cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of vitamin D supplementation on hepatic dysfunction, vitamin D status, and glycemic control in children and adolescents with vitamin D deficiency and either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background The effects of vitamin D supplementation on mild hepatic dysfunction and glycemic control are unclear in children and adolescents with either type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Hypothesis Vitamin D supplementation will improve hepatic dysfunction and glycemic control. Aim To determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on alanine transaminase (ALT), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. Subjects and Methods A retrospective study of 131 subjects with either T1D (n = 88∶46 females, 42 males), or T2D (n = 43∶26 females, 17 males) of ages 3–18 years between 2007–2013. All subjects had (1) a diagnosis of diabetes for >12 mo, (2) received vitamin D supplementation for the management of vitamin D deficiency (3) had baseline and subsequent simultaneous measurements of HbA1c, ALT, and 25(OH)D. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D concentration of <50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL). Results At baseline, vitamin D deficiency occurred in 72.1% of patients with T2D and in 37.5% of T1D patients (p<0.001). Patients with T2D had significantly higher values for BMI SDS (p<0.001), alanine transaminase (ALT) (p = 0.001), but lower 25(OH)D (p<0.001), and no difference in HbA1c (p = 0.94), and total daily dose (TDD) of insulin per kg body weight (p = 0.48) as compared to T1D patients. After 3 months of vitamin D supplementation, there was a significant increase in 25(OH)D in both T2D (p = 0.015), and T1D patients (p<0.001); significant reduction in BMI SDS (p = 0.015) and ALT (p = 0.012) in T2D, but not in T1D. There was a clinically-significant decrease in HbA1c in T2D from 8.5±2.9% at baseline to 7.7±2.5 at 3 mo, but not in T1D, 8.5±1.2 to 8.53±1.1%. Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation in subjects with T2D was associated with statistically significant decreases in BMI SDS, ALT, and a clinically-significant decrease in HbA1c.
Compaction-corrected paleomagnetic paleolatitudes for Late Cretaceous rudists along the Cretaceous California margin: Evidence for less than 1500 km of post–Late Cretaceous offset for Baja British Columbia

The paleolatitudinal distribution of bivalve rudists has important significance for the Baja British Columbia (Baja BC) hypothesis that western Canadian superterranes from British Columbia have been displaced 3000 km since Cretaceous time. Rudists are not observed in Baja BC sedimentary rocks, yet they are common in Late Cretaceous strata in California and Baja California, which have the same paleomagnetically determined paleolatitudes (approximately 25°N) as Baja BC rocks of Late Cretaceous age. In order to resolve this contradiction and to delimit more exactly the southern paleolatitudes of Baja BC, paleomagnetic inclinations corrected for the effects of burial compaction were used to determine the paleolatitudinal distribution of rudists along the California margin. Compaction-corrected paleomagnetic data from the Peninsular Ranges and Salinia terranes indicate that rudists were restricted to paleolatitudes between 34° and 40°N. Evidence of coastal upwelling in the latest Cretaceous Marca Shale may explain the northern limit of the rudist distribution. These data suggest that Baja BC was no farther south than 40°N in the Late Cretaceous, thus limiting its post-Cretaceous displacement to less than 1500 km, and that burial compaction has also affected the paleomagnetism of Nanaimo Group sedimentary rocks from Vancouver Island. This result also helps resolve the conflict between paleomagnetic results, which show 1500 km of post–Late Cretaceous offset between the Insular–Coast Plutonic Complex superterrane and the Intermontane superterrane and geologic observations, which can allow only tens of kilometers of offset between these terranes in the Methow- Tyaughton basin.
Using a gravity model to predict circulation in a public library system

In 1990, the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library closed one library branch and replaced it with another at a new location. A gravity model, based upon principles of spatial interaction, was developed to predict the circulation of libraries in the system, especially the new branch. Using 1989 circulation data and data on library stocks and the distribution and characteristics of the population in the service area, the model effectively predicted these 1989 circulation levels. The gravity model is tested by predicting library circulations in 1991, particularly the circulation for the new branch library.
High-mobility three-atom-thick semiconducting films with wafer-scale homogeneity

