cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction between the Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase and Fusion Glycoproteins of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type III Regulates Viral Growth In Vivo

ABSTRACT Paramyxoviruses, enveloped RNA viruses that include human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3), cause the majority of childhood viral pneumonia. HPIV3 infection starts when the viral receptor-binding protein engages sialic acid receptors in the lung and the viral envelope fuses with the target cell membrane. Fusion/entry requires interaction between two viral surface glycoproteins: tetrameric hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion protein (F). In this report, we define structural correlates of the HN features that permit infection in vivo . We have shown that viruses with an HN-F that promotes growth in cultured immortalized cells are impaired in differentiated human airway epithelial cell cultures (HAE) and in vivo and evolve in HAE into viable viruses with less fusogenic HN-F. In this report, we identify specific structural features of the HN dimer interface that modulate HN-F interaction and fusion triggering and directly impact infection. Crystal structures of HN, which promotes viral growth in vivo , show a diminished interface in the HN dimer compared to the reference strain’s HN, consistent with biochemical and biological data indicating decreased dimerization and decreased interaction with F protein. The crystallographic data suggest a structural explanation for the HN’s altered ability to activate F and reveal properties that are critical for infection in vivo . IMPORTANCE Human parainfluenza viruses cause the majority of childhood cases of croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia worldwide. Enveloped viruses must fuse their membranes with the target cell membranes in order to initiate infection. Parainfluenza fusion proceeds via a multistep reaction orchestrated by the two glycoproteins that make up its fusion machine. In vivo , viruses adapt for survival by evolving to acquire a set of fusion machinery features that provide key clues about requirements for infection in human beings. Infection of the lung by parainfluenzavirus is determined by specific interactions between the receptor binding molecule (hemagglutinin-neuraminidase [HN]) and the fusion protein (F). Here we identify specific structural features of the HN dimer interface that modulate HN-F interaction and fusion and directly impact infection. The crystallographic and biochemical data point to a structural explanation for the HN’s altered ability to activate F for fusion and reveal properties that are critical for infection by this important lung virus in vivo .
Innovative Practices in Service- Learning and Curricular Engagement

This chapter summarizes institutional best practices in the assessment of service-learning.
Multiple interrogation of phase-conjugating arrays

The performance of a phase-conjugating array (PCA) in a multiple-interrogator environment is investigated. The PCA demonstrates the ability to properly retrodirect signals toward multiple interrogators to varying degrees, dependent on phase, angle of incidence, and amplitude differences between the interrogators. The effect of the three parameters is demonstrated for the 6-GHz array at interrogating angles of ±10° and ±20°. Agreement between the experimental results and theoretical simulations confirm the validity of the measurements; extrapolation of the simulations for additional cases is also presented.
Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics Are Remaking America, by William H. Frey

Growing demographic diversity is one of the key trends shaping the next century in the United States and elsewhere. A new book from the Brookings Institution, Diversity Explosion: How New Racial De...
MEMS milliactuator for hard-disk-drive tracking servo

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and operational characteristics of a MEMS milliactuator designed for servo tracking in a hard-disk drive (HDD). The actuator is designed to increase the bandwidth of an HDD tracking servo and pack more recording tracks on a disk. An Invar (low thermal expansion metal) electrode position process was developed to meet the thermal stability requirement. The electroplated Invar's thermal coefficient of expansion is as low as 6.3/spl times/10/sup -6//K, which is almost half of that of pure nickel. For the plating mold pattern definition, a high-aspect-ratio polymer etching technique was developed. A high-aspect-ratio structure line-and-gap definition is required to achieve both a high directional stiffness ratio and electrode efficiency for the actuator. The etching technique described can etch through a thick (<40 /spl mu/m) polymer layer with an aspect ratio of 16:1 at an etch rate of <2 /spl mu/m/min. Low-cost/high-volume manufacturing is achievable by this batch fabrication technique. A milliactuator was fabricated and assembled with a suspension and a slider weighted at around 2 mg. The slider was successfully driven by the milliactuator while the slider was flying on a spinning disk. The operational characteristics (frequency response) of the in-flight milliactuator were measured, and the results indicate that the actuator is suitable for high-bandwidth HDD servo-tracking applications.
Fifteen Years after Wingspread -Environmental Endocrine Disrupters and Human and Wildlife Health : Where We are Today and Where We Need to Go

