cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic-assisted Bladder Diverticulectomy: Assessment of Outcomes and Modifications of Technique.

Objective To present outcomes of robotic-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) and technique modifications that may improve outcomes. Methods Sixteen consecutive RABDs were performed at our institution by 2 experienced robotic surgeons. Charts were reviewed for patient characteristics, perioperative data, and long-term functional outcomes. Eleven patients (69%) underwent RABD using an external dissection approach, whereas 5 patients (31%) underwent RABD using a modified internal dissection technique (immediate entry into the bladder diverticulum). Results The mean age of our cohort was 68 years (range, 59-79 years), and 15 of 16 patients (93.8%) were men. Two patients (12.5%) had known malignancy in the diverticulum. Eleven patients (69%) underwent a preoperative outlet procedure (9 transurethral resection of prostate and 2 transurethral incision of prostate) at a median time before RABD of 163.5 days (range, 26-622 days). Median operative time for external RABD was 228 minutes (range, 144-353 minutes) compared with that of 149 minutes (range, 130-189 minutes) for the internal dissection technique. No patient required blood transfusions, and there were no 30-day Clavien grade 3 or 4 complications. Median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-3 days). Median postvoid residual before intervention was 458 mL (range, 78-1100 mL) compared with that of 214 mL (range, 46-527 mL) after RABD. Mean American Urological Association symptom score was 18 (range, 5-29) preoperatively compared with that of 7 (range, 2-21) postoperatively. Conclusion RABD is safe with a low risk of intraoperative or postoperative complications and results in both improved voiding symptoms and diminished postvoid residuals. Modifications of technique from an external dissection approach to an internal dissection approach has led to a dramatic reduction in operative time.
Minireview: Glucagon in the Pathogenesis of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia in Diabetes

Pancreatic islet α-cell glucagon secretion is critically dependent on pancreatic islet β-cell insulin secretion. Normally, a decrease in the plasma glucose concentration causes a decrease in β-cell insulin secretion that signals an increase in α-cell glucagon secretion during hypoglycemia. In contrast, an increase in the plasma glucose concentration, among other stimuli, causes an increase in β-cell insulin secretion that signals a decrease, or at least no change, in α-cell glucagon secretion after a meal. In absolute endogenous insulin deficiency (i.e. in type 1 diabetes and in advanced type 2 diabetes), however, β-cell failure results in no decrease in β-cell insulin secretion and thus no increase in α-cell glucagon secretion during hypoglycemia and no increase in β-cell insulin secretion and thus an increase in α-cell glucagon secretion after a meal. In type 1 diabetes and advanced type 2 diabetes, the absence of an increment in glucagon secretion, in the setting of an absent decrement in insulin secretion and an attenuated increment in sympathoadrenal activity, in response to falling plasma glucose concentrations plays a key role in the pathogenesis of iatrogenic hypoglycemia. In addition, there is increasing evidence that, in the aggregate, suggests that relative hyperglucagonemia, in the setting of deficient insulin secretion, plays a role in the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia in diabetes. If so, abnormal glucagon secretion is involved in the pathogenesis of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Hydrotreating catalyst deactivation by coke from SRC-II oil

Samples of a CoMo/Al2O3 catalyst were partially deactivated with SRC-II feed in an autoclave reactor to give coked samples of 5 to 18 %C. The coked catalysts were analyzed for surface area, pore volume, coronene adsorption and diffusivity, and their catalytic activity determined for hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and C-N hydrogenolysis (CNH) using model compounds. All of the above measurements decreased with increase in coke content. Property data indicate that some pores are blocked by coke and diffusivity results show narrowing of pore mouths with increasing coke content. Catalyst deactivation versus coke level was identical for HDS and HDO, but less for CNH. A simple model of coke deactivation was developed to relate activity to coke content. Coke is envisioned as forming wedge-like deposits in the catalyst pores.
Welfare Policymaking in the States: The Devil in Devolution: Pamela Winston; Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2002, 332 pages

Case studies of actual events have one inescapable flaw. Time continues. The case study’s author may have analyzed the first act, but readers have seen part—if not all—of the second act. No one kno...
The CpG Island Methylator Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer

The concept of a CpG island methylator phenotype, or CIMP, has had a complicated and somewhat controversial history. CIMP refers to the notion that a subset of tumors has widespread methylation of CpG islands that leads to epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by promoter methylation.1 Perhaps the best accepted example of this is sporadic colorectal tumors with microsatellite instability. These tumors exhibit extensive CpG island methylation, and their instability, in most cases, is due to promoter methylation of one of the DNA mismatch repair genes, hMLH1.2 In contrast, microsatellite instability in tumors associated with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is due to a germline mutation in one of the mismatch repair genes. The concept of CIMP has not, however, been universally accepted, especially with respect to colorectal tumors without microsatellite instability.3 The study by Ogino et al4 in the current issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics represents a significant advance in the field of CIMP. This study of over 900 colorectal tumors uses a quantitative method for characterization of CpG island methylation status and evaluates multiple panels of CpG islands for the classification of CIMP. Although questions remain, a strong implication of this study is that this method may be used to help determine which microsatellite unstable tumors are sporadic and which are associated with HNPCC. In this Commentary, we will give a brief background of CIMP, discuss the contribution of the Ogino et al study,4 and then detail unanswered questions and future directions for research.
Ultrastructural and biochemical changes in a prokaryote induced by cytoskeletal active drugs

