cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longer lactation duration is associated with decreased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in women.

Background & Aims Lactation lowers blood glucose and triglycerides, and increases insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that a longer duration of lactation would be associated with lower prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Methods Participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort study who delivered ≥ 1 child post-baseline (Y0: 1985–1986), and underwent CT quantification of hepatic steatosis 25 years following cohort entry (Y25: 2010–2011) were included (n = 844). The duration of lactation was summed for all post-baseline births, and NAFLD at Y25 was assessed by central review of CT images and defined by liver attenuation ≤ 40 Hounsfield Units after exclusion of other causes of hepatic steatosis. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using an a priori set of confounding variables; age, race, education, and baseline body mass index. Results Of 844 women who delivered after baseline (48% black, 52% white, mean age 49 years at Y25 exam), 32% reported lactation duration of 0 to 1 month, 25% reported >1 to 6 months, 43% reported more than 6 months, while 54 (6%) had NAFLD. Longer lactation duration was inversely associated with NAFLD in unadjusted logistic regression. For women who reported >6 months lactation compared to those reporting 0–1 month, the odds ratio for NAFLD was 0.48 (95% CI 0.25–0.94; p = 0.03) and the association remained after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio 0.46; 95% CI 0.22–0.97; p = 0.04). Conclusions A longer duration of lactation, particularly greater than 6 months, is associated with lower odds of NAFLD in mid-life and may represent a modifiable risk factor for NAFLD. Lay summary A longer duration of breastfeeding has been associated with multiple potential health benefits for the mother including reduction in heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. In this study we found that breastfeeding for longer than 6 months was associated with a lower risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mid-life.
The Inconvenient Youth Revisited: Teens, Parents, and Clean Air Conversations and Action

Abstract How influential are teens in prompting clean air actions among their parents? What factors improve effectiveness of teen communication? To answer these questions, the authors surveyed both...
Differences in risk factors for binge eating by socioeconomic status in a community-based sample of adolescents: Findings from Project EAT.

Objective Binge eating is prevalent across socioeconomic status (SES) groups, but it is unclear whether risk factors for binge eating vary by SES. This study examined the prevalence of several risk factors for binge eating by SES and SES as a potential moderator of these risk factors. Method Participants included 2,179 individuals involved in Project EAT during early/middle adolescence (EAT-I) and 5 years later during late adolescence/emerging adulthood (EAT-II). Risk ratios were computed using modified Poisson regression of incident EAT-II binge eating on EAT-I risk factors among participants of high and low SES. Interactions between each risk factor and SES were tested. Results Among higher SES adolescents, overweight/obesity (RR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.7), body dissatisfaction (RR = 2.6; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.2, 5.5), dieting (RR = 4.0; 95% CI: 2.0, 8.2), and family weight-teasing (RR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3) predicted increased risk for binge eating. Among adolescents from low-SES backgrounds, overweight/obesity (RR = 1.5; 95% CI: 0.9, 2.5), dieting (RR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.9), and food insecurity (RR = 1.4; 95% CI: 0.7, 2.7) predicted increased risk for binge eating. Moderator analyses revealed that overweight/obesity, body dissatisfaction, dieting, and family weight-teasing were stronger risk factors in the high-SES group than the low-SES group; interactions with food insecurity could not be examined given the low prevalence of food insecurity in the high-SES group. Discussion Risk factors for binge eating may vary by SES, suggesting the potential utility of modifying intervention and prevention methods based on SES. In particular, the role of food insecurity must be addressed.
Regulation of Gluconeogenesis at Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of gluconeogenesis at phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. It describes the formation of phosphoenolpyruvate (P-enolpyruvate) from oxalacetate. P-enolpyruvate carboxy-kinase (PEPCK) has only a single known function but it exists in two isozyme forms in two different cellular locations and its activity is controlled in multiple modes. It is the first enzyme in the gluconeogenic sequence that functions solely in glucose formation and not in other major metabolic pathways. The catalytic activity of the cytosolic PEPCK is influenced by the redox state of its thiols, by the presence or absence of certain divalent transition metal ions, and by certain factors that permit ferrous ion to activate the enzyme. These are called ferroactivators and their production is regulated by events that alter the rates of glucose synthesis. A role for ferrous ion in stimulating this enzyme was discovered when it was found that tryptophan administered to rats caused gluconeogenesis to be inhibited at the site of PEPCK but greatly increased the assayable activity of this enzyme in liver cytosol. Although Mn 2+ , Co 2+ , and Cd 2+ stimulate cytosolic PEPCK activity, it is believed that the evidence indicates that Fe 2+ is the most important physiological activator.
Development of Online Marketing Strategy for Thai Educational Institutes: Case of International College, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