In 1991, a group of expert scientists at a Wingspread work session on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) concluded that ‘‘Many compounds introduced into the environment by human activity are capable of disrupting the endocrine system of animals, including fish, wildlife, and humans. Endocrine disruption can be profound because of the crucial role hormones play in controlling development.’’ Since that time, there have been numerous documented examples of adverse effects of EDCs in invertebrates, fish, wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Hormonal systems can be disrupted by numerous different anthropogenic chemicals including antiandrogens, androgens, estrogens, AhR agonists, inhibitors of steroid hormone synthesis, antithyroid substances, and retinoid agonists. In addition, pathways and targets for endocrine disruption extend beyond the traditional estrogen/ androgen/thyroid receptor–mediated reproductive and developmental systems. For example, scientists have expressed concern about the potential role of EDCs in increasing trends in early puberty in girls, obesity and type II diabetes in the United States and other populations. New concerns include complex endocrine alterations induced by mixtures of chemicals, an issue broadened due to the growing awareness that EDCs present in the environment include a variety of potent human and veterinary pharmaceutical products, personal care products, nutraceuticals and phytosterols. In this review we (1) address what have we learned about the effects of EDCs on fish, wildlife, and human health, (2) discuss representative animal studies on (anti)androgens, estrogens and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin–like chemicals, and (3) evaluate regulatory proposals being considered for screening and testing these chemicals.
Derivation of distributions of the degree of polymerization by probability theory

A method of determining distributions of the degree of polymerization by means of probability theory is derived. This method, based on Kolmogorov's forward differential equation, is illustrated by application to two familiar kinetic schemes and is used to derive the distribution of degree of polymerization for free-radical polymerization with diffusion-controlled termination.
An examination of PRPG selection approaches for large, industrial designs

A study for selecting effective pseudo-random pattern generators (PRPGs) for large industrial designs is undertaken. For the PRPG selection process, guidance from a set of ISCAS benchmark circuits is initially sought. The set of benchmark circuits used is shown to be ineffective in providing material guidance. The alternative of PRPG selection through actual design experimentation is examined and its weaknesses identified and outlined. A brief DFT analysis is outlined to indicate the importance of early PRPG selection.
Assessment of Nepheline Precipitation in Nuclear Waste Glass Via Thermochemical Modeling

A thermochemical representation of the Na-Al-Si-B-O system relevant for nuclear waste glass has been developed based on the associate species approach for the glass solution phase. Thermochemical data were assessed and associate species data determined for binary and ternary subsystems in the Na2O-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 system. Computed binary and ternary phase diagrams were compared to published diagrams during this process, with adjustments in data made as necessary to obtain consistent thermodynamic values. The resulting representation for the four oxide system was used to help understand the problem of nepheline precipitation in certain waste glass formulations.
Patient Abandonment in the Name of Opioid Safety

In the political arena, when two branches of government are headed in one direction, the other branch is often dragged along in the process. This also appears to be the case with prescription opioid policy, but instead of political branches, well-meaning researchers and politicians are dragging prescribers in a direction that could result in patient abandonment. While the pendulum is clearly swinging away from opioids and has left some patients behind, at least two things could help reduce the resulting harm: balanced policies and a good dose of humility among all concerned. The Centers for Disease Control played a major role in sounding the first alarm about the morbidity and mortality associated with the use of prescription opioids ⇓. Trend analyses from several states reported an alarming increase in opioid-related deaths ⇓. In an effort to reduce the …
The Emergence of Bacterial Resistance and Its Influence on Empiric Therapy

The discovery of antimicrobial agents had a major impact on the rate of survival from infections. However, the changing patterns of antimicrobial resistance caused a demand for new antibacterial agents. Within a few years of the introduction of penicillin, the majority of staphylococci were resistant to that drug. In the 1960s the production of the semisynthetic penicillins provided an answer to the problem of staphylococcal resistance. In the early 1960s most Escherichia coli were susceptible to the new beta-lactam antibiotic ampicillin; by the end of that decade, plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase resistance was found in 30%-50% of hospital-acquired E. coli. Use of certain agents resulted in the selection of bacteria, such as Klebsiella, that are intrinsically resistant to ampicillin. The original cephalosporins were stable to beta-lactamase, but the use of these agents was in part responsible for the appearance of infections due to Enterobacter species, Citrobacter species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria, as well as Serratia, were resistant to many of the available beta-lactam agents. Aminoglycosides initially provided excellent activity against most of the facultative gram-negative bacteria. However, the widespread dissemination of the genes that cause production of the aminoglycoside-inactivating enzymes altered the use of those agents. Clearly, the evolution of bacterial resistance has altered the prescribing patterns for antimicrobial agents. Knowledge that beta-lactam resistance to ampicillin or cephalothin is prevalent is causing physicians to select as empiric therapy either a combination of two or more agents or agents to which resistance is uncommon. The new cephalosporins offer a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial activity coupled with low toxicity. However, physicians must closely follow the changing ecology of bacteria when these agents are used, because cephalosporins can also select bacteria resistant to themselves and thereby abolish their value as empiric therapy.
Nuclear in vitro method of continuously evaluating release rates of solid dosage forms

