cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assay of a Urinary CF-Lectin Factor as a Second Diagnostic Test for Cystic Fibrosis

ABSTRACT Analysis of urine samples for a lectin-like factor in patients with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) revealed that the low molecular weight (MW) factor is present in urine only from such patients and not from heterozygous carriers of the CF gene or from normal controls. The urine fraction containing the factor must be separated from whole urine by a gel filtration column (TSK-20) for the activity to appear. The assay requires addition of an aliquot of normal serum to provide the necessary IgM to which the CF-factor binds, resulting in the lectin-like activity that causes agglutination of mouse erythrocytes. All 22 CF patients tested, who were not receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics had positive CF-lectin urinary activity, whereas five others receiving IV aminoglycosides were negative. Four patients with a clinical diagnosis of CF, but with normal sweat tests (35–54 mEq/L), all had positive urinary CF-lectin tests. A blind study in which urine samples were shipped from Miami, FL to Sepulveda, CA was completely successful in correctly identifying 11 samples from CF patients as compared with ten from non-CF patients. It was concluded that an assay for urinary CF-lectin factor is specific and reliable for confirming a diagnosis of CF when the sweat test is indeterminate, and when patients have not received recent IV aminoglycosides.
Growing Thinking Christians: An Investigation of the Outcomes of Christian Education

This investigation compared the influence of public and Christian high schools on the spiritual formation and academic achievement of college students. Recent high school graduates who attend a private, liberal arts university in the southeastern United States responded to an online survey and interview questions related to the influence of one's high school experience on spiritual formation and academic achievement. Significant differences were found between high school type and the type of problems faced by students and teachers, students' ability to intelligently defend their faith, and students' perceived ability to function in a diverse world.
Algorithm for constrained Delaunay triangulation

A direct algorithm for computing constrained Delaunay triangulation in 2-D is presented. The algorithm inserts points along the constrained edges (break lines) to maintain the Delaunay criterion. Since many different insertions are possible, the algorithm computes only those that are on the Delaunay circles of each intersected triangle. A shelling procedure is applied to put triangles together in such a way that completeness and correctness are guaranteed.
Growth of rat osteoblast‐like cells in a lipid‐enriched culture medium and regulation of function by parathyroid hormone and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D

To examine the role of lipid metabolism in the growth and function of osteoblast-like cells, we studied ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells and primary cultures of rat calvarial osteoblasts during growth in a serum-free medium supplemented by purified human lipoproteins or by liposomes. Increase in ROS cell number was measured in sparse (1-5 X 10(3)/cm2) cultures over 6-8 days. Liposomes (0-300 micrograms/ml) and high (HDL), low (LDL), and very low density (VLDL) lipoprotein fractions (0-300 micrograms apoprotein) markedly stimulated cell growth. Cells plated at 5 X 10(3)/cm2 achieved growth rates in the presence of LDL or HDL comparable to 10% fetal bovine serum. Serum-free culture with exogenous lipid maintained the response of cell cyclic AMP accumulation to parathyroid hormone. Cyclic AMP response to parathyroid hormone was enhanced by glucocorticosteroid, and was attenuated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) with an EC50 (10(-10) M) comparable to that previously observed in serum-cultured cells (J. Biol. Chem. 258:736, 1985). 1,25(OH)2D also increased the alkaline phosphatase activity in ROS cells cultured in lipid-supplemented serum-free culture. Lipoproteins or liposomes also markedly enhanced the proliferative response of sparse cultures of normal rat osteoblasts to polypeptide mitogens.
Characterization of thin YBaCuO films grown by coevaporation

Thin films of the Y/sub 1/Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub x/ superconductor have been grown by coevaporation and postannealing in oxygen on substrates of
PEGylation of poly(ethylene imine) affects stability of complexes with plasmid DNA under in vivo conditions in a dose-dependent manner after intravenous injection into mice

The influence of PEGylation on polyplex stability from poly(ethylene imine), PEI, and plasmid DNA was investigated both in vitro and after intravenous administration in mice. Polyplexes were characterized with respect to particle size (dynamic light scattering), zeta-potential (laser Doppler anemometry), and morphology (atomic force microscopy). Pharmacokinetics and organ accumulation of both polymers and pDNA were investigated using 125I and 32P radioactive labels, respectively. Furthermore gene expression patterns after 48 h were measured in mice. To elucidate the effect of different doses, all experiments were performed using ca. 1.5 μg and 25 μg of pDNA per mouse. Our studies demonstrated that both PEI and PEG−PEI form stable polyplexes with DNA with similar sizes of 100−130 nm. The zeta potential of PEI/pDNA polyplexes was highly positive, whereas PEG−PEI/pDNA showed a neutral surface charge as expected. The pharmacokinetic and organ distribution profiles after 2 h show similarities for both PEI and ...
The extraction of data from aerial photographs by human and mechanical means

