cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isoprostane 8-epi PGF2?, a product of oxidative stress, is synthesized in the bladder and causes detrusor smooth muscle contraction

Isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha is a product of oxidative stress that causes potent smooth muscle contraction. Its production increases in conditions associated with oxidative stress such as in diabetes, smoking, and aging. The aim was to study whether the urinary bladder synthesizes isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha and releases to the urine and whether isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha causes bladder smooth muscle contraction. Urine samples were obtained transurethrally from 12 male New Zealand white rabbits for measurement of isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha levels. To examine whether bladder synthesizes isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha, both ureters were ligated, then the bladder was washed 5 times by filling and emptying with normal saline. Bladder was refilled with normal saline, and at 5 minutes a bladder washout sample was taken. After this, the bladder was contracted by nerve stimulation periodically for 30 minutes, and then another washout sample was taken. Strips of bladder tissues were processed for study of isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha production in tissue culture chambers and for isometric tension measurements in the organ bath. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) revealed a remarkable amount of isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha in the rabbit urine. EIA of washout samples showed that the bladder synthesizes isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha and its production increases with nerve stimulation-induced contractions. EIA of samples from the tissue culture media showed that bladder strips synthesize isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha in vitro. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) significantly increased the synthesis and release of isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha by the bladder strips. In the organ bath, isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha caused concentration-dependent contraction of bladder tissue. While the threshold contraction required smaller concentration of isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha (3 nmol) than carbachol (10 nmol), the amplitude of contraction to carbachol was greater than isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha. Our studies show that the rabbit bladder synthesizes isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha and releases it to the urine. Production of isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha in the bladder increases with nerve stimulation-induced contraction. Exogenous isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha causes significant bladder smooth muscle contraction. Our findings necessitate further studies to evaluate the possible role of oxidative stress and increased isoprostane 8-epi PGF2alpha production in bladder dysfunction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 19:43-51, 2000.
Cutaneous manifestations of neonatal lupus and risk of subsequent congenital heart block.

Objective Cutaneous disease associated with placental transport of maternal anti-SSA/Ro or anti-SSB/La antibodies is transient, and children often appear to be otherwise healthy. However, the impact of this manifestation of neonatal lupus (NL) on the risk of cardiac disease occurring in a future pregnancy is critical for family counseling and for powering preventive trials. The purpose of this study was to determine the recurrence rates of NL, with specific focus on cardiac NL following cutaneous NL in a child enrolled in the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus (RRNL). Methods Fifty-eight families who were enrolled in the RRNL met the following inclusion criteria for our study: maternal anti-SSA/Ro or anti-SSB/La antibodies, a child with cutaneous NL, and a pregnancy subsequent to the child with cutaneous NL. Results The majority of the 58 mothers (78%) were Caucasian. Of 77 pregnancies that occurred following the birth of a child with cutaneous NL, the overall recurrence rate for any manifestation of NL was 49% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 37–62%); 14 pregnancies (18.2%) were complicated by cardiac NL, 23 (29.9%) by cutaneous NL, and 1 (1.3%) by hematologic/hepatic NL. A subset analysis was restricted to the 39 children who were born after the initial child with cutaneous NL had been enrolled in the RRNL. The overall recurrence rate for NL was 36% (95% CI 20–52%); 5 pregnancies (12.8%) were complicated by cardiac NL and 9 (23.1%) by cutaneous NL. There were no significant differences in the following maternal risk factors for having a subsequent child with cardiac or cutaneous NL: age, race/ethnicity, anti-SSB/La status, diagnosis, use of nonfluorinated steroids, or breastfeeding. The sex of the subsequent fetus did not influence the development of cardiac or cutaneous NL. Conclusion Based on data from this large cohort, the identification of cutaneous NL in an anti-SSA/Ro antibody–exposed infant is particularly important, since it predicts a 6–10-fold risk of a subsequent child developing cardiac NL.
The complex ontogenetic trajectory of mandibular shape in a laboratory mouse

The mouse mandible is a popular model system that continues to be the focus of studies in evo-devo and other fields. Yet, little attention has been given to the role of postnatal growth in producing the adult form. Using cleared and stained specimens, we describe the timing of tooth and jaw development and changes in jaw size and shape from postnatal day 1 (p1) through weaning to adulthood. We found that tooth development is relatively advanced at birth, and that the functional adult dentition is in place by p15 (just before the start of weaning). Shape analysis showed that the trajectory of mandible shape changes direction at least twice between birth and adulthood, at p7 and p15. At each stage there are changes in shape to all tooth- and muscle-bearing regions and, at each change of direction, all of these regions change their pattern of growth. The timing of the changes in direction in Mus suggests there are signals that redirect growth patterns independently of changes in function and loading associated with weaning and jaw muscle growth. A better understanding of these signals and how they produce a functionally integrated mandible may help explain the mechanisms guiding evolutionary trends and patterns of plasticity and may also provide valuable clues to therapeutic manipulation of growth to alleviate the consequences of trauma or disease.
Synthesis and characterization of novel biodegradable unsaturated poly(ester amide)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels

