cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue transformation into bone in vivo. A potential practical application.

The transformation of mesenchymal tissue, such as muscle, into cartilage and bone can be induced by the recently purified osteoinductive factor, osteogenin, and by its parent substratum, demineralized bone matrix. We investigated the possibility of transforming readily available muscle flaps into vascularized bone grafts of various shapes that could be used as skeletal replacement parts. In a rat experimental model, thigh adductor muscle island flaps were placed inside bivalved silicone rubber molds. Prior to closure of the mold, 18 flaps were injected with osteogenin and coated with demineralized bone matrix. Five flaps served as controls and were injected with the vehicle only, and not coated with demineralized bone matrix. The molds were implanted subcutaneously in the rats' flanks and reopened 10 days later. The control flaps consisted of intact muscle without any evidence of tissue transformation, whereas the flaps treated with osteogenin and demineralized bone matrix were entirely transformed into cancellous bone that matched the exact shape of the mold. Using tissue transformation, we were able to generate in vivo, autogenous, well-perfused bones in the shapes of femoral heads and mandibles. (JAMA. 1991;266:1953-1955)
“The Economics of Time and Ignorance”: A critical re-examination after 25 years

This article serves as the introduction to a symposium on O’Driscoll and Rizzo’s The Economics of Time and Ignorance. The book was first published in 1985. The symposium aims to provide a retrospective assessment of the book’s contribution to modern Austrian economics. The article characterizes the book’s essential features and gives a brief sketch of the intellectual backdrop that provided the impetus for the book. It also summarizes the five other papers that are part of the symposium, including the responses by the two authors themselves.
Is a biology of rarity in primates yet possible

If we lack data on the biology of rare species, then understanding of the biology of rarity will be incomplete at best, biased at worst. However, the extent of potential under-study is mostly unknown. We therefore ask for primates, one of the better known orders of mammals, whether data are lacking on rare species. The measure used is published data on a crucial aspect of biology, namely density. Rare species are here defined as those with both geographic range sizes and habitat breadths less than the median for primates; common species are at or above the median for those two measures. Globally, nearly half, 47%, of the 32 rare species lack data on their density, compared to only 10% of the 83 common species (χ2corr. = 17.1, p < 0.001). Within realms, Asia and Madagascar show a particularly strong bias, missing density data for over 50% of their rare species. Thus, rare species are indeed severely under-studied compared to common species, even in this well-studied mammalian taxon.
Management of technology: A three-dimensional framework with propositions for future research

Profound change in organizational technology, including office, manufacturing, and transaction technology; the rapid pace of technology change; and the increasingly global and competitive marketplace have stimulated organizations to rethink how they do business, leading to a nascent discipline on the management of technology (MoT). Yet, the literature that exists is fragmented and dispersed through the traditional technology and functional-business-discipline literatures, creating difficulty for those interested in the management of technology to locate and integrate the available knowledge. This inquiry proposes and develops a three-dimensional framework of the management of technology literature. Its purpose is to visually and spatially represent the relationships among the various components of the MoT literature along the three proposed dimensions relevant to MoT. Propositions for future development and research on the management of technology are derived from the model.
Symptom and demographic profiles in first-episode schizophrenia

First-episode schizophrenia (FE-SZP) presents a diagnostic challenge because of symptomatic overlap between the various causes of psychosis. An early and accurate diagnosis is important for the implementation of appropriate treatment, for determining prognosis and for identifying research participants. In an effort to facilitate early diagnosis, we followed a group of first-episode psychosis patients with a presumptive diagnosis of schizophrenia who were subsequently diagnosed at 6-month follow-up with either schizophrenia (n=104) or other psychiatric diagnoses (n=19). The two groups-first-episode schizophrenia and first-episode non-schizophrenia-were compared on measures of demographics, symptoms, quality of life, premorbid adjustment and lateral dominance. Odds ratios were calculated for each variable and all significant variables were entered into a multivariate prediction model. The model showed that higher levels of anhedonia and hallucinations increased the odds of a final diagnosis of schizophrenia. This predictive model was validated in a smaller group of patients.
Negative effect of the transcriptional activator GAL4

The yeast transcriptional activator GAL4 binds specific sites on DNA to activate transcription of adjacent genes. The distinct activating regions of GAL4 are rich in acidic residues and it has been suggested that these regions interact with another protein component of the transcriptional machinery (such as the TATA-binding protein or RNA polymerase II) while the DNA-binding region serves to position the activating region near the gene. Here we show that various GAL4 derivatives, when expressed at high levels in yeast, inhibit transcription of certain genes lacking GAL4 binding sites, that more efficient activators inhibit more strongly and that inhibition does not depend on the DNA-binding domain. We suggest that this inhibition, which we call squelching, reflects titration of a transcription factor by the activating region of GAL4.
Information content of transient synchrotron radiation in tokamak plasmas.

