cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Battling West Nile Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A Tribute to Dr. Maurice W. Provost

This pioneer lecture honors the scientific career of Dr. Maurice W. Provost. Dr. Provost's distinguished career with the Florida State Board (later Division) of Health was devoted to freeing Floridians from the scourge of mosquitoes and sand flies, and preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE). The unprecedented invasion of West Nile virus (WNV) into North America in 1999 and its transcontinental spread from the Northeast over the past four years has added a new mosquitoborne disease to the Florida landscape. WNV is a close relative of SLE virus and has a similar maintenance and amplification cycle involving wild birds and Culex mosquitoes. SLE virus invaded Florida in 1959-63, just prior to when I joined Dr. Provost, then director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL) in Vero Beach. Now, 40 years later, history has been repeated, only this time the invader is an African virus. WNV moved southward into Florida in 2001 bringing human and equine illness and death to many wild birds. It is unfortunate that we no longer have the benefit of Dr. Provost's keen insight in planning our defense as we did when SLE invaded. However, he left us clear directions of how we should respond to this newest vector borne disease challenge. Dr. Provost was unpretentious and so I will henceforth refer to him, simply as Maury. Despite his distinguished appearance and sophisticated tastes, Maury was at heart a naturalist who encouraged informality. He donned a coat and tie for the annual staff picture on the front steps of the FMEL (Fig. 1) and for the annual Christmas party (Fig. 2) but otherwise he dressed casually in loose, brightly colored shirts. Fated with a strong genetic predisposition for coronary heart disease, Maury witnessed the untimely death from heart failure of his parents and all his brothers and sisters, except for one younger brother. He too experienced early symptoms of heart disease and as a biologist Maury understood inheritance and statistics. He realized his own longevity might be abbreviated despite his long daily walks, sensible life style, and
Combustion Chemistry: Important Features of the C3H5 Potential Energy Surface, Including Allyl Radical, Propargyl + H2, Allene + H, and Eight Transition States

The C3H5 potential energy surface (PES) encompasses molecules of great significance to hydrocarbon combustion, including the resonantly stabilized free radicals propargyl (plus H2) and allyl. In this work, we investigate the interconversions that take place on this PES using high level coupled cluster methodology. Accurate geometries are obtained using coupled cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] combined with Dunning’s correlation consistent quadruple-ζ basis set cc-pVQZ. The energies for these stationary points are then refined by a systematic series of computations, within the focal point scheme, using the cc-pVXZ (X = D, T, Q, 5, 6) basis sets and correlation treatments as extensive as coupled cluster with full single, double, and triple excitation and perturbative quadruple excitations [CCSDT(Q)]. Our benchmarks provide a zero-point vibrational energy (ZPVE) corrected barrier of 10.0 kcal mol–1 for conversion of allene + H to propargyl + H2. We also find t...
Sensitivity of mice to benzo(a)pyrene skin cancer following acclimation to cool and warm temperature.

AbstractSkin tumorigenesis induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in male C3H/HeJ mice was accelerated in a cool (Ta = 16°) and inhibited in a warm (Ta = 32°) environment, compared to the normal Ta = 23°. For example, repetitive, topical application of 0.2 mg BaP/week in 0.08 toluene resulted in (i) the mean tumor appearance time occurring 4-5 weeks earlier in cool and 2-3 weeks later in warm compared with the 21-22 weeks average in normal Ta; (ii) the average number of tumors per mouse increasing twice as fast in cool as in warm Ta; and (iii) shortened survival in cool, lengthened in warm. There were few metastases to internal organs at any temperature. Once initiated, tumors progressed similarly in all Ta's to squamous cell carcinomas. Cool and warm Ta per se had little effect on spontaneous tumors, survival, body weight, rectal temperature, or hair growth. However, skin temperature was 1-2° lower in cool and 1-2° higher in warm Ta than the normal 32-33°. Physiological adaptation was particularly evident in th...
Detection of Radicals by Spin Trapping ESR in a Fuel Cell Operating with a Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) Membrane

We present experiments in a fuel cell (FC) inserted in the resonator of the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer, which allowed separate monitoring of radical formation at anode and cathode sides. The in situ FC was operated at 300 K under closed- and open-circuit voltage conditions, CCV and OCV, respectively, with a membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). The formation of radicals was monitored by spin trapping ESR, with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) as the spin trap. The magnetic parameters and the relative intensities of DMPO adducts were determined by simulation of the ESR spectra. The major adducts detected at both electrodes were DMPO/OOH and DMPO/H. The generation of the DMPO/OOH adduct at the anode can be explained by reaction of crossover oxygen with hydrogen atoms formed at the Pt catalyst; at the cathode this adduct can be generated by H2 crossover to the cathode, reaction at the Pt catalyst, and reaction with O2. The generation of...
Tolerance of Turkeys to Diets High in Trypsin Inhibitor Activity from Undertoasted Soybean Meals

