cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Causes and Temporal Patterns of Hospital Readmissions after Implantation of the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Comparison with HeartMate II

Purpose We sought to determine the temporal patterns, causes, and predictors of readmission after HeartMate 3 (HM3) implantation and compare them with those of HeartMate II (HMII). Methods We retrospectively reviewed hospital readmission data for HM3 recipients at our institution between 2014 and 2019. As a historical control, HMII recipients between 2010 and 2014 were used for comparison. The Fine-Gray method was used to generate cumulative incidence functions for readmissions with death as a competing risk and the Nelson non-parametric method was used to generate mean cumulative functions for readmissions. A total time restricted multivariable Fine-Gray competing risk regression with a robust sandwich covariance estimator was used to determine risk factors for readmission while accounting for repeated events within patients. Results There were 207 HMII and 182 HM3 patients. The average number of readmissions per patient was 2.14 and 1.73 for HMII and HM3 (p=0.09), respectively. Leading causes of readmission for HMII were bleeding (21%), infection (20%), and device malfunction (12%), while those for HM3 were infection (22%), bleeding (11%), and arrhythmia (10%). The mean cumulative number of readmissions and temporal pattern of readmissions in patients receiving HMII and HM3 did not differ significantly (Figure 1a and b). Risk factors for readmission in patients implanted with HM3 included age (HR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.001-1.021, p = 0.03) and postoperative urinary tract infection (HR = 1.453, CI = 1.094-1.928, p = 0.01). Conclusion Overall readmission burden was similar for patients implanted with HMII and HM3. Postoperative urinary tract infection may be a risk factor for readmissions, but further studies are needed to determine additional risk factors.
Deporting Our Souls: A Welcome Wagon for New Americans

Reports that the July 7, 2005, London subway suicide bombings were perpetrated by “home-grown” Muslim terrorists, “born and brought up in respectable suburbs of northern England, rather than medieval religious fanatics,” came as a surprise to many observers. Three were born in Great Britain, went to British schools, raised children there, worked in local shops, and were part of a community. Sometime, somehow they were inculcated with a message of hate, revenge, and contempt. In recalling Timothy McVeigh, no one doubted that the United States has its own brand of home-grown terrorists. But when it came to Muslims in our communities, the United States received stellar marks for being welcoming to people of different backgrounds. British Parliament member Boris Johnson praised the United States for giving its immigrants “an equal stake in society.” Fareed Zakaria of Newsweek gave similar credit to the United States: In a sense it was always too simple to say that we would spread democracy in the Arab world and that will change things. It's true that there's a lot of dysfunctions built up in the Arab world and spreading democracy or helping them become more democratic and open up their systems will help. [But] this is a virus that developed over 30 or 40 years, and it spread [as a] part of globalization. Radical Islam spread from Saudi Arabia and got globalized. And there are people, disaffected young men in Europe, particularly in Europe because they tend to not get assimilated very well, who search around for some grand theory, kind of ideology, of protest.[…]
Applied Intelligence: Advanced Problem-Solving Steps

We will now discuss the final three components that can improve planning and decision making. SELECTING A MENTAL REPRESENTATION FOR INFORMATION An important part of many kinds of problem solving is the way that information is represented mentally. Such a mental representation might be in the form of a picture, a list of ideas, an algebraic equation, or yet some other format. Problems that could be solved easily using one form of mental representation are often solved only with difficulty or not at all using another. Sometimes, you will need to supplement your mental representation with an external representation of information. So, for example, in solving a mathematics problem, you may find it helpful to draw a diagram or to set up a series of equations that represent the terms of the problem. Such diagrams can then help your problem solving, especially the way in which you proceed to represent information about the problem in your head. Psychologists studying mental representations have learned some interesting things about them. Examples One psychologist studying mental representations, Patricia Linville (1982), looked at the relation between the way in which we represent information about other people and our stereotypes about and prejudices toward these people. One of her most interesting findings is that simple mental representations tend to lead toward extreme judgments about people, whether favorable or unfavorable. The converse also holds: Extreme judgments tend to imply simple representations about people.
The restricted primitive model for ionic fluids

The vapour of an ionic fluid at low temperature is known to be dominated by ion pairs and larger neutral clusters with smaller populations of individual ions and charged clusters. Previous cluster treatments of the restricted primitive model are improved to include clusters through the hexamer and to consider interactions between clusters according to the mean spherical approximation. With these refinements it is possible to obtain good results for reciprocal reduced temperatures β* from 6·8 to 20 which include the critical temperature. The distribution among clusters and various thermodynamic properties are calculated. The concentration of charged clusters is reported for comparison with measurements of electrical conductance. Since the approximations of this approach become serious at reduced densities (c* = Na3/V) above 0·02, interpolations are made with an empirical equation of Larsen based in turn on various Monte Carlo simulations. These interpolations yield estimates of the saturated liquid and vap...
Chapter 90 Theoretical Explanations of Treatment Effects in Voluntary Contributions Experiments