A brief, deliberate, perturbation of hot tokamak electrons produces a transient, synchrotron radiation signal, in frequency-time space, with impressive informative potential on plasma parameters; for example, the dc toroidal electric field, not available by other means, may be measurable. Very fast algorithms have been developed, making tractable a statistical analysis that compares essentially all parameter sets that might possibly explain the transient signal. By simulating data numerically, we can estimate the informative worth of data prior to obtaining it.
Isothermal oil shale pyrolysis. 2. Kinetics of product formation and composition at various pressures

Abstract A rich (250¦t−1) Green River oil shale was retorted in a helium atmosphere. Isothermal, isobaric retort runs were conducted over a temperature range of 648–773 K (375–500 °C) and a pressure range of 78–765 kPa (11.3–111 psia). Oil was collected as a function of time. A deasphaltened, dry whole oil product (DDWO) was then separated into five fractions: polars (P), ‘weak’ polars (WP), saturates (S), aromatics (A), and olefins (O). One objective of this work was to determine the effect of pressure on the kinetic rate expressions for product oil and oil fraction formation. As the system pressure increased the kinetic rate constants, and, consequently, the product yield decreased. A second objective of the experimental programme was to determine kinetic rate constants for the five oil fractions. A first-order kinetic rate expression was utilized and kinetic parameters were determined for the product oil and oil fractions at each temperature and pressure studied. The kinetic rate constants flow an Arrhenius temperature dependence in the region 688–773 K (415–500 °C); at lower temperatures a change in the activation energy is observed.
Student Responses to Learning Strategy Instruction in the Foreign Language Classroom

ABSTRACT This paper describes a study which is investigating the teaching of learning strategies to high school and college students enrolled in beginning level Japanese classes and high school students in beginning level Russian and Spanish classes. Learning strategy instructional materials correlated to each curriculum were implemented by participating teachers, and the effect of the instruction on students was analyzed. The focus of this paper is on students' self-reports of strategy use after instruction and their evaluation of the usefulness of the strategies taught.
Superconvergence and sum rules for the optical constants: Physical meaning, comparison with experiment, and generalization

A physical interpretation of recently obtained sum rules for dielectric functions and for the index of refraction is provided in terms of the inertial properties of the linear dielectric response of material media. The superconvergent sum rules are then compared with experimental optical data for AgCl, Al, and Mo and shown to produce good agreement as well as a critical test of extrapolations and of the Kramers-Kronig relations. A straightforward extension to higher powers of the optical constants and their moments is briefly discussed.
Identification of normal and pathological aging in prospectively studied nondemented elderly humans

Results of a standardized histochemical and immunocytochemical analysis of the brains of 14 nondemented elderly humans for whom prospective neurological and neuropsychological data had been collected for 3 to 8 years before death suggested that nondemented elderly humans fall into two pathological subgroups that are not clinically distinguishable. One was associated with moderate to marked cerebral amyloid deposition ("pathological aging"), while the other had either minimal or no amyloid deposition ("normal aging"). Neocortical and hippocampal neurofibrillary degeneration was either completely absent or of very limited degree in both subgroups. Both subgroups had ubiquitin-immunoreactive dystrophic neurites in the cerebral cortex and granular degeneration of myelin in white matter. These ubiquitin-immunoreactive structures seem to be a universal and invariant manifestation of brain aging, but the same cannot be said for amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary degeneration. Pathological aging might be preclinical Alzheimer's disease, but it currently cannot be distinguished from normal aging by even sensitive neuropsychological measures. These findings provide strong support for the hypothesis that cerebral amyloid deposition is not necessarily associated with clinically apparent cognitive dysfunction and that additional factors, such as neuronal or synaptic loss or widespread cytoskeletal aberrations, are necessary for dementia in AD.
Characterization of the Bycatch in the Commercial Blue Crab Pot Fishery in Georgia, November 2003– December 2006

Abstract Bycatch studies have been conducted in many fisheries in Georgia, but none has focused on the commercial pot fishery for blue crab Callinectes sapidus. The purpose of this study was to identify abundance and seasonality of finfish and invertebrate bycatch species in the commercial blue crab fishery in Georgia. Between November 2003 and December 2006, observers accompanied volunteer commercial blue crab fishers randomly selected from a list of willing participants. A total of 91 trips were observed, with 5,707 commercial blue crab pots sampled. Soak times, or fishing effort, ranged from 24 to 168 h, averaging 55.8 h/trap for each trip. The number of traps sampled each trip ranged from 5 to 163, with a mean of 62.7 traps per trip. We collected 306 finfish and 4,972 invertebrates in this study period. The most numerous finfish were Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma (n = 52), Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber (n = 50), Oyster Toadfish Opsanus tau (n = 50), Hardhead Catfish Ariopsis fel...
PCB congener sorption to carbonaceous sediment components: macroscopic comparison and characterization of sorption kinetics and mechanism.

