cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collateral damage and what the future might hold. The need to balance prudent antibiotic utilization and stewardship with effective patient management

Summary Increased severity of illness among hospitalised patients and an ageing population have led to an increased incidence of hospital acquired infections and represent a significant challenge to the clinician in terms of managing infections. The collateral damage which can occur with antibiotic therapy is also an important consideration when initiating empirical antibiotic therapy, particularly in patients who are seriously ill or immunocom-promised. Collateral damage is the term used to describe the adverse ecological effects of antibiotic therapy, such as the selection of drug-resistant organisms, and the adverse events associated with antibiotic therapy such as Clostridium difficile disease. Antibiotic use and ineffective infection control have been implicated in the development and spread of resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens which are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, prolonged hospitalisation and increased costs. Carbapenem consumption and mechanical ventilation have been linked to colonisation or infection with problematic organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus oureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , while cephalosporin use has been associated with evolution of infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Gram-negative bacilli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), and to colonisation or superinfection with Clostridium difficile. The safety profile of antibiotics must also be taken into consideration when selecting therapy, and single broad-spectrum agents may provide excellent coverage with a low risk of adverse events. The use of single agents may be associated with lower costs, improved ease of administration and fewer drug-drug interactions. However, in an environment of increasing resistance, initial aggressive therapy may be required to avoid excessive mortality and morbidity. Ideally antibiotic therapy should be directed by culture and knowledge of local susceptibility patterns. Before culture results are available therapy may need to be initiated empirically to cover the likely pathogens. In neutropenic patients with fever the current guidelines recommend the use of empirical therapy at the onset of fever for all patients. Where no aetiology is identified, antibiotic therapy should continue for at least 2 weeks while aggressive attempts are made to define the source of fever. When the aetiology of infection has been identified, therapy should be adjusted to provide optimal treatment with the best safety profile and lowest cost. The principal of avoiding collateral damage provides a useful framework for selecting antibiotics for empirical therapy in today's changing environment.
The prevention and correction of facial disfigurement

Abstract To recapitulate, all fractures should be reduced and the fragments held in their normal position before solidification commences. For those of the lower jaw and the tooth-bearing part of the upper jaw the reduction should be as early as possible. Compound fractures of the lower jaw should be drained by external incision. With most injuries of the soft tissue it is better practice to let the wound heal spontaneously than to indulge in early debridement, or run the risk of suture scars. Tattooed wounds, whether from road oil or gunpowder, should have the foreign matter removed early; the former by vigorous scrubbing with a stiff brush after anesthetizing the surface, the latter by cutting out each individual grain with a needle-pointed knife. It might be quite difficult to remove all coloring matter from incised wounds such as come from the edge of a stovepipe, but this can be excised and repaired later. In seeking gross foreign bodies in an open wound, the finger will sometimes detect what x-ray and vision will miss.
Lymphocyte suppressor activity in patients with polyglandular failure

Abstract The Con-A—activated suppressor function of lymphocytes from polyglandular failure (PGF) patients in human mixed lymphocyte culture was compared to a normal population. As a group, PGF patients were found to have decreased suppressor activity: 67% of normal for autologous suppression, 45% of normal for heterologous. However, lymphocytes from most PGF patients have neither an absolute lack of suppressor activity nor an absolute inability to respond to suppression. The marked variability of assayed suppression, depending on the combination of stimulators and responder cells tested, limit the utility of this assay in defining individuals with abnormal suppressor function. One patient's lymphocytes were unique in that although suppression of heterologous cells was normal, suppression of her own cells was defective. Defective suppressor function may be related to the susceptibility of these patients to multiple autoimmune diseases.
Five-level cervical corpectomy for neurofibromatosis-associated spinal deformity: case report

Purpose To describe a successful five-level cervical corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction in a patient with a plexiform neurofibroma causing a severe kyphotic deformity.
Interfacial corrections of maxillofacial elastomers for Kubelka-Munk theory using non-contact measurements.

Abstract Objective Reflectance measurements using a 45°/0° non-contact measuring system provide accurate data for translucent materials, yet the interfacial reflection corrections (IRCs) for Kubelka–Munk theory have not been evaluated using this system. The objective is to determine which IRC method for Kubelka–Munk theory (K-MT) models the spectral reflectance of pigmented maxillofacial elastomer (MFE) with least error. Method Samples at varying thicknesses of each of 19 shades of skin-colored maxillofacial elastomer were measured using this system on each of three backings. Reflectance values within the visible wavelength range for each shade were fit by non-linear regression to K-MT using different IRC methods: no IRC correction (No), IRC for opaque materials (Op) and IRC for translucent materials (Tr). Errors associated with each method were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and a Bonferroni-corrected t -test. Results Average error mean square values over all wavelengths were 0.00038 for K-MT with no IRC, 0.00023 with Op IRC, and 0.00015 with Tr IRC. The No method gave a statistically higher error than either the Op or Tr method at all analyzed wavelengths, and the Tr gave a lower error than the OP at all analyzed wavelengths between 450 and 600 nm. The predicted CIELAB values of all the shades tested fell into the range of human skin color space. Significance Corrected Kubelka–Munk theory with the IRC for translucent materials proposed by Richmond provides higher accuracy on maxillofacial elastomer over the more important visible wavelengths. Color and translucency of maxillofacial elastomer can be predicted using corrected K-M theory.
Could Mars be dark and altered