The large-scale growth of semiconducting thin films forms the basis of modern electronics and optoelectronics. A decrease in film thickness to the ultimate limit of the atomic, sub-nanometre length scale, a difficult limit for traditional semiconductors (such as Si and GaAs), would bring wide benefits for applications in ultrathin and flexible electronics, photovoltaics and display technology. For this, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), which can form stable three-atom-thick monolayers, provide ideal semiconducting materials with high electrical carrier mobility, and their large-scale growth on insulating substrates would enable the batch fabrication of atomically thin high-performance transistors and photodetectors on a technologically relevant scale without film transfer. In addition, their unique electronic band structures provide novel ways of enhancing the functionalities of such devices, including the large excitonic effect, bandgap modulation, indirect-to-direct bandgap transition, piezoelectricity and valleytronics. However, the large-scale growth of monolayer TMD films with spatial homogeneity and high electrical performance remains an unsolved challenge. Here we report the preparation of high-mobility 4-inch wafer-scale films of monolayer molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and tungsten disulphide, grown directly on insulating SiO2 substrates, with excellent spatial homogeneity over the entire films. They are grown with a newly developed, metal-organic chemical vapour deposition technique, and show high electrical performance, including an electron mobility of 30 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) at room temperature and 114 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) at 90 K for MoS2, with little dependence on position or channel length. With the use of these films we successfully demonstrate the wafer-scale batch fabrication of high-performance monolayer MoS2 field-effect transistors with a 99% device yield and the multi-level fabrication of vertically stacked transistor devices for three-dimensional circuitry. Our work is a step towards the realization of atomically thin integrated circuitry.
Women's Experience of Giving and Receiving Emotional Abuse An Attachment Perspective

Relationships among attachment styles and the infliction and receipt of emotional abuse among college students in romantic relationships were examined. Both self-report and interview measures were collected. The self-reports were administered to a sample of 427 college students, 61 (42 women and 19 men) of whom were interviewed. For women (but not for men), the interview and self-report measures of emotional abuse converged, with r's ranging from .39 to .74. The predicted patterns of relationship between attachment styles and abuse held most strongly when interview measures of each were examined. Women high in attachment security were less likely to both inflict and receive emotional abuse. Those high in preoccupied (anxious) attachment were likely to both inflict and receive abuse. A similar but nonsignificant trend held for fearful women. A partial correlational analysis was conducted that refined and extended these findings.
Perceptions of “Organic” Food: A View Through Brand Theory

Globally, the organic food industry has experienced impressive growth rates, especially in the United States and Europe, yet still accounts for a relatively small portion of total food sales. In the United States, it constitutes less than 5% percent of food sales despite a decade of support by the U.S. National Organic Standard. Using the United States as a context, the authors show through survey data and confirmatory factor analysis that when “organic” is examined through the lens of brand theory, it is clear that it has yet to attain brand equity. There is evidence of brand awareness and perceived quality, suggesting that the industry has moved in the right direction. Yet negative perceptions of value and no evidence of brand loyalty undermine the industry’s goals. Because “organic” carries different significance to different consumers, the industry will have to develop a cohesive strategy to reestablish “organic” in a unified way. For country markets of similar experience with organic food, and for ma...
Phase relations in the Nb-Pd-Hf-Al system

In support of computational design of coherent aluminide strengthened Nb alloys, the phase equilibria in a series of six Nb-Pd-Hf-Al alloys were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). All alloys were heat treated at 1200°C for 200 h, while three alloys were also heat treated at 1500°C for 200 h. Three-phase equilibria and two-phase equilibria were observed in two alloys at both temperatures. Two more alloys also exhibited three-phase equilibria at 1200 °C, while one alloy exhibited two-phase equilibria at 1200 °C. A final alloy revealed four-phase equilibria at both temperatures, confirming the presence of a unique tie-tetrahedron in the Nb-Pd-Hf-Al system. Based on the characterization of phases by SEM and XRD, the Nb-Pd-Hf-Al partial phase diagram at 1200 °C has been constructed. Such phase diagrams provide the basis for designing precipitation-strengthened Nb-based superalloys.
The company you keep affects your attitudes toward the company

The article discusses research pertaining to the influence of informal network organization on employee attitudes. The study indicated that employees' perceptions were mainly shaped by their centrality in the firm's informal network for the exchange of professional advice. The employees that were most central in the advice network tended to view the climate of risk-taking, access to information, and acceptance most positively. Factors such as gender, tenure, prestige, and education did not influence employee's perceptions.
Comparative epidemiology of coccidia: clues to the etiology of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.

Abstract The organism associated with EPM is a protozoan. It bears greatest resemblance to the genus Sarcocystis based on the mode of replication, staining characteristics, location in host cells, serology and epidemiology. However, attempts to produce the disease in equids by oral inoculation with many species of Sarcocystis have been unsuccessful. Because the distribution of EPM is limited to North America, further attempts to identify the organism and its source should focus on animal sources unique to that continent.
Egg Quality on the Seattle Market

Abstract THE need for improved methods of handling eggs has been recognized in the Seattle, Washington market for several years. Most of the eggs sold in the stores carry a grade label, predominately grade AA. Information is lacking as to just how good eggs packaged in the various grades are on the basis of broken-out measurements when they reach the consumer. Slocum and Swanson (1954) reported that less than ten percent of the consuming units interviewed in Seattle had complaints regarding the eggs they purchased. This indicates that a majority of the buyers are apparently satisfied with the quality of eggs available on this market. In 1952, Jensen and Stadelman reported on the quality of eggs being delivered to retail stores in Seattle. They found that many of the eggs were of relatively low quality on the basis of broken-out measurement at that time. It was reported by Jensen and Stadelman …
Elbow, Forearm, and Wrist Passive Range of Motion in Persons Aged Sixty and Older

