cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response of Severe Osteomalacia to High Dose Vitamin D3 Replacement in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis and Liver Transplantation on Immunosuppressive Therapy

Background: Bone disease is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), more frequently in Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis (UC). We present the case of a patient with prior history of ulcerative colitis with severe 25 OH vitamin D deficiency and metabolic bone disease. Case: 67 year old male with h/o ulcerative colitis, colon cancer s/p proctocolectomy and ileostomy, chemo-radiation, h/o primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) 20 years prior presented with presented with severe muscle aches, severe limitation in mobility and severe vitamin D deficiency. He had been on chronic prednisone and tacrolimus, mycophenolate. Three years after OLT, he had fragility fractures at different times in both hips requiring hip arthroplasty. Labs were significant for persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) up to 1569 U/L for last 10 years, bone specific ALP at 423.6 mcg/L, Calcium 9 mg/dl, phosphorus 2 mg/dl, 25 OH vitamin D was 4 ng/ml, 1, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) was 34 ng/ml, PTH was 189 pg/ml, urine calcium/creatinine ratio was 50 mg/g and urine NTX at 223 nM BCE/mM. Celiac screen was negative and tacrolimus levels were within normal range. Patient had extensive workup by gastroenterology for elevated ALP including three liver biopsies which were unrevealing. A bone scan showed increased uptake in thoracic region and metaphyses of large joints. A diagnosis of osteomalacia and secondary hyperparathyroidism was made and he was started on high dose vitamin D gradually increased to 8000 units thrice a day. Within few weeks, he noted marked improvement in mobility, bone pain and need for pain medications. In few months, BSAP decreased to 144.9 mcg/l, NTX and PTH also improved. 25 OH has also increased slightly to 13. He continues on high dose vitamin D and 1200mg of calcium daily. Discussion: Our patient likely had severe osteomalacia due to prolonged vitamin D deficiency, caused by multiple etiologies. Firstly, poor absorption in UC might lower 25-OHD levels. Secondly CYP3A enzymes are involved in the metabolism of calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus as well as vitamin D, this could result in enhanced vitamin D metabolism, which would explain persistently low vitamin D level despite replacement with such high doses. The significant improvement in his symptoms with supplementation resulting in increased mobility despite not having a normal vitamin D level suggest other pleiotropic effects of vitamin D on muscle and bone as well. Additionally effects of liver transplantation on vitamin D metabolism need to be explored further.
Language Intervention Isn't Just Spoken: Assessment and Treatment of a Deaf Signing Child With Specific Language Impairment.

Purpose This case study describes the language evaluation and treatment of a 5-year-old boy, Lucas, who is Deaf, uses American Sign Language (ASL), and presented with a language disorder despite na...
Identification of Potential Host Plants of Sap-Sucking Insects (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Using Anchored Hybrid By-Catch Data

Reliable host plant records are available for only a small fraction of herbivorous insect species, despite their potential agricultural importance. Most available data on insect–plant associations have been obtained through field observations of occurrences of insects on particular plants. Molecular methods have more recently been used to identify potential host plants using DNA extracted from insects, but most prior studies using these methods have focused on chewing insects that ingest tissues expected to contain large quantities of plant DNA. Screening of Illumina data obtained from sap feeders of the hemipteran family Cicadellidae (leafhoppers) using anchored hybrid enrichment indicates that, despite feeding on plant fluids, these insects often contain detectable quantities of plant DNA. Although inclusion of probes for bacterial 16S in the original anchored hybrid probe kit yielded relatively high detection rates for chloroplast 16S, the Illumina short reads also, in some cases, included DNA for various plant barcode genes as “by-catch”. Detection rates were generally only slightly higher for Typhlocybinae, which feed preferentially on parenchyma cell contents, compared to other groups of leafhoppers that feed preferentially on phloem or xylem. These results indicate that next-generation sequencing provides a powerful tool to investigate the specific association between individual insect and plant species.
An Enlarged Paracondylar Process and Associated Anomalies in a Plains Woodland Burial

In the field of skeletal biology nonmetric cranial features have begun to occupy an important place in the analysis of population origins and affinities. Although numerous traits have been identifi...
Aspergillus Endocarditis in Childen: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis developed in a 2 1/2-year-old girl after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. There have been 14 other cases of Aspergillus endocarditis in children described in the literature. Fever and embolic phenomenon, particularly to the CNS, were the most common presenting manifestations. Consumptive coagulopathy developed in this patient as it has in other children and should suggest the diagnosis of Aspergillus endocarditis inasmuch as blood cultures are uniformly negative. Antemortem diagnosis was made in four of 15 patients. Only one patient survived the infection. Environmental surveillance is crucial when a case is encountered. Survival of the infected patient occurs only with early diagnosis and surgical removal of the infected tissue.
Weather Modification: Water--Three Cents Per Acre-Foot

