cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HEMOPHILIA: A New Approach to an Old Disease

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder resulting from a congenital deficiency in either factor VIII or factor IX. Since Judah the Patriarch's first allusion to the disease in the Talmud in the 2nd century ad, 117,128 the history of hemophilia has been an 1800-year trek through the triumphs and tragedies of transfusion therapy toward the anticipatory dawn of gene transplantation. As the 21st century approaches, recent major advances in diagnostic techniques and replacement-factor therapy are already in widespread use; yet, at a time when the cure of hemophilia is rapidly becoming more probable than possible, we still grapple with issues of optimal and cost-effective care of both the disease and its complications. This article discusses the past, present, and future of the diagnosis and therapy. Therapeutic dilemmas and strategies most pertinent to the treatment of hemophilia in 1998 are explored also.
Changing Paradigms in the Treatment of Malignant Pheochromocytoma

BackgroundPheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are intra- and extra-adrenal neoplasms that are rarely malignant. The treatment of those that are malignant has remained a challenge because little wa...
Molecular biology of zinc

The ubiquitous distribution of zinc (Zn) in microbial, plant and animal cells suggests a wide range of potential functions for this transition element. The physiological role of Zn has centered on its interaction with enzymes. For example, the cessation of growth associated with nutritional Zn deficiency involves a reduction in DNA polymerase activity and concomitant reduction in DNA synthesis. Similarly, RNA polymerases I, II, and III are all Zn metalloenzymes and in appropriate model systems a reduction in the synthesis r-RNA, mRNA and t-RNA, respectively, is observed with cellular Zn depletion. The effect of Zn at the genetic level is most dramatically shown through induction of metallothionein synthesis. This protein influences the kinetics of Zn uptake by cells. It has been clearly demonstrated that metallothionein synthesis is under transcriptional control. Zinc and glucocorticoids, as well as glucagon and epinephrine (via elevation of cellular cAMP levels) all induce transcription of the metallothionein gene. Recently it has been shown that a 12 by fragment of the metallothionein gene promoter sequence regulates expression of heterologous genes in vivo, which demonstrates that Zn can have a direct effect on expression of specific genes. These results illustrate the potential of this relatively nontoxic metal in biotechnology applications where Zn responsive fusion genes could be utilized.
Family Medicine Hospitalists Three Years Out of Residency: Career Flexibility or a Threat to Office-Based Family Medicine?

The 2015 and 2016 Association of American Medicinal Colleges (AAMC) Medical School Graduation Questionnaire all Schools Summary Report indicated that 18.4 and 18.9% of graduates, respectively, were interested in hospitalist medicine.[1][1],[2][2] A report released in June 2016 by the AAMC analyzing
Bicomponent Fiber Extraction Process for Textile Applications

Tailoring surface properties is important for military applications such as uniforms, shelters, and personal protective equipment. Unique superomniphobic structures for self-cleaning textiles can b...
El desarrollo de la competencia pragmática en estudiantes de español nivel principiante: un estudio sobre las peticiones

The study of pragmatics attempts to determine what is considered socially appropriate given the context in question. Many studies now suggest that pragmatic errors are perceived as more severe than other types of errors, such as grammatical or vocabulary errors. Additionally, pragmatic competence is key in students communicating effectively in the foreign language. As such, it is more important than ever that foreign language teachers include pragmatic lessons in their classes, especially considering that communicative language textbooks lack pragmatic descriptions. To this end, the present study sought to incorporate pragmatic lessons regarding requested strategies in a first year, second semester L2 Spanish class in the United States. Control and experimental groups were established, and the three requested strategy lessons were only included in the experimental group. Prior to the first lesson, students took two pre-tests (written and an oral), then after the lessons, the tests were taken again (post-tests). It was found that the experimental group experienced greater increases in pragmatic competence (regarding requests); however, the increase was not found to be of statistical significance. The professor of the course was satisfied with the increase and plans to continue implementing pragmatic lessons in future semesters.
Primary Cutaneous CD8-Positive Aggressive Epidermotropic Cytotoxic T-Cell Lymphoma

Primary cutaneous CD8-positive aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma is a rare skin lymphoma with poor prognosis. The clinical presentation is variable but is often associated with the development of ulcerated lesions and fast progression. The atypical lymphoid infiltrate generally shows prominent epidermotropism as well as infiltration of hair follicles (folliculotropism). Comprehensive immunophenotyping can be helpful, since the infiltrate is typically composed of immature CD8-positive alpha-beta T cells (CD2−, CD7+, CD45RA+, CD45RO−).
Bayesian Sequential Design of Experiments for Extraction of Single-Crystal Material Properties from Spherical Indentation Measurements on Polycrystalline Samples

