cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proinflammatory Sulfur-Reducing Bacteria Are More Abundant in Colonic Biopsies of Patients with Microscopic Colitis Compared to Healthy Controls

Microscopic colitis (MC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic condition of unknown etiology. Recent evidence has linked MC with intriguing changes in the stool microbiota, which may be linked to disease pathogenesis. The composition of the mucosal microbiome in patients with MC remains unclear. We performed a cross-sectional study comparing colonic tissue samples from patients with MC to those of healthy controls at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. We included adults older than 18 who underwent a colonoscopy with biopsies to evaluate chronic diarrhea. Cases were defined by histology consistent with MC and controls by the absence of histologic disease. We conducted structured chart review to exclude other gastrointestinal diseases and obtain demographic (age, sex, race) and clinical (duration of symptoms and concurrent medications) information for cases and controls. We extracted bacterial DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples and sequenced the v4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering was performed using UPARSE, and OTUs were assigned using the SILVA database. Statistical analysis was performed in QIIME and LEfSe. Comparisons with FDR-adjusted p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. We included 20 MC patients and 20 controls with mean ages of 62 and 54, respectively. Most cases were White (95%), 60% had symptoms for greater than 12 months, and 50% were taking PPIs and NSAIDs at the time of their diagnosis. Compared to controls, MC patients had a significant increase in the proinflammatory sulfur-reducing bacterial family Desulfovibrionales. The Coriobacteriaceae family, abundant in the healthy gut, was significantly decreased in MC cases. There was also an increase in the genus Actinomyces in MC patients on PPI and an increase in the class Bacilli among those taking NSAIDs. Patients with MC have an increase in the proinflammatory family Desulfovibrionales. Actinomyces and Bacilli were associated with medications (PPI and NSAID) known to increase the risk of MC. Our findings may have important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of MC.
Subcellular connectomic analyses of energy networks in striated muscle

Mapping biological circuit connectivity has revolutionized our understanding of structure-function relationships. Although connectomic analyses have primarily focused on neural systems, electrical connectivity within muscle mitochondrial networks was recently demonstrated to provide a rapid mechanism for cellular energy distribution. However, tools to evaluate organelle connectivity with high spatial fidelity within single cells are currently lacking. Here, we developed a framework to quantitatively assess mitochondrial network connectivity and interactions with cellular sites of energy storage, utilization, and calcium cycling in cardiac, oxidative, and glycolytic muscle. We demonstrate that mitochondrial network configuration, individual mitochondrial size and shape, and the junctions connecting mitochondria within each network are consistent with the differing contraction demands of each muscle type. Moreover, mitochondria-lipid droplet interaction analyses suggest that individual mitochondria within networks may play specialized roles regarding energy distribution and calcium cycling within the cell and reveal the power of connectomic analyses of organelle interactions within single cells. Assessing biological circuit connections in single cells has been intractable due to lack of appropriate tools. Here, Bleck et al. develop a method to assess mitochondrial network connectivity in muscle cells and observe clear differences consistent with differing energy requirements.
Persistent risk for new, subsequent new and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma despite successful anti-hepatitis B virus therapy and tumor ablation: The need for hepatitis B virus cure

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most significant hepatocarcinogens. The ultimate goal of anti-HBV treatment is to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During the last two decades, with the use of currently available anti-HBV therapies (lamivudine, entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumatate), there has been a decrease in the incidence of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC). Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated a reduction in recurrent or new HCC development after initial HCC tumor ablation. However, during an observation period spanning 10 to 20 years, several case reports have demonstrated the development of new, subsequent new and recurrent HCC even in patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA. The persistent risk for HCC is attributed to the presence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the hepatocyte nucleus which continues to work as a template for HBV replication. While a functional cure (loss of hepatitis B surface antigen and undetectable viral DNA) can be attained with nucleos(t)ide analogues, these therapies do not eliminate cccDNA. Of utmost importance is successful eradication of the transcriptionally active HBV cccDNA from hepatocyte nuclei which would be considered a complete cure. The unpredictable nature of HCC development in patients with chronic HBV infection shows the need for a complete cure. Continued support and encouragement for research efforts aimed at developing curative therapies is imperative. The aims of this minireview are to highlight these observations and emphasize the need for a cure for HBV.
Foreign banks and sovereign credit ratings: Reputational capital in sovereign debt markets:

Sovereign credit ratings importantly influence the borrowing costs of governments in international capital markets. Yet, there is limited understanding of how credit-rating agencies determine sover...
Toward a Revolution in Intelligence Affairs