Passive rangc of motion (ROM) was measured in 124 subjects 60-99 years at the elbow, forearm, and wrist. Passive ROM for elbow flexion, forearm pronation and supination, wrist flexion and extension, radial and ulnar deviation were obtained using the Ortho Ranger II Inclinometer. Passive ROM for elbow extension was obtained using a twelve inch universal goniometer. Results showed the means for ROM of elbow flexion and extension, foream pronation and supination, and wrist flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation to be 147, -1, 84, 85, 80, 75, 20, and 30 degrees. No difference was found between elbow, forearm, and wrist ROM in the elderly sample and Le AAOS standards.
Predicting the Need for Upfront Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background:Combination therapy is commonly used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. We aimed to identify factors that may predict the need for future combination therapy.Methods:We...
Longitudinal Associations Between Immigrant Ethnic Density, Neighborhood Processes, and Latino Immigrant Youth Depression

Depression rates rise in adolescence and the prevalence of depression is higher among Latino adolescents than other race/ethnic groups. Ethnic density among immigrant populations is associated with better health and mental health outcomes among adults, but little is known about its effects among adolescents or its mechanisms. This study examines the pathways by which immigrant density may affect mental health outcomes among Latino youth. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we drew a sample of 2,678 Hispanic youth. Multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses found that Latino immigrant density predicted lower odds of depression among both male and female immigrant but not non-immigrant Latino adolescents. No mediating effects of neighborhood efficacy, perceived safety or perceived contentment were observed in this study. Results reaffirm the need to further explore the mechanisms through which ethnic density exerts its salubrious effect on immigrant youth mental health.
Safety of concurrent bevacizumab therapy and anticoagulation in glioma patients.

Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are common in glioma patients and are typically treated with anticoagulant medications. The anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab (BVZ) increases the risks of both VTE and hemorrhagic complications. Little is known about the hemorrhagic risk of anticoagulation in glioma patients receiving BVZ. We reviewed medical records from 282 BVZ-treated patients at our center and identified 64 who received concurrent anticoagulant therapy. The risk and severity of hemorrhagic complications were assessed. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the risk of hemorrhage between subjects who received and did not receive anticoagulants. Forty-seven patients (73%) had glioblastoma, 15 (23%) anaplastic glioma, and 2 (3%) other tumors. Thirteen (20%) and 51 (80%) patients received warfarin and low-molecular-weight heparin, respectively. The indication for anticoagulation was deep venous thrombosis in 37 patients (58%), pulmonary embolism in 22 (34%), and both in 5 (8%). Thirteen patients (20%) experienced hemorrhage, of which four hemorrhages (6%) were serious (grade ≥ 3): one patient had grade 5 intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), one grade 4 ICH, one grade 3 epistaxis, and one grade 3 gastrointestinal hemorrhage. ICH was seen in seven patients (11%), of which five (8%) were grade 1. Among 218 patients who did not receive anticoagulants, there were two (1%) serious hemorrhages (both grade 4 ICH). Both the serious hemorrhage rate and overall ICH rate were higher in patients who received anticoagulants (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Anticoagulant use during BVZ therapy may increase the risk of hemorrhage in glioma patients, although it is generally well tolerated.
Efficacy of an internet-based behavioral weight loss program for overweight adolescent African-American girls.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of an internetbased lifestyle behavior modification program for weight management in African-American girls. Design: African-American girls were randomly assigned to an interactive behavioral internet program or an internet health education program, the control condition. The behavioral intervention included internet counseling and was highly interactive. The control intervention was a passive (non-interactive) educational program. Parents were also participants in the study. Participants in both treatment groups met in face-to-face sessions on four occasions over the first 12 weeks of a 6-month intervention. Subjects: The study enrolled 57 African-American adolescent girls (ages 11 to 15 years) who were overweight or obese and had at least one biological parent who was obese [body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2]. Of the 57 participants, 50 (88%) completed the 6-month trial. Measurements: Outcome data, including BMI, body weight, body composition, dietary intake, and weight loss behaviors were collected at baseline and 6-months later. A computer server tracked utilization of the websites. Participation in the program was measured by number of “hits” on the website. Results: Compared to the control condition, adolescents in the behavioral treatment lost more body fat (group difference =1.6% body fat) and parents lost significantly more body weight (group difference =2.1 kg). Utilization of the behavioral website by adolescents and parents was associated with positive outcome. Dietary fat intake was lowered for adolescents and parents in the behavioral treatment group. Conclusion: An internet-based behavioral intervention was superior to internet-based health education and yielded decreased body fat for adolescent girls and decreased body weight for parents.
Spending profile analysis for NASA integrated project assessments

