cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Familial predisposition to nephropathy in African-Americans with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract Nephropathy clusters in Pima Indian families with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), suggesting that susceptibility to nephropathy is distinct from NIDDM per se. The authors compared the family history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from 52 African-American patients with NIDDM-induced ESRD (cases) with 45 age-, sex-, and race-matched non-insulin-dependent diabetics without nephropathy (controls) to assess whether the risk of renal disease was independent from NIDDM in African-Americans as well. Thirty-seven percent (19 of 52) of NIDDM-induced ESRD patients had either a first-, second-, or third-degree relative with ESRD, in contrast to only 7% (3 of 45) of diabetic controls. African-American individuals with NIDDM were at eightfold increased risk for developing subsequent ESRD in the presence of a close relative with ESRD (odds ratio=8.06; 95% confidence interval, 2.2 to 29.6; P ≤ 0.0005). No significant differences were observed in yearly income, years of formal education, total serum cholesterol level, prevalence of smoking, or hypertension between the groups. Diabetic control (assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin and random glucose levels) was suboptimal in nonrenal disease controls, suggesting that hyperglycemia alone fails to cause nephropathy in patients with NIDDM. Family size was unlikely to have influenced the results because diabetic cases had significantly fewer first-degree relatives than did diabetic controls. Familial clustering of ESRD is present in certain African-American families with NIDDM. Differences in family size and degree of diabetic control are unlikely to account for the differences observed between families. As in the Pima Indians, susceptibility to ESRD in African-Americans appears to be independent of the presence of NIDDM. These data strongly suggest that a genetic predisposition to renal disease is present in these families, although shared environment cannot be excluded from contributing to this risk.
An evaluation of the message-passing interface

The Message-Passing Interface (MPI) is evaluated by rewriting message parallel programs for Householder reduction, matrix multiplication, and successive overrelaxation. The author concludes that MPI is a practical programming tool. It does, however, lack the elegance and security that can only be achieved by a parallel programming language.
Helicobacter and Arcobacter: Potential human foodborne pathogens?

Helicobacter pylori is associated with human gastric ulcers and gastric cancer; it has been detected in water, but not in foods. Arcobacter, a newly described Campylobacter-like organism, has been associated with cases of livestock abortion and human enteritis. Arcobacter spp. have been detected in water, cattle, swine, poultry, and ground pork products. This article reviews the evidence for considering Helicobacter spp. and Arcobacter spp., especially Arcobacter butzleri, as emerging foodborne pathogens.
Regular Article: A Discontinuous Galerkin ALE Method for Compressible Viscous Flows in Moving Domains

We present a matrix-free discontinuous Galerkin method for simulating compressible viscous flows in two- and three-dimensional moving domains. To this end, we solve the Navier-Stokes equations in an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) framework. Spatial discretization is based on standard structured and unstructured grids but using an orthogonal hierarchical spectral basis. The method is third-order accurate in time and converges exponentially fast in space for smooth solutions. A novelty of the method is the use of a force-directed algorithm from graph theory that requires no matrix inversion to efficiently update the grid while minimizing distortions. We present several simulations using the new method, including validation with published results from a pitching airfoil, and new results for flow past a three-dimensional wing subject to large flapping insect-like motion.
The essential oil of pectis papposa

This oil, produced by a heavily scented herbaceous plant of the American Southwest and northern Mexico, is rich in cumaldehyde and carvone, and is therefore a potential commercial source of these fragrant aldehydes, now obtained from cumin, caraway and dill seed oils and used in Savoring food and beverages.
Abstract 5171: EGFR induction of SOX9 is required in a cellular migration program induced by urothelial injury and maintained in cancer

Data from a variety of tissue types and experimental systems indicate that the transcriptional regulator SRY-related HMG box 9 (SOX9) can be induced by injury and promote migration as well as tumor growth. We hypothesize that in cancers associated with chronic injury, such as urothelial carcinoma (UroCa), SOX9 may mediate epithelial injury repair. We found that urothelial SOX9 was induced during times of rapid proliferation during bladder organogenesis and injury repair. High levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands have been noted in urine and represent a potential trigger for urothelial injury repair programs. Using specific antagonists, we found that EGF receptor activation by cognate ligands heparain binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and/or amphiregulin was responsible for Sox9 induction in urothelial cells and tissues. As expected, EGFR activation occurred through the mitogen associated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. With chronic breaches of urothelial integrity, EGFR-Sox9 stimulation may promote urothelial carcinogenesis, as Sox9 expression was significantly upregulated in invasive human UroCa samples and cell lines. When expressed in established tumors, SOX9 may confer a selective advantage to cancer cells by promoting their ability to invade and colonize new sites. As support for this idea, small interfering RNA inhibition of SOX9 levels abrogated in vitro wound healing and invasion, suggesting a role for SOX9 in tumor spread. These results indicate a potential mechanism for urothelial carcinogenesis through an EGFR-MAPK-SOX9 cascade, and a further function for this axis in established cancers. Future studies will examine the potential mechanisms supporting perseverative SOX9 expression in cancer and opportunities for disrupting this pathway as a therapeutic strategy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5171.
NMR Investigation of Segmental Dynamics in Disordered Styrene−Isoprene Tetrablock Copolymers

