cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multivariate analysis of the relationship between parental age and birth order and the human secondary sex ratio.

Contradictory findings concerning the relationship of factors of birth order maternal age and paternal age with human secondary sex ratio led to a study to determine what effects these variables have on human secondary sex ratio. Several multivariate models have been applied to a set of over 1.4 million single white nonmalformed live births to assess the effects of these 3 correlated variables. A polynomial regression model previously used was also investigated. Analysis of data showed a significant negative association between sex ratio and birth order. Suggestion of a similar association with parental age was also found. The very small proportion of the variability explained by the models investigated indicates the unlikelihood of any relationship between maternal age and sex ratio.
Too Many Notes: Computers, Complexity and Culture in Voyager

The author discusses his computer music composition, Voyager, which employs a computer-driven, interactive & “virtual improvising orchestra” that analyzes an improvisor's performance in real time, generating both complex responses to the musician's playing and independent behavior arising from the program's own internal processes. The author contends that notions about the nature and function of music are embedded in the structure of software-based music systems and that interactions with these systems tend to reveal characteristics of the community of thought and culture that produced them. Thus, Voyager is considered as a kind of computer music-making embodying African-American aesthetics and musical practices.
Background Gamma Radiation and Childhood Cancers within Ten Miles of a US Nuclear Plant

In light of some recent reports concerning childhood leukaemia near nuclear installations, we examined rates of cancer in children in relation to background gamma ray exposure. Data from a national monitoring programme around nuclear facilities were used to map the distribution of background gamma radiation for 69 small geographical subunits (average population 2300) within ten miles of one US nuclear plant. An association was found for incidence of childhood cancers as a whole (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4; 95% confidence limits (CL) 1.2, 4.6). For leukaemias specifically, the odds ratio was also elevated but confidence limits were very wide (OR = 2.4; 95% CL 0.5, 12.9). Analyses adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics of study tracts (population density and income) gave similar results; data on other risk factors were unavailable. Conventional risk models would not predict a detectable increase in childhood cancer from background gamma radiation, particularly not an increase of this magnitude. The large effect for solid tumours as well as leukaemias is also somewhat counter to expectation. Since a priori the association we observed was unlikely, it is important to know if similar trends in childhood cancer with background radiation are seen in other areas before rejecting chance or bias as an explanation for the result.
Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for the cardiac muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

A number of monoclonal antibodies were raised against the purified porcine atrial muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. The antibodies were shown to exhibit a high degree of specificity for the receptor by their ability to recognize the purified receptor but not other porcine atrial glycoproteins in enzyme-linked solid-phase immunosorptive assays and by immunoblot analyses. Several of the antibodies were able to quantitatively precipitate the muscarinic receptor in both pig and rat heart and a portion of the receptor from rat cerebellum but little if any receptor from rat cerebral cortex. Thus, these monoclonal antibodies not only exhibit specificity for the muscarinic receptor but also are specific for the cardiac receptor subtype.
Temperature compensation of the threshold current, differential efficiency, and refractive index of a GaInAs/InP MQW diode laser mounted on a bimetallic heatsink

The authors use stress from differential thermal expansion to provide temperature compensation of a 1.55 /spl mu/m MQW laser. Over the temperature range 20-70/spl deg/C, an equivalent characteristic temperature of 133 K, a reduced drop in the differential efficiency, and nearly complete elimination of the drift in modal wavelength are obtained.
Democracy, the Rational Patron, and the Rational Client