There is a long known dichotomy in the martian albedo, with an associated, but mostly assumed, mineralogical split as well. The bright red regions are inferred to be weathered, oxidized dust and the dark grey regions unaltered volcanic material. A number of recent analyses suggest this division is unnaturally simplistic and the association of many dark regions with the former presence of water requires a re-examination of the spectra in light of potential alteration minerals. I present an alternate interpretation of the reflectance spectral characteristics of some dark regions on Mars that includes dark layer silicates. If their presence is confirmed on Mars this will have implications for sequestration of current and past volatile inventories, clues to the extent and type of geochemical weathering, and potential zones where bacterial life forms may have emerged.
Can standard measures identify subclinical markers of autism

This study compared the executive function and theory-of-mind abilities of siblings of autistic individuals to those of siblings of learning-disabled controls. Three different analyses of the dependent measures provided convergent support for a potential subclinical marker in the executive function domain. No group differences in theory-of-mind abilities were found. However, power analyses revealed that the measures employed in this study, which are typically used with autistic individuals, were not sufficiently sensitive to detect any group differences that might exist in “unaffected” family members. Suggestions for future research are provided, including the need to develop more sensitive tasks that produce larger effects and measure more elementary cognitive operations.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Biosynthesis, Role, and Mechanism of Action in the Developing Neural Tube

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is synthesized from cholesterol by activity of P450scc and P450c17, enzymes that we previously characterized in the developing nervous system. We describe the localization of P450c17 in the differentiated field of the ventral spinal cord in different motor neuron subtypes. We show that, during organogenesis, P450c17 activity is regulated along the antero/posterior axis of the spinal cord concomitantly with the gradient of neurogenesis. To examine whether DHEA may modulate this process, we measured proliferation and differentiation of ventral neural precursors in primary and explant cultures. Our results showed that DHEA-induced the expression of class II protein Nkx6.1, motor neuron precursor Olig-2, and definitive motor neuron marker Isl-1/2. DHEA also promoted proliferation of ventrally committed precursors in isolated spinal cord precursor cultures and in whole spinal cord explants. Both the proliferative and inductive effects of DHEA were dependent on sonic hedgehog signaling. The possibilities that the effects observed with DHEA were due to its metabolism into androgens or to activation of NMDA receptors were excluded. These results support the hypothesis that the tight regulation of DHEA biosynthesis may be a biologic clock restricting the period of ventral neuronal-precursor proliferation, thus controlling the number of pre-committed neurons in the developing neural tube.
Evolution in dynamic linkages across daily national stock indexes

Abstract This article investigates how dynamic linkages among the daily rates of return of eight national stock indexes have evolved since 1972. A dynamic simultaneous equations model is estimated to describe the contemporaneous and lead/lag relationships across national equity markets over three different years: 1972, 1980, and 1987. Results reveal growing market interdependence within the same geographical region over time. While there are many significant intermarket relationships within the same 24-hour period, there are few significant lagged responses across markets beyond 24 hours. This suggests a high degree of international market efficiency. Furthermore, Japan's market influence has been growing to rival that of the USA.
Effect of Hurricane Eloise on the benthic fauna of Panama City Beach, Florida, USA

The effect of Hurricane Eloise in September, 1975 on the benthic fauna inhabiting the swash zone on Panama City Beach, Florida, USA is described. Damage by the storm to the beach and property was considerable. The effect of the storm on the benthic invertebrates was not adverse, as the number of individuals occurring in the swash zone was about the same after the storm as before. The number of species increased after the storm, but later decreased to approximate numbers before the storm. The increase in the number of species was mainly due to the influx of species that norusually accompanies a hurricane was probably a factor enabling benthic organisms that normally live in high salinities to survive.
Social interactions unmask sex differences in humoral immunity in voles.

