cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproductive frequency in Malaysian flying squirrels, Hylopetes and Pteromyscus.

Little is known about the reproductive frequency, seasonality, and population statistics of tropical rainforest mammals. One nocturnal, arboreal form, the flying squirrel, Hylopetes lepidus, seems to have a superannual periodicity in reproductive activity with periods of reproductive inactivity as long as 17 months. Another species of flying squirrel, Pteromyscus pulverulentus, seems to breed more or less continuously, but only a small proportion of potential breeders are involved at any given time. Population turnover in both species appears to be slow. Litter sizes average 2 in Hylopetes and 1.3 in Pteromyscus. Population turnover, as es- timated from the frequency of pregnancies, gestation period (estimated), and litter size, is 27 per cent that of forest rats in Hylopetes, and 13 per cent of the rate in rats in Pteromyscus. Little is known about the reproductive frequency, seasonality, and popula- tion statistics of tropical rainforest mammals (Harrison, 1952). Arboreal spe- cies are particularly difficult to study, especially the nocturnal ones. In West Malaysia, the arboreal fauna in the rainforests is rich (Harrison, 1966). Of the 20 species of arboreal squirrels that live in the lowlands, 11 are gliders and nocturnal. Most of these have been considered rare. However, search of ar- boreal nest cavities has revealed large numbers of some species of flying squir- rels (Muul and Lim, 1971). Trapping in the same areas has not yielded these species. In most areas trapping has been the usual method of survey, thus the rarity of these species is more apparent than real. The purpose of this study was to determine the age structure of populations, frequency of pregnancies and parturitions, and the monthly and annual vari- ations in these statistics in populations of two species of flying squirrels, Hy- lopetes lepidus and Pteromyscus pulverulentus, in a rainforest in Johore, the southernmost state in West Malaysia. METHODS The study was conducted from July 1968 through April 1972. At first, samples were taken each month, less frequently later. Nests of the animals were located in the daytime by Orang Asli (aborigines). Animals were removed from nest cavities in trees, together with nesting materials. The advantage of nest collections over trapping is that the whole population is represented including the very young, availing statistics on populations that otherwise can be arrived at only indirectly. We were not reluctant to collect large samples of these species because the forest in this area was being timbered and the region was going to be converted into agricultural land. The animals were placed into cloth sacks, euthanized with chloroform, and for related studies they and the sacks were examined for ectoparasites; blood samples were taken and on autopsy, endoparasites were collected. The reproductive tracts were removed and these and all parasite samples were preserved in 70 per cent alcohol. Uteri were examined under 393
Cloning and characterization of ADAMTS11, an aggrecanase from the ADAMTS family.

Abstract Aggrecan is responsible for the mechanical properties of cartilage. One of the earliest changes observed in arthritis is the depletion of cartilage aggrecan due to increased proteolytic cleavage within the interglobular domain. Two major sites of cleavage have been identified in this region at Asn341-Phe342 and Glu373-Ala374. While several matrix metalloproteinases have been shown to cleave at Asn341-Phe342, an as yet unidentified protein termed “aggrecanase” is responsible for cleavage at Glu373-Ala374 and is hypothesized to play a pivotal role in cartilage damage. We have identified and cloned a novel disintegrin metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs that possesses aggrecanase activity, ADAMTS11 (aggrecanase-2), which has extensive homology to ADAMTS4 (aggrecanase-1) and the inflammation-associated gene ADAMTS1. ADAMTS11 possesses a number of conserved domains that have been shown to play a role in integrin binding, cell-cell interactions, and extracellular matrix binding. We have expressed recombinant human ADAMTS11 in insect cells and shown that it cleaves aggrecan at the Glu373-Ala374 site, with the cleavage pattern and inhibitor profile being indistinguishable from that observed with native aggrecanase. A comparison of the structure and expression patterns of ADAMTS11, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS1 is also described. Our findings will facilitate the study of the mechanisms of cartilage degradation and provide targets to search for effective inhibitors of cartilage depletion in arthritic disease.
Release from interference in auditory working memory for pitch

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of interpolated tones upon a pitch standard held within auditory working memory through measurement of the difference limen (just noticeable difference) for frequency and the usefulness of "Where" cues to ameliorate the interference produced by these intervening stimuli. To this end, we measured the degree to which tones, containing identical and disparate localization cues, presented within the retention interval altered differential sensitivity for frequency via the method of constant stimuli. The difference limen for frequency nearly tripled when tones were presented within the retention interval and sound localization cues produced a significant partial release from interference within the short-term pitch store. Interference produced by "Where" cues ranged from 4.0 to 5.2 Hz. These findings indicate that there is a possible integrative use of the "What" and "Where" pathways in forming and maintaining pitch information within the pitch array within auditory working memory.
Use of audio-enhanced personal digital assistants for school-based data collection