A series of novel biodegradable hydrogels were designed and synthesized from four types of unsaturated poly(ester amide) (UPEA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) precursors by UV photocrosslinking. These newly synthesized biodegradable UPEA/PEG-DA hydrogels were characterized by their gel fraction (Gf), equilibrium swelling ratio (Qeq), compressive modulus, and interior morphology. The effect of the precursor feed ratio (UPEAs to PEG-DA) on the properties of the hydrogels was also studied. The incorporation of UPEA polymers into the PEG-DA hydrogels increased their hydrophobicity, crosslinking density (denser network), and mechanical strength (higher compressive modulus) but reduced Qeq. When different types of UPEA precursors were coupled with PEG-DA at the same feed ratio (20 wt %), the resulting hydrogels had similar Qeq values and porous three-dimensional interior morphologies but different Gf and compressive modulus values. These differences in the hydrogel properties were correlated to the chemical structures of the UPEA precursors; that is, the different locations of the >CC< double bonds in individual UPEA segments resulted in their different reactivities toward PEG-DA to form hydrogels. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3932–3944, 2005
Pregnancy intention and contraceptive use among adult women.

Objectives: We examined pregnancy intention measures and contraceptive use behaviors among reproductive-age women using data from two CDC-based surveillance systems. Methods: We analyzed data for women aged 18–44 from 4 states that collected information on pregnancy and contraceptive use from both the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, n = 4201) and the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS, n = 7761) in 2000. Standard definitions of intended and unintended pregnancy were used. Results: BRFSS data show that 4% (95% CI: 2.8–5.2) of the women were pregnant at the time of interview and that 57% (95% CI: 41.9–71.9) of these pregnancies were intended. Women who had been pregnant within the last 5 years but were not currently pregnant reported that 61% (95% CI: 55.9–65.3) of their most recent pregnancies had been intended. According to PRAMS, 58% (95% CI: 56.5–60.5) of women with live births had intended pregnancies. Contraceptive use varied across the surveys; 68% (95% CI: 65.7–70.7) of all non-pregnant women from BRFSS and 87% (95% CI: 85.1–87.9) of women with a recent live birth from PRAMS reported using contraceptives. Conclusions: Although contraceptive use differed between the BRFSS and PRAMS, the patterns of pregnancy intention were similar for women who had a pregnancy within the past 5 years, those who recently delivered a live-born infant, and those who were currently pregnant. It appears that reporting of pregnancy intention is not affected by timing of assessment across the two surveys.
NANOS-3 and FBF proteins physically interact to control the sperm-oocyte switch in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Background: The Caenorhabditis elegans FBF protein and its Drosophila relative, Pumilio, define a large family of eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins. By binding regulatory elements in the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of their cognate RNAs, FBF and Pumilio have key post-transcriptional roles in early developmental decisions. In C. elegans, FBF is required for repression of fem-3 mRNA to achieve the hermaphrodite switch from spermatogenesis to oogenesis. Results: We report here that FBF and NANOS-3 (NOS-3), one of three C. elegans Nanos homologs, interact with each other in both yeast two-hybrid and in vitro assays. We have delineated the portions of each protein required for this interaction. Worms lacking nanos function were derived either by RNA-mediated interference (nos-1 and nos-2) or by use of a deletion mutant (nos-3). The roles of the three nos genes overlap during germ-line development. In certain nos-deficient animals, the hermaphrodite sperm‐oocyte switch was defective, leading to the production of excess sperm and no oocytes. In other nos-deficient animals, the entire germ line died during larval development. This germ-line death did not require CED-3, a protease required for apoptosis. Conclusions: The data suggest that NOS-3 participates in the sperm‐oocyte switch through its physical interaction with FBF, forming a regulatory complex that controls fem-3 mRNA. NOS-1 and NOS-2 also function in the switch, but do not interact directly with FBF. The three C. elegans nanos genes, like Drosophila nanos, are also critical for germ-line survival. We propose that this may have been the primitive function of nanos genes.
Role of flavin-containing monooxygenase in the in vitro biotransformation of aldicarb in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

1. The in vitro biotransformation of 14C-aldicarb was examined in liver, kidney, and gill microsomes from the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). 2. In all tissues the major metabolite was aldicarb sulphoxide. Addition of the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, N-benzylimidazole, failed to alter significantly aldicarb sulphoxide levels, while co-incubation with the flavin-containing monooxygenase substrates, N,N-dimethylaniline or methimazole, caused significant decreases in sulphoxide formation in liver and gill microsomes. 3. Aldicarb sulphoxide formation was optimal at pH 8.0, and had Michaelis-Menten kinetics with an apparent Km of 46.7 microM and a Vmax of 0.216 nmol/min per mg. 4. Aldicarb sulphoxide formation was competitively inhibited by co-incubation with N,N-dimethylaniline in liver microsomes. These data indicate that flavin-containing monooxygenase plays an important role in the in vitro biotransformation of aldicarb in rainbow trout.
Neurofuzzy Modeling of Context-Contingent Proximity Relations

