cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benign fibrous hamartoma of infancy: a case of MR imaging paralleling histologic findings

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare fibrous tumor of the subcutaneous tissue in infants. While most case reports focus on the unique histologic appearance, which has traditionally been relied upon for diagnosis, there are few reports in the radiology literature of its appearance at MR imaging. In this report, the authors present the case of a 9-month-old male who presented with a soft tissue mass on the shoulder. The MRI findings in benign fibrous hamartoma of infancy parallel the three components of the lesion seen histologically, with an organized arrangement of fat interspersed among heterogeneous soft tissue bands composed of mesenchymal and fibrous tissue. When present, this characteristic appearance may allow the diagnosis to be suggested preoperatively.
Office system interventions supporting primary care-based health behavior change counseling.

Abstract Content: This article reviews the literature on the effectiveness of office system interventions to improve behavior-change counseling in primary care. These instructions consist of two principle components: tools and teamwork. Tools have been developed to assist providers with health risk assessment (questionnaires, health risk appraisals), prompting and reminding (chart stickers, checklists, flow charts, reminder letters), and education (manuals and handbooks). Teamwork entails the coordination and delegation of tasks between providers and staff. Conclusions: A number of clinical trials, particularly in the area of smoking cessation, have demonstrated the effectiveness of tools and teamwork for increasing counseling rates and counseling effectiveness. Although no one type of tool or method of teamwork is consistently more effective than another—with effectiveness varying according to practice, provider, and patient characteristics—the use of different tools and teamwork approaches leads to additive improvements in counseling and patient behavior-change rates. More high-quality research is needed, particularly in the areas of health risk assessment and electronic reminder systems, to develop effective office interventions that can be readily implemented into a wide variety of primary care practices.
Insulinomimetic homology of concanavalin A

A striking peptide sequence and three dimensional conformational homology between a portion of insulin and the plant lectin concanavalin A is described. This amino acid sequence has been demonstrated to be essential to the bioactivity of the hormone insulin. The insulinomimetic activity of the plant lectin on hormone target cells coupled with the presence of an insulin-homologous sequence and conformation offers insight into the mechanism of insulin action.
The 3D rRNA modification maps database: with interactive tools for ribosome analysis.

The 3D rRNA modification maps database is the first general resource of information about the locations of modified nucleotides within the 3D structure of the full ribosome, with mRNA and tRNAs in the A-, P- and E-sites. The database supports analyses for several model organisms, including higher eukaryotes, and enables users to construct 3D maps for other organisms. Data are provided for human and plant (Arabidopsis) ribosomes, and for other representative organisms from eubacteria, archaea and eukarya. Additionally, the database integrates information about positions of modifications within rRNA sequences and secondary structures, as well as links to other databases and resources about modifications and their biosynthesis. Displaying positions of modified nucleotides is fully manageable. Views of each modified nucleotide are controlled by individual buttons and buttons also control the visibility of different ribosomal molecular components. A section called ‘Paint Your Own’ enables the user to create a 3D modification map for rRNA from any organism where sites of modification are known. This section also provides capabilities for visualizing nucleotides of interest in rRNA or tRNA, as well as particular amino acids in ribosomal proteins. The database can be accessed at http://people.biochem.umass.edu/fournierlab/3dmodmap/
On the impact of urbanization on summertime thunderstorms in Atlanta: Two numerical model case studies

Abstract There is increasing observational evidence that urban land cover can have a significant effect on precipitation variability. Atlanta, because of its rapid urbanization, has been a focus for several observational studies on urbanization and rainfall. Yet, there is a lack of numerical model studies in the literature to examine physical processes linked to the Atlanta “urban rainfall effect” or URE. This study employs the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model to simulate convective precipitation for two cases: 17 August 2002 (“an urban interaction case”) and 26th July 1996 (an urban “initiation” case). Case 1 was chosen based on analysis of radar composites and surface maps which identified it as an event likely to have some urban forcing with minimal large scale forcing; while Case 2 was based on a previous observational study indicating that the storm was initiated by urban heat island induced convergence zone. The control (URBAN) simulations begin 3 h prior to the observed storm initiations and reveal that the model captures the convective evolution of the cases. The alternative (NOURBAN) simulations indicate that removing the city of Atlanta causes distinct differences in the temporal and spatial evolution of the explicitly resolved precipitation. However these differences point more to the likelihood of modification rather than initiation of the convective systems. Time series of cumulative rainfall totals indicate that the explicitly resolved rainfall is initiated at the same time in both the URBAN and NOURBAN simulations. The rainfall initiation time even within sub-sections of the domain is the same for the URBAN and NOURBAN scenario. Rainfall amounts downwind of the city are higher by 10% to 13% within a strip 20–50 km east of the city, for the URBAN schemes in comparison to NOURBAN.
Atorvastatin counteracts aberrant soft tissue mineralization in a mouse model of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (Abcc6

