cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of rate denominator source on US fatal occupational injury rate estimates

BACKGROUND: The Current Population Survey (CPS) is often used as a source of denominator information for analyses of US fatal occupational injury rates. However, given the relatively small sample size of the CPS, analyses that examine the cross-classification of occupation or industry with demographic or geographic characteristics will often produce highly imprecise rate estimates. The Decennial Census of Population provides an alternative source for rate denominator information. We investigate the comparability of fatal injury rates derived using these two sources of rate denominator information. METHODS: Information on fatal occupational injuries that occurred between January 1, 1983 and December 31, 1994 was obtained from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality surveillance system. Annual estimates of employment by occupation, industry, age, and sex were derived from the CPS, and by linear interpolation and extrapolation from the 1980 and 1990 Census of Population. Fatal injury rates derived using these denominator data were compared. RESULTS: Fatal injury rates calculated using Census-based denominator data were within 10% of rates calculated using CPS data for all major occupation groups except farming/forestry/fishing, for which the fatal injury rate calculated using Census-based denominator data was 24.69/100,000 worker-years and the rate calculated using CPS data was 19.97/100,000 worker-years. The choice of denominator data source had minimal influence on estimates of trends over calendar time in the fatal injury rates for most major occupation and industry groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Census offers a reasonable source for deriving fatal injury rate denominator data in situations where the CPS does not provide sufficiently precise data, although the Census may underestimate the population-at-risk in some industries as a consequence of seasonal variation in employment.
Functional characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistance transporter (PfCRT) in transformed Dictyostelium discoideum vesicles.

Background Chloroquine (CQ)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been a global health catastrophe, yet much about the CQ resistance (CQR) mechanism remains unclear. Hallmarks of the CQR phenotype include reduced accumulation of protonated CQ as a weak base in the digestive vacuole of the erythrocyte-stage parasite, and chemosensitization of CQ-resistant (but not CQ-sensitive) P. falciparum by agents such as verapamil. Mutations in the P. falciparum CQR transporter (PfCRT) confer CQR; particularly important among these mutations is the charge-loss substitution K→T at position 76. Dictyostelium discoideum transformed with mutant PfCRT expresses key features of CQR including reduced drug accumulation and verapamil chemosensitization.
Micromagnetics and micromechanics of Ni-Mn-Ga actuation

An analytic model is described that accounts for the nanoscale strain field that defines the twin-boundary width and energy density as well as the interaction of a 90° domain wall with such a twin boundary. These parameters are being used as input to micromagnetic calculations of the domain-wall profile perturbed by the twin-boundary strain field. Further, application of a magnetic field can displace the domain wall from a pinned twin boundary with the Zeeman energy being stored elastically in the domain-wall anisotropy energy.
Response of Cottons to Chemical Treatments Part II: Yarn Mercerization

Eleven experimental cottons were subjected to identical yarn mercerization in an attempt to determine whether differences in response to the treatment could be observed. The response was measured in terms of changes in yarn resilience, elastic modulus, and toughness. Changes in yarn elastic modulus and resilience were found to be dependent upon X-ray angle, although the dependence on X-ray angle was found to be the reverse of that for fiber elastic modulus [6].
Finite element analysis of hepatic radiofrequency ablation probes using temperature-dependent electrical conductivity.

Few finite element models (FEM) have been developed to describe the electric field, specific absorption rate (SAR), and the temperature distribution surrounding hepatic radiofrequency ablation probes. To date, a coupled finite element model that accounts for the temperature-dependent electrical conductivity changes has not been developed for ablation type devices. While it is widely acknowledged that accounting for temperature dependent phenomena may affect the outcome of these models, the effect has not been assessed. The results of four finite element models are compared: constant electrical conductivity without tissue perfusion, temperature-dependent conductivity without tissue perfusion, constant electrical conductivity with tissue perfusion, and temperature-dependent conductivity with tissue perfusion. The data demonstrate that significant errors are generated when constant electrical conductivity is assumed in coupled electrical-heat transfer problems that operate at high temperatures. These errors appear to be closely related to the temperature at which the ablation device operates and not to the amount of power applied by the device or the state of tissue perfusion. Accounting for temperature-dependent phenomena may be critically important in the safe operation of radiofrequency ablation device that operate near 100°C.
Center–Surround Antagonism Based on Disparity in Primate Area MT

Most neurons in primate visual area MT have a large, modulatory region surrounding their classically defined receptive field, or center. The velocity tuning of this “surround” is generally antagonistic to the center, making it potentially useful for detecting image discontinuities on the basis of differential motion. Because classical MT receptive fields are also disparity-selective, one might expect to find disparity-based surround antagonism as well; this would provide additional information about image discontinuities. However, the effects of disparity in the MT surround have not been studied previously. We measured single-neuron responses to variable-disparity moving patterns in the MT surround while holding a central moving pattern at a fixed disparity. Of the 130 neurons tested, 84% exhibited a modulatory surround, and in 52% of these, responses were significantly affected by disparity in the surround. In most cases, disparity effects in the surround were antagonistic to the center; that is, neurons were generally suppressed when center and surround stimuli had the same disparity, with decreasing suppression as the center and surround stimuli became separated in depth. Also, the effects of disparity and direction were mainly additive; i.e., disparity effects were generally independent of direction, and vice versa. These results suggest that the MT center–surround apparatus provides information about image discontinuities, not only on the basis of velocity differences but on the basis of depth differences as well. This supports the hypothesis that MT surrounds have a role in image segmentation.
ATVB In Focus Nitric Oxide Redux