The notion of proximity is one of the foundational elements in humans’ understanding and reasoning of the geographical environments. The perception and cognition of distances plays a significant role in many daily human activities. Yet, few studies have thus far provided context–contingent translation mechanisms between linguistic proximity descriptors (e.g., ‘‘near,’’ ‘‘far’’) and metric distance measures. One problem with previous fuzzy logic proximity modeling studies is that they presume the form of the fuzzy membership functions of proximity relations. Another problem is that previous studies have fundamental weaknesses in considering context factors in proximity models. We argue that statistical approaches are ill suited to proximity modeling because of the inherently fuzzy nature of the relations between linguistic and metric distance measures. In this study, we propose a neurofuzzy system approach to solve this problem. The approach allows for the dynamic construction of context–contingent proximity models based on sample data. An empirical case study with human subject survey data is carried out to test the validity of the approach and to compare it with the previous statistical approach. Interpretation and prediction accuracy of the empirical study are discussed.
Integrating Medication, Realistic Expectations, and Therapeutic Interventions in the Treatment of Male Sexual Dysfunction

Male sexuality in adolescence and early adulthood is characterized by autonomous, predictable erections. As males age, however, their arousal becomes less predictable and more dependent on partner interaction. This transition can produce anxiety. Many males view this change as a medical dysfunction requiring pharmacologic treatment or specialist intervention. New medical interventions, including Viagra, have been developed promising to return males to their automatic erections. A medical approach, however, fails to address the multidimensional nature of male sexuality and reinforces sex as intercourse performance. This article outlines a biopsychosocial approach to the assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention of male sexual dysfunction.
Constraints on friction and stress in the Taiwan fold-and-thrust belt from heat flow and geochronology

In the thin-kinned approximation, both the critical taper of an active fold-and-thrust belt and the rate of brittle frictional heat generation depend on only two uncertain parameters: the effective coefficient of friction on the basal decollement fault, μ b *= (1-λ b )μ b and the effective Coulomb wedge strength,μ* = (1-λ)sin ϕ/(1-sin ϕ). An increase in μ b * increases the critical taper, whereas an increase in μ* decreases the taper; the basal and internal heat generation and therefore the surface heat flow are, in contrast, increased by an increase in either μ b * or μ*. We exploit this difference in sensitivity to constrain μ b * and μ* in the well-studied active fold-and-thrust belt of Taiwan. The measured surface heat flow and known geometry of the Taiwan wedge are best fit by an effective coefficient of basal friction μ b * = 0.16 ±0.06. If the basal pore fluid:lithostatic pressure ratio is everywhere similar to that measured in several oil wells near the deformation front, then the coefficient of sliding friction on the Taiwan decollement fault is μ b = 0.50 ±0.20.
Changes in visual recovery functions and unit activity produced by frontal and temporal cortex stimulation.

Abstract Chronic electrical stimulation of the frontal cortex of awake monkeys enhanced the recovery functions recorded from electrodes implanted in the striate cortex. The effect is opposite to that obtained when the inferotemporal cortex is stimulated in this fashion. Further, unit activity at cortical and geniculate stations (recorded from cats) was, as a rule, reciprocally influenced by frontal and temporal cortex stimulation. Such a reciprocal effect was not obtained at the optic nerve level where the effects of the cortical stimulation, though marked, were indistinguishable from one another. Observations of the effect of such stimulations on unit activity in the lateral geniculate nucleus suggest that inferotemporal cortex excitation alters the configuration of the receptive field while frontal cortex stimulation influences the background activity of the unit.
Effect of intrabiliary administration of triton X-100 on biliary excretory function in the rat

Intrabiliary administration of Triton X-100 is of interest in producing effects on biliary tree permeability and canalicular biliary excretory function. Treatment with 0.4% Triton (40 microliter) was shown to increase the biliary excretion of intraportally administered [3H]sucrose. It also decreased recovery of [3H]sucrose given into the biliary tree. Thus, we concluded that Triton treatment increased biliary tree permeability. Using a different set of marker compounds, canalicular transport of bromphenol blue, [14C]morphine glucuronide and [3H]ouabain was found to be decreased. The fact that [3H] taurocholate excretion into bile was not affected whereas that of [3H]ouabain was lends support to the concept that taurocholate and ouabain are not transported by a common pathway.
Vasopressin and Glucoprivic-Feeding Behavior: A New Perspective on an 'Old' Peptide

