cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Latency-Associated Transcript Gene Enhances Establishment of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency in Rabbits

The latency-associated transcript (LAT) gene the only herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gene abundantly transcribed during neuronal latency, is essential for efficient in vivo reactivation. Whether LAT increases reactivation by a direct effect on the reactivation process or whether it does so by increasing the establishment of latency, thereby making more latently infected neurons available for reactivation, is unclear. In mice, LAT-negative mutants appear to establish latency in fewer neurons than does wild-type HSV-1. However, this has not been confirmed in the rabbit, and the role of LAT in the establishment of latency remains controversial. To pursue this question, we inserted the gene for the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of the LAT promoter in a LAT-negative virus (DeltaLAT-EGFP) and in a LAT-positive virus (LAT-EGFP). Sixty days after ocular infection, trigeminal ganglia (TG) were removed from the latently infected rabbits, sectioned, and examined by fluorescence microscopy. EGFP was detected in significantly more LAT-EGFP-infected neurons than DeltaLAT-EGFP-infected neurons (4.9% versus 2%, P < 0.0001). The percentages of EGFP-positive neurons per TG ranged from 0 to 4.6 for DeltaLAT-EGFP and from 2.5 to 11.1 for LAT-EGFP (P = 0.003). Thus, LAT appeared to increase neuronal latency in rabbit TG by an average of two- to threefold. These results suggest that LAT enhances the establishment of latency in rabbits and that this may be one of the mechanisms by which LAT enhances spontaneous reactivation. These results do not rule out additional LAT functions that may be involved in maintenance of latency and/or reactivation from latency.
New TOPEX sea state bias models and their effect on global mean sea level

[1] During the calibration of the Jason-1 altimeter, it was discovered that the Jason-TOPEX sea surface height (SSH) residuals contained a trend correlated with significant wave height (SWH), indicating an error in the sea state bias (SSB) model for one or both of the altimeters. After updating the SSB model for Jason the trend remained, which pointed to an error in the TOPEX model. Since two different TOPEX altimeters (TOPEX_A and TOPEX_B) have operated during the mission, we estimated new SSB models using data from each one. The estimated SSB model for TOPEX_B is significantly different than the model provided with the data, which was estimated using only TOPEX_A data. Replacing the SSB model on TOPEX with the new TOPEX_A and TOPEX_B models not only removes the correlation with SWH in the Jason-TOPEX SSH residuals, it also removes most of a bias between TOPEX_A and TOPEX_B that has been observed in tide gauge calibrations. The magnitude of the change between TOPEX_A SSH and TOPEX_B SSH is of the order of 10 mm globally, with TOPEX_B SSH increasing when the new SSB model is applied. The application of this improved model will increase the rate of observed global mean sea level rise from 1.7 mm/year when the original TOPEX data are used to 2.8 mm/year when the updated SSB models are applied.
Healthy Brain Aging: A Road Map

Optimal cognitive function is vital to independence, productivity, and quality of life, and the debilitation associated with dementias makes them the most feared of conditions related to aging. Effective preventive measures are key components of any response to the potentially overwhelming problem of dementias. Increasing evidence points to the potential risk roles of vascular factors and disorders (eg, midlife obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and cerebrovascular lesions) and the potential protective roles of psychosocial factors (eg, higher education, regular exercise, healthy diet, intellectually challenging leisure activities, and active socially integrated lifestyle) in the pathogenic process and clinical manifestation of dementing disorders. Optimal control of vascular risk factors, secondary prevention of stroke, and manipulation of lifestyle factors have demonstrated efficacy in prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction. Thus, adding dementia prevention and brain function preservation as goals to already existing or planned prevention efforts is appropriate and necessary. Age must be taken into account when assessing the likely effect of such interventions against dementia, which underscores the need to begin prevention efforts early in patients' lives.
Synthesis of vertically aligned single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes without etching agents

The number of graphene shells on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be rationally controlled to yield high-density, vertically aligned single- and double-walled CNTs. This was obtained by thermal chemical...
Characterization of substrates and inhibitors for the in vitro assessment of Bcrp mediated drug-drug interactions.