Almost 20 years ago, endothelium-derived relaxing factor was identified as nitric oxide,1,2 and since that time, the field has witnessed extraordinary growth and complexity. Biologists now recognize that nitric oxide is a multifunctional molecule with roles in neurotransmission, immune regulation, oxidative metabolism and oxygen delivery, inflammation, and control of cell growth, apoptosis, and necrosis, among others. The central importance of nitric oxide in human biology and pathobiology was recognized by the Nobel Committee in 1998 by their awarding the prize to Robert Furchgott, Louis Ignarro, and Ferid Murad for their seminal contributions to …
Reproductive behavior in horseshoe crabs: Does density matter?

While the four species of horseshoe crabs share many common reproductive traits with respect to their reproductive systems, they do differ with respect to their mating behavior (monogamy vs. polygynandry). Past research has attributed these differences to a number of factors including: spawning densities, operational sex ratios (OSR's), male condition (or age), envi- ronmental and/or genetic factors, or a combination thereof. Mating behaviors in the three Asian horseshoe crab species (Tachy- pleus gigas, T. tridentatus, and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) with low spawning densities and 1:1 operational sex ratios are typically monogamous. In Limulus polyphemus, mating behavior is more variable ranging from monogamy to polygynandry. Here we provide evidence, through a long term behavioral study, that variation in mating behavior is influenced by population density in L. polyphemus. Our study population on two beaches in Connecticut (Long Island Sound) have a spawning density 400 times less than that found in Delaware Bay (0.002 females/m 2 vs. 0.8 females/m 2 ) but similar operational sex ratios. Between 90%-95% of all spawning females in CT were paired with only one male, thus exhibiting monogamous behavior. In contrast, between 30 and 60% of spawning females in Delaware Bay have more than one mate and produce clutches of eggs with multiple paternities. Male condition played no role in mating behavior in CT populations. We also observed that on average 18% of the females on the spawning beaches are single. These results suggest that population density is an important condition that determines mating be- havior. Also, low population density may lead to decreased mate finding ability and lost opportunities for spawning (Current Zo- ology 56 (5): 634-642, 2010).
Galectin-1, an Endogenous Lectin Produced by Thymic Epithelial Cells, Induces Apoptosis of Human Thymocytes

Galectin-1, a β-galactoside binding protein, is produced by thymic epithelial cells and binds to human thymocytes. We have previously reported that galectin-1 induces the apoptosis of activated T lymphocytes. Because the majority of thymocytes die via apoptosis while still within the thymus, we tested whether galectin-1 could induce the apoptosis of these cells. We now report that in vitro exposure to galectin-1 induced apoptosis of two subsets of CD4lo CD8lo thymocytes. The phenotypes of susceptible thymocytes were consistent with that of both negatively selected and nonselected cells. Galectin-1–induced apoptosis was enhanced by preexposure of thymocytes to antibody to CD3, suggesting that galectin-1 may be a participant in T-cell– receptor mediated apoptosis. In contrast, pretreatment of thymocytes with dexamethasone had no effect on galectin-1 susceptibility. We noted that 71% of the cells undergoing apoptosis after galectin-1 treatment had a DNA content greater than 2N, indicating that proliferating thymocytes were most sensitive to galectin-1. We propose that galectin-1 plays a role in the apoptosis of both negatively selected and nonselected thymocytes, and that the susceptibility of thymocytes to galectin-1 is regulated, in part, by entry or exit from the cell cycle.
A Proportional Piezoelectric Electropneumatic Servovalve Design

Abstract : This report deals with the development of a new proportional electropneumatic servovalve. The first stage of the valve consists of a piezoelectric bender element of bimorph construction centered between two nozzles. The bimorph acts as a flapper and is deformed by an electrical input signal. This deformation causes a pressure difference to be generated downstream of the nozzles. This pressure difference is then amplified to some usable level using laminar proportional amplifiers. An equivalent mathematical model for the behavior of the valve system is developed and verified. The model is then used to select a bimorph and a laminar proportional amplifier gain block. After the system parameters have been selected using the model, a working prototype is then constructed and tested. The validity of the design equations is shown by the correlation with experimental results, and an improved design is suggested. (Author)
Replication Schemes for Limiting Expectations