Abstract : As the global war on terrorism continues to expand and the post-Cold War security environment remains in flux, both the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. intelligence have been thrust into the public spotlight, leading to renewed recognition of the importance of intelligence and the need for improvements in intelligence operations. The research presented in this report was conducted by Deborah Barger, a senior intelligence officer, during her Intelligence Community Fellowship at the RAND Corporation from September 2002 to August 2003. She advances the argument that a Revolution in Intelligence Affairs is needed to prepare the Intelligence Community to meet its future challenges. In this report, she presents a framework for how the United States should consider specific changes to its intelligence enterprise to improve its effectiveness. As such, this report should be of interest to intelligence professionals, students, scholars, and researchers alike. Data for this research project was gathered through a variety of unclassified sources, including books, articles, and other documents; speeches; Internet searches; workshops attended by government and nongovernment officials; and one-on-one interviews with numerous intelligence officials, policy makers, former military officers, intelligence consumers, retired intelligence experts, historians, academics, and intelligence scholars. The research was multidisciplinary, drawing lessons from scientific history, political science, psychology, military theory and strategy, business theory, organizational dynamics, biographical history, sociology, and change management. The data presented in this report are current as of June 2004.
Longitudinal Associations between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in Youth.

Introduction Data from clinical trials have justified the promotion of fitness as a means to enhance facets of cognitive control and academic achievement in youth. However, such associations, when tested under real-world conditions, are equivocal. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate longitudinal associations between aerobic capacity (AC), weight status, and academic achievement within a large urban county. Methods Longitudinal data were obtained from a sample of third, fifth, and seventh grade students in schools within an urban county in Georgia. Data on body mass index (BMI) were available from 11,639 students; AC data from 5735 students. Data on both indicators were obtained through the established FitnessGram assessment battery with 2-yr changes calculated using standardized Z scores. Academic achievement data were available from three subjects (math, science, and reading) for third, fifth, and seventh grade students, and 2-yr changes were computed using changes in Z scores for each test. Data were analyzed using generalized logistic models to test associations between change in BMI and AC in relation to changes in academic achievement. Results Positive associations were observed between improvements in weight status and academic achievement for the fifth grade boys and girls ([reading] odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.72; [science] OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.42). Maintaining weight status was associated with improved scores in the third grade ([math] OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.012-1.327; [reading] OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.25-1.72) and fifth grade cohorts (math OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00.1.43). For AC, no significant associations were found for any age cohort. Conclusions Modest associations between improvements in weight status, AC, and academic achievement are noteworthy, despite the lack of statistical significance for AC. The results provide a robust evaluation of associations between fitness and academic achievement.
Older Americans' Preferences Between Lower Drug Prices and Prescription Drug Plan Choice, 2019.

Objectives. To assess older Americans’ willingness to trade off the possibility of choosing or changing their prescription drug plan for lower drug spending.Methods. We used data from the Kaiser Fa...
Quantitative Analysis of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Choral Audition Music.

Summary Introduction Young voices experience a multitude of physiological and hormonal changes that can impact vocal production. Singing an ensemble voice part that demands more than an adolescent laryngeal structure can readily support may be detrimental to vocal health and enjoyment. Objectives This study analyzes the musical range, tessitura, cycle dose, short-term recovery dose, and time dose of choral selections for the popular and competitive Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State competition as a means of informing successful audition and rehearsal practices. Methods An expanded model based on previous work by Stefan Thurmer, Ingo Titze, and John Nix is used to analyze the TMEA All-State Large-School, Treble, and Tenor-Bass choral audition music. Each vocal part's pitches are subdivided by the piece's smallest common rhythmic duration and converted to hertz for equal weighting. Quartile analysis is used to define tessitura as the inclusive range between the first and third quartiles. Results This method reveals the musical range, tessitura, cycle dose, short-term recovery dose, and time dose in an objective manner that can be compared with individual voices for best fit using similar individual metrics and the voice range profile. Discussion Vocal characteristics that individual singers should possess to successfully navigate the exacting All-State audition and rehearsal process are described based on data interpretation. Teachers and conductors can prepare their students for success by evaluating these factors ahead of time and assigning parts based on information gleaned from these methods.
The impact of axillary node surgery on outcomes following immediate breast reconstruction.

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) has become the most common method for postmastectomy reconstruction. Axillary lymph node dissection is performed for the staging of patients, but the impact of IBR with nodal surgery on postoperative complications remains elusive. The present study aims to investigate the impact of concomitant axillary lymph node surgery on postoperative complications. We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent IBR from 2000 to 2014. We recorded and analyzed patient data to determine the association between nodal surgery and postsurgical complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to elucidate the risk of a complication given nodal surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and type of incision for nodal access. A total of 986 breast reconstructions were included for analysis. Overall incidence of postoperative complications per breast that received nodal surgery was 35.9% (n = 230/642), compared to 25.6% (n = 88/344) in breasts that did not have concomitant nodal surgery (P = .001). Nodal surgery was found to increase risk of all complications with an odds ratio of 1.62 (P = .001). Moreover, complications were significantly higher in patients whose nodes were accessed via mastectomy incision (39.4%) when compared to a separate incision (33.5%). Multivariate analysis showed that nodal sampling through the mastectomy incision is a significant risk factor for seroma, with an odds ratio of 3.60 (P = .002). We did not observe differences in breast complications in patients who underwent SLNB vs ALND. These factors should be taken into account in the approach to breast reconstruction during lymphadenectomy.
Veterinary medical students' perspectives on traditional and pass-fail grading models in preclinical training