Abstract The feeding responses induced by systemic administration of 2-deoxy- d -glucose (2-DG) and paraventricular hypothalamic injection of norepinephrine were assessed in Brattleboro rats deficient in vasopressin (VP). Controlling for the non-specific complications of diabetes insipidus, it was found that Brattleboro rats have a deficient 2-DG-feeding response, but an essentially normal noradrenergic-feeding response. Specific carbohydrate appetite abnormalities were also demonstrated. It is argued that VP influences 2-DG feeding by mobilizing endogenous energy stores following its acute release from the hypothalamoneurohypophysial system. A new function is thus ascribed for VP and the neural lobe of the pituitary. It is suggested that VP plays a rolde in stress-induced feeding and in specific aspects of carbohydrate appetite. The potential relevancy of vasopressin perturbations to bulimia nervosa and to the Prader-Willi obesity syndrome is also discussed.
Threshold photoproduction of π+ mesons in deuterium☆

Abstract We have measured the excitation function from threshold to 9 MeV above threshold for the reaction γ + d → π+ + n + n by counting positrons after the bremsstrahlung beam burst. The extracted cross section is compared with a calculation using the impulse approximation, and good agreement is found near threshold.
Characteristics of Consumer Participants in Federal Trade Commission Rule Making

Increasing interest has been exhibited by both consumer groups and government agencies in gaining greater consumer participation in the rule-making procedures of the federal government. Yet little is known about the characteristics and attitudes toward marketing of "partici pant consumers"—those consumers who have participated in the pro cess and made their viewpoints known to federal agencies. This study investigated such consumers. Significant differences were found be tween the demographic and attitudinal characteristics of participant consumers and consumers in general. To gain a balanced consumer perspective as inputs for regulations, federal regulators will have to extend their information gathering activities well beyond the normal consideration of consumer briefs received. Consumer participation has long been considered a formal part of the federal rule-making process. Consumers, as well as members of industry, are invited by the federal agencies to submit written and/or oral views and arguments concerning a proposed regulation. After consideration of all relevant materials submitted, federal agency administrators then write the final rule. In reality, however, business has enjoyed a comfortable primacy with federal regulatory agencies, while consumers have not. Industry viewpoints have traditionally been well represented whenever rules concerning consumers were made while consumer viewpoints were practically unrepresented. But, in the 1970s, consumer participation in the rule-making procedures of government agencies increased and became a more significant phenomenon. A proposed rule which might have generated two or three written comments from in dividual consumers in the 1960s now results in two or three hundred
Mechanism of Hydrodeoxygenation of Acrolein on a Cluster Model of MoO3

We have explored the potential energy surface for reactions of acrolein on a Mo3O9 cluster model of the MoO3 surface to investigate the thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogenation and selective hydrodeoxygenation. In the presence of hydrogen, conversions of acrolein to allyl alcohol, 1-propanol, and propene are all thermodynamically favorable, but the selectivity is controlled kinetically to form the least favorable product, allyl alcohol. We propose a mechanism in which coordinatively unsaturated Mo sites (i.e., oxygen vacancies) selectively chemisorb acrolein. On the basis of experimental and theoretical evidence, the active phase of the catalyst is a reduced hydrogen bronze, HxMoO3−y, and surface hydroxyl sites are occupied when x is in the range 1.1−1.2. Surface hydroxyls are important for both oxygen vacancy formation and as Bronsted acids. The reaction rate is essentially controlled by protonation of the C-1 carbon of chemisorbed acrolein. Additional reaction barriers for proton donation to the C-2...
Overexpression of a truncated CTF7 construct leads to pleiotropic defects in reproduction and vegetative growth in Arabidopsis

Eco1/Ctf7 is essential for the establishment of sister chromatid cohesion during S phase of the cell cycle. Inactivation of Ctf7/Eco1 leads to a lethal phenotype in most organisms. Altering Eco1/Ctf7 levels or point mutations in the gene can lead to alterations in nuclear division as well as a wide range of developmental defects. Inactivation of Arabidopsis CTF7 (AtCTF7) results in severe defects in reproduction and vegetative growth. To further investigate the function(s) of AtCTF7, a tagged version of AtCTF7 and several AtCTF7 deletion constructs were created and transformed into wild type or ctf7 +/– plants. Transgenic plants expressing 35S:NTAP:AtCTF7∆299–345 (AtCTF7∆B) displayed a wide range of phenotypic alterations in reproduction and vegetative growth. Male meiocytes exhibited chromosome fragmentation and uneven chromosome segregation. Mutant ovules contained abnormal megasporocyte-like cells during pre-meiosis, megaspores experienced elongated meiosis and megagametogenesis, and defective megaspores/embryo sacs were produced at various stages. The transgenic plants also exhibited a broad range of vegetative defects, including meristem disruption and dwarfism that were inherited in a non-Mendelian fashion. Transcripts for epigenetically regulated transposable elements (TEs) were elevated in transgenic plants. Transgenic plants expressing 35S:AtCTF7∆B displayed similar vegetative defects, suggesting the defects in 35S:NTAP:AtCTF7∆B plants are caused by high-level expression of AtCTF7∆B. High level expression of AtCTF7∆B disrupts megasporogenesis, megagametogenesis and male meiosis, as well as causing a broad range of vegetative defects, including dwarfism that are inherited in a non-Mendelian fashion.
The Actin-Bundling Protein L-Plastin Is Essential for Marginal Zone B Cell Development