Publisher Summary Public goods experiments are notable in that they produce an array of systematic treatment effects that are inconsistent with the predictions of standard game theory. In response, theorists have proposed alternative models designed to explain these interesting (and often intuitive) patterns in the data. This chapter discusses several of these models and compares their predictions with some of the stylized facts that have emerged from laboratory experiments. In these experiments, a fixed number of individuals decide simultaneously how to divide a resource endowment between private consumption and contribution toward a public good that benefits all individuals equally. The chapter focuses on the most common type of experiment, where the value of the public good is a linear function of total contributions. The marginal value of the public good relative to that of the private good is often called the MPCR, which refers to the “marginal per-capita return” from investing in the public good. The MPCR is usually specified to be low enough so that it is individually optimal to contribute nothing, but high enough so that it is socially optimal to contribute fully.
Extraction at the intensive margin: Metal supply and grade selection in response to anticipated and unanticipated price changes

Abstract This paper examines empirical evidence of the relationship between price changes and ore quality selection and metal production in the context of a depletion model in which ore quality varies within a given deposit and the extractive firm does not plan to return at a later date to the low quality ores it leaves behind. In this context, it can be optimal for the extractive firm to lower the quality of extracted ore and decrease its metal production in response to revised expectations about the future path of the resource price. More standard results apply to the case of anticipated price changes. A probit model using micro data provides strong evidence against the anticipated price model but is consistent with the revised price expectations model. The empirical results emphasize the importance of ore quality as a choice variable in models of extraction.
Screening and isolation of mutants ofBacillus megateriumB153-2-2 for motility, chemotaxis, antagonism, and sporulation

Abstract Cells of Bacillus megaterium strain B153-2-2 from the exponential growth stage were treated with 0.01 m ethylmethane sulphonate for 1h at 30°C. Mutagenized cells were screened for motility and/or chemotaxis mutation based on swarm morphology. Sixty-eight putative mutants for chemotaxis and/or motility were isolated. The chemotactic phenotype of all mutants was confirmed by capillary assays for their chemotactic response to soybean ( Glycine max ) root exudates. These mutants were tested further for growth rate, sporulation, and antagonism against Rhizoctonia solani . Eight mutants and a previous nitrosoguinadine-induced mutant, M2144, had the same growth rate as original B153-2-2 strain but differed in motility (Mot), chemotaxis (Che), sporulation (Spo), and/or antagonism to R. solani (Ant). By comparison with B153-2-2 (Mot + Che + Ant ++ Spo + ), nine mutants were grouped as follows: SD12 and SD20 (Mot − Che − Ant ++ Spo ++ ), SF8 and SF21 (Mot −/+ Che − Ant ++ Spo ++ ), M2144 (Mot + Che + Ant + Spo + ), R1013 (Mot ++ Che ++ Ant + Spo + ), R518 (Mot ++ Che ++ Ant + Spo − ), and LR1013 and LR518 (Mot +++ Che +++ Ant − Spo − ). Mutant cells with an increase in motility and chemotaxis generally had decreased sporulation and/or in antagonism to R. solani .
Convergence analysis of Bessel beamformer and its comparison with LMS in adaptive array system

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the convergence performance of Bessel beamformer, based on the design steps of least mean square (LMS) algorithm, can be named as Bessel LMS (BLMS) algorithm. Its performance is compared in adaptive environment with LMS in terms of two important performance parameters, namely; convergence and mean square error. The proposed BLMS algorithm is implemented on digital signal processor along with antenna array to make it smart in wireless sensor networks. Design/methodology/approach – Convergence analysis is theoretically developed and verified through MatLab Software. Findings – Theoretical model is verified through simulation and its results are shown in the provided table. Originality/value – The theoretical model can obtain validation from well-known result of Wiener filter theory through principle of orthogonality.
Linkage of chromosome 1 markers to alcoholism-related phenotypes by sib pair linkage analysis of principal components.

Using the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism data and affected-sib-pair linkage methods, Reich et al. [1998] reported linkage of alcohol dependence to a region near D1S1588 on chromosome 1. In this paper, we assessed the ability of multivariate sib-pair linkage analysis of the neurophysiologic measurements (including age and sex) to evaluate evidence for linkage to chromosome 1. Principal components of 16 neurophysiologic measurements, plus age and sex, were analyzed separately using sib-pair linkage analysis, and a cumulative sum of the resulting r-statistics computed at each point on the chromosome. The first four principal components, which accounted for 74% of the total variation, showed little or no evidence for linkage in the D1S1588 region, while the remaining components showed substantial evidence for linkage. We conclude that potentially important linkage results can be missed if investigators limit attention only to major sources of variability. ®1999Wiley-Liss,Inc.
Role of Glucocorticoid in Adaptive Hyperlipogenesis in the Rat

