cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher admission rates and in-hospital mortality for acute type A aortic dissection during Influenza season: a single center experience

Triggering events for acute aortic dissections are incompletely understood. We sought to investigate whether there is an association between admission for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) to the University of Michigan Medical Center and the reported annual influenza activity by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. From 1996–2019 we had 758 patients admitted for ATAAD with 3.1 admissions per month during November-March and 2.5 admissions per month during April-October (p = 0.01). Influenza reporting data by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services became available in 2009. ATAAD admissions for the period 2009–2019 (n = 455) were 4.8 cases/month during peak influenza months compared to 3.5 cases/month during non-peak influenza months (p = 0.001). ATAAD patients admitted during influenza season had increased in-hospital mortality (11.0% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.024) and increased 30-day mortality (9.7 vs. 5.4%, p = 0.048). The results point to higher admission rates for ATAAD during months with above average influenza rates. Future studies need to investigate whether influenza virus infection affects susceptibility for aortic dissection, and whether this risk can be attenuated with the annual influenza vaccine in this patient population.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy offers an efficacious and novel way to treat many types of cancer. ICIs upregulate the immune system (specifically T-lymphocytes) allowing for better recognition and termination of neoplastic cells. 1 Adverse effects of ICIs are colitis, diarrhea, dermatopathies, endocrinopathies, and other autoimmune pathology. Although less common, neurologic toxicities have also been reported with most of the available ICIs. Here we present the case of a patient receiving ICI therapy who developed an autoimmune anti–N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAr) encephalitis with neuropsychiatric manifestations including catatonia. Given the increasingly widespread use of ICIs, psychiatrists practicing in the general hospital setting should be aware of their potential neuropsychiatric adverse effects.
Association Between Cardiac Surgeons’ Number of Years in Practice and Surgical Outcomes in New York Cardiac Centers

Importance More than half of US cardiothoracic surgeons are older than 55 years, and the association between surgeon number of years in practice and surgical outcomes remains unclear. Objective To assess the association between cardiac surgeons’ time in practice and operative outcomes for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional analysis performed of surgeon-level outcomes data from the 2014-2016 New York State Cardiac Data Reporting System across the 38 New York cardiac surgery centers. Years in practice were characterized as early career ( Main Outcomes and Measures Risk-adjusted operative mortality rate (RAMR). Mortality was defined as all-cause death within 30 days of surgery or within the index hospitalization, whichever was longer. Risk adjustment was performed by a multivariable risk model developed by the New York State Department of Public Health. Restricted cubic spline curve identified the association between risk-adjusted mortality rate and surgeon number of years in practice. Linear regression models adjusted for surgeons’ annual case volumes. Results A total of 112 CABG surgeons and 120 valve surgeons performed 39 436 CABG and 18 596 valve procedures between 2014 and 2016. The median number of surgeon years in practice was 20.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 12.0-28.5) years. The median surgeon annual case volume was 160.0 (IQR, 92.5-245.0) for CABG procedures and 104.0 (IQR, 43.0-210.0) for valve procedures. The median RAMR was 1.3% (IQR, 0.2%-2.2%) for CABG procedures and 3.1% (IQR, 1.7%-5.1%) for valve procedures. Surgeons with less than 10 years of practice had higher RAMR for valve procedures compared with surgeons with more than 10 years of practice (4.0 [IQR, 1.5-7.7] vs 2.9 [IQR, 1.7-4.7];P = .20), but the finding was not statistically signficant. The RAMR for surgeons with less than 10 years of practice was similar compared with surgeons with more than 10 years of practice for CABG procedures (1.3 [IQR, 0.3-2.1] vs 1.3 [IQR, 0.0-2.2];P = .73). A lower number of years in practice was significantly associated with higher RAMR for valve procedures (RAMR estimates for linear term: −1.144; 95% CI, −1.955 to −0.332;P = .006; quadratic term: 0.059; 95% CI, 0.015 to 1.102;P = .008; and cubic term: −0.001; 95% CI, −0.002 to 0.000;P = .01). This association was not observed for CABG. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, compared with late-career cardiac surgeons, early-career cardiac surgeons were associated with worse risk-adjusted outcomes for valve operations but not for CABG. This finding suggests certain competence deficiency for valve surgery early after finishing training in cardiac surgery.
Experimental evidence that belowground competition can influence the evolution of root traits in two closely related morning glory species