B cell development is exquisitely sensitive to location within specialized niches in the bone marrow and spleen. Location within these niches is carefully orchestrated through chemotactic and adhesive cues. In this article, we demonstrate the requirement for the actin-bundling protein L-plastin (LPL) in B cell motility toward the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL13 and the lipid chemoattractant sphingosine-1-phosphate, which guide normal B cell development. Impaired motility of B cells in LPL −/− mice correlated with diminished splenic maturation of B cells, with a moderate (40%) loss of follicular B cells and a profound (>80%) loss of marginal zone B cells. Entry of LPL −/− B cells into the lymph nodes and bone marrow of mice was also impaired. Furthermore, LPL was required for the integrin-mediated enhancement of Transwell migration but was dispensable for integrin-mediated lymphocyte adhesion. These results suggest that LPL may participate in signaling that enables lymphocyte transmigration. In support of this hypothesis, the phosphorylation of Pyk-2, a tyrosine kinase that integrates chemotactic and adhesive cues, is diminished in LPL −/− B cells stimulated with chemokine. Finally, a well-characterized role of marginal zone B cells is the generation of a rapid humoral response to polysaccharide Ags. LPL −/− mice exhibited a defective Ab response to Streptococcus pneumoniae , indicating a functional consequence of defective marginal zone B cell development in LPL −/− mice.
Somatic Mutations of PIK3R1 Promote Gliomagenesis

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is targeted for frequent alteration in glioblastoma (GBM) and is one of the core GBM pathways defined by The Cancer Genome Atlas. Somatic mutations of PIK3R1 are observed in multiple tumor types, but the tumorigenic activity of these mutations has not been demonstrated in GBM. We show here that somatic mutations in the iSH2 domain of PIK3R1 act as oncogenic driver events. Specifically, introduction of a subset of the mutations identified in human GBM, in the nSH2 and iSH2 domains, increases signaling through the PI3K pathway and promotes tumorigenesis of primary normal human astrocytes in an orthotopic xenograft model. Furthermore, we show that cells that are dependent on mutant P85α-mediated PI3K signaling exhibit increased sensitivity to a small molecule inhibitor of AKT. Together, these results suggest that GBM patients whose tumors carry mutant PIK3R1 alleles may benefit from treatment with inhibitors of AKT.
Social Welfare Contracts as Networks The Impact of Network Stability on Management and Performance

This analysis of state social service contracts identifies sources of system instability and explores the impacts of instability on service delivery networks. The authors examine social welfare service contracts explicitly as networks and assess the effects of network instability on the management of contracts, contract effectiveness, the performance of network organizations, and clients. They offer observable patterns and detailed examples that indicate that instability imposes significant costs on service delivery networks—costs that impair organizational and network performance and that divert resources from services for vulnerable clients. The high costs associated with instability undermine arguments for more market-based service delivery.
Consolidation of Experimental Biology

The nineteenth century saw the establishment of modernphysiology. Biological processes were increasingly explained in terms of physics and chemistry, and advances in physiological thinking were inspired by the new chemistry and the elaboration of experimental apparatus. For example, in his textbook Lehrbuch der physiologischen Chemie (1857), Karl Gotthelf Lehman declared that the aim of physiological chemistry was “to discover precisely, and in their causal connections, the course of the chemical phenomena which accompany vital processes,” and “to derive them from known chemical and physical causes.” One school classified physiology as “organic physics” (Schubert, 1988). Increasingly, the new findings had an important impact on society: Experimental biology was becoming a major social force.
Predicting Radiographic Changes at the First Visit Following Operative Repair of Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose To test the hypothesis that clinical assessment reliably identifies patients with radiographic changes (including loss of reduction, hardware failure, and hardware migration) at the initial visit following operative repair of distal radius fractures. Methods We identified 102 patients undergoing operative repair of distal radius fractures. Radiographs and clinical notes were reviewed. Results At the initial postoperative visit, 11 patients had more than normal postoperative pain, 0 had deformity, 0 had crepitus with gentle motion, and 0 had instability at the fracture site on examination. These 11 patients were considered to have positive clinical assessments, but none had radiographic changes on x-rays taken that day. Three patients had negative clinical assessments but had radiographic changes noted at the initial postoperative visit. There were no additional radiographic changes between the series taken at the initial postoperative visit and series taken at later postoperative visits. Conclusions These data suggest that for purposes of detecting radiographic changes, radiography at the initial visit is helpful, whereas radiography at subsequent visits may not be. Radiography at subsequent visits may be useful to monitor bony healing, which we did not investigate. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic IV.
SEX AND HISTORY

