease.
Calorimetric studies of 7000 series aluminum alloys. I - Matrix precipitate characterization of 7075. II - Comparison of 7075, 7050, and RX720 alloys

Correlation between differential scanning calorimetry and high temperature transmission electron microscopy for the characterization of preexisting matrix precipitates in the highest-strength and overaged tempers of 7075 aluminum was demonstrated. The solid state reactions undergone by these tempers in the 20-500 C temperature range were elucidated and expressed in terms of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. The dissolution parameters for each phase are distinguishable and serve as guidelines for a rapid characterization of the matrix microstructure of these alloys.
Atrial Fibrillation: What Have Recent Trials Taught Us Regarding Pharmacologic Management of Rate and Rhythm Control?

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) focuses on control of heart rate, correction of rhythm disturbance, prophylaxis of thromboembolism, treatment of underlying disorders, and pathophysiologic mechanisms, and more recently on costs, hospitalizations, and other AF consequences. The goals of therapy are to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life (QOL). Several large studies have examined the relative efficacy of rhythm- versus rate-control strategies with respect to these outcomes, and have largely failed to demonstrate a survival advantage with either approach by intention-to-treat analysis--both in patients with and without heart failure (HF). However, the results do not support the hypothesis that rate control is preferable as first-line therapy for AF with respect to survival and do not disprove the hypothesis that maintenance of sinus rhythm is preferable to the continuation of AF, particularly if rate control fails to restore adequate QOL or if selective approaches are employed. Many post hoc analyses and substudies have assessed QOL, functional status, and exercise tolerance, with the majority demonstrating important benefits associated with achievement of rhythm control. Moreover, some subanalyses and additional trials have suggested that sinus rhythm can be associated with longer survival, including in patients with HF. In addition, ATHENA demonstrated that a drug, dronedarone, could improve the composite endpoint of cardiovascular hospitalizations and all-cause mortality in a carefully selected, high-risk, nonpermanent AF population, in addition to its recognized reduction in AF. This review examines the clinical outcomes of several important AF trials, discusses the limitations in applying the major morbidity/mortality findings to everyday clinical practice, and summarizes the lessons learned.
Smarter Money: How High Ability Managers Trade Before Firm-Specific Events

This study examines how executives’ managerial ability affects the pattern of their trades before the public disclosure of firm-specific, price-sensitive news. Compared to low ability managers, high ability managers have significantly more net insider sales before a break in a string of consecutive quarters of earnings increase. High ability managers have significantly fewer net insider sales before the first public announcement of their firms being identified as MA 2) despite a decrease in insider sales, the market responds more adversely to high ability managers’ sales.
Design of novel low-cost phased arrays based on the extended resonance technique

The theory for a new phased array based on the extended resonance power dividing/phase shifting technique has been presented. Extended resonance based phased arrays eliminate the need for a separate power splitter and phase shifters to a conventional phased array system, which results in a very compact and simple circuit structure at lower cost. Simulated results for the loss and the maximum scanning range for various array sizes have been given.
Characteristics of Dry Chin-Tuck Swallowing Vibrations and Sounds

Objective: The effects of the chin-tuck maneuver, a technique commonly employed to compensate for dysphagia, on cervical auscultation are not fully understood. Characterizing a technique that is known to affect swallowing function is an important step on the way to developing a new instrumentation-based swallowing screening tool. Methods: In this study, we recorded data from 55 adult participants who each completed five saliva swallows in a chin-tuck position. The resulting data were processed using previously designed filtering and segmentation algorithms. We then calculated nine time-, frequency-, and time–frequency-domain features for each independent signal. Results: We found that multiple frequency- and time-domain features varied significantly between male and female subjects as well as between swallowing sounds and vibrations. However, our analysis showed that participant age did not play a significant role on the values of the extracted features. Finally, we found that various frequency features corresponding to swallowing vibrations did demonstrate statistically significant variation between the neutral and chin-tuck positions but sounds showed no changes between these two positions. Conclusion: The chin-tuck maneuver affects many facets of swallowing vibrations and sounds and its effects can be monitored via cervical auscultation. Significance: These results suggest that a subject's swallowing technique does need to be accounted for when monitoring their performance with cervical auscultation-based instrumentation.
P09.11: Prenatal diagnosis of the distal 11q deletion (Jacobsen Syndrome)