Abstract Although root traits play a critical role in mediating plant-plant interactions and resource acquisition from the soil environment, research examining if and how belowground competition can influence the evolution of root traits remains largely unexplored. Here we examine the potential that root traits may evolve as a target of selection from interspecific competition using Ipomoea purpurea and I. hederacea, two closely related morning glory species that commonly co-occur in the United States. We show that belowground competitive interactions between the two species can alter the pattern of selection on root traits in each species. Specifically, competition with I. purpurea changes the pattern of selection on root angle in I. hederacea, and competitive interactions with I. hederacea changes the pattern of selection on root size in I. purpurea. However, we did not uncover evidence that intraspecific competition altered the pattern of selection on any root traits within I. hederacea. Overall, our results suggest that belowground competition between closely related species can influence the phenotypic evolution of root traits in natural populations. Our findings provide a microevolutionary perspective of how competitive belowground interactions may impact plant fitness, potentially leading to patterns of plant community structure.
Discordant results between conventional newborn screening and genomic sequencing in the BabySeq Project

Abstract Purpose Newborn screening (NBS) is performed to identify neonates at risk for actionable, severe, early-onset disorders, many of which are genetic. The BabySeq Project randomized neonates to receive conventional NBS or NBS plus exome sequencing (ES) capable of detecting sequence variants that may also diagnose monogenic disease or indicate genetic disease risk. We therefore evaluated how ES and conventional NBS results differ in this population. Methods We compared results of NBS (including hearing screens) and ES for 159 infants in the BabySeq Project. Infants were considered "NBS positive" if any abnormal result was found indicating disease risk and "ES positive" if ES identified a monogenic disease risk or a genetic diagnosis. Results Most infants (132/159, 84%) were NBS and ES negative. Only one infant was positive for the same disorder by both modalities. Nine infants were NBS positive/ES negative, though seven of these were subsequently determined to be false positives. Fifteen infants were ES positive/NBS negative, all of which represented risk of genetic conditions that are not included in NBS programs. No genetic explanation was identified for eight infants referred on the hearing screen. Conclusion These differences highlight the complementarity of information that may be gleaned from NBS and ES in the newborn period.
Surface modifications to enhance osseointegration–Resulting material properties and biological responses

As life expectancy and the age of the general population increases so does the need for improved implants. A major contributor to the failure of implants is poor osseointegration, which is typically described as the direct connection between bone and implant. This leads to unnecessary complications and an increased burden on the patient population. Modification of the implant surfaces through novel techniques, such as varying topography and/or applying coatings, has become a popular method to enhance the osseointegration capability of implants. Recent research has shown that particular surface features influence how bone cells interact with a material; however, it is unknown which exact features achieve optimal bone integration. In this review, current methods of modifying surfaces will be highlighted, and the resulting surface characteristics and biological responses are discussed. Review of the current strategies of surface modifications found that many coating types are more advantageous when used in combination; however, finding a surface modification that utilizes the mutual beneficial effects of important surface characteristics while still maintaining commercial viability is where future challenges exist.
Ultrasound evaluation of the hands and wrists in patients with systemic sclerosis: Osteophytosis is a major contributor to tender joints.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence and clinical associations of ultrasound (US) findings of inflammatory arthritis and joint and soft tissue pathology in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods The hands and wrists of 43 SSc patients and 35 age-balanced controls were evaluated by clinical exam and musculoskeletal US. Synovial and tenosynovial pathology were assessed using semi-quantitative Gray Scale (GS) and Power Doppler (PD) scoring. US evaluation for osteophytes, erosions, ulnar artery occlusion, and median nerve cross-sectional areas was performed. Tender joints (TJ), swollen joints (SJ), modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), digital ulcers, contractures, and calcinosis were evaluated. Concordance between US and physical exam findings at each joint region were assessed, and associations between their severity were analyzed. Results TJs and SJs were present in 44.2% and 62.8% of SSc patients, respectively. Inflammatory arthritis, defined as having both GS>0 and PD>0, was observed in 18.6% of SSc patients and no controls. There was a high concordance by joint region between GS synovial hypertrophy and osteophytes (κ=0.88) as well as TJs (κ=0.72). SSc patients had more osteophytes compared to controls (48.8% vs 22.9%, p = 0.018) as well as higher osteophyte severity (p = 0.033). Conclusions Despite a high percentage of tender and swollen joints, less than 20% of SSc patients met criteria for inflammatory arthritis on US. The high concordance of osteophytes with GS synovial hypertrophy and tender joints suggest that osteophytosis may be a significant contributor to joint pain in SSc patients.
Intramedullary Lengthening Nails in Adults: Review of Uses, Techniques, and Complications

Distraction osteogenesis is a reliable method for lengthening, deformity correction, and treatment of non-unions, malunions, and bone defects. Fully implantable motorized intramedullary nails provide several advantages over the classically used external fixators, including improved patient comfort, reduced treatment time, and reduction in complications. The purpose of this article is to review the uses, techniques, and complications of motorized intramedullary nails in adults.
Infection of A549 human type II epithelial cells with Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces changes in mitochondrial morphology, distribution and mass that are dependent on the early secreted antigen, ESAT-6