In vitro assessment of drug candidates' affinity for multi-drug resistance proteins is of crucial importance for the prediction of in vivo pharmacokinetics and drug–drug interactions. To have well described experimental tools at hand, the objective of the study was to characterize substrates and inhibitors of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Madin–Darbin canine kidney cells overexpressing mouse Bcrp (MDCKII-Bcrp) were incubated with various Bcrp substrates, or a mixture of substrate and inhibitor to either the apical (A) or basolateral (B) compartment of insert filter plates. Substrate concentrations in both compartments at time points t = 0 h and t = 2 h were determined by LC–MS/MS, and respective permeation coefficients (P app) and efflux ratios were calculated. The Bcrp inhibitor Ko143 blocked topotecan and ABZSO transport in a concentration-dependent manner. P-gp inhibitors ivermectin, LY335979, PSC833, and the P-gp/Bcrp inhibitor ritonavir did not influence Bcrp mediated topotecan transport, however, blocked ABZSO transport. Additionally, neither was ABZSO transport influenced by topotecan, nor topotecan transport by ABZSO. Data suggest different modes of substrate and inhibitor binding to Bcrp. In order to not overlook potential drug–drug interactions when testing drug candidates for inhibitory potential towards Bcrp, distinct Bcrp probe substrates should be used.
New evidence on factors that influence the wealth effects of international joint ventures

Abstract Studies of the wealth effects of international joint ventures report mixed results. However, little work has been done to explain this enigma. We explain this riddle by identifying the factors which influence the wealth effects. Using a sample of 100 ventures that were announced between 1979 and 1994 we find that, on average, international joint ventures have virtually no immediate net impact on shareholder wealth. However, in-depth analysis reveals interesting findings that could explain why the results of previous studies are mixed. We find that the market reaction is more favorable when U.S. firms establish joint ventures in Asian countries, less favorable when the joint venture is established in lower risk developing countries, and less favorable when the joint venture is a manufacturing operation. In an increasingly globalized world, the results of this study hold important managerial implications.
Lattice parameters of n-and p-type Bi2Te3

Abstract Precision lattice parameter measurements have been made on Bi2Te3 over a wide range of carrier densities. For n-type material c a is less than the critical value 195 4 . A simple model for the variation of c and a is presented.
Mast cells in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia support lymphoplasmacytic cell growth through CD154/CD40 signaling

Abstract Bone marrow (BM) mast cells (MC) are commonly found in association with lymphoplasmacytic cells (LPC) in patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). We therefore sought to clarify the role of MC in WM. Co-culture of sublethally irradiated HMC-1 MC, KU812 basophilic cells, or autologous BM MC along with BM LPC from WM patients resulted in MC dose-dependent tumor colony formation and/or proliferation as assessed by 3H-thymidine uptake studies. Furthermore, by immunohistochemistry, multicolor flow cytometry and/or RT-PCR analysis, CD40 ligand (CD154), a potent inducer of B-cell expansion, was expressed on BM MC from 32 of 34 (94%), 11 of 13 (85%), and 7 of 9 (78%) patients, respectively. In contrast, MC from five healthy donors did not express CD154. By multicolor flow cytometry, CD154 was expressed on BM LPC from 35 of 38 (92%) patients and functionality was confirmed by CD154 and CD40 agonistic antibody stimulation, which induced proliferation, support survival and/or pERK phosphorylation of LPC. Moreover, MC induced expansion of LPC from 3 of 5 patients was blocked in a dose dependent manner by use of a CD154 blocking protein. These studies demonstrate that in WM, MC may support tumor cell expansion through constitutive CD154-CD40 signaling and therefore provide the framework for therapeutic targeting of MC and MC-WM cell interactions in WM.
Inactivation of ompR Promotes Precocious Swarming and flhDC Expression in Xenorhabdus nematophila

The response regulator OmpR is involved in numerous adaptive responses to environmental challenges. The role that OmpR plays in swarming behavior and swarm-cell differentiation in the symbiotic-pathogenic bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila was examined in this study. Swarming began 4 h sooner in an ompR mutant strain than in wild-type cells. Precocious swarming was correlated with elevated expression of fliC, early flagellation, and cell elongation. The level of flhDC mRNA was elevated during the early period of swarming in the ompR strain relative to the level in the wild type. These findings show that OmpR is involved in the temporal regulation of flhDC expression and flagellum production and demonstrate that this response regulator plays a role in the swarming behavior of X. nematophila.
Model of carbon nanotube growth through chemical vapor deposition