We show that natural estimators occurring in certain simulation settings have convergence rates less than the canonical rate usually associated with simulation. These natural estimators use replication schemes that attenuate bias. For some important examples, we find alternative estimators that converge at the canonical rate. The implications of these asymptotic comparisons for choosing good strategies when the computer-time budget is modest are discussed.
Review of muscle wasting associated with chronic kidney disease

Muscle wasting increases the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been attributed to malnutrition. In most patients, this is an incorrect diagnosis because simply feeding more protein aggravates uremia. Instead, there are complex mechanisms that stimulate loss of skeletal muscle, involving activation of mediators that stimulate the ATP-dependent ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Identified mediators of muscle protein breakdown include inflammation, metabolic acidosis, angiotensin II, and neural and hormonal factors that cause defects in insulin/insulin-like growth factor I (IFG-I) intracellular signaling processes. Abnormalities in insulin/IGF-I signaling activate muscle protein degradation in the UPS and caspase-3, a protease that disrupts the complex structure of muscle proteins to provide substrates for the UPS. During the cleavage of muscle proteins, caspase-3 leaves behind a characteristic 14-kD actin fragment in the insoluble fraction of muscle, and characterization of this fragment identifies the presence of muscle catabolism. Thus, it could become a marker of excessive muscle wasting, providing a method for early detection of muscle wasting. Another consequence of activation of caspase-3 in muscle is stimulation of the activity of the proteasome, which increases the degradation of muscle proteins. Treatment strategies for blocking muscle wasting include correction of metabolic acidosis, which can suppress muscle protein losses in patients with CKD who are or are not being treated by dialysis. Correcting acidosis also improves bone metabolism in CKD and hence should be a goal of therapy. Exercise training is a potentially beneficial approach, but more information is needed to optimize exercise regimens. Replacing testosterone deficits can improve muscle mass in men, but dosing and side effects in women have not been adequately tested. Although insulin resistance occurs early in the course of CKD, there are no effective means of correcting it. Consequently, new therapies that can safely suppress muscle wasting are needed.
MepR, a Repressor of the Staphylococcus aureus MATE Family Multidrug Efflux Pump MepA, Is a Substrate-Responsive Regulatory Protein

The mepRAB gene cluster of Staphylococcus aureus encodes a MarR family repressor (MepR; known to repress mepA expression), a MATE family multidrug efflux pump (MepA), and a protein of unknown function (MepB). In this report, we show that MepR also is autoregulatory, repressing the expression of its own gene. Exposure of strains containing a mepR :: lacZ fusion with mepR provided in trans under the control of an inducible promoter, or a mepA :: lacZ fusion alone, to subinhibitory concentrations of MepA substrates resulted in variably increased expression mainly of mepA . Mobility shift assays revealed that MepR binds upstream of mepR and mepA , with an apparently higher affinity for the mepA binding site. MepA substrates abrogated MepR binding to each site in a differential manner, with the greatest effect observed on the MepR- mepA operator interaction. DNase I footprinting identified precise binding sites which included promoter motifs, inverted repeats, and transcription start sites for mepR and mepA , as well as a conserved GTTAG motif, which may be a signature recognition sequence for MepR. Analogous to other multidrug efflux pump regulatory proteins such as QacR, the substrate-MepR interaction likely results in its dissociation from its mepA , and in a more limited fashion its mepR , operator sites and relief of its repressive effect. The enhanced effect of substrates on mepA compared to mepR expression, and on the MepR- mepA operator interaction, results in significant relief of mepA and relative maintenance of mepR repression, leading to increased MepA protein unimpeded by MepR when the need for detoxification exists.
Arterial transit time imaging with flow encoding arterial spin tagging (FEAST)

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging provides direct and absolute measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Arterial transit time is a related physiological parameter reflecting the duration for the labeled spins to reach the brain region of interest. Most of the existing ASL approaches to assess arterial transit time rely on multiple measurements at various postlabeling delay times, and thus are vulnerable to motion artifact as well as computational error. We describe the use of flow encoding arterial spin tagging (FEAST) technique to measure tissue transit time, which can be derived from the ratio between the ASL signals measured with and without appropriate bipolar gradients. In the present study, we provided a theoretical framework and carried out an experimental validation during steady-state imaging. The global mean tissue transit time was approximately 1100 and 1400 ms for two conditions of bipolar gradients with specific encoding velocity (Venc) of 29 and 8 mm/sec, respectively. The mean tissue transit time measured within cerebral vascular territories was shortest in the deep middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Application of the FEAST technique in two patients with cerebrovascular disease demonstrated prolonged tissue transit times in the affected vascular territories which were consistent with results from other MR imaging modalities.
Evaluation of Electrically Insulative Adhesives for Use in Hybrid Microcircuit Fabrication

