cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Did Samuel Bronston Commit Perjury? A Study in Discourse Semantics

In the landmark case Bronston v. US, the Supreme Court put forward a reading of the perjury statute according to which one could only be tried for perjury on the basis of what one had stated, not what was implicated. This decision has given rise to a number of theoretical and practical problems, best detailed in Tiersma (1990) and Douglis (2018). This article argues that a formal investigation of discourse structure, of the type developed in Asher and Lascarides (2003), coupled with an understanding of the role of ellipsis in discourse, allows us to develop a framework that captures those instances of perjury that seem to fall through the cracks of the literal truth condition without introducing speaker’s intent on the solution. The crucial idea that the analysis hinges on is the notion that an indirect answer to a question is a two-node discourse with an elliptical polarity answer. Approaches based on Grice’s implicatures or speaker’s communicative intent are discussed and shown to be inadequate. Cite as: Lopez , JLL 10 (2021), 1–23, DOI: 10.14762/jll.2021.001
Performance Evaluation of an Automated Fentanyl Immunoassay.

BACKGROUND High-throughput fentanyl immunoassays have recently emerged for clinical use, but early reports have demonstrated relatively high false-positive rates. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 immunoassays, the ARK and ARK II fentanyl immunoassays, and to demonstrate the clinical impact of implementing the ARK II assay. METHODS The ARK and ARK II fentanyl assays were performed on a Roche c 502 chemistry analyzer. Positive and negative percentage agreement was assessed for each assay with 112 residual patient specimens relative to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Cross-reactivity was assessed with the primary metabolite, norfentanyl, and analogs acetylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, and furanylfentanyl. The proportion of specimens that did not confirm was assessed retrospectively from the laboratory information system. RESULTS The concordance of the ARK assay was 75% (kappa 0.46, 95%CI 0.28-0.63) and the ARK II was 93% (kappa 0.86, 95%CI 0.76-0.95) with LC-MS/MS. 30 ng/mL of norfentanyl was required for a positive result by ARK and 15 ng/mL by ARK II. Similar cross-reactivity was observed when fentanyl and norfentanyl were both present in the specimen and with fentanyl analogs. After implementing the ARK II assay, the proportion of specimens that did not confirm by LC-MS/MS decreased from 11.7% per month to 2.0% per month. CONCLUSIONS The ARK II fentanyl immunoassay has improved concordance relative to the original ARK fentanyl immunoassay using LC-MS/MS as the comparator method. Improved analyte specificity resulted in a reduced proportion of clinical samples that do not confirm.
The reshaping of West European party politics: agenda-setting and party competition in comparative perspective: by Christoffer Green-Pedersen, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2019, 216 pp., £63 (hbk), ISBN 978-0-19-884289-7

How has the issue content of West European party systems developed in the past few decades? Have parties indeed shifted attention away from ‘economic’ issues to ‘new politics’ issues? Which issues ...
Ligamentum Teres Transfer During Medial Open Reduction in Patients with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Background The ligamentum teres (LT) is believed to have a number of functions, including a role in hip stability, nociception, proprioception, vascular supply to the femoral head, and synovial fluid circulation. The LT is often excised in the process of performing a medial open reduction (MOR) of the hip. We sought to conduct a retrospective review of hips undergoing a MOR for dislocated infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes for patients with and without LT reconstruction. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 38 hips treated with MOR with or without LT reconstruction with minimum two-year follow-up. Radiographic outcomes were determined using the Severin score. Information regarding avascular necrosis (AVN), concomitant surgical procedures, repeat dislocation, subsequent surgery, limp, pain, and range of motion symmetry was recorded. Results Eighteen hips that underwent MOR with LT reconstruction were compared to 20 hips that underwent MOR without LT reconstruction. Mean follow up for this cohort was 70.1 months (median: 61.8; Range: 24.2 to 182.2 months). The group with LT reconstruction had an 11% rate of AVN, the group without LT reconstruction had a 15% rate of AVN (p=1.0) No hips in either group re-dislocated or had pain at final follow up. Two hips (5%) had a limp at most recent follow up, all were in the group that did not receive a LT reconstruction (p=0.488). Three hips (17%) in the LT reconstruction group and one hip (5%) in the other group had asymmetrical hip range of motion at final follow up (p=0.328). Conclusion This study offers preliminary data to suggest that ligamentum teres reconstruction is a safe procedure that can minimize the risk for subluxation or re-dislocation that can occur within the post reduction hip spica cast. Although in this study, the patients who did not have LT reconstruction had a similar re-dislocation rate, we believe that ligamentum teres preservation is a useful adjunct to medial open reduction, especially in centers that may only treat occasional cases or have less experience in applying an excellent hip spica cast.Level of Evidence: III.
DNA damage is overcome by TRIP13 overexpression during cisplatin nephrotoxicity

Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent to treat a wide array of cancers that is frequently associated with toxic injury to the kidney due to oxidative DNA damage and perturbations in cell cycle progression leading to cell death. In this study, we investigated whether thyroid receptor interacting protein 13 (TRIP13) plays a central role in the protection of the tubular epithelia following cisplatin treatment by circumventing DNA damage. Following cisplatin treatment, double-stranded DNA repair pathways were inhibited using selective blockers to proteins involved in either homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining. This led to increased blood markers of acute kidney injury (AKI) (creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), tubular damage, activation of DNA damage marker (γ-H2AX), elevated appearance of G2/M blockade (phosphorylated histone H3 Ser10 and cyclin B1), and apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3). Conditional proximal tubule-expressing Trip13 mice were observed to be virtually protected from the cisplatin nephrotoxicity by restoring most of the pathological phenotypes back toward normal conditions. Our findings suggest that TRIP13 could circumvent DNA damage in the proximal tubules during cisplatin injury and that TRIP13 may constitute a new therapeutic target in protecting the kidney from nephrotoxicants and reduce outcomes leading to AKI.
Sympathetic arousal of young children who stutter during a stressful picture naming task

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the current study was to investigate sympathetic arousal of young children who do and do not stutter during a stressful picture-naming task under instructions to name pictures as rapidly as possible. Method Thirty-seven young children who stutter (CWS) and 39 young children who do not stutter (CWNS) served as participants. Dependent measures consisted of tonic skin conductance during a pretask baseline, a stress-inducing rapid picture-naming task, and post-picture-naming task condition. Results Findings indicated that, when chronological age was not taken into account, there was no between-group difference in tonic skin conductance level. When age was taken into account, however, there was a significant talker group × age group interaction, with follow-up analyses indicating that 3-year-old CWS exhibited significantly higher sympathetic arousal than their CWNS peers, and their 4-year-old CWNS peers. Conclusions Findings were taken to be consistent with non-physiological results indicating an association between emotional processes and childhood stuttering. This association, at least for this cross-sectional study of tonic skin conductance level (SCL) during a picture-naming task, was moderated by children's chronological age. Such developmental differences may be associated with various processes, for example, attention, cognition, or physiology, or some combination of two or more of these processes. Future empirical study of these processes in young CWS and CWNS may profit from longitudinal measurement of converging lines of evidence from behavioral, parent and psychophysiological indexes of emotional reactivity and regulation. Educational Objectives: After reading this article, the reader will be able to: (a) discuss salient findings in the literature regarding the association between emotional processes and childhood stuttering; (b) discuss sympathetic arousal, and how skin conductance is used to measure it; and (c) discuss the role of chronological age in the association between emotion and stuttering in young children.
Development of sympathetic neurons in compartmentalized cultures. II. Local control of neurite survival by nerve growth factor.

Abstract Neurons from the superior cervical ganglia of newborn rats were plated into the center compartments of three-compartment culture dishes and maintained, for 3–11 days, with 1 μg/ml 7S nerve growth factor (NGF) in all three compartments. During this period neurites elongating from the cell bodies in the center compartments penetrated silicone grease barriers and entered the separate fluid environments of the left and right compartments. Neurites in the right compartments of some cultures were then subjected to local withdrawal of NGF, while the cell bodies and neurites in the center compartments as well as the neurites in the left compartments had continuous access to NGF at 1 μg/ml. Local NGF withdrawal caused the neurites to cease elongating, and after about 7 days a precipitous, retrograde degeneration occurred, lasting about 10 days. The degeneration was not complete; residual neurites remained in the right compartments as long as a month after NGF withdrawal. Some of them appeared to loop back into the NGF-supplied center compartments, and this may have been responsible for their survival. Neurites continued to elongate in the left compartments provided with NGF, and cell counts carried out in a low-density culture showed that neurons did not die during the period of degeneration of the NGF-deprived neurites. NGF was withdrawn from all three compartments in some cultures and resulted in a more rapid degeneration of neurites and the death of the neurons. Evidence from these experiments and from preceding work indicates that survival of neurite segments is promoted either by direct exposure to extracellular NGF or by an anatomically proximal relationship to segments directly exposed; i.e., neurites survive if they connect the cell body to an NGF supply. This provides a possible mechanism for eliminating collaterals during development by local NGF withdrawal, and thereby sculpting an excessive and/or imperfectly distributed axonal tree to the adult configuration.
Round and Round We Go: Rounding Strategies to Impact Exemplary Professional Practice.