The effect of glucocorticoid (GC) on the enzyme overshoot response to starvation-refeeding (S-R) and on tritium incorporation into lipids was studied. Long-term effects of hypercortisolism on carcass and liver lipids were also determined. In the first series of experiments, intact, adrenalectomized (ADX) and ADX, GC-replaced rats were either ad libitum fed or starved and refed a 65% glucose diet. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme activities in both liver and adipose tissue were determined as were the liver and fat pad lipid levels, hepatic and muscle glycogen content, and in vivo incorporation of 3H (from 3HOH, 1 mCi/100 g b.w.) into liver, adipose tissue and plasma lipids. The role for GC in the enzyme overshoot in S-R rats was reaffirmed as was the effect of ADX on enzyme activity and adipose tissue lipid. Hepatic glycogen content was reduced by adrenalectomy and not reversed by GC replacement in the ad libitum-fed animals. S-R reduced liver glycogen in the intact rats, did not affect liver glycogen in ADX-GC replaced rats and increased liver glycogen in the untreated ADX animals. S-R increased hepatic and adipose tissue lipid synthesis as measured by 3H incorporation. This effect was reduced by ADX and the ADX effect was reversed by GC. Prolonged administration of GC had no effect on increasing hepatic or carcass lipid content of ad libitum-fed animals. Results of these experiments suggest that while ineffective in inducing lipogenesis in ad libitum-fed animals, GC plays a role in the lipogenic response to starvation-refeeding and that this effect is apart from its role in the induction of the enzyme overshoot.
Headline Hawai'i: Racial Aloha in Kama`aina News

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Journalism & Media Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, University of South Florida- St. Petersburg, April 14, 2010. Committee Members: Dr. Deni Elliott, Dr. Paul (Xiaopeng) Wang, Dr. Robert Dardenne, Loretha Cleveland, M.A.
Relation of intensity of cardiac sounds to age

The absolute intensity of the first (S1), third (S3), and fourth (S4) heart sounds (in mm Hg) and the relative intensity of S4 compared with S1 were measured in 146 normal persons, aged 8 to 91 years, using an infinite time-constant, calibrated pressure mechanocardiograph applied to the chest wall with a loading pressure of 400 mm Hg. The absolute intensity of S1 (r = 0.28) and S3 (r = 0.43) decreases with age, but the absolute intensity of S4 does not increase with age (r = 0.06). Therefore, the relative intensity of S4 compared with S1 increases with age (r = 0.31). This finding may explain the increased frequency of S4 in qualitative phonocardiograms in older persons.
Finite dimensional quantum mechanics

The basic properties of nonrelativistic finite-dimensional quantum mechanics are presented. A discrete quantum mechanics is developed. Second quantization, the symmetric and antisymmetric Fock spaces are also discussed.
Paying for harbor maintenance in the US: Options for moving past the Harbor Maintenance Tax

Abstract The Harbor Maintenance Tax is a fundamentally flawed maintenance funding mechanism for the critical US port system. Three alternatives were analyzed. User fee rates were estimated for either a national or regional tonnage based fee. Our results indicate that maintenance cost recovering regional fees could vary widely from about 10 cents per tonne to nearly 80 cents per tonne. A national rate would be about 30 cents per tonne. The large regional differences and affects on bulk shippers are likely to make implementing and maintaining cost recovering tonnage based fees infeasible. Two other mechanisms are considered. One possibility is to abolish the HMT without a replacement mechanism. The obvious strength of this approach is its simplicity, the weaknesses is that it is not budget neutral. Another possibility is to increase the federal diesel tax rate. One strength of the approach is the reasonable rate increase required to recover port maintenance costs (estimated between 0.278 and 0.315 cents per liter). An additional strength is that relatively inefficient fuel users will either make the largest share of the additional payments or the freight will shift modes to one that is more efficient. One weakness is that the rate has been unchanged since 1997, this points to the political difficulty involved in passing such a rate increase.
Adaptive Cartesian grid methods for representing geometry in inviscid compressible flow

In this paper we describe a Cartesian grid algorithm for modeling time-dependent compressible flow in complex geometry. In this approach problem geometry is treated as an interface embedded in a regular Cartesian mesh. The discretization near the embedded boundary is based on a volume-of-fluid approach with a redistribution procedure to avoid time-step restrictions arising from small cells where the boundary intersects the mesh. The algorithm is coupled to an unsplit second-order Godunov algorithm and is fully conservative, maintaining conservation at the boundary. The Godunov/Cartesian grid integration scheme is coupled to a local adaptive mesh refinement algorithm that selectively refines regions of the computational grid to achieve a desired level of accuracy. Examples showing the results of the combined Cartesian grid/local refinement algorithm for both two- and three-dimensional flows are presented.
Plant Diversity in the Archaeological Record: A Means Toward Defining Hunter–Gatherer Mobility Strategies

Abstract The diversity and ubiquity measures of archaeological macrobotanical remains can be utilized to help define mobility strategies of hunter–gatherers. Differences in the diversity and ubiquity of plant remains are predicted to occur between different types of sites utilized by hunter–gatherers. Such sites include base camps of residentially and logistically mobile groups, as well as special-purpose sites usually associated with logistically mobile groups. The focus upon the importance of strategies of mobility and plant use instead of the typological determination of plant taxa allows for the use of specimen types in such analyses when scientific identifications are difficult to make. Data from the archaeological site of San Jacinto 1, located in northern Colombia, are utilized to examine this relationship.
Ubuntu: A transformative leadership philosophy