This paper explores a formal strategy for the extraction of single-crystal elastic constants of cubic polycrystalline metals based on the optimal design of spherical indentation experiments. Recent work has formulated the extraction of elastic constants using a two-step protocol. The first step established a surrogate model to capture the dependence of the indentation elastic modulus on the grain (i.e., crystal lattice) orientation and values of single-crystal elastic constants. The second step involved the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo to establish distributions on the elastic constants consistent with experimentally measured indentation moduli in grains of different orientations. The present study refines the second step in order to sequentially identify specific grains that should be indented to provide the most utility in improving the estimated distributions on the elastic constants. The proposed workflow is demonstrated for the extraction of elastic constants for an as-cast cubic polycrystalline Fe-3%-Si sample.
Group differences in normal neuropsychological test performance for older non-Hispanic White and Black/African American adults.

OBJECTIVE Although researchers have documented the influence of cultural factors on neuropsychological test performance, few studies have examined the distribution of test scores among neurologically healthy older adults from different ethnic groups. The objective of this study was to determine whether there are group differences in neuropsychological test score distributions with ethnicity-specific norms for non-Hispanic White and Black/African American older adults. METHOD Participants from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center were selected if they were not diagnosed with dementia within 5 years (Mage = 75.26, SDage = 6.98; Meducation = 15.70, SDeducation = 2.91). Groups were formed based on self-identified ethnicity of White (n = 5,311) or Black/African American (n = 1,098). All participants completed neuropsychological testing, including the Mini Mental State Exam, Logical Memory Immediate and Delayed, Digit Span Forward and Backward, Trail Making Test A & B, Animal Naming, Vegetable Naming, Digit Symbol, and Boston Naming Test. RESULTS Based on combined ethnicity norms, the scores of Black participants were overrepresented in the below-average and low-average clinical ranges, and the scores of White participants were overrepresented in the high-average and superior clinical ranges for all 11 neuropsychological measures. When group specific norms were used, the unbalanced pattern of score categorization was no longer present for any of the neuropsychological measures. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the importance of developing and using ethnically and culturally appropriate neuropsychological test norms as well as the risk of interpreting some Black individual's scores as below average when they likely are not. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
GeoBioMed sheds new light on human kidney stone crystallization and dissolution

GeoBioMed, a new multidisciplinary approach, combines geology, biology, urology and microscopy to discover unorthodox treatments. Results indicate that calcium oxalate kidney stones undergo previously unforeseen cycles of repeated crystallization, dissolution, fracturing and faulting. GeoBioMed challenges clinical paradigms for in vivo stone formation and treatment as well as biomineralization in natural and engineered environments.
I’m Not Playing Anymore! A Study Comparing Perceptions of Robot and Human Cheating Behavior

Cheating is a universally salient and disliked behavior. Previous research has shown that a cheating robot dramatically increases perception of its perceived agency. However, this original research did not directly compare human cheating to robot cheating. We examined whether the human and the robot were evaluated differently in terms of reactionary behaviors as well as attribution of mental states and perception of competence, warmth, agency, and capabilities to experience. This study was able to partially recreate the previous study findings [10] showing that participants were highly socially engaged with the cheating robot and showing hostile reactions to the cheating action of the robot. In contrast, these reactions were not observed for the human condition. Additionally, play interactions with the robot were rated as more discomforting compared to the experience with the human player. Finally, it was found that the robot was perceived as less warm, competent, agentic, and able to experience than the human. This result could be attributed primarily due to the inherent human-like difference in agents. Several implications of this study are discussed with respect to the design of robot behavior and human social norms.
Trabajadora de Salud, a care transitions intervention, for Latinas/os with brain injuries: Three case examples

ABSTRACTWith implementation of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, which lowers payments to hospitals with high 30-day readmission rates, hospitals have a f...
Attributes of Effective Clinical Teachers in Dental Hygiene Education

Many health professions have identified characteristics of an effective clinical instructor and used this information to create tools to measure clinical teaching effectiveness (CTE) in their disciplines. However, minimal research has been conducted to explore the attributes of an effective clinical instructor in dental hygiene education. The aim of this study was to identify the attributes of dental hygiene clinical instructors associated with effective teaching. This study used a Delphi research design to iteratively survey an expert panel of 14 dental hygiene instructors in dental hygiene programs from 13 U.S. states in 2019. A cumulative overall response rate of 89.3% was achieved after conducting three survey rounds. The results showed statistically significant consensus on 91 CTE characteristics. Participants agreed that effective clinical instructors should possess the ability to clearly communicate, foster interpersonal relationships, encourage a climate of mutual respect, and act as good role models who are emotionally intelligent, caring, trustworthy, fair, honest, and supportive. There was also agreement that effective clinical instructors were those who created a safe learning environment centered on collaboration, motivation, guidance, and positive corrective feedback. These results were similar to those identified in other health professions. However, there is a need for dental hygiene education to develop its own CTE assessment tool for use in professional development.
Linked Sources of Neural Noise Contribute to Age-related Cognitive Decline.