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a multisystem heritable disorder with aberrant mineralization of arterial blood vessels, is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene. Previous studies have suggested that carriers of the ABCC6 mutations, particularly of p.R1141X, are at increased risk for coronary artery disease. In this study, we used Abcc6 tm1Jfk knock-out mice to determine the serum lipid profiles and examine the effects of atorvastatin on the aberrant mineralization in this model of PXE. First, serum lipid profiles at 12 weeks of age, after overnight fasting, revealed a statistically significant increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Abcc6 tm1Jfk mice compared to their wild-type littermates. Placing these mice at 4 weeks of age for 20 weeks on atorvastatin, either 0.01 % or 0.04 % of the diet (low statin and high statin groups, respectively), reduced the total triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which was accompanied with significantly reduced mineralization of the dermal sheath of vibrissae, a biomarker of the aberrant mineralization process in these mice. However, if the mice were placed on atorvastatin for 12 weeks at 12 weeks of age, at which time point significant mineralization had already taken place, no difference in the amount of mineralization was noted. These observations suggest that statins, particularly atorvastatin, can prevent, but not reverse, aberrant mineralization in this mouse model of PXE. For a clinical perspective, a survey of 1,747 patients with PXE was conducted regarding their present or past use of statins. The results indicated that about one third of all PXE patients are currently or have previously been on cholesterol-lowering drugs. Thus, a sizable number of patients with PXE could be subject to modulation of their mineralization processes by concomitant statin treatment.
Evaluation of three new hydrocolloid dressings: Retention of dressing integrity and biodegradability of absorbent components attenuate inflammation

Residues from hydrocolloid dressings (HCDs) that originate from matrix disintegration and nonbiodegradability of the absorbent components, may cause deep-seated, unresolved inflammation in tissue that appears otherwise healed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three new HCDs that were formulated with the goal of attenuating the inflammatory responses that may arise from HCD therapy. Two of the HCDs (A-106 and A-107) consisted of conventional absorbents dispersed in a new maceration-resistant adhesive matrix. The same matrix, mixed with potentially biodegradable dextran microspheres, formed the third dressing (Dextran Bead Dressing [DBD]). In this pilot scale study these novel dressings were evaluated on full-thickness dermal wounds on swine. Restore (Hollister) and DuoDERM CGF (Convatec) dressings were used as controls. Wound healing was evaluated histomorphometrically. Pertinent histologic parameters were ranked from wound tissue that was harvested 18 days after wounding. Grossly visible dressing disintegration ranged from minimal (DBD) to severe (Restore). Disintegration of other dressings was moderate. The percentage of tissue sections exhibiting giant cells reflected, in parallel, the observed extent of dressing disintegration. Thirty-eight percent of wounds dressed with DBD contained giant cells; 74 and 100% of wounds treated with DuoDERM CGF and Restore, respectively, contained giant cells. DBD-dressed wounds had relatively fewer chronic inflammatory cells than other dressings. These wounds were also characterized by a well-organized collagen matrix and complete reepithelialization. The extent of wound closures was similar for all dressing types except Restore. Closure of Restore-dressed wounds was delayed compared with closure with DBD and DuoDERM CGF on all days of evaluation except one. A-106 and A-107 were comparable to DuoDERM CGF in retention of dressing integrity and the elicited inflammatory tissue response. The DBD dressing appears to possess equivalent properties of typical HCDs while causing minimal tissue reactions.
A two-dimensional finite-element solution for the simultaneous transport of water and multi solutes through a nonhomogeneous aquifer under transient saturated-unsaturated flow conditions

Abstract A two-dimensional finite-element model for the simultaneous solution of the transport of water and radionuclides in a nonhomogeneous anisotropic aquifer under saturated and unsaturated flow conditions is presented. The adsorption mechanism is described by a linear equilibrium isotherm. The model allows for a variety of boundary conditions; e.g. infiltration, drainage or evaporation. The solution to these equations is obtained through a Galerkin-type finite-element method using linear quadrilateral and triangular isoparametric elements, respectively. The model was tested by comparing predictive values with analytical solutions and experimental results for transient flow. Use of the model is illustrated by the analysis of the movement of hypothetical three-membered radionuclide decay chains leaching from the tailings pond of a typical uranium mill.
Nuclear magnetic resonance and static magnetic susceptibility of AsF5 - intercalated graphite☆