Abstract Sorption of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to sediment is a key process in determining their mobility, bioavailability, and chemical decomposition in aquatic environments. In order to examine the validity of currently used interpretation approaches for PCBs sorption, comparative results on 2-chlorobiphenyl sorption to carbonaceous components in sediments (activated carbon, carbon black, coal, soot, graphite, flyash, wood) were macroscopically correlated with the structural, morphological, crystallographic, and compositional properties of the carbonaceous components. Since the Freundlich sorption constant, KF (L kg−1) spanned several orders of magnitude, ranging from log KF of 6.13–5.27 for activated carbon, 5.04 for carbon black, 3.83 for coal to 3.08 for wood, organic carbon partitioning approach should be more specifically categorized, considering the various forms, nature and origins of organic carbon in sediment. Sorption rate constants and fraction parameters, which were numerically defined from empirical kinetic model with fast and slow sorption fractions, were closely related to the physicochemical properties of the carbonaceous components. Sorption interpretation approaches with a specific property and viewpoint, such as organic carbon partitioning, soot carbon distribution, or surface area correlation, did not properly explain the overall results on sorption capacity, fast and slow sorption kinetics, and partitioning coefficient. It is also important to emphasize the heterogeneous nature of sediment and the difficulties of encompassing the partitioning among its carbonaceous components.
The importance of the B10 amino acid residue to the biological activity of insulin. [Lys10-B] human insulin

An analog of human insulin, which differs from the parent molecule in that the histidine residue at position 10 of the B chain (B10) is replaced by lysine, has been synthesized and isolated in purified form. This analog, [10-lysine-B] insulin ([Lys10-B] insulin), in stimulating lipogenesis and in radioimmunoassays, exhibited potencies of 14.2% and 14.7%, respectively, as compared to the natural hormone. In insulin receptor binding in rat liver membranes, [Lys10-B] insulin was found to possess a potency of ∼17% compared to insulin. We have shown previously that substitution of the B10 polar residue histidine with the nonpolar leucine results in an analog exhibiting inin vivo assays ∼50% of the activity of the parent molecule. It is speculated that in insulin the relative size of the amino acid residue at B10, rather than its polarity, is the most important factor in maintaining a structure commensurate with high biological activity.
Calculation of the rotational normal modes of oceans and lakes with general orthogonal coordinates

Abstract A finite-difference method for computing the frequency and structure of the rotational modes of oscillation of enclosed seas is tested against known solutions for: (1) a circular basin with a parabolic depth law, (2) a circular, flat basin with a linear variation of the Coriolis parameter, and (3) an elliptic paraboloid. Several higher modes of the elliptic paraboloid are also calculated. The method uses the non-divergent assumption and solves the barotropic vorticity equation in general orthogonal coordinates generated by a conformal map of the shoreline onto the unit circle. The numerical procedure for calculating the conformal map of an arbitrarily shaped basin is presented.
Living the Image: A Quantitative Approach to Delineating Masculinities

Authors have repeatedly argued that a nearly exclusive focus on the dominant form of masculinity limits our knowledge of masculinity. Qualitative masculinities researchers have revealed multiple masculine forms, but quantitative researchers have not yet assessed them. This study adopted a social identity approach to examine endorsement of ten typically male images (Average Joe, Businessman, Family Man, Jock, Nerd, Player, Rebel, Sensitive New-Age Guy, Stud, Tough Guy) and their connections to gender norms and traits. Data from 340 male and 348 female adults revealed that identification with each image was related to a particular pattern of norm conformity and trait endorsement. Patterns varied by sex. Findings suggested that distinctions across images may be assessed quantitatively. Implications for quantitative research on masculinities were discussed.
Alteration of Talaromyces flavus heat resistance by growth conditions and heating medium composition

A strain of Talaromyces flavus var. macrosporus (NRRL 13641) was isolated from spoiled fruit drink and identified. It had a heat resistance (l/k) (death rate constant or decimal reduction time) of 191 min at 80°C and 6 min at 90°C with a calculated z of 6.7°C. Several strains of T. flavus were tested to determine the effects on heat resistance of environmental conditions such as pH, organic acids, brix, and type of medium. Heat resistance increased with increased brix in the heating medium. Growth on solid medium compared with liquid medium resulted in greater heat resistance. Growth at 20°C and 35°C produced ascospores with higher heat resistance than growth at 25°C while those produced at 30°C had intermediate heat resistance. Five cultures differed significantly in heat resistance.
Economic Interdependence: A Path to Peace or a Source of Interstate Conflict?