A previous study has shown that the stress of freezing and thawing in saline can cause a condensation of otherwise dispersed bacterial nucleoids [1]. In other studies, the transition from active growth to cessation of growth either by attainment of stationary phase or addition of chloramphenicol was also accompanied by a condensation of the nucleoids in Escherichia coli [2-4]. All three treatments are bacteriostatic. It thus seems possible that structural alterations of the nucleoid might be important in regulating cell metabolism. Recently, actin-like and myosin-like proteins have been isolated from the cytoplasm of E. coli and Mycoplasma [5-9]. While the function of these and possibly other proteins is unclear, they could be involved in a structural function in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus [10-15]. Since specific inhibitors of microfilament (cytochalasin B) and microtubule (vinblastin and colchicine) assembly and stabilization in eukaryotes are available [16,17], we have determined their effects on the ultrastructure and on certain biochemical functions in a prokaryote, E. co#.
Decentralization of CD4 testing in resource-limited settings: 7 years of experience in six African countries.

Improving access to CD4 testing in resource-limited settings can be achieved through both centralized and decentralized testing networks. Decentralized testing models are more suitable for countries where the HIV epidemic affects a large portion of rural populations. Timely access to accurate CD4 results is crucial at the primary level of the health system. For the past 7 years, the Institute of Human Virology of the University of Maryland School of Medicine has implemented a flexible and sustainable three-phase model: (1) site assessment and improvement, (2) appropriate technology selection with capacity building through practical training and laboratory mentoring, and (3) quality management system strengthening and monitoring, to support accessibility to reliable CD4 counting at the point of service. CD4 testing capacity was established in 122 of 229 (53%) laboratories supported in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Among those in rural settings, 46% (69/151) had CD4 testing available at site level, with a functioning flow cytometer installed at 28% (8/29) and 50% (61/122) of level 1 and level 2 sites, respectively. To strengthen local capacity, a total of 1,152 laboratory technicians were trained through 188 training sessions provided both on-site and at central locations. The overall quality of CD4 total testing procedure was assessed at 76% (92/121) of the laboratories, with 25% (23/92), 34% (31/92), and 33% (30/92) of them reporting excellent, good, and satisfactory performance. Balancing country-specific factors with the location of the clinic, number of patients, and the expected workload, was crucial in adapting this flexible model for decentralizing CD4 testing. The close collaboration with local governments and private vendors was key to successfully expanding access to CD4 testing within the framework of HIV care and treatment programs and for the sustainability of medical laboratories in resource-limited settings. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Texts Don't have Ideologies

Over the past fifteen years "ideological criticism" of the Bible has grown to become an accepted practice within the academy. It has provided a site where feminists, Marxists, liberation theologians and other interested parties have been able to engage in discussion aimed largely at displaying the wide variety of competing interests operating in both the production and interpretation of the Bible. Unfortunately, it is common among ideological critics of the Bible to speak of biblical texts as having ideologies. The thrust of this article is to claim that this way of thinking confuses a wide range of issues concerning the relationships between texts and the social practices which both generated those texts and are sustained by interpretations of particular texts. This position is defended by an examination of the various ways in which the Abraham story was read from Genesis through Philo, Paul, and Justin Martyr.
Exendin 4 controls insulin production in rat islet beta cells predominantly by potentiation of glucose-stimulated proinsulin biosynthesis at the translational level

Aims/hypothesis Ideally, a therapeutic insulin secretagogue should coordinately increase insulin production and insulin secretion to maintain islet beta cell secretory capacity. We compared the incretin mimetic exendin 4 and the sulfonylurea glibenclamide (known as glyburide in the USA and Canada) for their effects in upholding a balance between (pro)insulin biosynthesis and insulin secretion in pancreatic islets.
Behavior of newly hatched potato tuber moth larvae, Phthorimaea operculella Zell. (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in relation to their host plants

A study was made of neonate larvae of Phthorimaea operculella.Host finding from soil-laid eggs and dispersal from hosts and nonhosts were first examined. Of first-instar larvae hatching from soil-laid eggs, 80% found the potato plant while roughly 50% found each of the other three plants (datura, tobacco, and tomato). Dispersal from potato, datura, and tobacco was very low, while on tomato it was higher and a high mortality was observed in the 24 h period. Dispersal from nonhost plants was high. Behavior on leaves of hosts and non-hosts is described and some host-plant specific behaviors are identified. Effects on behavior of some of the physical and chemical factors are described. Methylene dichloride extracts of potato leaf wax reduced locomotion rates and the number of turns during locomotion. Also methylene dichloride extract and, to a lesser extent, methanol extract caused biting behavior.
Two-dimensional impurity transport calculations for a high recycling divertor

Two dimensional analysis of impurity transport in a high recycling divertor shows asymmetric particle fluxes to the divertor plate, low helium pumping efficiency, and high scrapeoff zone shielding for sputtered impurities.
A polymer two phase system adapted to virus detection.