Sex differences in immune function are well established among laboratory rodents, with males typically having lower immunity than females. This sex difference may reflect the suppressive effects of testosterone on immune function. Because polygynous males generally have higher circulating testosterone concentrations than monogamous males, sex differences in immune function are hypothesized to be more pronounced among polygynous as compared to monogamous species. Sex differences in immune function have not been consistently observed among individually housed Microtus in the laboratory; thus, social interactions are hypothesized to be necessary for the expression of sex differences in immune function. We assessed the effect of differential housing conditions on humoral immunity and steroid hormone concentrations in polygynous meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, and monogamous prairie voles, M. ochrogaster. We examined humoral immunity by immunizing voles with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) and measuring antibody production 5, 10, 15 and 30 days postimmunization. Overall, meadow voles mounted higher anti-KLH immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG responses than prairie voles, regardless of the housing condition. Sex differences in antibody production were only observed among meadow voles housed in pairs, in which females had higher anti-KLH IgM and IgG responses than males. Sex differences in antibody production were not observed among prairie voles or meadow voles housed individually. Sex and species differences in circulating oestradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone concentrations were not related to differences in humoral immunity. These data suggest that sex differences in immune function are more pronounced among polygynous species than monogamous species, but may be context dependent. © 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Optical excitation of the b 4Σ− -X Π transition in NO

Abstract The NO(b 4 Σ − ) state, in v =2−5, has been excited from the X 2 Π ground state by optical pumping, and detected by b 4 Σ − -a 4 Π Ogawa band emission. Line positions have been measured to ±0.5 cm −1 , utilizing the fact that these excitation spectra simultaneously show the b-X bands and the doublet bands that are found in the 187–205 nm tuning range used in the experiments. As a result, the relative positions of the NO quartet and doublet manifolds can be specified to a precision considerably improved over the previous estimate of ±2 cm −1 . Predissociation in b( v =5) is evident in each rotational branch commencing at J =16.5, and appears to be much stronger than in the nearby B 2 Π v =7 level. From the observed branch intensities, it is shown that the transition receives its oscillator strength through spin-orbit interaction between the b 4 Σ − state and various 2 Σ, 2 Π, and 2 Δ states. An estimate of the relative oscillator strengths for the forbidden b-X and allowed B-X transitions indicates that B-X is favored by about three orders of magnitude. As most of the NO (b) radiates to the NO(a) state, this study provides a means of directly populating the low- v levels, principally v =1, 2, of NO(a). There is strong collisional coupling between the doublet and the b 4 Σ − states, as shown by the fact that excitation spectra of the NO A 2 Σ + , B 2 Π, and D 2 Σ + states can be measured from detection of the Ogawa bands. A search was carried out for emission resulting from excitation of the b( v =6) level, the first lying above the dissociation limit. No such emission was seen, suggesting that rapid predissociation occurs through the a 4 Π continuum; earlier reports of emission from b( v =6) are shown, based on spectral simulation, to be in error. Generation of the NO(E 2 Σ + ) state was observed concomitantly with NO(D) excitation, which must involve an energy pooling mechanism.
Alcohol, Volatile Fatty Acid, Phenol, and Methane Emissions from Dairy Cows and Fresh Manure

There are approximately 2.5 million dairy cows in California. Emission inventories list dairy cows and their manure as the major source of regional air pollutants, but data on their actual emissions remain sparse, particularly for smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs). We report measurements of alcohols, volatile fatty acids, phenols, and methane (CH4) emitted from nonlactating (dry) and lactating dairy cows and their manure under controlled conditions. The experiment was conducted in an environmental chamber that simulates commercial concrete-floored freestall cow housing conditions. The fluxes of methanol, ethanol, and CH4 were measured from cows and/or their fresh manure. The average estimated methanol and ethanol emissions were 0.33 and 0.51 g cow(-1) h(-1) from dry cows and manure and 0.7 and 1.27 g cow(-1) h(-1) from lactating cows and manure, respectively. Both alcohols increased over time, coinciding with increasing accumulation of manure on the chamber floor. Volatile fatty acids and phenols were emitted at concentrations close to their detection limit. Average estimated CH4 emissions were predominantly associated with enteric fermentation from cows rather than manure and were 12.35 and 18.23 g cow(-1) h(-1) for dry and lactating cows, respectively. Lactating cows produced considerably more gaseous VOCs and GHGs emissions than dry cows (P < 0.001). Dairy cows and fresh manure have the potential to emit considerable amounts of alcohols and CH4 and research is needed to determine effective mitigation.
Dietary patterns, approaches, and multicultural perspective.