the earth .... ." Thus, God visited His flood upon man. It is with man's attempt to open and close the windows of the heavens that we are here concerned. Although far from perfect at this time, man's attempt at rainmaking is certainly not the least successful of his efforts to mirror his Maker. For the period November 1, 1951, through April 15, 1952, John A. Battle, meteorologist for the Santa Ana River Weather Corporation and the San Diego County Weather Corporation, made the assertion that his rainmaking activities had added "about 20 per cent more rain" than would have naturally fallen in the target area of the Santa Ana River watershed and San Diego County.2 In round figures, this was said to mean a total of 1,400,000 acre-feet of new water, for a cost of less than $40,000. This meant water for less than three cents per acre-foot! At about the same time, the staff of the Division of Water Resources of the California Department of Public Works made an Economic Report on Possible Benefits of Weather Modification Operations.3 For study purposes a ten per cent increase in precipitation was selected as a "modest figure" to measure the "reasonable positive effect" of cloud-seeding.4 Using the watershed of an irrigation district located in the east central portion of California, the staff study concluded that even such a modest increase in precipitation as that assumed would result in total annual economic benefits of approximately $2,250,000 in revenues from newly-irrigated acreage, $50,000 from sale of firm power, $51,000 in added dry farm income, $180,000 in increased yield from range land, and other substantial benefits not as readily susceptible of monetary evaluation.5
GRAPEVINE NECROTIC UNION, A NEWLY RECOGNIZED DISEASE OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY IN GRAPEVINES GRAFTED ON 110 RICHTER ROOTSTOCK IN CALIFORNIA

In Northern California, surveys of several vineyards planted to Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot noir (PN) clones 02A, 667, 777, and UCD 04 grafted onto the rootstock V. berlandieri x V. rupestris 110 Richter (110R) revealed 2 to 45% of vines showing solid red leaf canopies and two distinct disease stages, i.e., full canopied plants with normal grape clusters (designated as acute) or stunted shoots and straggly bunches (designated as chronic). In addition, the scion-rootstock junction of symptomatic grapevines had developed a necrotic union; hence, the name ‘grapevine necrotic union’ (GNU). Also, two white fruited cultivars, Chardonnay (clone 04, vineyard in Yolo county) and Pinot gris (clone 152, vineyard in Monterey county), exhibited GNU-associated symptoms, with an exception of pale yellowed leaves. A detailed survey, from 2004 to 2009, was made in a sub-block containing 664 grapevines (8 rows x 80-85 grapevines) in a PN 02A vineyard (planted in 1997) located in Sonoma county. The initial incidence of GNU was 2.1% in 2004 and rose to 21.9% by 2009 suggesting secondary spread. Molecular assays (RT-PCR and PCR) for grapevine viruses, phytoplasmas, and Xylella fastidiosa, failed to detect a putative causal agent. Likewise, bud-chip inoculations of test plants of Cabernet sauvignon scions on different rootstocks, including 110R, were inconclusive. However, several bench-grafts of collections of PN 02A, PN 91 and Chardonnay 04 onto 110R produced plants that developed GNU symptoms in a research plot. Based on the results obtained so far, GNU is being regarded as an emerging disease of unknown etiology in California vineyards.
Narrative therapy with older clients : The use of a meaning-making approach

Self narratives of older adults often include themes of loss and devaluation. These negative perceptions arise from personal experiences, such as widowhood or health impairments, and also the socially constructed images of older adults as dependent and unproductive. Narrative therapy provides a meaning-making strategy that can be used to assist older clients in altering their life stories. Within narrative therapy, older adults collaborate with the therapist to deconstruct their current narrative and construct an alternate one that has greater meaning for the client. This approach is applied with the case situation of an 80 year-old woman who was experiencing depression and health declines.
Behavioral perimetry in monkeys.