Abstract Some basic considerations are presented relative to the categories of information obtainable from aerial photographs, the photo-image characteristics that are used by human interpreters in deriving such information, and the mode of operation of digital computers used to derive similar information by mechanical means. The capabilities of such machines for perceiving image size, shape, shadow, tone, texture and pattern characteristics and for providing the X -, Y - and Z -coordinates of the image also are discussed. The paper concludes with an examination of representative problems in data extraction from photos by both human and mechanical means.
Therapeutics Development for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease that is the leading inherited cause of infant and early childhood mortality. Spinal muscular atrophy is caused by mutation of the telomeric copy of the survival motor neuron gene (SMN1), but all patients retain a centromeric copy of the gene, SMN2. SMN2 produces reduced amounts of full-length SMN mRNA, and spinal muscular atrophy likely results from insufficient levels of SMN protein in motor neurons. The SMN protein plays a well-established role in assembly of the spliceosome and may also mediate mRNA trafficking in the axon and nerve terminus of neurons. In patients, spinal muscular atrophy disease severity correlates inversely with increased SMN2 gene copy number and, in transgenic mice lacking endogenous SMN, increasing SMN2 gene copy number from two to eight prevents the SMA disease phenotype. These observations suggest that increasing SMN expression levels may be beneficial to SMA patients. Currently pursued therapeutic strategies for SMA include induction of SMN2 gene expression, modulation of splicing of SMN2-derived transcripts, stabilization of SMN protein, neuroprotection of SMN deficit neurons, and SMN1 gene replacement. Early clinical trials of candidate therapeutics are now ongoing in SMA patients. Clinical trials in this disease present a unique set of challenges, including the development of meaningful outcome measures and disease biomarkers.
Asymptotic variance of functionals of discrete-time Markov chains via the Drazin inverse.

We consider a $\psi$-irreducible, discrete-time Markov chain on a general state space with transition kernel $P$. Under suitable conditions on the chain, kernels can be treated as bounded linear operators between spaces of functions or measures and the Drazin inverse of the kernel operator $I - P$ exists. The Drazin inverse provides a unifying framework for objects governing the chain. This framework is applied to derive a computational technique for the asymptotic variance in the central limit theorems of univariate and higher-order partial sums. Higher-order partial sums are treated as univariate sums on a `sliding-window' chain. Our results are demonstrated on a simple AR(1) model and suggest a potential for computational simplification.
Behavioral enhancement of onshore transport by postlarval Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus)

We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to examine the orientation, settlement, and metamorphosis of Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) pueruli (postlarvae) in response to cues characteristic of their nursery in back-reef tropical lagoons. Our results suggest that pueruli were attracted to coastal water sources and the metabolites of red macroalgae (Laurencia spp.) when compared with oceanic water and artificial seawater treatments. Pueruli were not attracted to waterborne cues from sea grass, were repelled by hypersaline or hyposaline water, and discerned coastal cues from water collected as far as 30 km offshore from the reef. We also conducted experiments to examine the settlement behavior of pueruli in response to different substrates and hydrostatic pressures. Pueruli only settled at pressures equivalent to depths <5 m, which is where most settlement occurs in the field; settlement behavior was further enhanced by the presence of red macroalgae. Coastal water or artificial seawater containing red macroalgae metabolites hastened puerulus development and molting to the benthic juvenile stage by 20-30% compared with those exposed to artificial seawater. Collectively, our results demonstrate that spiny lobster pueruli use chemical and pressure cues during onshore transport and selection of settlement habitat, highlighting the important role of behavioral responses to physical cues in the recruitment of this species.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR PARTIAL PURIFICATION OF REFERENCE CLAYS

The influence of clay preparation procedure on sorption and hydrolysis of carbaryl (1-naphthyl, A-methyl carbamate) by the reference smectite SWy-2 was examined. For research purposes, reference clays are sometimes used without purification, or more commonly, the <2 pm size fraction is obtained by gravity sedimentation or low-speed centrifugation. We determined that these common methods did not remove all the inorganic carbonate impurities present in SWy-2, and that these impurities caused alkaline conditions in aqueous clay suspensions leading to the alkaline hydrolysis of carbaryl to 1-naphthol. The hydrolytic activity of homoionic K-SWy-2 disappeared once carbonates were eliminated. Two methods were evaluated for preparing K-SWy-2 devoid of inorganic carbonates. In Method A, inorganic carbonates were first removed by incremental additions of a 0.5 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) until the clay suspension reached pH 6.8, followed by low-speed centrifugation to obtain the <2 μm size fraction; in Method B, the order of these steps was reversed. Carbaryl hydrolysis was used as a probe to determine the effectiveness of the two methods in terms of the removal of carbonate accessory minerals. Homoionic K-SWy-2 obtained by Methods A and B produced near neutral pH when suspended in water and hydrolysis of carbaryl in these suspensions was not evident. In this regard, both clay preparation methods were acceptable. However, there were procedural advantages with Method B, which is therefore recommended for the partial purification of reference clays, as detailed in this paper.
Congenital bilateral metacarpal deviation and medial patellar luxation in a young white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