Abstract The objectives were to determine the responses of turkeys to soybean meals (SBM) differing in urease and trypsin inhibitor activity, to estimate the AME of diets containing these SBM, and to determine the responses to supplemental L-Met and L-Lys. Four experiments were conducted with poults 1 to 3 wk of age and one with turkeys 6 to 8 wk of age. In Experiment 1, the trypsin inhibitor activities (TI) were 1.8, 4.2, 5.4, 7.0, and 8.8 mg trypsin inhibited/g SBM (method of Hamerstrand et al., 1981). The corresponding urease indices were .02, .14, .51, .90, and 1.5 pH units. The SBM were 46% of the diet. Significant pancreatic hypertrophy occurred with dietary concentrations of TI of 3.2 mg/g and above. At 4.0 mg TI/g of diet, the feed:gain ratio was increased, but body weight gain and AME of the diet were reduced. In Experiments 2, 3, and 4, poults responded similarly to Met additions to diets containing 46% SBM with TI of 1.8 or 4 mg/g SBM, or to Met or Met plus Lys additions to diets containing 40.7 or 49.6% SBM with TI of 2 or 11 mg/g SBM. In Experiment 5, the SBM contained TI at 4.3, 6.1, 8.9, or 12.5 mg/g. The corresponding urease indices were .05, .27, 1.43, and 1.72 pH units. The SBM were 49.6% of the diet. Using 6 to 8 wk old turkeys, the AME of the four diets were determined to be 2.76, 2.71, 2.58, and 2.57 Mcal/kg. The AME of diets containing 4.4 and 6.2 mg TI/g of diet were reduced (P
The Watcher Betrayed and The Fatal Woman: Some Recurring Patterns in Zola

When critics compare an author's early works with those of his maturity, it is usually to emphasize his final achievement. In one extreme case, such a comparison has even been urged as a source of moral uplift for struggling authors. When Charpentier brought out in 1880 a new printing of Zola's first novel, La confession de Claude, a critic advised young writers to read it and take heart, since the fact that the author of Nana could have written anything so abysmally bad twentyyears before proved beyond question that lamentable beginnings did not mean inevitable failure. Too seldom have critical comparisons of this kind gone beyond this demonstrative act, and one might reasonably question their worth when they fail to do so, for after all, if a work is a masterpiece should not that fact be discernible from the work itself?
Catalog of earthquakes felt in the eastern United States megalopolis (1850-1930)

The area covered by this catalog is the region east of the Appalachians from the southern border of Virginia to the southeast tip of New York State. For the period 1850 to 1930, a total of 191 earthquakes were felt in the area. Of these earthquakes, 39 were damaging in the area of interest with intensities V-VI to VIII. The vast majority of the historical sources used to construct the description were local newspapers. An appendix to this catalog includes additions and expansions of earthquakes in another catalog regarding the United States before 1850.
Survey of computer technology in foodservice management education.

The status of the utilization of the computer as a tool in teaching foodservice management concepts in undergraduate dietetic education programs was determined. A questionnaire was administered to directors of Plan IV, V, and coordinated (undergraduate) programs at universities approved or accedited by The American Dietetic Association. Statistical analysis of the 137 usable responses (57%) showed that computers were used as a teaching tool in 85% of the programs surveyed. The majority of programs (58%) utilized microcomputers with floppy disk systems. Teaching laboratories equipped with computers were available in 83% of the programs represented by the respondents. Concepts most often taught with computer assistance included menu and recipe analysis and food cost accounting techniques. Ninety-four percentof the dietetic educators surveyed reported a need for increased utilization of the computer as a tool in teaching foodservice management concepts. Most respondents (92%) indicated that foodservice management educators need additional training in using the computer as a tool. J Am Diet Assoc 89:1279-1281, 1989
Methylprednisolone treatment of immunologic infertility in the male

Over a 5-year period, 98 men (101 "cases") with immunologic infertility, as diagnosed by Kibrick and F -D sperm agglutination testing, were treated with one or more regimens of methylprednisolone (96 mg/day for 7 days). Among the 71 patients for whom complete follow-up data were obtained, 31 (44%) succeeded in achieving pregnancy in their partners within 12 months of the start of treatment. The pregnancy-achievers and nonachievers were compared with respect to their semen quality, Kibrick titers, and F-D agglutination before and after therapy. No single, clear-cut factor could be identified to explain, or predict, a successful outcome. However, some men did have improved semen quality; of these, 69% achieved a pregnancy in the partner. Furthermore, pregnancy was somewhat more likely to occur if the man had a decrease in Kibrick titer; a decrease in titer was more likely in men whose titers were higher initially. No correlation with F-D agglutination activity was found. Side effects were of limited incidence; only 16% of the men had any discomfort at all, and only 2% of them had severe problems. However, all discomfort and problems were transient.
Urodynamics Equipment: Selection and Training