Abstract This Letter outlines a model to account for the catalyzed growth of nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition. It proposes that their formation and growth is an extension of other known processes in which graphitic structures form over metal surfaces at moderate temperatures through the decomposition of organic precursors. Importantly, the model also states that the form of carbon produced depends on the physical dimensions of the catalyzed reactions. Experimental data are presented that correlate nanotube diameters to the size of the catalyst particles. Nanotube stability as a function of nanotube type, length and diameter are also investigated through theoretical calculations.
Water Supply Analysis for Restoring the Colorado River Delta, Mexico

This paper employs an economic-engineering optimization model to explore water supply options for environmental restoration of the Colorado River Delta, Mexico. Potential water sources include reductions in local agricultural and urban Water use through water markets, wastewater reuse, and additional Colorado River flows from the United States. For these alternatives, the optimization model estimates operating and water scarcity costs, water scarcity volumes, and marginal economic costs of environmental flows and values of additional Colorado River flows from the United States over a range of required delta environmental flows. Economic values for agricultural and urban water uses were estimated by two ancillary models. The results provide insights into economically promising water supplies for restoration activities. Quantifying the trade-off between agricultural and urban economic valuation and environmental flows provides a framework for decision makers to quantify their valuation of environmental flows. The model also provides a framework for integrating additional knowledge of the system as information becomes available.
Enhancement of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1—Specific CD4 and CD8 T Cell Responses in Chronically Infected Persons after Temporary Treatment Interruption

Immunologic and virologic outcomes of treatment interruption were compared for 5 chronically human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons who have maintained antiretroviral therapy-mediated virus suppression, as compared with 5 untreated controls. After a median interruption of 55 days of therapy accompanied by rebound of virus, reinitiated therapy in 4 of 5 subjects resulted in suppression of 98.86% of plasma virus load by 21-33 days and no significant decrease in CD4 T cell percentage from baseline. Increased T helper responses against HIV-1 p24 antigen (P=. 014) and interferon-gamma-secreting CD8 T cell responses against HIV-1 Env (P=.004) were present during interruption of therapy and after reinitiation of treatment. The remaining subject whose treatment was interrupted did not resume treatment and continued to have a low virus load (<1080 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL) and persistent antiviral cell-mediated responses. In summary, cellular immunity against autologous HIV-1 has the potential to be acutely augmented in association with temporary treatment interruption in chronically infected persons.
Laser induced phase noise in optically injection locked oscillator

The spectral purity of a microwave reference signal, distributed by a fiber optic link to a subharmonically injection locked-oscillator can be degraded by laser large-signal noise. The authors present the noise conversion process leading to the increase of FM noise in the frequency reference. The analysis is based on the noise of the laser diode under large-signal modulation. The theoretical results show that the noise spectrum density of the reference signal is increased under a certain modulation of the laser diode, and that this increase in the noise level of the reference degrades the FM noise of the subharmonically injection locked oscillator. The phase noise measurement of a free-space optical link with the second subharmonic injection locked local oscillator verified the analysis. >
Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility among Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from the United States and Canada

BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in the possible role of new fluoroquinolone antibiotics for treatment of tuberculosis, but widespread use of fluoroquinolones for treatment of other bacterial infections may select for resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS We evaluated fluoroquinolone susceptibility using the proportion method (critical ciprofloxacin concentration for susceptibility testing, 2.0 mu g/mL) in isolates obtained from patients enrolled in Tuberculosis Trial Consortium clinical trials during the period of 1995-2001 and in a referral sample of isolates sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, GA) during the period of 1996-2000 for additional testing, often because of drug resistance. RESULTS Of the 1373 isolates from the clinical trials, 1324 (96%) were susceptible to isoniazid and rifampin; 2 (0.15%) of these isolates were also resistant to ciprofloxacin. Of the 1852 isolates from the referral sample, 603 (32.6%) were resistant to isoniazid and rifampin (i.e., multidrug resistant), 849 (45.7%) were resistant to >or=1 first-line drug but were not resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin, and 400 (21.6%) were susceptible to all first-line agents. Ciprofloxacin resistance was found in 33 (1.8%) of the referral-sample isolates. Most ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates (25 [75.8%]) were resistant to isoniazid and rifampin. CONCLUSIONS Despite widespread use of fluoroquinolones for treatment of common bacterial infections, resistance among clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis in the United States and Canada remains rare, occurring primarily among multidrug-resistant strains.
Thermal Aging Reliability of Package-Level Polymer Optical Waveguides