Leadership is about knowledge, skills, and abilities for transformation. It is also increasingly about worldviews or visions of life—beliefs, values, and principles. But worldviews are also ways of life, for beliefs direct us, values guide us, and principles motivate us to certain kinds of action and behavior. How, then, do worldviews have an impact on leadership for transformation? If worldviews are glasses or filters by which we view the world, mental models of the bigger picture, frameworks by which we make sense of the world, and narratives by which we orient our lives, then how do they influence human thoughts, ideas, and behaviors when it comes to transformative leadership? This was the subject matter of an International Leadership Association Conference panel discussion held in November 2009 in Prague, entitled Leadership for Transformation: The Impact of Worldviews. It is also the subject matter of this issue's symposium, in which we bring you the four papers and the response presented at the conference. Members of the panel were characterized by gender, disciplinary, religious, and global diversity. Nathan Harter, organizational leadership professor at Purdue University in the United States, begins the discussion with some preliminary remarks about worldviews. Ali Mohammed Mir, medical doctor and director of programs of Population Council, Pakistan, speaks of leadership from an Islamic perspective. Michael Jones, accomplished composer, pianist, and leadership educator, writer, and speaker from Orillia, Canada, reflects on how a “marriage of mythos and logos” can transform leadership today. Lisa Ncube, originally from Zimbabwe and currently assistant professor of organizational leadership at Purdue University, speaks about Ubuntu as an alternative leadership philosophy emerging from Africa. John Valk, associate professor of worldview studies at Renaissance College, University of New Brunswick, Canada, speaks of leadership for transformation from a Christian worldview perspective. Jonathan Reams, associate professor in the Department of Education at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, responds to all of the papers and opens a venue for further discussion. We hope that you will find this symposium engaging. We hope it will give food for thought and that it might stimulate further thinking regarding the role worldviews play in leadership for transformation.
Synthesis of β-WC1−x in an atmospheric-pressure, thermal plasma jet reactor

Studies of the chemical reactions between α-WC and CH4 as well as between WO3 and CH4 in an atmospheric argon plasma jet reactor reveal that the high-temperature tungsten carbide (β-WC1−x) may be formed by injecting either α-WC or WO3 with methane as carrier gas into an argon plasma jet. The maximum conversion of α—WC into β-WC1−x reaches 52%, whereas conversion ratios in excess of 98% are observed when WO3 is used as the primary reactant. X-ray diffraction studies indicate a new FCC phase with a lattice parameter smaller than that of β-WC1−x which is typically produced in some of the reactions. This new phase shows a sharp lattice parameter change between 700 and 800°C upon annealing in argon. The temperature of transition of β-WC1−x to the other two more common carbide phases occurs around 470°C. The β-WC1−x is more stable than β-W2C to acid attack and its resistance is approximately the same as that of α-WC.
Deregulation of DNA polymerase β by sense and antisense RNA expression in mouse 3T3 cells alters cell growth

DNA polymerase beta (β-pol) and its mRNA are maintained at constitutive levels during the cell cycle and during stages of cell growth in culture. To study biological consequences of variations in the level of this DNA repair enzyme and/or its mRNA, we prepared expression vectors in which cDNA for human β-pol is inserted under the control of a metallothionein promoter (pMT) in the sense and antisense orientation, respectively, and these vectors then were used for stable transformation of mouse 3T3 cells. Vectors also contained the mouseDHFR gene, such that culture of transformants in medium with increasing concentrations of methotrexate resulted in amplification of inserted DNA. The levels of sense and antisense transcripts are strongly increased by culture of transformants in medium with 65 µM Zn2+, although some expression is detected even without Zn2+ induction. After five days of induction, the β-pol level was about threefold higher in sense cells and about 10-fold lower in antisense cells than in parallel cultures without induction. The antisense line has a threefold increased cell doubling time in the presence of 65 µM Zn2+ compared with the absence of Zn2+. Zn2+ (65 µM) induction for the sense line results in normal growth for the first three days and, thereafter, a complete cessation of growth. Yet, these blocked cells remain fully viable. The results indicate that sudden deregulation of β-pol expression alters cell growth in mouse 3T3 cells.
IP3-mediated cytosolic and nuclear calcium elevation in NRK-52E cells using ‘caged’ GPIP2