Urodynamics (UDS) is an important diagnostic tool for urologists and urogynecologists who treat lower urinary tract dysfunction and pelvic floor dysfunction. Multiple manufacturers supply UDS systems that range in functionality and cost. Given the wide array of commercially available options, there is an appropriate UDS system to suit each clinical practice. In addition to the price of the UDS system, there are additional costs to consider, such as disposable components and a fluoroscopy unit if fluoroscopic UDS is desired. Once a UDS room or portable UDS unit has been outfitted, a number of different resources are available for UDS training. Training options exist for both novice and advanced UDS staff.
Additive Schwarz Preconditioners

The symmetric positive definite system arising from a finite element discretization of an elliptic boundary value problem can be solved efficiently using the preconditioned conjugate gradient method (cf. (Saad 1996)). In this chapter we discuss the class of additive Schwarz preconditioners, which has built-in parallelism and is particularly suitable for implementation on parallel computers. Many well-known preconditioners are included in this class, for example the hierarchical basis and BPX multilevel preconditioners, the two-level additive Schwarz overlapping domain decomposition pre-conditioner, and the BPS and Neumann-Neumann nonoverlapping domain decomposition preconditioners.
Defect Interactions, Extended Defects and Non-Stoichiometry in Ceramic Oxides

Non-stoichiometry in ceramic oxides is usually accommodated structurally through the incorporation of lattice defects. Except in regions very close to stoichiometry, these point defects tend to aggregate into clusters, or extended defects. In this presentation we discuss the energetics of the interactions giving rise to these extended defects from the point of view of atomistic computer-based simulations.
A Recycling Method for LST® Contaminated During Heavy Liquid Separation in Palynological Processing

An aqueous solution of LST® is one of many heavy liquids used to concentrate palynomorphs. It and aqueous solutions of sodium polytungstate (SPT) are replacing toxic heavy liquids, such as bromoform and zinc bromide, and to a lesser extent zinc chloride, in many palynology laboratories. Both non-toxic heavy liquids can be recycled through filtering and evaporation of water and/or ethanol added to the sample during processing, and commonly are. Both media, and especially LST®, are somewhat reactive with organic matter, and in humic-acid rich samples become contaminated and discoloured. This paper presents the authors' methods for recycling LST® and removing contamination through a combination of filtration through activated charcoal and 0.45 µm nylon membranes. Filtration through Celite® was found to be unnecessary.
Contemporary ethnic geographies in America

Similar to the first edition, this book examines the geographies of several ethnicities and national groups in the United States by studying their experiences. The book is an updated dialog that ha...
Examining the Ability of Artificial Neural Networks Machine Learning Models to Accurately Predict Complications Following Posterior Lumbar Spine Fusion.

Study design A cross-sectional database study. Objective The aim of this study was to train and validate machine learning models to identify risk factors for complications following posterior lumbar spine fusion. Summary of background data Machine learning models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) are valuable tools for analyzing and interpreting large and complex datasets. ANNs have yet to be used for risk factor analysis in orthopedic surgery. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent posterior lumbar spine fusion. This query returned 22,629 patients, 70% of whom were used to train our models, and 30% were used to evaluate the models. The predictive variables used included sex, age, ethnicity, diabetes, smoking, steroid use, coagulopathy, functional status, American Society for Anesthesiology (ASA) class ≥3, body mass index (BMI), pulmonary comorbidities, and cardiac comorbidities. The models were used to predict cardiac complications, wound complications, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and mortality. Using ASA class as a benchmark for prediction, area under receiver operating curves (AUC) was used to determine the accuracy of our machine learning models. Results On the basis of AUC values, ANN and LR both outperformed ASA class for predicting all four types of complications. ANN was the most accurate for predicting cardiac complications, and LR was most accurate for predicting wound complications, VTE, and mortality, though ANN and LR had comparable AUC values for predicting all types of complications. ANN had greater sensitivity than LR for detecting wound complications and mortality. Conclusion Machine learning in the form of logistic regression and ANNs were more accurate than benchmark ASA scores for identifying risk factors of developing complications following posterior lumbar spine fusion, suggesting they are potentially great tools for risk factor analysis in spine surgery. Level of evidence 3.
Feature Article-Statistical Analysis of Simulation Output Data

We present a state-of-the-art survey of statistical analyses for simulation output data of a single simulated system. The various statistical problems associated with output data analyses such as start-up bias and determination of estimator accuracy are described in detail. We then discuss the best available techniques for addressing these problems, as well as topics for future research. The paper concludes with a discussion of how developments in simulation languages, computer graphics, and computer execution speed may affect the future of output analyses.
A Review of Statistical Methods for Generalizing From Evaluations of Educational Interventions

School-based evaluations of interventions are increasingly common in education research. Ideally, the results of these evaluations are used to make evidence-based policy decisions for students. How...
Twin Junctions in Monoclinic Zirconia