Although it is generally accepted that the use of adhesives in the fabrication of hybrid microcircuits offers advantages over other bonding methods, there currently does not exist a set of guidelines for the selection of adhesives which will ensure sufficient compatibility with microcircuit components and metallization systems to meet the long use-life, high-reliability requirements of military and space applications. The initial results of a study directed to the task of selecting suitable evaluation tests which can form the basis for such guidelines for electrically insulative adhesives are presented. The properties of adhesives considered to be of major importance for the proposed application are enumerated and briefly commented on. Polymeric types of adhesives are briefly reviewed and the major epoxy resin-curing agent systems comprising the adhesives that are commercially available and represented as being specifically designed for microelectronic use are identified. Specific tests to determine the chemical and electrolytic corrosivity of adhesives to commonly used metallization systems, their long term outgassing after cure, and their bond strengths under a variety of conditions are defined and discussed in detail. Comparative results obtained to date from these tests are given for five representative adhesives. All are epoxies cured with a different major type of curing agent: a primary secondary amine, a tertiary amine, an anhydride, a modified heterocyclic amine, and a boron trifluoride complex.
Comparison of full-fat corn germ, whole cottonseed, and tallow as fat sources for lactating dairy cattle

Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (124 ± 39 d in milk; 682 ± 72 kg of body weight) were used in 6 simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares to evaluate full-fat corn germ as a fat source for lactating dairy cows. Experimental diets were a control (containing 28% ground corn, 23% alfalfa hay, 19% wet corn gluten feed, and 10% corn silage, dry matter basis), and 3 diets with either whole cottonseed (WCS), tallow (TAL), or full-fat corn germ (FFCG) added to provide 1.6% supplemental fat. Cows were fed twice daily for ad libitum intake. Dry matter intake, milk yield, and energy-corrected milk did not differ among diets. Efficiency of milk production (energy-corrected milk/dry matter intake) was greater for cows fed WCS than for cows fed the control, TAL, or FFCG. Milk fat percentage from cows fed FFCG was less than that of cows fed WCS or the control, but was similar to that of cows fed TAL. Milk protein percentage was less for cows fed FFCG than for those fed the control. Total saturated fatty acids were less in milk from cows fed fat sources, and cows fed WCS and TAL had greater saturated fatty acids in milk than did cows fed FFCG. Unsaturated fatty acids were greater in milk from cows fed FFCG than in milk from cows fed the control, WCS, or TAL. The cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid content was greater in milk from cows fed WCS, TAL, and FFCG than from cows fed the control, and it was greater in milk from cows fed FFCG than in milk from cows fed WCS or TAL. These results indicate that FFCG can be used effectively as a fat source in diets for lactating dairy cattle.
School Safety Technology in America: Current Use and Perceived Effectiveness

School safety administrators (SSAs) are using technologies such as video cameras, weapon detectors, and entry control devices (ECD) in an attempt to deal with school violence. Although it is well known that cameras are useful for documenting events after the fact, further utility of the various school safety technologies is virtually unknown. To address the paucity of information in this area, a national telephone survey of SSAs was conducted. In addition to discussing technology utilization and effectiveness, several important policy considerations (e.g., cost, technology placement, the role that local law enforcement can play in safety plans, and the availability of alternatives that might bolster school safety by enhancing the school community) are discussed.
Biomechanical Evaluation of the TightRope Versus Traditional Docking Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Technique Kinematic and Failure Testing

Background:Numerous variations of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction have been described since the original technique by Jobe et al.Purpose/Hypothesis:To biomechanically compare the new TightRope technique and the traditional ulnar bone tunnels as used in the docking technique. The hypothesis was that the TightRope technique would exhibit improved kinematics and comparable failure properties.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Seven matched pairs of cadaveric arms (mean age, 44.71 years) were tested in both the native state and reconstructed state. Kinematics were assessed at 15° to 90° of flexion by applying a 1.5-N·m valgus torque and measuring the resultant angular displacement. Failure testing was performed by loading to failure at 4.5 deg/s in 70° of flexion. Sides of a matched pair were randomized to the TightRope (TR) and docking (DO) techniques after testing the native state.Results:There was no significant difference in kinematic results between the native state and recon...
Measures of Equality: Social Science, Citizenship, and Race in Cuba, 1902-1940

In the years following Cuba's independence, nationalists aimed to transcend racial categories in order to create a unified polity, yet racial and cultural heterogeneity posed continual challenges to these liberal notions of citizenship. Alejandra Bronfman traces the formation of Cuba's multiracial legal and political order in the early Republic by exploring the responses of social scientists, such as Fernando Ortiz and Israel Castellanos, and black and mulatto activists, including Gustavo Urrutia and Nicolas Guillen, to the paradoxes of modern nationhood. Law, science, and the social sciences - which, during this era, enjoyed growing status in Cuba as well as in many other countries - played central roles in producing knowledge and shaping social categories in postindependence Cuba. Anthropologists, criminologists, and eugenicists embarked on projects intended to employ the tools of science to rid Cuba of the last vestiges of a colonial past. Meanwhile, the legal arena created both new freedoms and new modes of repression. Black and mulatto intellectuals and activists, working to ensure that citizenship offered concrete advantages rather than empty promises, appropriated changing social scientific and legal categories and turned them to their own uses. In the midst of several decades of intermittent racial violence and expanding social and political mobilization by Cubans of African descent, debates among intellectuals and activists, state officials, and legislators transformed not only understandings of race, but also the terms of citizenship for all Cubans.
Markets in equilibrium with firms out of equilibrium: A simulation study

