cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intercistronic regions in phi X174 DNA. I. Construction of mutants with altered intercistronic regions between genes J and F.

Viable mutants of oX174 with modified J-F intercistronic regions were constructed using a novel technique for site-specific mutagenesis. A Hae III site located in the J-F intercistronic region of the single-stranded viral DNA (+ strand) was made double-stranded by hybridization with the (−) strand of a 404 base-pair Taq I restriction fragment from oX replicative form. Subsequent cleavage with Hae III specifically at the J-F junction converted the circular partially duplex molecule to a linear form with double-stranded ends. In vitro insertion of pBR322 DNA fragments to or removal of nucleotides from these ends resulted in modification of the sequence comprising the intercistronic region. The ligated molecules were treated with Hae III to render inactive for transformation all molecules with a regenerated Hae III site. This step was extremely powerful in reducing the level of wild-type phage since only mutants of the anticipated form were isolated in the subsequent transfection. A total of 13 phages, all mutants in the J-F intercistronic region, were isolated; ten were insertions and three were deletions. The DNA sequences and biological properties of these mutants are described in the following paper (Muller & Wells, 1980). Also, a procedure was developed to determine the maximum size of inserts tolerated by oX174 in its J-F intercistronic region. The largest insert found was 163 base-pairs.
Risk Perceptions Versus Legal Realities in Campus Recreational Sport Programs

Risk management in campus recreational sports has been a consideration on the minds of campus recreational sport directors for over the past three decades. But are directors’ concerns aligned with the litigation being decided in the courtroom? This study examined whether or not campus recreation directors were concerned about the same legal and risk management issues that appeared most frequently in published court decisions. A case law analysis revealed that 54 cases were related to campus recreation over the past 30 years. To determine risk perceptions of campus recreation directors, a Web survey identifying 34 risk issues was administered. The findings showed the relationship of perceptions of directors to published cases and the risk management formula, as well as differences in perceptions based on demographic variables. The results identified several opportunities for discussion and new areas for research.
Trajectories of risk after hospitalization for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia: retrospective cohort study

Objective To characterize the absolute risks for older patients of readmission to hospital and death in the year after hospitalization for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting 4767 hospitals caring for Medicare fee for service beneficiaries in the United States, 2008-10. Participants More than 3 million Medicare fee for service beneficiaries, aged 65 years or more, surviving hospitalization for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia. Main outcome measures Daily absolute risks of first readmission to hospital and death for one year after discharge. To illustrate risk trajectories, we identified the time required for risks of readmission to hospital and death to decline 50% from maximum values after discharge; the time required for risks to approach plateau periods of minimal day to day change, defined as 95% reductions in daily changes in risk from maximum daily declines after discharge; and the extent to which risks are higher among patients recently discharged from hospital compared with the general elderly population. Results Within one year of hospital discharge, readmission to hospital and death, respectively, occurred following 67.4% and 35.8% of hospitalizations for heart failure, 49.9% and 25.1% for acute myocardial infarction, and 55.6% and 31.1% for pneumonia. Risk of first readmission had declined 50% by day 38 after hospitalization for heart failure, day 13 after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction, and day 25 after hospitalization for pneumonia; risk of death declined 50% by day 11, 6, and 10, respectively. Daily change in risk of first readmission to hospital declined 95% by day 45, 38, and 45; daily change in risk of death declined 95% by day 21, 19, and 21. After hospitalization for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia, the magnitude of the relative risk for hospital admission over the first 90 days was 8, 6, and 6 times greater than that of the general older population; the relative risk of death was 11, 8, and 10 times greater. Conclusions Risk declines slowly for older patients after hospitalization for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia and is increased for months. Specific risk trajectories vary by discharge diagnosis and outcome. Patients should remain vigilant for deterioration in health for an extended time after discharge. Health providers can use knowledge of absolute risks and their changes over time to better align interventions designed to reduce adverse outcomes after discharge with the highest risk periods for patients.
Environmental factors associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental deficits