PURPOSE Normative data on the systematic changes in visual sensitivity as a function of retinal eccentricity have provided the basis for efficient threshold strategies and data analysis routines for static perimetry. The standard methods of assessing visual field changes in patients also could be used for monkeys with experimentally induced ocular disorders if the normal visual fields of monkeys and humans were similar. METHODS Normal visual field data from three rhesus monkeys were compared to data from eight human subjects using the standard threshold programs of the Humphrey Field Analyzer. RESULTS The experimental paradigm developed for these measurements provided excellent behavioral control for the monkeys, with reliability indices well within acceptable limits. The visual field data from monkeys were comparable to those from humans with respect to: (1) sensitivity as a function of stimulus field size; (2) the derived Statpac global indices; and (3) the variance of threshold measurements across the visual field. CONCLUSION The visual fields of monkeys and humans are similar, and the techniques of computerized perimetry may be applied to monkey subjects without significant modification.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic fine-needle aspiration: potential pitfalls in one institution's experience of 1212 procedures.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has emerged as the diagnostic modality of choice for mass lesions in the pancreas. The objective of the current study was to determine the accuracy and pitfalls of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions in cases that involved follow-up surgical resection. METHODS Cases of EUS-FNA of pancreatic lesions performed from 2007 to mid-2012 for which subsequent surgical resection was performed were retrieved from the department's database. The accuracy of the cytologic diagnosis was assessed using the histological diagnosis as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated. “Neoplastic,” “suspicious,” and “malignant” were classified as a positive cytologic diagnosis. In one calculation method, “atypical” was also included as a positive cytologic diagnosis whereas in another it was not considered to be a positive cytological result. The cases with a cytologic-histological discrepancy were reviewed to identify sources of errors. RESULTS A total of 1212 cases from 1104 patients (518 women and 586 men; age range, 18-94 years [average age, 63.5 years]) were identified. Cytologic diagnoses included 52 unsatisfactory, 224 benign, 129 atypical, 140 neoplasm, 35 suspicious, and 632 malignant diagnoses. Of these cases, 397 patients had histological follow-up information available. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 83.2%, 85.9%, 95.9%, and 56.1%, respectively, with atypical cases excluded from the analysis. When atypical cases were included as a positive cytologic diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 86.7%, 67.9%, 90.7%, and 58.5%, respectively, and were 73.7%, 87.7%, 95.6%, and 48.0%, respectively, when atypical cases were included as a negative cytologic diagnosis. The major difficulty in EUS-FNA cytology was to differentiate pancreatic mucinous neoplasms from contaminants of gastric mucosa. Other pitfalls included differentiating mucinous neoplasm from extensive pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and endocrine tumor from nesidioblastosis versus acinar cell carcinoma or intrapancreatic spleen. CONCLUSIONS EUS-FNA is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, especially solid malignant tumors. Cytologic-radiological correlation is essential in differentiating pancreatic mucinous neoplasms from gastric mucosa, because the former usually are found to have characteristic features on imaging. Pathologists should be aware of the pitfalls in the cytologic diagnosis of pancreatic lesions that may significantly change the clinical management of the patients. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:98–107. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Self‐Regulated Learning

Self-regulated learning relates to our ability to understand and control our learning environments. Keywords: cognition; metacognition; motivation; self-regulation; strategies
An Investigation of Fatigue Failure of Materials under Broad Band Random Vibrations

I the present paper the fatigue life of material under the multifactor influence of broad band random excitations was investigated. Parameters which affect the fatigue life were postulated to be peak stress, variance of stress, and the natural frequency of the system. Experimental data were processed by the hybrid computer. Based on the experimental results and the regression analysis, a best predicting model has been found. All values of the experimental fatigue lives are within the 95% confidence intervals of the predicting equation. Research results in narrow band random fatigue have been reported.'
Cellular transformation by adenovirus type 5 is influenced by the viral DNA polymerase.

Abstract Early region 2B (E2B) of the group C adenoviruses encodes a number of proteins, including the 140-kilodalton DNA polymerase, which plays a role in the initiation of viral DNA replication. Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants with mutations mapping to E2B are conditionally defective for both DNA replication in human cells and transformation of rat cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis shows that the E2B mutant ts36 possesses a single point mutation specific to the viral DNA polymerase; this transition of a C to a T at position 7623 changes leucine residue 249 in the polymerase to a phenylalanine. A wild-type (ts+) revertant possesses a codon specifying the original leucine at position 249. Phenotypic analysis of revertant and wild-type viruses derived by marker rescue from ts36 shows that these variants are wild type for both viral DNA replication and transformation. Thus, the single point mutation in the polymerase gene of ts36 is responsible for both defects.
A measure for control relevant nonlinearity

This paper introduces an optimal control structure as a design tool to examine relationships between operating regimes, economic penalties and controller nonlinearity for a given plant. This structure is used to resolve contradictions extant in the literature between open-loop system nonlinearity and control-relevant nonlinearity. It also reviews the use of coherence estimation as a practical method to measure continuous, open-loop system nonlinearity that is both easy to perform and analyze.
Acoustic emission phenomena due to plasticity of rocks

Acoustic emission patterns arising at the stage of plastic deformation (creep and relaxation) of plastic and brittle rocks are discussed. It is suggested that these patterns are related to the spatial localization of plastic deformation and strain hardening of rocks under loads exceeding the yield strength.
Chemistry of new electrophilic metal ALKYL compounds

The reaction of the neutral carborane C2B9H13 with Cp*M(CH3)3 (M = Zr (a), Hf (b); Cp* = η5-C5Me5) yields [Cp(C2B9H11)M(CH3)]n (3a, b). Complexes 3a, b form THF adducts Cp*(C2B9H11)M(CH3)(THF) 4, insert 2-butyne to yield Cp*(C2B9H11)M{C(Me=CMe2} 5, and undergo methane elimination upon thermolysis to yield methylene-bridged complexes [Cp*(C2B9H11)M]2(μ-CH2) (6). These chemical studies, and companion structural and theoretical studies establish that 3a, b are neutral analogues of the cationic Cp2M(R)+ species (1; Cp = η5-C5H5) and Cp2M(R)(L)+ (2) which are believed to be active in Cp2MX2-based Ziegler catalysts. Despite the lower metal charge, 3–6 exhibit characteristic “electrophilic metal alkyl” properties including agostic M-H-C and M-H-B interactions, high insertion and intramolecular C-H activation reactivity, and high ethylene polymerization and propene oligomerization activity. These observations suggest that the key requirement for high insertion/polymerization activity in metallocene systems is high metal unsaturation (i.e. two empty metal-centered orbitals) rather than charge.
Electrical properties of block copolymers containing silver nanoclusters within oriented lamellar microdomains