Abstract We explore the effect of the limited ability to process information on the convergence of firms toward equilibrium. In the context of a Cournot oligopoly with a unique and symmetric Nash equilibrium, firms are modeled as adaptive economic agents through a genetic algorithm. Computational experiments show that while market production is close to equilibrium, firm production is relatively far from the individual equilibrium level. This pattern of firm heterogeneity is not an artifact of random elements built into the decisional process. Instead, it comes from the market interaction of firms with cognitive limitations.
Learning and tuning fuzzy logic controllers through reinforcements

A method for learning and tuning a fuzzy logic controller based on reinforcements from a dynamic system is presented. It is shown that: the generalized approximate-reasoning-based intelligent control (GARIC) architecture learns and tunes a fuzzy logic controller even when only weak reinforcement, such as a binary failure signal, is available; introduces a new conjunction operator in computing the rule strengths of fuzzy control rules; introduces a new localized mean of maximum (LMOM) method in combining the conclusions of several firing control rules; and learns to produce real-valued control actions. Learning is achieved by integrating fuzzy inference into a feedforward network, which can then adaptively improve performance by using gradient descent methods. The GARIC architecture is applied to a cart-pole balancing system and demonstrates significant improvements in terms of the speed of learning and robustness to changes in the dynamic system's parameters over previous schemes for cart-pole balancing. >
Missional Theology’s Missing Ingredient

Features of the “missional” conversation revolve around discussions of the ecclesial and divine mission. Largely an intra-Evangelical debate, with relevance to other traditions, this conversation has lacked representation from systematic theology. This article argues that the aim for diversity and listening to other voices that missiology excels at often stops short of seeing things as systematic theology might render them. The integrity of systematic theology’s voice as an exposition of the church’s confession renders structures that mark the manner of how gospel-exposition and mission really work insofar as the gospel defines things as they really are. As Christian theology claims Jesus’ lordship over all created realities, then, it functions to co-labor with the God of the Bible who is missionary and brings his people to participate in his action. Systematic theology then is missional in form, content, and aim, suggesting that mission is entirely what systematic theology is about.
SIRT3 Deacetylates Ceramide Synthases: Implications for Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Brain Injury

Experimental evidence supports the role of mitochondrial ceramide accumulation as a cause of mitochondrial dysfunction and brain injury after stroke. Herein, we report that SIRT3 regulates mitochondrial ceramide biosynthesis via deacetylation of ceramide synthase (CerS) 1, 2, and 6. Reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that CerS1, CerS2, and CerS6, but not CerS4, are associated with SIRT3 in cerebral mitochondria. Furthermore, CerS1, -2, and -6 are hyperacetylated in the mitochondria of SIRT3-null mice, and SIRT3 directly deacetylates the ceramide synthases in a NAD+-dependent manner that increases enzyme activity. Investigation of the SIRT3 role in mitochondrial response to brain ischemia/reperfusion (IR) showed that SIRT3-mediated deacetylation of ceramide synthases increased enzyme activity and ceramide accumulation after IR. Functional studies demonstrated that absence of SIRT3 rescued the IR-induced blockade of the electron transport chain at the level of complex III, attenuated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, and decreased reactive oxygen species generation and protein carbonyls in mitochondria. Importantly, Sirt3 gene ablation reduced the brain injury after IR. These data support the hypothesis that IR triggers SIRT3-dependent deacetylation of ceramide synthases and the elevation of ceramide, which could inhibit complex III, leading to increased reactive oxygen species generation and brain injury. The results of these studies highlight a novel mechanism of SIRT3 involvement in modulating mitochondrial ceramide biosynthesis and suggest an important role of SIRT3 in mitochondrial dysfunction and brain injury after experimental stroke.
Polar Functions, I: The Summand-Inducing Hull of an Archimedean l-Group with Unit

This is an introduction to the concept of a polar function on W, the category of archimedean l-groups with designated unit, and to that of its dual, a covering function on compact spaces.
Mechanical loading inhibits hypertrophy in chondrogenically differentiating hMSCs within a biomimetic hydrogel