Background: There is current debate about the merits of traditional (e.g., A, B, C…; 4.0, 3.0, 2.0…, etc.,) versus pass-fail (P/F) (e.g., P/F) grading models in medical education. The purpose of this study was to explore veterinary students' perspectives about the pros and cons of traditional and P/F grading approaches. Methods: This study involved a census sample of 3rd and 4th year veterinary medical students at one veterinary college in the United States. Results: Students held widely different opinions about the two popular grading models. Students favoring traditional grading tend to cite reasons such as increased motivations to learn, more precise and accurate measures, improved feedback quality and advantages when applying for internships and residency. Students favoring P/F grading tend to cite reasons such as improved health and wellness, more genuine learning, reduced competition among students, training would better imitate veterinary practice, and P/F grading would overcome problems associated with inaccurate grading. Conclusions: Some students' perceptions about grading are not rooted in research evidence. Thus, this study not only identifies common beliefs about popular grading models, but also identifies potential concerns that policy-makers will have to contend with should institutions elect to revise their grading policies.
Basic Limiting Operations

This chapter discusses the four basic types of convergence, namely, almost sure convergence, convergence in quadratic mean, convergence in probability, and convergence of distribution functions, used in probability theory. The chapter focuses on the convergence of distribution functions and presents the Helly and Helly–Bray theorems. Almost all limit theorems for distribution functions are proved by the use of the continuity theorem. The continuity theorem states that the one-to-one mapping is bicontinuous. The chapter presents a proof of the continuity theorem and discusses its application. The limit of a sequence of characteristic functions is not continuous and, therefore, not a characteristic function.
Characterization of the structure, vascularity, and stem/progenitor cell populations in porcine Achilles tendon (PAT)

This study aimed to characterize porcine Achilles tendon (PAT) in terms of its structural components, vascularity, and resident tendon cells. We found that PAT is composed of a paratenon sheath, a core of fascicles, and an endotenon/interfascicular matrix (IFM) that encases the fascicle bundles. We analyzed each of these three tendon components structurally using tissue sections and by isolating cells from each component and analyzing in vitro. Many blood vessel-like tissues were present in the paratenon and IFM but not in fascicles, and the vessels in the paratenon and IFM appeared to be inter-connected. Cells isolated from the paratenon and IFM displayed characteristics of vascular stem/progenitor cells expressing the markers CD105, CD31, with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) localized surrounding blood vessels. The isolated cells from paratenon and IFM also harbored abundant stem/progenitor cells as evidenced by their ability to form colonies and express stem cell markers including CD73 and CD146. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both paratenon and IFM-isolated cells were capable of undergoing multi-differentiation. In addition, both paratenon and IFM cells expressed elastin, osteocalcin, tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP), and collagen IV, whereas fascicle cells expressed none of these markers, except collagen I. The neurotransmitter substance P (SP) was also found in the paratenon and IFM-localized surrounding blood vessels. The findings of this study will help us to better understand the vascular and cellular mechanisms of tendon homeostasis, injury, healing, and regeneration.
What is the role of the cholecystokinin stimulated HIDA scan in evaluating abdominal pain in children

Abstract Purpose Cholecystokinin stimulated HIDA (CCK-HIDA) has been used to identify patients with biliary dyskinesia and select patients likely to benefit from cholecystectomy. The appropriate use of this study in children remains controversial and this study aims to better understand the utility of this test. Methods Children who underwent a CCK-HIDA for evaluation of abdominal pain over a 15-year period were included, after excluding infants and patient's s/p liver transplant. Relevant clinical and outcomes data were abstracted and analyzed. Results 124 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 14.5 ± 2.6 years, Mean BMI was 27.9 ± 9.9 and 96 (77.4%) presented with right upper quadrant or epigastric pain. The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 58.5 ± 31.8%, with 37 (29.8%) 35% and 20%, no association was noted with partial/complete resolution of symptoms. On multivariate regression analysis neither EF nor pain reproduction with CCK administration were independently associated with resolution of symptoms. Conclusions These data suggest that the CCK-HIDA scan is a poor predictor of benefit from cholecystectomy. Prospective large studies would help in identifying better criterion for patient selection, especially with the trend of increasing surgery for functional gallbladder disorders. Type of Study Case cohort. Level of Evidence IV.
Isolation of primary immune cells from fibrotic skin, esophageal, and gut tissue.