California requires mediation of almost all child custody disputes. The effects of the variables of client and attorney gender, obtaining settlements, and prior mediation and litigation history were examined in a sample of 150 parents who completed surveys after mediating at the Los Angeles County Conciliation Court mediation service. Clients of female attorneys were more likely to respond negatively after failing to settle and were adversely affected by prior family law litigation. Female attorneys were more likely to treat fathers and mothers differently. Clients of male attorneys became negative after prior mediation but not litigation. Clients represented by attorneys of either sex found mediation procedures more helpful than did unrepresented parents. Having an opposite-sex attorney was correlated with communicating with the other parent. Both sexes expressed strong support for the mediation process regardless of whether they settled, although disputants who did settle reported a higher rate of satisfaction than did those who did not. Attorney support for the mediation was important to its success, and having opposite-sex attorneys may promote settlement.
Restoration of responsiveness to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in calcium-depleted rat pituitary cells.

Abstract GnRH-stimulated, but not basal, luteinizing hormone (LH) release from cultured pituitary cells requires extra-cellular calcium. The present studies were designed to show whether cells which had lost responsiveness to GnRH in the absence of extracellular calcium (“Ca 2+ -depleted cells”) could regain responsiveness by readdition of calcium to the media. The addition of calcium-containing medium to cells which were preincubated (75 min) in calcium-free medium resulted in elevated basal LH release. Addition of GnRH to the media in the presence of calcium did not cause additional stimulation of LH release above the elevated basal level. Incubation of Ca 2+ -depleted cells in calcium-containing media for 2 h before measuring responsiveness depressed the basal level to near that seen in control cells and GnRH was able to stimulate LH release, but not to as high a level as in control cells (which were preincubated in 1 mM Ca 2+ -containing media). After incubation of calcium depleted cells in calcium-containing media for 3 h or 5 h, the basal and stimulated levels of LH response were statistically indistinguishable from those seen in control cells.
Ex Ante Selection of Disputes for Litigation

While selection effects have important implications for empirical studies of the litigation process, existing theories of case selection are incomplete. Existing theories focus on "ex post selection" - selection resulting from choices made by parties after a dispute arises, such as by settlement or jury trial demands. But parties also engage in "ex ante selection" - selection resulting from choices made before a dispute arises. A common form of ex ante selection occurs when parties include a pre-dispute arbitration clause in their contract, agreeing to have future disputes resolved in arbitration rather than in court. This paper develops a theory of ex ante selection of disputes for litigation, and examines implications of the theory for empirical studies of litigation. Studies comparing outcomes in arbitration and litigation provide evidence that ex ante selection occurs. This paper argues that the effects of ex ante selection are not limited to such studies, but also may affect studies that examine only the litigation process. The central intuition is that the disputes for which litigation is most likely to be problematic (and thus of interest to researchers) are the very disputes most likely to end up in arbitration. When parties expect litigation to be costly or damage awards excessive, they have an incentive to provide for arbitration to resolve future disputes. Such ex ante selection may mask characteristics of the litigation process that empirical studies are seeking to examine.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in a patient with vasospasm secondary to coccidioidal meningitis: Case report and review of the literature

Introduction Coccidioidomycosis is secondary to infection with fungal species Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. One consequence of extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis dissemination is meningitis, which is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Intracranial vasospasm, although rarely described, can occur and may be a result of vasculitic or subacute fibrotic changes. We describe a case of successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in a patient with severe vasospasm related to coccidioidal meningitis. This is the first report of this endovascular treatment used to treat coccidioidal vasospasm. Clinical presentation A patient with a history of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis presented with acute confusion, blurry vision and headache. Serology confirmed basilar meningitis and magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated severe symptomatic vasospasm. Intervention Emergent cerebral angiography confirmed severe vasospasm in the right middle cerebral artery and moderate vasospasm in the left middle cerebral artery. Successful PTA was performed under general anesthesia. The patient demonstrated postprocedural angiographic and clinical improvement. Conclusion We report the first case of successful PTA performed to treat vasospasm related to coccidioidal meningitis. When vasospasm is clinically symptomatic, PTA is a safe and feasible procedure.
An examination of ethnic variations in perfectionism and interpersonal influences as predictors of eating disturbances: A look at Asian and European American females.

This study assessed ethnic variations in perfectionism, interpersonal influences, and eating disturbances, namely, drive for thinness and bulimic symptoms, among 139 Asian American and 159 European American females (Mage 19.55 years). Results of comparative analyses indicated significant normative differences in perfectionism. Specifically, Asian American females, compared with European American females, reported greater parental expectations and parental criticism. Of note, when we assessed the usefulness of a prediction model that included perfectionism and interpersonal influences, perfectionism failed to account for significant variance in drive for thinness in Asian American females. Alternatively, interpersonal influences were found to account for robust amounts of unique variance in eating disturbances across both Asian and European American females. Some implications of the present findings for understanding ethnic differences in predictors of eating disturbances are discussed.
Assessing Microbial Community Diversity Using Amplicon Length Heterogeneity Polymerase Chain Reaction