Three dimensional hydrogels are a promising vehicle for delivery of adult human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for cartilage tissue engineering. One of the challenges with using this cell type is the default pathway is terminal differentiation, a hypertrophic phenotype and precursor to endochondral ossification. We hypothesized that a synthetic hydrogel consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM) analogs derived from cartilage when combined with dynamic loading provides physiochemical cues for achieving a stable chondrogenic phenotype. Hydrogels were formed from crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) as the base chemistry and to which (meth)acrylate functionalized ECM analogs of RGD (cell adhesion peptide) and chondroitin sulfate (ChS, a negatively charged glycosaminoglycan) were introduced. Bone-marrow derived hMSCs from three donors were encapsulated in the hydrogels and cultured under free swelling conditions or under dynamic compressive loading with 2.5 ng ml−1 TGF-β3. hMSC differentiation was assessed by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Nine hydrogel formulations were initially screened containing 0, 0.1 or 1 mM RGD and 0, 1 or 2 wt% ChS. After 21 days, the 1% ChS and 0.1 mM RGD hydrogel had the highest collagen II gene expression, but this was accompanied by high collagen X gene expression. At the protein level, collagen II was detected in all formulations with ECM analogs, but minimally detectable in the hydrogel without ECM analogs. Collagen X protein was present in all formulations. The 0.1 mM RGD and 1% ChS formulation was selected and subjected to five loading regimes: no loading, 5% strain 0.3 Hz (1.5% s−1), 10% strain 0.3 Hz (3% s−1), 5% strain 1 Hz (5% s−1), and 10% strain 1 Hz (10% s−1). After 21 days, ∼70–90% of cells stained positive for collagen II protein regardless of the culture condition. On the contrary, only ∼20–30% of cells stained positive for collagen X protein under 3 and 5% s−1 loading conditions, which was accompanied by minimal staining for RunX2. The other culture conditions had more cells staining positive for collagen X (40–60%) and was accompanied by positive staining for RunX2. In summary, a cartilage-like biomimetic hydrogel supports chondrogenesis of hMSCs, but dynamic loading only under select strain rates is able to inhibit hypertrophy.
The genetic control of sporulation in Saccharomyces. II. Dominance and complementation of mutants of meiosis and spore formation.

Heat-sensitive sporulation-deficient (spo) mutants ofS. cerevisiae may be either dominant or recessive. The number of loci which can mutate to thespo phenotype has been estimated to be 48±27 from complementation studies. Comparison of the wild type and mutants by light microscopy after exposure to sporulation medium at the restrictive temperature and Giemsa staining has shown that mutant populations can not complete the meiotic nuclear divisions.
Collaboration: Rethinking Roles and Strengthening Relationships.

ABSTRACTCollaboration among librarians and faculty when designing courses can offer a new model of embedded librarianship that allows better scalability and opportunities for more authentic assessment. This column looks at one example at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Comparison of three nonradioactive and a radioactive DNA probe for the detection of target DNA by DNA hybridization

The specificity and sensitivity of three methods for the preparation and detection of nonradioactive probe DNA (biotin-nick translation, biotin-photolabel, and antigen-chemical linkage) were evaluated and compared with a nick-translated32P-labeled DNA probe in DNA hybridization studies. The DNA probes were prepared from a restriction fragment (HindIII-3) from bacteriophage P1 DNA, and target DNA consisted of purified phage P1 DNA or P1 prophage DNA in lysogens ofEscherichia coli. A probe concentration of 50 ng/ml resulted in clear detection with the three nonradioactiveHindIII-3 DNA probes, whereas the specificity of the32P-HindIII-3 DNA probe was satisfactory at a concentration of 25 ng/ml. However, the detection of false positives was greater with the32P-labeled probe. The sensitivity of the radiolabeled DNA probe was marginally greater than that of the nonradioactive probes in dot blot hybridizations with purified phage P1 DNA. However, when the preparation time, ease of use, safety, duration of storage, and expense were compared for the four methods of labeling, the nonradiolabeled probes were generally superior to the radiolabeled probe.
Furin Cleavage of L2 during Papillomavirus Infection: Minimal Dependence on Cyclophilins.

UNLABELLED Despite an abundance of evidence supporting an important role for the cleavage of minor capsid protein L2 by cellular furin, direct cleavage of capsid-associated L2 during human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infection remains poorly characterized. The conserved cleavage site, close to the L2 N terminus, confounds observation and quantification of the small cleavage product by SDS-PAGE. To overcome this difficulty, we increased the size shift by fusing a compact protein domain, the Propionibacterium shermanii transcarboxylase domain (PSTCD), to the N terminus of L2. The infectious PSTCD-L2 virus displayed an appreciable L2 size shift during infection of HaCaT keratinocytes. Cleavage under standard cell culture conditions rarely exceeded 35% of total L2. Cleavage levels were enhanced by the addition of exogenous furin, and the absolute levels of infection correlated to the level of L2 cleavage. Cleavage occurred on both the HaCaT cell surface and extracellular matrix (ECM). Contrary to current models, experiments on the involvement of cyclophilins revealed little, if any, role for these cellular enzymes in the modulation of furin cleavage. HPV16 L2 contains two consensus cleavage sites, Arg5 (2RHKR5) and Arg12 (9RTKR12). Mutant PSTCD-L2 viruses demonstrated that although furin can cleave either site, cleavage must occur at Arg12, as cleavage at Arg5 alone is insufficient for successful infection. Mutation of the conserved cysteine residues revealed that the Cys22-Cys28 disulfide bridge is not required for cleavage. The PSTCD-L2 virus or similar N-terminal fusions will be valuable tools to study additional cellular and viral determinants of furin cleavage. IMPORTANCE Furin cleavage of minor capsid protein L2 during papillomavirus infection has been difficult to directly visualize and quantify, confounding efforts to study this important step of HPV infection. Fusion of a small protein domain to the N terminus greatly facilitates direct visualization of the cleavage product, revealing important characteristics of this critical process. Contrary to the current model, we found that cleavage is largely independent of cyclophilins, suggesting that cyclophilins act either in parallel to or downstream of furin to trigger exposure of a conserved N-terminal L2 epitope (RG-1) during infection. Based on this finding, we strongly caution against using L2 RG-1 epitope exposure as a convenient but indirect proxy of furin cleavage.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of a pelvic extragastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report and literature review