An aqueous polymer two phase concentration method has been tested as an aid to detection of five enteroviruses and of influenza virus type A. The system comprises dextran T-500-0.25%, polyethylene glycol 6000-7.0% and NaCl-0.3m. Fecal solids, when present, are best removed by centrifugation before the polymers are added. After 18 to 24 hours in the cold, the suspension has separated to yield a small bottom phase which has about 2% of the original sample volume and nearly half of the virus. Compared to virus in a standard laboratory diluent, virus in this bottom phase might be slightly stimulated or mildy inhibited in its infectivity for primary monkey kidney cell cultures. In contrast to previous experience with another two phase concentration system, none of the inhibited virus types was affected to such a degree that the treatment was inadvisible.
Catabolism of 4-hydroxyacids and 4-hydroxynonenal via 4-hydroxy-4-phosphoacyl-COAs

4-Hydroxyacids are products of ubiquitously occurring lipid peroxidation (C9, C6) or drugs of abuse (C4, C5). We investigated the catabolism of these compounds using a combination of metabolomics and mass isotopomer analysis. Livers were perfused with various concentrations of unlabeled and labeled saturated 4-hydroxyacids (C4 to C11) or 4-hydroxynonenal. All the compounds tested form a new class of acyl-CoA esters, 4-hydroxy-4-phosphoacyl-CoAs, characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, accurate mass spectrometry, and 31P-NMR. All 4-hydroxyacids with five or more carbons are metabolized by two new pathways. The first and major pathway, which involves 4-hydroxy-4-phosphoacyl-CoAs, leads in six steps to the isomerization of 4-hydroxyacyl-CoA to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoAs. The latter are intermediates of physiological β-oxidation. The second and minor pathway involves a sequence of β-oxidation, α-oxidation, and β-oxidation steps. In mice deficient in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, high plasma concentrations of 4-hydroxybutyrate result in high concentrations of 4-hydroxy-4-phospho-butyryl-CoA in brain and liver. The high concentration of 4-hydroxy-4-phospho-butyryl-CoA may be related to the cerebral dysfunction of subjects ingesting 4-hydroxybutyrate and to the mental retardation of patients with 4-hydroxybutyric aciduria. Our data illustrate the potential of the combination of metabolomics and mass isotopomer analysis for pathway discovery.
Analysis of Underground Storage Tank Waste Simulants by Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Underground storage tank waste sludge from nuclear fuel processes is difficult to analyze because of the extreme heterogeneity, chemical reactivity, and radioactivity of the waste. Conventional methods of analysis typically require extensive sample handling procedures either to thin the sample or to separate components prior to analysis. These procedures are time consuming, require radiation containment cells, and increase the risk of radiation exposure to lab personnel as a result of the extensive handling. In this paper a method utilizing Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy to analyze hazardous underground storage tank waste with a minimal amount of sample and sample handling is discussed. The method was developed with the use of waste tank simulants that were obtained from the Westinghouse Hanford Company. Emphasis was placed on the determination of disodium nickel ferrocyanide, sodium nitrate, and sodium nitrite because of the concern for the potential of exothermic reactions occurring between oxidizers and ferrocyanide-containing compounds. This method also allows for the analysis of other ions of interest in waste processes such as sodium sulfate. A simple sample preparation method is also discussed which uses freeze drying to remove water from the simulants while maintaining a uniform sample for analysis.
c-maf Promotes T Helper Cell Type 2 (Th2) and Attenuates Th1 Differentiation by Both Interleukin 4–dependent and –independent Mechanisms