Patrons, Clients, and Policies: Patterns of Democratic Accountability and Political Competition. Edited by Herbert Kitschelt, Steven I. Wilkinson New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 390 pp., $96.00 cloth (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-86505-0), $37.99 paper (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-69004-1). Patrons, Clients and Policies , by Herbert Kitschelt and Steven Wilkinson, is a noteworthy contribution to what has become a renewed scholarly interest in the subject of clientelism. In contrast to some classic studies of clientelism (Banfield 1958; Shefter 1977), Kitschelt, Wilkinson, and most of their contributors employ a rational choice approach to the subject. Politicians are seen as the agents of voters (the principals). Each actor, whether politician or voter, explicitly weighs the costs and benefits of targeted, material exchange against the costs and benefits of general government programs, from which it is difficult to exclude people who did not vote for the politicians (or parties) who arranged the program (p. 185). Politicians and the people who vote for them are accountable to each other. Hence, Kitschelt and Wilkinson give us, not an analysis of clientelism, but of “clientelistic accountability.” It “ represents a transaction, the direct exchange of a citizen's vote for direct payments or continuing access to employment, goods and services ” (p. 2, italics in the original). Ultimately, the rational choice approach leads to some controversial arguments, such as the claim that the clients in clientelist relations (the voters) freely and spontaneously choose to be in that relation with a particular patron. Patrons, Clients and Policies is dense, and readers may find it hard to figure out what, in the end, are the main points. Some chapters speak to each other; others do not, and sometimes the chapters contradict each other. Complicating the volume is the fact that the contributors are not just exploring clientelism; they are attempting to develop a theory of “clientelist accountability” within an overarching theory of democratic accountability. Yet, accountability, as they note, is a notoriously difficult concept to measure. Thus, many chapters discuss, as examples of clientelism, programs that others …
Congestive heart failure is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism in bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication of bariatric surgery leading to significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify predictive factors that increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Methods Patients undergoing bariatric procedures from 2005–2012 were identified in the NSQIP database. Pretreatment patient characteristics were examined by laparoscopic and open treatment groups using t tests and chi-square regression. Independent associations between patient characteristics and DVT and PE were examined using logistic regression. Logistic regression was also used to examine whether patients who had postprocedure DVT or PE were more likely than those who did not have these events to have additional morbidity and mortality outcomes. Results 102,869 patients underwent bariatric surgery (96,085 laparoscopic; 6,784 open) from 2005–2012. Preoperative variables associated with increased risk of DVT in laparoscopic bariatric surgery are male gender, higher BMI, congestive heart failure (CHF), and hypertension (HTN). Preoperative variables associated with increased risk of PE in laparoscopic bariatric surgery are male gender, age greater than or equal to 60, higher BMI, African American race, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and CHF. There are no preoperative variables associated with an increased risk of DVT in open bariatric surgery although there is a trend toward significance with CHF. Finally, higher BMI and CHF is associated with an increased risk of PE in open bariatric surgery. Conclusions CHF is a significant risk factor for VTE in bariatric surgery. Surgeons should consider aggressive screening and VTE prophylaxis in patients with CHF and other known risk factors to decrease postoperative morbidity from VTE.
Affinities and palaeobiogeographic significanceof the Mongolian Paleogene genus Phenacolophus

Additional material has increased our knowledgeof the morphology of the poorly known ungulate genus Phenacolophus from the Paleocene and (?) earliest Eocene of eastern Asia. Herein we regard Phenacolophus as a primitive arsinoithere on the basis of derived characters shared with Arsinoitherium from the early Oligocene Jebel el Qatrani Formation of Africa and Crivadiatherium from the late Eocene or Oligocene of the southern Carpathians Mountains of Romania.
Attaining optimal controls for manipulating quantum systems

This article reviews the procedures for attaining laser optimal control fields to manipulate the dynamics of quantum systems. Optimal control theory, whether implemented as a computational technique or directly in the laboratory, is the most general means to achieve precise control of quantum systems. In the case of theoretical control design, a class of monotonically convergent iteration algorithms are presented, which can reduce the computational effort involved. Implementation of optimal control field design can provide physical insight into the feasibility and mechanism of control, even for quantum systems whose Hamiltonian might contain some degree of uncertainty. Moreover, optimal quantum control fields may be directly determined in the laboratory by an analogous procedure with the molecule subject to manipulation acting as an analog computer to guide the discovery of successful controls. To facilitate this process closed-loop iteration is set up with the loop consisting of the laser, the molecular sample, and a learning algorithm to recognize patterns in the control fields giving rise to successful experimental outcomes. Theoretical design and laboratory learning can act in tandem with each other to achieve the best control and reveal information on how the control process occurs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Weak bayesian coherentism

Recent results in probability theory have cast doubt on coherentism, purportedly showing (a) that coherence among a set of beliefs cannot raise their probability unless individual beliefs have some independent credibility, and (b) that no possible measure of coherence makes coherence generally probability-enhancing. I argue that coherentists can reject assumptions on which these theorems depend, and I derive a general condition under which the concurrence of two information sources lacking individual credibility can raise the probability of what they report.
Answering recursive queries using views

We consider the problem of answering datalog queries using materialized views. The abiity to answer queries using views is crucial in the context of information integration. Previous work on answering queries using views restricted queries to being conjunctive. We extend this work to general recursive queries: Given a datalog program P and a set of views, is it possible to find a datalog program that is equivalent to P and only uses views as EDB predicates? In this paper, we show that the problem of whether a datalog program can be rewritten into an equivalent program that only uses views is undecidable. On the other hand, we prove that a datalog program P can be effectively rewritten into a program that only uses views, that is contained in P, and that contains all programs that only use views and are contained in P. As a consequence, if there exists a program equivalent to ‘P that only uses views, then our construction is guaranteed to yield a program equivalent to P.
Reactive Arthritis: Defined Etiologies, Emerging Pathophysiology, and Unresolved Treatment

ReA is unique in that it is one of the few disease states of which there is a known trigger. This insight into disease initiation has led to great advances in the pathophysiology. Despite this detailed knowledge, the proper treatment remains elusive. In the years to come it is possible that the specific treatment will be dictated by the triggering microbe.
Anisotropic Thermal Diffusivity Measurement Using the Flash Method