The literature demonstrates that diverse rounding methods have been shown to positively impact a wide variety of quality and safety outcomes, as well as patient and staff satisfaction. Rather than adopting one or two of these strategies, the concepts and recommendations from the literature associated with rounding have formed the foundation for an academic, community, Magnet® hospital to implement a compendium of rounding efforts: patient rounds, interdisciplinary collaborative rounds, daily clinical rounds by the unit educator and daily rounds by the unit manager, quarterly unit rounds by senior nursing managers, and safety rounds by senior executives. This article details each of these methodologies as implemented on a 26-bed hematology/oncology unit. Positive outcomes perceived to be associated with the rounds have been achieved for patient, employee, and physician satisfaction, as well as clinical quality indicators.
Evaluating Crowd Sourced Navigation for the Visually Impaired in a Virtual Environment

Crowd sourcing has been shown to be a powerful method for solving a variety of problems. In this paper, we introduce an approach for allowing a crowd to help navigate a visually impaired user to their destination in real-time. Furthermore, we experiment with several approaches in aggregating and feeding back crowd data to determine the optimal method. Our approach streams live video from the visually impaired user's mobile device to a crowd of sighted volunteers. Each crowd member is able to provide their opinion on how the user should proceed and our algorithm aggregates this into a single opinion that is sent as feedback to the user. In this paper, we first present the design and implementation of our crowd sourced navigation system, including we bapp design and two aggregation algorithms: averaging and league leader approaches. A virtualized user (avatar) is also developed for more controlled and repeatable testing of aggregation approaches with multiple crowd sourced volunteers. We also tested two navigation modes: a real-user controlled avatar, and a program controlled avatar. Experimental results are provided with the two aggregation methods and the two navigation modes. Our results show that we do not have significant difference between the aggregation methods and the program controlled avatar performed better than a real-user controlled avatar.
Depth selection by Daphnia pulex in response to Chaoborus kairomone

Summary 1. The presence of kairomone from the predaceous larval dipteran Chaoborus americanus can result in juvenile Daphnia pulex positioning themselves higher in the water column. Chaoborus normally lives at greater depth during the day, so this behavioural response by Daphnia will reduce its encounter rate with the predator and enhance survival. 2. Behavioural observations of seven clones from a single population were made under four treatments (with and without Chaoborus kairomone prior to and/or during experiments). 3. All clones moved higher when exposed to kairomones during behavioural observations. Six moved higher when kairomone was added prior to the experiment (i.e. pre-conditioned), while the other clone went lower, providing evidence for the presence of genetic variation in induced behaviour. When this clone was removed from the analysis, the evidence for genetic variation in induced response disappeared. 4. Juvenile Daphnia that were pre-conditioned had a significantly greater response than those that had no previous exposure. Of the total shift in depth (comparing treatment and control means), 38% was due to prior exposure to the kairomone (‘preconditioning’), while 62% was due to exposure during the 2-h experiments when the depth selection was assessed. When the effect of the one clone with a qualitatively different response was removed, these two figures became 45% and 55%, respectively. 5. The enhanced effect of prior exposure to the kairomone during development suggests that such exposure causes greater sensitivity to the kairomone.
The Challenge of Wicked Problems

For almost a century, advocates for preservation and for development have argued about the effects of human actions on the environment. These arguments have been made more difficult to resolve because there are still considerable uncertainties in science, and because it takes a long time for the effects of human actions to show up in the environment. Both sides, and other groups who fall along a continuum between them, have exploited these uncertainties in appeals and litigation. The logical result was for government agencies to produce more complex documents justifying their decisions and to include and advocate for more science, causing many to assume these disputes were based in science. But we believe the evidence shows that the underlying differences in stakeholder positions are not so much related to uncertainties in science or failure to consider particular aspects of the scientific literature, but rather to conflicting values and preferences, and therefore differing views on desirable outcomes. These elements of the argument are rarely, if ever, considered in the decision-making process. As a result, most environmental arguments continue to produce more detailed documents and longer processes without resolving the underlying issues.
Morphology, molecules and taxonomy: extreme incongruence in pleurocerids (Gastropoda, Cerithioidea, Pleuroceridae)