Pulmonary infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) involves the invasion of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). We used Mitotracker Red(®) to assess changes in mitochondrial morphology/distribution and mass from 6 to 48 h post infection (hpi) by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry in Mtb-infected A549 type II AECs. During early infection there was no effect on mitochondrial morphology, however, by 48 hpi mitochondria appeared fragmented and concentrated around the nucleus. In flow cytometry experiments, the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) decreased by 44% at 48 hpi; double-labelling using antibodies to the integral membrane protein COXIV revealed that these changes were due to a decrease in mitochondrial mass. These changes did not occur with the apathogenic strain, Mycobacterium bovis BCG. ESAT-6 is a virulence factor present in Mtb Erdman but lacking in M. bovis BCG. We performed similar experiments using Mtb Erdman, an ESAT-6 deletion mutant and its complement. MFI decreased at 48 hpi in the parent and complemented strains versus uninfected controls by 52% and 36% respectively; no decrease was detected in the deletion mutant. These results indicate an involvement of ESAT-6 in the perturbation of mitochondria induced by virulent Mtb in AECs and suggest mitophagy may play a role in the infection process.
Garré's osteomyelitis. Literature review and case report.

Abstract An in-depth review of the literature on Garre's osteomyelitis has been presented, along with an additional case, in a 7-year-old Caucasian boy with an unusual presentation. In most instances, the periosteal proliferation is in response to an attenuated infection associated with a periapical inflammation, a recent extraction, or an infected or traumatized operculum. In this case the diagnosis was complicated by an absence of clinical signs, indicating the presence of an attenuated infection. While the appearance of the lesion on occlusal and periapical radiographs was consistent with a clinical diagnosis of Garre's osteomyelitis, conditions such as Ewing's sarcoma and others could not be eliminated on the basis of the clinical and radiographic findings alone. In this instance a definitive diagnosis could be made only after biopsy.
Making the Broker Pay When the Deal Goes Bad

This article discusses a California decision holding the broker liable to a buyer for misrepresenting the ability of the sellers to convey good title.
Subharmonic reduction for six step operation of three-phase inverter

The six step operation of an AC electric machine drive system under high speeds has a few advantages compared with the pulse width modulation (PWM) operation including the reduced switching loss, better utilization of DC bus voltage, and enhanced speed capability. The six step operation is generally applied when the fundamental electrical frequency is high. However, the low carrier-fundamental frequency ratio will make power electronics not able to switch on and off exactly at the zero crossing points of the phase voltage. This can result in a DC offset in the phase voltage and cause the subharmonic oscillation in the phase current. The subharmonic oscillation will create issues such as higher power loss, lower efficiency, and excessive heat that may permanently demagnetize permanent magnets on the rotor for a permanent magnet synchronous machine. This paper investigates a control method to significantly reduce the subharmonic current for the six step operation of a three-phase inverter. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the algorithm can reduce the low frequency oscillation in the phase current by more than 90%.
Secure Production of Farm Produce-oriented Management and Spatial Decision-making System for Producing Area

To address security of farm produce’s quality, using object-oriented technologies to build multi-purpose database, it meets the current and future data needs of a variety of operational systems. Further, base on WebGIS, to establish management and decision-making system for producing area, This system could be implement digital management for the entire agricultural park, and evaluate individual plots momentarily, can also provide accurate results in the decision-making fertilizer.
Africa and Afrocentric Historicism: A Critique

Since the dawn of slavery in America, black activists have used Africa to construct a countervailing frame of resistance to oppression. Africa had functioned both as the justification for enslavement and racial discrimination for the dominant white society, and as the counter-hegemonic weapon of resistance and empowerment for blacks. Reacting to subordination and marginalization, modern black intellectuals, borrowing from the past, have equally invoked Africa in their quest for a useable and instrumental historical past with which to counteract the Eurocentric constructions of their heritage and experiences. However, the resultant Afrocentric historicist framing of Africa, as well as its racialized and essentialist character, had only replicated precisely the negative shortcomings of the Eurocentric historiography and black intellectuals were attempting to debunk.
Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Lung Transplantation

There has been increasing awareness of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) as an important cause of graft failure after lung transplantation in recent years. However, the diagnostic criteria for pulmonary AMR are not well defined. All four tenets of AMR in kidney and heart transplantation, graft dysfunction, complement component deposition, circulating donor-specific antibodies (DSA), and histopathologic changes consistent with AMR, are infrequently present in lung transplantation. Nonetheless, the lung transplant community has made important progress recognizing cases of AMR and developing a definition. However, AMR is often refractory to therapy resulting in graft failure and death. In this review, we discuss the progress and challenges in the diagnosis and therapeutic options for pulmonary AMR. In addition, we briefly examine emerging paradigms of C4d-negative AMR and chronic AMR, and conclude that significant progress is needed to mitigate the effects of humoral immune responses after lung transplantation.
Diffusion of corporate governance from influential adopters