A well-established method for determining the thermal diffusivity of materials is the laser flash method. The work presented here compares two analysis methods for flash heating tests on anisotropic carbon bonded carbon fiber. This material exhibits a higher conductivity in the direction in which the fibers are oriented than in the direction perpendicular to the fiber orientation. Of the two analysis methods used, one method uses the temperature data from the entire surface of the sample by examining 201 temperature histories simultaneously, with each temperature history originating from an individual pixel within a line across the middle of the sample. The other analysis method uses only the temperature history from a single pixel in the center of the sample, similar to the data that is traditionally generated using the classical flash diffusivity method. Both analysis methods include accommodations for modeling the penetration of the laser flash into the porous surface of the carbon bonded carbon fiber ...
Function and Regulation of Yeast Hexose Transporters

Glucose, the most abundant monosaccharide in nature, is the principal carbon and energy source for nearly all cells. The first, and rate-limiting, step of glucose metabolism is its transport across the plasma membrane. In cells of many organisms glucose ensures its own efficient metabolism by serving as an environmental stimulus that regulates the quantity, types, and activity of glucose transporters, both at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. This is most apparent in the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has 20 genes encoding known or likely glucose transporters, each of which is known or likely to have a different affinity for glucose. The expression and function of most of these HXT genes is regulated by different levels of glucose. This review focuses on the mechanisms S. cerevisiae and a few other fungal species utilize for sensing the level of glucose and transmitting this information to the nucleus to alter HXT gene expression. One mechanism represses transcription of some HXT genes when glucose levels are high and works through the Mig1 transcriptional repressor, whose function is regulated by the Snf1-Snf4 protein kinase and Reg1-Glc7 protein phosphatase. Another pathway induces HXT expression in response to glucose and employs the Rgt1 transcriptional repressor, a ubiquitin ligase protein complex (SCFGrr1) that regulates Rgt1 function, and two glucose sensors in the membrane (Snf3 and Rgt2) that bind glucose and generate the intracellular signal to which Rgt1 responds. These two regulatory pathways collaborate with other, less well-understood, pathways to ensure that yeast cells express the glucose transporters best suited for the amount of glucose available.
Dynamically Relevant Local Coordinates for Halo Orbits

A local coordinate system based on the eigenstructure of the Halo orbit is proposed. We show that one only needs to keep track of six intuitive scalars to easily understand the qualitative dynamic evolution of spacecraft states near a halo orbit. Special attention is given to the center subspace and the space associated with the unity eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix. Examples are given for halo orbits in the Hill Three-Body Problem. I. Introduction Halo orbits have shown great usefulness in space missions. The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropty Probe (WMAP), near the Earth-Sun L2 point is studying the cosmic microwave background radiation and the origins of the universe while the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is currently studying the Sun from an orbit about L1. Dynamical Systems Theory, when applied to halo orbits, has allowed missions such as Genesis to use very little fuel while still accomplishing complicated objectives. Our goal is to make the analysis of trajectories near halo orbits more intuitive. When one numerically integrates a halo orbit, the simulation is typically carried out in a Lagrangian or Hamiltonian coordinate frame. When studying trajectories close to the periodic orbit, the dynamics may be linearized using the same frame in which the full nonlinear simulation was computed. This frame does not provide clear insight on how the spacecraft moves when it is in close proximity to a halo orbit. We propose a more dynamically intuitive local coordinate system based on the eigenstructure of the linearization. This method provides a simple way to compute and understand spacecraft motion near a halo orbit in terms of the local dynamical manifolds. The monodromy matrix associated with a particular halo orbit is defined as the state transition matrix (STM) evaluated after one period of the orbit (T ), denoted by F(T; 0). The interpretation of F(T; 0) is that it maps the local state forward by one orbit period. Therefore, the eigenstructure of F(T; 0) describes how spacecrafts behave near the nominal halo orbit. For all Hamiltonian systems, the STM is symplectic, and in the cases we study, F(T; 0) has the following six eigenvalues:
Over-represented sequences located on 3′ UTRs are potentially involved in regulatory functions

Eukaryotic gene expression must be coordinated for the proper functioning of biological processes. This coordination can be achieved both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In both cases, regulatory sequences placed at either promoter regions or on UTRs function as markers recognized by regulators that can then activate or repress different groups of genes according to necessity. While regulatory sequences involved in transcription are quite well documented, there is a lack of information on sequence elements involved in post-transcriptional regulation. We used a statistical over-representation method to identify novel regulatory elements located on UTRs. An exhaustive search approach was used to calculate the frequency of all possible n-mers (short nucleotide sequences) in 16,160 human genes of NCBI RefSeq sequences and to identify any peculiar usage of n-mers on UTRs. After a stringent filtering process, we identified 2,772 highly over-represented n-mers on 3' UTRs. We provide evidence that these n-mers are potentially involved in regulatory functions. Identified n-mers overlap with previously identified binding sites for HuR and TIA-1 and, ARE and GRE sequences. We determine also that n-mers overlap with predicted miRNA target sites. Finally, a method to cluster n-mer groups allowed the identification of putative gene networks.
Dynamic Scheduling of Outpatient Appointments Under Patient No-Shows and Cancellations