This research is aimed to explode strategy of online marketing for adjusting in International College, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (or SSRUIC in short), Thailand. The objectives of this study consist of; 1) to analyze online marketing environment in SSRUIC; and 2) to explode guideline to develop online marketing strategy. This research is a qualitative research method, in which the in-depth interview will be used to collect data. To analyze environment and explode guideline of online marketing strategy, the interview was conducted with 20 lecturers, supporting staffs, and current students who are currently working and studying in the college. The results illustrated that overall online marketing environment, both within and outside SSRUIC were in the good condition. Administrative environment could help the college to operate online marketing more efficient. Meanwhile external environment could facilitate the institute to effectively reach target market. The college, however, should create various online marketing tools as well as provide clearer and deeper information to all audients. To develop guideline of online marketing strategy, SWOT analysis can be applied with readjusted 4Ps marketing mix and 4S model. The college could maximize strengths by creating reliable and attractive online marketing tools. They could also offset weaknesses using opportunities in order to provide faster information with higher accuracy. Moreover, threats could be reduced by updating content to accomplish customer preferences. This research, as a result, can contribute the guideline to those who are in academic field to adjust their resources with online marketing strategy.
The 5 Cs for Developing an Effective Poster Presentation

Abstract Disseminating nursing knowledge is imperative for the forward mobilization of the nursing profession. Poster presentations are an invaluable communication tool for nurses to disseminate knowledge about research, quality, or process improvement work. Generally, nurses are excited when their abstracts are accepted for presentation. That excitement, however, quickly wears off as they start thinking “what next?” This article will outline the 5 Cs for developing an effective poster presentation and provide some useful tips for preparation and how to give an effective poster presentation.
Vulvar Glandular and Other Neoplasms

This chapter will address vulvar neoplasms with glandular differentiation as well as neuroendocrine carcinoma and metastatic tumors. These entities are rare, as the vast majority of malignancies of the vulva are squamous in origin. Careful consideration of the differential diagnosis, as well as knowledge of any pertinent clinical history, is essential when evaluating these lesions.
CC Chemokine Receptors

There are ten CC chemokine receptor subtypes, the largest subdivision of the chemokine superfamily. These receptors are all coupled to Gi, are highly differentially expressed on most leukocyte subsets, and mediate different types of immune responses. …
Species and termination method effects on phosphorus loss from plant tissue

Cover crops are often recommended as a best management practice to reduce erosion, weed pressure, and nutrient loss. However, cover crops may be sources of phosphorus (P) to runoff water after termination. Two greenhouse trials were conducted to determine the effects of cover crop species, termination method, and time after termination on water-extractable P (WEP) release from crop biomass. Treatments were structured in a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial and arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replicates. Treatments included three cover crop species (triticale [× Triticosecale; Triticum × Secale 'Trical'], rapeseed [Brassica napus L. 'Winfred'], and crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.]); three termination methods (clipping, freezing, and herbicide); and three WEP extraction times (1, 7, and 14 d after termination). Rapeseed consistently resulted in the least WEP when exposed to the same method of termination and at the same extraction time as the other species. For both trials, terminating crop tissue via freezing increased concentrations of WEP compared with other termination methods. The WEP release from cover crop tissue increased as the time after extraction increased, but the effect was greater for herbicide- and freeze-terminated cover crops and less for clipping-terminated cover crops. Future studies on WEP release from cover crops should pay close attention to the effects of extraction timing. Producers may be able to reduce P loss from cover crop tissue by selecting cover crop species with low WEP and minimizing the amount of biomass exposed to freezing conditions.
Comparison of Colorimetric Analyses to Determine Cortisol in Human Sweat.

Colorimetric analysis, which relies on a chemical reaction to facilitate a change in visible color, is a great strategy for detecting cortisol, which is necessary to diagnose and manage the wide va...
Insecticide residue longevity for on-site screening of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) resistance.

BACKGROUND: Preventative application of insecticides reduces marketable yield losses caused by Drosophila suzukii females that selectively lay eggs into ripe and ripening fruits. However, repeated applications of insecticides increase the risk of resistance development. It is therefore critical to test field‐collected flies on‐site to assess the level of sensitivity of D. suzukii to insecticides to monitor resistance, before it becomes a widespread issue. This requires that insecticide‐treated vials be readily available to conduct bioassays. Thus, bioassays were conducted using malathion‐, methomyl‐, zeta‐cypermethrin‐, phosmet‐, spinetoram‐ and spinosad‐treated scintillation vials at 1 to 28 days after treatment to assess how residue age affects insecticide toxicity in scintillation vials. The impact of temperature on residue longevity was also assessed. RESULTS: Insecticide‐treated vials stored for 28 days provided reliable estimates of susceptibility of D. suzukii to some of the tested insecticides. The toxicity of malathion remained consistently high throughout the experiment followed by methomyl. However, toxicities of zeta‐cypermethrin, phosmet were variable whereas those of the spinosyns declined relatively quickly. Overall, storage temperature did not affect the residual toxicity of most of the tested insecticides except zeta‐cypermethrin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the toxicity of insecticide residues in treated vials remains active for ≤28 d for malathion and ≤21 and 28 days in methomyl‐treated vials stored at 4 °C in Georgia and Michigan, respectively. However, the toxicities of spinosad, zeta‐cypermethrin and phosmet were less consistent. Hence, vials treated with these insecticides should be freshly made to be effective for screening D. suzukii field populations for resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of probation stipulations on employment quality among people on probation