Nutrition research has traditionally focused on single nutrients in relation to health. However, recent appreciation of the complex synergistic interactions among nutrients and other food constitue...
Extradyadic Sex and Gay Male Couples: Comparing Monogamous and Nonmonogamous Relationships

In this study, the author compared the relationship quality of sexually monogamous and nonmonogamous gay male couples. Among a nationwide surveyed sample of 121 gay male couples, no differences were found between strictly monogamous and openly nonmonogamous couples on scores of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). In addition, mean DAS scores for both groups were within functional ranges. However, self-reported monogamous couples in which 1 or both members engaged in extrarelational sex were less adjusted and satisfied than their nonmonogamous and strictly monogamous counterparts. The findings suggest that for some gay men, sexual monogamy may not be a necessary component of a satisfactory, committed relationship, and social workers assisting gay male couples might need to reconsider traditional ideas about sex, intimacy, and commitment.
Stochastic signal processing for tissue characterization with ultrasound: a simulation study

Theoretical simulation is used to describe a technique for characterizing a random scattering medium. A frequency-modulated pulse is used as an interrogating pulse, and the resolution cell volume is varied over a wide range. Kurtosis is calculated from the simulated backscattered signal. A plot of kurtosis versus the resolution-cell-volume-dependent parameter F/sub s/ confirms theoretical predictions. Parameters extracted from such a plot may be useful in characterizing the random scattering medium. >
A mutual semantic endorsement approach to image retrieval and context provision

Learning semantics from annotated images to enhance content-based retrieval is an important research direction. In this paper,annotation data are assumed available for only a subset of images inside the database. An on the fly learning method is developed to capture the semantics of query images. Specifically, the semantics of annotated images in a visual proximity of a query are compared with each other to determine the amount of mutual endorsement. An image is considered endorsed by another if they possess similar semantics. Annotations with high mutual endorsement are used to narrow down a candidate pool of images. The new retrieval method is inherently dynamic and treats seamlessly different forms of annotation data. Experiments show that semantic endorsement can increase precision by as much as 70%in average for a wide range of parameter settings. We also develop a context provision mechanism to reveal the relationship between a query and semantic clusters extracted from the database. Context helps users explore the content of a database and provides a platform for them to tailor searches by stressing different perspectives in the interpretation of a query.
Radiation-induced DNA synthesis in normal and stimulated human lymphocytes.

Abstract The rate of DNA repair, as measured by “unscheduled” incorporation of 3H-thymidine following ultraviolet light irradiation, increases approx. 50% during stimulation of lymphocytes by phytohemagglutinin. This increase is parallell in time with a rise in DNA polymerase activity which occurs during stimulation, but is almost two orders of magnitude lower than the increase in enzyme activity. The rate of DNA repair in granulocytes is five times lower than in unstimulated lymphocytes. The possible involvement of DNA polymerase in DNA repair replication is discussed.
Lower Plenum Voiding

One of the phenomena involved in a loss-of-coolant accident in a pressurized water reactor may be lower plenum voiding. This might occur during the blowdown phase after a cold-leg break in the primary coolant circuit. Steam generated in the reactor core may flow out of the bottom of the reactor core, turn in the lower plenum of the vessel, in a direction countercurrent to the emergency core coolant flow, and escape via the break. If its velocity is high enough, this steam may sweep water from the bottom (lower plenum) of the reactor vessel. Emergency coolant added to the vessel may also be carried out by the escaping steam and thus reflooding of the core would be delayed. This paper describes a study of two-phase hydrodynamics associated with lower plenum voiding. Several geometrical configurations were tested at three different scales, using air to simulate the steam. Comparisons were made with data obtained by other researchers.
Routing on field-programmable switch matrices

In this paper, we address the problem of routing nets on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) interconnected by a switch matrix. We extend the switch matrix architecture proposed by Zhu et al. (1993) to route nets between FPGA chips in a multi-FPGA system. Given a limited number of routing resources in the form of programmable connection points within a two-dimensional switch matrix, this problem examines the issue of how to route a given net traffic through the switch matrix structure. First, we define the problem as a general undirected graph in which each vertex has one single color among six possible colors and formulate it as a constraint satisfaction problem. This is further modeled as a 0-1 multidimensional knapsack problem for which a fast approximate solution is applied. Experimental results show that the accuracy of our proposed heuristic is quite high for moderately large switch matrices.
A survey of hospital management practices for vulvar melanoma.

Abstract Background: Vulvar melanoma is a very rare form of cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe practice patterns for the management of vulvar melanoma. Study Design: The National Cancer Data Base was reviewed from 1985 through 1994 for patient reports submitted with a diagnosis of vulvar melanoma. Results: Five hundred sixty-nine patients with vulvar melanoma were identified. A substantial number of patients were older; during the latter period of this study (1990 to 1994), 50% were 70 years old or older. Surgery was used in more than 90% of patients with stages 0 to III. Local excision was used mainly in early-stage (0 and I) disease. Adjuvant therapy was used infrequently. Lymph node evaluation was performed in more than half of the patients, with greater frequency for patients who had advanced disease. The overall 5-year relative survival rate was 62%. If the lymph nodes contained metastases, survival was poor. Patients with recurrent disease also had poor survival. Conclusions: Surgery remains the mainstay of therapy for vulvar melanoma. The use of excision and radical operations remained constant during the 10 years of the study.
Disability and comorbidity among major depressive disorder and double depression in African–American adults