Abstract NMR and static magnetic susceptibility (χ) measurements on stage 1 AsF5 intercalated graphite (C8AsF5) are presented. The relaxation times, Ti and T2, of the F19 nuclear magnetic resonance were measured over the temperature range 136K – 295K; χ was measured over the range 80K – 295K. The NMR results indicate a motionally narrowed line with gradual ordering of the intercalant as the temperature is decreased. The magnetic susceptibility is independent of temperature with no observable Curie law controbution. The absence of localized moment behavior for the intercalant is interpreted either in terms of chemical disproportionation of the AsF5 to closed shell ions or in terms of the Anderson model of localized moments in metals.
Thermodynamic hierarchy and local energetics of folded proteins

The cooperativity of local fluctuations within the folded state of a protein is demonstrated based on applying the "multiple-probe principle" to the hydrogen exchange (HX) rates of a set of amide protons of the protein. A hierarchical thermodynamic analysis is presented for the protein energetics, which includes both global two-state folding-unfolding transition and local cooperative fluctuations within the folded state. The analysis dissects the local fluctuations from the global unfolding; both lead to the HX but from the folded and unfolded states, respectively. It provides the newly observed HX behavior of proteins in mild denaturant, namely solvent and temperature dependent HX rates from the folded state, with a quantitative interpretation in terms of a set of local energetic parameters. These local energetic parameters contain much information concerning the structures and stabilities of native proteins.
Vital signs fail to correlate with hemoperitoneum from ruptured ectopic pregnancy

The objective was to determine correlation between vital signs and hemoperitoneum in ruptured ectopic pregnancy. A retrospective chart review of ectopic pregnancies at our urban county hospital between 1990 and 1998 was conducted. Fifty-one cases met inclusion criteria. Mean minimum systolic blood pressure (SBP) 89mmHg (range 40-118), mean maximum heart rate (HR) 101 beats/min (range 62-156). Mean volume of hemoperitoneum 1,050 mL (range 400-2,000 mL). Correlation between vital signs and volume of hemoperitoneum was poor (R(2) = 0.04 for HR, R(2) = 0.1 for SBP). Association of tachycardia with hypotension was also poor (R(2) = 0.1). Extreme individual variations were observed. If surgical decisions were made on the basis of hypotension, 38% of patients could have received either inappropriate additional studies or surgical approach. Patients with normal vital signs had a 20% chance of having class IV blood loss at surgery. HR and blood pressure do not correlate well with volumes of hemoperitoneum from ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Self-assembled monolayers exposed to metastable argon beams undergo thiol exchange reactions

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed from alkanethiols on thin films of gold were exposed to a beam of metastable argon atoms through a stencil mask. The changes in the organizational structure of the alkyl chains in the SAM that resulted from exposure were characterized using reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy. All spectroscopic evidence suggested that the SAMs become disordered after exposure to metastable argon atoms and that no apparent oxidation of the alkane chain occurred. The alkanethiolates in the regions of a SAM of dodecanethiolate damaged by the atom beam exchanged readily upon immersion in a solution of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid. The exchange reaction was selective for the regions of the SAM exposed to metastable argon atoms with patterns containing critical dimensions of <50 nm. A thin (<5 nm) polymeric multilayer was covalently linked to the carboxylic acid groups in the exposed regions of the SAM. The polymeric layer served as an improved resist against a commercial KI/I 2 -based etchant used to transfer the pattern into the thin film of gold.
Stock markets and the costs of banking crises

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate whether stock markets can reduce the output costs of banking crises. The work is motivated by Alan Greenspan’s claim that capital markets serve as a financial “spare tire” in the event of a banking crisis. Design/methodology/approach – We test the impact of stock market capitalization, liquidity and turnover on the output losses of 76 banking crises in 66 countries over the period of 1975-2008. Findings – Our results indicate that stock markets can mitigate the effect of banking crises on economic activity. There is also some evidence that foreign equity holdings lower output costs. Practical implications – These results suggest that the development of equity markets will contribute to reducing the costs of banking crises. Such development, however, should be accompanied by adequate supervisory and regulatory oversight. Originality/value – Our analysis is the first direct empirical investigation of the impact of stock markets on the output costs of banking crises. ...
Staff Development for Instructional Uses of Microcomputers

AbstractThis paper sets forth recommendations for the topics and organization of preservice and inservice teacher training activities based on a review of the literature on staff development for computer-based instruction, and on the opinions gathered from 60 microcomputer-using teachers who were nominated as “successful” users of microcomputers in mathematics and science instruction. Teacher-taught, individualized, multi-session workshops, with “hands-on” practice, follow-up, and incentives for participation constitute important organizational features. Core topics for staff development include microcomputer operation, computer programming, computer literacy, selection and evaluation of courseware, and integration of computers with instruction.
INTERPLAY BETWEEN PARAMETER UNCERTAINTY AND MODEL AGGREGATION ERROR