Purpose To review the different data collection options available to school-based researchers and to present the preliminary findings on the use of audio-enhanced personal digital assistants (APDA) for use in school-based data collection.
Neighborhood environment and risk of ischemic stroke : The brain attack surveillance in corpus christi (BASIC) project

The authors explored whether neighborhood-level characteristics are associated with ischemic stroke and whether the association differs by ethnicity, age, and gender. Using data from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project (January 2000-June 2003), they identified cases of ischemic stroke (n = 1,247) from both hospital and out-of-hospital sources. Census tracts served as proxies for neighborhoods, and neighborhood socioeconomic status scores were constructed from census variables (higher scores represented less disadvantage). In Poisson regression analyses comparing the 90th percentile of neighborhood score with the 10th, the relative risk of stroke was 0.49 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41, 0.58). After adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity, this association was attenuated (relative risk (RR) = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63, 1.00). There was no ethnic difference in the association of score with stroke (p for interaction = 0.79). Significant effect modification was found for age (p for interaction < 0.001) and gender (p for interaction = 0.04), with increasing scores being protective against stroke in men and younger persons. Associations were attenuated after adjustment for education (men: RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.55, 1.07; persons aged <65 years: RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.02). Neighborhood characteristics may influence stroke risk in certain gender and age groups. Mechanisms for these associations should be examined.
Usability Studies In Virtual And Traditional Computer Aided Design Environments For Navigation

A usability study was used to measure user performance and user preferences for a CAVE TM immersive stereoscopic virtual environment with wand interfaces compared directly with a workstation non-stereoscopic traditional CAD interface with keyboard and mouse. In both the CAVE TM and the adaptable technology environments, crystal eye glasses are used to produce a stereoscopic view. An ascension flock of birds tracking system is used for tracking the user’s head and wand pointing device positions in 3D space. It is argued that with these immersive technologies, including the use of gestures and hand movements, a more natural interface in immersive virtual environments is possible. Such an interface allows a more rapid and efficient set of actions to recognize geometry, interaction within a spatial environment, the ability to find errors, and navigate through a virtual environment. The wand interface provides a significantly improved means of interaction. This study quantitatively measures the differences in interaction when compared with traditional human computer interfaces. This paper provides analysis via usability study methods for navigation termed as Benchmark 1. During testing, testers are given some time to “play around” with the CAVE TM environment for familiarity before undertaking a specific exercise. The testers are then instructed regarding tasks to be completed, and are asked to work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. The research team timed each task, and recorded activity on evaluation sheets for Navigation Test. At the completion of the testing scenario involving navigation, the subject/testers were given a survey document and asked to respond by checking boxes to communicate their subjective opinions.
Genome Rearrangements by Nonlinear Transposons in Maize

Transposable elements have long been considered as potential agents of large-scale genome reorganization by virtue of their ability to induce chromosomal rearrangements such as deletions, duplications, inversions, and reciprocal translocations. Previous researchers have shown that particular configurations of transposon termini can induce chromosome rearrangements at high frequencies. Here, we have analyzed chromosomal rearrangements derived from an unstable allele of the maize P1 (pericarp color) gene. The progenitor allele contains both a full-length Ac (Activator) transposable element and an Ac terminal fragment termed fAc (fractured Ac) inserted in the second intron of the P1-rr gene. Two rearranged alleles were derived from a classical maize ear twinned sector and were found to contain a large inverted duplication and a corresponding deficiency. The sequences at the junctions of the rearrangement breakpoints indicate that the duplication and deletion structures were produced by a single transposition event involving Ac and fAc termini located on sister chromatids. Because the transposition process we describe involves transposon ends located on different DNA molecules, it is termed nonlinear transposition (NLT). NLT can rapidly break and rejoin chromosomes and thus could have played an important role in generating structural heterogeneity during genome evolution.
Marxist Theories of Deviance and Teleology: A Critique of Spitzer

In "Toward a Marxian Theory of Deviance" (Social Problems, June, 1975) Steven Spitzer has attempted to develop a general Marxian theory of deviance processing. However, like other attempts to develop "conflict" or "Marxian" theories of deviance processing (cf. Chambliss, 1973; Quinney, 1974) Spitzer's analysis lacks the basis of a true theory: that it be demonstrable. Since Spitzer states his "theory" in teleological form, it is unclear what evidence could refute his assertions.
Enhancement of HIV-1 infection by the capsular polysaccharide of Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract Patients with AIDS who become infected with Cryptococcus neoformans have a poor prognosis. We speculated that the presence of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide may enhance HIV-1 infection. In an in-vitro study, the presence of cryptococcal polysaccharide significantly increased (p
Streamlining and Simplification of Microbial Genome Architecture