A 6-week-old white-tailed deer fawn (Odocoileus virginianus), found in Vermont, was presented with carpal contraction, 90° medial deviation of the rear legs from the hock distally, and an abnormal coat color. Radiographically there was lateral deviation of both medial metacarpal bones and a Grade IV medial patellar luxation.
Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs2254298) interacts with familial risk for psychopathology to predict symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescent girls

The nonapeptide oxytocin and its receptor have been implicated in the regulation of mammalian social behavior and stress physiology. Evidence is accumulating that the quality of the parental environment is associated with oxytocin biology in children. The present study was designed to examine the interaction of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2254298 within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and quality of parental environment in predicting children's psychosocial functioning. More specifically, in a sample of 92 Caucasian adolescent girls (9-14 years old), we examined whether adverse parental environment, operationalized as mothers' history of recurrent major depressive disorder, interacts with the rs2254298 SNP on the OXTR gene to predict daughters' symptoms of depression and anxiety. Caucasian girls who both were heterozygous for the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism and had high early adversity reported the highest levels of symptoms of depression, physical anxiety, and social anxiety. These findings highlight the potential importance of this OXTR gene polymorphism in the etiology of depression and anxiety disorders.
Alkyl selenide- and alkyl thiolate-functionalized gold nanoparticles: Chain packing and bond nature

We have studied the effects of relative mole ratios of the reactant precursors in the one-phase synthesis of alkaneselenoate- and alkanethiolate-functionalized gold nanoparticles. Specifically, we prepared a series of dodecaneselenoate (DDSe)- and dodecanethiolate (DDT)-functionalized gold nanoparticles using four different Se/Au and S/Au mole ratios in reactant mixtures at two different reaction temperatures employing three different solvents. In all cases, the synthesis relied on the reduction of H[AuCl4], in the presence of dodecanethiol (DDT) and didodecyl diselenide (DD2Se2) using lithium triethylborohydride (superhydride) as the reducing agent. Nanoparticle formation, structure, and bonding characteristics were investigated using a combination of transmission electron microscopy, UV absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Passivation by alkyl selenide was more efficient and was characterized by greater chain ...
Factor structure of symptom dimensions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

There is disagreement on whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are best characterized along two dimensions consisting of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity or three dimensions where hyperactivity and impulsivity are separate. To address this, the current study investigated the underlying symptom dimensions of ADHD by examining two- and three-factor models of ADHD symptom ratings in 400 children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD symptom ratings for each of the 18 DSM-IV Criteria A symptoms were obtained from mothers using a standardized symptom rating scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine whether the 18 symptoms were best explained by two or three latent constructs. RESULTS of the CFA demonstrated that a three-factor model was superior to a two-factor model. FINDINGS support three distinct symptom dimensions that are consistent with previous research demonstrating unique clinical presentations of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Differentiating between these three domains may aid in predicting behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD. (PsycINFO Database Record Language: en
Discrete time extremum seeking by autonomous vehicles in a stochastic environment

In this paper, discrete time extremum seeking algorithms with sinusoidal perturbations have been developed for three different problems involving autonomous vehicle planar control: a) control of velocity actuated vehicles; b) control of force actuated vehicles; c) control of nonholonomic vehicles (unicycles). The algorithms assume time varying gains and are able to cope with stochastic perturbations. Convergence to the extremal point, with probability one, has been demonstrated for all three cases. It is also shown how the proposed algorithms can be applied to mobile sensors as a tool for achieving optimal observation positions. The proposed algorithms have been illustrated with several simulations.
Neuropsychologic impairments in bipolar and unipolar mood disorders on the CANTAB neurocognitive battery

Abstract Background: Cognitive deficits associated with mood disorders, especially bipolar disorder, have been the focus of limited systematic investigation. Methods: We tested 35 bipolar (21 in depressed state and 14 in mixed or manic state) and 58 nonbipolar depressed consecutively admitted young adult inpatients and 51 matched healthy individuals on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, a computerized neurocognitive battery. Results: The mixed/manic bipolar patients demonstrated robust deficits in episodic and working memory, spatial attention, and problem solving. In contrast, depressed bipolar and nonbipolar patients demonstrated impairments only in episodic memory. Conclusions: Neuropsychologic findings with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery indicate widely distributed deficits in cognitive domains subserved by temporal, parietal, and frontostriatal systems in bipolar patients during mixed/manic states of illness. Significant deficits in bipolar and nonbipolar depressed patients were restricted to episodic memory, suggesting a more selective dysfunction in mesial temporal lobe function during episodes of depression. These findings highlight the different cognitive profiles of mania and depression, demonstrate similar patterns of neuropsychologic deficits in bipolar and nonbipolar depression, and point to a need for further research investigating the characteristics, causes, course, and treatment of severe cognitive deficits associated with mixed/manic phases of bipolar disorder.
PRACTICAL APPROXIMATION FOR THE PROPORTIONAL HAZARD MODEL WITH TIME-DEPENDENT COVARIATES AND REPEATED EVENTS

Cox's proportional hazard model is potentially the most used method in life data and survival analysis. Although the method is relatively simple to understand, its major difficulties in estimation are observed when time-dependent covariates with repeated events are used as input variables. An alternative approach to simplify hazard ratio prediction for repeated events is evaluated for a practical application using small appliances reliability data from an accelerated experimental design based on consumer usage.
Activation of the neuroprotective ERK signaling pathway by fructose-1,6-bisphosphate during hypoxia involves intracellular Ca2+ and phospholipase C.