: Modeling error can be divided into two basic components: use of an incorrect model and input parameter uncertainty. Incorrect model usage can be further subdivided into inappropriate model selection and inherent modeling error due to process aggregation. Total modeling error is a culmination of these various modeling error components, with overall optimization requiring reductions in all. A technique, utilizing Monte Carlo analysis, is employed to investigate the relative importance of input parameter uncertainty versus process aggregation error. An expanded form of the Streeter-Phelps dissolved oxygen equation is used to demonstrate the application of this technique. A variety of scenarios are analyzed to illustrate the relative obfuscation of each modeling error component. Under certain circumstances an aggregated model performs better than a more complex model, which perfectly simulates the real system. Alternately, process aggregation error dominates total modeling error for other situations. The ability to differentiate modeling error impact is a function of the desired or imposed model performance level (accuracy tolerance).
Familial hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism.

AN ISOLATED deficiency of pituitary gonadotropin is rare. Familial occurrence of this form of hypogonadism has been recorded infrequently and only in male siblings (1). In some reports of familial eunuchoidismit is not possible to determine whether the defect lies in the pituitary orthe gonad, since many of these cases were studied prior to the introduction of gonadotropin assays in clinical practice (2–6). We have had the opportunity to study 5 instances of hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism in two families.Three males iblings of one family and a brother and sister of another family are the subjects of this report. CASE REPORTS Family I Case 1 G. W.1 (U1 42101), a 17-year-old boy, was first seen in July 1947, with the complaints of an undescended right testis, sparse pubic and axillary hair and a high-pitched voice, lie had never needed to shave, had little libido and had experienced no erections. Previous treatment with 7,000 international units of chorionic gonadotropin had resulted in temporary increase in...
Chronic disease, homeland security, and sailing to where there be dragons [Guest editor's introduction]

The five papers in this special issue share the perspective that attitudes toward risk are strongly shaped by social context, and that understanding context can help us understand how risk decisions are made, and thereby how to make them better.
Behind the Curtain: Cellular DNS and Content Replica Selection

DNS plays a critical role in the performance of smartdevices within cellular networks. Besides name resolution, DNS is commonly relied upon for directing users to nearby content caches for better performance. In light of this, it is surprising how little is known about the structure of cellular DNS and its effectiveness as a client localization method. In this paper we take a close look at cellular network DNS and uncover several features of cellular DNS, such as cellular network opaqueness and client to resolver inconsistency, that make it unsuitable for client localization in modern cellular networks. We study these issues in two leading mobile network markets - US and South Korea - using a collection of over 340 volunteer devices to probe the DNS infrastructure of each client's cellular provider. We show the extent of the problem with regards to replica selection and compare its localization performance against public DNS alternatives. As a testament to cellular DNS's poor localization, we find surprisingly that public DNS can render equal or better replica performance over 75% of the time.
Analysis of cable net-panel roof system

Abstract The study presented in this paper deals with the analysis of a cable net roof system with precast panels which are prestressed to increase the stiffness of the system. The roof structure can be stiffened by applying a temporary load to the structure after the precast panels are hung in place on the cable net, filling the space between the panels with concrete, and. after the concrete has cured sufficiently, removing the temporary load. This in effect, prestresses the monolithic roof structure. A computer program was developed to analyze a cable net roof structure and an experimental investigation was carried out to verify the theoretical analysis performed by the computer program and to study the response of a cable net-panel system during the prestressing of the panels. The model used in the experimental study was a 4 × 4 cable net with nine panels.
Outage probability of multihop transmission over Nakagami fading channels

We present a general analytical framework for the evaluation of the end-to-end outage probability of multihop wireless communication systems with nonregenerative relays over Nakagami fading channels. It is shown that the presented results can either be exact or tight lower bounds on the performance of these systems depending on the choice of the relay gain. More specifically, we obtain a closed-form expression for the moment generating function of the reciprocal of the end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and we then use this expression to calculate the outage probability via numerical inversion of the Laplace transform. Numerical examples show that regeneration is more crucial at low average SNR and for multihop systems with a large number of hops.
Modeling the electrophoresis of peptides and proteins: improvements in the "bead method" to include ion relaxation and "finite size effects".

A bead model methodology developed in our lab (Xin et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 2006, 110, 1038) and applicable to modeling the free solution electrophoretic mobility of peptides and proteins is generalized in two significant ways. First, an approximate account is taken of the relaxation effect, which makes the methodology applicable to more highly charged peptides and proteins than was previously possible. Second, a more accurate account is taken of the finite size of the beads making up the model structure. This improvement makes the method applicable at higher salt concentrations and/or to models consisting of larger sized subunits. The relaxation effect is accounted for by correcting “unrelaxed” mobilities on the basis of model size and average electrostatic surface, or ζ potential. Correction factors are estimated using those of spheres with the same hydrodynamic radius and ζ potential as the model structure. The correction factors of spheres are readily determined. The more general methodology is first a...
Minimally invasive colectomy : are the potential benefits realized ?