There is minimal evidence to suggest that mandating people on probation to adhere to various stipulations reduces their likelihood to recidivate. There is evidence to suggest that having a job decr...
Are Women More Likely Venture Funders? Theory and Evidence from Migrants Remitting to Developing Countries

There is substantial research on how women differ from men as new business (venture) founders, but little on how women may differ from men as venture funders. We respond with theory and evidence from an unconventional venture funding context: migrants’ remittances to developing countries. We propose that remitting migrant women are more likely venture funders consistent with a greater interest in assisting family members back home. Complementary empirical analyses of remittances to developing countries largely support our proposition. Cross-sectional data analyses of remitting tendencies among 718 migrants from 49 developing countries in 2011 suggest that migrant women are more likely to remit for investment purposes, particularly when family assistance motivates a specific remittance transaction. Panel data analyses of venture funding availability in 48 developing countries from 2001-2010 suggest that remittances from migrant communities with higher percentages of women increase venture funding more, particularly for migrant communities from developing countries with less wealth and less workplace gender inequality. In this unconventional context, women are more likely than men to step into (international) venture funding roles, particularly when socio-economic need and opportunity are greater.
Mandatory Arbitration: Due Process and Other Constitutional Concerns

Arbitration is so prevalent that one can find arbitration agreements in many different types of contracts involving consumer goods, employment, bank deposits, credit cards, and a whole host of other arrangements. Frequently, businesses place non-negotiable arbitration agreements in their consumer and employment contracts, thereby, creating a mandatory arbitration system for disputes arising under such contracts. Courts readily enforce these arbitration agreements, mostly in furtherance of the Supreme Court-created federal policy in favor of arbitration. Some of the enthusiasm for arbitration is premised on allegations that it reduces litigation cost and provides speedy resolutions of disputes. But, there is much controversy about mandatory arbitration and some unresolved issues that are worthy of consideration by courts and others who are involved in this important debate. For example, there is still a disagreement over whether arbitration is a neutral process or one that is biased in favor of corporations and other repeat defendants. The available evidence is inconclusive, allowing arguments for both sides. Thus, some contend that the arbitration of employment disputes favors employers whereas others assert that arbitration offers benefits that employees might not otherwise obtain. The same lack of consensus exists over the arbitration of consumer disputes. Despite the lack of clarity on these issues, opponents of mandatory arbitration do raise several important arguments about process dangers to consumers, employees, and other plaintiffs who must accept arbitration under adhesion agreements. This article discusses some of the dangers posed by mandatory arbitration.
What Is The Prognostic Value of Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients Without Severely Depressed Ejection Fraction After Myocardial Infarction?

Complex Ventricular Ectopy (CVE)/Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NS-VT) in the Post-Myocardial Infarction (Ml) Period: Background The predictive accuracy of CVE/NS-VT for serious arrhythmic events/sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the post-MI period has undergone radical evaluation in the last 2 decades. In 1981, Bigger et al reported on 430 patients who sustained acute MI and underwent a 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to hospital discharge [1]. Fifty patients (11.6%) had NS-VT, in the form of ≥3 ventricular premature complexes. This group of patients had 38% 1-year mortality rate, compared with a rate of 11.6% in the group without NS-VT. NS-VT had a significant association with many other post-MI risk factors. However, VT was still significantly related to mortality when other variables, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were controlled statistically using a multiple logistic regression model. Similar conclusions were later published by Bigger et al. from 820 patients in the Multicenter Post-Infarction Program, of whom 11% had NS-VT recorded on Holter ECG 11±3 days post-MI [2]. NS-VT had a strong and statistically significant association with all-cause and arrhythmic mortality, independent of other risk stratifiers, including depressed LVEF.
Our Scene is London: Ben Jonson's City and the Space of the Author