ARPKD is the most common but a rare disorder due to mutation in the chromosome number 6. The prevalence is 5–10 : 100,000 births with carrier frequency 1 : 50–70. Genetic testing using linkage analysis is possible. A 34 year old, P1+1, Mediterranean couple had a consanguineous marriage. Her first pregnancy had been uncomplicated. At 13 weeks, both kidneys looked bright and at 20 weeks were found to be enlarged and bright. The couple declined any invasive test and wished to continue with the pregnancy irrespective of the outcome. At 27 weeks there was severe oligohydramnious, enlarged kidneys filling up the abdomen, and the possible diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney was explained to the couple along with the unfavourable prognosis. At 36 weeks, the couple agreed for termination of pregnancy due to the anticipated bad outcome. She delivered a male fetus of 3.54 kg after feticide. The couple declined post mortem examination. This baby had category one disease where about 90% of collecting ducts are dilated causing severe oligohydramnios and pulmonary hypoplasia. 75% result in the death within the first week of life. Antenatal diagnosis is by ultrasound in the second half of pregnancy (20–30 weeks) as early ultrasound is not very reliable at detecting the condition. Prenatal counselling after the finding of hyperechogenic kidneys is difficult however associated oligohydramnios is associated with a poor outcome.
Estimation of Disease Rates in Small Areas: A new Mixed Model for Spatial Dependence

In this paper, a new model is proposed for spatial dependence that includes separate parameters for overdispersion and the strength of spatial dependence. The new dependence structure is incorporated into a generalized linear mixed model useful for the estimation of disease incidence rates in small geographic regions. The mixed model allows for log-linear covariate adjustment and local smoothing of rates through estimation of the spatially correlated random effects. Computer simulation studies compare the new model with the following sub-models: intrinsic autoregression, an independence model, and a model with no random effects. The major finding was that regression coefficient estimates based on fitting intrinsic autoregression to independent data can have very low precision compared with estimates based on the full model. Additional simulation studies demonstrate that penalized quasi-likelihood (PQL) estimation generally performs very well although the estimates are slightly biased for very small counts.
Phylogeography and conservation genetics of Californian coastal terrestrial communities: a comparative study using three beetles

. 1 The coastal beach and dune environments of California host a diverse fauna of specialist arthropods, but are heavily and increasingly impacted by human activities. Little phylogeographical work has examined arthropods in these habitats, despite the importance of arthropods to community health. 2 We analysed the COI mitochondrial gene for approximately 80 individuals from nine dune systems in central and southern California for each of three coastal beetle species, Coelus ciliatus (Tenebrionidae), Hypocaccus lucidulus (Histeridae), and Cercyon fimbriatus (Hydrophilidae), examining overall phylogeographical patterns, inter-population connectedness, and concordance in these among species. 3 All species exhibited significant intra-specific diversity, with Co. ciliatus exhibiting both the lowest overall diversity and the strongest geographical structure. Cercyon fimbriatus was at the other extreme, exhibiting high diversity and essentially no geographical structure. None showed strong concordance with phylogeographical breaks common in either terrestrial or marine organisms, suggesting that coastal specialists may occupy their own unique realm. 4 Few populations of any species are monophyletic, but FST values for Co. ciliatus and H. lucidulus indicated moderately restricted gene flow; populations of Ce. fimbriatus appear panmictic. 5 Our results suggest that coastal beetles may be relatively good colonists, and likely to repopulate appropriate areas where management permits habitat to return to natural conditions.
Potential for pet animals to harbour methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus when residing with human MRSA patients.