Parametric cost estimating tools and processes often estimate cost totals without spreading them across a project schedule by year. Government oversight and constrained budget profiles make understanding cost and cost drivers on an annual basis essential in order to see the direct effects of changes to cost profiles. An efficient, data-driven, transparent approach to cost spreading that can be calibrated to internal data is valuable for organizations seeking to control costs associated with proposal production without jeopardizing cost estimate rigor and credibility. Some parametric tools are available that offer cost spreading capabilities for the WBS elements they estimate. For many organizations, however, historical spending profiles from internal data indicate that a tailored approach to cost spreading is better to produce realistic annual budget requirements. This paper addresses classic actuarial methods for estimating the pace of spending from historical spending profiles, given a total cost estimate and a project schedule. The result is an excel-based tool that allows data-driven dollar-spreading with relative ease. We present results and the way forward.
ILLITERACY AND OLDER ADULTS: INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS

Literacy has become an important predictor of well being in old age. Being literate in today's society demands a myriad of functional abilities, which, when absent, can have dramatic health, economic, and social consequences. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for defining literacy within an increasingly technological society, and to explore the experience of illiteracy among older adults. To examine these issues, qualitative data were gathered from an adult literacy program in Hamilton, Ohio. Data collected through these interactions suggest that the devastating effects of illiteracy are exacerbated throughout the lifecourse, resulting in significant disadvantage for older adults.
Identification of a new predaceous stink bug pheromone and its attractiveness to the eastern yellowjacket

Males ofPodisus fretus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) release a long-range attractant pheromone containing linalool (49.0%), (E)-2-hexenal (34.5%), benzyl alcohol (12.0%), nerolidol (2.0%),α-terpineol (1.1%), and traces of several other compounds. The eastern yellowjacket,Vespula maculifrons (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), is attracted to artificial pheromones forP. fretus and for the sympatric species,Podisus maculiventris.
Anti‐inflammatory cytokines, pro‐fibrogenic chemokines and persistence of acute HCV infection

Chemokines and cytokines play a vital role in directing and regulating immune responses to viral infections. Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by the loss of anti-HCV cellular immune responses, while control of HCV infection is associated with maintenance of anti-HCV cellular immune responses. To determine whether plasma concentrations of 19 chemokines and cytokines controlling T-cell trafficking and function differed based on infection outcome, we compared them in at-risk subjects followed prospectively for HCV infection. Levels were compared over time in subjects who controlled HCV infection (Clearance) and subjects who developed persistent HCV infection (Persistence) at two time points during acute infection: (i) first viraemic sample (initial viraemia) and (ii) last viraemic sample in Clearance subjects and time-matched samples in Persistence subjects. At initial viraemia, increased pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) plasma concentrations were observed in the Clearance group, while the plasma levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and IL-13 were higher in the Persistence group. IL-13 was positively correlated with IL-2 and IL-10 at initial viraemia in the Persistence group. At the time of last viraemia, plasma levels of eotaxin, macrophage chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4), IL-5 and IL-10 were higher in the Persistence group and IL-10 and IL-5 levels were positively correlated. Collectively, these results suggest that the development of persistent infection is associated with an anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic chemokine and cytokine profile that is evident at the onset of infection and maintained throughout acute infection.
Human placental choline acetyltransferase. Nature and molecular aspects of the inhibition by iodo- and bromoacetylcholines.

Abstract Human placental choline acetyltransferase (ChA) was assayed by the formation of acetyl[ 14 C]choline (ACh) from choline and acetyl[ 14 C]coenzyme A (ACoA). Among the four halogenoacetylcholines, iodo- and bromoacetylcholines were potent inhibitors (I 50 : 2 × 10 −6 M) of ChA. They were studied in the following experiments: (1) variation of initial velocity as a function of choline concentration (5 × 10 −5 to 2 × 10 −4 M, ACoA 10 −5 M) at four levels of iodo- and bromoacetylcholines (5 × 10 −7 to 2.5 × 10 −6 M); (2) variation of initial velocity as a function of ACoA concentration (6 × 10 −6 to 2.5 × 10 −5 M, choline 10 −4 M) at four levels of iodo- and bromoacetylcholines; (3) dialysis of the inhibited ChA; and (4) capacities of iodo- and bromoacetates to inhibit ChA. In (I) and (2), primary plots were noncompetitive and secondary plots of slopes and intercepts were linear. In (3), only 70–80 per cent of the inhibition was reversible. In (4), high levels of halogeno-acetates (10 −2 M) inhibited ChA by 20–30 per cent. These investigations support the formation of ternary intermediates (CoA ChA · IACh or CoA · ChA · BrACh) during the reaction of placental ChA. The quaternary ammonium head and the positive carboxyl-carbon do seem to contribute to the ChA inhibition by IACh and BrACh. The irreversible component of the inhibition (20–30 per cent) with XACh or iodo- and bromoacetates can be explained by possible (1) formation of R -carboxymethylated ChA (where R = -O-, -S-or = N-) which is less active than the original ChA, (2) formation of S-carboxymethylated CoA which is slowly dialyzed free from the enzyme surface, or (3) conversion of the part of the enzyme to the — N —carboxymethylated form which is inactive.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE PARATHYROIDS ON BLOOD CALCIUM LEVELS AND SHELL DEPOSITION IN LAYING HENS