Healthy aging is associated with a multitude of structural changes in the brain. These physical age-related changes are accompanied by increased variability in neural activity of all kinds, and thi...
When a volar locking plate is not the right choice in fractures of the distal radius: Case based technical considerations

A volar approach is commonly used for fixation of distal radius fractures with a volar locking plate. There are certain fracture patterns for which volar locked plating is not suitable. This case based review outlines such case examples.
Predicting gene expression from DNA sequence using residual neural network

It is known that cis-acting DNA motifs play an important role in regulating gene expression. The genome in a cell thus contains the information that not only encodes for the synthesis of proteins but also is necessary for regulating expression of genes. Therefore, the mRNA level of a gene may be predictable from the DNA sequence. Indeed, three deep neural network models were developed recently to predict the mRNA level of a gene directly or indirectly from the DNA sequence around the transcription start side of the gene. In this work, we develop a deep residual network model, named ExpResNet, to predict gene expression directly from DNA sequence. Applying ExpResNet to the GTEx data, we demonstrate that ExpResNet outperforms the three existing models across four tissues tested. Our model may be useful in the investigation of gene regulation.
An ice-binding protein from an Arctic population of American dunegrass, Leymus mollis.

Several cold-hardy grasses have been shown to have ice-binding proteins (IBPs) that protect against freeze-thaw injury. Here, we looked for IBP activity in an Alaskan coastal grass, Leymus mollis (Pooidae), that had not previously been examined. Rhizome tissue had strong ice-structuring and ice recrystallization inhibiting (IRI) activities, indicating the probable presence of IBPs. The gene sequence of an IBP was obtained. The sequence encoded a 118-amino acid IRI domain composed of eight repeats and that was 80% identical to the IRI domain of the IBP of perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne. The predicted 3D structure of the IRI domain had eight beta-roll coils like those in L. perenne IBP.
High-Throughput Approaches to Establish Quantitative Process–Structure–Property Correlations in Ni-Base Superalloy

A high-throughput approach for collecting microstructure and mechanical properties were developed to model the process–structure–property (PSP) correlations in polycrystalline Ni-based superalloy ME3. The semi-automated image processing algorithm captured the area fraction and size distribution of secondary and tertiary γ′ particles from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of polished samples. The yield strength and elastic modulus were calculated with an automated algorithm using load-time-displacement data generated by microindentation. Thirty heat treatments were conducted to create various γ′ distributions which are the primary strengthening mechanism of Ni-based superalloys. The PSP correlations among the predictor and response variables were evaluated with regression models and validated with adj-R2 and residual standard error statistics. The PSP statistical models built by using high-throughput protocols align with the previous statistical and theoretical models.
The Effect of Misaligned Passive Component on Fatigue Life of Solder Joints and Solder Shape

In the surface mount technology (SMT), the pick and place process of the passive components such as capacitors and resistors may induce systematic misplacement because of the various environmental factors in the manufacturing. Particularly, in the reflowing process, it encompasses skewing, overhanging, or tilting by the driven force from the self-alignment of the molten solder. The solder joint shape variations with the passive component misplacement could severely affect to determine the fatigue life of the solder joint. In this research, surface evolver software was used to create a 3D model based on energy minimization and we used it to determine the solder shape. A finite element method was used to predict the fatigue life of solder joints using an energy-based method under thermal cycling in ANSYS while the passive component is misaligned. Through varying passive component offset and solder paste volume, the fatigue life could be predicted. The solder joint fatigue life result of misaligned passive components could provide the guideline for choosing solder paste volume and placement offset of passive component as well as determining reflow solder joint defects.
Epigenome-wide association study for glyphosate induced transgenerational sperm DNA methylation and histone retention epigenetic biomarkers for disease