The c-maf protooncogene is a T helper cell type 2 (Th2)-specific transcription factor that activates the interleukin (IL)-4 promoter in vitro. Although it has been postulated that c-maf directs the Th2-specific expression of the IL-4 gene in vivo, direct evidence that c-maf functions during the differentiation of normal, primary T cells is lacking. We now demonstrate that overexpression of c-maf in vivo skews the Th immune response along a Th2 pathway, as evidenced by increased production of Th2 cytokines and the IL-4-dependent immunoglobulins, IgG1 and IgE. The overproduction of IgGl and IgE in the CD4 promoter/c-maf transgenic mice was IL-4 dependent since this was not observed in c-maf transgenic mice bred onto an IL-4-deficient background. Ectopic expression of c-maf in mature Th1 cells did not confer on them the ability to produce IL-4, but did decrease the production of IFN-gamma. The attenuation of Th1 differentiation by c-maf overexpression occurred by a mechanism that was independent of IL-4 and other Th2 cytokines, and could be overcome by IL-12. These studies demonstrate that c-maf promotes Th2 differentiation by IL-4-dependent mechanisms and attenuates Th1 differentiation by Th2 cytokine-independent mechanisms.
Teaching Health Policy to Residents

To the Editors:—We commend the recent article by Greysen et al. entitled “Teaching Health Policy to Residents—Three-Year Experience with a Multi-Specialty Curriculum” for highlighting the rising importance of health policy education for future physicians. Medical professionals have too long been criticized for not being involved in the political process. One reason physicians may be reluctant to engage in advocacy is the lack of training in effective participation in the political process. As the nation considers healthcare reform, it is imperative now more than ever that we train future physicians to advocate effectively for a healthcare system that can properly care for Americans. The George Washington curriculum outlined in recent JGIM paper is one step towards preparing physician-advocates. Unfortunately, not every medical student and internal medicine resident has access to such high caliber faculty in public policy. Therefore, other solutions are needed to provide opportunities for all trainees to learn about health policy and advocacy. Interestingly, we have been fortunate to receive such training through ongoing programs for students and residents sponsored by the American College of Physicians. For the past five years, the American College of Physicians has hosted a special half day briefing for students and residents prior to its Leadership Day, which also invites internist members from all 50 states to receive up-to-date training on current health legislation debated in Washington and to participate in Hill visits with their elected officials. Over the past five years, 156 students and 342 residents have participated in these efforts. By offering funding for medical students and residents to travel to Washington and participate in meetings with legislators and policy experts, future doctors receive hands-on experience that emphasizes the importance of policy development and communication with public officials. These opportunities offer valuable insight into the political process, particularly for physicians-in-training whose residency program or medical school may not have on-site expertise in health policy. Similar opportunities also exist through the American Medical Association, the American Medical Student Association and the Society of General Internal Medicine. By engendering participation in medical organizations early in one’s medical career and learning how to interact with the political process through this infrastructure, future physicians may have a more effective impact on legislation proceedings that affect health care. We encourage current and future physicians interested in learning more about health policy and advocacy to consider this opportunity as a way to learn and engage in the political process.
Flexible testing without programming

Test administration by computer has been available for some time, yet such procedures have been little more than electronic substitutes for conventional paper-and-peneil tests. The Flexible Tester allows the researcher to ask as many subquestions as desired and make all questions contingent upon subject response. The logic of questioning is created through a dialogue with the program rather than by direct programming. The program is suitable for any questioning procedure, including structured interviews expressible in the false/true format.
Maize Leaf Elongation: Continuous Measurements and Close Dependence on Plant Water Status

A simple method was developed for measuring extensive intact leaves of monocots on a minute-by-minute basis. Growth was markedly reduced by a slight reduction in leaf water potential. When plants mildly deficient in water were irrigated, growth resumed virtually instantly. The transitional rapid growth aftr watering suggests that water deficit increased cell extensibility.
Interaction of human serum apolipoprotein B with sodium deoxycholate

Abstract Preparation of apolipoprotein B (Apo B)-deoxycholate (DOC) complexes by gel filtration chromatography in the presence of 20 mM DOC, pH 8.5, gave two populations of particles with 5% (peak I) and 13% (peak II) lipid remaining bound. These complexes were initially shown to be very large and elongated, with partition radii of approx. 131 ± 0.5 A, weight average molecular weights of approx. 164000 ± 1000, and an intrinsic viscosity of 80.19 ± 2.21 ml g . Additionally, they appeared very similar to native low-density lipoprotein on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, giving one major band. Incubation of these samples for 10 days under nitrogen at 4°C in the presence of antibiotics and protease inhibitor resulted in dissociation to many smaller subunits. Results of scanning molecular sieve chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation showed that dissociation of these complexes was relatively slow and indicated the presence of at least two classes of components in fresh samples: one a very elongated complex with a radius directly correlated to the DOC/Apo B ratio and inversely correlated to sample aging; and another of much smaller radius which was independent of DOC/Apo B ratio but directly correlated to sample aging; indicating that these dissociated subunits interact with each other to an appreciable extent. Furthermore, these complexes were found to undergo a preferential hydration upon interaction with DOC, which may coniribule to large changes in their effective specific volumes, as well as to dissociation of subunits.
Private academe and public depositories: Access and promotion