This paper develops a framework and proposes heuristic dynamic policies for scheduling patient appointments, taking into account the fact that patients may cancel or not show up for their appointments. In a simulation study that considers a model clinic, which is created using data obtained from an actual clinic, we find that the heuristics proposed outperform all the other benchmark policies, particularly when the patient load is high compared with the regular capacity. Supporting earlier findings in the literature, we find that the open access policy, a recently proposed popular scheduling paradigm that calls for “meeting today's demand today,” can be a reasonable choice when the patient load is relatively low.
Esophageal Anastomotic Strictures: Outcomes of Endoscopic Dilation, Risk of Recurrence and Refractory Stenosis, and Effect of Foreign Body Removal

Background & Aims Esophageal anastomotic strictures often require repeat dilation to relieve dysphagia. Little is known about factors that affect their remediation. We investigated long-term success and rates of recurrence or refractoriness after dilation and factors associated with refractory stenosis. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 74 patients with an anastomotic stricture that had been dilated during a 5-year period (564 dilations; median follow-up period, 8 months). A stricture was refractory if luminal patency could not be maintained after ≥5 dilation sessions during 10 weeks. Results Of the 74 patients, 93% had initial relief of dysphagia. The stricture recurred in 43% of patients, and 69% were considered refractory. Removal of sutures/staples protruding into the lumen did not accelerate time to initial patency (median, 37 days; interquartile range [IQR], 20–82 days) or lengthen the dysphagia-free interval (37.4 days; IQR, 8–41 weeks), compared with patients who did not undergo removal (initial patency, median 55 days; IQR, 14–109 days; P = .66 and median dysphagia-free interval, 21.7 days; IQR, 9–64 weeks; P = .8). Use of fluoroscopy during dilation (odds ratio, 8.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.98–40.14) was positively associated with development of refractory strictures, whereas neoadjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.97) was inversely associated. Female sex and distal location of strictures increased risk of refractoriness as effect modifiers in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Endoscopic dilation is highly successful in achieving luminal remediation, yet anastomotic strictures are often refractory and frequently recur. Removal of sutures/staples within the lumen does not help achieve patency. Need for fluoroscopic guidance indicates a high likelihood of refractoriness to dilation, whereas prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy indicates a lower risk.
RNA-seq reveals aurora kinase-driven mTOR pathway activation in patients with sarcomatoid metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Sarcomatoid metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is associated with a poor prognosis, and the biology of the disease has been inadequately characterized. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on adjacent benign, clear cell, and sarcomatoid components from clinical specimens with sarcomatoid mRCC. M phase and cell-cycle pathways were enriched in sarcomatoid versus adjacent clear cell components, suggesting greater cell proliferation. The expression of aurora kinase A (AURKA) was increased as part of these pathways, and its increased expression was validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that AURKA levels were increased in sarcomatoid tissue compared with their benign or clear cell parts. The increase in AURKA correlated with increased mTOR pathway activity, as evidenced by increased expression of phosphorylated mTOR (S2448) and ribosomal protein S6K (T389). When AURKA was stably expressed in a RCC cell line (Renca), it resulted in increased expression and activity of mTOR, suggesting that overexpression of AURKA can activate the mTOR pathway. These results warrant the analysis of a larger clinical cohort and suggest that targeting AURKA and/or mTOR in patients with sarcomatoid mRCC should be explored. Implications: Comparative RNA-seq of adjacent sarcomatoid and clear cell histology of RCC indicates a proliferative phenotype and increased AURKA-dependent activation of mTOR signaling in sarcomatoid RCC, which could be targeted by available agents. Mol Cancer Res; 13(1); 130–7. ©2014 AACR.
New power‐efficient optical filter for detector array modulation transfer function measurement by laser speckle

A method of modulation transfer function (MTF) measurement for charge-coupled device (CCD) focal-plane array (FPA) detectors that employs stochastic input in the form of laser speckle has been demonstrated with great success.1,2 This method, termed the ‘‘original method’’ henceforth, was recently improved upon3 by means of a hologram of speckle diffracted by an extended frequency aperture (EFA). Synopses of the two methods follow (the details are found in Refs. 2 and 3).
Ontogenetic and Comparative Morphology of Clinch Dace (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori)