Films containing silver nanoclusters within a lamellar morphology were obtained via postprocessing reduction of the silver-containing regions of block copolymers synthesized by ring opening metathesis polymerization. Solution-cast films (0.1 mm thickness) of the block copolymer exhibited an oriented lamellar morphology with lamellar normals perpendicular to the film plane. The slightly anisotropic dielectric properties, perpendicular and parallel to the film plane, were investigated by direct measurement and by model calculations. The conductivity was highly anisotropic, differing by at least four orders of magnitude in directions parallel and perpendicular to the film plane. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 723–729, 1997
Regulating the entry of multinational enterprises: Models and practices

This paper examines the policies adopted by host governments to regulate the entry of multinational enterprises (MNEs). The conflict between host governments and MNEs over the choice of entry strategies is demonstrated. The theoretical underpinnings of host governments’ regulations on MNEs’ entry are provided and the restrictive policies adopted by host governments are assessed. In general, prohibiting an MNE to sign a licensing agreement with its own partially owned subsidiary generates a higher level of national welfare. If the size of the host market is large enough to support several efficient plants, encouraging MNEs to license their technologies to several local firms will also increase national welfare.
FDA Perspective on Peptide Formulation and Stability Issues

Traditionally, peptide drugs are prepared as sterile solutions and administered to patients by daily injection. However, this form of drug delivery causes pain and inconvenience to patients and thus has been poorly accepted. In addition to improving patient compliance, many novel delivery systems have been developed to address the need for prolonged, localized (targeted), or pulsatile drug action. Examples include, but are not limited to oral, nasal, or long-acting controlled release injectable dosage forms; a number of them have been approved by FDA recently. The unique characteristics and the relevant regulatory issues with respect to each type of delivery system are presented.
EHMTI-0026. Neuroprolotherapy and acupuncture for clinical trial of acute and chronic migraine treatment

Summary Neuroprolotherapy and acupuncture for clinical trial of acute and chronic migraine treatment. Objectives Formulation of protocol for clinical trial of neuroprolotherapy and acupuncture treatment of migraine, partially based upon treatment sites used in Onabotulinumtoxin A treatment of migraine. Background Studies thus far have demonstrated that acupuncture is both effective, and cost effective in the treatment and prevention of migraine. Neuroprolotherapy and acupuncture are less costly, and are associated with fewer risks, than OnabotulinumtoxinA. No studies have been published that examine the effects of neuroprolotherapy on migraine. This protocol will serve as a template for use in a multi-center clinical trial to be conducted at a later date. Methods
Model for formation and growth of vesicles in mixed anionic/cationic (SOS/CTAB) surfactant systems

The dynamics of vesicle formation and growth following the mixing of cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic sodium octyl sulfate (SOS) surfactant solutions were determined using static and dynamic light scattering. The results are well-described by a two-stage model in which initial nonequilibrium vesicles are generated rapidly following the mixing of the surfactant solutions and the subsequent vesicle growth is by slower vesicle fusion. The formation of the initial vesicles is based on a balance between the unfavorable edge energy of disklike aggregates and the bending energy required to form spherical structures. The sizes of the initial vesicles correlated well with the equilibrium sizes determined after 2 months, in accordance with the model predictions. The growth of both the disklike bilayers (bilayer-bilayer fusion) before their transition to the initial vesicles and of the nonequilibrium vesicles (vesicle-vesicle coalescence) was modeled using Smoluchowski's theory for colloid coagulation. Estimates of the coalescence rate constants showed that the fusion of bilayer disks is at least an order of magnitude faster than the coalescence of nonequilibrium vesicles, with rate constants of ∼200 and ∼5-10 (Ms) - 1 , respectively.
Field dependence-independence as a factor in the academic and career evolution of women majors in the broad-gauge discipline of home economics

The relationships between the field-dependence-independence level (GEFT score) of university home economics majors and their area of concentration, academic ability and performance, and career choices were investigated. The sample was 143 undergraduate and 53 graduate women university students. A significant difference in GEFT was found when students were grouped according to the five areas of concentration or by the analytical-interpersonal nature of their chosen career positions. Significant correlations were found between GEFT and all ACT scores, undergraduate and graduate GPA, and graduate student career commitment. There was no significant relationship for GEFT with any GRE score, undergraduate career commitment, or ease of career choice. Little evidence of a differential effect of GEFT on achievement in analytical or social content courses was found.
An Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural, and Physiologic Study of Pancreatic Islets from Copper-deficient, Penicillamine-treated Rats