The genomes of unicellular species, particularly prokaryotes, are greatly reduced in size and simplified in terms of gene structure relative to those of multicellular eukaryotes. Arguments proposed to explain this disparity include selection for metabolic efficiency and elevated rates of deletion in microbes, but the evidence in support of these hypotheses is at best equivocal. An alternative explanation based on fundamental population-genetic principles is proposed here. By increasing the mutational target sizes of associated genes, most forms of nonfunctional DNA are opposed by weak selection. Free-living microbial species have elevated effective population sizes, and the consequent reduction in the power of random genetic drift appears to be sufficient to enable natural selection to inhibit the accumulation of excess DNA. This hypothesis provides a potentially unifying explanation for the continuity in genomic scaling from prokaryotes to multicellular eukaryotes, the divergent patterns of mitochondrial evolution in animals and land plants, and various aspects of genomic modification in microbial endosymbionts.
Transepithelial resistance can be regulated by the intestinal brush-border Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3

Initiation of intestinal Na+-glucose cotransport results in transient cell swelling and sustained increases in tight junction permeability. Since Na+/H+ exchange has been implicated in volume regul...
Molecular Documentation of Polyembryony and the Micro-Spatial Dispersion of Clonal Sibships in the Nine-Banded Armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus

A battery of allelic markers at highly polymorphic microsatellite loci was developed and employed to confirm genetically, the clonal nature of sibships in nine-banded armadillos. This phenomenon of consistent polyembryony, otherwise nearly unknown among the vertebrates, was capitalized upon to describe the micro-spatial distributions of numerous clonal sibships in a natural population of armadillos. Adult clone mates were significantly more dispersed than were juvenile sibs, suggesting limited opportunities for altruistic behavioural interactions among mature individuals. These results, and considerations of armadillo natural history, suggest that evolutionary explanations for polyembryony in this species may not reside in the kinds of ecological and kin selection theories relevant to some of the polyembryonic invertebrates. Rather, polyembryony in armadillos may be associated evolutionarily with other reproductive peculiarities of the species, including delayed uterine implantation of a single egg.
Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Measurement of Tricyclic Antidepressant Drugs. Utility of the 4-Carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl Derivatives of Secondary Amines

Stable isotope dilution gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) measurement of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) is a useful alternative to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods when interfering substances prevent accurate quantitation by HPLC. For satisfactory GC-MS analysis, secondary amine TCA must be derivatized. Commonly employed trifluoroacetyl and heptafluorobutyryl derivatives are relatively unstable and cause rapid deterioration of capillary GC columns. Therefore we examined 4-carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl chloride (CHFB-CI) as an alternative derivatizing agent and developed a stable isotope dilution GC-MS method employing ring-labeled [2H4]-desipramine and [2H4]-imipramine internal standards, which permits measurement of desipramine, nortriptyline, imipramine, and amitriptyline in plasma samples containing one or all of these analytes. The GC-MS assay is linear for each analyte from the lower limit of quantitation (25 ng/mL) up to 1500 ng/mL and correlates well with HPLC measurements. The GC-MS analytic coefficient of variation was 9.7 +/- 1.3% for all analytes considered together. Although interferences are observed in the HPLC assay, thioridazine, perphenazine, cyclobenzaprine, and norcyclobenzaprine do not interfere with GC-MS measurements of the TCA examined here. The stability of the CHFB derivative of secondary amine TCA was found to be superior to that of the trifluoroacetyl derivatives of these compounds.
Potential for bias in epidemiologic studies that rely on glass-based retrospective assessment of radon.

Retrospective assessment of exposure to radon remains the greatest challenge in epidemiologic efforts to assess lung cancer risk associated with residential exposure. An innovative technique based ...
Nutritional Deficiencies in Children on Restricted Diets

Pediatric nutritional deficiencies are associated not only with poverty and developing countries, but also in children in the developed world who adhere to restricted diets. At times, these diets are medically necessary, such as the gluten-free diet for management of celiac disease or exclusion diets in children with food allergies. At other times, the diets are self-selected by children with behavioral disorders, or parent-selected because of nutrition misinformation, cultural preferences, alternative nutrition therapies, or misconceptions regarding food tolerance. Health care providers must be vigilant in monitoring both growth and feeding patterns to identify inappropriate dietary changes that may result in nutritional deficiencies.
Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12B revealed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is one of the major phosphatases responsible for protein dephosphorylation in eukaryotes. Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12B (PPP1R12B), one of the regulatory subunits of PP1, can bind to PP1cδ, one of the catalytic subunits of PP1, and modulate the specificity and activity of PP1cδ against its substrates. Phosphorylation of PPP1R12B on threonine 646 by Rho kinase inhibits the activity of the PP1c-PPP1R12B complex. However, it is not currently known whether PPP1R12B phosphorylation at threonine 646 and other sites is regulated by insulin. We set out to identify phosphorylation sites in PPP1R12B and to quantify the effect of insulin on PPP1R12B phosphorylation by using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. 14 PPP1R12B phosphorylation sites were identified, 7 of which were previously unreported. Potential kinases were predicted for these sites. Furthermore, relative quantification of PPP1R12B phosphorylation sites for basal and insulin-treated samples was obtained by using peak area-based label-free mass spectrometry of fragment ions. The results indicate that insulin stimulates the phosphorylation of PPP1R12B significantly at serine 29 (3.02 ± 0.94 fold), serine 504 (11.67 ± 3.33 fold), and serine 645/threonine 646 (2.34 ± 0.58 fold). PPP1R12B was identified as a phosphatase subunit that undergoes insulin-stimulated phosphorylation, suggesting that PPP1R12B might play a role in insulin signaling. This study also identified novel targets for future investigation of the regulation of PPP1R12B not only in insulin signaling in cell models, animal models, and in humans, but also in other signaling pathways.
Initiation of poliovirus negative-strand RNA synthesis requires precursor forms of P2 proteins