EFFECTS of parathyroidectomy on the deposition of shell calcium in the fowl have not been determined. Previous studies have been concerned with the function of the parathyroid glands in adult male or immature ducks (1, 2) and pigeons (3, 4). Some effort was directed toward correlating changes in bone during the egg formation cycle of laying pigeons (5) and with parathyroid histology in laying hens (6). In these preceding studies, parathyroidectomy of the laying female bird, at a time preceding or during shell deposition was not performed. METHODS Adult female chickens in their 1st and 2nd year of production were individually caged in 3-deck batteries, and given water and mash, ad libitum, except when starved; then only water was allowed. These hens were crossbreeds and leghorns.
The SDSS Galaxy Angular Two-Point Correlation Function

We present the galaxy two-point angular correlation function for galaxies selected from the seventh data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The galaxy sample was selected with r-band apparent magnitudes between 17 and 21; and we measure the correlation function for the full sample as well as for the four magnitude ranges: 17{18, 18{19, 19{20, and 20{21. We update the ag criteria to select a clean galaxy catalog and detail specic tests that we perform to characterize systematic eects, including the eects of seeing, Galactic extinction, and the overall survey uniformity. Notably, we nd that optimally we can use observed regions with seeing < 1: 00 5, and r-band extinction < 0:13 magnitudes, smaller than previously published results. Furthermore, we conrm that the uniformity of the SDSS photometry is minimally aected
Voltage‐dependent sodium and calcium currents in cultured parasympathetic neurones from rat intracardiac ganglia.

1. Depolarization-activated Na+ and Ca2+ currents underlying the rising phase of the action potential in mammalian parasympathetic ganglion cells were investigated in voltage-clamped neurones dissociated from neonatal rat intracardiac ganglia and maintained in tissue culture. 2. A current component isolated by replacing intracellular K+ with Cs+ or arginine and adding 0.1 mM Cd2+ to the external solution was dependent on extracellular [Na+] and reversibly blocked in the presence of 300 nM tetrodotoxin (TTX). Peak amplitudes of Na+ currents elicited by step depolarization from a holding potential of -100 mV were 351 +/- 18 pA/pF (140 mM extracellular Na+). 3. The sodium current-voltage (I-V) curve exhibited a threshold for activation at -40 mV and reached a maximum at -10 mV. The Na+ conductance increased sigmoidally with increasing depolarization reaching half-maximal activation at -25 mV, with a maximum slope corresponding to 7.5 mV per e-fold change in conductance. 4. During a maintained depolarization, Na+ currents turned on and then decayed (inactivated) with an exponential time course. The time constant of inactivation was voltage dependent decreasing from 0.85 ms at -20 mV to 0.3 ms at +60 mV (23 degrees C). The steady-state inactivation of the Na+ conductance was voltage-dependent with half-inactivation occurring at -61 mV and near-complete inactivation at -20 mV. Recovery from inactivation also followed an exponential time course with a time constant that increased at depolarized membrane potentials. 5. A voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent current was isolated by replacement of intracellular K+ with either Cs+ or arginine and of extracellular Na+ with tetraethylammonium and the addition of TTX. Extracellular Ba2+ or Na+ (in the absence of external divalent cation) could substitute for Ca2+. Peak Ca2+ current increased with increasing extracellular [Ca2+] and above 10 mM (Kd approximately 4 mM) approached saturation. The peak Ca2+ current density was 45 +/- 4 pA/pF (2.5 mM-extracellular Ca2+). 6. The Ca2+ I-V relation exhibited a high threshold for activation (-20 mV) and reached a maximum at +20 mV. Changing the holding potential from -100 to -40 mV did not alter the I-V relationship. Peak Ca2+ conductance increased sigmoidally with increasing depolarization reaching half-maximal activation at -4 mV, with a maximal slope of 4 mV per e-fold change in Ca2+ conductance. 7. The kinetics of activation and inactivation of the Ca2+ current were voltage dependent and the time course of inactivation was fitted by the sum of two exponentials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Dapagliflozin for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Objective:To review the literature and describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical safety, and efficacy of dapagliflozin, a compound currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.Data Sources:A search of the literature was conducted via MEDLINE (1995–March 2009) and ClinicalTrials.gov using the search terms dapagliflozin, SGLT2 inhibitor, sodium-glucose co-transport inhibition, and renal glucose reabsorption inhibition. Bibliographies of identified articles were also used to identify useful references.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language reports evaluating dapagliflozin were included in this review, including abstracts and scientific presentations.Data Synthesis:Due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, suboptimal management of the associated hyperglycemia, morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, and the limitations of currently available therapies, novel therapeutic strategies are needed for its treatment. Dapagliflozin represents the first selective, sodium-g...
The Calculus of Rod Phototransduction