Bacteria in the genus Staphylococcus are the most common pathogens associated with nosocomial and community-onset skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), of both humans and animals, world-wide (Werkenthin et al., 2001; Diederen et al., 2006). An increase in the prevalence of methicillin-resistance (MR) in Staphylococcus aureus isolates (MRSA) over the past four decades has led to higher morbidity, mortality, and hospital expenditures associated with S. aureus infections of people (Cosgrove et al., 2005). It is known that persons who live in close contact with MRSA patients can also become colonized, and that colonization may then persist for months to years (Marschall et al., 2006; Vriens et al., 2005). Colonized people may also serve as a source of MRSA spread to susceptible individuals (Calfee et al, 2003; Johansson et al., 2007; Huijsdens et al., 2006). Although S. aureus is not the primary staphylococcal species that causes SSTIs of dogs and cats, the current scientific literature demonstrates that domestic pets can carry or be infected by the same epidemic strains of MRSA that cause SSTI of people (Weese et al, 2006; Loeffler et al., 2010). Recommended protocols for prevention of recurrent MRSA infections of people do address pet colonization, but the supporting risk assessments are based on limited reports such as small case series and anecdotal descriptions (CLSI 2010). Additional objective data to help quantify and subsequently mitigate the risk of human-animal cross-transmission would be valuable to health care providers and public health professionals. The objectives of this study were to test the primary hypothesis that infected people can cross-transmit MRSA to domestic pets (dogs and cats) with which they live in close contact, and to identify risk factors associated with this cross-transmission. It was also hypothesized that the proximity of a pet to a person with MRSA infection (defined as “close” versus “casual” contact) would be the primary risk factor associated with pet carriage of MRSA.
A sensitive fluorometric procedure for the determination of small quantities of acetylcholinesterase.

Abstract Formation of the highly fluorescent 1-methyl-7-hydroxyquinolinium iodine during the acetylcholinesterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of 1-methyl-7-acetoxyquinolinium iodide has been utilized in the development of a simple fluorometric assay for extremely small quantities of the enzyme. By employing the methods described, quantities of enzyme as low as 0·0003 unit ‡ may be determined.
Newborn with congenital salivary gland anlage tumor presenting with respiratory distress

Abstract Breathing difficulty is a common complaint in the newborn period. Common etiologies range from infections to anatomic obstruction. Nasopharyngeal obstruction due to tumor is a rare cause of neonatal respiratory distress. We herein report a newborn presenting with respiratory distress due to a rare salivary gland tumor in the nasopharynx.
The beginning of community: Politics in the face of disagreement

Rawls' requirement that citizens of liberal democracies support only policies which they believe can be justified in ‘public reason’ depends on a certain ideal for the relationships between citizens. This is a valuable ideal, and thus citizens have reasons to try to achieve it. But it is not always possible to find the common ground that we would need in order to do so, and thus we should reject Rawls' strong claim that we have an obligation to defend our views in public reason. Because I recognize that we have strong reasons to conduct our political enquiry within the guidelines of political liberalism, but deny that we always have an obligation to do so, one might call my view ‘permissive political liberalism’.
Genomic structure and developmental expression of the chicken nonocarboxylate transporter MCT3 gene

MCT3 is a monocarboxylate transporter that is specifically expressed on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). In these studies the temporal expression of MCT3 during ocular development was examined using Northern blot analysis. A 2.2 kb transcript (MCT3b) was detected in RPE by embryonic day 7 (E7) and was present throughout embryonic development. A 2.45 kb transcript (MCT3a) was expressed at low levels before E11 but its expression increased between E11 and E17. Using 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) it has demonstrated that MCT3a and MCT3b mRNA had distinct 5'-untranslated sequences but shared the same translation start site. To determine the exon-intron structure and to understand the elements that control the tissue specific and developmental expression of MCT3, the MCT3 gene was cloned and sequenced from a chicken genomic library. The MCT3 gene is distributed over 8 kb of DNA and is composed of 6 exons. Coding sequences for MCT3 are found on exon 2 through exon 5. Comparison of the 5'-RACE sequence with the genomic sequence reveals that the two 5'-untranslated regions of the mRNAs are encoded by distinct exons, 1a and 1b, which are alternatively spliced to exon 2. These data suggest that two forms of MCT3 mRNAs could be generated by two distinct promoters that may be regulated in response to changes in the metabolic activity of the retina during development.
Rhenium(I) complexes of (2-cyanoethyl)diphenylphosphine