Analysis of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of the microstructure of monoclinic zirconia film has revealed that some areas are built entirely of twins. Twin boundaries form triple and quadruple junctions. While the misorientations of the constituent boundaries are completely balanced at quadruple junctions, there is a small rotational mismatch at the junctions of three twin boundaries. This mismatch is compensated by wedge disclinations. Crystallography of the triple junctions is considered and factors stabilizing intrinsic junction disclinations are discussed.
Marcellus Shale and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Much of the enthusiasm about Marcellus Shale has been its promise of economic benefits. State and federal data suggests that Marcellus Shale is having generally positive but modest effects on employment, wages, and local business activity. Wages and income generally have increased more than the number of workers, suggesting that much of the impact has been more work hours, higher pay, or a combination of both, rather than significant new job creation. Employment is up, particularly in sectors directly related to drilling activity, yet the number of residents reporting wages and salaries has not changed as much, indicating that many of the new jobs are going to nonresidents. Counties with Marcellus Shale activity typically did a little better in retaining or adding local businesses than did the rest of the state. Many of these economic numbers appear more modest than would be expected, given the billions of dollars being spent to develop the Marcellus Shale.
The separation of normal human leukocytes by density and classification by size.

Leukocytes of hematologically normal human blood have been studied by separating them in bovine serum albumin gradients. The blood cells of the density fractions have been characterized by electronic volume sizing and microscope differential counts. The electronic volumes of different leukocyte populations have been determined from density gradient experiments. Lymphocytes of various sizes can be separated by differences in density. The small lymphocyte population is the most dense while the large population is the least dense. The density of blood cell populations in BSA in order of increasing density were: monocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes and erythrocytes.
3D printed self-adhesive PEGDA–PAA hydrogels as modular components for soft actuators and microfluidics

Hydrogel building blocks that are stimuli-responsive and self-adhesive could be utilized as a simple “do-it-yourself” construction set for soft machines and microfluidic devices. However, conventional covalently-crosslinked hydrogels are unsuitable since they are as static materials with poor interfacial adhesion. In this article, we demonstrate ion-responsive interchangeable parts based on composite hydrogels that incorporate both covalent and ionic crosslinking. We use light-directed 3D printing to covalently-crosslink poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate in the presence of anionic poly(acrylic acid) of much higher molecular weight. The addition of trivalent cations acts to crosslink the anionic polymer chains together. Using high cation concentrations drives strong crosslinking, which can result in dramatic hydrogel contraction. Mismatched contraction of layered ion-responsive and non-ion-responsive hydrogels can control bending and twisting actuation, which is utilized for a gripping device. Alternatively, moderate cation concentrations permit strong self-adhesion between hydrogel surfaces. LEGO-like hydrogel blocks with internal channels and external mechanical connectors can be stacked into complex microfluidic device geometries including serpentine micromixers and multilevel architectures. This approach enables “plug-and-play” hydrogel parts for ionic soft machines that mimic actuation, sensing, and fluid transport in living systems.
Cranial Nonmetric Sexual Dimorphism and Sex Estimation in East and Southeast Asian Individuals

Sex—often analyzed through the visual assessment of robust or gracile nonmetric skeletal features—is one of the most important components of the biological profile, as it dictates the methods used in the estimation of age and stature. Differences in sexual dimorphism exist between populations; however, little work has tested the efficacy of nonmetric-scoring systems on Asian groups. This study examines cranial (nuchal crest, mastoid process, supraorbital margin, glabella, and mental eminence) nonmetric sexual dimorphism in 1,397 Japanese and Thai individuals through the development of population-specific univariate and multivariate statistics, which were subsequently tested on 109 Filipino individuals. The univariate sectioning points produced classification accuracies of 45.5–93.2%, while cross-validated logistic regression equations resulted in classification accuracies of 68.4–97.3%. However, Walker’s (2008) and Garvin et al.’s (2014) discriminant functions developed on non-Asian individuals produced lower classification accuracies and higher sex biases when applied to the Asian samples due to reduced sexual dimorphism. While some population differences exist between the Japanese and Thai, the inclusion of population in statistical models failed to contribute to the predictions. Further, the success of the univariate and multivariate models on the Filipino sample suggests that they can be cautiously applied to other East and Southeast Asian groups. While age and intraobserver error minimally affect the nonmetric traits, secular change may influence their expression, thereby complicating their use in sex estimation. The findings of this research underscore the importance of developing Asian-specific biological profile methods in the current judicial climate.
Moderators of two dual eating disorder and obesity prevention programs