Abstract This article concludes a two-part focus on private academic institutions with U.S. GPO depository libraries. The first part, “General Characteristics of Private Academe and Public U.S. Federal Depository Libraries” described basic institutional traits at private depositories. The second part, “Access and Promotion,” analyzes data from a survey of GPO depositories located in private academe, and further explores issues of access and promotional activities. While a private academic institution may be exclusive, its library, if it has a federal government depository library, generally is not. Librarians and outside users may have to contend with some institutional tendencies that seek to limit services to the academic constituency. While promotional activities may be limited, the majority of private academic libraries with GPO depositories have free and open access to all library collections.
Understanding the mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue with paired-pulse stimulation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), using both single and paired-pulse techniques, has provided insight in understanding the balance of excitation and inhibition within the corticomotor system during maximal and submaximal exercise. A single pulse of TMS produces a short-latency motor-evoked potential (MEP), indicating the net excitation of the motor pathway which includes the balance within supraspinal (cortical) and spinal sources. The MEP is followed by an interruption of ongoing electromyographic (EMG) activity known as the silent period. Classically, the silent period has been interpreted to represent the inhibition within the motor cortex (i.e. intracortical inhibition) which probably involves γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptors. Intracortical inhibition is clinically important to understand because chronic pain disorders (migraines) and psychiatric disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder) have demonstrated less cortical inhibition during a voluntary contraction while other disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases have demonstrated abnormal corticospinal excitatory circuits at rest. Additionally, the fatigue-induced reduction in cortical inhibition may be related to the motor impairments during exercise. The alterations in the MEP and silent period during exercise indicate that the central nervous system (CNS) may necessitate increases in both excitatory and inhibitory activity during fatiguing contractions; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are yet to be completely understood.
Bimini Lagoon: Model Carbonate Epeiric Sea: ABSTRACT

Bimini Lagoon contains a wide variety of marine environments, most of which have readily recognizable counterparts in the larger epeiric seas of the geologic past. Located on the northwest margin of the Great Bahama Bank, Bimini Lagoon is a shallow area with End_Page 468------------------------------ depths exceeding 5 feet in very few places; the area is 8 square miles. It is divided into an inner and an outer lagoon. The outer lagoon opens to the Gulf Stream through a narrow, deep natural channel. The outer lagoon also opens onto the Great Bahama Bank proper across wide, shallow flats, exposed at low tide. Tidal range in the lagoon is 2-3 feet; large volumes of water enter and leave the lagoon with each tidal cycle. In the lagoon, bottom communities, sediments, and currents are closely interrelated. Distribution of the communities is controlled by current action, and by the degree of tidal exchange of water with the Gulf Stream; the nature of the sediment is determined by the organism community present. Most of the tidal exchange into the lagoon takes place through the deep channel. Current velocities exceed 2 knots. Consequently the channel is floored by bare rock, sorted gravel, and coarse sand. The margin of the channel is marked by an abrupt rise and current velocities of about 1½ knots. The strong current over the channel margin promotes luxuriant growth of Thalassia, which acts as a sediment trap, and prevents erosion. The sediment is fine-grained and poorly sorted. Away from the channel, the current velocity is less than 1 knot, Thalassia is sparse, and wave action affects the nature of the sediment. Many benthonic communities can be recognized. The inner lagoon is an isolated hypersaline water mass. Current velocities are very low. Most of the bottom is covered by bare sand with a few species of algae, but the richest molluscan faunas occur here. End_of_Article - Last_Page 469------------
Primary hyperparathyroidism and jaw tumor syndrome: a novel mutation of the HRPT2 gene.

ABSTRACT Objective To discuss a case of hyperparathyroidismjaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT) and its clinical course, as well as describe a new mutation within HRPT2, the gene associated with HPT-JT. Methods We describe the clinical course, laboratory data, and diagnostic imaging of a patient with HPT-JT, including the mutation analysis of the HRPT2 gene. A review of the related literature is also presented. Results A 22-year-old man presented with progressive bone pain and weakness, and investigation revealed a serum calcium level of 17.6 mg/dL, a phosphorus concentration of 1.8 mg/dL, and an intact parathyroid hormone value of 2,808 pg/mL. X-ray examinations showed a fracture of the left hip and compression fractures of the lumbar spine. Computed tomography disclosed a mass in his mandible, clinically suggesting HPT-JT. Genetic analysis of the HRPT2 gene demonstrated a frameshift mutation resulting in a premature stop codon. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy, and 1 year later his fractures had healed and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry showed substantial improvement in bone mineral density. Conclusion Previous reports have cited mutations of the gene HRPT2 leading to HPT-JT and its associated phenotypes. We report one such mutation, not reported previously, in a patient with HPT-JT. This case adds to the growing evidence that different mutations in the HRPT2 gene can lead to HPT-JT, although it remains unclear whether specific mutations are more strongly associated with a particular phenotype. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14: 743-747)
A Faustian bargain or just a good bargain? Chinese foreign direct investment and politics in Europe