The replication proteins encoded in the P2 region of the poliovirus genome induce extensive rearrangement of cellular membranes into vesicles and are a required component of viral RNA replication complexes. To identify distinct viral protein(s) from the P2 region of the genome that were required to form functional RNA replication complexes, the P2 proteins were expressed in addition to P3 in HeLa S10 translation-RNA replication reactions. Membrane-associated preinitiation replication complexes were isolated from these reactions and used to measure negative-strand synthesis. The formation of replication complexes capable of initiating negative-strand synthesis was observed when either P23 or when P2 and P3 were expressed in the HeLa S10 translation-replication reactions. The amount of negative-strand RNA synthesized with P2 and P3 was approximately 50% of that observed with P23. Negative-strand synthesis was not observed when the processed forms of the P2 proteins (e.g., 2A, 2B, 2C, 2AB, and 2BC) were used in various combinations in place of P2. In contrast, the expression of 2A and 2BCP3 supported negative-strand synthesis at the same level observed with P23. Therefore, functional replication complexes were formed in reaction mixtures that contained either 2A and 2BCP3 or P2 and P3. Genetic complementation analysis of P23 RNA that contained a lethal mutation in 2C confirmed these results. The expression of 2BCP3 in trans restored the replication of P23-2C(P131N) RNA to wild-type levels. The expression of P2 and P3 also complemented the replication of this mutant RNA, although very inefficiently. Complementation was not observed in reactions that contained P2 alone, 2BC, or 2C. Based on these results, we propose that RNA replication complexes are initially formed with the primary cleavage products of P23 (i.e., P2 and P3 or 2A and 2BCP3), and that 2A and 2BCP3 are preferentially used in this process.
Are Ubiquitination Pathways Central to Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. The major motor disabilities of PD are associated with the extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The physiological changes and biochemical pathways involved in the selective demise of these neurons are still unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated that alterations or reductions in ubiquitin-mediated proteasome function can be causal of at least some forms of parkinsonism, and multiple lines of evidence suggest that this mechanism of protein degradation may play an important role in the etiology of PD.
Detection of Stimulus Displacements Across Saccades is Capacity-Limited and Biased in Favor of the Saccade Target

Retinal image displacements caused by saccadic eye movements are generally unnoticed. Recent theories have proposed that perceptual stability across saccades depends on a local evaluation process centered on the saccade target object rather than on remapping and evaluating the positions of all objects in a display. In three experiments, we examined whether objects other than the saccade target also influence perceptual stability by measuring displacement detection thresholds across saccades for saccade targets and a variable number of non-saccade objects. We found that the positions of multiple objects are maintained across saccades, but with variable precision, with the saccade target object having priority in the perception of displacement, most likely because it is the focus of attention before the saccade and resides near the fovea after the saccade. The perception of displacement of objects that are not the saccade target is affected by acuity limitations, attentional limitations, and limitations on memory capacity. Unlike previous studies that have found that a postsaccadic blank improves the detection of displacement direction across saccades, we found that postsaccadic blanking hurt the detection of displacement per se by increasing false alarms. Overall, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that visual working memory underlies the perception of stability across saccades.
Predictors and Rates of Delayed Symptomatic Hyponatremia after Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Systemastic Review

Background Delayed symptomatic hyponatremia (DSH) is a known complication of transsphenoidal surgery that can lead to prolonged hospital stay, readmission, and in rare cases, death. Many potential predictors for development of DSH have been investigated. A better understanding of DSH risk can lead to better patient outcomes. We performed a systematic review to determine the rates and predictors of DSH after both endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria were 1) case series with at least 10 cases reported, 2) adult patients who underwent eTSS or mTSS for pituitary tumors, and 3) reported occurrence of DSH (defined as serum sodium level Results Ten case series satisfied the inclusion criteria for a total of 2947 patients. Various factors including age, gender, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and tumor size were investigated as potential predictors of DSH. DSH event rates for both mTSS and eTSS fell between around 4 and 12 percent and included a variety of proposed predictors. Conclusions Age, gender, tumor size, rate of decline of blood sodium, and Cushing disease are potential predictors of DSH. By identifying patients at high risk for DSH, preventative efforts can be implemented in the perioperative setting to reduce the incidence of potentially catastrophic hyponatremia following transsphenoidal surgery.
PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND THE FEMALE BODY IN EARLY MODERN GERMANY