Murine copper deficiency induced by diet and supplemented with a copper chelator is known to produce a progressive atrophy of pancreatic acinar tissue largely replaced by noninflammatory lipomatosis, while the ductal and endocrine systems appear to remain unaffected. The islets were studied morphologically and physiologically in animals rendered copper deficient by diet and supplemented with D-penicillamine. Using immunohistochemistry, the distribution of islet cell types from copper-deficient animals exhibited a normal cellular complement for A-, B-, D-, and PP-cells. Ultrastructural analysis showed the islet tissue remains normal in appearance during the course of the metal-deficient state. Physiologic data based on the response of islets to a low- and high-glucose load in perfused, isolated pancreata as well as intravenous glucose tolerance tests indicated that insulin-secreting B-cells were functionally normal. Because of the accessibility of islets enhanced by atrophy of acini, this model may be adopted for the isolation of viable islets and for in situ physiologic studies of islet hormone secretion.
Assessing Youth Risk Behavior in a Clinical Trial Setting: Lessons From the Infant Health and Development Program

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this article was to describe the use of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) with known 17–18-year-old patients in follow-up of a multisite randomized clinical trial, and to develop a new scoring algorithm indicating the degree of risk-taking behavior for between-group analyses. Methods Seventy-five questions from the YRBSS were incorporated into the study questionnaire, with the development of safety plans to guide the disposition of participants. The YRBSS questions were grouped into two categories (with three subdomains each) named problem behaviors (conduct problems, sexual behavior, and suicide/hopelessness) and substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana use), with scores for each subdomain indicating high, moderate, and low risk. Results Of the 677 participants, the safety plan was activated 215 times for 199 (29.4%) of participants. Risk behaviors included binge drinking (149), alcohol/substance use and driving (41), depression (22), hopelessness (37), and suicidal ideation (13; all in the past). No emergency room evaluations were required. The subdomain scaling was analyzed by demographic characteristics, and findings were consistent with the literature; for example, higher rates of conduct problems in males, more suicidal ideation in females, greater sexual risk in African Americans, more substance use in males and whites, and more alcohol use in youth with mothers with higher levels of education. Conclusions YRBSS can be administered in a research setting with appropriate safety precautions. These results should provide a useful guide to the application of the YRBSS to other adolescent populations in the future.
Effect of Protein A on the Antistaphylococcal Defense Mechanisms of the Murine Lung

The importance of IgG attached to protein A in the initial reaction of inspired Staphylococcus aureus and alveolar macrophages was studied by infecting unimmunized mice with aerosols of S. aureus strains 566 and Wood 46 with high and low protein A content. At 2, 4, and 8 hr after infection, the presence of IgG attached to S. aureus and rates of staphylococcal ingestion and killing by macrophages were determined. IgG was detected by staining of sections of the right lung with fluorescein-labeled goat antibody to mouse IgG. For S. aureus strain 566, 25%-40% of the total number of bacteria, as determined in equivalently sized subjacent sections stained by the Brown and Brenn tissue gram stain, contained attached IgG. A few S. aureus strain Wood 46 were surrounded by dimly fluorescing complexes. Since rates of bacterial ingestion and killing were similar for both strains in this in vivo model of infection, IgG binding to protein A does not affect the bactericidal capacity of alveolar macrophages. The principal mechanism for inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus in the rodent lung [1-4] is phagocytosis by pulmonary alveolar macrophages. These ubiquitous pulmonary phagocytes ingest, inactivate, and destroy inspired staphylococci within hours after infection [2, 5]. Two lines of evidence suggest that IgG bound in an unorthodox manner by its Fc fragment may be important in this initial encounter of staphylococci with macrophages: (1) protein A, a component of staphylococcal cell walls, combines with the Fc fragment of IgG to initiate antibody-like activity [6, 7], and (2) the capacity of alveolar macrophages to kill ingested S. aureus in in vitro cell systems is enhanced by the addition of alveolar lining material-an ill-defined mixture known to contain IgG as well as other proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates [8-10]. The development of histologic techniques for observing the interaction of bacteria and macrophages within rodent lungs offered a means to define further the role of IgG attached to protein A in staphylococcal infections. Mice were infected with aero
Global, Regional, and Local Network Autocorrelation in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample

There is now considerable evidence in the cross-cultural literature that cultural networks need not be based strictly on spatial propinquity but may develop along other dimensions such as common language, religion, and levels of cultural complexity. In this article, the authors generate networks based on sociocultural distance metrics for these three network dimensions in addition to the usual geographical distance measure and a measure of overall ecological niche similarity. The authors report overall levels of autocorrelation for all five networks using 1,156 Standard Cross-Cultural Sample (SCCS) variables at the global level and for a subset of 422 variables within four regions. The extent to which cultural trait distributions appear to be influenced by combinations of network processes also are assessed. Results from an analysis based on a local autocorrelation statistic provide confirmation of the regional levels of autocorrelation within the SCCS data set.
Resonance levels in 28Si from 27Al+p reactions