A nuclear in vitro continuous release rate measuring method has been developed and evaluated which permits determination of the release rates of 14C-labeled materials from solid dosage forms. The nuclear apparatus consisted of a scintillation flow cell and a liquid scintillation spectrometer which recorded count rates automatically. The nuclear method was compared with a spectral method in measuring the release rates of 14C-labeled caffeine and carrier caffeine from three different tablet systems. The two methods were equally precise and there was no statistical difference in the release rates determined by the two methods of analysis for any of the tablet systems studied. The nuclear method may be more convenient and less sensitive to the presence of interfering substances than a spectral method. The nuclear method can be employed as a continuous and automated methodology to reflect the effect of formulation or physical changes on the release rate of dosage forms.
Self‐Generated Performance Feedback in Interviewing Training

The present study examined the effect of self-generated performance feedback, of expert performance feedback, and of no performance feedback on novice counselor trainee's production of counselor tacting response leads (CTRLs). Self-generated performance feedback consisted of the participants responding to a video-taped client and then orally evaluating their own response on the basis of a performance standard. Expert performance feedback consisted of verbal feedback from a designated expert given over a bug-in-the-ear apparatus. Analysis of four measures of CTRLs revealed no differences resulting from either source of feedback—self or expert—however, those who received feedback outperformed the controls. These differences were maintained over a short time span.
PULSE-CODED INFORMATION TRANSMISSION ACROSS AN AXIALLY EXCITED CHIRAL-SCULPTURED THIN FILM IN THE BRAGG REGIME

Although a monochromatic plane wae of a certain circular polarization state and waelength may be almost completely reflected by a chiral sculptured thin film, we show here that information coded in rectangular pulses can still be transmitted across the filmproided the rise and fall times of the pulses are sufficiently small and the pulse widths are sufficiently large. 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 28: 5962, 2001.
Distributed artificial intelligence in process control

A distributed artificial intelligence based system for process planning in surface mount printed circuit board assembly was designed and developed. Multiple intelligent agents work together to read a CAD drawing of an assembly and subsequently deduce the process instructions needed. The system can also review a board from a 'design for manufacturing' perspective and identify the cost of assembly. It uses fuzzy logic to deal with domain related uncertainty. Object oriented programming concepts have been used in system implementation.
MCP arthrodesis using an intramedullary interlocking device.

Background A variety of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthrodesis techniques have been described for the treatment of symptomatic arthritis and instability of the thumb MCPJ including K wire fixation, tension-band arthrodesis, plate fixation, intramedullary screw, and other intramedullary devices. This study presents a retrospective review of one surgeon's initial series of patients undergoing thumb MCP arthrodesis using an intramedullary compression device with a fixed angle of 25°.
Exhaled breath condensate eicosanoid levels associate with asthma and its severity

Background The relationship between anti-inflammatory lipoxins and proinflammatory leukotrienes might be important in the pathobiology and severity of asthma. Objective We sought to investigate whether exhaled breath condensate (EBC) lipoxin and leukotriene measurements can noninvasively characterize the asthmatic diathesis and its severity. Methods We measured lipoxin A 4 (LXA 4 ) and leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) levels in EBC collected from patients with asthma of different severities and from healthy control subjects. Results EBC LXA 4 and LTB 4 levels are increased in asthmatic patients compared with those seen in healthy control subjects (LXA 4 : 31.40 vs 2.41 pg/mL EBC, respectively [ P 4 : 45.62 vs 3.82 pg/mL EBC, respectively [ P 4 /LTB 4 ratio decreases with increasing asthma severity. It is 41% lower in patients with severe versus moderate asthma (0.52 vs 0.88, P = .034). EBC LXA 4 levels correlate with the degree of airflow obstruction measured by using FEV 1 ( r = 0.28, P = .018). An LXA 4 cutoff value of 7 pg/mL EBC provides 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity for the diagnosis of asthma (area under the curve, 0.96; P 4 cutoff value of 11 pg/mL EBC provides 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the diagnosis of asthma (area under the curve, 1; P Conclusions Proresolving and proinflammatory eicosanoids are generated in the airways of all asthmatic patients. The proportion of proresolving compounds decreases with asthma severity. These findings support the role for EBC eicosanoid measurements in the noninvasive diagnosis of asthma and suggest that proresolving eicosanoid pathways are dysregulated in patients with severe asthma.
Female Directors And Firm Characteristics: A USA UK Comparison

Shareholders and other stakeholders are placing an increasing emphasis on corporate governance. The composition of a board is an important aspect of corporate governance. There is some evidence that gender diversity in the boardroom has an impact on the operations of a company. Both U.S. and UK corporations are increasing female representation on their boards. The purpose of this particular study is to compare gender diversity on U.S. and UK boards, and investigate some firm characteristics that may be associated with above or below average female representation.
Evidence that uncharged verapamil inhibits myocardial contractility.