Abstract Understanding the interplay between immune and structural cells is important for studying fibrosis and inflammation; however, primary immune cell isolation from organs that are typically enriched in stromal cells, like the lung, esophagus, or gut, proves to be an ongoing challenge. In fibrotic conditions, this challenge becomes even greater as infiltrating cells become trapped in the robust extracellular matrix (ECM). This protocol details a method to isolate cells at high yield from stroma-rich organs that can be used for further analyses via flow cytometry, stimulation, or culturing. Validation of this method is confirmed by flow cytometry data assessing immune cell populations of interest. This protocol can be completed in approximately 5–6 h.
Analysis of the Rollover Dynamics of Double-Bottom Tankers

A roll dynamic analysis was undertaken to determine the rollover threshold for typical double-bottom tanker vehicles and to compare that threshold with the corresponding values for other common tractor-trailer combinations. A secondary objective was to provide the methodology for predicting the effect of changes to vehicles and operational procedures in order to improve the rollover stability of such vehicles. A dynamic model of the vehicle in the roll plane was formulated for study of roll motions under arbitrary lateral force input time histories. The roll response and limit maneuver capabilities predicted by the model showed good agreement with those of actual vehicles. The model was used to predict the relative rollover thresholds of the double-bottom tanker (associated with a high incidence of rollover accidents in Michigan) and other tanker configurations for comparison with those of other commercial vehicles in a selected double lane-change maneuver. The model confirmed that double-bottom tankers of the current design exhibit a low rollover threshold compared to other commercial vehicles. The major sensitivity to rollover derives not so much from the lateral acceleration limit of the pup trailer as from the rearward amplification of the tractor lateral accelerations. The model demonstrated that a modification of the vehicle via a composite rigidified hitch/rubber mount enhances pup trailer stability through reduction of suspension backlash, and allows roll moment sharing among all the vehicles in the train. The result is a vehicle with manuever levels comparable with other commercial vehicles.
Kinetic and thermodynamic evidence for the existence of at least two salt-dependent forms of alpha-chymotrypsin at slightly acid pH. Ionic strength effects upon the thermodynamics of enzyme-substrate complex formation.

It has been found at pH 6.9 that above 0.5 m potassium chloride the dependence of ΔF° on salt concentration for α-chymotrypsin-substrate complex formation is explainable by assuming no effect is exerted on the enzyme, the only important term being the salting-out effect of the added potassium chloride upon the chemical potential of the substrate which tends to squeeze the substrate from the solution phase to the enzyme as the ionic strength is raised. The above parallel between ΔF° for the solution process and ΔF° for enzyme-substrate complex formation is also observed for ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔC p , hence, it is positively established that the salt effect upon the association constant is exerted only upon the substrate and not upon the enzyme at ionic strengths above 0.5 m . This situation does not hold at ionic strengths below 0.5 m . In this range it has been found that the kinetics observed are satisfactorily explained by postulating a salt-dependent equilibrium between two conformational forms of the enzyme. At this slightly acid pH, kcat, the over-all decomposition constant for the enzyme-substrate complex, is essentially independent of ionic strength.
Estimation Techniques for Transport Equations.

We present convergence arguments for algorithms developed to estimate spatially and/or time dependent coefficients and boundary parameters in general transport (diffusion, advection, sink/source) models in a bounded domain Ω ⊂ R2. A brief summary of numerical results obtained using the algorithms is given.
Complementation analysis of pseudorabies virus gE and gI mutants in retinal ganglion cell neurotropism.

Abstract Pseudorabies virus glycoproteins gE and gI are required to infect some, but not all, regions of the rodent central nervous system after peripheral injection. After infection of the retina, pseudorabies virus mutants lacking either gE or gI can subsequently infect neural centers involved in the control of circadian function but cannot infect visual circuits mediating visual perception or the reflex movement of the eyes. In this study, we used genetic complementation to test the hypothesis that gE and gI are required for entry into the specific retinal ganglion cells that project to visual centers. These data strongly suggest that gE and gI must function after the viruses enter primary neurons in the retina.
Fokker Planck and Krook theory of energetic electron transport in a laser produced plasma

Various laser plasma instabilities, such as the two plasma decay instability and the stimulated Raman scatter instability, produce large quantities of energetic electrons. How these electrons are transported and heat the plasma are crucial questions for laser fusion. This paper works out a Fokker Planck and Krook theory for such transport and heating. The result is a set of equations, for which one can find a simple asymptotic approximation for the solution, for the Fokker Planck case, and an exact solution for the Krook case. These solutions are evaluated and compared with one another. They give rise to expressions for the spatially dependent heating of the background plasma, as a function of the instantaneous laser and plasma parameters, in either planar or spherical geometry. These formulas are simple, universal (depending weakly only on the single parameter Z, the charge state), and can be easily be incorporated into a fluid simulation.
Correction of Logistic Regression Relative Risk Estimates and Confidence Intervals for Random Within-Person Measurement Error