Pronounced mitochondrial heterogeneity within putative species of Pleuroceridae has prevented meaningful systematic revisions of this critically imperilled freshwater family. Previous studies have demonstrated that this mitochondrial diversity often produces polyphyletic species on mitochondrial gene trees, but its significance is unclear. Hypotheses advanced to explain this pattern have included cryptic species, retained ancestral polymorphisms and introgression; other possible explanations such as doubly uniparental inheritance or the presence of pseudogenes have not been given due consideration. Previous analyses have not included adequate sampling, neither in terms of number of individuals nor in geographic coverage, to adequately test any of these hypotheses. To fully characterize mitochondrial heterogeneity in pleurocerids and robustly assess possible causal explanations, we collected 239 individuals representing four putative species from seven sites and sequenced the COI and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes and the H3 nuclear gene for all individuals. We also used whole-genome shotgun sequencing to construct and annotate a mitochondrial genome for one individual. Characters with demonstrated utility in morphospecies delineation of gastropods (head–foot coloration, shell and radular morphology, pallial oviduct anatomy) were examined for a subset of individuals to determine whether morphology co-varied by haplotype clade. We found pronounced mitochondrial heterogeneity at both the population level and species level in three of the species examined, but our data reject paralogous nuclear copies of mitochondrial genes (NUMTs) and doubly uniparental inheritance as causal mechanisms, and there was no evidence of cryptic diversity. Mutation rates were found to differ significantly among mitochondrial lineages, and population genetic statistics revealed a signature of balancing selection that could be acting to maintain this diversity. The observed pattern is similar to that seen in lineages with inherited endosymbionts like Wolbachia infections, which merits further investigation. Although questions remain concerning the precise cause(s) of intraspecific mitochondrial diversity in pleurocerids, nuclear and/or genomic data, combined with anatomical and life history investigations in an integrative phylogenetic context, is the most promising avenue for resolving pleurocerid systematics.
Death receptor 5-targeted depletion of interleukin-23-producing macrophages, Th17, and Th1/17 associated with defective tyrosine phosphatase in mice and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective Bidirectional interactions between granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor–positive (GM-CSF+) T cells and interferon regulatory factor 5–positive (IRF-5+) macrophages play a major role in autoimmunity. In the absence of SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), GM-CSF–stimulated cells are resistant to death receptor (DR)–mediated apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether TRA-8, an anti–DR5 agonistic antibody, can eliminate inflammatory macrophages and CD4 T cells in the SHP-1–deficient condition. Methods Ubiquitous Cre (Ubc.Cre) human/mouse-chimeric DR5–transgenic mice were crossed with viable SHP-1–defective motheaten (mev/mev) mice. TRA-8 was administered weekly for up to 4 weeks. The clinical scores, histopathologic severity, and macrophage and CD4 T cell phenotypes were evaluated. The role of TRA-8 in depleting inflammatory macrophages and CD4 T cells was also evaluated, using synovial fluid obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Results The levels of inflammatory macrophages (interleukin-23–positive [IL-23+] IRF-5+) and CD4 T cells (IL-17+ GM-CSF+) were elevated in mev/mev mice. In DR5-transgenic mev/mev mice, DR5 expression was up-regulated in these 2 cell populations. TRA-8 treatment depleted these cell populations and resulted in a significant reduction in inflammation and in the titers of autoantibodies. In synovial cells from patients with RA, the expression of IRF5 and DR5 was negatively correlated with the expression of PTPN6. TRA-8, but not TRAIL, suppressed RA inflammatory macrophages and Th17 cells under conditions in which the expression of SHP-1 is low. Conclusion In contrast to TRAIL, which lacks the capability to counteract the survival signal in the absence of SHP-1, TRA-8 eliminated both IRF-5+ IL-23+ M1 macrophages and pathogenic GM-CSF+ IL-17+ CD4 T cells in a SHP-1–independent manner. The results of the current study suggest that TRA-8 can deplete inflammatory cell populations that result from a hyperactive GM-CSF/IRF-5 axis.
Localization of the membrane perturber adamantyl sulfate in sarcoplasmic reticular vesicles

Abstract The properties of a new membrane perturbing agent, adamantyl sulfate (A-1-S) are described. Lobster sarcoplasmic reticular vesicles (SRV) were used as a test membrane system and the activity of the Ca2+Mg2+-dependent ATPase in conjunction with spin label data was used to determine the location of A-1-S in the membrane. The results suggest that A-1-S perturbs only the polar region of the SRV and that this causes loss of ATPase function. Thus, ATPase activity requires integrity of the membrane polar region.
SMART/sup Wheels/: development and testing of a system for measuring manual wheelchair propulsion dynamics

The purpose of this project was to develop a system for dynamically sensing pushrim propulsion forces and torques and to collect kinetic data with the device. A system was developed to detect the forces and torques applied to the wheelchair pushrim, record, store, and process the measured data, and display the kinetic information for analysis. Ten adults, including four male wheelchair users, three ambulatory men, and three ambulatory women, pushed a wheelchair with the SMART/sup Wheel/ on a dynamometer while their kinematics were videotaped. The kinetic data collected with the authors' wheel were correlated with stick figure representations of digitized kinematic data obtained through video analysis. The close agreement between the kinetic results and the kinematic results provided a temporal validation of the ability of the wheel to detect forces and torques applied to the wheelchair pushrim. The recorded forces and torques were in agreement with previously reported magnitudes. >
Associating Moving Objects Across Non-overlapping Cameras: A Query-by-Example Approach

In this paper we present a query by example approach for tracking people across non overlapping cameras. The method proposed is based on the use of a multi-dimensional feature vector and its covariance, defining an appearance model of every detected moving region in the network of cameras. The model uses relative pixel position, color and gradients descriptors of each detected object. Association of objects across non-overlapping cameras is performed by matching appearance of selected object with past observations. Availability of tracking within every camera can further improve the accuracy of such association by matching several targets appearance models with detected regions. For this purpose we present an automatic clustering technique allowing to build a multi-valued appearance model from a collection of covariance matrices. The proposed approach does not require geometric or colorimetric calibration of the cameras. We will illustrate the method for tracking people and objects in relatively crowded indoor scenes.
On constrained maxima of convex functions