A 61-year-old male presented with long standing urinary frequency and the sensation of incomplete emptying. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 9.5 cm x 7.9 cm x 6.9 cm pelvic mass behind the bladder and abutting the rectum. The mass was excised using a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Pathologic examination of the mass demonstrated an extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST), an extremely rare entity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first EGIST to be found in the rectovesicular pouch of a male and the first to be resected robotically. Our case adds to the understanding of EGISTs and their possible origin and demonstrates that robotic-assisted resection of large pelvic masses can be safe and potentially curative.
Pheromone lure and trap color affects bycatch in agricultural landscapes of Utah

Aerial traps, using combinations of color and attractive lures, are a critical tool for detecting and managing insect pest populations. Yet, despite improvements in trap efficacy, collection of nontarget species ("bycatch") plagues many insect pest surveys. Bycatch can influence survey effectiveness by reducing the available space for target species and increasing trap screening time, especially in areas where thousands of insects are captured as bycatch in a given season. Additionally, bycatch may negatively impact local nontarget insect populations, including beneficial predators and pollinators. Here, we tested the effect of pheromone lures on bycatch rates of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Apoidea (Hymenoptera), and nontarget Lepidoptera. Multicolored (primarily yellow and white) bucket traps containing a pheromone lure for capturing one of three survey target species, Spodoptera litura (F.), S. littoralis (Boisduval), or Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), were placed in alfalfa and corn fields, and compared to multicolored traps without a pheromone lure. All-green traps with and without H. armigera lures were employed in a parallel study investigating the effect of lure and trap color on bycatch. Over 2,600 Coccinellidae representing seven species, nearly 6,400 bees in 57 species, and >9,000 nontarget moths in 17 genera were captured across 180 traps and seven temporal sampling events. Significant effects of lure and color were observed for multiple taxa. In general, nontarget insects were attracted to the H. armigera lure and multicolored trap, but further studies of trap color and pheromone lure specificity are needed to better understand these interactions and to minimize nontarget captures.
Growth, Inflation and Employment: Discussion and Conclusions

The papers presented under the topic ‘Growth, Inflation and Employment’ covered the advanced industrial and the developing world economies, in both instances by reference to specific cases. The industrial country presentations by Professor Hickman, Krelle and Shishido dealt respectively with the United States, Germany and Japan. These are the three most important OECD countries in terms of GDP contributions. They are all large, dynamic and generally important from an economic point of view. They are, in fact, key countries or ‘swing’ economies in the industrial world.
Management of Mineral and Bone Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), a common clinical syndrome in patients with CKD with consequences affecting mineral metabolism, bone mineralization and extracellular calcification, is complex. Diagnosis and management of CKD-MBD requires particular attention to the biochemical/hormonal factors affecting calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 metabolism, as well as consideration of bone and vascular calcification. Nephrologists, patients and the public need future well-designed randomized trials to further guide the diagnosis and management of CKD-MBD.
Abstract PR09: Mammographic breast density and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women according to the status of selected tissue markers: A case-control study

Background: This analysis aimed to determine if associations of prediagnostic mammographic percent breast density, absolute dense area, and absolute non-dense area and risk of breast cancer vary according to the subsequent breast tumors biomarker status. Methods: We included 1,154 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer between June 1, 1989, and June 30, 2004, and 2,078 matched controls from the Nurses9 Health Study I and II. Percent breast density, absolute dense and non-dense areas were estimated from digitized film mammograms using computer assisted thresholding techniques. Density measures were modeled as quartiles. Information on estrogen receptor (ESR1 [ER]), progesterone receptor (PGR [PR]), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2 [HER2]) status was obtained from pathology reports and medical records, and if missing, from immunostains performed on paraffin sections of tumor tissue microarrays (TMAs). Other biomarkers assessed on TMAs were androgen receptor (AR), cytokines 5/6 (KRT5/KRT6 [CK5/6]), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA [VEGF]), and cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2 [COX2]). Information on breast cancer risk factors was obtained prospectively from biennial questionnaires before the date of cancer diagnosis for cases and matched controls. Polychotomous logistic regression was used to assess associations of the three breast density measures with tumor subtypes based on the status of selected tissue markers. Results: Breast cancer risk was positively associated with percent density and absolute dense area and inversely associated with absolute non-dense area (p for trend Citation Format: Lusine Yaghjyan, Andreas Pettersson, Graham Colditz, Laura Collins, Stuart Schnitt, Andrew Beck, Bernard Rosner, Celine Vachon, Rulla Tamimi. Mammographic breast density and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women according to the status of selected tissue markers: A case-control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr PR09.
Consumer Grade Brain-Computer Interfaces: An Entry Path into NeuroIS Domains