This article explores the political challenges posed by the recent influx of Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) into the European Union (EU), which has become in 2011 the top destination for Chinese investment in the world. The central political question facing European states welcoming the influx of Chinese capital is whether this is a good bargain—a positive-sum game where both investor and investee benefit—or instead a Faustian bargain—a zero-sum game in the long term where capital is accompanied by implicit conditionality affecting European norms and policies, from human rights to labor laws. The novelty of Chinese FDI has the potential to affect politics in Europe in three different venues: inside European countries, between European countries, and between Europe and third countries. This article, whose main goal is to launch a research agenda on the political implications of Chinese FDI, explores in turn its potential impact on foreign and domestic policy, institutional process within the EU, and transatlantic relations.
Crystals with the warwickite structure

Abstract The crystal structure of the mineral warwickite was established in 1950; its chemical composition is based upon very old analyses and is not readily reconciled with the equipoints of the space group. On the basis of powder photographs, Bertaut assigned to this structure certain transition-metal borates whose compositions he represented as B2O3 · Fe2O3 · 2M2O, where M is Mg, Fe2, Co, or Ni, and also a warwickite-like composition B2O3 · TiO2 · 3MgO, whose composition is also not readily reconciled with the equipoints. The present authors have determined and refined the structure of B2O3 · Fe2O3 · 2CoO and found that it indeed has the warwickite structure, and propose that its composition is best represented as an iron cobalt oxyborate FeCoO(BO3). It is shown that Harris and Yackel's Y2BeO4 also has a warwickite-like structure, although the authors did not recognize this, probably because they used a different orientation of the space group and a different origin for their structure determination. The composition is better represented as a coupled-substitution isotype of Fe3Co2O(BO3), specifically Y3(1)Y3(2)O(BeO3). It is possible that coupled substitutions may extend the warwickite structure from oxyberyllonates and oxyborates to oxycarbonates and even oxynitrates. Of all the possibilities, the two well-worked-out structures are characterized by oxygen atoms on which the electrostatic valence sums are minimums.
The leadership challenge of changing to a culture of empowerment

Changing an organization′s culture to one of empowerment is a tremendous leadership challenge. First, the process is long, as it involves defining both the big picture and the little pictures, and providing significant amounts of training. Second, the process can easily result in a leadership vacuum that paradoxically becomes an asset to the empowerment process. The experiences at the East Bay Region of Pacific Gas & Electric offer several key learnings relative to this leadership challenge.
The Create-A-Game Exam: A Method to Facilitate Student Interest and Learning

This article describes the "create-a-game" exam technique for a History of Psychology course. Students design and construct games that incorporate a range of knowledge. The procedure is a challenging, engaging, and effective supplement or alternative to traditional evaluation methods. Playing the games in class provides an excellent and enjoyable review of course material.
Microscopic and Ultrastructural Examination of Vegetative Incompatibility in Partial Diploids Heterozygous at het Loci in Neurospora crassa

Abstract Vegetative (or heterokaryon) incompatibility is often characterized by cell death after anastomosis. InNeurospora crassa,partial diploid strains heterozygous for a single heterokaryon incompatibility (het) gene are viable, but grow at a significantly inhibited rate. Strains heterozygous forhet-6orhet-cwere examined microscopically for evidence of cell death; ≈15% of cells randomly distributed within such colonies were dead or dying. Electron microscopy revealed extensive organelle degradation and plasmolysis. Ultimately, the cytoplasm fragmented into small membrane-bound bodies. Hyphal regrowth into dying cells from adjacent healthy cells was common. Ultrastructure and cell size measurements indicated no differences in death processes between incompatibility caused byhet-6andhet-c.Linear growth rate was the only measured parameter which correlated with the observed macroscopic differences in colony morphology betweenhetgenes. The ultrastructural changes in dying cells were consistent with descriptions of apoptosis in plants and animals. However, designating vegetative incompatibility as apoptosis is premature without further study.
Adaptive spiking neural networks with Hodgkin-Huxley neurons and Hebbian learning