Abstract Rhenium pentacarbonyl halides react with (2-cyanoethyl) diphenylphosphine (L) to yield complexes of the stoichiometry [Re(CO) 3 LX] n . The infrared spectra of the complexes are consistent with structures containing terminal halogens and bridging L groups. Molecular weight studies indicate that n is two for solutions of 10 −3 M . The nitrile portion of the ligand is readily displaced by σ donor ligands to yield complexes in which L functions as a monodentate phosphine.
Probing the electronic structure of iron clusters using photoelectron spectroscopy

The electronic structure of small iron clusters, Fe ˇ (na 3‐34), was investigated using size-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy at three photon energies: 355, 266, and 193 nm. Temperature-dependent studies were performed for selected clusters at 355 nm. The spectra of cold clusters at 355 nm revealed well-resolved electronic transitions. An unusually sharp threshold peak was observed for a number of clusters, particularly for na 12‐15. The electronic structure variations as a function of size were found to correlate well with changes in the cluster chemical reactivity in the same size ranges. The 193-nm photoelectron spectra, which provided a broader range of valence band electronic structures for the clusters, were compared to bulk photoemission spectra. The electronic structure revealed at 193 nm was found to exhibit bulk-like behavior starting at Fe25. This observation was also consistent with the size dependence of the cluster electron aAnities, ionization potentials, and chemical reactivity, which all showed more smooth size variations above Fe25. It was also shown that the obtained electronic structure information from the wellresolved photoelectron spectra will be valuable to compare with and verify ab initio calculations in order to completely understand the chemical, structural, and magnetic properties of the iron clusters. ” 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
DNA-binding properties of ARID family proteins

The ARID (A-T Rich Interaction Domain) is a helix-turn-helix motif-based DNA-binding domain, conserved in all eukaryotes and diagnostic of a family that includes 15 distinct human proteins with important roles in development, tissue-specific gene expression and proliferation control. The 15 human ARID family proteins can be divided into seven subfamilies based on the degree of sequence identity between individual members. Most ARID family members have not been characterized with respect to their DNA-binding behavior, but it is already apparent that not all ARIDs conform to the pattern of binding AT-rich sequences. To understand better the divergent characteristics of the ARID proteins, we undertook a survey of DNA-binding properties across the entire ARID family. The results indicate that the majority of ARID subfamilies (i.e. five out of seven) bind DNA without obvious sequence preference. DNA-binding affinity also varies somewhat between subfamilies. Site-specific mutagenesis does not support suggestions made from structure analysis that specific amino acids in Loop 2 or Helix 5 are the main determinants of sequence specificity. Most probably, this is determined by multiple interacting differences across the entire ARID structure.
The Dexamethasone/Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Test in Men with Major Depression: Role of Childhood Trauma