Abstract Few trials have investigated factors that moderate the effects of eating disorder and obesity prevention programs, which may inform inclusion criteria and intervention refinements. We examined factors hypothesized to moderate the effects of the Healthy Weight eating disorder/obesity prevention program that promotes gradual healthy changes, and Project Health that adds cognitive dissonance activities. College students at risk for both outcomes because of weight concerns (N = 364, 72% female) were randomized to these interventions or an educational video condition, completing pretest, posttest, and 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up assessments. Healthy Weight and Project Health produced significantly larger reductions in eating disorder symptoms versus video controls for individuals with higher negative affect, emotional eating, dietary fat/sugar intake, and perceived pressure to be thin. Project Health also produced significantly less increases in BMI versus video controls for individuals with lower negative affect. Results suggest that these interventions produce larger eating disorder symptom reductions for individuals at elevated risk for eating pathology but hint that weight gain prevention effects may be attenuated by elevated negative affect. Results imply that larger eating disorder symptom reductions will result when implemented with individuals with both weight concerns and one of the additionally identified risk factors.
A Mobile Genetic Element Promotes the Association Between Serotype M28 Group A Streptococcus Isolates and Cases of Puerperal Sepsis.

BACKGROUND Bacterial infections following childbirth-so-called puerperal infections-cause morbidity in 5%-10% of all new mothers. At low frequency, the infection can spread to the blood, resulting in life-threatening sepsis known as puerperal sepsis. Pathogens causing puerperal sepsis include group A Streptococcus (GAS), and epidemiological analyses have identified isolates of a single serotype, M28, as being nonrandomly associated with cases of puerperal sepsis. The genomes of serotype M28 GAS isolates harbor a 36.3-kb mobile genetic element of apparent group B Streptococcus origin, termed region of difference 2 (RD2). METHODS The phenotypic (determined via tissue culture and a vaginal colonization model) and regulatory (determined via RNA sequencing analysis) contributions of RD2 were assessed by comparing parental, RD2 deletion mutant, and complemented mutant serotype M28 GAS strains. RESULTS RD2 affords serotype M28 isolates an enhanced ability to adhere to human vaginal epithelial cells and to colonize the female reproductive tract in a mouse model of infection. In addition, RD2 influences the abundance of messenger RNAs from >100 core chromosomal GAS genes. CONCLUSIONS The data are consistent with RD2 directly, via encoded virulence factors, and indirectly, via encoded regulatory proteins, modifying the virulence potential of GAS and contributing to the decades-old association of serotype M28 isolates with cases of puerperal sepsis.
Buprenorphine prevents stress-induced blunting of nucleus accumbens dopamine response and approach behavior to food reward in mice

Alterations to the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system are thought to underlie dysfunctional reward processing in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Using in vivio microdialysis in awake freely moving mice, we assessed the effects of stress on the motivational and neurochemical correlates underlying conditioned approach behavior for palatable food in the non-deprived mouse. Mice trained to approach and consume food in a familiar environment exhibited a 30% increase in nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) extracellular dopamine levels coincident with approach towards and consumption of the food reward. This effect was not observed in mice that were presented with the food in an unfamiliar environment or were exposed for the first time and were region specific. The addition of an acute environmental stressor (bright light and novel scent) during food exposure decreased DA release and delayed approach to the food. The disruptive impact of acute novelty stress on DA levels and approach behavior was reversed in animals pretreated with buprenorphine, an opioid drug with antidepressant-like and anxiolytic effects. Together, these data indicate that exposure to mild stress reduces incentive drive to approach palatable food via alterations in AcbSh dopamine responsiveness to food reward. Moreover, they implicate the brain opioid system as a potential pharmacological target for counteracting behavioral and neurochemical elements associated with stress.
The Anthropology of Education and Contributions to Critical Race Studies.

ABSTRACTThis essay is a response to Jonathan Warren and Michelle Kleisath's “The Roots of US Anthropology's Race Problem: Whiteness, Ethnicity and Ethnography.” In this essay, I engage with critiqu...
The Optimization of the Concentrations of Sodium Lactate (Nal), Sodium Erythorbate (Nae), and Sodium Bicarbonate (Nab) Applied to Beef Trimmings for Ground Beef Production

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to identify optimal concentrations of NaL, NaE and NaB applied to beef trimmings to assess their impact on quality of ground beef patties.Materials and MethodsBeef trimmings (∼50kg) were fabricated from beef forequarters (N = 5) 14 d postmortem, combined and aerobically stored (5°C) for an additional 6 d to simulate the collection, storage, transportation and receipt of a combo of beef trimmings. A 23 central composite response surface design (RSM) was used to generate 15 treatment combinations containing NaL (0.1–1.5 M), NaE (0.1–0.6 M), and NaB (0.1–1.5 M) with water used as a control. After aerobic storage, the beef trimmings (∼20% fat) were coarse ground (12 mm) and the treatment/control solution applied to the coarse ground trimmings (∼454 g) at 2% (w/w). The trimmings were reground (3 mm) and 120 g of treated sample was placed into a Petri dish and overwrapped with oxygen permeable film (OTR: 21,700 cc/m2/24h at 25°C) to form patties. The patties (2 per treatment/control) were stored under simulated retail conditions: 5°C, cool white fluorescent light (200–300 lux) and analyzed at Day 0, 3, 6, and 9 of storage to assess the effectiveness of each treatment in preventing further quality deterioration. Objective color (L*, a*, b*), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) determinations, GC–MS for off-odor assessment and aerobic plate counts (APC) were conducted. The least squares means of results were generated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD to identify significant differences (P 11 and TBA values < 0.52.ConclusionResults of this study suggest that a combination of NaB, NaE, and NaL can be applied to improve color stability, reduce lipid oxidation, and control off-odor of ground beef patties.
Using deep learning to examine the correlation between transportation planning and perceived safety of the built environment