In this thought-provoking study Mardock looks at Ben Jonson's epigrams, prose, and verse satire in order to focus on Jonson's theatrical appropriations of London space both in and out of the playhouse. Through this critical analysis, the author argues that the strategies of authorial definition that Jonson pursued throughout his career as a poet and playwright were in large part determined by two intersecting factors: first, his complicated relationship with London's physical places and its institutional topography, and secondly--challenging commonplace assumptions about Jonson's anti-theatricality--the distinctly theatrical model of spatial practice that he brought to bear on his representation of the urban experience. Although much criticism has focused on Jonson's role in the emergence of modern definitions of authorship, most has focused on the material contexts of the book trade, on the politics of Jonson's patronage, or on Jonson's self-construction as a neoclassical and primarily textual poet. Mardock engages with all these considerations, but with a focus on the dramatic practices of urban space--a growing concern among scholars of early-modern drama--as a consistent factor in Jonson's authorial claims.
Ross, Brian D.: A Surgeon “Discovers” NMR – the Development of Clinical Neurospectroscopy: 1980–2010

Clinical neurospectroscopy is the application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the human brain in order to define chemical markers of neurologic disorders, which began in 1980 in Oxford, UK. With the diagnosis of a genetic disorder of glycogen breakdown using the phosphorus nucleus to track intracellular pH, the field of clinical magnetic resonance spectroscopy was launched. When localized, water-suppressed proton spectroscopy re-discovered the unique neuronal metabolite, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), the future of clinical neurospectroscopy was assured. Systematic improvements in water suppression, localization, and shielded gradients on the then “new” high-field clinical MRI scanners allowed routine detection of 20 normal and abnormal brain metabolites, the relative quantities of which vary with disease. By 2010, more than 100 human neurological disorders of newborn infants, children, adults, and the aged can be classified, throwing new light on hitherto obscure disease mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, hepatic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, shaken baby syndrome, and metabolic and hypoxic encephalopathies. Direct evidence that management of patients and cost to society are substantially improved by neurospectroscopy, so-called evidence-based medicine (EBM) awaits a new generation of NMR studies on larger numbers of patients. The future will see ever-wider application of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy in medicine, including ultrahigh field, the growing fields of heteronuclear (31P, 13C, and 15N) and hyperpolarized (13C, 15N, and 39Si) MR spectroscopy. Keywords: medical diagnosis; neurospectroscopy; evidence-based medicine; encephalopathies; Alzheimer's; McArdle's
Massage Efficacy Beliefs for Muscle Recovery from a Running Race

Background: Belief in efficacy of CAM therapies has been sparsely reported and may be different than reported use of the therapy. Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify efficacy beliefs of massage for muscle recovery following a 10-km running race. Setting: Finish zone of a 10-km race. Research Design: Participants completed a brief survey regarding running race characteristics, prior use of massage, and belief in efficacy of massage regarding muscle recovery from the race. Participants: The subject pool consisted of 745 individuals who completed a running race and were within 60 minutes of race completion. Main Outcome Measures: Subjects reported demographic information (age, gender), race information (finish time, perceived exertion, muscle soreness, fatigue), prior use of massage, and belief regarding efficacy of massage for postrace muscle recovery. Results: Most study participants believed that massage would benefit muscle recovery following the running race (80.0%), even though only 43.9% had received a massage previously. Those who had received at least one massage were significantly more likely to believe that massage would benefit muscle recovery (91.9% vs. 70.4%, p < .001). Females were more likely than males to have had a massage (52.3% vs. 36.0%, p < .001) and to believe it would benefit recovery (83.1% vs. 77.1%, p = .046). Conclusions: Massage is well-accepted as a muscle recovery aid following a running race, but females and those who have used massage were significantly more likely to perceive it as advantageous. Belief in a therapeutic value of massage for muscle recovery exceeds its reported use.
Representing financial reports on the semantic web: a faithful translation from XBRL to OWL

We discuss a translation of financial reports from the XBRL format into the Semantic Web language OWL. Different from existing approaches that do structural translation from XBRL's XML schema into OWL, our approach can faithfully preserve the implicit semantics in XBRL and enable the logic model of financial reports. We show that such a translation reduces the risk of redundancy and inconsistency, and enables the quick and useful inference on XBRL based financial reports for better business decisions.
Dynamic traffic demand prediction using conventional and emerging data sources

Origin-destination (OD) flow estimation and prediction is an important problem with applications in Dynamic Traffic Management, and traffic estimation and prediction systems. Recent developments ...
Short-fiber-reinforced epoxy foams

Fiber-reinforced epoxy foams were synthesized with chopped glass and aramid fibers. The influence of fiber loading and length was investigated in order to optimize the properties of these materials. The mechanical performance of the foams was measured under compression and shear loading and compared with competing phenolic and polyurethane foams for calibration, as well as with unreinforced epoxy foam. In general, the mechanical behavior of the reinforced samples showed improvements with respect to the unreinforced foam. The microstructure of the reinforced samples was examined and revealed a homogeneous distribution of cells. The cell distribution was only modified when aramid fibers were used in the manufacture of composites. The thermal stability of the samples was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Samples reinforced with glass fibers exhibited thermal stability superior to those reinforced with aramid fibers.
A conceptual framework for the validation and use of biologic markers