This paper will describe a numerical approach to simulating adaptive biologically-plausible spiking neural networks, with the primary application being simulating the early stages of mammalian vision. These are time dependent neural networks with a realistic Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) [1] model for the neurons. The HH model uses four nonlinear, coupled ordinary differential equations for each neuron. In addition, the learning used here is biologically plausible as well, being a Hebbian approach based on spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) [2]. To make the approach very general and flexible, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis have been implemented, which allows the code to automatically add or remove neurons (or synapses) as required. Traditional rate-based and spiking neural networks have been shown to be very effective for some tasks, but they have problems with long term learning and “catastrophic forgetting.” Typically, once a network is trained to perform some task, it is difficult to adapt it to new applications. While adaptive rate-based NN's have been developed, our approach is one of the few that uses a biologically plausible system. To do this properly, one can mimic processes that occur in the human brain. To be effective, however, this must be accomplished while maintaining the current memories. In this paper we will describe a new computational approach that can continually learn and grow. Neurons and synapses can be automatically added and removed from the simulation while it runs. The learning algorithm [3] uses a combination of homeostasis of synapse weights, spike timing, and stochastic forgetting to achieve stable and efficient learning. The approach is not only adaptable, but it is also scalable to very large systems (billions of neurons). Also, it has the capability to remove synapses which have very low strength, thus saving memory. There are several issues when implementing neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in a spiking code. When several synapses die, it may lead to a neuron which has no synapses and thus requires its removal. Conversely, a neurons death may require updating of synaptic information of all the neurons it was connected to. More importantly, rules need to be developed which help determine when the network should be modified. These issues and efficient ways to address them will be discussed. In addition, the computer performance and memory requirements of several neuron models (integrate and fire, Izkehvich, and Hodgkin-Huxley) will be discussed [4]. The software is written in C++ and is efficient and scalable, it also requires minimal memory per neuron and synapse. A 2.4 GHz MacBook laptop ran 100 million synapses (1 million neurons) for 0.1 simulated seconds (100,000 timesteps) in 5.2 hours (a mouse has roughly 10 million neurons and 81 billion synapses [5]). This case required only 200 MBytes of memory.
Nonablative versus reduced-intensity conditioning regimens in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome: dose is relevant for long-term disease control after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Intensity of the preparative regimen is an important component of allogeneic transplantations for myelodysplasia (MDS) or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We compared outcomes after a truly nonablative regimen (120 mg/m2 fludarabine, 4 g/m2 cytarabine, and 36 mg/m2 idarubicin [FAI]) and a more myelosuppressive, reduced-intensity regimen (100 to 150 mg/m2 fludarabine and 140 or 180 mg/m2 melphalan [FM]). We performed a retrospective analysis of 94 patients with MDS (n = 26) and AML (n = 68) treated with FM (n = 62) and FAI (n = 32). The FAI group had a higher proportion of patients in complete remission (CR) at transplantation (44% versus 16%, P =.006), patients in first CR (28% versus 3%, P =.008), and HLA-matched sibling donors (81% versus 40%, P =.001). Median follow-up is 40 months. FM was significantly associated with a higher degree of donor cell engraftment, higher cumulative incidence of treatment-related mortality (TRM; P =.036), and lower cumulative incidence of relapse-related mortality (P =.029). Relapse rate after FAI and FM was 61% and 30%, respectively. Actuarial 3-year survival rate was 30% after FAI and 35% following FM. In a multivariate analysis of patient- and treatment-related prognostic factors, progression-free survival was improved after FM, for patients in CR at transplantation, and for those with intermediate-risk cytogenetics. Survival was improved for patients in CR at transplantation. In conclusion, FM provided better disease control though at a cost of increased TRM and morbidity.
The effect of a mental hospital strike on general hospital psychiatric services

Data collected from 6043 psychiatric in-patient records were analysed to assess the impact of a strike at a mental hospital on in-patient services in general hospital psychiatric units in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada. As a whole, during the strike general hospital units showed an increase in the number of involuntary admissions, the number of prior mental hospital admissions of patients, and indications of violent or suicidal behaviour; and a decrease in the occupational status of patients admitted and the prescription of minor tranquillizers. There was also evidence of considerable variation between general hospitals in the extent to which their admission pattern changed during the strike and the permanence of some of the strike effects. The data indicate that all patients showing violent or suicidal behaviour who would normally have been admitted to the mental hospital were treated in the general hospital units during the strike. On the other hand, a large number of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, personality disorder or mental retardation, who normally would have been admitted to the mental hospital, apparently went without hospitalization during the strike. A substantial proportion of this latter group would usually have been admitted involuntarily.
Association of recurrent wheezing with sensitivity to cockroach allergen in inner-city children.

Background There are numerous data that show a strong relationship between early exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens and the development of asthma and persistent wheezing in children. Most studies, however, have only examined the prevalence of allergy in children who have been identified as having asthma. Objectives To assess the prevalence of positive skin test results to common inhaled allergens and possible association with wheezing in inner-city children being seen in a general pediatric clinic. Methods Skin testing to common aeroallergens was performed by the prick-puncture method. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Results Seventy-five children aged 2 months to 10 years were evaluated. A total of 37% of the children had a positive skin test result to at least one allergen; 29% of the children were sensitive to dust mite, 15% to cockroach, 9% to cat, 7% to mold, 4% to grass, 3% to ragweed, and 1% to dog. Seven (64%) of 11 children with positive skin test results to cockroach had a history of wheezing compared with 21 (33%) of 64 with negative skin test results to cockroach ( P = .05). Conclusions Our results indicate that in a population of inner-city children not previously identified as atopic, more than a third showed sensitivity to at least one allergen. Although dust mite was the most common allergen to which the children were sensitized, cockroach sensitivity was the only allergen that correlated significantly with previous episodes of wheezing.
Comparison between JPEG and a New Neural Compression Method for Digitized Mammograms