Abstract Alterations in calcium homeostasis play a pivotal role in the cellular response to injury. Increases in the concentration of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca 2+ ]i) result in a variety of calcium mediated toxic responses such as cytoskeletal alterations, mitochondrial damage, and over-expression of gene products. Inositol trisphosphate is a second messenger that links external cell surface signals to [Ca 2+ ]i elevation. The present study explored the use of caged glycerophosphoryl- myo -inositol-1,4,5-bisphosphate (GPIP 2 ) to mediate a rapid and prolonged increase in [Ca 2+ ]i in a normal rat kidney epithelial cell line (NRK-52E). In intact NRK-52E cells, UV photolysis of microinjected GPIP 2 resulted in a 3–4-fold sustained increase in [Ca 2+ ] i . Graded photolytic release of GPIP2 also resulted in calcium-mediated morphologic alterations, as shown by confocal microscopy, with cellular blebs apparent within 30 min. There was no apparent increase in [Ca 2+ ]i or morphologic alterations in control cells microinjected with calcium indicator and equally exposed to UV light. Subsequent application of thapsigargin or ionomycin (1.0 μM) produced a rapid and transient increase in [Ca 2+ ]i. In addition, we show that activation of IN stores results in increased concentration of ionized nuclear calcium, ([Ca 2+ ]n) which persists longer than the increase in [Ca 2+ ]i. These findings indicate that GPIP 2 mediates a rapid and sustained elevation in [Ca 2+ ]n and [Ca 2+ ]i and this IP 3 -mediated calcium elevation is translated to the nucleus in rat kidney epithelial cells.
The impact of signal dependence and own ability awareness on herding behaviour: a tale of two managers

This model examines the case of managers whose signals, when informative, are perfectly correlated as in the Scharfstein and Stein model l1990. The American Economic Review 80(3): 465-479r. This has a herd increasing impact as it introduces a positive reputation externality. On the other hand, it is also assumed that managers have perfect knowledge of their own ability, an assumption with herd reducing implications. Combining these two offsetting, in terms of herding, assumptions, it is found that a smart manager who plays first will sometimes, but not always, truthfully announce his|her private information. On the other hand, a smart manager who plays second will always report his|her true signal, while a dumb manager who plays second may herd, either on the first manager's action and|or on the prior. It is also found that the more likely a dumb manager who plays second is to herd on the first manager's action, the less likely is a smart manager who plays first to herd on the prior. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of standardized evaluation methods for harvesting machines and systems

Abstract This effort, supported by Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the US, pursued three approaches to the problem of evaluating harvesting machines in terms which could serve international clientele. The first, rationalizing work study and reporting processes, documented and compared measures of interest among a varied set of countries. The second focused on modeling and analytical approaches to develop comparable criteria. The third brought together 40 specialists from around the world in two workshops to discuss the impact of 10 factors which shape national perspectives.
Situation assessment and autonomous control and optimisation of biometric sensor network

In this paper an adaptive sensor management algorithm is presented for a biometric sensor network. A distributed detection framework is adapted for varying security requirements in the network, by considering the trade-offs between accuracy and time. Accuracy and time are tied into a single weighted objective function and a particle swarm optimisation algorithm is designed to achieve best possible configurations for a given set of weights. Results are presented for different weights applied to the bi-objective problem. A Bayesian framework is proposed for estimating the a priori of the imposter in real time. This determines the security requirements of the network. The estimation uses the observations collected from the sensors for different individuals accessing the network via the distributed detection framework. The distributed detection framework is redesigned for the new updated a priori, resulting in a closed loop control of a biometric sensor network. Results show that the new adaptive sensor management algorithm leads to lower false acceptance and false rejection rates when compared to a network without the adaptive algorithm.
Predictors of age-appropriate receipt of DTaP dose 4.

Abstract Background In the United States, the national childhood immunization schedule calls for children to receive four doses of DTaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis) vaccine administered at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months. Dose 4 of DTaP is among the most frequently missed vaccines for children who are not adequately immunized. Methods Using the 2001 National Immunization Survey, the effect of the timeliness of the first three DTaP doses was assessed on completion of the four-dose series by age 24 months and on time by age 12 to 18 months. Results Missing Dose 4 was more prevalent among children who received Dose 3 late (but Conclusion Physicians and staff can identify children at risk for missing the fourth DTaP dose or receiving it late by assessing timeliness of receipt of DTaP Dose 3 and implementing steps to ensure that at-risk children receive Dose 4 as recommended.
A novel Alt-PSM structure: isn't this an embedded Atten-PSM?

A novel mask structure for an alternating aperture phase shift mask (Alt-PSM) to cut mask cost is proposed. By a mask with structure of an embedded attenuating phase shift mask (Atten-PSM), an Alt-PSM for an isolated line formation can be well fabricated. Fine image quality is confirmed with optical image calculations. Moreover, concept of this novel mask is proved by a preliminary experiment. In conclusion, this novel mask can replace conventional Alt-PSM for logic devices, resulting in considerable cut of mask cost.
Current management of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors

Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from the embryologic primitive gut. Depending on the location in the gastrointestinal tract, these tumors may secrete a variety of hormonally active substances. However, many of these tumors are found incidentally, or the diagnosis is made postoperatively. Also, there is a significant incidence of multicentric carcinoid tumors and synchronous noncarcinoid malignancies in these patients. Treatment is usually based on the size of the tumor. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of therapy. For advanced metastatic disease, somatostatin analog therapy and surgical debulking provide the best symptomatic relief and may improve survival. Recent studies have demonstrated a benefit from radiolabeled somatostatin analogs for carcinoid tumor localization. In contrast, radiolabeled somatostatin analogs have shown little therapeutic benefit. Future directions include somatostatin receptor profiling of carcinoid tumors, with somatostatin analog therapy targeting the specific receptors.
Olig1 Function Is Required to Repress Dlx1/2 and Interneuron Production in Mammalian Brain

Abnormal GABAergic interneuron density, and imbalance of excitatory versus inhibitory tone, is thought to result in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychiatric disease. Recent studies indicate that interneuron cortical density is determined primarily by the size of the precursor pool in the embryonic telencephalon. However, factors essential for regulating interneuron allocation from telencephalic multipotent precursors are poorly understood. Here we report that Olig1 represses production of GABAergic interneurons throughout the mouse brain. Olig1 deletion in mutant mice results in ectopic expression and upregulation of Dlx1/2 genes in the ventral medial ganglionic eminences and adjacent regions of the septum, resulting in an ∼30% increase in adult cortical interneuron numbers. We show that Olig1 directly represses the Dlx1/2 I12b intergenic enhancer and that Dlx1/2 functions genetically downstream of Olig1. These findings establish Olig1 as an essential repressor of Dlx1/2 and interneuron production in developing mammalian brain.
Ocular adverse effects associated with systemic medications : recognition and management.

This article reviews several retrospective case series and reported adverse events regarding common ocular adverse effects related to systemic therapy. It is not intended as a comprehensive summary of these well described adverse drug reactions, nor is it intended to cover the complete spectrum of all ocular adverse effects of systemic therapy. Many systemic drugs may produce ocular toxicity, including bisphosphonates, topiramate, vigabatrin, isotretinoin and other retinoids, amiodarone, ethambutol, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, tamoxifen, quetiapine, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, erectile dysfunction agents and some herbal medications. For this review, the certainty of the adverse effect profile of each medication was evaluated according to the WHO Causality Assessment Guide. A certain relationship has been established for pamidronate and alendronate as causes of scleritis, uveitis, conjunctivitis and blurred vision. Topiramate has been established as adversely causing symptoms consistent with acute angle-closure glaucoma, typically bilateral. Vigabatrin has been shown to cause bilateral irreversible visual field defects attributed to underlying medication-induced retinal pathology. Isotretinoin should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with pseudotumour cerebri. Patients taking amiodarone and hydroxychloroquine should be monitored and screened regularly for development of optic neuropathy and maculopathy, respectively. Sildenafil has been reported to cause several changes in visual perception and is a possible, not yet certain, cause of anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Patients taking tamoxifen should also be monitored for development of dose-dependent maculopathy and decreased colour vision. COX-2 inhibitors should be included in the differential diagnosis of reversible conjunctivitis. Several herbal medications including canthaxanthine, chamomile, datura, Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba and liquorice have also been associated with several ocular adverse effects. It is the role of all healthcare professionals to detect, treat and educate the public about adverse reactions to medications as they are an important health problem.
Cloning of cDNA encoding steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase (P450c11)

Abstract We have isolated bovine and human adrenal cDNA clones encoding the adrenal cytochrome P-450 specific for 11 beta-hydroxylation (P450c11). A bovine adrenal cDNA library constructed in the bacteriophage lambda vector gt10 was probed with a previously isolated cDNA clone corresponding to part of the 3' untranslated region of the 4.2-kilobase (kb) mRNA encoding P450c11. Several clones with 3.2-kb cDNA inserts were isolated. Sequence analysis showed that they overlapped the original probe by 300 base pairs (bp). Combined cDNA and RNA sequence data demonstrated a continuous open reading frame of 1509 bases. P450c11 is predicted to contain 479 amino acid residues in the mature protein in addition to a 24-residue amino-terminal mitochondrial signal sequence. A bovine clone was used to isolate a homologous clone with a 3.5-kb insert from a human adrenal cDNA library. A region of 1100 bp was 81% homologous to 769 bp of the coding sequence of the bovine cDNA except for a 400-bp segment presumed to be an unprocessed intron. Hybridization of the human cDNA to DNA from a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrid lines and in situ hybridization to metaphase spreads of human chromosomes localized the gene to the middle of the long arm of chromosome 8. These data should be useful in developing reagents for heterozygote detection and prenatal diagnosis of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency, the second most frequent cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Molecular attributes of conjugate antigen influence function of antibodies induced by anti-nicotine vaccine in mice and non-human primates.