Cet article explore les assomptions communes dans l'Allemagne du debut des temps modernes sur la sensiblite des femmes pendant la grossesse et l'accouchement, et sur les connections entre les aspects physique et psychologique de leur bien-etre physique, sur l'usage qu'elles faisaient de leur etat dans les relations conjugales et sociales et sur l'impact des croyances concernant les risques de fausse-couche
Colloidal Atomic Layer Deposition (c-ALD) using Self-Limiting Reactions at Nanocrystal Surface Coupled to Phase Transfer between Polar and Nonpolar Media

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is widely used for gas-phase deposition of high-quality dielectric, semiconducting, or metallic films on various substrates. In this contribution we propose the concept of colloidal ALD (c-ALD) for synthesis of colloidal nanostructures. During the c-ALD process, either nanoparticles or molecular precursors are sequentially transferred between polar and nonpolar phases to prevent accumulation of unreacted precursors and byproducts in the reaction mixture. We show that binding of inorganic ligands (e.g., S2–) to the nanocrystal surface can be used as a half-reaction in c-ALD process. The utility of this approach has been demonstrated by growing CdS layers on colloidal CdSe nanocrystals, nanoplatelets, and CdS nanorods. The CdS/CdSe/CdS nanoplatelets represent a new example of colloidal nanoheterostructures with mixed confinement regimes for electrons and holes. In these materials holes are confined to a thin (∼1.8 nm) two-dimensional CdSe quantum well, while the electron confin...
Evaluation and management of common running injuries.

Adults who run for sport or for pleasure often present to their primary care physician with musculoskeletal complaints. Rapid diagnosis and conservative management of common running injuries and referral of patients with injuries that have a propensity for morbidity, such as femoral neck stress fractures, are reviewed. Careful evaluation of the patient’s running program and physical therapy are important components of management.
Cardenolides in the Milkweed Plant and Feetling by the Milkweed Bug

The large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas), feeds only on plants of the milkweed or Asclepiadaceae family. Many plants in this family have been reported to contain digitalislike compounds which protect the insects feeding on them from predators (Ehrlich and Raven 1964). However, Brower (1969) noted that when monarch butterflies are raised on Asclepias syriaca , A. incarnata , or A. tuberosa , they are acceptable to predators. He concluded that these northern species of Asclepias do not possess caridac glycosides. Duffey (1970) reported that 8 species of milkweed plants, including A. syriaca , do possess cardiac glycosides. We have raised milkweed bugs on the seeds of A. syriaca for several years and have observed, on several occasions, that these bugs are not acceptable to the common fence lizard. The present paper is an analysis of the cardenolide content in various parts of the milkweed plant, A. syriaca , and of the feeding behavior of the large milkweed bug on the different parts of the plant.
Utricular afferents: morphology of peripheral terminals

The utricle provides critical information about spatiotemporal properties of head movement. It comprises multiple subdivisions whose functional roles are poorly understood. We previously identified...
Beyond Telomerase: Telomere Instability as a Novel Target for Cancer Therapy

Telomeres are areas of heterochromatin composed of TTAGGG repeats located at the ends of linear chromosomes. They play a critical role in keeping genome stable and preventing premature aging diseases and the development of cancer. Characterizing mechanisms of telomere maintenance and understanding how their deregulation contributes to human diseases are therefore important for developing novel therapies. A key mechanism driving telomere maintenance and replicative immortality in cancer cells is telomere elongation by telomerase, and many emerging potential telomere-based therapies have focused on targeting telomerase components. By contrast, recent studies on telomere maintenance mechanism suggest that disrupting telomere stability by interfering with alternative mechanisms of telomere synthesis or protection may also yield new strategies for the treatment of cancer. This review will focus on emerging regulators of telomere synthesis or maintenance, such as G4 telomeric DNA, the CST complex, the t-loop, and shelterins, and discuss their potential as targets for anti-cancer chemotherapeutic intervention in the future.
Analysis on HFMD Epidemiology of Hand-Foot-Mouth-Diseases in Jinchang during 2008-2012

OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD in Jinchang,provide scientific information for public health responses and interventions.METHODS Descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate the epidemic characteristics of HFMD in Jinchang from May 2008 to December 2012.RESULTS A total of 1 269 HFMD cases were reported in Jinchang during the study period(total population incidence:54.1 per 100 000).Annual incidence differences was statistically significant(χ~2=1639,P=0.000).Malefemale ratio was 1.9:1,and approximately 88.97%of the cases were children under 5 years old.Incidence in Yongchang County is lower than those of Jinchuan District(χ~2=17.128,P=0.000).CONCLUSION Children under 5 years old,especially boys,were more susceptible to HFMD and it needs to take care of their vulnerability.
Case Study on Teaching New Horizon College English by Interactive Multimedia