This paper presents the development and evaluation of a new lossy neural-based compression algorithm for digitized mammograms. The influence of the neural compression method on the mammographic image is not perceptible to a mammogram reader up to a high compression rate. Compared with JPEG the achieved image quality based on the proposed method is much better.
Comparative Risk Analysis for Reconstruction of a Partially Failed Dike System

A sudden and catastrophic failure occurred at a newly constructed dike facility, designated Dikes 19 and 20, along the east side of the Dead Sea shoreline in the Middle East. The failure occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on March 22, 2000, resulting in the release of approximately 55 million cubic meters (approximately 72 million cubic yards) of brine and the washing out into the Dead Sea of a 2.6 km (1.6 mi) section of Dike 19. After the engineering assessment of the failure was completed, the owner decided to move forward with a reconstruction plan, reinstating the failed section and rehabilitating the section that did not fail. Accordingly, three viable conceptual reconstruction alternatives were developed for further evaluation. A judgmental risk-based analysis was performed to evaluate the proposed alternatives. Subsequently, a decision tree analysis was performed to assist the owner in making the final decision for the alternative with the lowest risk and reasonable cost. The purpose of the risk a...
Phenylketonuria in Children and Mothers: Genes, Environments, Behavior

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn metabolic error in which metabolism of phenylalanine into tyrosine is disrupted. If the diet of an infant with PKU is not restricted, blood phenylalanine levels are elevated, leading to irremediable brain damage and severe mental retardation. Children with PKU who are placed early and continuously on a low-phenylalanine diet develop normal levels of intelligence, and brain damage is largely prevented. However, if the diet of a mother with PKU is unrestricted during her pregnancy, high phenylalanine levels in her blood can cross the placental barrier and damage the developing fetus in multiple ways. These results demonstrate how genes and environmental factors combine to create prenatal environments that can have profound effects on the growth and development of offspring during infancy and childhood.
A preliminary study of reproductive outcomes of female maquiladora workers in Tijuana, Mexico

Maquiladoras are plants on the Mexican side of the United States-Mexico border which are used largely by U.S. manufacturers to assemble premanufactured parts. We examined reproductive outcomes of women employed in electronics (N = 120) and garment (N = 121) maquiladora work compared to women employed in the service sector (N = 119) in Tijuana. Mexico. Women recruited by community health workers were interviewed about their reproductive history, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and characteristics of their current job. Length of regular menstrual cycle in the past year as well as time of conception and rates of fetal loss in the most recent pregnancy were similar across occupational groups. However, infants of garment maquiladora workers were 653 g lighter (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1,041 g, −265 g) and infants of electronic maquiladora workers were 337 g lighter (95% CI: −682 g. 9 g) than infants of service workers after adjusting for potential confounders. The cause of these differences remains unclear. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Utility of the Samworth and Gowland Age-at-Death “Look-up” Tables in Forensic Anthropology*

Accurate age-at-death estimates are crucial to forensic anthropologists when constructing biological profiles aimed at narrowing a missing-persons list and to allow for timely and efficient identification of an unknown victim. The present contribution evaluates the utility of three new age-at-death estimation techniques recently proposed by Samworth and Gowland (2007). Results indicate that, in the samples under study, the Samworth and Gowland estimates from the pubic symphysis and auricular surface perform similar to alternate phase methods. The combined method does not appear to further enhance either the precision or the accuracy of the single pubic symphysis age-at-death estimate. In conclusion, these new methods seem to be more robust to distribution deviations than originally proposed by Samworth and Gowland (2007). They are therefore suitable for immediate and reliable forensic usage in the United States and worthy of further research for their use in North American forensic contexts.
Optimistic simulation of parallel message-passing applications

Optimistic techniques can improve the performance of discrete-event simulations, but one area where optimistic simulators have been unable to show performance improvement is in the simulation of parallel programs. Unfortunately parallel program simulation using direct execution is difficult: the use of direct execution implies that the memory and computation requirements of the simulator are at least as large as that of the target application, which restricts the target systems and application problem sizes that can be studied. Memory usage is especially important for optimistic simulators due to the need for periodic state-saving and rollback. In our research we addressed this problem and have implemented a simulation library running a Time-Warp-based optimistic engine that uses direct execution to simulate and predict the performance of parallel MPI programs while attaining good simulation speedup. For programs with data sets too large to be directly executed with our optimistic simulator, we reduced the memory and computational needs of these programs by utilizing a static task graph and code-slicing methodology; an approach which also exhibited good performance speedup.