13C and 2H NMR relaxation time measurements were performed on four linear styrene−isoprene tetrablock copolymers (SISI) of overall molecular weight about 12 000 g/mol in order to characterize the segmental dynamics of both components. The two isoprene blocks are equal in length as are the two styrene blocks. A wide range of temperatures (from 285 to 530 K) and several compositions (volume fraction of styrene: 23%, 42%, 60%, and 80%) were investigated. Previous small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) results by Lodge et al. showed that these materials are homogeneous on length scales much larger than the radius of gyration. The segmental correlation times for both components in SISI were extracted by fitting the experimental data to the modified Kohlrausch−Williams−Watts (mKWW) orientation autocorrelation function and Vogel−Tammann−Fulcher (VTF) temperature dependence. While previous measurements found that the global dynamics in this system are quite homogeneous, these NMR measurements show that the segmen...
The ontogeny of the endogenous rhythm in vertical migration of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus at metamorphosis

Postlarvae or megalopae of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus are transported from offshore areas into estuaries where they settle and metamorphose in areas of submerged vegetation. Separate previous studies found that both intermolt megalopae and juvenile crabs have circadian rhythms in vertical migration with different phasing. Intermolt megalopae vertically migrate during the day phase of the entrainment cycle whereas juvenile crabs vertically migrate during the night phase. The present study considered (1) whether the switch in vertical migration activity from the day to night phase at metamorphosis occurred in individual animals and (2) whether the rhythm continued after metamorphosis without re-entrainment to the light:dark cycle and (3) whether exposure to offshore or estuarine water affected the rhythm. Vertical migration of individual animals was monitored under constant conditions with a video system. Re-entrainment was not necessary because the circadian rhythm in individual animals continued and the switch in phase occurred when C. sapidus was held under constant condition from the intermolt megalopa stage through metamorphosis to the first crab stage. Offshore and estuarine waters only affected the phasing of the rhythm around the time of metamorphosis but did not affect the ontogeny of the rhythm. The continuation of the rhythm and change in phase at metamorphosis contribute to horizontal transport in estuaries.
ETHICALLY INSOLUBLE DILEMMAS IN WAR

Soldiers encounter extremely difficult ethical dilemmas during wars, as they must make decisions about how to follow the laws of war and their rules of engagement while still protecting themselves ...
Spatially Resolving Ordered and Disordered Conformers and Photocurrent Generation in Intercalated Conjugated Polymer/Fullerene Blend Solar Cells

Resonance Raman spectroscopy was used to identify ordered and disordered conformers of poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT) blended with the electron acceptor [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells where PCBM intercalates into PBTTT side groups. We show that the PBTTT thiophene ring symmetric C=C stretching mode consists of contributions from ordered (ℏωC=C = 1489 cm-1, fwhm ∼ 15 cm-1) and disordered (ℏωC=C = 1500 cm-1, fwhm ∼ 25 cm-1) components and their relative amounts are sensitive to PCBM loading, annealing and excitation energy. The 1500 cm-1 PBTTT component originates from twisted thiophene rings and disordered side groups due to PCBM intercalation in a mixed kinetic phase and thermal annealing promotes ordering of PBTTT chains from the formation of bimolecular PBTTT/PCBM crystals. Density functional theory (DFT) Raman simulations of PBTTT monomers support these assignments. Resonance Raman images of annealed PBTTT/PCBM model solar cells confirm that ordered PBTTT chains are most concentrated in PCBM-rich bimolecular crystals and corresponding intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and imaging measurements show increased nongeminate charge recombination at the boundaries of ordered/disordered regions.
Equivalence of lattice gauge and spin theories

Abstract It is shown that a lattice gauge theory based on the group G is equivalent to a lattice spin theory invariant under a global group which is an infinite direct product of G's. A method of inducing a lattice gauge theory is presented.
Differences between alcoholics and spouses in their perceptions of family functioning