This research provides a high-level and non-technical insight into the current state of NeuroIS field and a concise overview of consumer grade Brain-Computer interfaces (BCI). Special attention is given to the electroencephalography (EEG) based BCIs. Additionally, a two-dimensional overview with five clusters (Surgical, Clinical, Lab, Office and Plug & play cluster) is proposed as a mean to position NeuroIS tools based on the resource requirements and ease of use. Finally, this research employs a consumer grade BCI (Neurosky Mindwave) in a pilot study and argues for future research on consumer grade BCIs for topics related to information overload.
Onset of bell's palsy in late pregnancy and early puerperium is associated with worse long-term outcomes.

Introduction The incidence of Bell's palsy (BP) is elevated in the late phases of pregnancy. Controversy exists as to whether pregnancy is a risk factor for worse outcomes in BP, and whether such outcomes are the result of factors intrinsic to pregnancy or the tendency to withhold medical therapy in this cohort. Methods Long-term facial function outcomes in cases of pregnancy-associated BP (PABP) were compared against outcomes in cases affecting nonpregnant adult women of child-bearing age by a blinded expert using the electronic clinician-graded facial function scale (eFACE) facial grading system. Results Fifty-one pregnancy-associated cases and 58 nonpregnancy-associated cases were included. Among patients who received early corticosteroid therapy, significantly worse static, synkinesis, and composite facial function eFACE scores were demonstrated among cases of PABP compared to nonpregnancy-associated cases (static median = 86 vs. 92.5, P = 0.005; synkinesis median = 79 vs. 86, P = 0.007; composite median = 78 vs. 84, P = 0.023). Among those not treated with corticosteroids, significantly worse dynamic and composite facial function eFACE scores were demonstrated in cases of PABP compared to those for nonpregnancy-associated cases (dynamic median = 74 vs. 92.5, P = 0.038; composite median = 73 vs. 86.5, P = 0.038). A trend toward improved outcomes was demonstrated within both groups for those treated with corticosteroids compared to those who were not. Conclusion In comparison to cases unrelated to pregnancy, late-term PABP is associated with worse long-term outcomes to a degree that cannot solely be explained by differences in medical therapy. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2854–2859, 2017
THU0555 The reliability of two vasculitis activity scores (birmingham vasculitis activity score and behcet's disease current activity FORM2006) in anticipating damage in a group of patients diagnosed with behcet's disease

Background Validated disease activity scores and damage measurements were developed over time in order to allow a better way to evaluate patients and decide treatment plans.There are scores designed for a great variety of vasculitis like Birmingham Activity Score and others that are more specific like Behcet9s Disease Current Activity Form2006. Objectives To evaluate the ability of the activity scores (BVASv3and BDCAF)to predict damage,and the influence of immunosuppressive therapy on damage progression,as measured byVDI, in a group of patients with Behcet9s Disease. Methods A study was performed on a cohort of patients diagnosed with Behcet9s Disease under surveillance in one tertiary Rheumatology Centre, from a non-endemic area.All documented cases of Behcet9s Disease have been diagnosed according to The International Criteria for Behcet9s Disease.The Birmingham Activity Score (BVAS)v3, Behcet9s Disease Current Activity Form2006 (BDCAF)and Vasculitis Damage index (VDI) were calculated for all patients. Spearman9s correlation coefficients were calculated between BVASv3 Score, BDCAF, VDI and immunosuppressive treatment.WindowsExcel/SPSS20.0 has been used to analyse the data. Results 20 patients were included in the study, with ages at the time of the diagnosis between 13and 60years, 14 (70%) under the age of 40,with a male predominance 60% (12 patients). All patients presented active disease at the time of the diagnosis. In the clinical case series, Spearman9s rank correlation coefficient between BVASv3 and BDCAFwas strong r=0,862with p Conclusions Birmingham Vasculitis Activity score (BVAS) v3 and Behcet9s Disease Current Activity Form2006 (BDCAF) are reliable tools for evaluating disease activity in patients with Behcet9s Disease. They are able to anticipate the need for immunosuppressive therapy and the damage progression, as calculated with Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI). References Mukhtyar C, Lee R, et al. Modification and validation of the Birmingham vasculitis activity score, Ann Rheum Dis, 2009. Flossmann O, et al. Development of comprehensive disease assessment in systemic vasculitis. Ann Rheum Dis, 2007. Disclosure of Interest None declared