The herbicide glyphosate has been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of pathology and disease in subsequent great-grand offspring (F3 generation). This generational toxicology suggests the impacts of environmental exposures need to assess subsequent generations. The current study was designed to identify epigenetic biomarkers for glyphosate-induced transgenerational diseases using an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS). Following transient glyphosate exposure of gestating female rats (F0 generation), during the developmental period of gonadal sex determination, the subsequent transgenerational F3 generation, with no direct exposure, were aged to 1 year and animals with specific pathologies identified. The pathologies investigated included prostate disease, kidney disease, obesity, and presence of multiple disease. The sperm were collected from the glyphosate lineage males with only an individual disease and used to identify specific differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) and the differential histone retention sites (DHRs) associated with that pathology. Unique signatures of DMRs and DHRs for each pathology were identified for the specific diseases. Interestingly, at a lower statistical threshold overlapping sets of DMRs and DHRs were identified that were common for all the pathologies. This is one of the first observations that sperm histone retention can potentially act as a biomarker for specific diseases. The DMR and DHR associated genes were identified and correlated with known pathology specific-associated genes. Observations indicate transgenerational epigenetic biomarkers of disease pathology can be identified in the sperm that appear to assess disease susceptibility. These biomarkers suggest epigenetic diagnostics could potentially be used to facilitate preventative medicine.
Robotic Radical Trachelectomy with an Abdominally Placed Vaginal Cerclage

Study Objective To demonstrate a robotic radical trachelectomy where-in a vaginal purse-string suture was placed abdominally in order to contain the cervical tumor. Design A case report. Setting A tertiary referral center. Patients or Participants A 32-year-old gravida 0 presented with stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Pelvic MRI demonstrated a tumor the size of 1.5cm where the upper margin of the lesion was >2 cm from the uterine isthmus. PET/CT was without evidence of metastatic disease. Interventions The patient desired future fertility and opted for a robotic radical trachelectomy. The patient was placed in dorsal lithotomy position. No intrauterine manipulator was placed. ICG dye was injected onto cervix for delineation of pelvic sentinel lymph nodes. Bilateral pararectal, paravesical, and obturator spaces were developed after which bilateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes were removed with negative frozen results. The uterine arteries were skeletonized and separated from their ureteral attachments. The rectovaginal and vesicovaginal spaces were developed. The bilateral paracervix were transected off. 2-0 prolene suture was utilized to place a purse-string suture onto upper vagina. The colpotomy was then performed circumferentially and cervix was amputated about 1 cm below the uterine isthmus. Trachelectomy specimen margins were negative. The upper vagina was then reconstructed to the lower uterine segment. A pediatric foley was placed into the lower uterine segment to minimize the risk of cervical stenosis. Measurements and Main Results Robotic radical trachelectomy was performed without any complications, where-in a uterine manipulator was avoided and a purse-string suture was placed onto upper vagina to minimize tumor manipulation and prevent spillage into peritoneal cavity, respectively. Conclusion We believe that if MIS surgeons adhere to basic oncologic surgical principles, we will be able to provide our patients with proven MIS benefits without compromising oncological safety.
Between-Groups Design

When psychologists compare groups with different people in each condition, they are making use of a between-groups design. Keywords: research; methodology
Practitioners Beware: Under Amended Trap 47, 'Unpublished' Memorandum Opinions in Civil Case are Binding and Research on Westlaw and Lexis is a Necessity

This Article examines the history and current status of unpublished and memorandum intermediate appellate court opinions in Texas civil cases. Specifically, it critiques the 2003 and 2008 amendments to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure (TRAP) 47, the rule that governs the issuance, citation, and precedential value of unpublished and memorandum opinions. The 2008 amendment made memorandum opinions issued in civil cases since 2003 fully precedential. As a result, to competently research binding law in civil cases, Texas attorneys must now have access to Westlaw or Lexis because the court websites lack sophisticated search engines necessary to conduct competent legal research. This monumental shift in Texas law occurred without proper study into its effects upon Texas lawyers and in era where only 60% of attorneys use fee-based online research services (i.e., Westlaw or Lexis) for state case law research.
Multigrid Computation of Practical Fluid Flows and Heat Transfer

The use of multigrid strategies can significantly accelerate the convergence of many calculations of practical engineering flows involving heat transfer, turbulence, and chemical reaction. This lecture describes the author’s recent research in this area.
Collaborative Knowledge Creation and Problem Solving: A Systems Design Perspective

The current paper builds on the assumptions that creativity occurs in a social context that fosters collaborative behavior and that group creativity support mechanisms are essential for building a collaborative group environment. Applying a situationalist view of creativity we believe that group collaboration is an evolutionary process that encompasses ideation, integration, evaluation and selection. Individuals cooperate to share and integrate their ideas on a particular task, and compete to maximize their objectives. We hypothesize that, as with genetic algorithms, there should be a balance between competition and cooperation among members so that the fittest ideas survive and the inferior ones fade. We use a series of simulation studies and laboratory experiments to examine these factors and their joint effect on the quality of group collaboration processes. The paper is based on theories of group decision support systems and genetic algorithms, and incorporates previous studies on creative tasks.
READING THE RINSINGS OF THE CUP