A number of environmental agents have been shown to demonstrate neurotoxic effects either in human or laboratory animal studies. Critical windows of vulnerability to the effects of these agents occur both preand postnatally. The nervous system is relatively unique in that different parts are responsible for different functional domains, and these develop at different times (e.g., motor control, sensory, intelligence and attention). In addition, the many cell types in the brain have different windows of vulnerability with varying sensitivities to environmental agents. This review focuses on two environmental agents, lead and methylmercury, to illustrate the neurobehavioral and cognitive effects that can result from early life exposures. Special attention is paid to distinguishing between the effects detected following episodes of poisoning and those detected following lower dose exposures. Perinatal and childhood exposure to high doses of lead results in encephalopathy and convulsions. Lower-dose lead exposures have been associated with impairment in intellectual function and attention. At high levels of prenatal exposure, methylmercury produces mental retardation, cerebral palsy and visual and auditory deficits in children of exposed mothers. At lower levels of methylmercury exposure, the effects in children have been more subtle. Other environmental neurotoxicants that have been shown to produce developmental neurotoxicity include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, ionizing radiation, environmental tobacco smoke, and maternal use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and cocaine. Exposure to environmental agents with neurotoxic effects can result in a spectrum of adverse outcomes from severe mental retardation and disability to more subtle changes in function depending on the timing and dose of the chemical agent.
Long-term Acute Care Hospital Utilization After Critical Illness

Context Long-term acute care hospitals have emerged as a novel approach for the care of patients recovering from severe acute illness, but the extent and increases in their activity at the national level are unknown. Objective To examine temporal trends in long-term acute care hospital utilization after an episode of critical illness among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older. Design, Setting, and Patients Retrospective cohort study using the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files from 1997 to 2006. We included all Medicare hospitalizations involving admission to an intensive care unit of an acute care, nonfederal hospital within the continental United States. Main Outcome Measures Overall long-term acute care utilization, associated costs, and survival following transfer. Results The number of long-term acute care hospitals in the United States increased at a mean rate of 8.8% per year, from 192 in 1997 to 408 in 2006. During that time, the annual number of long-term acute care admissions after critical illness increased from 13 732 to 40 353, with annual costs increasing from $484 million to $1.325 billion. The age-standardized population incidence of long-term acute care utilization after critical illness increased from 38.1 per 100 000 in 1997 to 99.7 per 100 000 in 2006, with greater use among male individuals and black individuals in all periods. Over time, transferred patients had higher numbers of comorbidities (5.0 in 1997-2000 vs 5.8 in 2004-2006, P Conclusions Long-term acute care hospital utilization after critical illness is common and increasing. Survival among Medicare beneficiaries transferred to long-term acute care after critical illness is poor.
Regulated gene expression by glucocorticoids in cultured Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.) cells

The effects of six glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, 6-methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone) on inducible gene expression, based on the chimaeric transcriptional activator GVG and carried by the binary expression vector pINDEX3-m-gfp5-ER, were evaluated in transgenic Virginia pine cell cultures. The concentration that activated GVG transcription factor activity, the level of inducible m-gfp5-ER expression, and the kinetics of inducible m-gfp5-ER expression were determined for each glucocorticoid. Transgenic cells produced green fluorescence upon blue light excitation after treatment with prednisolone, prednisone, 6-methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and hydrocortisone. Green fluorescence was observed at 6–12 h after treatment of all six glucocorticoids at concentrations of 1, 3, 5, and 10 mg l 21 . Differential expression of gfp was confirmed by northern blot analysis and by quantitative fluorescence analyses of confocal images taken by a LSM 510 Laser Scanning Microscope. Fresh and dry weight increases of transgenic cell cultures were not affected by all six glucocorticoids at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mg l 21 . It is shown that triamcinolone had the most potent effect on the GVG system. Different glucocorticoids can therefore be used to regulate the GVG transcriptional activator and to induce gene expression in transgenic plant cells, and this property could be useful in establishing an optimum system of transgene regulation.
Valence state mapping of cobalt and manganese using near-edge fine structures

Abstract The properties of transition metal oxides are related to the presence of elements with mixed valences. The spectroscopy analysis of the valence states is feasible experimentally, but a spatial mapping of valence states of transition metal elements is a challenge to existing microscopy techniques. In this paper, with the use of valence state information provided by the white lines and near-edge fine structures observed using the electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM), a novel experimental approach is demonstrated to map the valence state distributions of Mn and Co using the ratio of white lines in the energy-filtered TEM. The valence state map is almost independent of specimen thickness in the thickness range adequate for quantitative EELS microanalysis. An optimum spatial resolution of ∼2 nm has been achieved for a two-phase Co oxides.
On the 75th Anniversary of ASPA The Congruent Evolution of Civil Rights and the American Society for Public Administration