The present study is an investigation of differences between alcoholics and significant others in their perceptions of the functioning of their families or households. A sample of 80 pairs of alcoholic patients (PTs) and their spouses or spouse equivalents (SOs) who were living together in the same household evaluated family functioning by completing the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Agreement between PTs and SOs was moderate on the Affective Responsiveness, Communication, Problem Solving, Roles, and General Functioning scales. However, there was little or no agreement on the Behavior Control and Affective Involvement scales. These results indicate that although PTs and SOs tended to agree about how well family members work together and share thoughts and feelings, they disagreed about how well boundary issues were dealt with in their families. Implications for treating alcoholic families are discussed.
Determination of tranquilisers and carazolol residues in animal tissue using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Abstract A multi-residue method for the determination of tranquiliser residues in animal tissue is described. The procedure may be used to determine residues of the tranquilisers acepromazine, azaperone, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, propionylpromazine, xylazine, the metabolite of azaperone, azaperol, and the β-adrenoreceptor blocking agent carazolol. Existing methods of analysis for tranquilisers are based on ultraviolet and fluorescence detection and have been used for pig kidney analysis. Determination in this method was by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in the screen mode. The enhanced selectivity offered by the electrochemical detector allowed determination in liver extracts, which often give rise to more interferences on chromatographic traces when using conventional methods of detection. The method offers up to a ten-fold improvement in limits of determination over methods using ultraviolet and fluorescence detection. Recoveries and coefficients of variation have been determined in the range 2–25 μg/kg in pig kidney and liver. This electrochemical detection method has been used to measure residues in routine surveillance programmes.
Subunit structure of α-acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase from Salmonella typhimurium☆

Abstract α-Acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase, purified from Salmonella typhimurium , has a molecular weight of 220,000. The native enzyme consists of a tetramer of four identical subunits on the basis of the following criteria: (1) SDS gel electrophoresis revealed a single component of molecular weight 55,000 (2) carboxypeptidase digestion of the enzyme revealed 4 moles of glycine released per mole of enzyme; (3) amino acid analysis of the native enzyme indicated 204 moles of lysine and arginine; (4) after tryptic digestion, a total of 51 peptides were detected by high voltage electrophoresis and descending chromatography. In the native enzyme, it was possible to tititrate 8 sulfhydryl groups per mole of enzyme. Neither the rate nor extent of sulfhydryl titration was affected by substrates or products. After denaturation with SDS or urea, 8 additional sulfhydryls per mole of enzyme were titrated.
Space-time distribution in filling a mold

The residence time of a fluid particle in mold filling is total time spent in the mold. Displaying curves of constant residence time in the mold gives the space-time distribution during the filling process. A simple method to calculate space-time distributions is presented. Applications to mold filling in reaction injection molding (RIM) are illustrated.
Effect of divalent cation chelation on dihydropyridine binding in isolated cardiac sarcolemma vesicles.

The effect of divalent cation chelation on specific nitrendipine and ouabain binding has been determined in a highly enriched sarcolemma preparation isolated from canine ventricle. Maximal high-affinity nitrendipine binding measured in the absence of added calcium or magnesium was 997 +/- 103 fmol/mg protein. Nitrendipine binding in the presence of EDTA significantly decreased to 419 +/- 42 fmol/mg protein (P less than 0.001) which equates to 42.0% of control. The simultaneous presence of EDTA and A23187 in the binding buffer resulted in a decrease in nitrendipine binding to below detectable levels. These results suggest that divalent cations trapped within vesicles can support high affinity nitrendipine binding. Evaluation of dihydropyridine binding at various pH values suggested that the loss of binding below pH 7.0 and above pH 8.0 may result indirectly from a change in divalent cation binding rather than a direct effect on dihydropyridine binding per se. The maximal binding of ouabain determined in the presence of magnesium and inorganic phosphate averaged 340 +/- 7.4 pmol/mg protein. Pre-treatment of the preparation with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in order to express binding in sealed inside-out (IO) vesicles, increased ouabain binding to 471 +/- 27 pmol/mg protein. Thus, these preparations averaged 27.8% sealed IO vesicles. Addition of EDTA in the absence of magnesium in the binding buffer reduced ouabain binding to 204 +/- 7.7 and 11.7 +/- 3.5 pmol/mg protein in control and SDS-treated preparations, respectively. These findings suggest that this sarcolemma preparation consists of 43.6% sealed right-side-out (RO) vesicles which contain sufficient endogenous divalent cation trapped in the intravesicular space, to support ouabain binding. The correspondence between the percentage of ouabain binding that remains in the presence of EDTA and the percentage of nitrendipine binding observed under the same conditions is consistent with the hypothesis that divalent cations support nitrendipine binding by interaction with a site or sites accessible only from the cytoplasmic membrane surface and that nitrendipine and ouabain binding sites occur in the same vesicles (i.e., the nitrendipine binding site is of sarcolemma origin).
Phosphorylation of C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II is not required in basal transcription