Clinch Dace (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori) is a rare species of minnow with fragmented populations occurring in the upper Clinch River watershed in Virginia. Major morphological and life history characteristics have not been described for Clinch Dace, and evidence that Clinch Dace is a new species is largely anecdotal. Here, we compare Clinch Dace morphometric and meristic characteristics to those of closely related congeners and test for sexual and ontogenetic changes in morphology. We also determined diet preference through gut content analysis. We conclude that Clinch Dace are morphologically distinct from congeners, and that there are changes in morphology attributable to sex and ontogenetic development. This study suggests that Clinch Dace is a distinct species, and isolation of Clinch Dace from congeners has led to distinct, measurable differences in morphology. Furthermore, digestive anatomy of Clinch Dace combined with a diet high in macroinvertebrates suggests that Clinch Dace occupy a trophic niche...
Thalassemia: An Overview of 50 Years of Clinical Research

The thalassemias are attributable to the defective production of the α- and β-globin polypeptides of hemoglobin. Significant discoveries have illuminated the pathophysiology and enhanced the prevention and treatment of the thalassemias, and this article reviews many of the advances that have occurred in the past 50 years. However, the application of new approaches to the treatment of these disorders has been slow, particularly in the developing world where the diseases are common, but there is definite progress. This article emphasizes how the increasing knowledge of cellular and molecular biology are facilitating the development of more effective therapies for these patients.
Decitabine and sickle cell disease: molecular therapy for a molecular disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) has been credited with ushering in the molecular era in medicine, being the first disease for which a molecular basis was identified [1]. This molecular basis, an altered hemoglobin β-chain, produces a cascade of pathophysiological consequences and opportunities for intervention (Figure 1). Immunization, antibiotic prophylaxis, and better supportive care have improved outcomes [2–4], but the continued high rate of morbidity and mortality accentuates the need for therapeutic interventions that directly address the molecular foundations of disease (Figure 1). Current clinical options for long-term disease modification are hydroxyurea and stem-cell transplantation, important advances for patients with SCD but still limited in effectiveness and by toxicity. An ideal disease-modifying intervention would directly address the molecular basis of disease, be applicable in the pediatric population, allow life-long benefit, and have some reasonable chance of application in less wealthy nations. Gene therapy to correct or introduce a normal variant of the β-globin gene is an interesting approach that unfortunately remains preclinical and continues to face significant technical and cost hurdles. Another molecular-genetic approach, but one that is readily studied clinically, is epigenetic therapy. SCD declares itself with the developmental switch from γ -globin to abnormal β-globin production. The developmental silencing of the γ-globin gene can be reversed with agents that address the mechanisms by which genes are packaged (epigenetics) to facilitate or impede trasnscription. Key epigenetic processes that silence gene transcription include methylation of DNA and deacetylation of lysine residues
Reactive Oxygen Species Are Critical in the Oleic Acid–Mediated Mitogenic Signaling Pathway in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Obese hypertensive patients with cardiovascular risk factor clustering have increased plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels and are at high risk for atherosclerotic events. Our previous studies demonstrated that oleic acid induces a mitogenic response in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) through protein kinase C (PKC)- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent pathways. In the present study we investigated the possibility that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitutes a critical component of the oleic acid-induced mitogenic signaling pathway in RASMCs. We studied the effect(s) of oleic acid on the generation of ROS using the oxidant-sensitive fluoroprobe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Relative fluorescence intensity and fluorescent images were obtained with laser confocal scanning microscopy from 1 to 5 minutes, since preliminary studies demonstrated that the peak fluorescence intensity occurred within 5 minutes. Oleic acid (100 micromol/L) induced a time-dependent increase of cell fluorescence that was >8-fold of that seen in control cells at 5 minutes. This was blocked by catalase, which suggests that H2O2 was the principal ROS. The oleic acid-induced increases in H2O2 were blocked when PKC was inhibited with the use of bisindolylmaleimide and when PKC activity was downregulated by exposing RASMCs to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for 24 hours. Stearic and elaidic acids, which are weak PKC activators, did not significantly increase H2O2 production. The increase of H2O2 in response to oleic acid was inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. N-Acetylcysteine also completely blocked ERK activation and the increase of thymidine incorporation in response to oleic acid. The data suggest that generation of H2O2 in RASMCs exposed to oleic acid is PKC dependent. Moreover, H2O2 production emerges as a critical intermediary event in the oleic acid-mediated mitogenic signaling pathway between the activation of PKC and ERK. These observations raise the possibility that the elevated plasma nonesterified fatty acids, including oleic acid, in obese hypertensive patients contribute to vascular growth and remodeling by a PKC-dependent mechanism to generate ROS that subsequently activate ERK.
Deletion of PTEN in a patient with Bannayan‐Riley‐Ruvalcaba syndrome suggests allelism with Cowden disease

We report on an 18-month-old boy with an interstitial deletion at 10q23.2-q24.1. This region includes the PTEN gene, mutations of which have been reported to cause Cowden disease. Our patient presented with manifestations of Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba (BRR) syndrome. The BRR syndrome is a rare disorder which presents most commonly in childhood. Cowden disease is a disease of adulthood and is inadequately described in children. Because of the considerable phenotypic overlap between the two disorders, and the cytogenetic and molecular findings in our patient, we suggest that BRR syndrome and Cowden disease are allelic.
Role of Photodynamic Therapy for the Upper Gut.