With the implementing of College English Curriculum Requirements(For Trial Implementation),it's the critical time for the college English teaching reform.This paper intends to make a qualitative researching on the process of teaching New Horizon College English by interactive multimedia,and proves its operational activity from the points of students,teaching materials,and teachers,furthermore,the author gives an analysis on the practical problems and put forward relative suggestions in order to promote the reform and the quality of College English teaching.
Slide chamber culture system for the in vitro study of humoral regulation of granulocyte and monocyte-macrophage proliferation and differentiation

A liquid culture system employing slide chambers was developed to facilitate the study of proliferation and differentiation of mouse neutrophilic granulocytes and cells of the monocyte-macrophage series. Cultures were initiated with 1-2.5 X 10(4) light density marrow cells which had been fractionated on Ficoll-Hypaque. In the presence of colony-stimulating activity (CSAHU), two types of clusters were observed. One was tight, spheroidal, and composed of neutrophilic granulocytes, while the other was a loose grouping of flattened cells of the monocyte-macrophage series. The slide chamber culture is adaptable to microscopic assay techniques (e.g., cluster size, autoradiography, immunofluorescence) as well as quantitative biochemical methods (e.g., rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation, DNA quantitation). We have demonstrated both a shortening of the generation time of granulocytes in tight clusters and increasing rates of 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA, with a corresponding increase in total culture DNA as a function of CSAHU concentration. Granulocytic differentiation in the tight spheroidal clusters has been demonstrated by histochemical stains and immunofluorescence of an antibody to a marker protein specific for the secondary granule of the neutrophil (lactoferrin).
Salvage Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer after Failure of Definitive Irradiation

AbstractSelected patients in whom definitive external irradiation fails to control bladder cancer can potentially be salvaged by cystectomy. Before 1974, 189 patients at our cancer center underwent salvage cystectomy. The over-all 5-year survival rate was 37 per cent and the postoperative hospital mortality rate was 5 per cent, infectious complications developed in a third of the patients and ureteroileal urine leak developed in 8 per cent but the incidence of other complications was not dissimilar to that after radical cystectomy without prior large dose irradiation.
Coherent mid-infrared supercontinuum generation with As2Se3 photonic crystal fiber and femtosecond Airy pulses

We discuss a novel method for generating hyper-broadband mid-infrared (MIR) supercontinua (SC) with coherent bandwidth from ~2 μm to ~10 μm by using As2Se3 photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and a 4.1 μm pump with femtosecond (fs) Airy pulse profile. Our simulations confirm that, when pumping in the normal dispersion region, the deceleration and self-healing properties of the Airy pulse can suppress the incoherent noise in modulational instability (MI) induced SC generation and maintain the pulse coherence over a long propagation distance. We also find that fs Airy pulse can generate an MIR SC with a broader coherent bandwidth than these can be achieved with fs parabolic secant pulse.
Archaeological and Historical Investigations at 41BX180, Walker Ranch, San Antonio, Texas: Phase I

In May 1979, the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas 'at San Antonio, conducted preliminary investigations at site 41 BX 180, a group of historic limestone ruins located on the Walker Ranch in northern Bexar County, Texas. A history of ownership of Walker Ranch is included. Archaeological investigations of three structures and associated artifacts are described. An appendix discusses the faunal material from the site.
SAMHD1 enzymatic activity toward non-canonical nucleotides

August 20-22, 2012 M are able to maintain a long-lived viral reservoir of HIV. Although HIV-1 is able to infect macrophages, it does so at a much slower rate compared to CD4+ T cells. This is due to their low dNTP pools, which are needed as substrates for HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) to synthesize viral DNA. It has recently been shown that the low dNTP levels found in macrophages are not just the result of maintaining a static lifecycle, but the result of a newly discovered myeloid specific host restriction factor, SAMHD1, which is able to hydrolyze dNTPs into nucleosides. Another mechanism of host restriction in macrophages is the high level of dUTP (58 fold higher than TTP), which is frequently misincorporated by RT; however HIV-1 has evolved to package host nuclear uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG2) to remove dUMPs from its genome. This mechanism was not adopted by HIV-2. Instead, HIV-2 has a separate anti-restriction capability, which allows it to replicate efficiently in macrophages. HIV-2 evolved the accessory protein Vpx to direct proteasomal degradation of SAMHD1 thereby increasing dNTP pools. We hypothesize that degradation of SAMHD1 will reduce the concentration disparity of dUTP and TTP during viral replication. Therefore, we predict that SAMHD1, which is only present in macrophages infected by HIV-1, is able to selectively decrease the levels of canonical dNTPs and not non-canonical dUTP resulting in the virus to evolve separate antiviral activities from HIV-2 to counteract uracilation of its’ genome.
Hybrid genetic algorithm-decision tree approach for rate constant prediction using structures of reactants and solvent for Diels-Alder reaction