Abstract Background Few studies have examined differences in disability and comorbity among major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymia, and double depression in African–Americans (AA). Methods A secondary analysis was performed on AA in the National Survey of American Life. Interviews occurred 2001–2003. A four stage national area probability sampling was performed. DSM-IV-TR diagnoses were obtained with a modified version of the World Health Organization's expanded version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Disability was measured by interview with the World Health Organization's Disability Assessment Schedule II. Results Compared to non-depressed AA, AA endorsing MDD ( t =19.0, p =0.0001) and double depression ( t =18.7, p =0.0001) reported more global disability; AA endorsing MDD ( t =8.5, p =0.0063) reported more disability in the getting around domain; AA endorsing MDD ( t =19.1, p =0.0001) and double depression ( t =12.1, p =0.0014) reported more disability in the life activities domain. AA who endorsed double depression reported similar disability and comorbidities with AA who endorsed MDD. Few AA endorsed dysthymia. Limitations This was a cross-sectional study subject to recall bias. The NSAL did not measure minor depression. Conclusions The current study supports the idea of deleting distinct chronic subtypes of depression and consolidating them into a single category termed chronic depression.
A collaborative, integrated and electronic future for taxonomy

The Platygastroidea Planetary Biodiversity Inventory is a large-scale, multinational effort to significantly advance the taxonomy and systematics of one group of parasitoid wasps. Based on this effort, there are some clear steps that should be taken to increase the efficiency and throughput of the taxonomic process. Increased collaboration among taxonomic specialists can significantly shorten the timeline and add increased rigor to the development of hypotheses of characters and taxa. Species delimitations should make use of multiple data sources, thus providing more nearly independent tests of these hypotheses. Taxonomy should fully embrace electronic media and informatics tools. Particularly, this step requires the development and widespread implementation of community data standards. The barriers to progress in these areas are not technological, but are primarily social. The community needs to see clear evidence of the value added through these changes in procedures and insist upon their use as standard practice.
Stress and vibration analyses of anisotropic shells of revolution

An efficient computational strategy is presented for reducing the cost of the stress and free vibration analyses of laminated anisotropic shells of revolution. The analytical formulation is based on a form of the Sanders-Budiansky shell theory including the effects of both the transverse shear deformation and the laminated anisotropic material response. The fundamental unknowns consist of the eight strain components, the eight stress resultants and the five generalized displacements of the shell. Each of the shell variables is expressed in terms of trigonometric functions (Fourier series) in the circumferential co-ordinate, and a three-field mixed finite element model is used for the discretization in the meridional direction. The shell response associated with a range of Fourier harmonics is approximated by a linear combination of a few global approximation vectors, which are generated at a particular value of the Fourier harmonic, within that range. The full equations of the finite element model are solved for only a single Fourier harmonic, and the response corresponding to the other Fourier harmonics is generated using a reduced system of equations with considerably fewer degrees of freedom.
Computer Strategies for Solitaire Yahtzee

Solitaire Yahtzee has been solved completely. However, the optimal strategy is not one a human could practically use, and for computer play it requires either a very large database or significant CPU time. We present some refinements to the techniques used to solve solitaire Yahtzee and give a method for analyzing other solitaire strategies and give some examples of this analysis for some non-optimal strategies, including some produced by evolutionary algorithms
AgentCity-An agent-based modeling approach to city planning and population dynamics

Cities spend time, revenue and resources in an effort to optimize the geographic and physical layout of property zones and services for the population. As physical construction of these various city models is prohibitive, we can create computational models for testing and experimentation. These computational models include human elements and simulate natural complex social system. These computational-models also provide opportunities to study emergent behaviors similar to the real world. These computational emergent behaviors can give us insight into the effectiveness of our city model. This paper will focus on creating a computational model of a virtual city with zoning and a heterogeneous population using NetLogo modelling environment. Results of our implementation are described and future opportunities are identified.
The selective inhibition of microbial RNA synthesis by salicylate