Laparoscopic surgical techniques have recently been applied to various types of colon resection. Early reports have focused on the technical feasibility of these procedures, and it has not yet been clearly shown that such procedures benefit the patient. We reviewed our experience with 28 attempted minimally invasive colectomies (MICs) performed over a nine-month period. Laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted resections were successfully completed in 24 of these patients. We compared the results of surgery in these 24 patients with a group of 33 patients undergoing similar procedures at the same institution by the same surgeon in the nine months preceding the laparoscopic experience. The two groups of patients were similar with respect to age, weight, and the types of procedures performed. However, the postoperative length of stay for patients undergoing MIC (4.8 days) was significantly shorter than for those undergoing open colectomies (8.2 days). Patients undergoing MIC also regained bowel function significantly earlier than those undergoing open colectomy. The operative times for the minimally invasive procedures were significantly longer than for those undergoing open colectomy. No surgically related deaths were encountered, and morbidity was 13 percent. None of the four patients converted from laparoscopic to open colectomy suffered complications as a result of the attempted laparoscopic procedure. We conclude that MIC can be safely performed and does appear to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus and decrease the length of postoperative hospitalization.
Improvements to a graphical technique for seafloor image mosaicking

A technique was developed by which seafloor images gathered by a hovering AUV can be mosaicked based on the vehicle position at each image. In the first phase of development, software was produced to interpret the AUV logs and output parametric files for each image. The images and their parameters are then assembled into a mosaic using GIS software. The improvements to the overall chain of mosaic production span from operational changes in the way the vehicle performs to revisions in the mosaicking operations themselves. Postprocessing of AUV navigation using tie points within an intermediate mosaic is a significant improvement, although similar results can be obtained in future developments by utilizing the multibeam sonar bathymetry that is acquired along with the imagery.
Evaluation of resorbable barriers for preventing surgical adhesions.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the ability of collagen film, collagen gel, sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose film, and fibrin glue to prevent adhesion formation. Design: Randomized trial using a rat model of a standardized abdominal wound and cecal wound. Setting: University research laboratory. Animal(s): Sprague-Dawley female rats. Intervention(s): Resorbable barriers or no barrier (controls) were placed between an abdominal wall wound (1 cm × 2 cm) and a similarly sized cecal wound. Main Outcome Measure(s): Adhesion formation between wounds was assessed and quantitated 7 days after surgery. Result(s): Without treatment, 34 of 35 untreated rats (97%) developed adhesions. Treatment with collagen gel (3 of 33 rats), collagen film (3 of 10 rats), or sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose film (2 of 10 rats) significantly reduced the incidence of adhesion formation. Treatment with fibrin sealant resulted in 9 of 10 animals having adherent wounds 7 days after surgery. Conclusion(s): Resorbable barriers of collagen gel, collagen films and sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose film were effective in significantly reducing adhesion formation. Fibrin sealant at 7 days had an incidence of adhesion formation similar to that in untreated control animals.
Isolated spinal neurenteric cyst presenting as intramedullary calcified cystic mass on imaging studies: case report and review of literature

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts (NEC) without associated malformations are extremely rare and, to our knowledge, have never been reported in association with calcification. We report a unique imaging presentation as a partially calcified mass of an isolated intramedullary neuroenteric cyst of the lower thoracic spinal cord with pathologic correlation. The literature for isolated forms of intramedullary NEC since the advent of magnetic resonance imaging is also reviewed.
Renal phosphate wasting disorders: clinical features and pathogenesis