Abstract By measuring the proton elastic scattering from 27A1 with surface barrier detectors, 18 resonance levels in 28Si were observed in the energy range Ep = 1.1–1.8 MeV. For all resonances, the proton orbital momenta were determined, and for 12 resonances unique spin assignments were made on the basis of these and previous (p, γ) and (p, α) measurements. Partial proton widths are given for all resonances. The yield of inelastically scattered protons from 27Al and of the emitted α-particles to the first excited state in 24Mg was also observed. Resonance strengths were determined relative to the known strength of the 1184 keV resonance in the 27Al(p,γ)28Si reaction. Seven resonances can be classified as probable analogues of the 3.46, 3.59, 3.67, 3.88, 3.93 and 4.03 MeV states in 28A1. For all T = 1 resonances spectroscopic factors were deduced.
Extension of the small-aperture beam technique to the measurement of full two-dimensional optical wavefronts

Variable-density flows create time- and space-varying aberrations in optical wavefronts passing through them. Such aberrations significantly degrade the performance of instruments using this optical 'information'. Since fluid turbulence causes the distortions,they also contain information about the flow that created them. A high speed, optical wavefront sensor would thus be useful both as a means of cuing adaptive-optics systems and for non- intrusive, turbulent flow diagnostics. This paper presents the first effort to develop a high speed, 2D wavefront sensor based on the theory for the 1D, small-aperture beam technique (SABT). The new sensor uses the SABT for measurements in the streamwise direction and scanned beams for cross-stream wavefront measurements. Results of a breadboard implementation of the cross-stream component are presented followed by preliminary result for the full, 2D, SABT-derivative sensor measurements of a low-speed, heated mixing layer.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electron Transfer Reactions and Mobile Holes in Radiolysis of Squalane. Time-Resolved FDMR Study†

Fluorescence detected magnetic resonance (FDMR) is applied to study ion−molecule reactions in squalane (2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane). Several time-resolved pulsed FDMR experiments are suggested to measure rate constants of scavenging by aromatic solutes. These constants vary from 5 × 108 to 1.6 × 109 mol-1 dm3 s-1. The ion−molecule reactions of radical cations are somewhat slower than reactions of radical anions. The scavenging of the alkane hole is significantly faster than ion−molecule reactions of molecular cations. The mobile hole decays on a time scale of several tens of nanoseconds. These FDMR results are in accord with our recent work on transient absorption spectroscopy in radiolysis of squalane.
Sex determination: a hypothesis based on steroid ratios.

This paper presents a hypothesis for sex determination based on the ratio of androgen to estrogen in the gonad during sexual differentiation. In vertebrates the ratio of these steroids, and therefore, the sex of an indivudual is controlled by the quantity of the enzyme aromatase. For animals with a ZZ, ZW sex determining mechanism, such as birds, in which the heterogametic sex is female, an inducer for the aromatase gene is postulated to be on the W chromosome. In animals with an XX, XY system in which the heterogametic sex is male, such as mammals, the Y chromosome is postulated to code for a repressor of the aromatase gene. This hypothesis can account for naturally occurring sex reversal such as seen in some fish and amphibians, experimentally induced sex reversal by administration of steroids in birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians, and temperature-dependent sex determination as in reptiles. For invertebrates the same hypothetical model applies though the specific androgenic and estrogenic steroids differ. Both the X-to-autosome ratio method of sex determination typified by fruit flies and the haplodiploid method of bees as well as hormonal control of sexual differentiation in crustaceans are accounted for by this hypothesis.
Magnesium-embedded live cell filter for CTC isolation

This paper reports a novel Magnesium-embedded cell filter for Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) capture, release and isolation. The new and novel feature is the use of thin-film Mg to release the captured CTCs based on the fact that any Cl− containing culture medium can readily etch Mg away [1]. The releasing and the isolation of each individual CTC are demonstrated here. After filtration process, the filter is submerged in PBS to facilitate Mg etching. The top PA-C filter pieces break apart from the bottom after Mg completely dissolves, enabling captured CTC cells to detach from the filter. The released CTC can then be easily aspirated into a micropipette, and then for further, such as, DNA mutation analysis.
Complexity of ambulatory care across disciplines

Abstract Background Complexity of care has implications for quality of care, health costs, medical errors, and patient and physician satisfaction. The objective was to compare complexity of ambulatory care across 14 medical specialties. Methods This secondary analysis uses the 2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, which used a multistage probability design of primary sampling units throughout U.S. ambulatory practices across 14 specialties. Sampling weights enable results from 29,179 ambulatory visits to represent 878,653,561 visits. Data included symptoms, diagnoses, diagnostic procedures, and treatments provided. Measures of input, output and total encounter complexity and hourly complexity densities were computed. Results Internal Medicine leads in total input and total encounter complexity with Family Medicine second in total encounter complexity. When duration-of-visit is considered, Family Medicine is the most complex discipline while Internal Medicine is the second most complex. Pediatrics lacks the complexity of Family Medicine and General Internal Medicine, and OB/GYN bears little similarity to Family Medicine or General Internal Medicine. Conclusions Family Medicine and Internal Medicine encounters are the most complex overall, especially when duration-of-visit is considered. Implications Revaluing payments based on complexity could bring better balance to cognitive and procedural services, and better meet the needs of people receiving insurance under the ACA.
Circular Dichroism and Electron Microscopy of a Core Y61F Mutant of the F1 Gene 5 Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein and Theoretical Analysis of CD Spectra of Four Tyr → Phe Substitutions†