PHOSPHORYLATION of the heptapeptide repeats in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II has been widely proposed as an essential step in transcription initiation1–8 on the basis of findings indicating (1) that the CTDs of RNA polymerase II molecules actively engaged in transcription are highly phosphorylated4,9,10; (2) that polymerase molecules containing non-phosphorylated CTDs preferentially enter the preinitiation complex3,11,12 where they are subsequently phosphorylated3,13; and (3) that essential initiation factors b from yeast14–16, δ from rat17,18, and BTF2(TFIIH) from human cells19–21 have closely associated CTD-kinase activities. Here we take advantage of a highly purified enzyme system which supports both CTD phosphorylation and basal transcription to test this hypothesis directly. Using the isoquinoline sulphonamide derivative H-8, which is a potent inhibitor of CTD kinase, we show that basal transcription occurs in the absence of CTD phosphorylation.
Viscosity changes during initial stages of hydrolysis of gelatin by hydrochloric acid and sulfonated polystyrene catalysis.

Abstract The initial stage of hydrolysis of gelatin for both Dowex 50 and 1 N HCl catalysis has been studied by viscosity measurements. The activation energies are not significantly different, 19.6 and 20.2 kcal., respectively. Although both processes are very similar with respect to the total concentration of hydrogen ions per unit weight of gelatin substrate, the 1 N HCl hydrolysis proceeds at about 12 times the rate of the Dowex 50 hydrolysis. This difference in rate may be due in part to a decreased hydrogen-ion availability in the case of the incompletely dissociated resin catalyst. Since it has been previously observed that Dowex 50 may catalyze essentially complete hydrolysis of some proteins at rates comparable to HCl, it appears that the resin may be more effective in hydrolyzing the smaller polypeptides occurring during the later stages of hydrolysis. Investigations along this line will be reported later.
Transient response improvement of doubly-fed induction machine during unbalanced network

This paper proposes an integral control scheme for doubly-fed induction machine (DFIM) based wind generation system. A positive and negative dq sequence model is presented which is used to analyze the transient response under both balanced and unbalanced network disturbances. The integral control optimizes the input signals (machine and converter currents) to the reference values with full state feedback so that no vague controller parameter (such as PI controller parameters) is needed. The reference values are calculated from the control targets, i.e. constant power and results in no oscillation, limited overshooting, avoidance of overcurrent and so on. Algebraic Riccati Equation is introduced to give the solutions for the controller parameters. Experiment studies verify the effectiveness of the control strategy in improving the transient response for a DFIM system under unbalanced conditions.
Conceptions of group decision and group conflict applied to vector space: A research model

Abstract This paper is an attempt, on the one hand, to integrate with and clarify basic theory and, on the other, to discuss research methods and concepts for the description and measurement of the group decision process. Specifically it proposes to set out ways for describing and measuring the speed, accuracy, and ultimate satisfaction of group decisions and to relate these to (a) controllable conditions which may be manipulated, (b) the interaction in the group which cannot be controlled, and (c) the personality characteristics and attitudes of the group members. The result of this attempt is a vector model which describes decision making in terms of attitudes. It makes use of a new line of research which has become known as the dynamic calculus .
In vivo pharmacokinetics by electron magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Low-field in vivo electron spin resonance (ESR) has been used to follow the course of metabolism and distribution of a paramagnetic spin probe, 3-carboxamido-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl. Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were catheterized in the jugular vein and given serial doses ofthe nitroxide spin probe above. The decrease in the tail blood nitroxide ESR spectrum with the time was followed. This reflects both normal distribution/excretion and a significant metabolic step–reversible reduction of the nitroxide group to its hydroxylamine. The studies serve as important and useful comparisons to the nitroxide reduction kinetics in vitro while offering the important advantage of avoiding those non-steady-state artifacts frequently expected in ex vivo procedures. This study represents the first report of systematic in vivo phannacokinetics of a paramagnetic probe. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Brain transcription factor expression: effects of acute and chronic amphetamine and injection stress