Rickets and osteomalacia are associated with hypophosphatemia in several disease states, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, autosomal-dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, and tumor-induced osteomalacia. Recent advances in the understanding of these diseases include discovery of mutations in the genes encoding human phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (PHEX) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and the finding of overproduction of FGF-23 and other proteins including matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) and frizzled-related protein 4 (FRP-4) in tumor-induced osteomalacia. Research is ongoing to better define how these proteins relate to each other and to the sodium-phosphate cotransporter in both normal and abnormal phosphate metabolism. New and improved therapies for disorders of phosphate metabolism, osteomalacia, and rickets will develop as our knowledge of phosphate metabolism grows.
An Historical Perspective on the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the clinical diagnostic laboratory has entered the 21st century, it is interesting to reflect on past scientific and social events that have influenced the status of the laboratory and to anticipate future problems and opportunities. It would be a mistake to suggest that all of the significant medical and social events that had an impact on the present laboratory function can be discussed or evaluated in a short introductory chapter. It is also possible to mistakenly attribute more influence to some events than they deserve simply because they are being interpreted with a 21st century bias. However, some threads of commonality have influenced the evolution of diagnostic laboratories from earliest times. It is the objective of this chapter to highlight events that, in my opinion, have shaped how and/or why clinical laboratories have arrived at their present position in the practice of medicine. A history of diagnostic testing can be started by reviewing the evolution of diagnostic tests from isolated procedures to organized diagnostic laboratory testing. Originally, laboratory tests were performed at the side of the patient with small, simple equipment, rapid evaluation of the result, and a diagnostic opinion rendered. Test choice, performance, and interpretation were all left to the individual practitioner. There was no professional support staff to assist at any point in the process. Little exchange took place between practitioners because the individual’s success was directly related to which procedures were done and the manner in which they were done. A premium was paid for showmanship as well as successful treatments.
Adaptation at Specific Loci. V. Metabolically Adjacent Enzyme Loci May Have Very Distinct Experiences of Selective Pressures

The polymorphic phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) loci have been studied in parallel to experimental work on the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) polymorphism in Colias butterflies. PGI, PGM and G6PD are also autosomal in Colias. PGM and G6PD are loosely linked (and represent the first identified autosomal linkage group in Colias); they assort independently from PGI. Recombination occurs in both sexes. Neither PGM nor G6PD shows large, consistent differences in flight capacity through the day among its genotypes, as PGI does. PGM shows some change of allele frequencies, and match to Hardy-Weinberg expectation, with air temperature in middle and latter parts of the season, but not early in the season. G6PD may show some heterozygote excess over Hardy-Weinberg expectation early in the day, but more testing is needed. No evidence for differential survivorship was seen at PGM or G6PD, in contrast to PGI. At the PGM and G6PD loci, male heterozygotes are advantaged in mating with females, but without the evidence of female choice which occurs for PGI. These effects are not correlated among the three loci. There is no assortative mating at G6PD (nor at PGI). There is minor positive assortative mating of PGM heterozygotes, but it is too weak to account for the PGM-genotype-specific male mating advantage. No trends of multilocus genotype frequencies involving PGI are seen. Certain PGM-G6PD two-locus genotypes are over-represented, and others under-represented, in wild adult samples, particularly among males and uniformly among successfully mating males. Our results emphasize that enzyme loci sharing a substrate need not have common experience of the existence or strength of natural selection, and suggest initial food-resource processing and allocation as a possible context for fitness-related effects of the PGM and G6PD polymorphisms.
Profits and risks of using crimson clover and hairy vetch cover crops in no-till corn production

Winter legume cover crops are receiving increasing attention from agronomists and farmers as a source of nitrogen for summer crops. While agronomists are continually providing new technical information on using legumes as a nitrogen source, little is known on the economics of their use. Previous economic research on legume cover crops has focused mainly on budgeting analysis. In the present work, a twofactorial experiment was designed to test the use of legumes as a nitrogen source for corn (Zea mays L.) in north Georgia. The first factor was winter cover crop with treatments being crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and no cover crop or winter fallow. The second factor was nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied at five different rates: 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 pounds per acre. For each combination of the two factors, mean yield and yield variance were determined. Results indicated that legume cover crops increased both average corn yield and yield variance. The greater yield variance from the use of legume cover crops increases economic risk. Risk-averse farmers must be compensated for increased profit variance by higher average profits. A safety first method was used to evaluate the tradeoff between average profit and profit variance for the risk-averse individual The results showed that hairy vetch with 50 pounds of N per acre was the best combination of cover crop and fertilizer rate for risk-neutral farmers. For risk-averse farmers, hairy vetch without any nitrogen fertilizer is preferred.
Predicted responses of arctic and alpine ecosystems to altered seasonality under climate change

Global climate change is already having significant impacts on arctic and alpine ecosystems, and ongoing increases in temperature and altered precipitation patterns will affect the strong seasonal patterns that characterize these temperature-limited systems. The length of the potential growing season in these tundra environments is increasing due to warmer temperatures and earlier spring snow melt. Here, we compare current and projected climate and ecological data from 20 Northern Hemisphere sites to identify how seasonal changes in the physical environment due to climate change will alter the seasonality of arctic and alpine ecosystems. We find that although arctic and alpine ecosystems appear similar under historical climate conditions, climate change will lead to divergent responses, particularly in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. As seasonality changes in the Arctic, plants will advance the timing of spring phenological events, which could increase plant nutrient uptake, production, and ecosystem carbon (C) gain. In alpine regions, photoperiod will constrain spring plant phenology, limiting the extent to which the growing season can lengthen, especially if decreased water availability from earlier snow melt and warmer summer temperatures lead to earlier senescence. The result could be a shorter growing season with decreased production and increased nutrient loss. These contrasting alpine and arctic ecosystem responses will have cascading effects on ecosystems, affecting community structure, biotic interactions, and biogeochemistry.
Supervisor Cultural Responsiveness and Unresponsiveness in Cross-Cultural Supervision