The object of this study was to determine the molecular species of verapamil (Vp) which is responsible for the negative inotropic activity of the drug. Toward this end, we developed a model system which allowed us to determine the concentrations of protonated and neutral Vp and four congeners in solution and bound to an amphiphilic interface. We then determined the effect of Vp and these congeners on twitch tension in sheep trabecular muscle and correlated species abundance with biologic activity. The cumulative log dose-response curves of Vp, acyano-Vp and nor-Vp were sigmoidal. The concentrations of drug which were required to inhibit twitch tension by 50% (IC50) were 1000 +/- 240, 3350 +/- 620 and 7140 +/- 950 nM, respectively (mean +/- S.D.; P less than .01). Quaternary-Vp, an amphiphilic, nonionizable protonated derivative, produced some nonspecific inhibition which never reached 50%. Tetrahydroxy-Vp, a hydrophilic ionizable derivative, was inactive. Concentrations of the membrane-bound, neutral form of Vp, acyano-Vp and nor-Vp were comparable at their IC50 values (86 +/- 19, 104 +/- 19 and 121 +/- 16 nM, respectively; mean +/- S.D.; P, N.S.). In contrast, the concentrations of the membrane-bound, protonated form were significantly different and accounted for the "apparent" difference in the IC50 values. Based on these data, we conclude that: 1) ionizability and amphiphilicity are required for the negative inotropic effects of verapamil, acyano-Vp and nor-Vp; 2) twitch tension correlates best with the concentration of the membrane-bound neutral form of each drug; and 3) the potency differences between Vp, acyano-Vp and nor-Vp, as reflected by their IC50 values, are apparent, not real.
Semiquantitative Bioassay for Levels of Cucurbitacins Using the Banded Cucumber Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Various concentrations of semipurified cucurbitacin solutions were applied to chromatography papers. A colony of Diabrotica balteata LeConte was allowed to feed on the treated papers, and visitations and feeding responses were recorded. Feeding response was reflected by the darkness of brown stains produced by insect saliva. Visitation frequency was a good indicator of the age of the colony; the parameter was also useful to estimate amounts of cucurbitacin, provided the colony was young. Feeding response declined slightly with increasing age. Dose-response curves showed that concentrations of cucurbitacins could be estimated fairly accurately within the bounds described (4–0.0078 μg·μl−1). The threshold level was 5 × 10−12 g, when applied in a volume of 0.2 μl. Preliminary results indicated that the bioassay can be used to test for the presence of phagodeterrents.
Intra-articular delivery of a herpes simplex virus IL-1Ra gene vector reduces inflammation in a rabbit model of arthritis.

To evaluate the use of HSV-based vectors for arthritis gene therapy we have constructed a first-generation, ICP4 deficient, replication defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector (S/0−) and a second-generation HSV vector derivative (T/0−) deficient for the immediate–early genes ICP4, 22 and 27, each carrying a soluble TNF receptor or IL-1 receptor antagonist transgene cassette. A rabbit synovial-fibroblast line in culture, infected by either vector enabled high-level expression of the transgene product. However, following a single intra-articular injection of the vectors into rabbit knee joints, only the second-generation, HSV T/0− vector expressed detectable levels of soluble TNFR in synovial fluid. Synovial lavage fluid from inoculated joints con- tained up to 12 ng/ml of soluble receptor that persisted at detectable, but reduced levels for at least 7 days. When tested in an experimental model of arthritis generated by intra-articular overexpression of interleukin-1β using retrovirus transduced synovial cells, the HSV T/0− vector expressing the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was found to inhibit leukocytosis and synovitis significantly. The improved levels and duration of intra-articular transgene expression achieved via HSV-mediated gene delivery suggest that an HSV vector system could be used for therapeutic applications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint-related inflammatory diseases.
Radiation treatment of spinal tumors using Cyberknife radiosurgery

1545 Background: Morbidity associated with spinal tumors can leave patients with functional limitations, pain, and poor quality of life. Since the integrity of the spinal column and the spinal cord...
Differential expression of SM1 and SM2 myosin isoforms in cultured vascular smooth muscle