This paper states and proves Kuhn-Tucker necessary conditions for a maximum point of a convex function subject to convex constraints. Also presented are conditions which imply that the optimal policy set of this type program is a continuous point-to-set mapping of the resource vector.
Trade in Ideas: Patenting and Productivity in the OECD

Abstract We develop a model of growth and technology diffusion which we fit to aggregate data from OECD countries. Our model implies that each country will eventually grow at the same rate, with its relative productivity determined by its ability to adopt new inventions. Hence productivity levels rather than growth rates better reflect a country's ability to innovate or to adopt new technology. We estimate the model to explain international patterns of productivity and patenting. We find that more than 50% of the growth in each country in our sample derives from innovation in the United States, Germany, and Japan.
High levels of CD44 expression distinguish virgin from antigen-primed B cells.

The in vitro polyclonal stimulation of B cells through their surface immunoglobulin (Ig) induces substantial increases in CD44 protein levels within 24 hours, whereas other stimuli (e.g., lipopolysaccharide, phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate, and interleukin 4) fail to significantly upregulate CD44. The marked increase in CD44 protein expression on anti-Ig-treated B lymphocytes correlates with an increase in CD44-specific mRNA. Cell sorting experiments with B cells isolated from trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin-immunized mice demonstrate that both short-term antigen-specific, IgG-secreting cells and long-term antigen-primed B cells are exclusively CD44high. We speculate that the rapid and sustained increase in CD44 expression mediated by surface Ig stimulation may alter the homing properties of antigen-primed B cells.
Laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases: long-term follow-up.

Background Since our first report 13 years ago, laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation has been incorporated into the treatment algorithm of patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases. The aim of this study is to report long-term oncologic results. Methods Eighty-nine patients with neuroendocrine hepatic metastases underwent 119 laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation sessions within 13 years. Data were obtained from a prospective, Institutional Review Board approved database. Univariate Kaplan Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used for statistical analyses. Data are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Results Thirty-five women and 54 men with a mean age of 56 ± 1.4 years were included in this study. Tumor types included were carcinoid (n = 55), pancreatic islet cell (n = 23), and medullary thyroid cancer (n = 11). Mean tumor size was 3.6 ± 0.2 and the number of lesions was 6 ± 1. Perioperative morbidity was 6%, and 30-day mortality was 1%. Symptom relief was achieved in 97% of patients after radiofrequency ablation. Median follow-up was 30 ± 3 months. Twenty-two percent of patients developed local liver recurrence, 63% developed new liver lesions, and 59% developed extrahepatic disease in follow-up. Repeat radiofrequency ablation (27%) and chemoembolization (7%) were used to achieve additional local tumor control in follow up. Median disease-free survival was 1.3 years and the overall survival was 6 years after radiofrequency ablation. Liver tumor volume, symptoms, and extrahepatic disease were independent predictors of survival. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the largest prospective experience with radiofrequency ablation of neuroendocrine liver metastases. Effective symptom palliation and long-term local tumor control are possible in these patients with minimal morbidity.
Savings savings and loan ownership structure and expense-preference: Reply

Abstract We present counterarguments to the points Krinsky and Thomas make, and express confidence with our original conclusions and the tests that support them.
Self-Esteem and Relationship with Parents

Summary Recent research on the development of self-esteem suggests the possible significance of the parental relationship for the development of a positive self-concept. In order to explore this phenomenon further, the Dickstein Self-Esteem Scale and a Parent-Child Relationship Inventory designed for this study were administered to 21 boys and 21 girls between the ages of 8 and 11 years. Results confirmed the hypothesis that self-esteem is positively related to the closeness of the parent-child relationship. Analysis of the data according to sex of S revealed important sex differences. Specifically, boys' self-esteem is closely associated with the relationship with the father, but not with the mother. Conversely, girls' self-esteem is closely associated with the relationship with the mother, but not with the father.
A static perimetric technique believed to test receptive field properties: responses near visual field lesions with sharp borders.