Based on diffusion theory, I conjecture that governance mechanisms, in particular performance-contingent equity (PCE), exhibit behavior characteristic of influential adopter diffusion. That is, firms tend to emulate an influential industry peer in adopting PCE in their executive compensation contracts. Using a large sample constructed from textual analysis of proxy statements, I find evidence of influential adopter diffusion through robust positive relations between PCE adoption and that of influential industry adopters. The results apply when examining the design of PCE provisions as well. Additional analyses suggest that the diffusion relation between influential adopters and their peers varies inversely with industry heterogeneity and differences in CEO compensation structure. In sum, my findings shed light on the spread of PCE over time by way of influential adopter diffusion.
Development of an algorithm for automatic detection and rating of squeak and rattle events

Abstract A new algorithm for automatic detection and rating of squeak and rattle (S&R) events was developed. The algorithm utilizes the perceived transient loudness (PTL) that approximates the human perception of a transient noise. At first, instantaneous specific loudness time histories are calculated over 1–24 bark range by applying the analytic wavelet transform and Zwicker loudness transform to the recorded noise. Transient specific loudness time histories are then obtained by removing estimated contributions of the background noise from instantaneous specific loudness time histories. These transient specific loudness time histories are summed to obtain the transient loudness time history. Finally, the PTL time history is obtained by applying Glasberg and Moore temporal integration to the transient loudness time history. Detection of S&R events utilizes the PTL time history obtained by summing only 18–24 barks components to take advantage of high signal-to-noise ratio in the high frequency range. A S&R event is identified when the value of the PTL time history exceeds the detection threshold pre-determined by a jury test. The maximum value of the PTL time history is used for rating of S&R events. Another jury test showed that the method performs much better if the PTL time history obtained by summing all frequency components is used. Therefore, r ating of S&R events utilizes this modified PTL time history. Two additional jury tests were conducted to validate the developed detection and rating methods. The algorithm developed in this work will enable automatic detection and rating of S&R events with good accuracy and minimum possibility of false alarm.
Synergistic topical therapy by acyclovir and A1110U for herpes simplex virus induced zosteriform rash in mice.

Combination therapy with A1110U, an inactivator of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the varicella zoster virus ribonucleotide reductase, and acyclovir (ACV) was evaluated for treatment of cutaneous herpetic disease in athymic mice infected on the dorsum. In this model, infection with HSV produces a ‘zosteriform-like’ rash that is first visible on day 3 or 4 post-infection (p.i.) and eventually extends from the anterior mid-line to the dorsal mid-line of the affected flank. In untreated mice, the infection is fatal at about day 7 p.i. presumably due to central nervous system involvement. Topical treatment of infections induced by either wild-type (wt) HSV-1 or wt HSV-2 with 3% A1110U in combination with 5% ACV resulted in synergistic (P<0.01) reductions in lesion scores. Therapy was also synergistic in mice infected with an ACV-resistant thymidine kinase-deficient mutant and an ACV-resistant TK-altered mutant HSV-1 isolate. Combination therapy was very effective in reducing lesion scores of mice infected with an ACV-resistant HSV-1 DNA polymerase mutant, but did not result in statistically significant synergy (P = 0.07) because of the enhanced efficacy of A1110U alone against this virus. These results provide encouragement that the combination of A1110U and ACV may offer an effective therapy for topical treatment of cutaneous HSV infections in humans.
Performance of a consensus scoring algorithm for assessing pediatric advanced life support competency using a computer screen-based simulator.

Objective:To develop a computer screen-based simulator that may be used as a pediatric advanced life support (PALS) cognitive skill assessment tool and to pilot test a consensus-based scoring system for the simulator.Design:Development of an evaluation tool, followed by prospective, observational st
Partition of pyrite and hematite in aqueous biphase systems: effects of pH and surfactants

Abstract The partitioning behavior of pyrite and hematite in the polyethylene glycol (PEG)/Na 2 SO 4 /H 2 O aqueous biphase system was modified by the adjustment of pH and addition of surfactants. Pyrite partitioning was highly dependent upon pH; however, pH had no direct effect on hematite behavior. In the presence of xanthate in alkaline and neutral solutions, pyrite transferred into the polymer-rich phase because of the chemisorption of xanthate on the solid surface. Similarly, oleate increased the partitioning of hematite into the polymer-rich phase under neutral or alkaline conditions. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and oleate had no effect on partition of pyrite, and hematite partitioning behavior was not affected by SDS or xanthate. These results were attributable to the limited adsorption of the surfactants on the solid surfaces.
Assessment of the effect of age at onset on linkage to bipolar disorder: Evidence on chromosomes 18p and 21q