In this study, we attempt to estimate the effects of various transportation policies on the perceived safety of the built environment. We train a convolutional neural network on a dataset of safety...
Structural mimicry drives HIV-1 Rev-mediated HERV-K expression.

Abstract Expression of the Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K (HERV-K), the youngest and most active HERV, has been associated with various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. As in all retroviruses, a fraction of HERV-K transcripts is exported from the nucleus in unspliced or incompletely spliced forms to serve as templates for translation of viral proteins. In a fraction of HERV-K loci (Type 2 proviruses), nuclear export of the unspliced HERV-K mRNA appears to be mediated by a cis-acting signal on the mRNA, the RcRE, and the protein Rec—these are analogous to the RRE-Rev system in HIV-1. Interestingly, the HIV-1 Rev protein is able to mediate the nuclear export of the HERV-K RcRE, contributing to elevated HERV-K expression in HIV-infected patients. We aimed to understand the structural basis for HIV Rev-HERV-K RcRE recognition. We examined the conformation of the RcRE RNA in solution using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that the 433-nt long RcRE can assume folded or extended conformations as observed by AFM. SAXS analysis of a truncated RcRE variant revealed an “A”-shaped topological structure similar to the one previously reported for the HIV-1 RRE. The effect of the overall topology was examined using several deletion variants. SAXS and biochemical analyses demonstrated that the “A” shape is necessary for efficient Rev-RcRE complex formation in vitro and nuclear export activity in cell culture. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of HERV-K expression and a structural explanation for HIV-1 Rev-mediated expression of HERV-K in HIV-infected patients. Importance Expression of the human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) has been associated with various cancers and autoimmune diseases. Nuclear export of both HIV-1 and HERV-K mRNAs is dependent on the interaction between a small viral protein (Rev in HIV-1 and Rec in HERV-K) and a region on the mRNA (RRE in HIV-1 and RcRE in HERV-K). HIV-1 Rev is able to mediate the nuclear export of RcRE-containing HERV-K mRNAs, which contributes to elevated production of HERV-K proteins in HIV-infected patients. We report the solution conformation of the RcRE RNA—the first three-dimensional topological structure for a HERV molecule—and find that the RcRE resembles the HIV-1 nuclear export signal, RRE. The finding reveals the structural basis for the increased HERV-K expression observed in HIV-infected patients. Elevated HERV expression, mediated by HIV infection or other stressors, can have various HERV-related biological consequences. The findings provide structural insight for regulation of HERV-K expression.
Pulmonary arteries of Williams syndrome patients exhibit altered serotonin metabolism genes and degenerated medial layer architecture.

Background Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS) is characterized by cardiovascular abnormalities associated with a multigene deletion on 7q11.23, in particular elastin (ELN). Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (PPAS) frequently affects pediatric patients with WS. Molecular investigation of WS pulmonary arterial (PA) tissue is limited by tissue scarcity. Methods We compared transcriptomes, tissue architecture, and localized changes in protein expression in PA tissue from patients with WS (n = 8) and donors (n = 5). Results Over 100 genes were differentially expressed at the ≥4-fold level, including genes related to the serotonin signaling pathway: >60-fold downregulation of serotonin transporter SLC6A4 and >3-fold upregulation of serotonin receptor HTR2A. Histologic examination revealed abnormal elastin distribution and smooth muscle cell morphology in WS PA, with markedly shorter, disorganized elastin fibers, and expanded proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix between muscle layers. Conclusions There were significant abnormalities in the PA expression of genes regulating serotonin signaling, metabolism, and receptors in WS. Those changes were associated with distinct changes in the arterial structure and may play a role in the stenosis-promoting effects of elevated shear stress at PA bifurcations in WS. Impact Serotonin pathway signaling is significantly altered in the pulmonary arteries of patients with Williams syndrome and severe peripheral arterial stenosis. The present study compares the histological and biochemical characteristics of pulmonary arteries from patients with Williams syndrome to those of controls, something that has not, to our knowledge, been done previously. It demonstrates marked abnormalities in the pulmonary arteries of patients with Williams syndrome, especially significant pathologic alterations in the signaling of the serotonin pathway. The findings of this study provide direction for the development of potential therapies to treat pulmonary artery stenosis in patients with Williams syndrome.
TNF controls a speed-accuracy tradeoff in the apoptotic decision to restrict viral spread