This article will (a) define public personnel management (HRM) as functions, job allocation, values and systems; (b) review the 1964 CRA and the evolution of social equity in the workplace; (c) recount the organizational history of ASPA since its creation in 1939; and (d) discuss the future of public HRM, social equity, and ASPA based on current changes and events.
The Influence of Beginning Instructional Grade on String Student Enrollment, Retention, and Music Performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate three primary variables concerning the starting grade level of beginning string instruction in public schools: (a) initial enrollment, (b) retention data for both the end of the first year and at the seventh-grade year of instruction, and (c) music performance level in the seventh grade. Secondary variables including schedule of instruction, decision makers, grade-level organization, and private lessons also were examined. Research objectives were developed to provide string teachers with information for use when they consider the grade level of beginning instruction in their school districts. Later starting grades yielded the highest retention rates, when retention data for both the end of the initial year of instruction and the beginning of seventh grade were compared with starting grade level.The starting grade level of instruction did not, however, affect initial enrollment figures or music performance of string ensembles.
Performance measures, hours of caregiving assistance, and risk of adverse care outcomes among older adult users of Medicaid home and community-based services

Objectives:This study used validated physical performance measures to examine function, risk of adverse health outcomes, and the relationship with allocated hours of weekly caregiving assistance am...
The "Choosing Wisely" initiative to reduce low value care: has endocrinology been wise enough?

The challenges of practicing medicine manifest at multiple levels from the clinician–patient interaction to society. Among these are excess health care costs related to overuse and use of low-value care, services which do not provide benefits worth the cost. Physicians have a role as stewards of finite resources. The Choosing Wisely initiative seeks to address this issue and involves multiple professional societies. We describe the recommendations of the Endocrine Society and others as they apply to the practicing endocrinologist.
Atrial Myxoma with Disseminated Osteolytic Embolic Lesions: A Case Report.

Cardiac myxoma is a benign neoplasm of endocardial origin. The majority of cases originate in the left atrium near the fossa ovalis1. Presenting symptoms typically include a triad of tumor embolism, blood flow obstruction, and constitutional symptoms2-6. We present a case of left atrial myxoma with cerebral embolism and numerous symptomatic osteolytic lesions involving the pelvis, sacrum, humeri, femora, and multiple vertebrae. The clinical data, including a high serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and discordant results between a technetium-99 (99mTc) bone scan and a 2-deoxy-2-[18 F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) scan are discussed. At nine years of clinical follow-up, the patient was walking well without neurologic deficits. A forty-year-old woman presented with transient left-sided paresthesia for twelve months and a five-month history of recurrent episodes of paroxysmal visual disturbances. Physical examination was remarkable for left superior quadrantanopsia. Extensive diagnostic work-ups, which included lumbar puncture, microbial cultures, and rheumatoid factors, were negative. An initial transthoracic echocardiogram showed no abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed an early subacute infarct in the territory of the right posterior cerebral artery, as well as multiple diffuse small infarcts within the frontal lobes and the left parietal cortex. The patient experienced three other neurologic episodes, consisting of headache, left hemiplegia, and involuntary facial twitching. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) and MRI of the brain showed intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the right frontal lobe with edema and a mass effect on the right frontal ventricular horn. A craniotomy was performed for evacuation of the hemorrhage. Pathologic examination showed a myxomatous lesion with aneurysmal formation and hemorrhage. A repeat transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a left atrial myxoma that was subsequently resected. Two years after the successful cardiac surgery, the patient developed chronic fatigue and progressive pain of the right buttock …
Bringing International Agreements Out of the Shadows: Confronting the Challenges of a Changing Force

this article analyzes relevant Department of Defense and Department of the Army policies and directives related to the making of internatioanl agreements by military commands. It highlights critical aspects of this process to facilitate oversight by military lawyers.
MJO Moisture Budget during DYNAMO in a Cloud-Resolving Model

AbstractContributions by different physical processes and cloud types to the sum of the large-scale vertical moisture advection and apparent moisture sink observed by the DYNAMO field campaign northern sounding array during the passage of a Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) event are estimated using a cloud-resolving model. The sum of these two moisture budget terms is referred to as the column-confined moisture tendency MC. Assuming diabatic balance, the contribution of different physical processes and cloud types to the large-scale vertical velocity and MC can be estimated using simulated diabatic tendencies and the domain-averaged static stability and vertical moisture gradient. Low-level moistening preceding MJO passage is captured by MC and dominated by the effects of shallow clouds. Because of the large vertical moisture gradient at this level, condensational heating in these clouds generates ascent and vertical moisture advection overwhelming the removal of water vapor by condensation. Shallow convec...
A Rugged Semiautomatic Extensometer for Rubber

Abstract The evaluation of an elastomer—new or established—inevitably involves a study of tensile properties. ASTM procedure D 412 is generally used as a guide for the tensile testing of vulcanized rubber. In this method, an operator observes bench marks on the sample and records the modulus at every 100% elongation, the ultimate elongation, and the tensile strength at break. An extensometer has been developed to eliminate operator coordination and judgment factors from rubber tensile testing. It is simple and sufficiently rugged for routine testing. Its features are a counterbalanced guide rod with a sliding electrical contactor, and specimen followers which automatically unlatch to avoid being damaged when specimens break. In addition there is a counter for direct digital indication of elongation, and an electrical circuit which controls a short duration spark to mark the autographic chart. Experience in testing up to 5000 specimens per year has shown that the apparatus makes an inexperienced operator a...
Trends in Enforcement of the Antimonopoly Laws