Ribonuclease protection assays were used to measure expression of smooth muscle (SM) specific myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms SM1 (204 kDa) and SM2 (200 kDa) and also nonmuscle MHC-A in cultured smooth muscle cells isolated from rat aorta. In cells grown in 10% serum for 3-5 days until subconfluent, SM1 MHC mRNA decreased by 30% and SM2 MHC mRNA decreased by 80%. In cells grown in confluency for 7-11 days, SM1 MHC mRNA decreased by 45% and SM2 MHC mRNA decreased by 80%. Similar reductions were found in passaged cells. Serum withdrawal for 1-2 days from confluent cultures had little or no effect on SM1 or SM2 MHC mRNA levels. In contrast, nonmuscle MHC-A mRNA increased 10-fold in subconfluent cultures but increased only threefold higher than controls in quiescent cells. Myosin protein analysis using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting indicated that SM1 MHC protein was detectable at a reduced level in confluent cultured cells, whereas SM2 MHC protein was absent in confluent cells. The decrease in SM2 was much greater than SM1, indicating differential regulation. An apparently new isoform of SM1 MHC migrating with a mobility similar to SM2 type MHC was detected by immunoblot analysis in cultured cells.
Preschoolers' Preference for Syntactic Complexity Varies by Socioeconomic Status

Two experiments investigated whether 4- and 5-year-old children choose to learn from informants who use more complex syntax (passive voice) over informants using more simple syntax (active voice). In Experiment 1 (N = 30), children viewed one informant who consistently used the passive voice and another who used active voice. When learning novel words from the two informants, children were more likely to endorse information from the passive informant. Experiment 2 (N = 32) explored whether preference for the passive informant varied by socioeconomic status (SES; eligibility for free/reduced lunch). Although higher SES children selectively preferred the passive informant, lower SES children preferred the active informant. Explanations are discussed for why SES might moderate children's sensitivity to syntactic complexity when choosing from whom to learn.
Aging: biologic or pathologic?

If disease is only casually related to aging, the prevailing strategy of dealing with each disease category is appropriate; if they are linked causally, the current strategy may not only be inappropriate but prove futile. The extent to which optimal gerontologic care can delay the onset of biologic deterioration, together with the use of short-lived animal models for research, may eventually resolve this issue.
Exit equilibrium: Towards understanding voluntary participation in security games

In a system of interdependent users, the security of an entity is affected not only by that user's effort towards securing her system, but also by the security decisions of other users. The provision of security in such environment is modeled as a public good provision problem, and is referred to as a security game. In this paper, we propose the notion of exit equilibrium to study users' voluntary participation in mechanisms for provision of non-excludable public goods. We show the fundamental result that, due to the non-excludable nature of security, there exists no reliable mechanism which can incentivize the socially optimal investment profile, while ensuring voluntary participation and maintaining a weakly balanced budget, for all instances of security games. To better understand the features of the games that lead to this result, we consider the class of weighted effort games, and apply the two well-known Pivotal (VCG) and Externality mechanisms. Through analysis and simulation, we identify the effects of several features of the problem environment, including diversity in user types, multiplicity of exit equilibria, and users' self-dependence levels, on the performance of these mechanisms.
Applications of Gas Chromatography in Forensic Science

Gas chromatography (GC) is considered to be a mature and indispensable analytical instrument in forensic science. High sensitivity, selectivity, resolution and speed, good accuracy and precision, wide dynamic concentration range, simple and robust instrument design, and its ability to be interfaced with many established and emerging detection systems have made GC the instrument of choice in many facets of forensic science. A continuous influx of new column chemistries, development of high precision thermal and pneumatic controlling systems, introduction to program temperature vaporizer (PTV), advancement in control electronics, and the large number of available detection systems have maintained gas chromatography in a unique position. Although the applications of gas chromatography are limited to volatile and semivolatile organic compounds, rapid development in derivatization chemistry and high temperature capabilities have made hundreds of new organic compounds with forensic significance amenable to GC and thus extended its horizon.
Composition and variability of leachate from recent and aged areas within a municipal landfill

A leachate study was conducted at a large, operating, regional municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill near Seattle, Washington, to examine differences in composition and emission rates between old and new areas of the fill. The landfill began operation in 1966, was receiving approximately 2000 tpd of MSW and had 30×10 6 m 3 (∼12×10 6 tonnes) waste in place at the time of this study. The two areas studied had average ages of 3.7 and 16 years, and contained 5.7×10 6 and 2.04×10 6 tonnes of MSW, respectively. Variations in flow rate, total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), Fe, and Mn were monitored over a 3-month period in the winter and spring of 1992. Increases in flow driven by precipitation caused gradually increasing leachate mass emissions from the aged fill. The rate of mass emission increase with increasing flow from the new fill was more than three times higher than that from the old fill. Leachate flow through the old fill appeared more channelized, resulting in diluting effects with increasing percolation. In leachate from the new fill concentrations were essentially independent of flow. Overall, mass emissions per unit waste mass in place decreased with increasing waste age for TDS and Mn, indicating that these components were leachable independent of degradation processes. Mass emissions per unit waste mass in place increased with increasing waste age for COD, TOC, and Fe, which typify components that increase in availability for leaching with increasing age and progressing stage of decomposition
Maternal and postnatal high-fat diet consumption programs energy balance and hypothalamic melanocortin signaling in nonhuman primate offspring