This article investigates the long-standing liberal hypothesis that trade ties facilitate interstate peace. Rather than assuming that trade will always promote peace, the author highlights the need to consider both the nature and context of economic linkages in assessing whether such ties are more likely to dampen or amplify interstate conflict. The study encompasses a diverse group of dyadic relationships for the period 1870-1938, 14,341 dyad years, and includes 270 militarized interstate disputes and 14 wars. After controlling for the potentially confounding influences of contiguity, regime type (joint democracy), relative capabilities, and alliance commitments, the author finds evidence that economic linkages have a dramatic influence on whether or not dyads engage in militarized disputes, but no influence on the occurrence of wars. Rather than inhibiting conflict, extensive economic interdependence increases the likelihood that dyads will engage in militarized interstate disputes. Peace through trade is most likely to arise among dyads composed of mutually dependent trading partners. Even then, the relationship between interdependence and conflict appears to be curvilinear, where low to moderate degrees of interdependence reduce the likelihood of dyadic disputes, and extensive economic linkages increase the probability of militarized disputes. Extreme interdependence, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, has the greatest potential for increasing the likelihood of conflict.
A monoclonal antibody recognizing a determinant common to HLA—A3 and All

Spleen cells from a mouse immunized with an AML cell expressing HLA-A3 produced a hybridoma secreting an anti-HLA-A3, A11 monoclonal antibody, 26D3. By complement-dependent cytotoxicity at dilutions to 1:10(4) the ascites antibody lysed 13/13 A3, 15/15 A11, and 8 other lymphocytes from a panel of 98 donors. The 26 D3 immunoprecipitated a molecule consisting of subunits of 44,000 and 12,000 daltons. Monoclonality of the antibody was demonstrated by isoelectric focusing and protein A affinity chromatography.
Study of leakage current and breakdown issues in 4H-SiC unterminated Schottky diodes

Abstract In this work, electrical breakdown and the origin of reverse leakage current in 4H–SiC/Ni Schottky barrier diodes without edge termination and passivation were studied. Experimental results indicate that the SiC surface surrounding the metal contact and triple-junction region, rather than crystallographic defects in the epitaxial layer, were responsible for high leakage current and premature breakdown of the as-fabricated diodes. A post-fabrication surface treatment was implemented to investigate the surface contribution to leakage current and breakdown voltage. The diodes exposed to surface treatment exhibit breakdown voltage of about 1000 V or more, which is about two times higher than that of as-fabricated diodes and about 25% of the breakdown voltage for the parallel plane abrupt junction based on the epilayer blocking capability. Experimental data describing the breakdown-related behavior of the SBDs along with surface-controlled leakage current and breakdown are given, which can be useful for researchers developing SBDs. Issues related to practical applications are also addressed.
α-Bungarotoxin Binding in House Fly Heads and Torpedo Electroplax

House fly heads contain a site that binds alpha-bungarotoxin with high affinity. It is present at about 23 pmol/g of heads and binds alpha-bungarotoxin (labeled with [3H]pyridoxamine phosphate) reversibly with a Kd of 6 nM. The effects of 48 drugs have been compared on the alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites of house fly and Torpedo. The pharmacology of the house fly sites is similar to that previously reported for neuronal alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites in both vertebrates and invertebrates and is distinguishable from that of the classic nicotinic neuromuscular acetylcholine receptor, as exemplified by that of Torpedo electroplax. Differences between the house fly site and Torpedo include higher affinities of the Torpedo receptor for decamethonium, hexamethonium, carbamylcholine, and acetyl-beta-methylcholine, but lower affinities for nicotine, atropine, and dihydro-beta-erythroidine.
The robust non-linear servomechanism problem†

We study the asymptotic tracking and disturbance rejection property of a general non-linear multi-input multi-output distributed servomechanism which consists of input as well as output channel non...
Analysis of mean-square error and transient speed of the LMS adaptive algorithm

For the least mean square (LMS) algorithm, we analyze the correlation matrix of the filter coefficient estimation error and the signal estimation error in the transient phase as well as in steady state. We establish the convergence of the second-order statistics as the number of iterations increases, and we derive the exact asymptotic expressions for the mean square errors. In particular, the result for the excess signal estimation error gives conditions under which the LMS algorithm outperforms the Wiener filter with the same number of taps. We also analyze a new measure of transient speed. We do not assume a linear regression model: the desired signal and the data process are allowed to be nonlinearly related. The data is assumed to be an instantaneous transformation of a stationary Markov process satisfying certain ergodic conditions.
CT FLUOROSCOPY FOR THORACIC INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES

In the past several years, CT fluoroscopy has proved a valuable new technique in guiding the performance of intrathoracic procedures. Several approaches to using CT fluoroscopy are discussed. We have found an interrupted, real-time technique optimal to facilitate biopsy of percutaneous lung nodules, particularly small lesions. The technique is also valuable in assisting thoracic drainage procedures. This article also discusses the use of CT fluoroscopy to guide transbronchial needle aspiration, which is another potentially important application.
Hemispheric Asymmetries Attention to Visual and Auditory Primitives