Background The dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) test is considered to be the most sensitive measure of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity and has been demonstrated to be altered in patients with major depression (MDD). Although childhood trauma is a demonstrated risk factor for MDD and patients with a history of childhood abuse and MDD demonstrate HPA axis hyperactivity, the dexamethasone/CRF test remains unstudied in this population. We determined the impact of childhood trauma on dexamethasone/CRF test results in patients with MDD. Methods Forty-nine healthy men, ages 18–60 years, without mania or psychosis, active substance abuse, or eating disorder and medication-free were recruited into four study groups, including: 1) normal subjects with no childhood abuse history or psychiatric disorder (n = 14); 2) men with childhood abuse histories without current MDD (n = 14); 3) men with childhood abuse histories with current MDD (n = 15); and 4) men with current MDD and no childhood abuse history (n = 6). Plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations were measured in response to dexamethasone/CRF administration. Results Men with childhood trauma histories exhibited increases in ACTH and cortisol responses to dexamethasone/CRF compared with non-abused men. In particular, abused men with current MDD showed increased responsiveness compared with control subjects and depressed men without childhood abuse experience. Increased response was associated with the severity, duration, and earlier onset of the abuse. The effects were not explained by concurrent posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusions Childhood trauma increases HPA axis activity as measured with the dexamethasone/CRF test in adult men with MDD, potentially reflecting environmental risk for developing depression.
Renal liposarcoma with hypertension

Abstract Renal liposarcoma is a rare neoplasm. Of a total of 37 cases reported in the literature, one-third were associated with tuberous sclerosis. This case adds a feature not previously described-another factor in the causation of renovascular hypertension in association with an isolated renal liposarcoma.
Particle emission induced by ionization tracks in water ice

Abstract We study electron emission and sputtering during irradiation of amorphous water ice at 60 K by H+, D+, He+, Li+, Be+, B+, C+, N+, O+, F+, and Ne+ ions in the energy range from 10 to 100 keV. We find that for constant velocity (5 keV/amu) ions the dependence of the sputtering yields with projectile atomic number Z is proportional to the square of the Z-dependence of the electronic stopping power d E d x , using d E d x values predicted by Yarlagadda, Robinson, and Brandt. The electron yields increase sublinearly with d E d x , indicating the strong influence of un-neutralized holes in the ionization track produced by the projectiles.
Low frequencies of apparently fragile X chromosomes in normal control cultures: a possible explanation.

Low frequencies of apparently fragile X [fra(X)] chromosomes have been reported in normal control, short-term, whole blood cultures, and they have been noted in both amniocyte and fetal blood cultures
Oral Blending in Young Children: Effects of Sound Pauses, Initial Sound, and Word Familiarity.

AbstractOral blending of dictated sounds into CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words was markedly and significantly better when no pauses intervened between sounds than when pauses of 1 or 3 sec intervened. In Experiment 1, first graders blended better than nonreading kindergarten children, with the differences pronounced at 1 and 3 sec. In Experiment 2, kindergarten children with extensive blending and reading training blended as well as the first graders, whereas younger, beginning readers paralleled the performance of the Experiment I kindergarteners. With age held constant, the effects of training continued as the major determinant of blending. We also found interactions between pause interval and word familiarity (meaningful versus nonwords) and between word familiarity and type of initial sound (held versus stop sounds).
Problems in Biofeedback Training: An Experiential Analogy—Urination

The research literature on biofeedback training is filled with contradictions. Certain researchers and experimental settings appear to enhance learning in trainees, whereas other combinations appear to inhibit learning. Further, some researchers, educators, and clinicians suggest that biofeedback can be a useful tool for preventive medicine, since a person who can sense his body response can learn to change or modulate the patterns of his behavior.1 Other researchers, especially those who have been unsuccessful in teaching voluntary control, believe that claims of any usefulness should be made extremely cautiously.
Sequential occurrence of IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura: support for common pathogenesis

We report a patient who developed Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) 13 years after he presented with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In both HSP and IgAN renal biopsy most commonly reveals focal proliferative glomerulonephritis on light microscopy and immunofluorescence displays mesangial IgA deposits. In addition, patients with HSP or IgAN have elevated serum IgA levels, circulating IgA immune complexes, IgA-bearing lymphocytes, immunoglobulin-producing cells, and binding of IgG to glomerular components of similar molecular weight. The occurrence of both diseases in the same patient or the same families and the presence of immune abnormalities compatible with HSP or IgAN in relatives of patients with these diseases suggest a common pathogenesis.