The organization of the ‘Westheimer function’ in the retina has been further analysed. Patients with sharp visual field cuts caused by chiasmal and cortical lesions have been studied. Data were generally obtained from points approximately 10°–15° from the fovea (where areas of spatial interaction and the magnitude of the inhibitory component were large). The center of the three field display was placed just within the boundary of the sighted area of the visual field. Hence, a substantial part of the background field fell on nonsighted areas, which presumably retained retinal function. If the inhibitory part of the function originates proximal to the retinal ganglion cell layer (or the underlying retina was nonfunctional), then the basic ‘Westheimer function’ probably would be altered when these data are compared with findings obtained at a normal point in the visual field of the affected eye. All cases measured to date exhibited essentially unaltered functions. This finding, plus previous studies of patients with inner retinal diseases, places the locus of the measured inhibitory component of the Westheimer function most probably in the inner retina.
Acute Severe Mitral Regurgitation from Papillary Muscle Dysfunction in Acute Myocardial Infarction Successful Early Surgical Treatment by Combined Mitral Valve Replacement and Aortocoronary Saphenous Vein Bypass Graft

A patient with acute severe mitral regurgitation resulting from papillary muscle dysfunction which developed on the third day of acute myocardial infarction underwent early successful mitral valve prosthetic replacement with concomitant aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass. The concept of acute severe mitral regurgitation due to an infarcted papillary muscle which has not actually ruptured and an aggressive approach to such a catastrophic event early in the course of acute myocardial infarction are emphasized. The risk is well worth the gratifying result obtained in our patient who successfully underwent such a combined operative procedure for one of the early complications of acute myocardial infarction.
Better pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia: What does the future hold?

Despite the expansion of available antipsychotic drugs over the past 50 years, functional outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia have not markedly improved. These agents are efficacious for psychosis but do not adequately address other core domains of schizophrenia psychopathology, namely negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, which have a greater impact on functional outcomes, including vocational or academic performance and interpersonal relationships. In addition, treatment-refractory psychosis still precludes functional improvement in many patients. Schizophrenia is a clinical syndrome consisting of these domains, which likely have some disparities in their respective pathophysiologies. This suggests that drug development should look to other molecular targets besides the D2 receptor, which characterizes the mechanism of available medications for schizophrenia. In this report, we review novel pharmacologic approaches that aim to specifically address each individual domain of schizophrenia. The goal of this future pharmacotherapy strategy is to advance outcomes beyond psychosis remission and toward functional recovery.
The stable equivalent population, age composition, and Fisher's reproductive value function.

This paper deals with a further analysis of the stable equivalent population for human populations. It first shows that the arithmetic difference between the size of the stable equivalent population and the actual population captures the total prospective contribution of age composition to the growth of the present population, if fertility and mortality rates are held constant at their current levels. The second part of the paper examines Fisher’s reproductive value function and investigates the location of maxima in relation to alternative values of the intrinsic growth rate. One conclusion which follows from this analysis is that, contrary to what has been discovered by others in specific examples, the reproductive value function can possess a global maximum in the first one or two years of life, provided the intrinsic rate of population growth is sufficiently negative. This principle is illustrated by reference to reproductive value functions calculated from the recent experience of U.S. females.
A reliable method for individual identification and gender determination of wild leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) using non-invasive samples

We describe a highly polymorphic microsatellite panel for identifying individual leopards using DNA from scat. After successfully screening 16 published microsatellites, we optimized a panel of 7 microsatellites that yields a Probability of Identity between siblings value of 5.24E−04. We used this panel to identify 217 individuals from 287 leopard scats collected from five tiger-reserves in Central India. We identified 101 males and 92 females by amplifying a fragment of the Amelogenin protein gene. This panel will be helpful to study genetic structure, gene flow, relatedness and sex ratio of leopards.
Fisheries, food security, and the poor

Abstract Fish is an important component in the human diet, but its production is not likely to keep up with demand. In assessing the consequences of the decreasing fish supply for human food security, it is important to distinguish between effects on the population as a whole and effects on the poor, those most vulnerable to malnutrition. Middle and high income people consume much more fish than low income people. However, even though they consume less, many low income people depend on fish as a major source of animal protein. Decreasing fish supplies will be felt in the form of higher prices and in the reduced availability of diverse forms of fish products. Given the fact that they also have access to many other kinds of foods, for people with middle and high incomes the decline in fish supply may be felt as little more than an inconvenience. For low-income people with fish-dependent diets, however, the reduction in fish supply may have serious consequences in terms of both economics and nutrition.
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide and α2-Adrenoceptor Agonists Regulate Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Accumulation and Melatonin Release in Chick Pineal Cell Cultures*