Abstract Salicylic acid inhibited growth when added to logarithmic cultures of Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli incubating at pH 6. At 0.25 and 1 mM salicylate, the generation time was increased by about 25 and 100 per cent respectively. The effect was reversible and could not be overcome by the addition of selected vitamins or metals. Growth inhibition varied inversely with pH, and was related to the concentration of undissociated acid. Cultures grown in the presence or absence of 1 mM salicylate, when compared after similar increases in bacterial turbidity, had identical cell number, and the formation of protein, cell wall and DNA were unchanged. RNA synthesis, on the other hand, was specifically depressed. This effect was associated with all species of RNA examined, and again was quantitatively related to the concentration of undissociated salicylic acid in the growth medium. The effect on RNA synthesis appeared to be unrelated to the known ability of salicylate to affect oxidation and to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, since the selective effect on RNA synthesis could also be demonstrated for E. coli growing anaerobically in the presence of salicylate. RNA polymerase, though sensitive to higher concentrations of salicylate, was not inhibited by the salicylate concentrations effective on growing cells. Cellular ATP levels were not decreased by growth in the presence of salicylate. Although the mechanism of the effect on RNA is still unclear, several structurally related compounds, such as benzoate, anthranilate and acetylsalicylate, appeared also to selectively inhibit RNA synthesis though at higher concentrations. The possible relationship of these drug effects to a “shift-down” response is discussed.
Down-regulation of sorbitol dehydrogenase and up-regulation of sucrose synthase in shoot tips of the transgenic apple trees with decreased sorbitol synthesis

Both sorbitol and sucrose are translocated to, and utilized in, sink tissues of apple (Malus domestica). Considering that antisense suppression of aldose 6-phosphate reductase resulted in lower concentrations of sorbitol and higher concentrations of sucrose in source leaves without altering the vegetative growth of apple trees, it was hypothesized that sorbitol metabolism is down-regulated and sucrose metabolism is up-regulated in shoot tips of the transgenic plants. Carbohydrate measurements indicated that sorbitol concentration was lower whereas sucrose concentration was higher in the shoot tips of transgenic apple plants with decreased sorbitol synthesis compared with the untransformed control. However, the shoot relative growth rate was not altered in the transgenic plants. Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was decreased; acid invertase activity and neutral invertase activity remained the same, whereas sucrose synthase (SUSY) activity was increased in shoot tips of the transgenic plants. The SDH transcript level was lower whereas the SUSY transcript level was higher in shoot tips of the transgenic plants. SDH activity and SDH transcript level were specifically stimulated by exogenous sorbitol fed to the shoot tips via the transpiration stream but were specifically inhibited by sucrose. SUSY activity and SUSY transcript level were dramatically enhanced by sucrose, but decreased by glucose and fructose. Neither acid invertase nor neutral invertase activity responded to sucrose, glucose, fructose, or any other sugars tested. It is concluded that sorbitol dehydrogenase is down-regulated, whereas sucrose synthase is up-regulated in shoot tips of the transgenic apple trees with decreased sorbitol synthesis, leading to homeostasis of vegetative growth. Sorbitol and sucrose act as signal molecules to modulate the expression and activities of sorbitol dehydrogenase and sucrose synthase, both of which play an important role in determining the sink strength of apple shoot tips.
Relationship of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) Gene Polymorphisms and Functional Activity With Systemic Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk

Context Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is reported to have antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. The relationship between PON1 genotypes and functional activity with systemic measures of oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in humans has not been systematically investigated. Objective To investigate the relationship of genetic and biochemical determinants of PON1 activity with systemic measures of oxidative stress and CVD risk in humans. Design, Setting, and Participants The association between systemic PON1 activity measures and a functional polymorphism (Q192R) resulting in high PON1 activity with prevalent CVD and future major adverse cardiac events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death) was evaluated in 1399 sequential consenting patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography between September 2002 and November 2003 at the Cleveland Clinic. Patients were followed up until December 2006. Systemic levels of multiple structurally defined fatty acid oxidation products were also measured by mass spectrometry in 150 age-, sex-, and race-matched patients and compared with regard to PON1 genotype and activity. Main Outcome Measures Relationship between a functional PON1 polymorphism and PON1 activity with global indices of systemic oxidative stress and risk of CVD. Results The PON1 genotype demonstrated significant dose-dependent associations (QQ192 > QR192 > RR192) with decreased levels of serum PON1 activity and with increased levels of systemic indices of oxidative stress. Compared with participants with either the PON1 RR192 or QR192 genotype, participants with the QQ192 genotype demonstrated an increased risk of all-cause mortality (43/681 deaths [6.75%] in RR192 and QR192 and 62/584 deaths [11.1%] in QQ192; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-3.18) and of major adverse cardiac events (88/681 events [13.6%] in RR192 and QR192 and 102/584 events [18.0%] in QQ192; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.09-2.03; P = .01). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events was significantly lower in participants in the highest PON1 activity quartile (23/315 [7.3%]) and 235/324 [7.7%] for paraoxonase and arylesterase, respectively) compared with those in the lowest activity quartile (78/311 [25.1%] and 75/319 [23.5%]; P Conclusion This study provides direct evidence for a mechanistic link between genetic determinants and activity of PON1 with systemic oxidative stress and prospective cardiovascular risk, indicating a potential mechanism for the atheroprotective function of PON1.
SYSTEM AND PROCESS IN CAPITAL-INTENSIVE PRIVATIZATION: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