Polymer optical waveguides are viewed as a potential interconnect solution in board-level optoelectronic systems. In this paper, the optical loss changes in siloxane polymer waveguides during thermal aging conditions are studied for the wavelengths of 850 and 1310 nm. The optical loss in waveguides during intended operation and temperature exposure can increase due to factors such as oxidation of waveguides, increased absorption, and scattering. In addition to these inherent changes in the optical properties of the waveguides, physical failures such as delamination and cracking of waveguides will also increase the optical loss. This paper focuses on the first set of parameters that affects the optical loss and as a first step; the optical absorption of the polymer material is characterized through spectroscopy experiments. The thermal-aging dependent optical loss is determined for waveguide samples at several different accelerated temperature conditions. The temperature contours in a polymer waveguide with an embedded laser are determined from experiments as well as finite-element modeling. Using experimental data, analytical models have been developed that relate the optical loss with temperature and time, and provide a practical way of determining the reliability of the optical waveguides during field-use conditions.
Water and Conflict in the Middle East and South Asia: Are Environmental Issues and Security Issues Linked?:

Focusing on transboundary water issues in conflict settings, the linkages between environmental variables and security conditions are explored. The article is organized around a set of questions that has dominated debates about the notion of environmental security. The need for studies that are historically-informed and context-specific is stressed. A plea is made for a less narrowly focused research agenda and greater attention to the importance of political and institutional reform in the attenuation of environmental constraints.
From Regular to Context Free to Mildly Context Sensitive Tree Rewriting Systems: The Path of Child Language Acquisition.

Current syntactic theory limits the range of grammatical variation so severely that the logical problem of grammar learning is trivial. Yet, children exhibit characteristic stages in syntactic development at least through their sixth year. Rather than positing maturational delays, I suggest that acquisition difficulties are the result of limitations in manipulating grammatical representations. I argue that the genesis of complex sentences reflects increasing generative capacity in the systems generating structural descriptions: conjoined clauses demand only a regular tree rewriting system; sentential embedding uses a context-free tree substitution grammar; modification requires TAG, a mildly context-sensitive system.
Detonation Failure Characterization of Homemade Explosives

Typically characterizing home made explosives (HMEs) requires many large scale experiments, which is prohibitive given the large number of materials in use. A small scale experiment was developed to characterize HMEs such as ammonium nitrate-fuel oil mixtures. A microwave interferometer is applied to small scale confined transient experiments, yielding time resolved characterization of a failing detonation that is initiated with an ideal explosive booster charge. Experiments were performed with ammonium nitrate and two fuel compositions (diesel fuel and mineral oil). It was observed that the failure dynamics were influenced by factors such as the chemical composition, confiner thickness, and applied shock wave strength. Thin steel walled confiners with 0.71 mm wall thickness experienced detonation failure and decoupling of the shock wave from the reaction zone. Confiners with a wall thickness of 34.9 mm showed a decrease in propagation speed and a steady reactive wave was achieved. Varying the applied shock strength by using an attenuator showed corresponding changes in the initial overdriven reactive wave velocity in the HMEs. The distance to detonation failure was also shown to depend on the attenuator length when thin wall confinement was used. This experimental method is shown to be repeatable and can be performed with little required material (about 2 g). The data obtained could be useful to model development and validation, as well as quantifying detonability of materials.
Prevalence of Appropriate and Problematic Antiepileptic Combination Therapy in Older People in the Nursing Home