Although a widely shared critical perception is that Herman Melville9s first two books, Typee (1846) and Omoo (1847), received comparable responses from reviewers in the late 1840s, the antebellum reception of the second novel was anything but a mirror of the response to the first. Not only did Omoo sell fewer copies and receive fifty fewer reviews than Typee, but reviewers also read Omoo through an altered set of interpretive assumptions that turned it, in their view, into a problematic and ultimately disappointing sequel. Part of this shift involved a marked increase in objections to Melville9s critique in Omoo of Christian missionaries. A major factor in this response was that reviewers, after having struggled with the question of Typee9s authenticity, were inclined to take Omoo as a prima facie work of fiction. Such an assumption meant that, in the logic of antebellum reading formations, Omoo9s credibility as social critique was suspect by virtue of its fictional status. This impugning of the novel9s authority, in turn, helped pave the way for reviewer responses that questioned the author9s own morality. Adding to the problem was the fact that several key reviewers found Omoo to be disappointing because it failed to mark an advance on Typee. Such turns in audience response were significant in repositioning Melville in the antebellum literary marketplace, not only in terms of the public perception of his writings but also in the way in which he conceived his relation to his audience with his next novel, Mardi (1849).
Actin filaments regulate epithelial Na+ channel activity.

The functional role of the cytoskeleton in the control of ion channel activity is unknown. In the present study, immunocolocalization of Na+ channels with specific antibodies and fluorescein isothi...
Hydrocarbon fueled UUV power systems

Two hydrocarbon fueled internal combustion unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV) power sources incorporating a high-speed turbo-alternator are described, and their performance variation with operating depth and total energy is discussed. Turbine performance data is also discussed. These systems require only the refilling of tanks without disassembly between runs. They have overall system specific energies 3 to 4 times that of silver-zinc batteries.
Auger electron spectroscopy of Si

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy studies of Si have been carried out on Si (111)2 × 1, Si(111) 7 × 7, Si (111)-Fe, Si (111)-Cu, Si (111)-Au, and SiC. Identification of the Auger transitions from clean Si surfaces is made, and it is found that some may involve multiple ionization. Chemical effects such as shifts in the energy of the main Si Auger peak have been observed due to oxidation or combination with carbon in SiC.
Collisionally activated dissociation of field desorbed protonated dinucleoside phosphates

The collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) of six protonated dinucleoside monophosphates produced by field desorption has been studied by linked scanning (B/E=constant). Complete spectra with detailed structure information have been obtained despite the small ion currents and other technical problems. It is possible to distinguish isomeric sequences in both ribo- and deoxyribo-nucleotides series.
Deterministic HOX Patterning in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neuroectoderm

Colinear HOX expression during hindbrain and spinal cord development diversifies and assigns regional neural phenotypes to discrete rhombomeric and vertebral domains. Despite the precision of HOX patterning in vivo, in vitro approaches for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to posterior neural fates coarsely pattern HOX expression thereby generating cultures broadly specified to hindbrain or spinal cord regions. Here, we demonstrate that successive activation of fibroblast growth factor, Wnt/β-catenin, and growth differentiation factor signaling during hPSC differentiation generates stable, homogenous SOX2+/Brachyury+ neuromesoderm that exhibits progressive, full colinear HOX activation over 7 days. Switching to retinoic acid treatment at any point during this process halts colinear HOX activation and transitions the neuromesoderm into SOX2+/PAX6+ neuroectoderm with predictable, discrete HOX gene/protein profiles that can be further differentiated into region-specific cells, e.g., motor neurons. This fully defined approach significantly expands capabilities to derive regional neural phenotypes from diverse hindbrain and spinal cord domains.
Metabehaviors As Discriminative Stimuli For Planned Cultural Evolution

The analysis of cultural designs is a prerequisite to successful planned cultural evolution. Essential to this complex goal is the identification of appropriate dependent measures of aggregate population behavior (metabehaviors). Rate of change trends among metabehavioral indicators are suggested as measures of a culture’ s behavioral viability. Criticisms and advantages of such data are identified and discussed. It is argued that such measures are requisite to the evaluation of cultural baseline states and the effects of various cultural changes which may occur fortuitously or through planned change. Recent metabehavioral trends appear to reflect a decline in the viability of the United States.
Lunar multispectral maps: Part II of the lunar nearside

Images of the lunar surface are being obtained at several wavelengths using a silicon vidicon imaging system and ground-based telescopes. These images are recorded and processed in digital form so that quantitative information is preserved; their photometric precision has been shown to be 1% or better. Ratio images, calculated by dividing those obtained at two wavelengths (0.40/0.56 and 0.95/0.56 micron), were presented in an earlier article, and more are presented here for a total coverage of about 60% of the lunar frontside. Spatial resolution is about 2 km at the subearth point. A complex of distinct units is evident in the images. Earlier work with the reflectance spectrum of lunar materials indicates that for the most part these units are compositionally distinct. These digital images are being used by lunar geologists to interpret the history of the lunar surface.
Comparison of two forms of vitamin C on galactose cataracts