It may be questioned whether photodynamic therapy is still relevant for practicing gastroenterologists as other types of therapy have currently gained momentum. Important aspects of photodynamic therapy that continue its development are its intrinsic applicability to the luminal gastrointestinal tract where often there are areas of mechanical narrowing, unusual topography, and difficult accessibility where a modality that does not require contact or optical visualization has advantages. Although not used as often in the upper gastrointestinal tract for its original approved indications, such as esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus, its value in biliary lesions appears to be well substantiated. In this article, we will review its current application in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
The Drugs-Crime Relationship: An Analytical Framework:

The relationship between drug use and criminal behavior has been of primary interest to researchers and practitioners for most of this century. As such, it is the purpose of this article to examine...
Urolithiasis on the ketogenic diet with concurrent topiramate or zonisamide therapy

Children with refractory epilepsy who are co-treated with the ketogenic diet (KD) and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CA-I) anti-epileptic medications including topiramate (TPM) and zonisamide (ZNS) are at risk for urolithiasis. Retrospective chart review of all children treated with ketogenic therapy at our institution was performed in order to estimate the minimal risk of developing signs or symptoms of stone disease. Children (N=93) were classified into groups according to KD+/-CA-I co-therapy. Fourteen patients had occult hematuria or worse, including 6 with radiologically confirmed stones. Three of 6 calculi developed in the KD+ZNS group of 17 patients who were co-treated for a cumulative total of 97 months (3.1 stones per 100 patient months). One confirmed stone was in the KD+TPM group of 22 children who were co-treated for a cumulative total of 263 months (0.4 stones per 100 patient months). All six patients had at least three of five biochemical risk factors including metabolic acidosis, concentrated urine, acid urine, hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia. Standard of care interventions to minimize hypercalciuria, crystalluria and stone formation used routinely by pediatric nephrologists should also be prescribed by neurologists treating patients with combination anti-epileptic therapy. Non-fasting KD initiation, fluid liberalization, potassium citrate prophylaxis as well as regular laboratory surveillance are indicated in this high risk population.
EFFECTS OF FLOW PATTERN ON RIPARIAN SEEDLING RECRUITMENT ON SANDBARS IN THE WISCONSIN RIVER, WISCONSIN, USA

In riparian ecosystems, river flow is the dominant driver influencing ecological process and pattern, including the recruitment of riparian tree species. In a four-year field study (1997–2000) of seedling recruitment on sandbars in the Wisconsin River, I evaluated the hypothesis that the timing of seed dispersal and river flow interact to determine the annual composition of pioneer tree seedling cohorts. In the final three years of the study (1998–2000), growing season flow pulses strongly influenced the species composition and density of new seedling cohorts. Mortality rates of new seedlings exceeded 90% during the 1998 and 1999 flow pulses, and species composition shifted to dominance by Acer saccharinum following the 1999 flow pulse. Different species dominated the cohort of each year: in 1997, 83% of new seedlings were Betula nigra; in 1998, 63% were Salix spp. (S. nigra 39%, S. exigua ssp. interior 24%); in 1999, 89% were Acer saccharinum; and in 2000, 71% were S. exigua and 23% were Betula nigra. Cohorts retained their initial differences in species composition for at least one year after establishment. The three years (1998–2000) with summer flow pulses produced very low end-of-the-growing-season densities of new seedlings (<0.1 seedlings/m2 on random plots), and subsequent mortality in the first year after establishment further reduced seedling numbers by 53–94% on monitored plots. Thus, although summer flow patterns during the first year of growth strongly influenced species composition of seedling cohorts, low seedling densities and high overwinter mortality likely reduce the long-term impacts of initial cohort differences on successional trajectories.
Isolated unilateral trismus as a presentation of Chiari malformation: case report

The authors present a case of Chiari malformation manifesting as isolated trismus, describe the typical symptoms associated with Chiari malformation, and discuss the potential anatomical causes for this unique presentation. A 3-year-old boy presented with inability to open his jaw for 6 weeks with associated significant weight loss. The results of medical and radiological evaluation were negative except for Type I Chiari malformation with cerebellar tonsils 12 mm below the level of the foramen magnum. The patient underwent Chiari decompression surgery. Postoperatively, his ability to open his mouth was significantly improved, allowing resumption of a regular diet. Postoperative MRI revealed almost complete resolution of the syringobulbia. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of isolated trismus from Chiari malformation with syringobulbia.
The Biochemical Importance of the Hypertrophic Cartilage Cell Area to Enchondral Bone Formation