T HE enforcement of the laws against monopoly appears to be entering a transition stage. A few years ago, at the outbreak of the war, most of the important antimonopoly cases were concerned with abuse of patent rights or participation in international cartels. In the patent field there was a no-man's land of uncertain law at the boundary between the patent laws and the antitrust laws. In the international cartel field many conspiracies to allocate world markets in ways that had political as well as economic significance had been too long neglected. Today the patent cases and the international cartel cases have become almost as commonplace as cases of price fixing among members of a trade association. Many of the uncertainties about the bearing of the antitrust laws upon patents have been removed by judicial decision. Successful proceedings against international cartels have proved to be substantially similar to proceedings against domestic conspiracies to fix prices, allocate markets, and coerce or destroy competitors. Patent cases and cartel cases continue to be frequent and important, like cases involving the older forms of domestic price fixing. But their nature and their contribution to the maintenance of competition has become clear. THE PROBLEM OF SIZE OF FIRM
A Complement-Fixation Reaction Involving the Rabbit Papilloma Virus (Shope)

SummaryA coniplernent-fixation reaction is described, with extracts or filtrates of papillonias containing infective Shope virus and antisera effective against the latter. The implications of the work are being studied.
Cause-specific hazard regression for competing risks data under interval censoring and left truncation

Inference for cause-specific hazards from competing risks data under interval censoring and possible left truncation has been understudied. Aiming at this target, a penalized likelihood approach for a Cox-type proportional cause-specific hazards model is developed, and the associated asymptotic theory is discussed. Monte Carlo simulations show that the approach performs very well for moderate sample sizes. An application to a longitudinal study of dementia illustrates the practical utility of the method. In the application, the age-specific hazards of AD, other dementia and death without dementia are estimated, and risk factors of all competing risks are studied.
Targeted Actin Disassembly by Mical and Cofilin

Assembly and remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is critical for the vitality of eukaryotic cells. F-actin assembly is favored under cellular conditions and its mechanisms are understood better than those of actin disassembly. Therefore, it is critical to clarify how targeted F-actin disassembly occurs in different cell types. Recently, members of the MICAL family of oxidation-reduction (Redox) enzymes have emerged as a new class of actin disassembly factors that attenuate cytoskeleton dynamics via direct oxidation of F-actin in response to different growth factors, adhesion molecules, and repulsive guidance cues. By employing TIRF microscopy, protein biochemistry and Drosophila genetics we found that actin filaments are efficiently dismantled in vitro and in vivo through a Redox-dependent post-translationally-mediated synergism between cofilin and Mical. Mical oxidation of actin improves cofilin binding to filaments, where their combined effect accelerates F-actin severing and disassembly by over an order of magnitude over that of each one alone. Biochemical characterization of Mical-oxidized actin that is generated in this system shows that it has impaired polymerization properties, further amplifying filament disassembly. This previously unknown synergism is also necessary and sufficient for F-actin disassembly in vivo, dramatically amplifying both Mical and cofilin's effects. Given overlapping expression patterns of cofilin and Mical in multiple tissues this newly discovered synergism has important physiological and pathological implications.
Trends in Experimental Neuroembryology

In order to understand past and present trends in experimental neuroembryology, one should realize that this field did not originate as an offshoot of neurology: it has its roots in classical experimental embryology, from which it derived its problems, its concepts and its methodology. It is true that the founder of modern neurology, Ramon y Cajal, encompassed in his broad approach both neurogenesis and nerve regeneration. Yet, it was the general trend of inquiry into the causal factors of embryonic development with the aid of the analytical experiment which was inaugurated by W. Roux and gathered momentum in the first decades of this century that brought experimental neurogenesis into existence. Harrison and his associates brought this approach to bear on the special problems that are inherent in the nervous system, and their pioneer work laid the foundation to the investigations which will be in the center of the present discussion.
Cleavage of E-Cadherin Contributes to Defective Barrier Function in Neosquamous Epithelium