Abstract A preliminary in vitro study demonstrated the significantly greater effectiveness of ascorbic acid in a citrus extract compared to ascorbic acid alone in diminishing the production of galacticol in rat lenses incubated in a high galactose media. Weanling rats were then given 10% galactose in their drinking water to induce cataracts. Ascorbic acid with or without citrus extract was also added to the drinking water of the experimental groups at 2 different concentrations. Ascorbic acid alone or in a citrus extract slowed the development, of cataracts in a dose-dependent fashion. The presence of citrus extract improved the efficacy of ascorbic acid especially at the lower dose. The greatest lens concentration of ascorbate was found in the groups given ascorbate and citrus extract. The combination of ascorbic acid and citrus extract are more effective than ascorbic acid alone as a supplement to increase lens ascorbate and slow down the progression of galactose cataracts.
S179D prolactin: Antagonistic agony!

The aims of this review are three-fold: first, to collate what is known about the production and activities of phosphorylated prolactin (PRL), the latter largely, but not exclusively, as illustrated through the use of the molecular mimic, S179D PRL; second, to apply this and related knowledge to produce an updated model of prolactin-receptor interactions that may apply to other members of this cytokine super-family; and third, to promote a shift in the current paradigm for the development of clinically important growth antagonists. This third aim explains the title since, based on results with S179D PRL, it is proposed that agents which signal to antagonistic ends may be better therapeutics than pure antagonists-hence antagonistic agony. Since S179D PRL is not a pure antagonist, we have proposed the term selective prolactin receptor modulator (SPeRM) for this and like molecules.
Multiparametric approach to diagnosis of non-Q-wave acute myocardial infarction

Abstract The present study investigated whether the lack of enzyme increase is reason enough to exclude necrosis in patients with ischemic heart disease who develop electrocardiographic sustained ST-T changes in the absence of Q waves. In 15 consecutive patients with angina who developed sustained ST-T changes during hospitalization, the presence of myocardial necrosis was investigated by a prospective multiparametric approach. Serum enzymes and myoglobin, pyrophosphate uptake, 2-dimensional echocardiography, perfusion scintigraphy, left ventriculography and coronary angiography were evaluated. According to creatine kinase and creatine kinase-MB peak at twice the upper normal value, the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction applied only to 40% of patients. However, myoglobin was positive in 80% and a perfusion defect could be documented by an electrocardiographic gated microsphere technique in 100% of patients. The positivity of myoglobin increased to 100% and of creatine kinase and creatine kinase-MB to 87 and 60%, respectively, when a peak value twice the individual lowest value was considered for positivity. The 100% presence of perfusion defects associated with the high prevalence of both positive pyrophosphate uptake (87%) and regional dyssynergies (87 and 73%, respectively, by left ventriculography and echocardiography) strongly suggest that sustained (≥7 days) ST-T changes in this population were indicative of myocardial necrosis. Thus, by conventional enzymatic approach, diagnosis of non-Q-wave infarction can be missed in a sizable number of patients and present important clinical implications.
L-Asparaginase bound to collagen membranes: Effect of glutaraldehyde crosslinking on stabilization of catalytic activity

Reconstituted bovine collagen has been used extensively in our laboratory as a carrier for immobilized E. coli L-asparaginase. The activity and catalytic stability of these collagen-asparaginase membranes can be altered substantially by conditions used in membrane crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. As the concentration of glutaraldehyde used in tanning is increased, the initial specific activity of collagen-asparaginase membranes decreased asymptotically to a limiting value. Similar results occurred when membranes were subjected to increasing time periods of tanning at a constant glutaraldehyde concentration. These observations point to a time-concentration relationship for glutaraldehyde tanning and its effect on the specific activity of collagen-asparaginase membranes. Specific activities of membranes tanned a glutaraldehyde concentrations of 5% or higher appear to be very stable over long periods of alternate storage and assay. This result, however, is not observed with membranes tanned at glutaraldehyde concentrations lower than 5% for short periods of time (approximately 30 sec to 1 min). It is not clear whether the instability of membranes tanned at lower concentrations of glutaraldehyde or shorter intervals of tanning is due to enzyme elution from the membrane or denaturation of the bound enzyme.
Integration of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale into routine neonatal nursing care.