It is thought that a microbial community is an assemblage of organisms, genes, and gene functions. Transient, acute signals such as excessive nutrient loads or disturbance and chronic signals such as seasonal temperature or rainfall impact the total environmental system. The goal of many microbial ecologists is to determine if a fi nely resolved study of microbial dynamics can be used as a large-scale biosensor to follow diversity patterns in the environment. With the development of new genomic tools, community-level studies have been designed that can interrogate the fi ner details of the biological components of a given habitat. Amplicon length heterogeneity polymerase chain reaction (LH-PCR) interrogates the hypervariable domains of the ribosomal small-subunit genes and separates these domains based on the naturally occurring sequence lengths of DNA. The amplicons are phylogenetically relevant in that the various amplicons generated can be directly associated with specifi c taxonomic sequences archived in the databases. The application of the LH-PCR technique as a monitoring tool for microbial ecology has been shown to enhance and extend the current understanding of the dynamics of microbial communities in their specifi c environments. Abbreviations: bp, base pair; DGGE (TGGE) denaturing (or temperature) gradient gel electrophoresis; IGS, intergenic spacer; ITS, internally transcribed spacer; LH-PCR, length heterogeneity-polymerase chain reaction; rRNA, ribosomal ribonucleic acid; T-RFLP, terminal restriction length polymorphism; V1, V2, V3, variable domain 1, variable domain 2, variable domain 3 of the 16S ribosomal molecule.
Slicing the Onion Ethnographically: Layers and Spaces in Multilingual Language Education Policy and Practice

In this article, we take up the call for more multilayered and ethnographic approaches to language policy and planning (LPP) research by sharing two examples of how ethnography can illuminate local interpretation and implementation. We offer ethnographic data collected in two very different institutions—the School District of Philadelphia and the Andean regional graduate program in bilingual intercultural education in Cochabamba, Bolivia—both of which act as intermediary agencies between national language policies and local educational initiatives. Drawing from long-term ethnographic work in each context, we present excerpts from spoken and written discourse that shed light on the opening up or closing down of ideological and implementational spaces for multilingual language education policy and practice. We illustrate through our examples that ethnographic research can, metaphorically speaking, slice through the layers of the LPP onion (Ricento & Hornberger, 1996) to reveal agentive spaces in which local actors implement, interpret, and perhaps resist policy initiatives in varying and unique ways.
INFLUENCE OF SODIUM SILICATE COMPOSITION ON ITS BEHAVIOR WITH SODIUM CARBONATE AS A CASTING SLIP DEFLOCCULANT

A study of six brands of silicate of soda used in a typical ceramic casting slip discloses the effect of the Na2O to SiO2 ratio on hydrometer readings, pH, viscosity, casting rate, water retention, drying shrinkage, dry strength, firing shrinkage, fired strength, and fired absorption. The effect of varying the amount of electrolyte both above and below that required for complete deflocculation is also reported.
Chemotherapy drug shortages in the United States: genesis and potential solutions.

In October 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the end of the cytarabine shortage. Cytarabine is the key chemotherapy drug for the management of leukemia in children and adults, particularly acute myeloid leukemia, and the announcement by the FDA of an end to this 11-month crisis was good news. However, in July 2011, we started experiencing shortages of daunorubicin, another drug critical to the management of leukemia and the second most important drug used to treat acute myeloid leukemia. The daunorubicin shortage has been mitigated somewhat by the fact that it can be replaced with other anthracylines, albeit with different toxicity profiles. However, daunorubicin is an essential component of clinical trial protocols for leukemia in the United States, and its shortage has created serious challenges in conducting leukemia research.
A higher-order unsplit 2D direct Eulerian finite volume method for two-material compressible flows based on the MOOD paradigms

SUMMARY A higher-order unsplit multi-dimensional discretization of the diffuse interface model for two-material compressible flows proposed by R. Saurel, F. Petitpas and R. A. Berry in 2009 is developed. The proposed higher-order method is based on the concepts of the Multidimensional Optimal Order Detection (MOOD) method introduced in three recent papers for single-material flows. The first-order unsplit multi-dimensional Finite Volume discretization presented by SPB serves as foundation for the development of the higher-order unlimited schemes. Specific detection criteria along with a novel decrementing algorithm for the MOOD method are designed in order to deal with the complexity of multi-material flows. Numerically, we compare errors and computational times on several 1D problems (stringent shock tube and cavitation problems) computed on 2D meshes with the second- and fourth-order MOOD methods using a classical MUSCL method as reference. Several simulations of a 2D shocked R22 bubble in the air are also presented on Cartesian and unstructured meshes with the second- and fourth-order MOOD methods, and qualitative comparisons confirm the conclusions obtained with 1D problems. These numerical results demonstrate the robustness of the MOOD approach and the interest of using more than second-order methods even for locally singular solutions of complex physics models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving rating estimation in recommender systems using aggregation- and variance-based hierarchical models