In this issue, two articles present major advances in the quantitative analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying rod phototransduction. One is by Nikonov et al. (1998), the other by Calvert et al. (1998). These two papers are complimentary, but with substantial areas of intersection. At the present time, the activation cascade in rod phototransduction that leads to the hydrolysis of the internal transmitter, cyclic GMP (cGMP) and to the closure of light-sensitive channels is fairly well understood. The inactivation steps responsible for the termination of the photoresponse and the feedback mechanisms, which modulate sensitivity and kinetics and also contribute to response termination, are not understood nearly as well. The field of phototransduction has always been fraught with controversy: for every point, there has been a counterpoint. However, one can argue, with little fear of inciting controversy, that a complete understanding of phototransduction must include an understanding of the steps by which the photoresponse is initiated and the steps by which it is terminated. For this reason, the Nikonov et al. paper, “The Kinetics of Recovery of the Dark-adapted Salamander Rod Photoresponse” is especially significant. This paper moves us closer to a definitive answer to an old, controversial question: What is the rate-limiting biochemical reaction that determines the time course of recovery of the photocurrent from a flash bright enough to temporarily shut off all light-sensitive current? Two main contenders have been the inactivation of rhodopsin and the inactivation of the activated phosphodiesterase–G-protein complex. The authors present a case for the latter. A highlight of the paper is a new approach to quantify the extent of guanylyl cyclase activation in a feedback pathway mediated by calcium. The role of cyclase in determining the time at which photocurrent recovery begins and its role in sculpting the waveform of recovery are quantified. This analysis supports the existence of at least one more significant target for calcium feedback. A notable feature of the paper is that the authors make stunning progress largely through powerful new theoretical analysis applied to data gathered with stateof-the-art techniques. A number of important observations and conclusions are stated in a formal manner in mathematical language, which includes theorems, lemmas, and proofs. The rigorous approach in this paper has the advantages of clarity and completeness. The aspects of phototransduction that can now be well understood are highlighted by a mathematical model, and the gaps in our knowledge are set off in stark contrast. Fortunately for the reader with less mathematical background, sufficient explanatory discussion surrounds the mathematical statements, such that a reader may even choose to skip the theorems entirely without major loss of information.
Salvage chemotherapy with tamoxifen for recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas

Background A prospective phase 2 study of daily oral tamoxifen citrate in young adults with recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas. Methods Twenty-four patients (15 men; 9 women) aged 19 to 45 years (median age, 31.5 years) with recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas were treated. All patients had been treated previously with surgery and involved-field radiotherapy (median dose, 60 Gy; range, 59-61 Gy). In addition, 22 patients were treated adjuvantly with nitrosourea-based chemotherapy (combined procarbazine hydrochloride, lomustine, and vincristine sulfate in 16; carmustine in 6). All patients were treated with salvage chemotherapy at first recurrence, with 1 to 4 chemotherapy regimens (median, 1 regimen). Tamoxifen citrate was administered orally at a fixed dosage of 80 mg/m 2 as a single or a twice-daily dosage. Neurologic and neuroradiographic evaluation were performed every 12 weeks, operationally defined as a single cycle of tamoxifen. Results All patients were able to undergo evaluation. A median of 4 cycles of tamoxifen (range, 1-8 cycles) were administered. No tamoxifen-related toxic effects were seen, nor were there any treatment-related deaths. Four patients (17%) demonstrated a neuroradiographic partial response; 11 patients (46%), stable disease; and 9 patients (38%), progressive disease following a single cycle of tamoxifen. Time to tumor progression ranged from 3 to 25 months (median, 12 months). Survival ranged from 3 to 27 months (median, 13 months). Five patients are alive, with 3 receiving alternative chemotherapy regimens and 2 continuing to receive tamoxifen. In the group with responding and stable disease, median survival was 15 months (range, 8-27 months). Conclusion Tamoxifen demonstrated modest efficacy with no apparent toxic effects in this heavily pretreated cohort of young adults with recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas.
Regulation and Tuning of Smooth Muscle Myosin

Smooth muscle myosin is regulated by phosphorylation of one of the two myosin light chains. This phosphorylation causes an unfolding of the myosin that allows it to interact with actin to produce force. The inactive state involves trapping the myosin in a conformation wherein the myosin heads interact with a segment of the myosin rod. Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain weakens these interactions and allows the myosin to be activated. Smooth muscle myosin has a large movement of its light chain binding domain that is coupled to ADP release. This structural change may be necessary for the generation of “latch.” Smooth muscle myosin has three different regions that vary to generate different isoforms: (1) an alternative insertion within the myosin head; (2) two possible essential light chains; and (3) an alternative tail at the end of the myosin rod. There is substantial evidence that the insertion in the myosin head increases the enzymatic activity of the myosin and leads to greater shortening ve...
Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms: Statistical Considerations.