A computational theory of hemispheric asymmetries in perception (double filtering by frequency) is described. Its central tenet is that the cerebral hemispheres first perform symmetric filtering of visual and auditory information. Functional hemispheric asymmetry arises from a second filtering stage (containing filters skewed in different directions in the two hemispheres). The first stage selects a range of task-relevant spatial or auditory frequencies from the absolute values. This range is passed to the asymmetric filters. In this way, the hemispheric difference becomes one of relative rather than absolute information. Behavioral deficits due to unilateral lesions in neurological patients and neuroimaging and electrophysiological measures in normal subjects implicate posterior cortex in these hemispheric differences.
Males achieve greater reproductive success through multiple broods than through extrapair mating in house wrens

In polygynous species, it is unclear whether extrapair matings provide a better reproductive payoff to males than additional social mates. Male house wrens, Troglodytes aedon, show three types of social mating behaviour: single-brooded monogamy, sequential monogamy (two broods) and polygyny. Thus, male reproductive success can vary depending on the number of mates, the number of broods and the number of extrapair fertilizations. We used microsatellite markers to determine the realized reproductive success (total number of young sired from both within-pair and extrapair fertilizations) of males in these three categories. We found that polygynous males were more likely to be cuckolded than monogamous males; however, half of the polygynous males had a third brood, which resulted in similar reproductive success for sequentially monogamous and polygynous males. Despite the paternity gained from extrapair fertilizations by single-brooded males, males were more successful when they produced multiple broods during a season, either sequentially (monogamy) or simultaneously (polygyny). In our population, multibrooded males were more likely to have prior breeding experience and arrived earlier in the season, which provided a better opportunity to obtain more than one brood and, thus, produce more young.
Concrete Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Use in Concrete Pavement

This study evaluated the feasibility of using concrete containing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in concrete pavement application. Concrete containing 0%, 25%, and 50% RCA was produced in the laboratory and properties vital to the performance of concrete pavement were evaluated. Results from the laboratory testing program indicate that the compressive strength and elastic modulus are reduced slightly as the percentage of RCA increases. The flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion are about the same for concrete containing virgin aggregate and RCA. The free shrinkage increases slightly as the percentage of RCA increases. With the measured properties, a finite element analysis was performed to determine how the concretes containing the different amounts of RCA would perform if they were used in a typical concrete pavement in Florida. Analysis from the finite element model determined the maximum stresses under critical temperature and load conditions. Potential p...
Integration of mental health resources in a primary care setting leads to increased provider satisfaction and patient access

Abstract Objective This evaluation assessed the opinions and experiences of primary care providers and their support staff before and after implementation of expanded on-site mental health services and related system changes in a primary care clinic. Method Individual semistructured interviews, which contained a combination of open-ended questions and rating scales, were used to elicit opinions about mental health services before on-site system and resource changes occurred and repeated following changes that were intended to improve access to on-site mental health care. Results In the first set of interviews, prior to expanding mental health services, primary care providers and support staff were generally dissatisfied with the availability and scheduling of on-site mental health care. Patients were often referred outside the primary care clinic for mental health treatment, to the detriment of communication and coordinated care. Follow-up interviews conducted after expansion of mental health services, scheduling refinements and other system changes revealed improved provider satisfaction in treatment access and coordination of care. Providers appreciated immediate and on-site social worker availability to triage mental health needs and help access care, and on-site treatment was viewed as important for remaining informed about patient care the primary care providers are not delivering directly. Conclusions Expanding integrated mental health services resulted in increased staff and provider satisfaction. Our evaluation identified key components of satisfaction, including on-site collaboration and assistance triaging patient needs. The sustainability of integrated models of care requires additional study.
New advances in three dimensional transient electromagnetic inversion

Inversion of transient electromagnetic (TEM) data sets to image the subsurface three-dimensional (3-D) electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability properties can be done directly in the time domain. The technique, first introduced by Wang et al. (1994) for causal and diffusive electromagnetic fields and subsequently implemented by Zhdanov and Portniaguine (1997) in the framework of iterative migration, is based upon imaging methods originally developed for seismic wavefields (Claerbout, 1971; Tarantola, 1984). In this paper we advance the original derivations of Wang et al. (1994) and Zhdanov and Portniaguine (1997) to treat non-causal TEM fields, as well as correct a flaw in the theory for treatment of magnetic field data. Our 3D imaging scheme is based on a conjugate-gradient search for the minimum of an error functional involving EM measurements governed by Maxwell's equations without displacement currents. Treatment for magnetic field, voltage (time derivative of the magnetic field) and electric field data are given. The functional can be computed by propagating the data errors back into the model in reverse time along with a DC field, sourced by the integrated data errors over the measurement time range. By correlating these fields, including the time-integrated back-propagated fields, with the corresponding incident field and its initial value at each image point, efficient computational forms for the gradients are developed. The forms of the gradients allow for additional efficiencies when voltage and electric field data are inverted. In such instances the combined data errors can be back-propagated jointly, significantly reducing the computation time required to solve the inverse problem. The inversion algorithm is applied to the long offset transient electromagnetic measurement (LOTEM) configuration thereby demonstrating its capability in inverting non-causal field measurements of electric field and voltage, sourced by a grounded wire, over complex structures. Findings also show that migration, without iteration or preconditioning, is not an effective imaging strategy; reconstructions at the first inversion iteration bear little resemblance to simple or complex test models.
Efficacy and safety of a unique enteric-coated bicarbonate-buffered pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in children and adults with cystic fibrosis