Abstract Anti-nicotine vaccines aim to prevent nicotine entering the brain, and thus reduce or eliminate the reward that drives nicotine addiction. Those tested in humans to date have failed to improve quit rates over placebo, possibly because antibody (Ab) responses were insufficient to sequester enough nicotine in the blood in the majority of subjects. We have previously shown in mice that the carrier, hapten and linker used in the nicotine conjugate antigen each influence the function (nicotine-binding capacity) of the Ab induced. Herein we have evaluated immunogenicity in mice of 27 lots of NIC7–CRM, a conjugate of 5-aminoethoxy-nicotine (Hapten 7) and a mutant nontoxic form of diphtheria toxin (CRM197), that differed in three antigen attributes, namely hapten load (number of haptens conjugated to each molecule of CRM197), degree of conjugate aggregation and presence of adducts (small molecules attached to CRM197 via a covalent bond during the conjugation process). A range of functional responses (reduced nicotine in the brain of immunized animals relative to non-immunized controls) were obtained with the different conjugates, which were adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide and CpG TLR9 agonist. Trends for better functional responses in mice were obtained with conjugates having a hapten load of 11 to 18, a low level of high molecular mass species (HMMS) (i.e., not aggregated) and a low level of adducts and a more limited testing in cynomolgus monkeys confirmed these results. Thus hapten load, conjugate aggregation and presence of adducts are key antigen attributes that can influence Ab function induced by NIC7–CRM.
Culturable marine actinomycete diversity from tropical Pacific Ocean sediments

Actinomycetes were cultivated using a variety of media and selective isolation techniques from 275 marine samples collected around the island of Guam. In total, 6425 actinomycete colonies were observed and 983 (15%) of these, representing the range of morphological diversity observed from each sample, were obtained in pure culture. The majority of the strains isolated (58%) required seawater for growth indicating a high degree of marine adaptation. The dominant actinomycete recovered (568 strains) belonged to the seawater-requiring marine taxon 'Salinospora', a new genus within the family Micromonosporaceae. A formal description of this taxon has been accepted for publication (Maldonado et al., 2005) and includes a revision of the generic epithet to Salinispora gen. nov. Members of two major new clades related to Streptomyces spp., tentatively called MAR2 and MAR3, were cultivated and appear to represent new genera within the Streptomycetaceae. In total, five new marine phylotypes, including two within the Thermomonosporaceae that appear to represent new taxa, were obtained in culture. These results support the existence of taxonomically diverse populations of phylogenetically distinct actinomycetes residing in the marine environment. These bacteria can be readily cultured using low nutrient media and represent an unexplored resource for pharmaceutical drug discovery.
Reliability and validity of the 12-minute distance walk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Validity and test-retest liability of the 12-minute distance (12MD) walk, a measure of functional status, were examined in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Four tests were administered at weekly intervals. Performance increased (p < .01) over the first three tests. Test-retest reliability was r34 = .98 (df = 46) for tests 3 and 4. The 12MD walk correlated with the Sickness Impact Profile, Physical Dimension (r = -.45); forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted ( r = .40); maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) (r = .52); and exercise-related breathlessness (r = -.49). Exercise-related breathlessness and PImax accounted for 42% of the variance. The validity and reliability of the 12MD walk were supported.
Disturbances in the glutathione/ophthalmate redox buffer system in the woodchuck model of hepatitis virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose. The incidence of liver tumors is rising in USA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate liver oxido-reductive status in the presence of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. Glutathione species and ophthalmate (OA) concentrations were measured by LC-MS in processed plasma and red blood cells (RBC) from infected Woodchuck with hepatitis virus (WHV). Blood samples were obtained from: (i) infected animals with tumors (WHV+/HCC+), (ii) infected animals without tumors (WHV+/HCC−) and (iii) healthy animals (WHC−/HCC−). Results. The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the ratio GSH/GSG were lower in plasma from WHV+/HCC+ animals when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P < 0.01). In contrast, the concentration of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was found to be higher in plasma from WHV+/HCC+ animals when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P < 0.01). The Glutathione species and its ratio from the RBC compartment were similar among all groups. OA concentration in both plasma and RBC was significantly higher from WHV+/HCC+ when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P < 0.01). Conclusions. Disturbances of the glutathione redox buffer system and higher concentrations of OA were found in the WCV+/HCC+ animal model. The role of these compounds as biomarkers of early tumor development in patients with end stage liver disease remains to be determined.
Potential of Raman Spectroscopy for Evaluation of Bone Quality in Osteoporosis Patients. Results of a Prospective Study

As part of our ongoing assessment of bone tissue composition and structure, we report the first experimental protocols of a prospective study to investigate the potential of using Raman spectroscopy to diagnose and predict skeletal fragility in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. This multi-center study will assess several potential spectroscopic and X-ray based diagnostic techniques. One hundred and twenty participants will be enrolled in this five year study and the investigators will be blinded to information concerning patient history and status. Iliac crest bone biopsy specimens are provided with no identifying information except a patient study number. Our team will use micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to identify regions of interest in both cortical and cancellous bone from specimens delivered to us. Raman mapping will be performed using a line-focused 785 nm laser in order to obtain local and averaged values on several spectroscopic metrics of bone quality. These metrics include carbonate/phosphate and phosphate/matrix ratios. Results from an initial set of biopsies will be presented. Protocols for obtaining measurements are discussed, with emphasis on the challenges presented by the use of fixed and polymer embedded specimens. These protocols are illustrated will data from a biopsy specimen.
Variation and taxonomy of pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) in Jamaica