A core Y61F mutant of the gene 5 single-stranded DNA-binding protein (g5p) of f1 bacterial virus aggregated when expressed from a plasmid, but, after refolding in vitro, it behaved much like wild-type and may be a stability or folding mutant. Circular dichroism (CD) titrations showed the same cooperative polynucleotide binding modes for Y61F and wild-type g5p. There are n = 4 and n congruent with 2.5 modes for binding to poly[d(A)] at low ionic strengths, but n = 4, n = 3, and n congruent with 2-2.5 modes for binding to fd single-stranded viral DNA (fd ssDNA), where n is the number of nucleotides occluded by each bound g5p monomer in a given mode. Y61F g5p has slightly reduced affinity in the n = 4 mode. Electron microscopy showed that Y61F g5p forms left-handed nucleoprotein superhelices indistinguishable from wild-type. Progression from binding to fd ssDNA in the n = 4 to n = 3 to n congruent with 2-2.5 mode is accompanied by an increase in the number of helical turns, an increase from (7.7 +/- 0.3) to (9.5 +/- 0.3) to ( approximately 10-13) g5p dimers per turn, and a decrease in the number of DNA nucleotides per turn. From CD spectra for four of five possible Y --> F g5p mutants, we infer that the fifth tyrosine, Tyr 56, contributes strongly to the CD. Retention of a strong 229 nm CD band in all mutants indicates that all retain elements of the native structure. Spectra of Y26F, Y34F, and Y61F g5p imply limited mobility of the replacement Phe. Comparison of measured with calculated CD spectra also suggests limited mobility for Tyr 26 and Tyr 34 in g5p in solution, and provides new information that the g5p structure in solution may be dominated by Tyr 41 rotamers differing from that stabilized in the crystal.
Antiinflammatory functions of p38 in mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis: advantages of targeting upstream kinases MKK-3 or MKK-6.

Objective Inhibitors of p38 demonstrate limited benefit in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), perhaps due to the antiinflammatory functions of p38α. This study was performed to determine if selective deletion of p38α in macrophages affects the severity of arthritis and whether blocking upstream kinases in the p38 pathway, such as MKK-3 or MKK-6, avoids some of the limitations of p38 blockade. Methods Wild-type (WT) mice and mice with selective deletion of p38α in macrophages (p38αΔLysM) were injected with K/BxN sera. Antigen-induced arthritis was also induced in p38αΔLysM mice. Mouse joint extracts were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blot analysis. Bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMMs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and were evaluated by qPCR and Western blotting. Bone marrow chimeras were generated using MKK-3−/− and MKK-6−/− mice, and K/BxN serum was administered to induce arthritis. Results Compared to WT mice, p38αΔLysM mice had increased disease severity and delayed resolution of arthritis, which correlated with higher synovial inflammatory mediator expression and ERK phosphorylation. In contrast to WT BMMs cultured in the presence of a p38α/β inhibitor, LPS-stimulated MKK-6– and MKK-3–deficient BMMs had suppressed LPS-mediated interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression but had normal IL-10 production, dual-specificity phosphatase 1 expression, and MAPK phosphorylation. WT chimeric mice with MKK-6– and MKK-3–deficient bone marrow had markedly decreased passive K/BxN arthritis severity. Conclusion Inhibiting p38α in a disease that is dominated by macrophage cytokines, such as RA, could paradoxically suppress antiinflammatory functions and interfere with clinical efficacy. Targeting an upstream kinase that regulates p38 could be more effective by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines while preventing decreased IL-10 expression and increased MAPK activation.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Modulates Catalytically Important Motions of the Ca-ATPase Phosphorylation Domain†

Catalytically important motions of the Ca-ATPase, modulated by the physical properties of surrounding membrane phospholipids, have been suggested to be rate-limiting under physiological conditions....
Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in children weighing <10 kg with Gianturco coils using the balloon occlusion technique

We evaluated the immediate and intermediate follow-up results of transcatheter closure (TCC) of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using Gianturco coils in children weighing 2.5 mm (group II, n = 16) were compared. Coils were deployed sequentially by transarterial route using a temporary balloon occlusion technique. The immediate clinical success rate in both groups was comparable. There was no significant difference in the number of coils required per patient and in the embolization rate between the two groups. Both groups had comparable occlusion rates at intermediate-term follow-up. At intermediate follow-up, one patient had developed left pulmonary artery stenosis while obstruction of the descending aorta was not seen in any; in 4 children the PDA had recanalized. Spontaneous reocclusion was observed in 3 of the latter at the last follow-up. We conclude that TCC of PDA is feasible and safe in children weighing < 10kg with gratifying intermediate-term results. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 44:303–308, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cloning and characterization of the cDNA encoding human adenylosuccinate synthetase.