Previous work on using external aggregate rating information showed that this information can be incorporated in several different types of recommender systems and improves their performance. In this paper, we propose a more general class of methods that combine external aggregate information with individual ratings in a novel way. Unlike the previously proposed methods, one of the defining features of this approach is that it takes into the consideration not only the aggregate average ratings but also the variance of the aggregate distribution of ratings. The methods proposed in this paper estimate unknown ratings by finding an optimal linear combination of individual-level and aggregate-level rating estimators in a form of a hierarchical regression (HR) model that is grounded in the theory of statistics and machine learning.The proposed HR model is general enough so that the standard individual-level recommender systems and naive aggregate methods constitute special cases of this model.We show that for the general HR model, the presence of the aggregate variance, surprisingly, does not significantly improve estimation of unknown ratings vis-a-vis the case when only aggregate average ratings are considered.In the paper, we experimentally show that the optimal linear combination approach significantly dominates all other special cases, including the classical non-aggregated case and our previously studied aggregate methods, and therefore is the method of choice.
“The Teacher Said My Story Was Excellent”: Preservice Teachers Reflect on the Role of the “External” in Writing

When asked to reflect on their experiences with writing, preservice teachers attributed their successes and failures to a number of factors. Some of these attributions, such as those made to effort and ability, were internal in nature. However, the most frequently occurring references were to an external factor: influential others. Preservice teachers discussed the role parents, siblings, and, most often, teachers played in their development as writers. These findings call into question the notion that writing cannot be taught but only learned. This notion has downplayed the pivotal role of teachers in the creation of authors. The results of this study also point to the need for a reconsideration of what it means to “teach” writing.
Comparative Proteome Analysis of Brucella melitensis Vaccine Strain Rev 1 and a Virulent Strain, 16M

The genus Brucella consists of bacterial pathogens that cause brucellosis, a major zoonotic disease characterized by undulant fever and neurological disorders in humans. Among the different Brucella species, Brucella melitensis is considered the most virulent. Despite successful use in animals, the vaccine strains remain infectious for humans. To understand the mechanism of virulence in B. melitensis, the proteome of vaccine strain Rev 1 was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and compared to that of virulent strain 16M. The two strains were grown under identical laboratory conditions. Computer-assisted analysis of the two B. melitensis proteomes revealed proteins expressed in either 16M or Rev 1, as well as up- or down-regulation of proteins specific for each of these strains. These proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. It was found that certain metabolic pathways may be deregulated in Rev 1. Expression of an immunogenic 31-kDa outer membrane protein, proteins utilized for iron acquisition, and those that play a role in sugar binding, lipid degradation, and amino acid binding was altered in Rev 1.
Synthesis and characterization of organotin Schiff base chelates

The synthesis and characterization of five organotin compounds containing Salophen( t Bu) [Salophen( t Bu) � /N ,N ?-phenylenebis(3,5-di-tert -butylsalicylideneimine)], Salomphen( t Bu) [Salomphen( t Bu) � /N ,N ?-(4,5-dimethyl)phenylene-bis(3,5-di-tert -butylsalicylideneimine)] and Phensal( t Bu) [Phensal( t Bu)� /3,5-di-tert -butylsalicylidene(1-aminophenylene-2-amine)] ligands is described. These compounds include the monomeric complexes LSnCl2 (where L� /Salophen( t Bu), L� /Salomphen( t Bu)), L( n Bu)SnCl (where L� /Salophen( t Bu), Salomphen( t Bu)), L( n Bu)SnCl2 (where L� /Phensal( t Bu)). Spectroscopic techniques including 119 Sn NMR and X-ray crystallography were used in the characterization of the compounds. # 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Ichthyoplankton distribution and abundance in relation to nearshore dissolved oxygen levels and other environmental variables within the Northern California Current System

Nearshore hypoxia along the coast of Oregon and Washington is a seasonal phenomenon that has generated concern among scientists studying this temperate upwelling ecosystem. These waters are affected by coastal upwelling-induced hypoxia mainly during late summer and fall, but the effects of low oxygen levels on fish and invertebrate communities, particularly during the early-life history stages, are poorly known. We investigated the effects of hypoxia and other variables on the species composition, density, vertical and horizontal distribution of fish larvae along the Oregon and Washington coasts during the summers of 2008, 2009 and 2010. Bottom-dissolved oxygen (DO) values ranged from 0.49 to 4.79 mL L−1, but the overall water column DO values were only moderately hypoxic during the 3 yr of sampling compared with recent extreme years. In this study, DO was found to be an environmental parameter affecting the species composition, but other variables such as season, year and depth of capture were also important. Although the overall density of fish larvae increased with increasing bottom-DO values, the effect on individual species density was limited. Slender sole (Lyopsetta exilis) and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus) were the only species to have a weak trend of density with DO, but both showed negative relationships and neither relationship was significant. Our results indicate that larval fish spatial distribution was only moderately affected within the range of observed oxygen values, but low DO may be an important factor under intense hypoxic conditions.