Maternal high-fat-diet (HFD) consumption during pregnancy decreased fetal body weight and impacted development of hypothalamic melanocortin neural circuitry in nonhuman primate offspring. We investigated whether these impairments during gestation persisted in juvenile offspring and examined the interaction between maternal and early postnatal HFD consumption. Adult dams consumed either a control diet (CTR; 15% calories from fat) or a high-saturated-fat diet (HFD; 37% calories from fat) during pregnancy. Offspring were weaned onto a CTR or HFD at ~8 mo of age. Offspring from HFD-fed dams displayed early catch-up growth and elevated body weight at 6 and 13 mo of age. Maternal and postnatal HFD exposure reduced the amount of agouti-related peptide fibers in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Postnatal HFD consumption also decreased the amount of agouti-related peptide fibers in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Postnatal HFD was associated with decreased food intake and increased activity. These results support and extend our previous findings of maternal diet effects on fetal development and reveal, for the first time in a nonhuman primate model, that maternal HFD-induced disturbances in offspring body weight regulation extended past gestation into the juvenile period. Maternal HFD consumption increases the risk for offspring developing obesity, with the developmental timing of HFD exposure differentially impacting the melanocortin system and energy balance regulation. The present findings provide translational insight into human clinical populations, suggesting that profound health consequences may await individuals later in life following intrauterine and postnatal HFD exposure.
A bootstrapped PMHT with feature measurements and a new way to derive its information matrix

The probabilistic multiple-hypothesis tracker (PMHT), a tracking algorithm of considerable theoretical elegance based on the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, will be considered for the problem of multiple target tracking (MTT) with multiple sensors in clutter. Aside from position observations, continuous measurements associated with the unique and constant feature of each target are incorporated to jointly estimate the states and feature of the targets for the sake of tracking and classification, leading to a bootstrapped implementation of the PMHT. In addition, we rederived the information matrix for the big state vector stacking states for all the targets at all the time steps during the observation time. Simulation results have been conducted for both closely spaced and well separated scenarios with and without feature measurements. The normalized estimation error squared (NEES) calculated using the information matrix for both scenarios with and without feature measurements are within the 95% probability region. In other words, the estimates are consistent with the corresponding covariances.
Investigating new risk reduction and mitigation selection strategies in the petroleum industry

T currently used of both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment tools “fall short in identifying and ranking potential risks” in the petroleum industry and they “fail to demonstrate that risks have been reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)”. Moreover, the tools are “limited to large, complex and expensive studies”. Because accidents due to both human errors and electromechanical failures still occur and result in various consequences, critics have raised concerns about the petroleum industry’s safety and risk mitigation credentials and question its ability to prevent major accidents. My main focus in my research is to introduce new methods that provide more detailed and structure information to decision makers. They are more robust and easier-to-use so that novice engineers can successfully apply them without experts’ need. In addition, implementing an effective safety culture is essential to protect employees as well as enhancing the students’ safety awareness. Students need to be able to identify hazards, assess the risk associated with them and respond to an emergency situation, should they occur. Therefore, The proposed launch of Health, Safety and Environment focus area in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Kuwait University will boost the credentials of both the department and the university as pioneers in that in that field within academia in the Gulf region.
Grazing and Tillage Effects on Soil Properties, Rain Infiltration, and Sediment Transport during Fallow

Depletion of the High Plains Aquifer that supplies irrigation water for the semiarid Southern Great Plains may necessitate dryland production of crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] using the wheat–sorghum–fallow (WSF) rotation. Reduced crop productivity without irrigation can be offset by intensifying the WSF rotation with cattle (Bos taurus) grazing. Biomass removal and soil trampling without tillage, however, may reduce rain infiltration and storage during fallow that increases with no-tillage (NT) over stubble-mulch (SM) tillage. Our objective was to quantify grazing and tillage effects on infiltration, sediment transport, and aggregate stability during fallow periods after sorghum and wheat. Using a split plot randomized complete block design, we compared wet aggregate size distribution of a Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Torrertic Paleustoll; 0.0–0.05 m) and sediment yield in runoff of simulated rain during the fallow-like idle period after wheat and the sorghum fallow. Sediment concentration and yield for both fallows were numerically larger (>40%) with grazing. Sediment concentration from SM tillage increased significantly over NT for either fallow, but soil loss differed only for wheat fallow. Mean final infiltration rate (IRf) and amount (IA60) did not differ significantly with grazing during either fallow, but IA60 was usually 20% lower for grazed than for ungrazed paddocks. Because SM tillage after grazed wheat significantly (P < 0.01) increased IRf and IA60 over NT, occasional SM tillage to disrupt compaction from trampling may increase water conservation for dryland cropping systems combining grazing with NT residue management.
The Coherence of Substances