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of mono- and poly-antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in a cohort of nursing home (NH) residents and to describe specific AED combinations used, as well as demographic, clinical, and functional factors associated with poly-AED therapy and the most common AED combination. Design: Retrospective, point prevalence study. Setting: All NHs owned/managed by Beverly Enterprises. Participants: All residents aged 65 and older residing in one of the study NHs on July 1, 1999, and receiving an AED (N=3,881). Measurements: Data were gathered using two secondary source data sets: physicians' orders (AED use) and the Minimum Data Set (health status indicators). Results: Of residents taking AEDs, 370 (9.5%) were taking two or more; 268 of those (72%) were taking problematic AED combinations (those with the potential of undesirable pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions). Phenytoin (PHT) with phenobarbital (PB) was the most common combination (27.0%). Logistic regression indicated that poly-AED subjects were more likely to have a diagnosis of epilepsy/seizure (epi/sz) and less likely to have a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Residents taking the PHT/PB combination were more likely to have an epi/sz diagnosis and longer NH stay. The association between CVA and PHT/PB polytherapy differed by presence or absence of aphasia. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of poly-AED therapy is less than 10% in NH residents, but 72% of those residents were receiving problematic polytherapy combinations, thereby exposing them to potential risk of adverse reactions and toxicity.
Nurses’ Knowledge of Breastfeeding

The purpose of this study was to survey nurses' knowledge of breastfeeding and to assess whether nurses' education, clinical experience, or personal experience predicted their breastfeeding knowledge. Results suggest that nurses have limited knowledge of breastfeeding, although no variable consistently predicted breastfeeding knowledge. Clinical experience produced the most consistent results, implying that leadership, variety in maternal and newborn nursing experiences, and years of experience result in nurses having more knowledge about breastfeeding.
Technical Note: Time-dependent limb-darkening calibration for solar occultation instruments

Abstract. Solar occultation has proven to be a reliable technique for the measurement of atmospheric constituents in the stratosphere. NASA's Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiments (SAGE, SAGE II, and SAGE III) together have provided over 25 years of quality solar occultation data, a data record which has been an important resource for the scientific exploration of atmospheric composition and climate change. Herein, we describe an improvement to the processing of SAGE data that corrects for a previously uncorrected short-term time-dependence in the calibration function. The variability relates to the apparent rotation of the scanning track with respect to the face of the sun due to the motion of the satellite. Correcting for this effect results in a decrease in the measurement noise in the Level 1 line-of-sight optical depth measurements of approximately 40% in the middle and upper stratospheric SAGE II and III observations where it has been applied. The technique is potentially useful for any scanning solar occultation instrument and suggests further improvement for future occultation measurements if a full disk imaging system can be included.
Demographics and Condition of Coyotes in Illinois

Abstract The rapid growth of coyote (Canis latrans) populations in Illinois since 1980 prompted a need for current demographic data to be used in population models for management. From 1994 to 1997 we examined 977 coyotes harvested by hunters and trappers throughout the state and compiled data on age structure, sex ratios, reproductive rates and physical condition. Statewide, 55% of harvested coyotes were juveniles, 20% were yearlings and 25% adults. The sex ratio did not differ from unity among juveniles and yearlings, but was skewed towards males in the adult class. The number of harvested animals decreased by 45–60% between successive classes from 0.5 through 2.5 y old, then by 30–40% through 9.5 y old. Statewide, 57% of females bred and breeders averaged 4.9 placental scars. Males were larger than females, averaging 14.1 and 12.1 kg whole body mass, respectively. Kidney fat reserves were highest in juveniles and adult females and lowest in yearlings. Femur marrow fat was generally high and did not dif...
DSM-5 and Research Concerning Mental Illness

It is widely agreed that the DSM-IV categorical framework (and its predecessors) have a number of problems (e.g., questionable reliability in the field, questionable validity, heterogeneity, unexplained comorbidity, an unsound concept of mental disorder) that have compromised its utility in research concerning mental illness. At the root of these problems is a substantial “lack of fit” between the DSM framework and the domain of mental illness. With the publication of DSM-5, it is appropriate to ask whether the process of revision leading from DSM-IV to DSM-5 has been sufficiently responsive to the problems with DSM-IV to justify continued use of DSM categories in either basic research concerning psychopathology or more applied clinical research. In this paper, I argue that the revision process has not been responsive to these problems and that, hence, DSM-5 categories ought not to be used in research concerning mental illness. Rather, alternative approaches should be developed, and I conclude with a discussion of three such alternatives.
A Wavelet Perspective on the Allan Variance