Previous evidence suggests that the inheritance of bipolar disorder (BP) may vary depending on the age at onset (AAO). Therefore, we sought to incorporate AAO as a covariate in linkage analyses of BP using two different methods, LODPAL and ordered-subset analysis (OSA), in genomewide scans of 150 multiplex pedigrees with 874 individuals. The LODPAL analysis identified two loci, on chromosomes 21q22.13 (LOD = 3.29; empirical chromosomewide P value=.009) and 18p11.2 (LOD = 2.83; empirical chromosomewide P = .05), with increased linkage among subjects who had early onset (AAO ≤ 21 years) and later onset (AAO >21 years), respectively. The finding on 21q22.13 was significant at the chromosomewide level, even after correction for multiple testing. Moreover, a similar finding was observed in an independent sample of 65 pedigrees (LOD = 2.88; empirical chromosomewide P = .025). The finding on 18p11.2 was only nominally significant and was not observed in the independent sample. However, 18p11.2 emerged as one of the strongest regions in the OSA (LOD = 2.92; empirical P = .001), in which it was the only finding to meet chromosomewide levels of significance after correction for multiple testing. These results suggest that 21q22.13 and 18p11.2 may harbor genes that increase the risks for early-onset and later-onset forms of BP, respectively. There have been previous reports of linkage on 21q22.13 and 18p11.2, but the findings have not been consistent. This inconsistency may be due to differences in the AAO characteristics of the samples examined. Future studies to fine map susceptibility genes for BP on chromosomes 21q22.13 and 18p11.2 should take AAO into account.
Retrieval of multiple spin waves from a weakly excited, metastable atomic ensemble

The emission of light from a multiply excited atomic ensemble is examined and it is shown how symmetric (spin-wave) and non-symmetric states of excitation radiate into spatially separate field modes. This observation has potential application to single photon generation and spin wave entanglement, since in the presence of atomic interactions it can result in isolated single photon emission into a phase-matched field mode.
Chemical modification of polymer surfaces: a review

The main approaches that have been taken to chemically modify polymer surfaces are introduced and reviewed. These are wet chemical oxidation, plasma treatment, classical organic chemistry, and attachment of polymer chains. The extent to which each of these approaches can produce the specific modifications desired is discussed, and any unwanted effects that commonly occur are cited. Finally, the need for using several methods of surface analysis in concert to obtain adequate surface characterization is described.
Business and games

This paper responds to the popular argument that business is like a game and is thus insulated from the demands of morality. In the first half of the paper, I offer objections to this argument as it is put forward by John Ladd in his well-known article, ‘Morality and the Ideal of Rationality in Formal Organizations.’ I argue that Ladd's analysis is flawed both because it deprives us of the ability to assert that a business is acting badly or that its goals are irrational, and because it is internally inconsistent. In the second half of the paper, I give reasons for thinking that business is not like a game.
Leaf-level physiological responses of Tamarix ramosissima to increasing salinity

Abstract Over the past century, the invasive halophytic shrub Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. has increased in abundance and distribution in riparian ecosystems of western North America. These increases coincide with anthropogenic modification of river systems, which decrease the rate of periodic overbank flooding, leading to an increase in soil salinity. Increased soil salinity negatively impacts the physiology of native riparian tree species, but the impact of increased soil salinity on T. ramosissima physiology is incompletely known. To measure the impacts of soil salinity on T. ramosissima , we measured leaf-level responses across a broad range of surface-soil salinity concentrations at two sites in western Kansas. Photosynthesis at 2000 μmol m −2 s −1 ( A 2000 ), stomatal conductance to water ( g s ), intercellular CO 2 concentration ( C i ), and leaf δ 13 C showed little change over surface-soil salinities from 0.5 to 17.65 mmhos/cm. The small variation in leaf-level physiological responses suggests robust functioning of T. ramosissima across a broad range of surface-soil salinities. Leaf-level physiology and δ 13 C responses were assessed by canopy position, but responses were not significantly different. These results are among the first to show broad acclimation and robust physiological functioning for many leaf-level processes measured on mature trees grown across a wide surface-soil salinity gradient in the field.
Headaches, shunts, and obstructive sleep apnea: report of two cases.

Objective This report describes two shunted patients evaluated with continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors for worsening headaches and subsequently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical presentation and intervention ICPs were monitored with strain-gauge sensors inserted into the frontal cortex. After the initial diagnosis of sleep apnea, 8-hour attended polysomnography was performed in each patient. Both patients showed apnea-hypopnea indices greater than 15. Consequently, a "split-night study" was performed to evaluate treatment with titrated nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Patient 1 was a 42-year-old woman (body mass index, 34.1) with a 16-year history of idiopathic intracranial hypertension treated with lumboperitoneal and ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Patient 2 was a 20-year-old man (body mass index, 64.4) with the Arnold-Chiari II malformation. The patient had had a low-pressure shunt since birth. Neurological examinations were normal or unchanged before evaluation. Neurophthalmological examinations were normal. Computed tomographic scans failed to show progressive ventriculomegaly. Awake ICPs were less than 15 mm Hg. Nighttime ICPs during rapid eye movement sleep showed multiple Lundberg A waves associated with obstructive sleep apnea and hypoxemia. Blood pressure did not change during these episodes. Polysomnography showed apnea-hypopnea indices of 31 and 41, respectively. Continuous positive airway pressure reduced apnea-hypopnea indices to 17 and 0, respectively; headaches resolved with outpatient therapy. Conclusion These observations suggest adequate shunting with reduced cerebral compliance in both patients. Altered respiratory mechanics associated with hypoxemia may have triggered cerebral vasodilation and increases in cerebral blood volume, particularly during rapid eye movement sleep. In noncompliant systems, these changes precipitated sustained elevations in ICP and intermittent headaches relieved by continuous positive airway pressure. The clinical patterns also suggest that obstructive sleep apnea should be considered in shunted patients with isolated symptoms of increasing headaches.
Determination of the Pore Size Distribution and Network Connectivity in Microporous Solids by Adsorption Measurements and Monte Carlo Simulation