Abstract The mechanism of the neuroprotective action of the glycolytic pathway intermediate fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) may involve activation of a phospholipase-C (PLC) dependent MAP kinase signaling pathway. In this study, we determined whether FBP’s capacity to decrease delayed cell death in hippocampal slice cultures is dependent on PLC signaling or activation of the intracellular Ca2+–MEK/ERK neuroprotective signaling cascade. FBP (3.5 mM) reduced delayed death from oxygen/glucose deprivation in CA1, CA3 and dentate neurons in slice cultures. The phospholipase-C inhibitor U73122 and the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 prevented this protection. In hippocampal and cortical neurons, FBP increased phospho-ERK1/2 (p42/44) immunostaining during hypoxic, but not normoxic conditions. Increased phospho-ERK immunostaining was dependent on PLC and also on MEK 1/2, an upstream regulator of ERK. Further, we found that FBP enhancement of phospho-ERK immunostaining depended on [Ca2+]i: PLC inhibition and the IP3 receptor blocker xestospongin C prevented FBP from increasing [Ca2+]i and increasing phospho-ERK levels. However, while FBP-induced increases in [Ca2+]i were blocked by xestospongin and a PLC inhibitor, [Ca2+]i increases induced by the neuroprotective growth factor BDNF were not prevented. We conclude that during hypoxia FBP initiates a series of neuroprotective signals which include PLC activation, small increases in [Ca2+]i, and increased activity of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Diurnal variation in electrical resistance of the vertical column of the atmosphere at Watheroo, Western Australia

The total resistance encountered by the current of electricity passing between the Earth and upper conducting layer does not remain constant through the day, but varies in a systematic manner. The resistance is greatest during the early morning hours and is least about 10h local time. The seasons at Watheroo can be divided into wet and dry. The potential-gradient has a diurnal variation of vastly different type during the two seasons. The variation during the dry season agrees well with that found over the oceans while during the wet season there is complete lack of agreement. The total resistance, on the other hand, has essentially the same type of variation during the dry and wet seasons. The different types of diurnal variation in potential-gradient in the two seasons may be attributed, therefore, to the difference in the conductivity near the ground for the two seasons.
Information intensity, control deficiency risk, and materiality

Purpose – This paper leverages the concept of business information intensity (BII) with the aim of developing a model to assess control deficiency risk (CDR) in organizations. BII measures the extent of use of IT by an organization in its products and value chain.Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a conceptual model that uses BII and CDR to examine alternative approaches to risk management. This model contains four quadrants that provide insight into varying risk management strategies for business processes. CFOs and internal auditors from Fortune 100 companies are surveyed to illustrate how the model may be used to guide management in assessing IT security expenditure.Findings – The model suggests that spending on IT and information security is higher for companies with high BII‐CDR than those with low BII‐CDR.Research limitations/implications – Analysis focused on only two quadrants in a four‐quadrant model. Future research may seek to refine the measurement of BII and CDR, and offer great...
Old paradigms never die

Modern technical writing has one paradigm—use correct grammar and syntax—and many author-optional guidelines (i.e., the goal of this column). These guidelines recognize the variability of authors and the variety of their styles but constantly caution: Invoke styles consistent with how readers read, interpret, and retain. Otherwise, you'll ruin your document. Technical writing continues to evolve, generally toward improvement. But, not unlike nature, it retains vestiges of its past. I'm referring to outmoded paradigms. Once the vogue, they fell into disuse for good reasons and should be forgotten, but as with “old soldiers,” old paradigms “never die.” Unfortunately, “they don't just fade away” either. What led me to this conundrum are the following excerpts from an e-mail exchange I had with a friend in England.
Compatibility of Sulfadimethoxine and Ormetoprim with Lasalocid and Monensin on Performance of Male Broiler Chickens

We studied the effect of sulfadiomethoxine and ormetoprim (Rofenaid 40) in combination with lasalocid (Avatec) and monensin (Coban) on mortality, weight gain, and feed conversion of 2592 male broilers to 47 days of age. Four shuttle treatments were utilized: 1) monensin feeding for the entire trial; 2) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding for the first 2 weeks, followed by lasalocid for the remainder of the trial; 3) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding for the first 2 weeks, followed by monensin; and 4) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding through week 3, then lasalocid for the remainder of the trial. No significant (P greater than .05) differences were observed in mortality among the four treatments. The combination of sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim plus lasalocid significantly (P less than .01) improved weight gain and final body weight, but the length of time that sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim were fed did not have any effect. Sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim plus monensin treatment resulted in better feed conversion as compared with the other treatments.
Automatic and Effortful Processing of Emotional Intonation After Right or Left Hemisphere Brain Damage