The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) provides a means for systematic observation of newborns. In addition, the BNBAS can be used as a means of helping parents read the cues of their infants and of altering environmental condi-tons to benefit infants. The BNBAS is described, as are clinical uses of the instrument in clinical nursing practice. Preparation for using the BNBAS is also discussed.
A behavioral measure of the enthusiasm gap in American elections

What are the effects of a mobilized party base on elections? I present a new behavioral measure of the enthusiasm gap in a set of American elections to identify how the turnout rate of the party faithful varies across different contexts. I find that the advantaged party can see its registrants turn out by four percentage points more than the disadvantaged party in some elections, and that this effect can be even larger in competitive House districts. I estimate the net benefit to party vote share of the mobilized base, which is around one percentage point statewide, and up to one and one half points in competitive House contests. These results suggest that the partisan characteristics of an election have consequences not just for vote choice, but for the composition of the electorate.
Is it time to eliminate consultation codes?: an analysis of impact and rationale.

Background As issues of health care cost escalation and parity of payment between primary care and other physicians have become more important, one proposal has been to eliminate consultation codes. Little is known about the current payment accuracy or financial impact of such a change. Methods To assess the impact of consultation code elimination, 2 assessments were conducted. First, from June 1, 2008, to July 1, 2009, 500 consecutive referrals from primary care physicians to other specialists were reviewed and matched with claims for accuracy of coding and billing. Second, to evaluate the financial impact of this change, year 2007 data on outpatient consultations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were reviewed. Results Of the 500 claims reviewed, 466 were appropriate for analysis. Overall, the coding error rate was 32.4%. When the requesting physician ordered a consultation, the error rate was 5.5%; however, with lower paid referral requests, the error rate was 78.0%. Changing ambulatory consultation codes to those for new patient visits would save Medicare $534.5 million per year. Conclusions Consultation codes are being billed erroneously at a high rate. Furthermore, the differential cost to Medicare of these codes over those for new patient evaluation and management codes is over half a billion dollars per year. With the growing needs for cost savings as well as encouraging payment parity for cognitive services for primary care physicians, it is time these codes are reevaluated. Published online November 9, 2009 (doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2009.446).
Free z-focus control laser processing via ultra-high speed axial scanning

An ultra-high speed axial scanner is used to enhance the depth of field of a laser system without sacrificing lateral resolution. This new approach eliminates the classic constraint of precise z-focus control in laser processing.
COMPARISON OF THE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF JUPITER'S GREAT RED SPOT BETWEEN THE VOYAGER 1 AND 2 ENCOUNTERS

We have consistently navigated the highest resolution images available of Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) from the Voyager ISS experiment. From them we have measured apparent displacements of cloud features around and within the Red Spot which can be interpreted as wind vectors. We have used the wind field information to determine the circulation characteristics of the collar and to map the relative vorticity and horizontal divergence of the central GRS region. Color ratios and ground-based data have been used to complement these observations. Derived quantities from the IRIS data set taken simultaneously with the Voyager images have been obtained in order to determine the thermal structure, infrared cloud opacity,NH3abundance, andparaH2fraction above the Great Red Spot. There is evidence of non-chaotic activity in the central region of the Red Spot. Small eddy structures consisting of coherent cloud features with apparently two-dimensional turbulent motions are present in this region along with larger classical cyclonic vortices. The surrounding anticyclonic collar circulates with higher velocities and appears to be detached from the core by an abrupt transition region. The central region appears to be elevated over the surrounding collar and exhibits evidence for upwelling and some outflow of material. Differences in the collar structure and velocity profiles between the Voyager encounters can be attributed to differences in the ingestion rate of westward-moving South Equatorial Belt vortices caused by a blocking South Tropical Zone Disturbance which, moving eastward, overtook and passed the Red Spot between the two encounters. This disturbance appears to temporarily increase in brightness during conjunctions with the Red Spot and has been tracked for 20 years.
EXAMINING CROSS‐CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT BEHAVIOR: A STRATEGY FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Studies of cross‐cultural differences in conflict management behavior are reviewed. This review shows that existing studies are difficult to interpret, because researchers applied Western theories and Western measures to non‐Western cultures, without testing the cross‐cultural equivalence of the constructs and the measures and without searching for emic constructs that might contribute to an understanding of non‐Western behavior. These three problems are discussed, and guidelines to help researchers avoid these problems are proposed.
Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in community-acquired pneumonia.