Capital-intensive privatization (CIP) is an option for infrastructure project development. Advocates claim that CIP generates cost savings through efficiencies inherent in the coordinated design, construction, and operation of facilities. The present paper assesses these claims in the field of municipal wastewater treatment facilities (WIWs). It presents case-study results and aggregate data on seven of the first privatized WIWs, and on seven comparable grant-funded facilities. The analysis relies on the concepts of system and process. It concludes that CIP changes the system of players and the processes through which they interact. In doing so, CIP generates efficiencies of time and cost in project design and construction. It also may change accountability mechanisms, trade efficiency off against accountability, and raise issues of compatibility with the nature of the state. These matters bear directly on the current debates over tax and budget policy generated by increased demands for services, limited resources, and deficit reduction mandates.
Urbanization and the Natural Environment: An Environmental Sociological Review and Synthesis

The relationship between urbanization and the natural environment has never been the focus of an environmental sociological study. This article is an initial attempt to address that gap. First, in the introduction, the author discusses how early traditional urban sociologists and human ecologists variably expressed the human exemptionalism paradigm when examining urbanization. Then, in the body of the article, the author provides an overview of the struggle in environmental sociology to find connections between urbanization and the natural environment. The main focus is on how environmental sociologists have theorized the environmental impact of urbanization, although other relevant topics (e.g., environmental justice in the city) are briefly addressed. Through the course of the article, several principles are developed to help guide a future environmental sociology of urbanization. In the conclusion, the author cites research done by other social and natural scientists to further elaborate on these princ...
Enriching the Toxicology Experience through Twitter.

Nearly a year ago, the University of Massachussetts’ Division of Medical Toxicology entered the world of Twitter in order to participate in an increasingly online virtual classroom. Each day, we tweet our way through weekly toxicology conferences, national journal clubs sponsored by the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), and toxicology-related events in the media. Tweets help us gather the most pertinent information we are learning. We group them by relevant topics through hashtags and save ideas for review at a later date. It is without question that Twitter has become important in medicine as a tool to educate trainees, respond to current events, and inspire each other [1]. Additionally, partnerships between academic blogs and major scientific journals show the relevance and importance of social media, like Twitter, as a teaching tool in the new digital age of medical education [2]. Twitter is an online, microblogging platform that allows creation of unique user identifiers (Twitter handles) through which short, 140-character messages can be composed (Tweets). Tweets are disseminated through a user’s followers and can be marked as a favorite message or broadcasted to another group of followers (retweet). The addition of a hashtag (#) within the message permits aggregation of historical tweets (mining). Twitter is one of several social media platforms in existence. A recent editorial in this journal predicted the future of Twitter in our field as an engine of education and improved patient care [3]. Medical toxicology has always been at the forefront of technology, utilizing novel filing systems and telephones to establish a network of poison centers across the USA and pioneering an expansion into telemedicine to reach institutions without poison expertise [4, 5]. Twitter can enrich toxicology by enhancing education and broadening exposure to conference content. At the same time, toxicologists need to be cognizant of patient privacy concerns and how Twitter is redefining the idea of academic impact.
Secular Stagnation: A Supply-Side View

Secular stagnation on the supply side takes the form of a slow 1.6 percent annual growth rate of US potential real GDP, roughly half the 3.1 percent annual growth rate of actual real GDP realized from 1972 to 2004. This slowdown stems from a sharp decline in the growth rate of aggregate hours of work and of output per hour. This paper attributes the productivity growth decline to diminishing returns in the digital revolution that had its peak effect business hardware, software, and best practices in the late 1990s but has resulted in little change in those methods over the past decade.
Towards Understanding the Mismatch between Micro and Macro Level Effects of Microcredit: Causes and Imperatives

This paper explains why national statistics do not show any significant reduction of poverty despite a pro-poor income distribution in rural areas as a result of microcredit activities in Bangladesh. First, the paper spotlights the propoor distributional effects of microcredit program by comparing the distributional effects of the Grameen Bank and the autonomous growth of the economy. Then by perceiving poverty as flow concept involving movement 'in' and 'out' of the households in the poverty trap, the paper explains why the national statistics on poverty fail to record the pro-poor contribution of microcredit programs. Finally, the paper identifies the missing elements of the on going poverty alleviation paradigm and discusses some policy implications.
Peptide Amyloid Surface Display