Amphetamine influences behaviors and the expression of transcription factor genes in the central nervous system (CNS). A single d-amphetamine dose (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) enhances behavioral sterotypy and augments brain expression of c-fos, fos-B, fra-1, zif 268, jun-B, and c-jun by 2–11 fold. When the single amphetamine dose is preceeded by 28 saline injections over 14 days, it is half as effective in enhancing expression of these genes. Rats injected with 7.5 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 2 weeks and sacrificed after the last injection reveal further attenuation or abolition of the amphetamine-induced mRNA upregulation. These stigmata of ‘tolerance’ in gene expression display partial overlap with behavioral tolerance, manifest as changes in locomotor activity. Rats receiving low (2 mg/kg) amphetamine challenge doses following the 2-week 7.5 mg/kg b.i.d. amphetamine treatment show tolerance to the locomotor activating effects of the drug; no tolerance is evident following a high (7.5 mg/kg) challenge dose. These data suggest that amphetamine-induced alterations in brain transcription factor gene expression can display ‘tolerance’ and possibly ‘cross-tolerance’ with the stress caused by i.p. injection.
Nocardia wallacei sp. nov. and Nocardia blacklockiae sp. nov., Human Pathogens and Members of the “Nocardia transvalensis Complex”

Nocardia isolates that share the property of in vitro amikacin resistance are grouped together by some authors in the Nocardia transvalensis complex. Our examination of 13 isolates that are amikacin resistant has revealed the existence of three distinct species. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, 65-kDa heat shock protein, and secA1 genes, coupled with DNA-DNA hybridization, indicated that “N. asteroides drug pattern IV,” “N. transvalensis new taxon 1,” and N. transvalensis sensu stricto should each be considered a distinct species. The phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the proposed new species Nocardia wallacei (N. asteroides drug pattern IV) and N. blacklockiae (N. transvalensis new taxon 1) are presented and compared with those of N. transvalensis sensu stricto. The relative genetic diversity of isolates best placed with the species N. blacklockiae is also discussed. Case studies demonstrating the pathogenicity of N. wallacei and N. blacklockiae are presented. The type strain of N. wallacei is ATCC 49873 (DSM 45136), and that of N. blacklockiae is ATCC 700035 (DSM 45135).
Cylindrical Algebraic Decomposition using validated numerics

Abstract We present a version of the Cylindrical Algebraic Decomposition (CAD) algorithm which uses interval sample points in the lifting phase, whenever the results can be validated. This gives substantial time savings by avoiding computations with exact algebraic numbers. We use bounds based on Rouche’s theorem combined with information collected during the projection phase and during construction of the current cell to validate the singularity structure of roots. We compare empirically our implementation of this variant of CAD with implementations of CAD using exact algebraic sample points (our and QEPCAD) and with our implementation of CAD using interval sample points with validation based solely on interval data.
Intergenerational transfers in long term care

How are parental inter-vivos transfers to their children and children’s informal care of parents influenced by personal characteristics, family conditions and state specific long term care policies? AHEAD data from 1993 and 1995 and a two-party choice model are used to guide the estimation of OLS and binary logit models of the amount and likelihood of inter-vivos transfers to children and informal care of parents. Results suggest that both parents’ characteristics and their offspring’s characteristics affect parental gifts to children and children’s time assistance to their parents, highlighting the interdependent nature of these decisions. Furthermore, though state policies did not consistently affect parental gift giving, the availability of state respite care support -short-term “breaks” for informal family caregivers- (1 % significance level) and adult day care centers (5 % significance level) were positively related to the amount and likelihood of children’s time assistance to their parents. These findings highlight the importance of some state programs such as respite care support in encouraging intra-family support for the elderly. Support for programs that reduce the caregiving burden may encourage more children to care for their elderly parents.
Role inconsistency and health status.

Abstract The concept of role inconsistency was developed and measured both as inconsistency inferred by the investigator and as inconsistency perceived by the subject himself. It was found that the perceived measure of role inconsistency exhibited a much stronger association with general health status, as measured by the Cornell Medical Index, than the inferred measure. Furthermore, the association was unaffected by any of the other variables in the study.
Algebra and its teaching: An historical survey

Abstract The subject of algebra has a history reaching back at least 4000 years. Ever since the Egyptians and Babylonians discovered how to solve equations, teachers have been searching for ways to present the material to their students, so that it can be effectively used. Despite the claims of recent years that algebra teaching needs to be “relevant”, it appears that historically, at least, algebra has nearly always been taught through the solving of artificial problems. Furthermore, it has generally been taught through its relationship to geometry. This article surveys the history of algebra with particular emphasis on the texts which have been used in the teaching of the subject. It also considers many instances where the use of historical ideas has been and could be useful in teaching algebra.
Life events, happiness and depression: The half empty cup

Abstract The present study investigates happiness and depressive mood and their relationship to events and individual perception of events in a sample of adults over a period of approx. 6 weeks. Happiness was measured using the Oxford Happiness Inventory; depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. Subjects also completed five daily diaries which were analyzed for content and peers rated each subject's characteristic mood. Happiness was found to be more stable than depression over the time period. Depressive mood was significantly related to negative events and to a negative evaluation of these. Happiness was independent of life events of cognitive evaluation of events.
Current and future issues in the manufacturing and development of monoclonal antibodies