Thirteen supervisees' of color and 13 European American supervisees' experiences of culturally responsive and unresponsive cross-cultural supervision were studied using consensual qualitative research. In culturally responsive supervision, all supervisees felt supported for exploring cultural issues, which positively affected the supervisee, the supervision relationship, and client outcomes. In culturally unresponsive supervision, cultural issues were ignored, actively discounted, or dismissed by supervisors, which negatively affected the supervisee, the relationship, and/or client outcomes. European American supervisees' and supervisees' of color experiences diverged significantly, with supervisees of color experiencing unresponsiveness more frequently and with more negative effects than European American supervisees. Implications for research and supervision practice are discussed.
correlation of measurable serum markers of inflammation with lung levels following bilateral femur fracture in a rat model

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the systemic inflammatory status following major orthopedic trauma has become an important adjunct in basing post-injury clinical decisions. In the present study, we examined the correlation of serum and lung inflammatory marker levels following bilateral femur fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 Sprague Dawley rats underwent sham operation or bilateral femoral intramedullary pinning and mid-diaphyseal closed fracture via blunt guillotine. Animals were euthanized at specific time points after injury. Serum and lung tissue were collected, and 24 inflammatory markers were analyzed by immunoassay. Lung histology was evaluated by a blinded pathologist. RESULTS: Bilateral femur fracture significantly increased serum markers of inflammation including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, GM-CSF, KC/GRO, MCP-1, and WBC. Femur fracture significantly increased serum and lung levels of IL-1a and KC/GRO at 6 hours. Lung levels of IL-6 demonstrated a trend towards significance. Histologic changes in pulmonary tissue after fracture included pulmonary edema and bone elements including cellular hematopoietic cells, bone fragments and marrow emboli. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that bilateral femur fracture with fixation in rats results in increases in serum markers of inflammation. Among the inflammatory markers measured, rise in the serum KC/GRO (CINC-1), a homolog to human IL-8, correlated with elevated levels of lung KC/GRO. Ultimately, analysis of serum levels of KC/GRO (CINC-1), or human IL-8, may be a useful adjunct to guide clinical decisions regarding surgical timing.
Morality and the religious mind: why theists and nontheists differ

Religions have come to be intimately tied to morality and much recent research has shown that theists and nontheists differ in their moral behavior and decision making along several dimensions. Here we discuss how these empirical trends can be explained by fundamental differences in group commitment, motivations for prosociality, cognitive styles, and meta-ethics. We conclude by elucidating key areas of moral congruence.
Management and Complications of Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries

This article provides an overview of the management of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries. It examines the basic pathophysiology of peripheral nerve injuries, along with the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and treatment options and outcomes for the various classifications of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.
Temporal variation of seismic b-values beneath northeastern Japan island arc

[1] Analysis of a high quality seismic catalog reveals that the average of seismic b-values in the crust beneath most part of northeastern Japan island arc decreased from 0.86 between 1984 and 1990, to 0.73 between 1991 and 1995. The two areas with the largest decrease are found to be in the same areas where the coupling between the North American and the Pacific plates is the highest, as suggested by a recent geodetic study. In the same time period, the annual seismic moment release increased by 10 times. In addition, there seems to be a corresponding increase in volcanic activities in the same area. One of the most likely interpretations for the observations is an increase in the subduction rate starting from 1991. The timing of this possible increase in subduction rate is consistent with an apparent increase in global seismic activity.
A survey of antiprion compounds reveals the prevalence of non-PrP molecular targets.

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the accumulation of the misfolded isoform (PrPSc) of the prion protein (PrPC). Cell-based screens have identified several compounds that induce a reduction in PrPSc levels in infected cultured cells. However, the molecular targets of most antiprion compounds remain unknown. We undertook a large-scale, unbiased, cell-based screen for antiprion compounds and then investigated whether a representative subset of the active molecules had measurable affinity for PrP, increased the susceptibility of PrPSc to proteolysis, or altered the cellular localization or expression level of PrPC. None of the antiprion compounds showed in vitro affinity for PrP or had the ability to disaggregate PrPSc in infected brain homogenates. These observations suggest that most antiprion compounds identified in cell-based screens deploy their activity via non-PrP targets in the cell. Our findings indicate that in comparison to PrP conformers themselves, proteins that play auxiliary roles in prion propagation may be more effective targets for future drug discovery efforts.
A retrofit network transaction data logger and intrusion detection system for transmission and distribution substations