This study assessed the effects of unilateral right (RHD) or left hemisphere brain damage (LHD) on the knowledge and processing of emotional information imparted by vocal intonation Semantically neutral statements that conveyed a mood through prosody were used as targets in a mood priming task. These targets were preceded by story primes. The events described in the primes were either congruent with the mood conveyed by the intonation of a target phrase, incongruent with target mood, or emotionally neutral. Prime-target pairs were presented in two attention conditions designed to favor either relatively automatic or effortful mental processing. Response time (RT) data were recorded for accurate judgments of target moods. In the automatic condition, there were no qualitative differences between RHD, LHD, or normally aging control subjects. In the effortful condition, RTs for each group were similarly improved by congruent primes (relative to neutral primes), but RHD subjects were disproportionately slower ...
Robust Endmember detection using L 1 norm factorization

The results from L 1 -Endmembers display the algorithm's stability and accuracy with increasing levels of noise. The algorithm was extremely stable in the number of endmembers when compared to the SPICE algorithm and the Virtual Dimensionality methods for estimating the number of endmembers. Furthermore, the results shown for this algorithm were generated with the same parameter set for all of the data sets, from two-dimensional data to 51-dimensional real hyperspectral data. This indicates L 1 -Endmembers may lack of sensitivity to parameter value settings.
The Safety and Efficacy of the Artificial Bowel Sphincter for Fecal Incontinence: Results from a Multicenter Cohort Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and impact on quality of life of the Acticon™ artificial bowel sphincter for fecal incontinence. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted under a common protocol. Patients were evaluated with anal physiology, endoanal ultrasonography, a fecal incontinence scoring system, fecal incontinence quality of life assessment, and overall health evaluation. Patients with a fecal incontinence score of 88 or greater (scale, 1–120) were considered candidates for the study. Implanted patients underwent identical reevaluation at 6 and 12 months postimplant. RESULTS: One hundred twelve of 115 patients (86 females) enrolled were implanted. Mean age was 49 (range, 18–81) years. A total of 384 device-related or potentially device-related adverse events were reported in 99 enrolled patients. Of these events, 246 required no intervention or only noninvasive intervention. Seventy-three revisional operations were required in 51 (46 percent) of the 112 implanted patients. Infection rate necessitating surgical revision was 25 percent. Forty-one patients (37 percent) have had their devices completely explanted, of which 7 have had successful reimplantations. In patients with a functioning neosphincter, improvement in quality of life and anal continence was documented. Mean matched fecal incontinence scores in 63 patients at 6 months follow-up was improved from 105 preimplant to 51 postimplant. In 55 patients at 12 months follow-up, mean matched fecal incontinence scores were 105 preimplant vs. 48 postimplant. A successful outcome was achieved in 85 percent of patients with a functioning device. Intention to treat success rate was 53 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Although morbidity and the need for revisional surgery are high, the artificial bowel sphincter can improve anal incontinence and quality of life in patients with severe fecal incontinence.
Optical negative-index bulk metamaterials consisting of 2D perforated metal-dielectric stacks

Numerical simulations of a near-infrared negative-index metama-terial (NIM) slab consisting of multiple layers of perforated metal-dielectric stacks exhibiting a small imaginary part of the index over the wavelength range for negative refraction are presented. A consistent effective index is obtained using both scattering matrix and modal analysis approaches. Backward phase propagation is verified by calculation of fields inside the metamaterial. The NIM figure of merit, [-Re(n)/Im(n)], for these structures is improved by ~ 10× compared with previous reports, establishing a new approach to thick, low-loss metamaterials at infrared and optical frequencies.
Insulin Regulates Protein Kinase CβII Expression through Enhanced Exon Inclusion in L6 Skeletal Muscle Cells A NOVEL MECHANISM OF INSULIN- AND INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I-INDUCED 5′ SPLICE SITE SELECTION

Abstract The protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ) gene encodes two isoforms, PKCβI and PKCβII, as a result of alternative splicing. The unique mechanism that underlies insulin-induced alternative splicing of PKCβ pre-mRNA was examined in L6 myotubes. Mature PKCβII mRNA and protein rapidly increased >3-fold following acute insulin treatment, while PKCβI mRNA and protein levels remained unchanged. Mature PKCβII mRNA resulted from inclusion of the PKCβII-specific exon rather than from selection of an alternative polyadenylation site. Increased PKCβII expression was also not likely accounted for by transcriptional activation of the gene or increased stabilization of the PKCβII mRNA, and suggest that PKCβII expression is regulated primarily at the level of alternative splicing. Insulin effects on exon inclusion were observed as early as 15 min after insulin treatment; by 20 min, a new 5′-splice site variant of PKCβII was also observed. After 30 min, the longer 5′-splice site variant became the predominate species through activation of a downstream 5′ splice site. Similar results were obtained using IGF-I. Although the role of this new PKCβII mRNA species is presently unknown, inclusion of either PKCβII-specific exon results in the same PKCβII protein.
Aggression as Affect Regulation: Extending Catharsis Theory to Evaluate Aggression and Experiential Anger in the Laboratory and Daily Life