Frequently, covariates used in a logistic regression are measured with error. The authors previously described the correction of logistic regression relative risk estimates for measurement error in one or more covariates when a "gold standard" is available for exposure assessment. For some exposures (e.g., serum cholesterol), no gold standard exists, and one must assess measurement error via a reproducibility substudy. In this paper, the authors present measurement error methods for logistic regression when there is error (possibly correlated) in one or more covariates and one has data from both a main study and a reproducibility substudy. Confidence intervals from this procedure reflect error in parameter estimates from both studies. These methods are applied to the Framingham Heart Study, where the 10-year incidence of coronary heart disease is related to several coronary risk factors among 1,731 men disease-free at examination 4. Reproducibility data are obtained from the subgroup of 1,346 men seen at examinations 2 and 3. Estimated odds ratios comparing extreme quintiles for risk factors with substantial error were increased after correction for measurement error (serum cholesterol, 2.2 vs. 2.9; serum glucose, 1.3 vs. 1.5; systolic blood pressure, 2.8 vs. 3.8), but were generally decreased or unchanged for risk factors with little or no error (body mass index, 1.6 vs. 1.6; age 65-69 years vs. 35-44 years, 4.3 vs. 3.8; smoking, 1.7 vs. 1.7).
NF-κB activation and interleukin 6 production in fibroblasts by estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cell-derived interleukin 1α

Several angiogenic factors and extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes that promote invasion and metastasis of cancer are produced by stromal fibroblasts that surround cancer cells. The expression of genes that code for some of these proteins is regulated by the transcription factor NF-κB. In this report, we demonstrate that conditioned medium (CM) from estrogen receptor (ER)-negative but not ER-positive breast cancer cells induces NF-κB in fibroblasts. In contrast, CM from both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells induces NF-κB in macrophages and endothelial cells. NF-κB activation in fibroblasts was accompanied by induction of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), both of which promote angiogenesis and metastasis. A survey of cytokines known for their ability to induce NF-κB identified IL-1α as the factor responsible for NF-κB activation in fibroblasts. Analysis of primary breast carcinomas revealed the presence of IL-1α transcripts in majority of lymph node-positive breast cancers. These results along with the known role of IL-1α and IL-6 in osteoclast formation provide insight into the mechanism of metastasis and hypercalcemia in advanced breast cancers.
Induced mutation in UV-sensitive mutants of Aspergillus nidulans and Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Fewer adenine-independent mutants were induced by UV in a UV-sensitive mutant (uvs-1) of Aspergillus nidulans whether the comparison was made on the basis of equivalent dose or survival. Methionine-independent strains were induced with greater frequency in the same UV-sensitive strain (uvs-1) only at higher doses of UV and lower levels of survival. The induction of mutations to acriflavine or caffeine resistance was sharply restricted whether the comparison was made on the basis of equivalent dose or survival in a UV-sensitive mutant of Neurospora crassa (uvs-1). In addition to mutability, the UV-sensitive mutants in both species affect ascus development. It is suggested that reported effects of mutations conferring UV sensitivity on induced mitotic recombination may reflect altered mutability.
Accurate determination of Cartesian coordinates at geodetic stations using the global positioning system

Comparison of Cartesian coordinates determined at collocated sites using two independent space techniques, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and Global Positioning System (GPS), shows remarkable agreement even when the points in question span transcontinental distances. The results corroborate the capabilities of commercial dual-frequency GPS receivers to perform geodetic work at the highest available accuracy. Adjusted geocentric coordinates of a configuration of GPS stations well distributed along the eastern half of the United States were accurately determined (better than 10−8) in the rigorously defined International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) terrestrial reference frame ITRF 89.
Soil quality indicator responses to row crop, grazed pasture, and agroforestry buffer management

Soil enzyme activities and water stable aggregates have been identified as sensitive soil quality indicators, but few studies exist comparing those parameters within buffers, grazed pastures and row-crop systems. Our objective was to examine the effects of these land uses on the activities of selected enzymes (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase, and dehydrogenase), proportion of water stable aggregates (WSA), soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content. Four management treatments [grazed pasture (GP), agroforestry buffer (AgB), grass buffer (GB) and row crop (RC)] were sampled in 2009 and 2010 at two depths (0 to 10- and 10 to 20-cm) and analyzed. Most of the soil quality indicators were significantly greater under perennial vegetation when compared to row crop treatments. Although there were numerical variations, soil quality response trends were consistent between years. The β-glucosaminidase activity increased slightly from 156 to 177 μg PNP g−1 dry soil while β-glucosidase activity slightly decreased from 248 to 237 μg PNP g−1 dry soil in GB treatment during 2 years. The surface (0–10 cm depth) had greater enzyme activities and WSA than sub-surface (10–20 cm) samples. WSA increased from 178 to 314 g kg−1 in row crop areas while all other treatments had similar values during the 2 year study. The treatment by depth interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for β-glucosidase and β-glucosaminidase enzymes in 2009 and for dehydrogenase and β-glucosaminidase in 2010. Soil enzyme activities were significantly correlated with soil organic carbon content (r ≥ 0.94, P < 0.0001). This is important because soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass can be enhanced by perennial vegetation and thus improve several other soil quality parameters. These results also support the hypothesis that positive interactions among management practices, soil biota and subsequent environmental quality effects are of great agricultural and ecological importance.
Collision broadening of rotational transitions in the O2A band by molecular perturbers