Abstract In recent years, Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD) has been extensively used for defining and designing reactions at their maximal potential. In all of these contributions, either the structures of reactants/products have been considered to be unchanging or the solvent structure. Developing a QSPR model which not only captures the influence of reactant structures but also the solvent effect on reaction rate, is essential. Since the structures of reactants and products are related, such QSPR models will serve as a prerequisite for the simultaneous CAMD of reactants, products and solvents. They will also provide a useful tool for predicting the rate constant without relying on experiments. To develop such a QSPR, in our work, the Diels-Alder reaction with different sets of reactants and solvents was investigated. Connectivity indices were used to represent the structures of the members of each set. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify principal components (PCs) corresponding to the structures of reactants and solvent of each set. Linear models expressed in terms of PCs were then generated using a Decision Tree (DT) algorithm such that the R 2 value was maximized. These models formed the initial population on which the GA performed operations such as crossover and mutation to obtain model(s) with best rate constant prediction. Thus, the novelty of our approach is that after feature extraction using PCA, a DT algorithm generates an ensemble of linear models, which through the GA is transformed into a model with best fit. Our approach required much lesser generations to provide a model with highest R 2 ext value as compared to the case where the DT did not initialize the population of models.
Breast Cancer Metastasis Masquerading as the Great Masquerader: Sebaceous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: We describe the case of a patient with metastatic breast cancer who presented with eyelid margin thickening and madarosis more suggestive of sebaceous cell carcinoma than metastatic disease. Histopathology confirmed metastatic breast adenocarcinoma. Case Report: A 59-year-old woman with a known history of metastatic breast carcinoma actively enrolled in a clinical trial presented with a thickened right upper eyelid margin with madarosis and without ulceration. Although the possibility of metastasis was considered, a biopsy was performed to ensure the patient did not have a primary eyelid malignancy such as sebaceous cell carcinoma given her immunocompromised state. Histopathology revealed metastatic breast adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: To the authors’ best knowledge, metastatic breast carcinoma presenting as eyelid margin thickening without ulceration has not previously been reported. Eyelid metastasis is rare, and this patient’s clinical presentation was found to be unusual as well. It is important to establish metastatic disease even in a small focus such as the eyelid, as it may alter disease management.
Radiation from electromagnetic sources in an unbounded warm magneto-plasma

The radiation fields from electric and magnetic current density sources, arbitrarily distributed in unbounded warm plasma with arbitrarily directed static magnetic field, are evaluated by using Fourier integral transform. The final results are expressed in terms of dyadic Green’s functions.
Strategy and Fundraising in Sequential Majoritarian Elections

We study dynamic sequential majoritarian campaigns between two players. The winner of the campaign is whomever wins the majority of individual battles. The resource being expended is determined exogenously to the campaign and has no scrap value. We demonstrate, in a fairly general environment, that the unique subgame perfect equilibrium is symmetric. Using a novel technique, we show this equilibrium carries over to the stage and simultaneous versions of the campaign. We endogenize the budget choice prior to the campaign, analyzing when symmetry is maintained in this multiple stage game. We find that players with symmetric fundraising capacity are advantageous for a campaign organizer who cares about resource expenditure and participation. We discuss implications for publicly versus privately funded election campaigns.
Analysis and Visualization of Large-Scale Time Series Network Data

Large amounts of data (“big data”) are readily available and collected daily by global networks worldwide. However, much of the real-time utility of this data is not realized, as data analysis tools for very large datasets, particularly time series data are cumbersome. A methodology for data cleaning and preparation needed to support big data analysis is presented, along with a comparative examination of three widely available data mining tools. This methodology and offered tools are used for analysis of a large-scale time series dataset of environmental data. The case study of environmental data analysis is presented as visualization, providing future direction for data mining on massive data sets gathered from global networks, and an illustration of the use of big data technology for predictive data modeling and assessment.
Estimating the Link Function in Multinomial Response Models under Endogeneity

This paper considers estimation and inference for the multinomial response model in the case where endogenous variables are included as arguments of the unknown link function. Semiparametric estimators are proposed that avoid the parametric assumptions underlying the likelihood approach as well as the loss of precision when using nonparametric estimation. The large sample properties of the estimators are also developed in the context of a quasi-likelihood modeling framework.
Brief Screening Instruments for Dementia in Primary Care