From the authors: We thank Aggarwal and colleagues for their comments on our article [1]. They raise four important points for discussion. First, that tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic disease, and duration of symptoms is an important factor differentiating tuberculous from non-tuberculous pneumonia. Secondly, that in India a large proportion of the population is infected with TB, thus making prior exposure to TB of questionable relevance as a risk factor. Thirdly, that absence of risk factors should not mean …
Continuous visual field motion impacts the postural responses of older and younger women during and after support surface tilt

The effect of continuous visual flow on the ability to regain and maintain postural orientation was examined. Fourteen young (20–39 years old) and 14 older women (60–79 years old) stood quietly during 3° (30°/s) dorsiflexion tilt of the support surface combined with 30° and 45°/s upward or downward pitch rotations of the visual field. The support surface was held tilted for 30 s and then returned to neutral over a 30-s period while the visual field continued to rotate. Segmental displacement and bilateral tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle EMG responses were recorded. Continuous wavelet transforms were calculated for each muscle EMG response. An instantaneous mean frequency curve (IMNF) of muscle activity, center of mass (COM), center of pressure (COP), and angular excursion at the hip and ankle were used in a functional principal component analysis (fPCA). Functional component weights were calculated and compared with mixed model repeated measures ANOVAs. The fPCA revealed greatest mathematical differences in COM and COP responses between groups or conditions during the period that the platform transitioned from the sustained tilt to a return to neutral position. Muscle EMG responses differed most in the period following support surface tilt indicating that muscle activity increased to support stabilization against the visual flow. Older women exhibited significantly larger COM and COP responses in the direction of visual field motion and less muscle modulation when the platform returned to neutral than younger women. Results on a Rod and Frame test indicated that older women were significantly more visually dependent than the younger women. We concluded that a stiffer body combined with heightened visual sensitivity in older women critically interferes with their ability to counteract posturally destabilizing environments.
On the mutation rate of herpes simplex virus type 1

All seven DNA-based microbes for which carefully established mutation rates and mutational spectra were previously available displayed a genomic mutation rate in the neighborhood of 0.003 per chromosome replication. The pathogenic mammalian DNA virus herpes simplex type 1 has an estimated genomic mutation rate compatible with that value.
Changes in the general surgical workload, 1991-1999.

Hypothesis The volume and types of procedures performed by general surgeons have changed from 1991 to 1999. Data Source Medicare data from 1991 through 1999. Methods Procedures from the Medicare database were defined as "general surgical" if the yearly volume performed by general surgeons exceeded 1000 cases. These procedures were divided into major and minor procedures. The total volume performed by all surgeons and the volume of cases performed by general surgeons were tabulated for each procedure. Procedures were also grouped into families. For major surgery, representative procedures with the highest volumes were selected for each family. For minor surgery, multiple high-volume procedures within families were selected and analyzed. Results The volumes for each major surgical family were totaled. Although the volume of representative major general surgical procedures performed by all surgeons rose by 17 544 cases, the volume performed by general surgeons decreased by 8846 cases (1.8%). The total and general surgical volumes for cholecystectomy and appendectomy increased, but the volumes for breast surgery, hernia repair, splenectomy, and colon resection decreased. The total volume increased but the general surgical volume decreased for vascular surgery, pulmonary surgery, and major amputations. Conclusions From 1991 to 1999, there has been a decrease in the volume of major procedures performed by general surgeons. Part of this loss relates to reduced general surgical involvement in subspecialty surgery, but there were also reductions in colon surgery, breast surgery, hernia repairs, and splenectomy. The volume of appendectomies and cholecystectomies increased. The volume of minor procedures performed by general surgeons increased slightly, with gains in vascular and endoscopic surgery.
Is Optimal Matching Suboptimal

Optimal matching (OM) is a method for measuring the similarity between pairs of sequences (e.g., work histories). This article discusses two problems with optimal matching. First, the author identifies a flaw in OM "indel costs" and proposes a solution to this flaw. Second, the author discusses the need for benchmarks to measure the added value of OM and to test competing versions. To that end, the author conducts an empirical test of traditional OM, the alternative localized OM, and sequence comparison. The test documents the problem with traditional OM and shows that it is solved by localized OM. The test also demonstrates the value of OM and sequence comparison in examining occupational sequences; both methods capture var- iation beyond traditional human capital and status attainment measures, although the marginal improvements of OM over sequence comparison may not justify its computational complexity. These results point to the need for more systematic approaches to sequence analysis methods.
Migraine with ectopic hyperprolactinemia from uterine fibroids

Altered prolactin dynamics have been demonstrated in some women with migraine.1,2 It remains unclear, however, whether prolactin itself can play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine or whether it is merely an epiphenomenon that reflects altered dopaminergic tone and changes in other prolactin regulatory factors. The following case argues for a possible pathophysiologic role for prolactin. A 36-year-old woman was referred for neuroendocrine evaluation of migraines that developed 6 months earlier in conjunction with the onset of irregular menstrual cycles and galactorrhea. Headaches were unilateral and throbbing in nature, associated frequently with photophobia and nausea, and sometimes associated with visual scotomas. On one occasion she experienced 15 to 20 minutes of lightheadedness and diplopia. The headaches were occurring on at least a weekly basis and were lasting 1 to 2 days. Cranial MRI showed a 1.2-cm-diameter low T1 signal intensity lesion …