Quantitative microchemical estimations of multiple additional enzyme systems (hexokinase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, isocitric dehydrogenase, aldolase, phosphoglucoisomerase, and acid phosphatase) as well as repeat evaluation of alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate, and lactic and malic dehydrogenase have been made in the individual structural areas of the epiphyseal plate of the developing rabbit epiphysis. These observations are related to quantitative estimation of glucose, lactate, adenosine triphosphate, phosphate, and hydroxyproline content in these areas. Large amounts of carbohydrate oxidative enzymes as well as substantial substrate and phosphatase content in the hypertrophic area of the epiphyseal plate indicate that this area of the epiphysis is not constituted of dead and dying cellular elements. These data support other tissue-culture and electron microscopic studies, which indicate this area to make a viable important cellular contribution to the process of enchondral bone formation.
Genetic Manipulation Used Against a Field Population of House Flies: 1 Males and Females Bearing a Heterozygous Translocation; Releases Begun Prior to Reaching Initial Peak Population Level 2 , 3

Male and female house flies, Musca domestica L., bearing a heterozygous translocation that reduced fertility to ca. 32.5% in outcrosses and ca. 15% in intracrosses were released at a poultry farm. Fertility of the mixed population at the release site (determined weekly) ranged from 9.1 to 32.0% during the first 9 wk of the test; fertility at the control sites ranged from 63.4–95.7%. Average density (from weekly grid counts) ranged from >1 to >4 at the release site (an avg 1400 flies were released/day), 0 to >2 at control site 1, and 0–20 at control site 2. A high ratio of translocation-bearing to native flies could not subsequently be maintained at the test site during the final 14 wk of the test even though a larvicide was applied there. However, as long as the released translocation-bearing flies were at a high ratio to the native flies, fertility was low, and laboratory-reared semi-sterile flies did participate in the reproductive cycle.
Subacute inhalation exposure to ozone induces systemic inflammation but not insulin resistance in a diabetic mouse model

Epidemiological studies suggest that diabetics may be more susceptible to the adverse health effects from exposure to high ambient concentrations of ozone, the primary oxidant gas in photochemical smog. While increased morbidity and mortality from ozone inhalation has been linked to disruption of normal cardiovascular and airway functions, potential effects on glucose and insulin homeostasis are not understood. We tested the hypothesis that ozone exposure would worsen metabolic homeostasis in KKAy mice, a genetic diabetic animal model. Male KKAy mice were exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone for 13 consecutive weekdays, and then assessed for airway, adipose and systemic inflammation, glucose homeostasis, and insulin signaling. Ozone exposure increased plasma TNFα, as well as expression of VCAM-1, iNOS and IL-6 in both pulmonary and adipose tissues. Pro-inflammatory CD11b(+)Gr-1(lo)7/4(hi) macrophages were increased by 200% in adipose tissue, but unchanged in blood. Interestingly, glucose levels were not significantly different in the insulin tolerance test between air- and ozone-exposed mice, whereas fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR in ozone-exposed animals were significantly reduced. These changes were accompanied by increased insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and liver, but not adipose tissues. Ozone also caused decrease in body weight and plasma leptin. Our results show that in addition to marked local and systemic inflammation, ozone increases insulin sensitivity that may be related to weight loss/leptin sensitization-dependent mechanisms in KKAy mice, warranting further study on the role of hyperglycemia in mediating cardiometabolic effects of ozone inhalation.
Plantar Excision of Primary Interdigital Neuromas

A retrospective study was done of 51 patients (6 males and 45 females) who had 57 primary interdigital neurectomies performed through a plantar incision. The surgical technique is described. The results were divided into three categories, in which 26 feet were judged excellent, 27 feet rated good, and 4 feet were classed as poor. The author concludes that the plantar approach is technically simple and results in a comfortable scar. Poor results occurred in 4 of 57 feet. This failure rate compares favorably with those failure rates in reported series done through a dorsal incision. In the author's opinion, the ability to do a more proximal resection of the nerve--as compared with the dorsal approach--is responsible for the higher rate of success with this method.
Development and Feasibility of a Non-Invasive, Wireless Parachute Load Distribution Measuring System