SCADA systems are widely used in electricity generation, distribution, and transmission control systems. NERC CIP 002–009 requires bulk electric providers to secure critical cyber assets electronically and physically. Transmission and distribution substations contain cyber critical assets including remote terminal units (RTU), intelligent electronic devices (IED) such as relays, phasor measurement units (PMU) and phasor data concentrators (PDC). Substation critical cyber assets are isolated in electronic security perimeters using firewalls. In this paper a retrofit data logger solution for serial communication based MODBUS and DNP3 network appliances is offered. The retrofit data logger allows existing control systems to be updated to log network transactions in support of substation based network intrusion detection. Substation based intrusion detection supports a defense in depth approach to cyber security in which multiple overlapping layers of security are used to protect critical cyber assets. The data logger is an embedded bump-in-the-wire retrofit device which captures, time stamps, cryptographically signs, encrypts, and store network traffic. Network traffic is forwarded to the existing network. Additionally, the data logger architecture supports use of signature based and statistics based intrusion detection algorithms at the network appliance edge.
Comparison of children's diets as reported by the child via the Youth/Adolescent Questionnaire and the parent via the Willett food-frequency questionnaire.

University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USASubmitted 14 January 2006: Accepted 28 June 2006: First published online 28 February 2007AbstractObjective: A comparison of a parent-completed Willett food-frequencyquestionnaire (FFQ) and a self-completed Youth/Adolescent Questionnaire (YAQ)has not yet been conducted.Setting: In the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY), parents reporttheir child’s diet on the FFQ annually from birth until age 10 years, when the childbegins to report their own diet using the YAQ.Subjects: To determine the comparability of these collection methods, 89 childrenaged10–17yearsandtheirparentscompletedtheYAQandFFQ,respectively,forthechild’s previous year’s diet.Design:Wecomparedreportedintakesforenergy,themacronutrientsandavarietyofmicronutrients of interest to the DAISY study.Results: Bland–Altman plots of energy-adjusted differences between questionnaireresponsesagainsttheir meanssuggestedthatthetwocollectionmethodsgavesimilarresults. The average Spearman correlation coefﬁcient of all energy-adjusted nutrientintakes was 0.50, and did not differ signiﬁcantly by gender (males, r ¼ 0.48; females,r ¼ 0.46) or age (10–11 years, r ¼ 0.49; 12–17 years, r ¼ 0.51). While correlated, thenutrient values from the FFQ were higher than the nutrient values from the YAQ.Conclusions: While reported nutrient intakes are correlated, an indicator variabledeﬁning which survey method a nutrient was collected with should be included inanylongitudinaldataanalysesexaminingnutrientintakescollectedwiththeYAQandthe FFQ as independent predictors of a disease outcome.KeywordsYouth diet questionnaireComparisonLongitudinal research studies that collect diet informationoften follow subjects through childhood and adolescence.The semi-quantitative Willett food-frequency question-naire (FFQ) (Nutrition Questionnaire Service Center,Boston, MA), is used to collect diet information in youngpopulations via parental report. This method has beenvalidated against the 24-hour dietary recall in Caucasianand Hispanic pre-school populations
Language and Practice Changes in Canadian and US Specialized Pastoral Care and Counseling: a conversation

On August 20, 2013, Terry Bard, John Carr, and Steve Ivy had a 50-minute conversation about the shift that has been taking place in Canada and the United States in the practice, and the language about that practice, of persons and professional associations that have historic roots in the modern pastoral care and counseling movement. The conversation was digitally recorded, by agreement among the three participants, and is posted on the internet as a stimulus to further conversation.
An 11.1 mW 42 MS/s 10 b ADC With Two-Step Settling in 0.18 $\mu$ m CMOS

A pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) uses switched-capacitor stages that settle in two steps that occur sequentially in time. The first step of settling places charge onto the load capacitance using charge pumps, and the second fulfills the settling requirements using typical negative feedback around an operational amplifier. Hence, the design combines the efficiency of a fast charge-transfer phase with the gain and noise-immunity advantages of amplifier-driven settling. Improved conversion efficiency results from a higher ratio of current delivered to the load to that consumed in static biasing. Additional circuitry constrains critical amplifier node voltages during the charge transfer, facilitating a graceful transition to amplifier-driven settling. The two-step settling technique is demonstrated in a 2.5 bit/stage 10-bit pipelined ADC that consumes 11.1 mW while sampling a 21.3 MHz input signal at 42 MS/s. The resulting SNDR is 55.6 dB (ENOB = 8.94) and the SFDR is 67.5 dB.