Biologic markers have been discussed extensively in the scientific literature in the past 5 years. That literature generally has focused on the promise and limitations of markers. Currently, a great amount of effort is under way in government, academia, and the private sector to move the field forward. This effort may be characterized by the inventory and review of potential markers and their use. The next requirement is to add a consideration of research and design strategies for the validation and use of biologic markers, especially as they pertain to the assessment of xenobiotic exposures and resultant health impairments. This paper delineates a conceptual framework for the validation and use of biologic markers. It expands on the concept of a continuum of events between ambient exposure to a xenobiotic substance and resultant clinical disease. Strategies for research and marker validation are presented. Biologic markers are considered useful in etiologic and mechanistic research, in secondary prevention of disease, in risk assessment, and in assessing the effectiveness of environmental controls.
Internet transactions: perceptions of personal risk

User perception of the risk associated with giving information to online companies is examined, as well as user concerns with personal privacy and beliefs that using the internet can result in personal privacy problems. A research model was proposed by integrating constructs from previous research, and a survey was conducted to examine one construct: user perception of the internet or the degree to which individuals discriminate between online versus traditional companies. Overwhelmingly, respondents reported feeling more at risk and less safe when giving information to firms that conduct business only online than when giving information to firms that conduct business only in the traditional face-to-face manner in an office or store. Additionally, 65% of those surveyed believe that using the internet can result in personal privacy problems. This paper suggests that positive merchant/web attributes are necessary but insufficient to provide the assurance of transaction safety that web users require.
Evidence for northward movement: of the Emperor Seamounts

Seismic reflection profiles show that the principal guyots in the Emperor Seamounts as far north as lat 45° 30′ are capped by ancient coral reefs. Ocean temperatures during the Cenozoic were probably not warm enough to permit reef growth at the present latitudes of even the southernmost of the Emperor volcanoes investigated. The results of our study indicate northward movement of the Emperor Seamounts as predicted by the hot-spot hypothesis.
A Dual-Targeting, p53-Independent, Apoptosis-Inducing Platinum(II) Anticancer Complex, [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl

The therapeutic index and cellular mechanism of action of [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl, a monocationic, square-planar platinum(II) complex, are reported. [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl was used to treat several cell lines, including wild type and cisplatin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells (A2780 and A2780CP70) and non-proliferating lung carcinoma cells (A549). [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl selectively kills cancer cells over healthy cells and exhibits no cross-resistance with cisplatin. The mechanism of cell killing was established through detailed cell-based assays. [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl exhibits dual-threat capabilities, targeting nuclear DNA and mitochondria simultaneously. [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl induces DNA damage, leading to p53 enrichment, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarisation, and caspase-mediated apoptosis. [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl also accumulates in the mitochondria, resulting in direct mitochondrial damage. Flow cytometric studies demonstrated that [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl has no significant effect on cell cycle progression. Remarkably, p53-status is a not a determinant of [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl activity. In p53-null cells, [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl induces cell death through mitochondrial dysfunction. Cancers with p53-null status could therefore be targeted using [Pt(BDIQQ)]Cl.
Two-temperature modeling of an arc plasma reactor

In this paper a two-temperature plasma model is established and applied to the injection of cold gases into an atmospheric-pressure, high-intensity argon arc. The required nonequilibrium plasma composition and the non-equilibrium transport properties are also calculated. The results show that the arc becomes constricted at the location of gas injection due to thermal and fluid dynamic effects of the injected cold flow. Enhanced Joule heating in the constricted arc path raises the electron as well as the heavy-particle temperatures. This temperature increase resists, via secondary effects, the penetration of the cold gas into the hot arc core which behaves more or less as a “solid body” as far as the injected flow is concerned. The temperature discrepancy between electrons and heavy particles is most severe at the location of cold flow injection, a finding which may have important consequences on chemical reactions in an arc plasma reactor.
Crack arrest at a tear strap under mixed mode loading

Abstract A hybrid experimental-numerical investigation was undertaken to establish a crack kinking criterion and hence crack arrest at a tear strap under mixed mode crack tip deformation. Experimentally determined crack velocities and crack paths from 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys, cruciform fracture specimens, 0.81 mm thick with a 25.4 mm wide and 0.81 mm thick tear strap, were input to a dynamic finite element code to compute the necessary fracture parameters. These results were then used to verify three-parameter crack extension and curving criteria under mixed mode loading.
CAPS Acts at a Prefusion Step in Dense-Core Vesicle Exocytosis as a PIP2 Binding Protein