Despite a slow beginning, monoclonal antibodies have had many successes over the past decade. It is important that these successes continue, bringing more products for more indications to market. Although manufacturing is not the most common cause of product failure, product quality issues can delay antibody development. Manufacturing has depended on the triad of process validation, process control and product testing. Applying product knowledge proactively to manufacturing (quality by design) may allow greater flexibility and maintain or improve product quality. An integrated approach to biological characterization is an important aspect of product knowledge. Greater product knowledge also facilitates development in other disciplines. Independent of manufacturing strategy, there are a number of regulatory hurdles in initial and ongoing antibody development. These are described to help prevent unnecessary delays.
Histomorphometry of Distraction Osteogenesis in a Caprine Tibial Lengthening Model

Standardized histomorphometry of bone formation and remodeling during distraction osteogenesis (DO) has not been well characterized. Increasing the rhythm or number of incremental lengthenings performed per day is reported to enhance bone formation during limb lengthening. In 17 skeletally immature goats, unilateral tibial lengthenings to 20 or 30% of original length were performed at a rate of 0.75 mm/day and rhythms of 1, 4, or 720 times per day using standard Ilizarov external fixation and an autodistractor system. Two additional animals underwent frame application and osteotomy without lengthening and served as osteotomy healing controls. Histomorphometric indices were measured at predetermined regions from undecalcified tibial specimens. Within the distraction region, bone formation and remodeling activity were location dependent. Intramembranous bone formed linearly oriented columns of interconnecting trabecular plates of woven and lamellar type bone. Total new bone volume and bone formation indices were significantly increased within the distraction and osteotomy callus regions (Tb.BV/TV, 226% [p < 0.05]; BFR/BS, 235-650% [p < 0.01]) respectively, compared with control metaphyseal bone. Bone formation indices were greatest adjacent to the mineralization zones at the center of the distraction gap; mineral apposition rate 96% (p < 0.01); mineralized bone surfaces 277% [p < 0.001]); osteoblast surfaces 359% [p < 0.001]); and bone formation rate (650% [p < 0.01]). There was no significant difference (p < 0.14; R = 0.4) in the bone formation rate of the distracted callus compared with the osteotomy control callus. Within the original cortices of the lengthened tibiae, bone remodeling indices were significantly increased compared with osteotomy controls; activation frequency (200% [p < 0.05]); osteoclast surfaces (295% [p < 0.01]); erosion period (75%); porosity (240% [p < 0.001]). Neither the rhythm of distraction nor the percent lengthening appeared to significantly influence any morphometric parameter evaluated. Distraction osteogenesis shares many features of normal fracture gap healing. The enhanced bone formation and remodeling appeared to result more from increased recruitment and activation of bone forming and resorbing cells rather than from an increased level of individual cellular activity.
Timely innovations: planes, trains and the ‘whites only’ economy of a Pan-American city

‘Timely innovations’ uses Jim Crow segregation, and the human activity it inspired, to account for Greater Miami's emergence as a city of global importance. It shows how city dwellers in South Florida deployed race and racism as technologies of economic and demographic control. The article also explores how evolving forms of racial segregation worked in tandem with other innovations in human mobility, urban planning and US foreign policy, with each helping Miami's residents maintain a white-over-black social order. Jim Crow, the author argues, never quite disappeared. Rather, it experienced a series of modernizations, leaving even Miami, one of the most culturally diverse American cities, beholden to the mores of bi-racial governance.
A review of rhythm and responsiveness of cortisol in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Examination of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis via cortisol among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a growing area of research interest. The following review includes investigations of cortisol conducted with cohorts of individuals with ASD across the lifespan over the past four decades. In general, studies find dysregulation when examining the diurnal rhythm as a whole in lower functioning children with ASD; however, limited evidence exists for alterations in higher functioning individuals and in specific aspects of the diurnal cycle (cortisol awakening response, daily decline, variability) relative to typically developing individuals. Studies examining the responsiveness of cortisol in ASD suggest an overall sluggishness of the HPA axis in responding to physiological or physical manipulation. Hypo-responsiveness was observed in stressors that involve social evaluative threat, however, hyper-responsiveness of the HPA axis was observed in situations involving unpleasant stimuli or relatively benign social situations. A number of important considerations when conducting studies of cortisol in ASD cohorts are discussed.
An alternative extraction site for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a recently developed technique for removal of a kidney from a living donor for subsequent renal transplantation. This method is associated with decreased length of stay, accelerated return to work, decreased pain, decreased wound complications, and improved cosmesis compared with traditional methods. As originally described, a periumbilical incision is used as the extraction site for the kidney. In an effort to further improve the cosmetic aspects of the procedure, we have modified the LDN technique by using a suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision as an alternative extraction site. This variant has become popular among female donors because it leaves only four visible incisions from the operating ports, three of 5 mm and one of 12 mm.
Current Therapeutic Options in Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a vascular malformation syndrome consisting of a facial port-wine birthmark associated with malformed leptomeningeal blood vessels and a choroid “angioma” of the eye. It is a rare neurocutaneous disorder that occurs sporadically, is not inherited, and is caused by a somatic mosaic mutation in GNAQ. In patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome, brain involvement typically presents in infancy with seizures, strokes, and stroke-like episodes, and a range of neurologic impairments. Standard treatment includes laser therapy for the birthmark, control of glaucoma through eyedrops or surgery, and the use of anticonvulsants. Increasingly low-dose aspirin is offered. Treatment with propranolol has been tried generally without the dramatic results seen in hemangiomas. Treatment with an anticonvulsant or low-dose aspirin or both before the onset of seizures is an option. Surgical resection may be offered to those whose seizures are medically refractory. Endocrine, medical rehabilitation and cognitive comorbidities are important to manage. In the future, new therapeutic options are likely to be offered stemming from preclinical studies and small pilot clinical trials currently ongoing. Discovery of the causative somatic mosaic mutation suggests new insights into the pathophysiology of this vascular malformation disorder, and potential novel treatment strategies for future study. The mutation results in constitutive overactivation of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK and the HIPPO-YAP pathways and inhibitors of these pathways may in the future prove useful in the treatment of Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Compensatory Responses to Early Olfactory Restrictiona