In order to improve the accuracy of low-cost circular parachute systems, it is necessary to understand the physical effects present during descent. Historically, parachute loading has been assumed to be relatively symmetric regardless of the canopy mode (inflating or steady state), therefore, typical testing of the parachute loads consists of only a single load cell placed at the suspension line confluence point. Recent investigations have shown significant asymmetric suspension line loads during parachute drop testing; however, only four load cells were used in the investigation. Asymmetric loading impacts both the stresses imposed on suspension lines, as well as the repeatability of parachute performance between tests. This paper discusses the development and preliminary flight testing of a wireless, noninvasive load-cell instrumentation suite capable of capturing loading information on each individual suspension line. The system incorporates low-cost, custom designed strain gauge load cells that clamp onto existing suspension lines. All information is telemetered wirelessly to a single microcontroller unit in the cargo payload. Static and dynamic calibration experiments were conducted to quantify the accuracy of the load cells prior to drop testing. Drop testing was conducted in a controlled, indoor environment with a small-scale 0.91 m (36 inch) circular parachute and a payload weight of 10.2 N (2.29 lbs.). Testing results demonstrate the feasibility of a wireless system; however, additional testing and verification is required prior to conducting a rigorous parachute testing regime.
When wildlife make the news: an analysis of rural and urban north-central US newspapers

This research concerned newspaper coverage of wildlife in the north-central US: what kinds of animals make the news, who speaks on behalf of wildlife, and whether coverage differs in rural and urban newspapers. State wildlife officials dominated news coverage: they were the most frequently attributed news sources, and coverage focused on management actions and management conflicts. Game animals received the bulk of attention (81%), rather than endangered or threatened ones. Although species diversity is an important concept for the public's understanding of science, such an approach was not evident. Almost half of the 592 stories were found on weekly `outdoor' pages, the domain of game management information and little conflict. Rural newspapers differed significantly from urban ones: story themes in rural papers tended to be more `utilitarian' while urban themes were more `stewardship', Rural newspapers also were more likely to print `trophy photos' and less likely to discuss management conflicts.
A clinical evaluation of flomoxef in the treatment of postoperative infections in children

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of flomoxef applied in pediatric postoperative infection.Methods: Compared with cefo-taxime, to make investigations into efficacy and safety of flomoxef in pediatric postoperative infection.Results:The overall efficacy rate of flomoxef was 93.5% without obvious adverse reactions and the efficacy rate of cefotaxime is 87.8% with adverse reaction in two cases.Conclusion:It was safe and effective for flomoxef to treat and prevent postoperative infection in children.
Interactive Concept Maps and Learning Outcomes in Guru.

Concept maps are frequently used in K 12 educational settings. The purpose of this study is to determine whether students’ performance on interactive concept map tasks in Guru, an intelligent tutoring system, is related to immediate and delayed learning outcomes. Guru is a dialogue based system for high school biology that intersperses concept map tasks within the tutorial dialogue. Results indicated that when students first attempt to complete concept maps, time spent on the maps may be a good indicator of their understanding, whereas the errors they make on their second attempts with the maps may be an indicator of the knowledge they are lacking. This pattern of results was observed for one cycle of testing, but not replicated in a second cycle. Differences in the findings for the two testing cycles are most likely due to topic variations.
Rethinking the Therapeutic Obligation in Clinical Research

A highly debated question in the field of human medical research is the ethically fundamental distinction between clinical research and clinical care. In this regard, the “therapeutic obligation” poses an argument: as the principle of therapeutic beneficence is central to medical ethics, physicians should always promote the medical best interest of patients by offering optimal medical care. The critique of the argument of therapeutic obligation, instead, distinguishes physicians in clinical practices (who have a duty to offer optimal medical care) from physician-investigators in clinical trials (who are not offering personalized medical therapy for individual patients but seek to answer clinically relevant scientific questions by conducting experiments in groups of patients). According to this latter perspective, the process of treatment in clinical trials differs radically from routine clinical practice; even the features of research design are aimed at promoting scientific validity, not therapeutic benefit. I argue that the therapeutic obligation has a relevance superior to testing scientific hypothesis also in the field of clinical investigation. Physician-investigators have a therapeutic beneficence obligation to each research participant, not simply an obligation not to exploit participants for the sake of scientific investigation.
Ponerine Ameisen: die grosse Radiation

Der poneromorphe Teil der Ameisen, insbesondere der Grosteil der dazugehorigen Unterfamilie Ponerinae, weist die groste Vielfalt samtlicher Ameisen-Unterfamilien hinsichtlich ihrer Arten auf. Diese Vielfalt zeigt sich in den Fortpflanzungszyklen, den Verhaltensmustern bei internen Konflikten, den Kommunikationssystemen und der Organisation auf Kolonieebene. Somit ist er insgesamt der vielfaltigste Ameisenstamm im Hinblick auf die soziale Organisation. Viele dieser Arten sind bezuglich der Struktur eines Superorganismus verhaltnismasig primitiv, aber in Bezug auf das interindividuelle Zusammenspiel konkurrieren sie in deren Komplexitat mit den hochstentwickelten nicht-humanen Vertebraten einschlieslich der Primaten. Da ein betrachtlicher Teil der Informationen fur die Verdeutlichung dieser wichtigen Eigenschaft der Unterfamilie Ponerinae wesentlich ist und weil so vieles erst seit kurzem bekannt ist, haben wir uns entschlossen, es an dieser Stelle detailliert darzustellen.