Background: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis. Results/Methods: Efficacy and safety of a unique enteric-coated (EC) bicarbonate-buffered PERT product (PERTZYE®/PANCRECARB®; Digestive Care, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, USA) was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design. Subjects were stabilized on EC-bicarbonate-buffered PERT and a high-fat diet. During two treatment periods, subjects were randomized to EC-bicarbonate-buffered PERT or placebo, followed by a 72-h stool collection employing an ingested stool dye marker. Mean coefficient of fat absorption with EC-bicarbonate-buffered PERT was 82.5% compared with 46.3% with the placebo (absolute difference 36.2%; p < 0.001), a 78.2% improvement for active over placebo. Similar improvements in nitrogen absorption were observed. Overall stool frequency and stool weight decreased (p < 0.001). No safety concerns were identified. Summary: EC-bicarbonate-buffer...
Comparison of Apprehension about Communication in China and the United States

A translated version of the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension was administered to 688 students at four Chinese colleges and universities. The data were compared with American norms established by McCroskey in 1982 and with the responses of 177 students at a large state university in Florida. The Chinese sample reported a significantly higher mean score on apprehension about communication than the Americans. The findings were discussed with reference to cultural differences.
Characterization of Replication-Competent Hepatitis A Virus Constructs Containing Insertions at the N Terminus of the Polyprotein

To determine whether hepatitis A virus (HAV) could tolerate the insertion of exogenous sequences, we constructed full-length HAV cDNAs containing in-frame insertions at the N terminus of the polyprotein and transfected the derived T7 RNA polymerase in vitro transcripts into FRhK-4 cells. Replication of HAVvec1, a construct containing an insertion of 60 nucleotides coding for a polylinker, a 2B/2C cleavage site for HAV protease 3Cpro, and two initiation codons that restored the sequence of the N terminus of the polyprotein, was detected 2 weeks after transfection by indirect immunofluorescence analysis using anti-HAV monoclonal antibodies. Western blot analysis of HAVvec1-infected cells using anti-VP2 and anti-VP4 antibodies failed to detect the expression of the inserted sequences. Insertion of a 24-mer oligonucleotide coding for a FLAG epitope into HAVvec1 resulted in its HAV-mediated expression which was retained upon deletion of a Gln residue from the inserted 2B/2C cleavage site. Western blot analysis using anti-FLAG and anti-VP2 antibodies showed that the FLAG epitope accumulated in infected cells fused to VP0. Replacement of the FLAG epitope with an epitope of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium falciparum resulted in its stable HAV-mediated expression for at least six serial passages in FRhK-4 cells. Sedimentation analysis in sucrose density gradients showed that the CSP epitope accumulated in infected cells fused to VP0, forming 80S empty capsids which also contained native VP0. Our data suggest that the HAV internal ribosome entry site can efficiently direct dual initiation of translation of the polyprotein from AUG codons separated by 66 to 78 nucleotides and show that HAV can tolerate insertions at the N terminus of the polyprotein.
Comparative investigations of equatorial electrodynamics and low-to-mid latitude coupling of the thermosphere-ionosphere system

Abstract. The thermospheric midnight temperature maximum (MTM) is a highly variable, but persistent, large scale neutral temperature enhancement which occurs at low latitudes. Its occurrence can impact many fundamental upper atmospheric parameters such as pressure, density, neutral winds, neutral density, and F-region plasma. Although the MTM has been the focus of several investigations employing various instrumentation including photometers, satellites, and Fabry-Perot interferometers, limited knowledge exists regarding the latitude extent of its influence on the upper atmosphere. This is largely due to observational limitations which confined the collective geographic range to latitudes within ±23°. This paper investigates the MTM's latitudinal extent through all-sky imaging observations of its 6300A airglow signature referred to by Colerico et al. (1996) as the midnight brightness wave (MBW). The combined field of view of three Southern Hemisphere imaging systems located at Arequipa, Peru, and Tucuman and El Leoncito, Argentina, for the first time extends the contiguous latitudinal range of imager observations to 8° S-39° S in the American sector. Our results highlight the propagation of MBW events through the combined fields of view past 39° S latitude, providing the first evidence that the MTM's effect on the upper atmosphere extends into mid-latitudes. The observations presented here are compared with modeled 6300A emissions calculated using the NCAR thermosphere-ionosphere-electrodynamic general circulation model (TIEGCM) in conjunction with an airglow code. We report that at this time TIEGCM is unable to simulate an MBW event due to the model's inability to reproduce an MTM of the same magnitude and occurrence time as those observed via FPI measurements made from Arequipa. This work also investigates the origins of an additional low latitude airglow feature referred to by Colerico et al. (1996) as the pre-midnight brightness wave (PMBW) and described as an enhancement in 6300A emission which occurs typically between 20:00-22:00 LT and exhibits equatorward propagation. We present the first successful simulation of a PMBW event using the TIEGCM and the airglow code. We find that the PMBW's origin is electro-dynamical in nature, resulting from the expected evening decay of the inter-tropical arcs.
Supermassive Black Holes and Galaxy Morphology