CAPS-1 is required for Ca2+-triggered fusion of dense-core vesicles with the plasma membrane, but its site of action and mechanism are unknown. We analyzed the kinetics of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis reconstituted in permeable PC12 cells. CAPS-1 increased the initial rate of Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis by acting at a rate-limiting, Ca2+-dependent prefusion step. CAPS-1 activity depended upon prior ATP-dependent priming during which PIP2 synthesis occurs. CAPS-1 activity and binding to the plasma membrane depended upon PIP2. Ca2+ was ineffective in triggering vesicle fusion in the absence of CAPS-1 but instead promoted desensitization to CAPS-1 resulting from decreased plasma membrane PIP2. We conclude that CAPS-1 functions following ATP-dependent priming as a PIP2 binding protein to enhance Ca2+-dependent DCV exocytosis. Essential prefusion steps in dense-core vesicle exocytosis involve sequential ATP-dependent synthesis of PIP2 and the subsequent PIP2-dependent action of CAPS-1. Regulation of PIP2 levels and CAPS-1 activity would control the secretion of neuropeptides and monoaminergic transmitters.
Cycle decomposition by disjoint transpositions

Abstract We investigate in this paper the cycle structures induced on cyclic permutations by disjoint transpositions or, equivalently, the decomposition of a statecycle by interchanging the successors of disjoint state pairs. In both cases we relate the number of resulting cycles to a binary matrix which in a simple manner describes the interaction of the modifications. A possible application to an outstanding problem in shift-register cycle structures is described.
Widespread inosine‐containing mRNA in lymphocytes regulated by ADAR1 in response to inflammation

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification of pre-mRNA catalysed by an RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR). A-to-I RNA editing has been previously reported in the pre-mRNAs of brain glutamate and serotonin receptors and in lung tissue during inflammation. Here we report that systemic inflammation markedly induces inosine-containing mRNA to approximately 5% of adenosine in total mRNA. Induction was the result of up-regulation of A-to-I RNA editing as both dsRNA editing activity and ADAR1 expression were increased in the spleen, thymus and peripheral lymphocytes from endotoxin-treated mice. Up-regulation of ADAR1 was confirmed in vitro in T lymphocytes and macrophages stimulated with a variety of inflammatory mediators including tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. A late induction of RNA editing was detected in concanavalin A-activated splenocytes stimulated with interleukin-2 in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that a large number of inosine-containing mRNAs are produced during acute inflammation via up-regulation of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing. These events may affect the inflammatory and immune response through modulation of protein production.
Analysis on the complexity of the problem to construct the most parsimonious phylogenetic trees

With the availability of ever-increasing gene sequence data across a large number of species, reconstruction of phylogenetic trees to reveal the evolution relationship among those species becomes more and more important. In this paper, we present a novel proof of the NP-completeness of the large parsimony problem by reduction from a newly-proved NP-complete problem [3,17,18] to gain additional insight of this fundamental problem in computational biology. We then conduct experiments based upon our recent work [15] of a random tree optimization algorithm based on cross-entropy method [23] for the construction of the most parsimonious phylogenetic trees across 12 Drosophila genomes [21].
Linker histone H1.0 interacts with an extensive network of proteins found in the nucleolus

The H1 linker histones are abundant chromatin-associated DNA-binding proteins. Recent evidence suggests that linker histones also may function through protein–protein interactions. To gain a better understanding of the scope of linker histone involvement in protein–protein interactions, we used a proteomics approach to identify H1-binding proteins in human nuclear extracts. Full-length H1.0 and H1.0 lacking its C-terminal domain (CTD) were used for protein pull-downs. A total of 107 candidate H1.0 binding proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS. About one-third of the H1.0-dependent interactions were mediated by the CTD, and two-thirds by the N-terminal domain-globular domain fragment. Many of the proteins pulled down by H1.0 were core splicing factors. Another group of H1-binding proteins functions in rRNA biogenesis. H1.0 also pulled down numerous ribosomal proteins and proteins involved in cellular transport. Strikingly, nearly all of the H1.0-binding proteins are found in the nucleolus. Quantitative biophysical studies with recombinant proteins confirmed that H1.0 directly binds to FACT and the splicing factors SF2/ASF and U2AF65. Our results demonstrate that H1.0 interacts with an extensive network of proteins that function in RNA metabolism in the nucleolus, and suggest that a new paradigm for linker histone action is in order.
Cyclic odd-even reduction for symmetric circulant matrices

Abstract A cyclic odd-even reduction algorithm for symmetric circulant matrices is defined, and a subclass of problems to which the algorithm may be applied is identified. Also, sufficient conditions are established which guarantee that the off-diagonal elements of the reduced matrices converge quadratically to zero.
Modeling and control of micro and nanosystems