After ablation of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), the esophagus heals with neosquamous epithelium (NSE). Despite normal endoscopic appearance, NSE exhibits defective barrier function with similarities to defects noted in the distal esophageal epithelium in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To determine whether patients with NSE, unlike patients with healthy esophageal epithelium, have C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of e-cad detectable on tissue biopsy. Secondly, to determine whether patients with NSE have elevated levels of N-terminal fragments (NTFs) of e-cad in the serum. Fifteen patients with ablated long-segment BE, who had healing with formation of NSE, were enrolled in this pilot study. Western blots for CTFs and NTFs were performed on biopsies of NSE. Venous blood was obtained to assess levels of NTFs. Endoscopic distal esophageal biopsies from patients without esophageal disease served as tissue controls. Control blood samples were obtained from healthy subjects. Blots of NSE were successful in 14/15 patients, and all 14 (100 %) had a 35-kD CTF of e-cad, while CTFs were absent in healthy control tissues. Despite CTFs in NSE, serum NTFs of e-cad in NSE were similar to controls, p > 0.05. However, unlike healthy controls, blots of NSE also showed NTFs with molecular weights of 70–90 kD. Cleavage of e-cad, as evidenced by the presence of CTFs and NTFs on biopsy, contributes to defective barrier function in NSE. However, unlike findings reported in GERD patients, serum NTFs are not elevated in NSE patients. This difference may reflect poor absorption with tissue entrapment of NTFs in previously ablated areas with poorly perfused NSE.
Differential DNA methylation marks and gene comethylation of COPD in African-Americans with COPD exacerbations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death worldwide. Identifying COPD-associated DNA methylation marks in African-Americans may contribute to our understanding of racial disparities in COPD susceptibility. We determined differentially methylated genes and co-methylation network modules associated with COPD in African-Americans recruited during exacerbations of COPD and smoking controls from the Pennsylvania Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Exacerbations (PA-SCOPE) cohort. We assessed DNA methylation from whole blood samples in 362 African-American smokers in the PA-SCOPE cohort using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadChip Array. Final analysis included 19302 CpG probes annotated to the nearest gene transcript after quality control. We tested methylation associations with COPD case-control status using mixed linear models. Weighted gene comethylation networks were constructed using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and network modules were analyzed for association with COPD. There were five differentially methylated CpG probes significantly associated with COPD among African-Americans at an FDR less than 5 %, and seven additional probes that approached significance at an FDR less than 10 %. The top ranked gene association was MAML1, which has been shown to affect NOTCH-dependent angiogenesis in murine lung. Network modeling yielded the “yellow” and “blue” comethylation modules which were significantly associated with COPD (p-value 4 × 10-10 and 4 × 10-9, respectively). The yellow module was enriched for gene sets related to inflammatory pathways known to be relevant to COPD. The blue module contained the top ranked genes in the concurrent differential methylation analysis (FXYD1/LGI4, gene significance p-value 1.2 × 10-26; MAML1, p-value 2.0 × 10-26; CD72, p-value 2.1 × 10-25; and LPO, p-value 7.2 × 10-25), and was significantly associated with lung development processes in Gene Ontology gene-set enrichment analysis. We identified 12 differentially methylated CpG sites associated with COPD that mapped to biologically plausible genes. Network module comethylation patterns have identified candidate genes that may be contributing to racial differences in COPD susceptibility and severity. COPD-associated comethylation modules contained genes previously associated with lung disease and inflammation and recapitulated known COPD-associated genes. The genes implicated by differential methylation and WGCNA analysis may provide mechanistic targets contributing to COPD susceptibility, exacerbations, and outcomes among African-Americans. Trial Registration: NCT00774176 , Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov , Date of Enrollment of First Participant: June 2004, Date Registered: 04 January 2008 (retrospectively registered).
Patency of paediatric endotracheal tubes for airway instrumentation.

BACKGROUND Airway exchange catheters (AEC) and fiberoptic bronchoscopes (FOB) for tracheal intubation are selected so that there is only a minimal gap between their outer and inner diameter of endotracheal tube (ETT) to minimize the risk of impingement during airway instrumentation. This study aimed to test the ease of passage of FOBs and AECs through paediatric ETT of different sizes and from different manufacturers when using current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility taken from text books and manufacturers information. METHODS Twelve different brands of cuffed and uncuffed ETT sized ID 2.5 to 5.0 mm were evaluated in an in vitro set-up. Ease of device passage as well as the locations of an impaired passage within the ETT were assessed. Redundant samples were used for same sized ETT and all measurements were triple-checked in randomized order. RESULTS In total, 51 paired samples of uncuffed as well as cuffed paediatric ETT were tested. There were substantial differences in the ease of ETT passage concordantly for FOBs and AECs among different manufacturers, but also among the product lines from the same manufacturer for a given ID size. Restriction to passage most frequently was found near the endotracheal tube tip or as a gradually increasing resistance along the ETT shaft. CONCLUSIONS Current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility AECs and FOBs with ETTs do not appear to be completely accurate for all ETT brands available. We recommend that specific equipment combinations always must be tested carefully together before attempting to use them in a patient.
Assessing the Potential of Land Use Modification to Mitigate Ambient NO2 and Its Consequences for Respiratory Health