This review addresses one of the important topics of current astrophysical research, namely the role that supermassive black holes play in shaping the morphology of their host galaxies. There is increasing evidence for the presence of massive black holes at the centers of all galaxies and many efforts are directed at understanding the processes that lead to their formation, the duty cycle for the active phase and the question of the fueling mechanism. Related issues are the epoch of formation of the supermassive black holes, their time evolution and growth and the role they play in the early ionization of the Universe. Considerable observational and theoretical work has been carried out in this field over the last few years and I will review some of the recent key areas of progress.
Spinopelvic pathways to bipedality: why no hominids ever relied on a bent-hip–bent-knee gait

Until recently, the last common ancestor of African apes and humans was presumed to resemble living chimpanzees and bonobos. This was frequently extended to their locomotor pattern leading to the presumption that knuckle-walking was a likely ancestral pattern, requiring bipedality to have emerged as a modification of their bent-hip-bent-knee gait used during erect walking. Research on the development and anatomy of the vertebral column, coupled with new revelations from the fossil record (in particular, Ardipithecus ramidus), now demonstrate that these presumptions have been in error. Reassessment of the potential pathway to early hominid bipedality now reveals an entirely novel sequence of likely morphological events leading to the emergence of upright walking.
Cystic Nephroma of the Kidney

A 65-year-old female presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath. Chest computerized tomography revealed a pulmonary embolus as well as, a large, complex cystic lesion of the left kidney. Followup imaging confirmed a 16 cm Bosniak III cystic lesion. After reviewing management options, the patient elected laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Gross examination revealed a 13 cm complex, multiloculated cystic lesion. Microscopic examination showed a well circumscribed lesion composed of cysts of variable size. The cysts were separated by septae with variegated appearance containing fibrous areas, calcified material, ovarian like stroma and histiocytes (fig. 1). Immunostain for estrogen receptor (ER) was diffusely and strongly positive in the areas of ovarian like stroma (fig. 2). No solid areas or clusters of clear cells in the septae were seen. The final diagnosis was cystic nephroma (CN). The World Health Organization defines cystic nephroma as a benign cystic neoplasm of the kidney with cysts lined by a single layer of flattened, low cuboidal or hobnail epithelium and separated by fibrous septa with scant cellularity or cells
Will Oral Contraceptives Join SSRIs as a First-Line Treatment Option for Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?:

10.2217/17455057.2.2.183 © 2 ‘It is assumed that ovulationrelated mechanisms trigger premenstrual symptoms in women with a vulnerability to CNS dysregulation. Several studies have identified abnormal serotonergic parameters during the entire menstrual cycle and the luteal phase in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.‘ s p t t h t D h a r T t s c Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a combination of emotional, behavioral and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, abate shortly after the onset of menses, and cause impairment in social and role functioning [1]. The hallmark emotional symptoms of PMDD include irritability, anxiety or tension, mood swings and depressed mood. PMDD occurs in approximately 5% of menstruating women and is considered the severe end of the spectrum of clinically significant premenstrual symptoms. Reduced quality of life (QoL), increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity at work have been documented in women with PMDD [2,3]. Recent reviews and expert guidelines summarize the diagnostic criteria, recommended forms for the prospective daily charting of symptoms and the importance of identifying a premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying mood or medical illness prior to the initiation of treatment [4–7]. The etiology of PMDD is likely to be multifactorial, and many possible etiological factors have been reviewed [8]. It is assumed that ovulation-related mechanisms trigger premenstrual symptoms in women with a vulnerability to CNS dysregulation [9]. Several studies have identified abnormal serotonergic parameters during the entire menstrual cycle and the luteal phase in women with PMDD [8]. Studies also suggest an abnormal response to allopregnanolone and other γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic agonists during the luteal phase of the cycle [10]. The
Comparison of regression and geostatistical methods for mapping Leaf Area Index (LAI) with Landsat ETM+ data over a boreal forest.