Large community studies of depressive symptomatology provide mixed evidence concerning gender differences. The present paper investigates the effect of the high skewness typically present in distri...
Characterization of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Activity during Maize Seed Development, Germination, and Seedling Emergence

Many isoprenoid compounds are necessary for growth and development of the seed and seedling. The first committed step in the biosynthesis of isoprenoid compounds is the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A to mevalonate. This study shows that the specific activity of the rate-limiting enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is developmentally regulated during Zea mays seed development and seedling emergence. The highest activities were observed in seed development during stages of rapid mitotic divisions: 10 to 12 d after pollination in the endosperm (216.1 units) and embryo (140.2 units). During stages of maturation, the endosperm HMGR activity decreases to one-fifth the maximal activity, and the embryo activity remains high at one-half the maximal activity. Both the endosperm and embryo HMGR activities decrease to a basal level (2.0 units) in the desiccated seed. At approximately 48 h after imbibition, the embryo HMGR activity significantly increases to 5.1 units. In seeds germinated under white light, root HMGR activity is 2- to 4-fold higher than shoot activity. In seeds germinated in the dark, both root and shoot HMGR activities are 1- to 5-fold higher relative to activities in light-grown seeds.
Community-based hepatitis B screening programs in the United States in 2008

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing to identify hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection for foreign-born persons from areas with HBsAg prevalence of > or = 2%. Currently, most HBsAg screening in the United States is performed by independent community organizations. For these HBsAg screening programs, we collected information about the location, number of people screened, other services beyond screening provided, the population/ethnicity groups targeted for screening, and the prevalence of HBsAg among those screened. We identified programs offering screening by contacting programs known to us, from interviews with identified programs, and from structured Internet searches, and collected information using a simple e-mail survey with follow-up phone calls. We identified 55 possible community HBsAg screening programs, of which we successfully contacted 31 programs. In the past year, contacted programs screened an estimated 21 817 patients with an 8.1% average HBsAg prevalence. The majority of programs screened persons born in Asia and their children, and a small number of programs screened persons from Africa or Eastern Europe; very few programs screened U.S.-born persons at risk of HBV infection due to behavioural factors. We identified few or no programs in the American Southeast, the Midwest, and the Southwest outside of California and the Houston area. The HBsAg screening programs that we contacted were effective in identifying and screening patients at risk of HBV as evidenced by the high prevalence observed among those screened. However, their efforts alone are likely insufficient to meet the need for screening recommended by CDC.
Consensus Genotyper for Exome Sequencing (CGES): improving the quality of exome variant genotypes

Motivation: The development of cost-effective next-generation sequencing methods has spurred the development of high-throughput bioinformatics tools for detection of sequence variation. With many disparate variant-calling algorithms available, investigators must ask, ‘Which method is best for my data?’ Machine learning research has shown that so-called ensemble methods that combine the output of multiple models can dramatically improve classifier performance. Here we describe a novel variant-calling approach based on an ensemble of variant-calling algorithms, which we term the Consensus Genotyper for Exome Sequencing (CGES). CGES uses a two-stage voting scheme among four algorithm implementations. While our ensemble method can accept variants generated by any variant-calling algorithm, we used GATK2.8, SAMtools, FreeBayes and Atlas-SNP2 in building CGES because of their performance, widespread adoption and diverse but complementary algorithms. Results: We apply CGES to 132 samples sequenced at the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (HAIB, Huntsville, AL) using the Nimblegen Exome Capture and Illumina sequencing technology. Our sample set consisted of 40 complete trios, two families of four, one parent–child duo and two unrelated individuals. CGES yielded the fewest total variant calls (NCGES=139°897), the highest Ts/Tv ratio (3.02), the lowest Mendelian error rate across all genotypes (0.028%), the highest rediscovery rate from the Exome Variant Server (EVS; 89.3%) and 1000 Genomes (1KG; 84.1%) and the highest positive predictive value (PPV; 96.1%) for a random sample of previously validated de novo variants. We describe these and other quality control (QC) metrics from consensus data and explain how the CGES pipeline can be used to generate call sets of varying quality stringency, including consensus calls present across all four algorithms, calls that are consistent across any three out of four algorithms, calls that are consistent across any two out of four algorithms or a more liberal set of all calls made by any algorithm. Availability and implementation: To enable accessible, efficient and reproducible analysis, we implement CGES both as a stand-alone command line tool available for download in GitHub and as a set of Galaxy tools and workflows configured to execute on parallel computers. Contact: ude.ogacihcu@yoksteburt Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The therapeutic nursery as an aid in diagnosis of delayed language development.

Although the presenting problem of children with delayed language development may be similar, longitudinal observation in a therapeutic nursery helps clarify the diverse etiological factors. Just how this is done is illustrated with three children, one whose delayed language was due to lack of auditory stimulation, one with schizophrenia, and one with structural damage to the central nervous system.
Breakup of Temperature Inversions in Deep Mountain Valleys: Part I. Observations.