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been shown to stimulate melatonin synthesis in mammalian pineal; however, a regulatory role for VIP in the avian pineal has not been explored. Immunocytochemical and physiological response experiments were performed to investigate whether 1) immunoreactive VIP fibers innervated the avian pineal gland; 2) VIP had a specific effect on melatonin release that was mediated by cAMP stimulation; and 3) alpha 2-adrenergic signal transduction was associated with a reduction in cAMP levels. Immunocytochemical experiments demonstrated the presence of both tyrosine hydroxylase- and VIP-immunoreactive fibers in the avian pineal gland. Treatment of dispersed chick pineal cell cultures with VIP stimulated melatonin release (maximum 6-fold increase; EC50 = 1.8 nM) when administered during the 12-h light period of a 12-h light, 12-h dark cycle. Of the other four peptides tested [porcine VIP-(10-28), porcine peptide histidine isoleucine, porcine secretin, and human glucagon), only peptide histidine isoleucine stimulated melatonin release (EC50 = 30 nM). The effect of VIP was mediated by a time- and dose-dependent increase in cAMP accumulation (maximum 4-fold increase). The specific alpha 2-agonist UK-14,304 reduced cAMP accumulation (maximum 43% reduction) and inhibited melatonin release (EC50 = 19 nM) in the presence of 3 X 10(-8) M VIP. Norepinephrine-induced inhibition of nocturnal melatonin release was blocked by the elevation of cAMP achieved through the administration of forskolin (EC50 = 0.2 microM), isobutylmethylxanthine (EC50 = 112 microM), or 8-bromo-cAMP (EC50 = 166 microM). Collectively, these results demonstrate the presence and functional significance of VIP in the avian pineal gland, and the interaction of VIP and norepinephrine at the level of cAMP in the regulation of melatonin biosynthesis.
The genomics of adaptation, divergence and speciation: a congealing theory.

In this issue, Flaxman et al. (2014) report the results of sophisticated whole-genome simulations of speciation with gene flow, enhancing our understanding of the process by building on previous single-locus, multilocus and analytical works. Their findings provide us with new insights about how genomes can diverge and the importance of statistical and chromosomal linkage in facilitating reproductive isolation. The authors characterize the conditions under which, even with high gene flow and weak divergent selection, reproductive isolation between populations can occur due to the emergent stochastic process of genomewide congealing, where numerous statistically or physically linked loci of small effect allow selection to limit effective migration rates. The initial congealing event can occur within a broad range conditions, and once initiated, the self-reinforcing process leads to rapid divergence and ultimately two reproductively isolated populations. Flaxman et al.'s (2014) work is a valuable contribution to our understanding of speciation with gene flow and in making a more predictive field of evolutionary genomics and speciation.
Cyclic micron-size particle inhalation and deposition in a triple bifurcation lung airway model

Abstract Laminar oscillatory inhalation flow as well as micron-particle transport and wall deposition in a representative triple bifurcation airway model have been simulated using a commercial finite-volume code with user-enhanced programs. The computer model has been validated with experimental particle deposition data and deposition patterns for double bifurcations. The transient air flow, particle transport, and wall deposition patterns were analyzed and summarized in terms of particle deposition efficiencies (DEs) and surface density maps. Particle deposition may increase under cyclic flow conditions, i.e., DE-values are typically larger for cyclic flow than for steady flow at the mean flow rate of a given inhalation pulse. The maximal relative difference between these two DE-values may be as high as 50% for 0.02⩽Stmean⩽0.12 during normal inspiration (Q in =30 l / min ) . However, matching inlet Reynolds and Stokes numbers are proposed, which generate under quasi-steady flow conditions very similar DE-values and deposition patterns as in equivalent pulsatile flow. The relative differences between DE-values for cyclic and matching steady cases are less than 5%. The quantitative results of this work are of interest to researchers either conducting health risk assessment studies for inhaled particulate pollutants or analyzing drug aerosol deposition at desired lung target sites.
Assignment of a human gene for tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase to chromosome 14 using human-mouse somatic cell hybrids

Human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (Trp-RS, EC 6.1.1.2) can be separated from its mouse counterpart by Cellogel electrophoresis. Analysis of the presence or absence of human Trp-RS and other human enzyme markers in eleven independently derived cell lines of human-mouse somatic cell hybrids revealed that the expression of Trp-RS is correlated with the expression of human nucleoside phosphorylase (NP, EC 2.4.2.1). The syntenic relationship between Trp-RS and NP permits the assignment of the structural gene for Trp-RS to human chromosome 14. Karyotype and isozyme analysis of these hybrid clones rules out other linkage assignments.
A bisnorditerpene dilactone from Podocarpus nagi

Abstract A new type of bisnorditerpene dilactone, nagilactone J, was isolated from Podocarpus nagi and its structure deduced from spectroscopic data.
Segregation by Design: Mechanisms of Selection of Latinos and Whites into Gated Communities

Gated communities have been thought to contribute to urban inequality, but empirical evidence is limited. This study utilizes the American Housing Survey for 2001 to examine the differential access of Latinos and Whites to gated communities in metropolitan United States. The results show that education is the most important sorting mechanism: as education increases, so does the probability to gate. On one hand, education trumps the effects of social class for owners, leading to segmentation within each class category, regardless of race/ethnicity; on the other hand, Latinos with higher education tend to select gated residences more often than comparable Whites.
Effects of facilitation and cueing on labelling of «novel» stimuli by aphasic subjects