We carried out Monte Carlo simulations of the adsorption of three species-CH 4 , CF 4 , and SF 6 -in model pores of various sizes. By comparing the simulated isotherms, integrated over a pore size distribution, with experimental isotherms for the adsorption of these species on a microporous carbon, estimates of the pore size distribution (PSD) ofthe carbon were obtained-one for each adsorptive. Because the adsorptives have different molecular sizes and strengths of interaction with the Dadsorbent, they probe different ranges of pore size; each adsorptive thus provided a partial PSD. By combining the partial PSDs, we were able to obtain a much more complete PSD than could be obtained with a single adsorptive. Comparison of the PSDs obtained with CF 4 and SF 6 , which substantially overlap, shows molecular sieving. By analyzing these two PSDs, using percolation theory, we extracted an estimate of the connectivity of the pore network, an important determinant of the transport properties of the solid. Our approach is applicable to microporous solids in general.
Momentary and Partial Interval Time Sampling: A Reply to Harrop, Daniels and Foulkes (1990)

Momentary time sampling (MTS) is described as an unbiased method of estimating time spent engaging in target behaviour. Conclusions that MTS with long sampling intervals or for short sessions results in large error are based on studies which use too few observations (a too-small sample size) to expect small sampling error. Partial interval (PI) sampling is a biased method, and the degree of bias changes as the characteristics of the behaviour change, a particular problem for intervention studies.
Developmental Changes in Renin-Containing Cells From the Ovine Fetal Kidney

To determine if the increase in intrarenal renin content that occurs in late gestation in the fetal lamb results from an increase in the proportion of cells containing renin, an increase in the amount of renin per renin-containing cell, or both. Kidney cells with a density of 1.062 g/mL were isolated from ovine fetuses at 100-104 days gestation (n = 6, immature) and at 131—139 days gestation (n = 6, mature). This fraction was enriched with renin-containing cells. Total renin (TR) and active renin (AR) were measured by their ability to generate angiotensin I (AI). Renin mRNA was measured by RNase protection assay. The presence of renin in cells and the capacity to release it were identified by immunocytochemistry and cell immunoblot analyses. Data were analyzed by analyses of variance. The TR and AR in isolated cells increased from 3.7 ± 0.3 and 2.5 ± 0.2 μg AI/μg protein · hr-1 in immature fetuses to 6.2 ± 0.7 and 5.0 ± 0.6 μg AI/gmg protein • hr-1 in mature fetuses (P <.01). The percentage of immunopositive renin cells (PC) was greater in mature (40.6 ± 4.3) than in immature fetuses (15.2 ± 1.2) (P <.01). The TR/PC and AR/PC were also higher in mature (8.2 ±0.6 and 6.6 ± 0.4 ng AI/h • pc-1) than in immature animals (6.5 ±0.6 and 4.4 ± 0.4 ng AI/h · pc-1) (P <.01). The data indicate that the increase in TR and AR occurring during development in fetal lamb kidney results from an increase in both the number of renin-containing cells and in the renin content per cell. (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1997;4:191-196) Copyright © 1997 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.
Discovering Information Use in Agricultural Economics: A Citation Study

This citation study investigated the research needs and activity of U.S. agricultural economists. Journals were the dominant format of cited sources. Books, government publications, and working papers formed the other important types of references, whereas electronic sources were sparsely used. Subject scatter in this interdisciplinary field was changed over time.
Social climate and workplace drinking among women in a male-dominated occupation

Abstract Objective : This study applies Gilligan's relational theory to an exploration of the influence of the social climate at work on workplace drinking in a male-dominated occupation. Methods : Data used in this analysis were originally collected from a random sample of employees at a heavy machinery assembly plant ( N =984, women = 121). Because reciprocal relationships between workplace drinking and social climate were hypothesized, the parameters were estimated using simultaneous equation modeling. Results : Women who reported a negative social climate at work also had a greater propensity to drink at work. There was no similar relationships between social climate and workplace drinking for men. Conclusions : Workplace drinking prevention programs in male-dominated occupations may need to address the social climate at work, particularly for women.
Rationale, design, and baseline findings from Seamos Saludables: A randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a culturally and linguistically adapted, computer- tailored physical activity intervention for Latinas