Abstract The breakup of temperature inversions in the deep mountain valleys of western Colorado has been studied by means of tethered balloon observations of wind and temperature structure on clear weather days in different seasons. Vertical potential temperature structure profiles evolve following one of three patterns. Two of the patterns are special cases of the third pattern, in which inversions are destroyed by two continuous processes-upward growth of a convective boundary layer (CBL) into the base of the valley inversion, and descent of the inversion top. The three idealized patterns are described and 21 case studies of inversion breakup following the patterns are summarized. Inversion breakup begins at sunrise and is generally completed in 3½–5 h, unless the valley is snow covered or the ground is wet. Warming of the inversion layer is consistent with subsidence heating. An hypothesis is offered to explain the observations, stressing the role of the sensible heat flux in causing the CBL to grow an...
EFFECTS OF SPRING ACORN AVAILABILITY ON BLACK BEAR DIET, MILK COMPOSITION, AND CUB SURVIVAL

We investigated the role of changing abundance of spring foods on female American black bear (Ursus americanus) diet, milk composition, and cub survival in western Massachusetts. We hypothesized that diets would change, percentage milk fat would be higher, and cub survival would be higher in a year when overwintered hard mast was more abundant. We obtained paired samples of milk from 7 adult female bears across consecutive reproductive cycles during which spring diets differed; 1 year followed a bumper acorn (Quercus rubra) crop and estimated spring diets were >25% acorns; the other year followed an extremely poor acorn crop and spring diets were estimated to be 99% skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). Postdenning milk was higher in fat (26.7% versus 18.2%; P = 0.0557) during the spring when acorns were abundant, but we did not identify any carryover affect to cub survival. We suggest that adult female black bears compensate for changes in food availability by eating greater volumes of alternative foods, and perhaps allocate resources primarily to milk production; the bears appear to be able to produce milk of adequate quality to sustain cubs, regardless of spring diet.
The Phytophthora species assemblage and diversity in riparian alder ecosystems of western Oregon, USA

Phytophthora species were systematically sampled, isolated, identified and compared for presence in streams, soil and roots of alder (Alnus species) dominated riparian ecosystems in western Oregon. We describe the species assemblage and evaluate Phytophthora diversity associated with alder. We recovered 1250 isolates of 20 Phytophthora species. Only three species were recovered from all substrates (streams, soil, alder roots): P. gonapodyides ,t he informally described "P. taxon Pgchlamydo", and P. siskiyouensis. P. alni ssp. uniformis along with five other species not previously recovered in Oregon forests are included in the assemblage: P.citricola s.l., P. gregata, P. gallica, P. nicotianae and P. parsiana. Phytophthora species diversity was greatest in down- stream riparian locations. There was no significant difference in species diversity comparing soil and unwashed roots (the rhizosphere) to stream water. There was a difference between the predominating species from the rhizosphere compared to stream water. The most numerous species was the informally described "P. taxon Oaksoil", which was mainly recovered from, and most predominant in, stream water. The most common species from riparian forest soils and alder root systems was P. gonapodyides.
Alkyl-functionalization of porous silicon via multimode microwave-assisted hydrosilylation

Abstract Porous silicon (PSi), with its large surface area-to-volume ratio and tunable surface morphology, remains an attractive substrate for applications ranging from optoelectronics to medical diagnostics. However, one significant obstacle facing the development of specialized PSi devices is the inherent instability of its native, silicon-hydride surface termination. In order to bypass this difficulty, a number of benchtop hydrosilylation reactions have been reported for functionalizing organic groups onto oxide-free, PSi surfaces via Si C bonds. PSi passivated in this fashion is protected against ambient oxidation and chemical attack. This work describes a facile, efficient, and highly-scalable reaction that results in alkyl-functionalized PSi by way of a multimode microwave reactor. Resultant monolayers were characterized via qualitative and semi-quantitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The multimode microwave-assisted hydrosilylation reaction described here provides stable monolayers in a fraction of the time required by traditional reflux methods and in greater yield than catalyst-mediated room temperature reactions.
Symmetries of Probability Kinematics

Most of probability theory is resilient under shifts of interpretation: the same theorems are proved for personal probability as for objective chance. The question of how probabilities change with time, however, is approached quite differently. In quantum theory for example, one can see a veritable dynamics of objective probabilities, which evolve in time, constrained by symmetries which induce conservation laws. This topic I shall leave aside here, to concentrate on rational change of opinion, probabilistically conceived.
Spontaneous gallbladder perforation in a child secondary to a gallbladder cyst: a rare presentation and review of literature

Spontaneous gallbladder perforation is rare in children. The etiology of gallbladder perforation varies greatly and is often unknown. Identified causes include infection, congenital, stones or choledochal cysts. Presently there are only five reported cases of spontaneous gallbladder perforation in children in the English literature. As such, the optimal method of diagnosis and management remains controversial. We report the case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with peritonitis secondary to spontaneous gallbladder perforation.