Two studies examined the predictions of the catharsis theory of aggression, which suggests that aggressing towards the source of frustration should reduce aggressive drive (e.g., anger), and lead to the increased likelihood of future aggression (Hokanson, 1974; Verona & Sullivan, 2008). Across the two studies, predictions from this theory were generally supported. Using a laboratory paradigm, Study 1 found that provoked participants allowed to evaluate the source of frustration reported a nonzero decrease in anger, while individuals who evaluated an unrelated source showed no significant change. Using daily diary methods, Study 2 results demonstrated that individuals who had a decrease in anger following aggression in Study 1 were more likely to aggress on high anger days. In contrast, among individuals who had an increase in anger after aggressing, there was no relationship between daily anger and aggression. Implications for the adaptive aspects of aggression are discussed.
The relationship of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and radial bone mass.

summary We assessed dte association between radial bone mass and vitamin D consider& age, estrogen sufticiency and thiazide use in 373 warnen, aged 20-80 years in P ;eeographically detincd arca. We measured cortical bone mass of the radius, using photon abwrptiometry. and se- 25hydroxyvitti D and 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D, using preliminarychromatogtaphy andprotein-binding assay. We found that 1.25.dihydmqwitamin D levels were higher in premenopausal women and postmenopausal womett using estrogen replacement BS competed to posttnenopausal wotneo (P < 0.02). Users of thiazide-based antihypertensive medications had significantly lower I,2Sdihydtoxyvitamin D than theiage-matched pea (P < 0.02). Dietary calcium intake was negatively associated with 1,Sdihydroxyvitamin D Icvels. Estimates of vitamin D infake from diet or sunlight weie not eated with l.Sdihydroxyvitamin D Ieveis; nor were levels of 1,25dihydtoxyvit?~‘~ T) rlrvd Co 25hydroxyvit&* n Ieve&. 1,25Dihydroxyvitamin D was negatively and rigniticantly asswialed with tadi& born ttuss. mntributing approximately 6% of the explained variability of hone m.w rrcasuremettts. Together .qe, body size. thiazidc use and I,25dihydtoxyviremin D acwuttted for about 47% of the explained vtiabiig in rati bone mass measuremetu. I.25Dihydtoxyvitsmin D WBS not associated with bone mass in women currently using a thizide medication.
46,XY intersex individuals: phenotypic and etiologic classification, knowledge of condition, and satisfaction with knowledge in adulthood.

Objectives. The objective of this study was to identify and study adults who have a 46,XY karyotype and presented as infants or children with variable degrees of undermasculinization of their genitalia (female genitalia, ambiguous genitalia, or micropenis). Participants’ knowledge of their condition, satisfaction with their knowledge, and desire for additional education about their intersex condition were assessed. Methods. Participants were classified according to the cause underlying their intersex condition based on review of medical and surgical records. Knowledge of medical condition, satisfaction with that knowledge, and desire for additional education were assessed with a written questionnaire and a semistructured interview. Results. Patients were ineligible for recruitment because of death (9%), because of developmental delay (12%), or because they were not located (27%). Among the 96 eligible patients, 78% participated. Approximately half of the men (53%) and women (54%) exhibited a good understanding of their history. Fewer women who have a 46,XY chromosome complement and were born with female genitalia were informed about their intersex condition (36% with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome) than were women who were born with masculinized genitalia such as micropenis (80%) or ambiguous genitalia (72%). More women (66%) than men (38%) were satisfied with their knowledge of their medical and surgical history. Conclusions. Almost half of the patients, reared male or female, were neither well informed about their medical and surgical history nor satisfied with their knowledge.
Substrate and cofactor requirements for RNA editing of chloroplast transcripts in Arabidopsis in vitro

None of the macromolecular components of the chloroplast RNA editing apparatus has yet been identified. In order to facilitate biochemical purification and characterization of the chloroplast RNA editing apparatus, we have identified conditions suitable for production of chloroplast extracts from the model plant Arabidopsis that are capable of editing exogenous substrates produced by in vitro transcription. A simple poisoned primer extension assay readily quantified editing extent of mutated and wild-type substrates. Maximum editing efficiency typically varied from 10 to 40% with different chloroplast preparations. Substrates carrying as little as 47 nt surrounding the psbE editing site were as efficiently edited as longer substrates. Editing activity was stimulated when either ATP, CTP, or dCTP was provided to the extract, an unusual observation also recently seen with plant mitochondrial editing extracts. Editing was sensitive to a zinc chelator, also a characteristic of the mammalian APOBEC editing enzyme, which is a zinc-dependent cytidine deaminase.
Archambeau's Elastodynamical Source-Model Solution and Low-Frequency Spectral Peaks in the Far-Field Displacement Amplitude