In addition to identifying patients who may benefit from pharmacotherapy, early detection of dementia helps families anticipate the patient’s needs and helps physicians identify those in need of additional support.
Incidence of nosocomial infections in adult patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Introduction Critically ill patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at increased risk for developing nosocomial infections owing to their underlying disease process along with numerous invasive monitoring devices. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the rate, type, pathogens, outcomes, and risk factors of nosocomial infections that developed during adult patients on ECMO at our institution from 2012-2015. Results Compared to current ELSO reported adult nosocomial infections rate of 20.5%, we report our rate of 26% (CI 17.2%-34.7%). No significant differences were observed in mortality (42.3% vs. 36.5%; p=0.598), and presence of either antibiotics prior to ECMO (57.7% vs. 56.7%; p=0.934) or culture-proven infection prior to ECMO (19.2% vs. 32.4%; p=0.201). Patients who developed nosocomial infections had longer duration of ECMO (13 vs. 5 days; p 10 days was compared with ≤10 days (28.5% vs. 43.1%; p=0.154). Conclusion Nosocomial infections have no effect on survival in adult ECMO patients. Presence of either antibiotics or infection prior to ECMO has no effect on developing nosocomial infections while on ECMO. Duration of ECMO longer than 10 days is a major risk factor for developing nosocomial infection.
Estimating the Returns to Professional Certifications and Licenses in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector

This study uses recently released Current Population Survey microdata to estimate the earnings premium associated with professional certification and licenses. The author finds that full-time manuf...
Morphological disparity in ecologically diverse versus constrained lineages of Lake Malaŵi rock-dwelling cichlids

Lake Malaŵi cichlids have evolved rapidly, extensively, and in some cases iteratively to fill an array of ecological niches; however, neither species richness nor trophic diversity is distributed equally across lineages. In the context of evolutionary theory, such differences offer predictions about the magnitudes and patterns of morphological variation within lineages. In this paper, we use geometric morphometrics in three prevalent rock-dwelling genera to address questions related to morphological diversity, disparity, integration, and modularity. In particular, we focus on comparisons between the highly specialized and species-poor genus, Labeotropheus (Ahl in Sitzungsberichte der Berlinische Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde zu Berlin 1926:51–62, 1927), and the more ecologically diverse and species-rich genus, Tropheops (Trewavas in Revue Francaise d’Aquariologie Herpetologie 10:97–106, 1984), as well as between species with lake-wide versus more limited distributions. We find that Labeotropheus exhibits comparable levels of morphological disparity to Tropheops, which suggests that a specialized foraging mode has not constrained cranial variability in this genus. We also find that species with a lake-wide distribution exhibit levels of disparity three times greater than that in a species with a limited distribution. Finally, we show that magnitudes of integration and patterns of modularity are lineage specific, and do not directly correspond to ecology. In sum, these data provide insights into the complex relationship between ecology, morphological variability, and evolvability.
Light from Dense Plasmas

Nonideal plasmas are attractive subjects not only for the research on strongly coupled particles in ionized gases but also for many technical applications. Strong interaction forces are directly connected with a high power dissipation of the plasma which is important for switch gears, high power light sources, welding etc. This paper will explain the demands and necessities connected with a modern high intensity light source, the state of the art, and the future possibilities of dense plasmas as the working medium of discharge lamps.
Project Five Wishes: promoting advance directives in primary care.

Background Despite the widely known and well-established benefits of advance care planning, it is estimated that 15-30% of American adults have completed advance directives (ADs). Evidence suggests that the best place for advance care planning (ACP) is in primary care, but many barriers to this practice exist. Local problem Providers in a Northern Arizona private practice primary care clinic expressed frustration with their current ability and standard of care regarding ADs. Only 0.8% of their established adult patients had ADs. Methods Project Five Wishes was a 16-week trial designed to increase the number of ADs recorded at a Northern Arizona primary practice. The secondary purpose was to increase primary care provider knowledge, comfort, confidence, perceived importance, and frequency of discussions about ADs with patients. Interventions Interventions used in this project aimed to eliminate common barriers to ACP through a 30-minute presentation for providers and by integrating a user-friendly AD form into the office workflow. Results The number of ADs recorded increased by 25.4%. There were no statistically significant changes in the providers' reported knowledge, comfort, confidence, perceived importance, and frequency of discussions regarding ADs. Conclusions The feasibly reproducible process used in Project Five Wishes was successful at increasing the number of patients with ADs in this 16-week trial and could lead to improvement in this area for other clinics as well.
Microstructural abnormalities are evident by histology but not HR-pQCT at the periosteal cortex of the human tibia under CVD and T2D conditions

Abstract Cortical bone microstructure deficits may increase fracture risk in individuals with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) enables in vivo microstructure characterization but is limited in its ability to visualize important biological features. We conducted histological analyses and HR-pQCT imaging of distal tibia bone samples from 6 donors with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Histology but not HR-pQCT identified previously undocumented morphopathological deficits that may contribute to cortical bone fragility. These observations may provide guidance for improved HR-pQCT microstructural characterization as well as insight into mechanisms of cortical bone degradation.