Abstract Early commitment to apoptosis is an important antiviral strategy. However, fast decisions that are based on limited evidence can be erroneous and cause unnecessary cell death and tissue damage. How cells optimize their decision making strategy to account for both speed and accuracy is unclear. Here we show that exposure to TNF, which is secreted by macrophages during viral infection, causes cells to change their decision strategy from “slow and accurate” to “fast and error-prone”. Mathematical modeling combined with experiments in cell culture and mouse corneas show that the regulation of the apoptotic decision strategy is critical to prevent HSV-1 spread. These findings demonstrate that immune regulation of cellular cognitive processes dynamically changes a tissues’ tolerance for self-damage, which is required to protect against viral spread.
Transcriptional response to prolonged perchlorate exposure in the methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri and implications for Martian habitability.

Observations of trace methane (CH4) in the Martian atmosphere are significant to the astrobiology community given the overwhelming contribution of biological methanogenesis to atmospheric CH4 on Earth. Previous studies have shown that methanogenic Archaea can generate CH4 when incubated with perchlorates, highly oxidizing chaotropic salts which have been found across the Martian surface. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind this remain completely unexplored. In this study we performed comparative transcriptomics on the methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri, which was incubated at 30˚C and 0˚C with 10-20 mM calcium-, magnesium-, or sodium perchlorate. Consistent with prior studies, we observed decreased CH4 production and apparent perchlorate reduction, with the latter process proceeding by heretofore essentially unknown mechanisms. Transcriptomic responses of M. barkeri to perchlorates include up-regulation of osmoprotectant transporters and selection against redox-sensitive amino acids. Increased expression of methylamine methanogenesis genes suggest competition for H2 with perchlorate reduction, which we propose is catalyzed by up-regulated molybdenum-containing enzymes and maintained by siphoning diffused H2 from energy-conserving hydrogenases. Methanogenesis regulatory patterns suggest Mars' freezing temperatures alone pose greater constraints to CH4 production than perchlorates. These findings increase our understanding of methanogen survival in extreme environments and confers continued consideration of a potential biological contribution to Martian CH4.
Visual impairment and depression in uveal melanoma: Optimism and pessimism as moderators.

Objective Uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer, presents potential vision loss and life threat. This prospective, longitudinal study interrogated the predictive utility of visual impairment, as moderated by optimism/pessimism, on depressive symptoms in 299 adults undergoing diagnostic evaluation. Method Depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), subjective (Measure of Outcome in Ocular Disease vision subscale) and objective (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) visual impairment, and optimism/pessimism (Life Orientation Test-Revised) were assessed before diagnostic evaluation and 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months after diagnosis. Multilevel modeling, with repeated measures (Level 1) nested within individuals (Level 2) and imputation of missing data (Blimp software), was performed. Results Depressive symptoms were significantly more elevated 1 week after diagnosis in cancer patients (n = 107) versus patients not diagnosed with cancer (n = 192). Higher subjective (but not objective) visual impairment predicted greater depressive symptoms (p .05). The association was significant at high and moderate levels (ps .05) levels of pessimism. Conclusions Elevated depressive symptoms are evident in adults who do (vs. do not) receive a diagnosis of uveal melanoma but appear to remit within 3 months. Perceived impaired vision, especially coupled with low optimism or high pessimism, predicts depressive symptoms over time, with implications for intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Gating and Regulatory Mechanisms of TMEM16 Ion Channels and Scramblases

The transmembrane protein 16 (TMEM16) family consists of Ca2+-activated ion channels and Ca2+-activated phospholipid scramblases (CaPLSases) that passively flip-flop phospholipids between the two leaflets of the membrane bilayer. Owing to their diverse functions, TMEM16 proteins have been implicated in various human diseases, including asthma, cancer, bleeding disorders, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, epilepsy, dystonia, ataxia, and viral infection. To understand TMEM16 proteins in health and disease, it is critical to decipher their molecular mechanisms of activation gating and regulation. Structural, biophysical, and computational characterizations over the past decade have greatly advanced the molecular understanding of TMEM16 proteins. In this review, we summarize major structural features of the TMEM16 proteins with a focus on regulatory mechanisms and gating.
Elements of Pressure-Based Computational Algorithms for Complex Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer

Publisher Summary The chapter reviews the various elements important for conducting successful computations of complex flow problems involving momentum, heat, and mass transfer. Complex fluid flows are governed by the full Navier-Stokes and associated equations. The choice of a grid system appropriate for the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations has been a subject of research for a long time. The chapter discusses the use of adaptive and composite grids to help improve the flexibility and accuracy of a numerical algorithm. The chapter discusses the numerical treatment of boundary conditions in computations involving the Navier-Stokes equations. The accurate representation of sharp gradients caused by strong convection has long been a challenge for the computational fluid dynamicist. A filtering technique has been presented to study its potential for achieving improved numerical accuracy, particularly in the case of dispersive schemes. The chapter presents the characteristics of several convection schemes that are often applied to convection-dominated complex flow problems. It is desirable to have the convergence rate of a matrix solver to be as independent of the size of the coefficient matrix as is possible. In this regard, the multigrid technique is discussed.
Can radicality of surgery be safely modulated on the basis of MRI and PET/CT imaging in locally advanced cervical cancer patients administered preoperative treatment?