Background Latinos are now the largest (and fastest growing) ethnic minority group in the United States. Latinas report high rates of physical inactivity and suffer disproportionately from obesity, diabetes, and other conditions that are associated with sedentary lifestyles. Effective physical activity interventions are urgently needed to address these health disparities.
Maintenance of genetic diversity through plant–herbivore interactions

Identifying the factors governing the maintenance of genetic variation is a central challenge in evolutionary biology. New genomic data, methods and conceptual advances provide increasing evidence that balancing selection, mediated by antagonistic species interactions, maintains genome-wide functionally important genetic variation within species and natural populations. Because diverse interactions between plants and herbivorous insects dominate terrestrial communities, they provide excellent systems to address this hypothesis. Population genomic studies of Arabidopsis thaliana and its relatives suggest spatial variation in herbivory maintains adaptive genetic variation controlling defense phenotypes, both within and among populations. Conversely, inter-species variation in plant defenses promotes adaptive genetic variation in herbivores. Emerging genomic model herbivores of Arabidopsis could illuminate how genetic variation in herbivores and plants interact simultaneously.
Parallel computational studies of electron–molecule collisions

Molecular electronic structure calculations involving unbound or scattering states occupy a small but important territory adjacent to the broader field of computational chemistry. Besides providing fundamental scientific insights, such calculations can provide essential data for technological applications, provided that reliable calculations can be carried out for the relatively large molecules of interest. In this article, we describe one approach to the electron–molecule collision problem and discuss how that approach has been adapted to parallel computers – from monolithic supercomputers to workstation clusters – in order to achieve the levels of performance necessary to address collisions with larger polyatomic targets.
The Rook on the Half-Chessboard, or How not to Diagonalize a Matrix

(1998). The Rook on the Half-Chessboard, or How Not to Diagonalize a Matrix. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 105, No. 9, pp. 819-824.
The Transition from Microscopic to Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery: The Experience at Brigham and Women's Hospital

Objective As interest and enthusiasm for the use of the endoscope in transsphenoidal anterior skull base and pituitary surgery increases, neurosurgeons are increasingly adopting endoscopic technology and associated novel concepts. Often this involves a transition from the standard operating microscope as the main means of visualization to the operating endoscope (2D or 3D) during surgery. Methods The authors' experience with this transition is described, including the rationale, advantages and disadvantages of the two surgical techniques. Results The successful use of endoscopic surgery for a large variety of pathological problems involving the anterior skull base and the pituitary region is presented. Perceived advantages for the patient and the surgeon are described, as is the occasional need for transition back to the microscopic approach. Conclusions The endoscopic approach and its allied technology are here to stay. They are useful and occasionally preferable methods for treating a variety of suitable lesions involving the anterior skull base. The importance of incorporating the basic principles of skull base surgery is emphasized.
Immature thymocytes isolated using a sialic acidspecific lectin are unresponsive to concanavalin A

Mouse thymocytes, which are approximately 90% immature cortical cells, are low in surface sialic acid when compared with more mature cortisone-resistant, presumably medullary, thymocytes and peripheral T lymphocytes. Thus, medullary thymocytes bind and are agglutinated by the N-acetylneuraminic acid-specific lectin, lobster agglutinin 1 (LAg1), whereas cortical thymocytes are not agglutinated by this lectin. It is demonstrated herein that mouse cortical thymocytes, purified using LAg1, do not respond to the mitogenic effects of concanavalin A (Con A). The lack of response to this lectin is not due to depletion of macrophages, since addition of macrophages does not restore the response. Populations of LAg1-negative thymocytes can be made to respond weakly to Con A by the addition of interleukin 2, but this response appears to be due to the presence of a few contaminating LAg1-binding thymocytes since it is abolished by treatment of the cells with rabbit anti-LAg1 serum plus complement. Therefore highly purified cortical thymocytes not only cannot respond to Con A, but also they cannot be induced to respond by the addition of the T cell growth factor, interleukin 2. Thymocytes isolated by a single criterion, that is by virtue of their low amount of surface sialic acid, appear to be a truly immature population of thymocytes.
The heart, the brain, and the Kounis syndrome: reply

Kounis et al. 1 are correct that in our editorial,2 we noted with respect to the brain and the heart, ‘the twain have met,’ but we did not elaborate very much on the mechanisms connecting the two. This was deliberate. There are many more potential mechanisms that might connect the brain and the heart than could reasonably …
Applications of quantum invariants in low dimensional topology

Abstract In this short note we give lower bounds for the Heegaard genus of 3-manifolds using various TQFT in 2 + 1 dimensions. We also study the large k limit and the large G limit of our lower bounds, using a conjecture relating the various combinatorial and physical TQFTs. We also prove, assuming this conjecture, that the set of colored SU(N) polynomials of a framed knot in S 3 distinguishes the knot from the unknot.
Evaluation of surgical treatment of acquired and congenital aortic stenosis.