The emphasis on the effects of early olfactory restriction has been on the deleterious nature of the consequences of this abnormal early experience. While these effects are certainly present and dramatic, it is also the case that the olfactory system is left fairly intact by this experimental manipulation. If one asks what mechanisms may account for the preservation of the developing olfactory system in the face of diminished activity, there are a number of neural responses that could help the system compensate for the damage inflicted upon the system by the loss of early sensory stimulation. I describe what may be compensatory responses to the decrease in dopamine, the increase in norepinephrine, the structural changes induced in the glomeruli and the increase in cell death within the olfactory bulb that follow neonatal unilateral naris occlusion.
The Market for Corporate Law

This paper develops a model of the competition among states in providing corporate law rules. The analysis provides a full characterization of the equilibrium in this market. Competition among states is shown to produce optimal rules with respect to issues that do not have a substantial effect on managers' private benefits but not with respect to issues (such as takeover regulation) that substantially affect these private benefits. We analyze why a dominant state such as Delaware can emerge, the prices that the dominant state will set and the profits it will make. The results of the model are consistent with, and can explain, existing empirical evidence. Finally, the analysis highlights the importance of the rules governing reincorporation and the potential benefits of giving shareholders the power to make reincorporation decisions.
Towards a unifying framework for a fuzzy object model

Numerous approaches have been proposed to enhance object-oriented databases and models using fuzzy set theory. A consistent and cohesive framework for a fuzzy object model, however, is lacking. Such a framework is essential to integrate the past research, to provide insights for future research efforts, to provide a basis against which researchers can compare conclusions, and to promote the successful commercial/industrial impact of research in fuzzy object-oriented databases. The initial construction of a framework begins with a review of the various kinds of uncertainty in object and type attribute values and a description of their effects on the subtype/supertype hierarchy. An initial set of principles is outlined for a fuzzy set data type, a fuzzy object, an anonymous object, a fuzzy type, the fuzzy subtype/supertype hierarchy and fuzzy inheritance. Research issues related to these principles are identified.
Stochastic models for selected slow variables in large deterministic systems

A new stochastic mode-elimination procedure is introduced for a class of deterministic systems. Under assumptions of ergodicity and mixing, the procedure gives closed-form stochastic models for the slow variables in the limit of infinite separation of timescales. The procedure is applied to the truncated Burgers–Hopf (TBH) system as a test case where the separation of timescale is only approximate. It is shown that the stochastic models reproduce exactly the statistical behaviour of the slow modes in TBH when the fast modes are artificially accelerated to enforce the separation of timescales. It is shown that this operation of acceleration only has a moderate impact on the bulk statistical properties of the slow modes in TBH. As a result, the stochastic models are sound for the original TBH system.
Molecular modeling, organ culture and reverse genetics for a newly identified human rhinovirus C

A recently recognized human rhinovirus species C (HRV-C) is associated with up to half of HRV infections in young children. Here we propagated two HRV-C isolates ex vivo in organ culture of nasal epithelial cells, sequenced a new C15 isolate and developed the first, to our knowledge, reverse genetics system for HRV-C. Using contact points for the known HRV receptors, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), inter- and intraspecies footprint analyses predicted a unique cell attachment site for HRV-Cs. Antibodies directed to binding sites for HRV-A and -B failed to inhibit HRV-C attachment, consistent with the alternative receptor footprint. HRV-A and HRV-B infected HeLa and WisL cells but HRV-C did not. However, HRV-C RNA synthesized in vitro and transfected into both cell types resulted in cytopathic effect and recovery of functional virus, indicating that the viral attachment mechanism is a primary distinguishing feature of HRV-C.
Ernest Amory Codman MD.