Homomeric self-assembly of peptides into amyloid fibers is a feature of many diseases. A central role has been suggested for the lateral fiber surface affecting gains of toxic function. To investigate this, a protein scaffold that presents a discrete, parallel β-sheet surface for amyloid subdomains up to eight residues in length has been designed. Scaffolds that present the fiber surface of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) were prepared. The designs show sequence-specific surface effects apparent in that they gain the capacity to attenuate rates of IAPP self-assembly in solution and affect IAPP-induced toxicity in insulin-secreting cells.
Ecological Relationships of Small Mammals in a New Jersey Barrier Beach Habitat

Studies were conducted at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey, to determine the distributional patterns and movements of small mammals in a barrier beach habitat. Species captured were Peromyscus leucopus, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Zapus hudsonius, Mus musculus, and Sorex cinereus. Most barrier beach communities contained a greater abundance of small mammals than reported from the New Jersey mainland. the distribution of small mammals at Island Beach was related to the topographically controlled pattern of environment and vegetation. Few mice foraged in the sparse cover of the highest dune zone elevations. Peromyscus leucopus occupied the thicket and woodland habitats of the more protected dune areas while Microtus pennsylvanicus dominated those hydric bayshore habitats containing dense herbaceous cover. Both habitat orientation and interspecific interactions may be involved in the distributional pattern of M. pennsylvanicus and P. leucopus. Succession in dune zone locations results in an increased abundance of P. leucopus as shrub cover increased during seral stages. Recapture distances of P. leucopus were inversely related to both population size and density of shrub cover. Zapus hudsonius, which was associated with moist habitats of the barrier beach, had either large or unstable home ranges.
Insights into Radiation Tolerance of Ceramics from Large Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Radiation tolerant ceramics are needed to advance the utilization of nuclear energy to meet rising global energy demand. They have potential to meet the demanding radiation environments in applications as nuclear fuel and waste forms. Their discovery and development are hampered by a lack of fundamental understanding of the physics underlying radiation tolerance of ceramics. Several theories have been advanced in the literature based on structure, radius ratio of cations and ionicity or covalency of bonds. Most of these theories focus on defect production and accumulation processes only, but neglect in-cascade and thermal annihilation of defects. We have performed large scale molecular dynamics simulations of 30 keV U and Zr recoils in zircon (ZrSiO4), zirconia (ZrO2) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to understand the atomic-level mechanisms that contribute to radiation tolerance, particularly fast annihilation processes. Zircon is amorphized by irradiation, while zirconia and YSZ do not undergo radiation-induced amorphization. Our results reveal that dynamic defect annihilation is very effective at controlling defect accumulation in radiation tolerant materials. Based on our results, we will discuss a strategy for improving the radiation tolerance of ceramics.
Microfungal populations associated with the decomposition of sugar maple leaf litter

Fungi were isolated by dilution plating from green and senescent sugar maple leaves and from decomposing leaf litter sampled at periodic intervals for three consecutive years. Despite quantitative variation, changes in the species composition followed a consistent pattern. Populations from the green and senescent foliage were dominated by a few ubiquitous taxa (e.g., Aureobasidium pullulans, Clad? osporium cladosporioides, and Phoma exigua) that remained abundant for up to eight months after leaf fall. Penicillium spp. (P. frequentans, P. multicolor, P. brevi-compactum and P. implicatum) were typically the first species to appear after abscission, and increased in relative abundance as decay progressed. Other fungi commonly isolated from the mineralized soil horizon (e.g., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces spp. and Metarrhizium anisopliae) were not isolated until the first summer after abscission. The appearance of this last group of fungi was associated with increased species diversity and may be related to seasonal activity of soil invertebrates in the litter. The impact of seasonal conditions on the species composition ofthe sample populations obtained from the litter was explored. Undecayed leaves, kept in a laboratory freezer, were placed in the woods in the spring and summer. Numbers and kinds of fungi isolated from these leaves as they decayed were then compared to those isolated from litter that began a normal cycle of decay in the fall. Although Aureobasidium pullulans was the most abundant of the initial colonists when the undecayed leaves were placed in the woods in the fall and spring, penicillia dominated when the leaves were put out in the summer. These results suggested that the composition of populations that colonized the litter during at least the first months of exposure was influenced in part by the prevailing seasonal conditions. Thus, popular concepts of fungal succession based on changes in the nutritional composition of the substrate cannot entirely explain the changes in the composition of microfungal populations associated with the decay ofthe leaves.
Securitization and Structured Finance

This chapter (1) explains securitization and how it works; (2) examines the benefits of securitization, including its ability to achieve bankruptcy remoteness and reduce information asymmetry; (3) discusses rating agencies, credit ratings, and how securities issued in securitization transactions are rated; (4) critiques the economics of securitization; (5) examines the potential abuses of securitization, including those relating to the recent financial crisis; and (6) explores the future of securitization, including the relationship between securitization and covered bond transactions.