Summary The surgical treatment of aortic stenosis has not matched the success of the surgical treatment of mitral stenosis, and must be considered still in the developmental phase. Advances in classification and understanding of the various types of aortic stenosis and of the various stages in the life history of the disease have clarified the problems which must be solved by improvements in surgical methods. In adults with pure calcific aortic stenosis who are under age 60 and have not yet developed congestive heart failure, the closed transaortic or transventricular operation results in worthwhile relief of symptoms in two-thirds of cases, with an operative mortality which may be as low as 10 per cent. When heart failure has occurred the operative mortality is 30 per cent or more and only one in four has a good result from operation. In any event the procedure is palliative because of the formidable valve pathology which is almost always found. Open heart surgery has so far been attended by a high mortality and little evidence of better results, which may be possible only with prosthetic valve replacement. In carefully selected cases, good results may be obtained from combined operations for aortic and mitral stenosis. The clinical course and factors influencing the surgical result in most of these patients resemble those in pure mitral stenosis. The role of the associated aortic stenosis requires critical assessment by left heart eatheterization to determine the need for the double operation. Congenital aortic stenosis is of various types, all of which are best dealt with by open heart surgery in the opinion of most surgeons. These patients should be evaluated for surgery regardless of symptoms because of the risk of sudden death. Noncalcific valvular stenosis is a surgically favorable lesion, but serious regurgitation may be induced, even in direct vision operations. Subvalvular stenosis is often a formidable lesion which cannot be completely relieved, as is the rare supravalvular stenosis. The residual pressure gradient which often remains after surgical attack on the stenotic lesion is often functional, due to secondary muscular hypertrophy, and may be expected to regress with time. Rarely, usually in adults, subvalvular aortic stenosis is entirely functional, due to idiopathic muscular hypertrophy, and surgery has no place in the treatment of this condition. The selection of patients for operation for congenital aortic stenosis must be based on a careful assessment of all the circumstances, including the site and severity of the obstruction as revealed by left heart catheterization.
A note on variance components model

In a balanced design (i.e. a design in which all cells have the same number of observations), if the effects in the linear model are random and normally distributed, the distribution of the ratio of any sum of squares (s.s.) in the ANOVA to the expected value of its mean square (m.s.) has a ?2-distribution. In this note, we investigate the conditions under which this ratio is a ?2 if the design is not balanced.
Understanding age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Relationships between the photoreceptor/retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch’s membrane/choriocapillaris complex

There is a mutualistic symbiotic relationship between the components of the photoreceptor/retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch's membrane (BrMb)/choriocapillaris (CC) complex that is lost in AMD. Which component in the photoreceptor/RPE/BrMb/CC complex is affected first appears to depend on the type of AMD. In atrophic AMD (~85-90% of cases), it appears that large confluent drusen formation and hyperpigmentation (presumably dysfunction in RPE) are the initial insult and the resorption of these drusen and loss of RPE (hypopigmentation) can be predictive for progression of geographic atrophy (GA). The death and dysfunction of photoreceptors and CC appear to be secondary events to loss in RPE. In neovascular AMD (~10-15% of cases), the loss of choroidal vasculature may be the initial insult to the complex. Loss of CC with an intact RPE monolayer in wet AMD has been observed. This may be due to reduction in blood supply because of large vessel stenosis. Furthermore, the environment of the CC, basement membrane and intercapillary septa, is a proinflammatory milieu with accumulation of complement components as well as proinflammatory molecules like CRP during AMD. In this toxic milieu, CC die or become dysfunction making adjacent RPE hypoxic. These hypoxic cells then produce angiogenic substances like VEGF that stimulate growth of new vessels from CC, resulting in choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The loss of CC might also be a stimulus for drusen formation since the disposal system for retinal debris and exocytosed material from RPE would be limited. Ultimately, the photoreceptors die of lack of nutrients, leakage of serum components from the neovascularization, and scar formation. Therefore, the mutualistic symbiotic relationship within the photoreceptor/RPE/BrMb/CC complex is lost in both forms of AMD. Loss of this functionally integrated relationship results in death and dysfunction of all of the components in the complex.
Age and Human Mate Selection

Two important theories of human mate selection are sociobiology and similarity. The similarity theory predicts that people will marry others who are like themselves in characteristics such as family background, education, race, religion, and age. This theory states that until the time they graduate from school, boys and girl. are socialized most often with others of the same age, increasing the likelihood that they will be the same age when they marry. The sociobiology theory predicts that men will be older than women ac the time of marriage (Barash, 1982). Girls become sexually mature sooner than boys, and when they look for marriage partners, they could choose men equally physically