Understanding how local land use and land cover (LULC) shapes intra-urban concentrations of atmospheric pollutants-and thus human health-is a key component in designing healthier cities. Here, NO₂ is modeled based on spatially dense summer and winter NO₂ observations in Portland-Hillsboro-Vancouver (USA), and the spatial variation of NO₂ with LULC investigated using random forest, an ensemble data learning technique. The NO2 random forest model, together with BenMAP, is further used to develop a better understanding of the relationship among LULC, ambient NO₂ and respiratory health. The impact of land use modifications on ambient NO₂, and consequently on respiratory health, is also investigated using a sensitivity analysis. We find that NO₂ associated with roadways and tree-canopied areas may be affecting annual incidence rates of asthma exacerbation in 4-12 year olds by +3000 per 100,000 and -1400 per 100,000, respectively. Our model shows that increasing local tree canopy by 5% may reduce local incidences rates of asthma exacerbation by 6%, indicating that targeted local tree-planting efforts may have a substantial impact on reducing city-wide incidence of respiratory distress. Our findings demonstrate the utility of random forest modeling in evaluating LULC modifications for enhanced respiratory health.
11 – ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS, INSULATORS, AND DIELECTRICS

This chapter focuses on the electrical properties of materials. These are the properties of concern in electrical power generation and transmission facilities, consumer electronics, and computer and telecommunications equipment. Electrical as well as optical and magnetic properties of materials are concerned with the electronic structure of atoms and the response of electrons to electromagnetic fields. Electrical conductivity distinctions between metals and nonmetals essentially hinge on the nature of the electron distributions in atoms. In ionic and covalent solids only very fixed numbers of electrons are tolerated by atoms; local excesses or deficiencies in their number are resisted. An excess electron flows to an atom with one too few and vice versa; free electrons are very scarce. Electron currents largely counterbalance one another so the net current is vanishingly small. In metals, however, electron numbers about atoms are not so rigidly controlled. Enough free electrons are always available to smooth local depletions and accumulations; electrons fed into a wire at one end will, therefore, be readily removed in equal number at the other end. Metals are the best conductors of electricity and, therefore, have the lowest resistivities. Insulators, comprising ceramics, glasses, and polymers have the highest resistivities. Conduction by ions, not electrons, is often the chief mechanism for charge transport.
Insider Audiences and Plain-Language Revision: A City Charter Case Study

Background: In policy and law contexts, plain-language practice and research tend to focus on the benefits of plain language for specific nonexpert or public audiences. However, as plain-language use has proliferated, documents targeted for revision increasingly include those with insider and expert primary audiences. This study investigates the effects of plain-language revision on insider audiences following the adoption of a revised city charter in a Midwestern US city. Research questions: 1. How does plain-language revision affect the way that insider city-government users make sense of the city charter? 2. How does plain-language revision affect the way that insider city-government users act on the city charter? Literature review: Plain language—a strategy that writers use to make texts more effective for users—is historically and ideologically associated with helping public or vulnerable audiences to access complex information. This core priority toward public or nonexpert audiences is important; however, it has also resulted in a limited understanding of the full scope of plain-language audiences, especially in contexts where insider and expert audiences are primary users. Methodology: This study, informed by genre theory, is a qualitative case study in which textual artifacts and interview data were collected and analyzed using a two-cycle qualitative coding process. Results: The analysis showed many effects, nearly all positive, for insiders and experts. Conclusions: This article focuses on two areas of impact: charter authority and user practices. I explore these areas, which include improved navigation, organization, and processes, through the concept of interplay between the unrevised and revised charters.
Impact of 3D mapping on procedural characteristics and outcomes in cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation

The use of 3D mapping during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is optional with added cost but potential benefit in aiding vein identification, reducing fluoroscopy, and post-ablation testing. Data are limited evaluating procedural characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI with mapping vs. no mapping. In the present study, we compare procedural characteristics and recurrence-free rates in patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI among patients using CARTO®, NavX™, or no mapping system. We evaluated a single center registry of patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI from 2013 to 2016, retrospectively. Patients undergoing a redo procedure or additional RF ablation were excluded. Baseline and procedural characteristics were compared among CARTO, NavX, and no mapping groups. Post-PVI patients were assessed for atrial arrhythmia recurrence after a 3-month blanking period. Recurrence was based on typical symptoms or ECG/event monitor evidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare arrhythmia-free survival between groups. We included 432 patient procedures, 98 using mapping systems (45 NavX, 53 CARTO), and 334 without. When using the CARTO mapping system compared to NavX or no mapping, there were longer procedure times (168 vs.109 vs.115 min, p < 0.001) and LA dwell times (110 vs.81 vs.87 min, p < 0.001). Additionally, both CARTO and NavX, when compared to no mapping, had longer fluoroscopy times (32 vs.31 vs.26 min, p < 0.001). Overall, total ablation time was increased for patients without mapping systems compared to NavX. There were no significant differences in 1-year recurrence-free rates between CARTO, NavX, and no mapping groups (64.9 vs. 65.0 vs. 64.6%, p = 0.278). Use of CARTO is associated with increased procedure and LA dwell times compared to NavX or no mapping. Mapping system use yielded longer fluoroscopy times without an improvement in atrial fibrillation recurrence. Given the additional cost of mapping, the role for routine use in cryoballoon PVI is unclear.
Rhinovirus infection induces distinct transcriptome profiles in polarized human macrophages.

Infections with rhinovirus (RV) cause asthma exacerbations. Recent studies suggest that macrophages play a role in asthmatic airway inflammation and the innate immune response to RV infection. Macr...
Flexible Mid-infrared Aluminium Nitride Waveguides for Real-time and Label-Free Chemical Sensing

Chip-scale chemical sensors were demonstrated using mid-Infrared aluminum nitride waveguides and flexible substrates. Real-time detection of ethanol and water was conducted by measuring waveguide light at λ=2.7 μm corresponding to characteristic -OH absorption.
Cell biology of prion infection.

Abstract The development of multiple cell culture models of prion infection over the last two decades has led to a significant increase in our understanding of how prions infect cells. In particular, new techniques to distinguish exogenous from endogenous prions have allowed us for the first time to look in depth at the earliest stages of prion infection through to the establishment of persistent infection. These studies have shown that prions can infect multiple cell types, both neuronal and nonneuronal. Once in contact with the cell, they are rapidly taken up via multiple endocytic pathways. After uptake, the initial replication of prions occurs almost immediately on the plasma membrane and within multiple endocytic compartments. Following this acute stage of prion replication, persistent prion infection may or may not be established. Establishment of a persistent prion infection in cells appears to depend upon the achievement of a delicate balance between the rate of prion replication and degradation, the rate of cell division, and the efficiency of prion spread from cell to cell. Overall, cell culture models have shown that prion infection of the cell is a complex and variable process which can involve multiple cellular pathways and compartments even within a single cell.
Advances in the Genetics of Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

To provide an update on knowledge the role of genetics in youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). The prevalence in youth of T2D, once thought to be exclusively a disease of adults, has increased by over 35% since 2001. Youth with T2D tend to have higher rates of complications, more aggressive disease, with more rapid loss of beta-cell function and a less favorable response to treatment than adults. Obesity is the most important risk factor for T2D, and the rise in childhood overweight and obesity appears responsible for the dramatic increase in T2D in youth. However, some obese children do not develop T2D, consistent with genetic differences in susceptibility to the disease in the setting of obesity and insulin resistance, currently far less well characterized in youth than in adults. Recent studies have begun to show associations of several established adult T2D genetic risk variants with youth-onset T2D and related glycemic quantitative traits, including the strongest known cross-population T2D genetic contributor TCF7L2. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a diabetes subtype distinct from type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D, is now known to result from a highly penetrant gene mutation in one of several genes. MODY has been shown to account for or contribute to at least 4.5% of clinically diagnosed T2D, even among those who are overweight or obese, impacting treatment decisions. The recently formed ProDiGY (Progress in Diabetes Genetics in Youth) Consortium is using genome-wide association studies and whole exome sequencing to understand the genetic architecture of T2D in youth, including how it differs from that of adults. The limited amount of research conducted to date on the genetics of youth-onset T2D, which tends to be a more aggressive disease than adult T2D, suggests some overlap with genes involved in adult T2D and a sizeable influence of highly penetrant monogenic diabetes variants. The ProDiGY Consortium is expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of youth T2D genetics.
20 - Viral Infections and Type 1 Diabetes