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to prospectively analyze the diagnostic performances of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in predicting pathologically assessed residual disease in a large, single-institution series of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients triaged to neoadjuvant treatments followed by radical surgery. METHODS: Between April 2007 and March 2010, 96 patients with histologically documented cervical cancer (any histology) and FIGO stage IB2-IVA were enrolled. MRI and PET/CT were recommended to be performed within 4-6 weeks from the end of treatment, and histology was the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were compared using the McNemar test. RESULTS: For residual disease in the cervix, sensitivity was higher for MRI than for PET/CT (86.1% vs 63.1%; P = .002), while specificity was significantly higher for PET/CT compared with MRI (P = .002). There was no difference in accuracy values between the 2 imaging modalities. For MRI analysis of lymph node groups, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 35.7%, 95.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. Conversely, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for PET/CT were 28.6%, 97.8%, and 88.7%, respectively. Absence of follicular structures replaced by prevalent sclerosis and/or sinus histiocytosis was the most frequently documented morphological pattern in false-positive cases. CONCLUSION: Neither MRI nor PET/CT accurately detected residual disease in LACC patients triaged to radical surgery after neoadjuvant treatment, disallowing the option of avoiding or modulating completion surgery. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Social reinforcement, environmental conditions and the child.

The view is advanced that our understanding of how social reinforcers affect the behavior of children requires a careful analysis of the inherent characteristics of the particular social reinforcer in question and the full appreciation of the particular structure of the child receiving the reinforcer.
Ricardo, David (1772–1823)

Abstract David Ricardo is widely regarded as a founding figure in both classical economics and political economy alongside such figures as Adam Smith and Thomas Malthus. As a practicing financier on the London stock market, he brought his practical understanding of economics to basic problems in economic theory. Although his contributions to economics have often been criticized, his position as a founding father of the discipline is secure. A full-scale biography was published in 2013 and his collected works were edited by Piero Sraffa in 11 volumes (1951–73). Ricardo made important contributions to political debates in his time such as the corn trade. He made lasting contributions to both microeconomics and macroeconomics in the law of diminishing returns and to the labor theory of value; consequently, his work was much admired by Karl Marx. By recognizing that technological improvements could reduce the need for labor if not displace it, he anticipated what is now referred to as the de-skilling of labor. However, according to Paul Samuelson, Ricardo's major contribution was to the theory of comparative advantage, which says that, given international competition, an economy should specialize. Finally, Ricardo was a champion of free trade and the so-called laissez-faire economics. While Ricardo is highly regarded in economics, his contribution to the theory of social classes in his analysis of rent, profit, and wages has been neglected in sociology.
Air–Sea Interaction

Air–sea interaction (ASI) is the exchange of energy and mass across the air–water interface. ASI encompasses vast variations in spatial and temporal scales, so a list of recent literature regarding these fields is provided. This article summarizes several basic and applied topics in ASI. They include but are not limited to the parameterization of stability and roughness lengths, determination of friction velocity, parameterization of latent heat flux and evaporation, and estimation of wind–wave interaction and shoaling depth during hurricanes. It is shown that the stability and roughness parameters, Bowen ratio, and evaporation can be estimated directly using measurements of wind, wave, and air and water temperatures from offshore buoys. The data from these buoys are reported hourly by the U.S. National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) at its website (www.ndbc.noaa.gov). Because of the extensive impact caused by hurricanes, formulas are also provided to determine the maximum sustained wind speed, maximum significant wave height, storm surge, and shoaling depth using the minimum sea-level (central) pressure as the only input. Keywords: air–sea interaction; overwater stability length; roughness length; friction velocity; sensible heat flux; latent heat flux; Bowen ratio; hurricanes; significant wave height; storm surge; shoaling depth; drag coefficient; evaporation; overwater wind speeds; wind–wave interaction
Modeling and Measuring Exhaust Backpressure Resulting from Flow Restriction Through an Aftertreatment System

This paper describes the pressure loss characteristics of a variety of substrates (with and without washcoat) that have different cell densities, lengths, and diameters. Both experimental and analytical approaches were used to determine pressure loss characteristics. Engine dynamometer testing was conducted as an experimental approach to measure pressure losses at several different speed and load points. A simple, but comprehensive, analytical model was also developed to estimate pressure loss and equivalent power loss in an exhaust system. The model provides for losses due to the substrate resistance and the inlet/outlet headers. The experimental approach demonstrated that the model was an effective tool to provide assistance during the screening of exhaust system design alternatives.