After having introduced the subject of scaling, specifically whether structures or machines can be built of arbitrarily large size while retaining the same resistance to fracture, Galileo continues the First Day of his Dialogues by inquiring about the source of strength of various materials. In what follows, Salviati, Sagredo and Simplicio discuss two possible reasons why material might cohere, or stick together. What are these two reasons? Are there any other possibilities? Their discussion quickly turns to the possibility of atoms, a topic brimming with seeming paradoxes, and the source of ancient philosophical disagreements dating at least as far back as Aristotle and Democritus—disagreements which persisted up to and beyond the time of Galileo.
Projections of progress toward the 80% Bachelor of Science in Nursing recommendation and strategies to accelerate change.

Abstract Background In 2011, the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80% of RNs have a bachelor's degree or higher by 2020. Progress toward this recommendation has been slow. Purpose This paper presents a model that projects whether the 80% recommendation can be met within a 10-year period and estimates the impact of education changes that might accelerate progress. Methods A projection model for 2016 to 2026 was created using a “stock-and-flow” approach. Secondary data were extracted from multiple sources for the projections. The model includes the option to enter alternative values of key parameters to estimate the impact of changes. Discussion Based on current patterns of entry-level and RN-to-BSN education, approximately 66% of RNs are projected to have BSN+ education by 2025. Conclusions To reach the 80% goal by 2025, changes in the mix of entry-level education and/or an increase in the number of RN-to-BSN graduates will be required.
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome

The two influences are discussed which have stimulated interest in short bowel syndrome over the last decade, led to improvements in the conceptualization of its pathophysiology, and resulted in a more rational basis for treatment.
Surgical Management of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

The treatment of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer, like the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer, is controversial. The reason for the controversy is that anaplastic carcinoma is one of the most aggressive and potentially deadly malignancies. Most patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer have a poor prognosis regardless of treatment and usually die of suffocation from local tumor invasion; the median survival time is about 6 mo (1,2), and the overall mortality rate is about 97% (1, 2, 3). At initial examination, patients usually have a large (5–10 cm) fixed mass, and about 30% will already have distant, usually pulmonary, metastases (1,4). Most patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer will also have coexistent well-differentiated thyroid cancer (4, 5, 6, 7). Apparently, 1% of differentiated thyroid cancers transform into anaplastic cancers (8). Some of these tumors demonstrate progression from well-differentiated papillary cancers through the insular variant, then into anaplastic cancer (9). Serial transplantation of differentiated thyroid tumors also leads to anaplastic transformation (10,11). Anaplastic thyroid cancers are more likely to have p53 and platelet-derived growth factor mutations than differentiated thyroid cancers (12, 13, 14).
SME Opportunities with Broadband-Driven Information Technologies: Supporting SME Business Needs

In the broadband economy, SMEs enjoy technology-supported opportunities to interact with customers in ways that were neither possible nor thinkable until recently. However, to effectively sustain SMEs’ competitive position, technology must first meet the business needs of small enterprises. In this chapter, we discuss how broadband-driven mobile technologies can actually support SME business needs. In the first part of the chapter, we present examples from multi-year research focused on identifying SME business needs by mapping the technological evolution and investments of small enterprises that are at the forefront of IT adoption. In the second part of the chapter, we specifically introduce mobile applications and discuss how they can play a role in SMEs’ competitive evolution. Finally, we cannot discuss an emerging topic such as broadband-driven mobile technologies without acknowledging issues related to security and privacy protection in the “anytime/anywhere” environment. Hence, the chapter concludes with a discussion of privacy principles that all professionals, and particularly the nomadic SME professionals, need to take into account when utilizing mobile apps.
Fault-Tolerant LU-Decomposition in a Two-Dimensional Systolic Array

In this paper, we present a new systolic algorithm to solve LU-decomposition effeciently in a 2-D systolic array. The LU-decomposition is the main step to solve a system of linear equations, a problem encountered in many scientific and industrial applications. Continuing growth of interest in systolic arrays poses new problems in ensuring the reliability of computations performed by such systems. A concurrent error detection scheme proposed earlier is applied to the new systolic LU-decomposition algorithm. The proposed concurrent error detection scheme requires small hardware overhead and no time overhead, since it utilizes the inherent idle cycles in the cells of the array.
Multiobjective optimisation model for the selection of critical suppliers integrating sustainability criteria