Viruses have been considered an important environmental factor in the etiology of type 1 diabetes. Coxsackie virus/enterovirus, mumps virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella virus, retrovirus, EBV, hepatitis A virus, varicella zoster virus, measles virus, poliovirus, influenza virus, and rotavirus have been implicated as potential causal agents for human type 1 diabetes. In addition, EMC virus, Kilham rat virus (KRV), Coxsackie virus, retrovirus, rubella virus, Bovine viral diarrhoea-mucosal disease virus (BVD-MD) virus, Mengovirus, foot and mouth disease virus, and CMV are known to be associated with the development of type 1 diabetes in animals. However, the precise etiology for the involvement of viruses and their pathogenic mechanisms, particularly in human type 1 diabetes, are poorly understood. The identification of causative viruses in human type 1 diabetes is extremely difficult. The acute phase of viral infection may be already passed by the time the diabetes symptoms are shown. In addition, it is difficult to distinguish between diabetogenic and non-diabetogenic variants of the same virus by serological tests. A large prospective cohort study in prediabetic or genetically susceptible individuals as well as newly diabetic patients may help to understand the viral etiology of type 1 diabetes in humans.
Raman Spectroscopy of Surface Rhenium Oxide on Alumina, Silica, Titania, Niobia, and Magnesia

The interaction of rhenium oxide with a variety of support materials is examined as a function of rhenium oxide loading, calcination temperature, and moisture content. Raman spectroscopy is used to monitor the rhenium oxide/support interaction for alumina, silica, titania, niobia, and magnesia supports, and to determine the structure of the rhenium oxide surface species. The surface rhenium oxide is found to be fully oxidized, tetrahedrally coordinated, and molecularly isolated as [ReO4] ads species on the five support materials. Each support, however, possesses a unique [ReO4] ads species characteristic of that support because each support exhibits a unique degree of interaction with the surface species. Metathesis reactivity data are presented and correlated with each [ReO4] ads species.
Circulating Cell-Derived Microparticles in Thrombotic and Inflammatory Disorders

It is now recognized that all circulating blood cells, as well as endothelial cells (EC), continuously shed small membranous vesicles (microparticles [MPs]), which are approximately less than 1 µm, and that levels of circulating MPs are sensitive indicators of disease activity. The first type extensively studied in patients was platelet MP (PMPs) (1). Currently, endothelial-derived MP (EMPs) have risen to the fore as sensitive markers of EC perturbation, recently reviewed (2) and further considered in this article. Although other reviews may differ in viewpoint and emphasis (3,4), it is generally agreed that circulating MPs comprise different subspecies of membrane vesicles released from endothelium and blood cells, such as platelets, leukocytes, and red blood cells (RBCs). MPs containing negatively charged phospatidylserine (PS) and/or tissue factor are highly procoagulant. MPs that express specific adhesion molecules are capable of interacting with leukocytes and endothelia to initiate inflammatory responses.
“A new book in Jewish affairs begins”: Maurice de Hirsch and the waning power of Jewish philanthropy at the Fin-de-Siècle

This article looks at Jewish responses to the death of the banker, railroad entrepreneur, and philanthropist Maurice de Hirsch in 1896, the same year that Theodor Herzl published his Jewish State. ...
A Highly Efficient GaN E–HEMT/SiC Schottky Diode Power Device Based DC–DC ZETA Converter

The need for reliable and high performance dc–dc power converters is in high demand by many applications. This paper presents the design of a highly efficient dc–dc ZETA converter using a GaN E–HEMT/SiC Schottky diode power device for high step–up applications. In order to assess the effectiveness of the designed converter, its performance is comprehensively compared to a converter with a Si MOSFET/SiC Schottky diode. An evaluation is carried out of the switching performance of the Si MOSFET and GaN E–HEMT power devices within the converter. The total power loss of the converter and its efficiency is analyzed under different switching frequencies of the power devices. The analysis is also concentrated on evaluation of the capability of the designed converter to work efficiently at different input voltages, load currents, and output powers. The results show that an excellent performance and highest efficiency are gained from the GaN E–HEMT/SiC Schottky diode based converter.
The weathering hypothesis as an explanation for racial disparities in health: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose The weathering hypothesis states that chronic exposure to social and economic disadvantage leads to accelerated decline in physical health outcomes and could partially explain racial disparities in a wide array of health conditions. This systematic review summarizes the literature empirically testing the weathering hypothesis and assesses the quality of the evidence regarding weathering as a determinant of racial disparities in health. Methods Databases (Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase) were searched for studies published in English up to July 1, 2017. Studies that tested the weathering hypothesis for any physical health outcome and included at least one socially or economically disadvantaged group (e.g., Blacks) for whom the weathering hypothesis applies were assessed for eligibility. Threats to validity were assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Results The 41 included studies were rated as having overall good methodological quality. Most studies found evidence in support of the weathering hypothesis, although the magnitude of support varied by the health outcome and population studied. Conclusions Future evaluations of the weathering hypothesis should include an examination of additional health outcomes and interrogate mechanisms that could link weathering to poor health.