Abstract Fourier transform spectroscopy was utilized to record absorption line shapes for rotational transitions in the magnetic dipole allowed b 1 Σ g + ← X 3 Σ g − system of O 2 . Broadening coefficients were determined for 42 rotational transitions in the (0, 0) vibrational band spanning the spectral range from 13 020 cm −1 to 13 170 cm −1 . Voigt profiles were fit to the experimental line shapes using a nonlinear least-squares technique, and the Lorentzian half-width at half-maximum values were determined as a function of bath gas pressure. The pressure broadening coefficients for O 2 by O 2 , CO, N 2 , CO 2 , and SF 6 were obtained with uncertainties of less than 5% and the values showed a significant dependence on rotational quantum number. These rotational level dependencies were modeled using both angular momentum and energy-based rotational energy transfer fitting laws. We found both the ECS-P and the EPGL-0 fitting laws adequately represented the line broadening cross sections.
Prediction of death and myocardial infarction by screening with exercise-thallium testing after coronary-artery-bypass grafting

Summary Background The role of myocardial-perfusion imaging in calculating risk in symptom-free patients who have had coronary-artery-bypass grafting (CABG) is unclear. Practice guidelines have argued against routine screening of these patients. We sought to find out the independent and incremental prognostic value of exercise thallium-201 single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) for prediction of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in these patients. Methods Analyses were based on 873 symptom-free patients undergoing symptom-limited exercise thallium-201 SPECT between September, 1990, and December, 1993. All had undergone CABG and none had recurrent angina or other major intercurrent coronary events. Exercise and thallium-perfusion variables were analysed to determine their prognostic importance during 3 years of follow-up. Findings Myocardial-perfusion defects were noted in 508 (58%) patients. There were 57 deaths and 72 patients had major events (death or non-fatal MI). Patients with thallium-perfusion defects were more likely to die (9% vs 3%, p=0·0004) or suffer a major event (11% vs 4%, p=0·0002). Reversible defects were also predictive of death (12% vs 5%, p=0·002) and major events (13% vs 7%, p=0·004). The exercise variable with the strongest predictive power was an impaired (≤6 METs [measure of oxygen consumption equal to 3·5 mL/kg/min]) exercise capacity; poor exercise capacity was predictive of death (18% vs 4%, p vs 5%, p Interpretation In this group of patients who were symptom-free after CABG, thallium-perfusion defects and impaired exercise capacity were strong and independent predictors of subsequent death or non-fatal MI. Recommendations against routine screening exercise myocardial-perfusion studies in this setting should be reconsidered.
2001 IFT Education Standards: A 5-Year Perspective

ABSTRACT: The current IFT Education Standards used to evaluate Food Science programs for IFT approval have been in place now for 5 years. Most Food Science programs in the United States (as well as some in Mexico and Canada) have been reviewed according to these standards. The transition to instruction based on assessment of student learning outcomes, in accord with these Education Standards, is well under way. In the first round of reviews, the Committee on Higher Education (CoHE) focused mostly on the Core Competency grid, also making sure programs were writing learning outcomes and instituting meaningful assessment programs. In the 2nd round of reviews, there will be more focus on assessment of learning outcomes. CoHE would like to see that programs (administration, faculty, and students) have embraced the transition to assessment of learning outcomes and are making significant progress in aligning the curriculum with this educational format. As in the past, CoHE offers assistance to any program that would like help in making this transition. Finally, the next revision of the IFT Education Standards is due out in 2011 (10 year cycle) and it is already time to think about what this might entail. Some thoughts and suggestions for future directions are provided.
The Effect of Storage on the Peroxidase Activity of Whole Milk Powders

Summary Factors known to favor oxidation, such as air, heat, and moisture, proved detrimental to peroxidase activity in the powders studied. Powders stored under vacuum, and powders stored in containers which prevented the entrance of air and moisture, showed greater peroxidase activity than samples of the same powders stored in containers which permitted the entrance of air and moisture. Increasing the moisture content of the powders by exposing them to atmosphere nearly saturated with moisture was very detrimental to peroxidase activity. No activity could be detected after three months in storage at 4°C, 20°C, and 37°C. High storage temperature and high moisture content greatly accelerated the rate of destruction of the enzyme studied.
Convergence of the Viscosity Method for Isentropic Gas Dynamics