This special session describes emerging modeling and control problems and solutions for integrated systems that operate at the micro and nano length scales. Complete integrated systems can be as small as millimeters across, which can include dozens of individual components with sizes ranging from nanometers to 100s of microns. These integrated systems typically incorporate such elements as microelectronics, photonics, micro-cantilevers, and microfluidics. These small-scale systems are typically manufactured by using techniques for integrated circuits and/or polymer-based techniques such as micro-injection molding and micro-imprinting. Models and control designs for these systems typically have to be adjusted to account for or utilize the characteristics of small length scales. The special session will have three presentations that describe a variety of micro and nanosystems and their associated modeling and control problems.
Lipid extraction from biomass using co-solvent mixtures of ionic liquids and polar covalent molecules

Abstract The applicability of ionic liquid-polar covalent molecule co-solvent systems to extract bio-oils from biomass is evaluated. In our approach the extracted lipids are auto-partitioned to a separate immiscible phase for ease of harvesting. We propose that the action of the polar covalent molecule is largely to disrupt the cell wall and to improve the efficiency at which the lipid is extracted from the biomass. As ionic liquid solutions are both amphiphilic and characterized by strong “self-associating” ionic bonding between the cations and anions, we propose that the action of the ionic liquid is to facilitate the transfer of the lipids to the surface interface where they auto partition into a self-associating and separate phase. The potential of the co-solvent system to co-extract protein is also noted.
Transgenic overexpression of Leucaena β-carbonic anhydrases in tobacco does not affect carbon assimilation and overall biomass

The role of β-carbonic anhydrases (CAs) in C3 plant carbon assimilation is not clear. In this study, the primary role of C3 plant β-CAs in carbon assimilation was investigated for which, a chloroplastic β-CA gene (cacp) and a cytoplasmic β-CA gene (cacyt) from a C3 tree-legume of tropics, Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) were overexpressed in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). The cacp and cacyt β-CA isoforms from leucaena were overexpressed separately and also together in tobacco resulting in three types of transgenic tobacco plants (i) expressing cacp only (ii) expressing cacyt only and (iii) co-expressing both cacp and cacyt. These transgenic plants exhibited significantly higher activity of β-CAs as compared with wild-type plants. The percent increase in the CA activity of transgenic plants expressing leucaena cacyt or cacp was found to be ∼51 and ∼55%, respectively. The transgenic tobacco expressing both the leucaena β-CA isoforms exhibited ∼63% increase in CA activity as compared with the wild-type. Howev...
Minimum sonic boom shock strengths and overpressures.

THE question of the minimum realizable sonic boom shock pressure rise is, in a sense, a closed one. For any given aircraft weight, flight Mach number and altitude, if the aircraft is sufficiently long, then shock waves may be avoided altogether. This is a consequence of two phenomena: the slow evolution of the signature toward its asymptotic shape in a homogeneous atmosphere1; the “freezing” of the signature shape that occurs because of the nearly exponential increase in atmospheric density with distance below the aircraft2. Typical length requirements for total elimination of the shock waves in the aircraft signature are beyond our present structural capability3. Ferri4 has pointed out, however, that within the lengths at present under consideration for the Boeing 2707 (318 feet), it is possible to design realistic aircraft with overpressures below those given by the far-field lower bounds4.
Qualification needs for advanced integrated aircraft

In an effort to achieve maximum aircraft performance, designers are integrating aircraft systems. The characteristics of aerodynamics, vehicle structure, and propulsion systems are being integrated and controlled through embedded, often flight critical, electronic systems. The qualification needs for such highly integrated aircraft systems are addressed. Based on flight experience with research aircraft, a set of test capabilities is described which allows for complete and efficient qualification of advanced integrated aircraft.
The USH1C 216G-->A mutation and the 9-repeat VNTR(t,t) allele are in complete linkage disequilibrium in the Acadian population.

Recently, mutations in USH1C were shown to be associated with Usher syndrome type IC, and a mutation (216G→A) in exon 3 was identified in an Acadian family. In addition, a 45-bp variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism was found in intron 5 of USH1C. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the VNTR region and restriction enzyme analysis of exon 3 of USH1C showed that, of 44 Acadian patients, 43 were homozygous for both the 216G→A mutation and nine repeats of the VNTR, with a "t" nucleotide replacing a "g" nucleotide at the 8th position of both the eighth and ninth copies of the repeat, viz., 9VNTR(t,t). The remaining Acadian patient was reported to be a compound heterozygote for 216G→A/9VNTR(t,t) and 238–239insC, a USH1C mutation that has been found in other populations. These data demonstrate that the 9VNTR(t,t) allele is in complete linkage disequilibrium with the 216G→A mutation in the Acadian population. Among 82 Acadian controls, one was heterozygous for 216G→A/9VNTR(t,t). The 238–239insC mutation was not found in Acadian controls. Analysis of 340 non-Acadian normal samples showed the presence of a 9-repeat VNTR allele in one Hispanic sample. This individual had neither the 216G→A mutation nor the Acadian VNTR(t,t) structure. These results suggest that the 216G→A mutation and the 9VNTR(t,t) allele are restricted to the Acadians and are in complete linkage disequilibrium.
II—mean curvature and weighted mean curvature