A single species ofPitcairnia (P. bromeliifolia) comprising three well-defined and geographically discontinuous biotypes, occurs in Jamaica. Extensive field studies and transplant experiments have made possible an understanding of the ecology, variation, and distribution of natural populations. Emphasis is placed on the variability of traditional characters and a description of some previously overlooked scale patterns and types which serve to distinguish varietiesbromeliifolia, graminifolia Griseb., andwynteri R. W. Read, the last herein described as new.
Maternal Teaching Strategies and Field Dependent-Independent Cognitive Styles in Chicano Families.

Hypotheses were derived from the most recent formulation of field-dependence theory, and tested, concerning (a) the role that cognitive styles play in determining individual differences in maternal teaching strategies; (b) the role of maternal teaching strategies as mediators of children's development of cognitive style; (c) the emergence of field dependence-independence as a coherent construct in young Chicano children; and (d) sex differences. Forty-three Chicano mothers were observed, in their homes, teaching cognitive-perceptual tasks to their own five-year-old children, and each mother and child was administered a battery of measures to assess field dependence-independence. Results were generally in line with the theory.
THE REACTION OF COBALT(II) BROMIDE WITH LITHIUM BOROHYDRIDE AND LITHIUM ALUMINOHYDRIDE

Abstract The reaction of cobalt(II) bromide with lithium borohydride gives a precipitate containing cobalt and boron in the mole ration of 1 2 and hydrogen; with lithium aluminohydride a similar cobalt-aluminium precipitate and hydrogen are obtained. These precipitates are black, pyrophoric materials which exhibit chemical behaviour typical of the elements.
Research needs for design of concrete containment structures

Abstract Potential failure modes of reinforced concrete containment shells are outlined, especially those associated with pressure-induced cracking and seismic forces. A summary is given of experimental and analytical research needed to evaluate tangential shear capacity and stiffness, the interaction between liner and cracked concrete, peripheral (punching) shear capacity, radial shear behavior, and nonlinear dynamic analysis approaches.
Neurobiology: right timing for retina repair.

Transplants of photoreceptor cells offer hope for treating retinal disease. But getting the cells to make the right connections with the brain has been problematic. It seems the developmental stage of the cells may be the key.
Auditory sensory gating in hippocampal neurons: A model system in the rat☆

Diminished evoked response to repeated auditory stimuli, an example of sensory gating normally present in human subjects, is often absent in schizophrenics. To examine the mechanism of the normal response and to delineate possible sites of its abnormality in psychosis, it would be desirable to reproduce the phenomenon in laboratory animals. In this study, we show that the pattern of diminished response to the second of paired auditory stimuli is found in activity recorded from the CA3 region of the hippocampus of anesthetized rats. The evoked potential recorded from this area is predominantly an N40 wave, at identical latency to the prominent negative wave recorded from the skull surface of unanesthetized rats. Similar responses were not found in other areas, including the auditory neocortex and the medial geniculate nucleus. Amphetamine, which diminished sensory gating in both animals and humans, diminished the gating of the evoked potential recorded in the hippocampus. The effect of amphetamine was reversed by haloperidol. The rat hippocampus may therefore contain neurons that can be used to study the neurobiology of sensory gating.
The Human Antibody Response to Streptococcal C5a Peptidase

An ELISA was developed to measure antibody, both IgG and IgA, against the streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCP), in human sera and saliva. Generally, sera and saliva from young, uninfected children lacked antibody to SCP. In contrast, most sera and saliva specimens from healthy adults had measurable levels of anti-SCP IgG and SCP-specific secretory IgA (anti-SCP sIgA). Paired acute and convalescent sera from patients with streptococcal pharyngitis possessed significantly higher levels of anti-SCP IgG than did sera from healthy individuals. Sera containing high concentrations of anti-SCP immunoglobulin were capable of neutralizing SCP activity. A survey of healthy adults and children also showed that the latter were significantly less likely to have anti-SCP sIgA in their saliva. Detection of this antibody in greater than 90% of the saliva specimens obtained from children who had recently experienced streptococcal pharyngitis demonstrated that children can produce a secretory response. This is thought to be the first report of a secretory IgA response in humans to a somatic antigen of Streptococcus pyogenes.
The lateral transhelical approach to otoplasty: a not-so-new concept for separating the helix from the antihelix.

I would like to compliment Dr. Valente on the excellent description of his technique in the article “Separating the Helix From the Antihelix: A New Concept in Prominent Ear Correction” ( Aesthetic Surg J 2010;30:139-153). That being said, I would also like to caution against the inclusion of the word new in plastic surgery manuscripts in general. As a medical student at New York University, I recall comments made by Dr. Joseph McCarthy, the director of plastic surgery, to the residents and students when …