Abstract Facilitation and cueing are integral to the stimulation approaches to aphasia rehabilitation, but the degree to which these techniques affect untrained responses is rarely documented. This study determined the effects of facilitation and cueing training on aphasic subjects' labelling of novel stimuli. Twenty-three aphasic adults were trained on facilitation and cueing tasks designed to simulate those used in aphasia therapy. Oral responses were elicited by repetition or sentence-completion cues from the examiner, or with self-cues developed by the subject. Effects of training were assessed with probes administered after each block of training and 1 week after training (follow-up). Normal subjects had little difficulty with training tasks or the probes. Aphasic subjects improved significantly on the training tasks and the probes, but their rate and amount of improvement differed across training conditions. Overall performance on training tasks and probes favoured auditory and combined conditions. ...
A randomized controlled trial of cefaclor compared with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for treatment of acute otitis media.

We performed a randomized controlled trial of cefaclor administered twice daily compared with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) administered twice daily for the treatment of acute otitis media. Pathogens were eradicated from the middle ear exudate after 3 to 6 days of therapy in 35 of 37 (95%) patients given TMP-SMZ compared with 28 of 40 (70%) given cefaclor ( P =0.017). Haemophilus influenzae was eliminated in 13 of 14 (93%) patients given TMP-SMZ compared with 10 of 18 (56%) given cefaclor ( P =0.047). Clinical outcomes failed to distinguish between patients given TMP-SMZ or cefaclor. Symptoms improved despite persistent infection in 11 of 13 (85%) patients; middle-ear effusion persisted after therapy in 38 of 61 (62%) patients despite eradication of pathogens. We conclude that twice daily TMP-SMZ is more efficacious than twice daily cefaclor for the treatment of acute otitis media and that clinical outcomes may fail to detect differences between antibacterial agents in comparative drug trials in acute otitis media.
Use of Scrap Tire Chips in Asphaltic Membrane

Findings of a study involving the use of scrap tire chips in an asphaltic membrane are reported. The research project was designed with two objectives in mind: investigate the effectiveness of an asphaltic membrane on top of a subgrade for maintaining moisture equilibrium in subgrade and study the potential use of scrap tire chips in asphaltic membranes. The effectiveness of the membrane as a moisture barrier needs to be evaluated over a long period of time. However, the method proved to be a cost-effective way of recycling waste tires in pavements. It is hoped that this study will contribute to various efforts in the area of cost-effective and sound use of waste materials in construction.
Probing Ni+ metastable state production in sputtering glow discharges with the use of diagnostic reactions

Abstract The gas-phase reactions of ground and excited state Ni + with CH 3 X and CF 3 X (X = Cl, Br) have been examined in a selected ion drift cell apparatus. Ni + in both the 3d 9 (ground state) and 3d 8 4s 1 (excited state) configurations was prepared in a sputtering glow discharge utilizing either Ne or Ar as the working gas. Configuration-specific product formation was determined using ion mobility spectrometry in combination with mass spectra collected under different ionization conditions. While the 2 D ground state can be assigned to the 3d 9 configuration, these results indicate several excited states may contribute to the 3d 8 4s 1 configuration. Under the near-thermal conditions of the drift cell, Ni + ( 2 D) produces association products with all four reactant neutrals and NiBr + from the brominated species. Dependent on the reactant neutral, excited states contributing to the 3d 8 4s 1 Ni + configuration participate in both charge- and halogen atom transfer. Overall energetic requirements limit access to these product channels to those states from which products are formed exothermically. Observed products are consistent with the presence of excited states as high as 2 P. Additionally, configuration-specific kinetic measurements suggest that unreactive states are present within the 3d 8 4s 1 configuration. Experiments conducted with Ni + produced in Ar and Ne discharges suggest that excited state Ni + distributions are not dependent on the identity of the discharge gas, but that the proportion of reactive excited states may be influenced by other discharge parameters. These results are consistent with an ionization/excitation mechanism involving energetic electrons within the discharge.
A note on storage fragmentation and program segmentation

The main purpose of this paper is the presentation of some of the results of a series of simulation experiments investigating the phenomenon of storage fragmentation. Two different types of storage fragmentation are distinguished: (1) external fragmentation, namely the loss in storage utilization caused by the inability to make use of all available storage after it has been fragmented into a large number of separate blocks; and (2) internal fragmentation, the loss of utilization caused by rounding up a request for storage, rather than allocating only the exact number of words required. The most striking result is the apparently general rule that rounding up requests for storage, to reduce the number of different sizes of blocks coexisting in storage, causes more loss of storage by increased internal fragmentation than is saved by decreased external fragmentation. Described also are a method of segment allocation and an accompanying technique for segment addressing which take advantage of the above result. Evidence is presented of possible advantages of the method over conventional paging techniques.
Schumpeter's Theory Of Economic Development and Development Economics

(1994). Schumpeter's Theory Of Economic Development and Development Economics. Review of Social Economy: Vol. 52, No. 4, pp. 353-363.