This study compared aspatial and spatial methods of using remote sensing and field data to predict maximum growing season leaf area index (LAI) maps in a boreal forest in Manitoba, Canada. The methods tested were orthogonal regression analysis (reduced major axis, RMA) and two geostatistical techniques: kriging with an external drift (KED) and sequential Gaussian conditional simulation (SGCS). Deterministic methods such as RMA and KED provide a single predicted map with either aspatial (e.g., standard error, in regression techniques) or limited spatial (e.g., KED variance) assessments of errors, respectively. In contrast, SGCS takes a probabilistic approach, where simulated values are conditional on the sample values and preserve the sample statistics. In this application, canonical indices were used to maximize the ability of Landsat ETM+ spectral data to account for LAI variability measured in the field through a spatially nested sampling design. As expected based on theory, SGCS did the best job preserving the distribution of measured LAI values. In terms of spatial pattern, SGCS preserved the anisotropy observed in semivariograms of measured LAI, while KED reduced anisotropy and lowered global variance (i.e., lower sill), also consistent with theory. The conditional variance of multiple SGCS realizations provided a useful visual and quantitative measure of spatial uncertainty. For applications requiring spatial prediction methods, we concluded KED is more useful if local accuracy is important, but SGCS is better for indicating global pattern. Predicting LAI from satellite data using geostatistical methods requires a distribution and density of primary, reference LAI measurements that are impractical to obtain. For regional NPP modeling with coarse resolution inputs, the aspatial RMA regression method is the most practical option.
Suppletion: Some Theoretical Implications

Suppletion (wholly unpredictable alternations such as good∼better or go∼went) stands as the epitome of morphological irregularity. In the formal theoretical tradition, with a few exceptions, suppletion has long languished in obscurity, widely considered unlikely to be informative of deeper properties of grammar. This article reviews recent studies that find, as it were, order in chaos—robust patterns of regularity that emerge as significant, arguably universal generalizations in large, cross-linguistic samples. These patterns are indicative of the nature of abstract grammatical representation and, in particular, of constraints that regulate the interaction among the atomic elements that build these representations. Far from sitting in an obscure corner of the grammar and representing nothing more than the detritus of history, suppletive alternations may yet shed light on the nature of the mental representations that constitute grammars, thus providing indirect evidence for aspects of Universal Grammar in ...
Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Social Class in Research Reports on Stigma in HIV-Positive Women

The layering of HIV-related stigma with stigmas associated with gender, race, and class poses a methodological challenge to those seeking to understand and, thereby, to minimize its negative effects. In this meta-study of 32 reports of studies of stigma conducted with HIV-positive women, we found that gender was hardly addressed despite the all-female composition of samples. Neither sexual orientation nor social class received much notice. Race was the dominant category addressed, most notably in reports featuring women in only one race/ethnic group. The relative absence of attention to these categories as cultural performances suggests the recurring assumption that sample inclusiveness automatically implies the inclusion of gender, race, and class, which is itself a cultural performance.
Rural America in an Urban Society: Changing Spatial and Social Boundaries

This review outlines several key aspects of the new rural-urban interface and the growing interpenetration of American rural and urban life. The historical coincidence of spatial and social boundaries in America is changing rapidly. This review highlights (a) the enormous scale of rural-urban interdependence and boundary crossing, shifting, and blurring—along many dimensions of community life—over the past several decades, and (b) the symmetrical rather than asymmetrical influences between urban and rural areas, i.e., on bidirectional relational aspects of spatial categories. These general points are illustrated by identifying 10 common conceptions of rural America that reflect both its social and economic diversity and its changing spatial and social boundaries. Here we emphasize symbolic and social boundaries—the distinctions between urban and rural communities and people and the processes by which boundaries are engaged. Placing behaviors or organizational forms along a rural-urban continuum (or within...
Vitamin D dependence of in vivo calcium transport and mucosal calcium binding protein in rat large intestine.

Dependence of large intestinal calcium transport on vitamin D has been examined in vitro in colon only. The authors studied calcium fluxes in cecum and colon in vivo by perfusion with 1.6 mM calcium chloride in saline. Tracer 45Ca either was injected parenterally 24 hr before study or was added to the perfusates. For 8–10 wk after weaning, rats had been fed a rachitogenic diet; 48 and 24 hr before study, 50% of the animals were treated with 20,000 IU vitamin D2. In a separate set of animals, mucosal calcium binding protein was analyzed by the Chelex assay method. In comparison with vitamin D-deficient rats, the colon of vitamin D-treated rats showed higher lumen-to-plasma flux and lower plasma-to-lumen flux and net absorption instead of net secretion. In cecum, calcium transport was not significantly altered by vitamin D treatment. Mucosal calcium binding protein was higher in cecum than in colon in both groups and was higher in vitamin D-treated than in vitamin D-deficient animals in both segments. The current study shows that in the rat colon calcium fluxes both into and out of the lumen as well as net transport are significantly altered by vitamin D treatment, but that cecal transport rates are not affected. In both cecum and colon, mucosal calcium binding protein increases with vitamin D treatment.