Abstract Several different formulations are in use for mean curvature (appropriate for isotropic surface free energy) and weighted mean curvature (appropriate for anisotropic surface free energy). These formulations are collected and described in this paper. Both smooth and nonsmooth surface free energy functions are considered, as well as both smooth and nonsmooth surfaces. Several of the formulations apply when multiple junction points and curves are present.
On Saint-Venant's principle in the two-dimensional flexural vibrations of elastic beams

Abstract In this paper we apply the method proposed in our previous paper [Int. J. Solids Struct. 40(13–14) (2003) 3293] to quantitatively estimate the violation of Saint-Venant's principle in the problem of flexural vibration of a two-dimensional strip. A probabilistic approach is used to determine the relative magnitude of the penetrating stress state and the results of computations are presented as a function of frequency. The results are not dependent on material properties except for Poisson's ratio. The numerical results given are appropriate for all isotropic materials with equal Lame' coefficients. Our major conclusion is that over a wide range of frequencies, the maximum propagating stress is always small compared with the maximum applied stress; hence Saint-Venant's principle may be said to apply in this problem. By considering applied loads with increasing spatial frequency content it was concluded that a smooth self-equilibrated load will cause a larger penetrating stress than a more irregular one. Although initially this may seem counter-intuitive, it results from the penetrating branch having the smoothest spatial distribution of all the branches of the solution to the dynamic elasticity equations. An interesting outcome of our study is that the accuracy of engineering theories for flexural vibrations is much higher than for longitudinal vibrations.
Chitin synthetase activity ofNeurospora crassa: Effect of Primulin and Congo red

Primulin, a carbohydrate-binding dye, was found to be a noncompetitive inhibitor ofNeurospora crassa chitin synthetase activityin vitro with aKiapp of about 14 μM. Congo red at concentrations up to 500 μg/ml was without effect on enzyme activityin vitro.
Radical entry in emulsion polymerization: propagation at latex particles/water interfaces.

Abstract In emulsion polymerization, complete entry of an initiator-derived, surface-active radical may involve its adsorption onto latex particles/water interfaces and subsequently its propagation with one more monomer molecule therein. However, all publications to date have defined this propagation step as a three-dimensional bulk reaction between a surface-active entry radical and a monomer molecule. This is incorrect conceptually. It is proposed that the rate of the propagation of surface-active entry radicals with monomer at latex particles/water interfaces be expressed as − d [ M Z ⋅ ] w / l / d t = k I A [ M ] P [ M Z ⋅ ] aq . In this equation, A is the interfacial area between water and latex particles; [ M ] P and [ M Z ⋅ ] aq are the mean concentrations of monomer in the particle phase and entry radicals in the aqueous phase, respectively; k I is the radical propagation constant at the interfaces, and may be estimated via transition state theory. For seeded styrene polymerization by Hawkett et al. (J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. 1 76 (1980) 1323), k I ≈ ∼ 4.2 × 10 −9 k p ( mol −1 dm 4 s −1 ) is estimated. Here k p is the propagation rate coefficient in bulk polymerization. This alternative approach should be useful for one to simulate radical entry rate in emulsion polymerization where the propagation step may be rate-determining, such as under monomer-starved conditions.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis outbreak associated with nude mice in a research institute.

Objective. —After an employee at a cancer research institute was diagnosed with lymphocytic choriomeningitis, an investigation was performed to determine the extent of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infections among the institute's employees and to identify risk factors for infection. Design. —Retrospective cohort study. Setting. —A US cancer research institute. Participants. —Eighty-two of 90 institute employees. Main Outcome Measures. —Serum LCMV antibodies. Results. —Seven workers (9%) with definite LCMV infection (LCMV IgG antibody titer ≥ 16) and one worker (1%) with probable infection (IgG titer = 8) were identified (10% overall seroprevalence). All infected employees handled animals or animal tissues and were more likely than other animal handlers to have worked with nude mice ( Mus musculus ) ( P P P P Conclusions. —This LCMV outbreak, the first reported since 1974, is the first associated with nude mice. It illustrates the ongoing hazard LCMV poses in research laboratories. Since the symptoms of LCMV infection can be nonspecific, clinicians should consider this diagnosis in ill patients who report laboratory rodent exposure. ( JAMA . 1992;267:1349-1353)
Comparison of AC I-V characteristic of Si and SiC MOSFETs

A physical model for the AC I–V characteristics of high voltage MOS based power devices is presented here. A closed form expression is derived to predict the AC I–V characteristics based on the knowledge of widely used C-V measurement method used to characterize MOS interfaces. This model is then used to compare commercial Si and SiC high voltage power MOSFETs.