Abstract Adenylosuccinate synthetase (AS) catalyzes the first committed step in the conversion of IMP to AMP. A cDNA was isolated from a human liver library which encodes a protein of 455 amino acids (Mr of 49.925). Alignments of human, mouse, Dictyostelium discoideum and E. coli AS sequences identify a number of invariant residues which are likely to be important for structure and/or catalysis. The human AS sequence was also 19% identical to the human urea cycle enzyme, arginosuccinate synthetase (ASS), which catalyses a chemically similar reaction. Both human liver and HcLa AS mRNA showed signals of 2.3 and 2.8 kb. An unmodified N-terminus is required for function of the human AS enzyme in E. coli mutants lacking the bacterial enzyme. The human cDNA provides a means to assess the possible role of AS abnormalities in unclassified, idiopathic cases of gout.
Shoot meristem: An ideal explant for Zea mays L. transformation

We report on a rapid high-frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration protocol for Zea mays. Maize plants were regenerated from complete shoot meristem (3-4 mm) explants via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. In organogenesis, the shoot meristems were directly cultured on a high-cytokinin medium comprising 5-10 mg x L(-1) 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The number of multiple shoots produced per meristem varied from six to eight Plantlet regeneration through organogenesis resulted in just four weeks. Callus was induced in five days of incubation on an auxin-modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Prolific callus, with numerous somatic embryos, developed within 3-4 weeks when cultured on an auxin medium containing 5 mg 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid x L(-1). The number of multiple shoots varied from three to six per callus. Using R23 (Pioneer, Hi-Bred, Johnston, Iowa), the frequency of callus induction was consistently in excess of 80% and plant regeneration ranged between 47 and 64%. All regenerated plantlets survived in the greenhouse and produced normal plants. Each transgenic plant produced leaves, glumes, and anthers that uniformly expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GFP gene segregated in the pollen. Based on this data it is concluded that the transgenics arose from single-cell somatic embryos. The rate of transfer DNA (T-DNA) transfer to complete shoot meristems of Zea mays was high on the auxin medium and was independent of using super-virulent strains of Agrobacterium.
Ectonucleotidases of Avian Gizzard Smooth Muscle and Liver Plasma Membranes: A Comparative Study☆

Extracellular nucleotides, e.g., ATP, ADP, and UTP, are important signaling molecules which elicit various physiological responses in different tissues. Their degradation is catalyzed by ectonucleotidases which are located on cell surfaces. Most tissues have a mixed population of ectonucleotidases. In this report, the ATP and ADP hydrolyzing ectonucleotidases of chicken gizzard smooth muscle and liver plasma membranes were studied. The two membranes exhibited marked differences in the ratio of ATPase/ADPase activities, activation by divalent cations, thermal stability, responses to detergents and cross-linking agents, and sensitivity to several enzyme inhibitors. The ATPase activity of chicken gizzard membranes is (i) labile to heat and detergents; (ii) activated by concanavalin A and disuccinimidyl suberate, both cross-linking agents; (iii) inhibited by mercurials; and (iv) insensitive to high concentrations of azide, a known inhibitor of ecto-ATP diphosphohydrolases (ecto-ATP/Dase). In contrast, the liver membrane ATPase and ADPase activities are more stable to treatment by heat and detergents and insensitive to cross-linking agents and mercurials, but are inhibited by azide. A low ADP hydrolase activity in the gizzard membranes could be distinguished from both the gizzard ATPase and the liver ATPase/ADPase. This ADP hydrolase, which is markedly stimulated by NBD-Cl, accounts for most of the ADP hydrolysis activity in gizzard membranes. It is concluded that the major ectonucleotidase in the gizzard membranes is an ecto-ATPase whereas that in the liver membranes is an ecto-ATP/Dase. That both membranes contain a mixed population of the ecto-ATPase and ecto-ATP/Dase, but in different proportions, is further demonstrated by immunochemical characterization. The different composition of ectonucleotidases in the two membranes is expected to have an important effect on the regulation of hydrolysis of extracellular ATP as well as the concentration of extracellular adenine nucleotides in the gizzard and liver tissues.
Regional shape change in adult facial bone curvature with age

Life expectancies have increased dramatically over the last 100 years, affording greater opportunities to study the impact of age on adult craniofacial morphology. This article employs a novel application of established geometric morphometric methods to examine shape differences in adult regional facial bone curvature with age. Three-dimensional semilandmarks representing the curvature of the orbits, zygomatic arches, nasal aperture, and maxillary alveolar process were collected from a cross-sectional cranial sample of mixed sex and ancestry (male and female; African- and European-American), partitioned into three age groups (young adult = 18-39; middle-aged = 40-59 years; and elderly = 60+ years). Each facial region's semilandmarks were aligned into a common coordinate system via generalized Procrustes superimposition. Regional variation in shape was then explored via a battery of multivariate statistical techniques. Age-related shape differences were detected in the orbits, zygomatic arches, and maxillary alveolar process. Interactions between age, sex, and ancestry were also identified. Vector plots revealed patterns of superoinferior compression, lateral expansion, and posterior recession depending on the population/subpopulation, location, and age groups examined. These findings indicate that adult craniofacial curvature shape is not static throughout human life. Instead, age-related spatial modifications occur in various regions of the craniofacial skeleton. Moreover, these regional alterations vary not only through time, but across human populations and the sexes.