Ernest Amory Codman MD (1869–1940) was a Boston surgeon. Like all of us he was human and made mistakes. Unlike others he made a lifelong systematic effort to follow up each of his patients years after treatment and recorded the end results of their care. He recorded diagnostic and treatment errors and linked these errors to outcome in order to make improvements. He was sufficiently disgusted with the lack of such outcomes evaluation of care at the Massachusetts General Hospital where he was on the staff that he resigned to start his own private hospital which he called the “End Result Hospital”. From 1911 to 1916 there were 337 patients discharged from Codman's hospital. He recorded 123 errors and measured the end results for all these patients. He grouped errors by type. There were errors due to lack of knowledge or skill, surgical judgment, lack of care or equipment, and lack of diagnostic skill. In addition to the errors there were four “calamities of surgery or those accidents and complications over which we have no known control. These should be acknowledged to our selves and to the public and study directed to their prevention”. The difference between Codman's hospital and your healthcare organisation is that he admitted his errors in public and in print. They are all described in the annual report of his hospital. Codman paid out of his own pocket to publish this report so that patients could judge for themselves the quality and the …
Competition to Retain Customers

This paper contains theoretical and empirical analysis of competition to retain customers. A formal game-theoretic model suggests that large firms are likely to exhibit greater customer retention rates than their smaller rivals in equilibrium even when their common customer retention technology does not exhibit increasing returns to scale. This hypothesis is corroborated by an empirical analysis of competition in ordinary life insurance.
Urinary Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Urinary biomarkers may be a useful alternative or adjunct to cystoscopy for diagnosis of bladder cancer. Purpose To systematically review the evidence on the accuracy of urinary biomarkers for diagnosis of bladder cancer in adults who have signs or symptoms of the disease or are undergoing surveillance for recurrent disease. Data sources Ovid MEDLINE (January 1990 through June 2015), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and reference lists. Study selection 57 studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative or qualitative nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22), qualitative or quantitative bladder tumor antigen (BTA), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), fluorescent immunohistochemistry (ImmunoCyt [Scimedx]), and Cxbladder (Pacific Edge Diagnostics USA) using cystoscopy and histopathology as the reference standard met inclusion criteria. Case-control studies were excluded. Data extraction Dual extraction and quality assessment of individual studies. Overall strength of evidence (SOE) was also assessed. Data synthesis Across biomarkers, sensitivities ranged from 0.57 to 0.82 and specificities ranged from 0.74 to 0.88. Positive likelihood ratios ranged from 2.52 to 5.53, and negative likelihood ratios ranged from 0.21 to 0.48 (moderate SOE for quantitative NMP22, qualitative BTA, FISH, and ImmunoCyt; low SOE for others). For some biomarkers, sensitivity was higher for initial diagnosis of bladder cancer than for diagnosis of recurrence. Sensitivity increased with higher tumor stage or grade. Studies that directly compared the accuracy of quantitative NMP22 and qualitative BTA found no differences in diagnostic accuracy (moderate SOE); head-to-head studies of other biomarkers were limited. Urinary biomarkers plus cytologic evaluation were more sensitive than biomarkers alone but missed about 10% of bladder cancer cases. Limitation Restricted to English-language studies; no search for studies published only as abstracts; statistical heterogeneity present in most analyses; few studies for qualitative NMP22, quantitative BTA, and Cxbladder; and methodological shortcomings in almost all studies. Conclusion Urinary biomarkers miss a substantial proportion of patients with bladder cancer and are subject to false-positive results in others. Accuracy is poor for low-stage and low-grade tumors. Primary funding source Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42014013284).
Did Bhagwati Effects Work? A Thinking on China Textile Industry

Since 1986, China's textile has been number one exported product among all exported products of China. In 1992, the total value of China's textile export was 24.63 billions dollars. Did Bhagwati effects work in China textile industry? The author provides a serious thinking on this issue. Based on the investigation of China's textile export, the author finds that three conditions of Bhagwati effects hold in China's textile export industry.