A convergence theorem for the method of artificial viscosity applied to the isentropic equations of gas dynamics is established. Convergence of a subsequence in the strong topology is proved without uniform estimates on the derivatives using the theory of compensated compactness and an analysis of progressing entropy waves.
Genetic dissection of dendritic cell homeostasis and function: lessons from cell type-specific gene ablation

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous cell population of great importance in the immune system. The emergence of new genetic technology utilizing the CD11c promoter and Cre recombinase has facilitated the dissection of functional significance and molecular regulation of DCs in immune responses and homeostasis in vivo. For the first time, this strategy allows observation of the effects of DC-specific gene deletion on immune system function in an intact organism. In this review, we present the latest findings from studies using the Cre recombinase system for cell type-specific deletion of key molecules that mediate DC homeostasis and function. Our focus is on the molecular pathways that orchestrate DC life span, migration, antigen presentation, pattern recognition, and cytokine production and signaling.
Social roles and health status among women: the significance of employment.

Abstract Since Durkheim, the notion that particular configurations of social roles may protect against or increase vulnerability to illness and death has had wide sociological currency. Recent literature has tended to view employment for women, much like marriage for men, as socially integrating and consequently protective of health. This paper develops alternative hypotheses concerning the relationship of women's employment to indices of health status and illness behavior and tests these hypotheses in analyses of data from the U.S. Health Interview Survey. The relationship of women's employment to their health status is shown to vary with the health index employed, and with their education and family roles.
Human Bloom Protein Stimulates Flap Endonuclease 1 Activity by Resolving DNA Secondary Structure

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) participates in removal of RNA primers of Okazaki fragments, several DNA repair pathways, and genome stability maintenance. Defects in yeast FEN1 produce chromosomal instability, hyper-recombination, and sequence duplication. These occur because flaps produced during replication are not promptly removed. Long-lived flaps sustain breaks and form misaligned bubble structures that produce duplications. Flaps that can form secondary structure inhibit even wild-type FEN1 and are more likely to form bubbles. Although proliferating cell nuclear antigen stimulates FEN1, it cannot resolve secondary structures. Bloom protein (BLM) is a 3'-5' helicase, mutated in Bloom syndrome. BLM has been reported to interact with and stimulate FEN1 independent of helicase function. We found activation of the helicase by ATP did not alter BLM stimulation of cleavage of unstructured flaps. However, BLM stimulation of FEN1 cleavage of foldback flaps, bubbles, or triplet repeats was increased by an additional increment when ATP was added. Helicase-dependent stimulation of FEN1 cleavage was robust over a range of sizes of the single-stranded part of bubbles. However, increasing the length of the 5' annealed region of the bubble ultimately counteracted the stimulatory capacity of the BLM helicase. Moderate helicase-dependent stimulation was observed with both fixed and equilibrating CTG flaps. Our results suggest that BLM suppresses genome instability by aiding FEN1 cleavage of structure-containing flaps.
Lethal Action of Ultra-Violet Light on Micro-Organisms in a High Vacuum

IN comparing the action of low velocity electrons on micro-organisms with that of ultra-violet light, the question arose as to what the action of ultraviolet light on micro-organisms in a very high vacuum would be. It was rather expected that the lethal action in vacuo and in air might be different, since, in a high vacuum, the organisms are of necessity in a very dry state and in open air they may be very moist. In order to get a general idea of the lethal action in vacuo the following experiments were tried.
Magnetic resonance imaging of traumatic brain injury: a pictorial review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of major morbidity and mortality in blunt trauma patients. Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality of choice for patients with potential brain injury in the acute setting, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) playing a role in evaluating equivocal CT findings and may help with determining long-term prognosis and recovery. MRI is being utilized more commonly in the acute and subacute setting of TBI; therefore, radiologists should be familiar with the MRI appearance of the various manifestations of TBI. Here, we review the imaging of common intracranial injuries with illustrative cases comparing CT and MRI.
Spontaneous preterm delivery and gestational diabetes: the impact of glycemic control.