Summary An analysis of Archambeau's method for obtaining the elastodynamic source-model solution for an instantaneous rupture leads to the following conclusions: (1) For most problems of interest Archambeau's method of solution is not exact because it neglects dynamical boundary conditions. (2) For calculating far-field displacements, Archambeau's method of solution is equivalent to Randall's. (3) Archambeau's solution for a stress relaxation model gives a good approximation of the exact solutions for the far-field displacements. (4) Solutions obtained by Archambeau's method have been presented and interpreted as initial-value-model solutions, but they can also be represented as boundary-value-model solutions. It is apparent from the boundary-value-model representation that all discontinuity surfaces in the elastic medium radiate simultaneously, whereas in this representation only the boundary should be a source of radiation. Anomalous spectral structure in models employing Archambeau's method of solution is found to result from radiation from discontinuities other than the rupture-zone boundary and is therefore spurious.
A cluster of acute flaccid paralysis and cranial nerve dysfunction temporally associated with an outbreak of enterovirus D68 in children in Colorado, USA

Summary Background Clusters of acute flaccid paralysis or cranial nerve dysfunction in children are uncommon. We aimed to assess a cluster of children with acute flaccid paralysis and cranial nerve dysfunction geographically and temporally associated with an outbreak of enterovirus-D68 respiratory disease. Methods We defined a case of neurological disease as any child admitted to Children's Hospital Colorado (Aurora, CO, USA) with acute flaccid paralysis with spinal-cord lesions involving mainly grey matter on imaging, or acute cranial nerve dysfunction with brainstem lesions on imaging, who had onset of neurological symptoms between Aug 1, 2014, and Oct 31, 2014. We used Poisson regression to assess whether the numbers of cases during the outbreak period were significantly greater than baseline case numbers from a historical control period (July 31, 2010, to July 31, 2014). Findings 12 children met the case definition (median age 11·5 years [IQR 6·75–15]). All had a prodromal febrile illness preceding neurological symptoms by a median of 7 days (IQR 5·75–8). Neurological deficits included flaccid limb weakness (n=10; asymmetric n=7), bulbar weakness (n=6), and cranial nerve VI (n=3) and VII (n=2) dysfunction. Ten (83%) children had confluent, longitudinally extensive spinal-cord lesions of the central grey matter, with predominant anterior horn-cell involvement, and nine (75%) children had brainstem lesions. Ten (91%) of 11 children had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. Nasopharyngeal specimens from eight (73%) of 11 children were positive for rhinovirus or enterovirus. Viruses from five (45%) of 11 children were typed as enterovirus D68. Enterovirus PCR of cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and rectal swabs, and tests for other causes, were negative. Improvement of cranial nerve dysfunction has been noted in three (30%) of ten children. All ten children with limb weakness have residual deficits. Interpretation We report the first geographically and temporally defined cluster of acute flaccid paralysis and cranial nerve dysfunction in children associated with an outbreak of enterovirus-D68 respiratory illness. Our findings suggest the possibility of an association between enterovirus D68 and neurological disease in children. If enterovirus-D68 infections continue to happen in an endemic or epidemic pattern, development of effective antiviral or immunomodulatory therapies and vaccines should become scientific priorities. Funding National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health.
Seasonal variability in heat-related mortality across the United States

This study examines the seasonal variability in the heat mortality relationship across 29 US metropolitan areas from 1975 to 2004 to discern the seasonal cycle of the health risk from anomalously high temperatures (relative to the time of season). Mortality data for the 30-year period are standardized to account for population trends and overall seasonal and interannual variability. On days when a city experienced an “oppressive” air mass, mean anomalous mortality was calculated. Results show that while the greatest overall health impact is found mid-summer in many locations due to the peak frequency of hot weather occurring at this time, the relative increase in acute mortality on oppressive air mass days is actually just as large in spring as it is in summer, and in some cases is larger. Late summer and autumn vulnerability to anomalously warm or hot days is much less significant than spring days in all areas except along the Pacific coast. Results show significant spatial variability, with the most consistent results across the more ‘traditionally’ heat vulnerable areas of the Midwestern and northeastern US, along with the Pacific Coast. Elsewhere, the seasonal cycle of the correlation between anomalously high temperatures and human health is more ambiguous.
Functional significance of the sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis

Mammalian sex chromosomes arose from an ordinary pair of autosomes. Over hundreds of millions of years, they have evolved into highly divergent X and Y chromosomes and have become increasingly specialized for male reproduction. Both sex chromosomes have acquired and amplified testis-specific genes, suggestive of roles in spermatogenesis. To understand how the sex chromosome genes participate in the regulation of spermatogenesis, we review genes, including single-copy, multi-copy, and ampliconic genes, whose spermatogenic functions have been demonstrated in mouse genetic studies. Sex chromosomes are subject to chromosome-wide transcriptional silencing in meiotic and postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis. We also discuss particular sex-linked genes that escape postmeiotic silencing and their evolutionary implications. The unique gene contents and genomic structures of the sex chromosomes reflect their strategies to express genes at various stages of spermatogenesis and reveal the driving forces that shape their evolution.Free Chinese abstract: A Chinese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R265/suppl/DC1.Free Japanese abstract: A Japanese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R265/suppl/DC2.
Global estimates of the land–atmosphere water flux based on monthly AVHRR and ISLSCP-II data, validated at 16 FLUXNET sites

Abstract Numerous models of evapotranspiration have been published that range in data-driven complexity, but global estimates require a model that does not depend on intensive field measurements. The Priestley–Taylor model is relatively simple, and has proven to be remarkably accurate and theoretically robust for estimates of potential evapotranspiration. Building on recent advances in ecophysiological theory that allow detection of multiple stresses on plant function using biophysical remote sensing metrics, we developed a bio-meteorological approach for translating Priestley–Taylor estimates of potential evapotranspiration into rates of actual evapotranspiration. Five model inputs are required: net radiation (Rn), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), maximum air temperature (Tmax), and water vapor pressure (ea). Our model requires no calibration, tuning or spin-ups. The model is tested and validated against eddy covariance measurements (FLUXNET) from a wide range of climates and plant functional types—grassland, crop, and deciduous broadleaf, evergreen broadleaf, and evergreen needleleaf forests. The model-to-measurement r2 was 0.90 (RMS = 16 mm/month or 28%) for all 16 FLUXNET sites across 2 years (most recent data release). Global estimates of evapotranspiration at a temporal resolution of monthly and a spatial resolution of 1° during the years 1986–1993 were determined using globally consistent datasets from the International Satellite Land-Surface Climatology Project, Initiative II (ISLSCP-II) and the Advanced Very High Resolution Spectroradiometer (AVHRR). Our model resulted in improved prediction of evapotranspiration across water-limited sites, and showed spatial and temporal differences in evapotranspiration globally, regionally and latitudinally.
Current Approaches to First-Line Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Abstract Decisions regarding the optimal systemic therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) have become more complex with the identification and development of multiple effective agents for this disease. Multiple treatment options are now available in the second-line setting for patients with metastatic CRC who have progressed despite prior chemotherapy. The exact choice of second-line therapy depends on the first-line treatment that was administered. Irinotecan as a salvage therapy for patients with metastatic CRC who have progression following front-line 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based therapies was confirmed in a number of phase II/III studies. Many patients who received irinotecan/5-FU-based therapy as first-line treatment benefit from the combination of oxaliplatin and 5-FU/leucovorin (FOLFOX) in terms of response, time to progression, and relief of tumor-related symptoms. Other considerations include the integration of targeted therapies into chemotherapy regimens. The results of a randomized phase II trial have demonstrated that the addition of cetuximab to irinotecan in patients with irinotecan-resistant tumors represents another active treatment option for these patients. The activity of bevacizumab as part of second-line therapy is currently under investigation and results from phase III trials are expected within the next year. In summary, the availability of 5 drugs that are active in CRC provides us, for the first time, with choice—and dilemma—regarding optimal second-line therapy in patients with metastatic CRC.
Polymer/silica nanocomposites prepared via extrusion

Three polymer/silica nanocomposites were prepared by a single-screw extrusion approach: poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene and polycarbonate/silica nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposites were subjected to comprehensive studies of mechanical, thermal and flammability properties. All materials showed improved mechanical performance and thermal stabilities, although they are not strictly flame retardant when subjected to fire tests like Oxygen Index or horizontal Bunsen burner tests. However, the nanocomposites showed reduction in peak heat release rates and total heat release when evaluated by cone calorimetry. Moreover, the polycarbonate showed improvement in flammability according to vertical burning tests. All polycarbonate materials subjected to vertical burning testing are V2 rated, but after flame times with 1% silica were significantly reduced. A flame retardant mechanism is proposed in order to understand the relationship between interfacial interaction and flammability of polymer/silica nanocomposites. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Pathology Department Web Sites and Practical Recommendations

Abstract Context.—There are numerous customers for pathology departmental Web sites, including pathology department staff, clinical staff, residency applicants, job seekers, and other individuals outside the department seeking department information. Despite the increasing importance of departmental Web sites as a means of distributing information, no analysis has been done to date of the content and usage of pathology department Web sites. Objective.—In this study, we analyzed pathology department Web sites to examine the elements present on each site and to evaluate the use of search technology on these sites. Further, we examined the usage patterns of our own departmental Internet and intranet Web sites to better understand the users of pathology Web sites. Design.—We reviewed selected departmental pathology Web sites and analyzed their content and functionality. Our institution's departmental pathology Web sites were modified to enable detailed information to be stored regarding users and usage patter...