Most companies are seeking their supplier base around the world. However, sourcing from a global supply base exposes buying companies to a notable set of risks and naturally increases transportation distance with the associated environmental consequences. In this study, we propose a multiobjective order allocation model for selecting primary and backup suppliers in a global supply chain setting. Our model explicitly minimises product costs, transportation costs and the cost of exceeding CO2 allowances within total procurement cost, while also minimising lead-time, sustainability risks and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We present a case study where our model is applied to a global manufacturer of consumer goods and the current supply scenario is compared against an optimal scenario given by the proposed model. Even though total procurement cost is given the highest priority, the optimal scenario (which assigns orders to primary suppliers locally located) represents important advantages in relation to all the criteria evaluated.
Contributing factors to seismic force demand on in-span shear keys in multi-frame bridges

In-span hinge shear keys are critical to the transverse seismic performance of multi-frame bridges2. The demand parameters of in-span shear keys such as the bridge geometry, relative stiffness of a...
Characterization of functional brain connectivity towards optimization of music selection for therapy: a fMRI study

Background: Music therapy, a nontraditional approach to patient care, has long been used to achieve a wide variety of positive results. To deepen our understanding of the connection and therapeutic potential of music, the effect of music therapy and music medicine (music administered to individuals without an interactive therapeutic relationship) on the brain remains a topic of active research. Objective: This study is aimed at investigating the effect of different music genres and individualized music selection on brain functional connectivity (FC) measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Twelve healthy subjects listened to five excerpts: Bach with and without visual guide (unfamiliar), self-selected familiar music, Gagaku (unfamiliar music) and Chaplin (spoken word) while undergoing a block design fMRI study. fMRI datasets were imported into CONN (Matlab toolbox) and graph networks were created for 132 anatomical regions in MNI space. Group connectivity for each soundtrack was quantified and statistically analyzed using the R package. Results: Complex interactions between brain regions, cerebellar regions (713), superior frontal gyrus (178) and parahippocampus (223), were highest for self-selected music. Brain regions involving sound processing, memory retrieval, semantic processing and motor areas were continuously activated for all five excerpts; however, most connections were formed in language processing regions for the Bach excerpt. Conclusion: Functional brain connectivity varied by soundtrack with the largest degree of connectivity found consistently for self-selected and unfamiliar (Bach, Gagaku) music. Incorporating individualized music listening into existing therapy paradigms may positively contribute to standard protocol for stroke rehabilitation and prevention.
MEDIA COVERAGE AND SCHOOL BUDGETING PROCESSES

The intent of this research study is to explore the following three questions: (1) How do local newspapers cover school district budgeting processes? (2) Does newspaper coverage of the budgeting process relate to budgeting decisions? (3) What characteristics of a school district relate to the amount of newspaper coverage it receives? A survey questionnaire was sent to officials in all Virginia public school districts. Other data needed for this study were obtained from school financial reports and from in-depth analyses of newspaper articles concerning Virginia public school budgeting processes. Approximately 100 newspapers were examined covering 123 of the 133 school districts in Virginia.
Inferring Methane Production by Decomposing Tree, Shrub, and Grass Leaf Litter in Bog and Rich Fen Peatlands

Plant litter provides a fresh source of energy and nutrients to fuel microbial activity in soil, and in northern peatlands this can be leaf litter from mosses, graminoids, shrubs, and / or trees. Because Sphagnum and other mosses decompose slowly, vascular plant litter assumes a principal role, but its role in microbial methane production is unclear. Therefore, we examined decomposition of leaf litter from nine species, including trees, shrubs, and graminoids, using litterbags positioned for up to 2.5 years in two raised bogs and in two rich fens. Across species leaf litter quality varied for concentrations of nitrogen, soluble organic matter, and cell wall composition. After 2.5 years of decay the amount of leaf litter mass remaining ranged from 43 to 63% in the bogs versus 17 to 71% in the rich fens. Thus, site conditions interacted with litter quality to determine decay rates but with idiosyncratic patterns. Leaf mass remaining after 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 years of decay was incubated in vitro, without soil, to assess its ability to support methane production and concomitant anaerobic carbon dioxide respiration. Residue from all nine species supported methane production, with the greatest rates (up to 5000 nmol g-1 day-1) in tissue with high concentrations of pectin. Rates were 2- to 700-times greater for the leaf material that decomposed in the rich fens than in the bogs. Production rates were more variable for methane than for anaerobic respiration. As seen for mass loss, differences in litter quality predicted variation in gas production rates but differently in the bogs than in the rich fens. The results underscore the importance of vascular plant litter in the biogeochemistry of carbon and methane in peatlands and why vegetation, plant species composition, and peatland type must be described to put peatland ecosystems into global budgets of carbon and methane.