Opinions differ whether the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) increases in pregnancies complicated with GDM. We sought to characterize, which factors may influence the rate of sPTD in GDM. We conducted a retrospective study with 1,526 GDM patients, all treated at the same center by the same diabetic protocol using self-blood glucose monitoring. The rate of sPTD was compared to that of 10,560 non-diabetic women. Eligibility for the study was limited to women with a singleton pregnancy with spontaneous onset of delivery before 37 weeks of gestation with no history of chronic maternal illness, i.e., chronic hypertension or development of preeclampsia in the current pregnancy, and no clear indication for preterm delivery. Mean blood glucose < 105 mg dl−1 was defined as well controlled. Overall, no difference was found in the rate of sPTD in GDM (163/1,526, 10.7%) in comparison to non-GDM patients (1193/10,560, 11.3%, P = 0.2). In the GDM group, a comparison between women with and without sPTD found no difference in maternal age (28.1 ± 6 vs. 28.2 ± 6), prepregnancy BMI (28.1 ± 5 vs. 27.8 ± 6), rate of nulliparity (38 vs. 34%) or ethnicity origin. GDM patients with sPTD were characterized by higher glucose values in the OGTT and higher mean blood glucose (114 ± 16 vs. 106 ± 14, P < 0.0001). Sixty-five percent of patients with sPTD versus. 46% in the non-sPTD were in poor glycemic control (P = 0.004). Multiple logistic regressions, when the dependent variable was sPTD revealed that mean blood glucose (OR 1.94 95% CI 1.25–3.0), history of sPTD (OR 3.25 95% CI 2.1–4.8) and parity (OR 1.49 95% CI 1.05–2.2) were contributing factors. The rate of sPTD in GDM is not increased in comparison to non-GDM patients, but reaching established levels of glycemic control may reduce the rate of sPTD in GDM.
The quantum pentacle

Quantum set theory permits the formulation of a quantum simplicial topology suitable for a quantum theory of time space and gravity without prior time space structure. The quantum simplex differs strikingly from the classical: It is isotropic (“points in all directions”) and all quantum simplexes of the same signature are congruent. Quantum simplexes and complexes are described byS numbers, elements of the Clifford algebra of quantum sets. The isotropy groups of noncontiguous simplexes commute, like local invariance groups in a gaugeinvariant theory.
Evaluation of a new model for the laser-irradiated Si(111)-(1×1) surface

Abstract A new model for the laser-irradiated Si(111)-'(1×1)' surface recently proposed by Jones and Holland is compared with ion scattering results. The model is shown to be inconsistent with these data. The Si(111)-'(1×1)' surface may be described as a disordered (7×7) surface.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DECISIONMAKING IN A FRAGMENTED POLITY: Convention Center Expansion in Kansas City

ABSTRACT: Amid recent discussions of the shaping of economic development policies by urban governing regimes, little has been said about how these policies are made in cities which lack an effective governing coalition. This paper examines the planning of a major convention center expansion in Kansas City, Missouri, a city with a crumbling governing regime. That planning process does not conform to the work of Peterson or to Stone's model of regime policymaking where economic development policymaking is accomplished with ease. It conforms instead to a hyperpluralistic model wherein social production becomes a difficult and expensive proposition, requiring the building of a coalition on each issue anew. These findings may have broad relevance because many US cities appear to operate without effective governing coalitions.
Experimental and clinical experience with distraction osteogenesis.

G.A. Ilizarov's clinical insights and experimental biology have developed into what is known today as distraction osteogenesis. Initially used for the treatment of fractures and nonunions, his methods have proven successful for limb lengthening and bone transportation. A brief history of the development of distraction osteogenesis, definition of terms, methods, and monitoring techniques are described. The primary mechanism, intramembranous ossification, is direct bone formation in uniform gradients of mineralization from a central fibrous interzone. New bone is produced from the local host surfaces and quickly remodels to the equivalent macro and microstructure. Blood supply at the focus of distraction, dependency on a latency period, different rates, and rhythms of distraction are all tested and discussed. Data from experimental tibial lengthening in more than 125 animals (dogs, rabbits, and rats) show that distraction osteogenesis provides unlimited new bone formation that remodels at daily rates ranging from 200 to 400 microns. In over 100 clinical cases, patients ranging in age from 18 months to 49 years have regenerated bone at an average rate of 213 microns in adults and 385 microns in children. Approximately 10% of these cases required supplemental bone grafts. The article proposes that distraction osteogenesis might be successfully applied in craniofacial surgery.
Sex differences in the experience of child sexual victimization.

This study analyzed 390 (303 girls and 87 boys) cases of child sexual abuse to understand sex differences in child sexual victimization. Analyses focused on three domains that have received considerable empirical attention: victims' relationships with the offender, type and extent of abuse, and disclosure. Findings largely replicated previous efforts that reported sex differences in terms of victims' relationships with offenders. Although results also replicated previous findings about sex differences in disclosure patterns, these sex differences were minor in comparison with similarities in the way most instances of abuse were eventually identified. In terms of type and extent of abuse, results were the opposite of previous findings: girls, not boys, were the victims of more physical injury, violent threats, and use of force; and girls, not boys, were more likely to have physically resisted abuse. Divergences in findings were interpreted in terms of memory biases and social forces operating differently on the sexes.