The origins of the Allan variance trace back 50 years ago to two seminal papers, one by Allan (1966) and the other by Barnes (1966). Since then, the Allan variance has played a leading role in the characterization of high-performance time and frequency standards. Wavelets first arose in the early 1980s in the geophysical literature, and the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) became prominent in the late 1980s in the signal processing literature. Flandrin (1992) briefly documented a connection between the Allan variance and a wavelet transform based upon the Haar wavelet. Percival and Guttorp (1994) noted that one popular estimator of the Allan variance—the maximal overlap estimator—can be interpreted in terms of a version of the DWT now widely referred to as the maximal overlap DWT (MODWT). In particular, when the MODWT is based on the Haar wavelet, the variance of the resulting wavelet coefficients—the wavelet variance—is identical to the Allan variance when the latter is multiplied by one-half. The theory behind the wavelet variance can thus deepen our understanding of the Allan variance. In this paper, we review basic wavelet variance theory with an emphasis on the Haar-based wavelet variance and its connection to the Allan variance. We then note that estimation theory for the wavelet variance offers a means of constructing asymptotically correct confidence intervals (CIs) for the Allan variance without reverting to the common practice of specifying a power-law noise type a priori . We also review recent work on specialized estimators of the wavelet variance that are of interest when some observations are missing (gappy data) or in the presence of contamination (rogue observations or outliers). It is a simple matter to adapt these estimators to become estimators of the Allan variance. Finally we note that wavelet variances based upon wavelets other than the Haar offer interesting generalizations of the Allan variance.
Influence of Norepinephrine on the Motility of the Human Vas Deferens: A New Hypothesis of Sperm Transport by the Vas Deferens * †

Segments of human vas deferens contracted spontaneously when perfused with norepinephrine (.1 mcg per ml). Vasa divided into 3 cm segments labeled proximal central or distal (from the epididmymis) were obtained from 27 cadavers. The study also included 68 central segments from vasectomies: 8 from general anesthesia 6 from spinal and 54 from local anesthesia. Contractions were recorded in Locke-glucose solution perfused at 5 ml per minute in a 50 ml bath at pH 7.4 550-560 mm Hg 37 degrees C without preloading against a weak calibrated spring. In experiments without norepinephrine the cadaver segments contracted with increasing frequency from proximal (11-20 per hour) to distal segments (76-104 per hour). Central segments from cadavers exhibited higher force and shorter duration than did proximal or distal segments. Central segments from vasectomies done under general anesthesia produced forceful low frequency contractions compared to those under spinal anesthesia with about one-tenth the force and 4 times the frequency. Local anesthesia blocked spontaneous contraction in all 54 specimens and only 26 responded to norepinephrine. Norepinephrine slightly increased force duration and frequency in all cadaver segments when infused for Hours 2-4 after 2 hours of spontaneous contraction. The authors propose that the intact sympathetic nerve supply lacking after vasovasotomy produces functional ejaculation of sperm.
Impact response of woven composites with interlaminar reinforcement

In this paper, a design framework is proposed for improving the low velocity impact resistance of woven carbon composites by adding ZnO nanowire interlaminar reinforcements. Simulations of impact loading are developed to determine the interlaminar regions most susceptible to damage. Through-thickness reinforcements are then synthesized along the chosen interfaces and the degree of face impact damage for specimens with and without ZnO nanowires are experimentally determined. The tests reveal that the samples without ZnO nanowires experience a higher damage degree in comparison to the samples with ZnO nanowires. Therefore, the study presented in this paper shows the potential of adding ZnO nanowires as through-thickness reinforcements in the interlaminar regions of the woven composites for improving the impact damage resistance.
Harmonious management and application in work safety

The application of harmonious management in safety production process has provided the new perspective for the safety control.Through the research harmonious management's basic principle,mechanism,and practice operation,established the harmonious management component model,identified the safety harmonious management main essential factors.With the safety control example,analyzed application of safety production harmonious management,explained the reason of easiest to appear two phenomena in practice: " the Heze deficiency and,Xieze chaos" and " Xieze overabundant and,Heze insufficient",interpreted the appearance of practical safety problem contributed by " contrary to the management themes and goals",worked out the way to reach destination of harmonious safety management.
Determination of lead in food by GFAAS

Objective:To develop a method for the determination of lead in food by GFAAS.Methods:The samples were digested by a mixture of nitric acid,sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide and then the hydrogen periodate restored the remaining sulfuric acid.Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate(2%) and PdCI2(0.4%),as a matrix modifier,can improve cineration temperature and effectively remove matrix interference.Results:The linear range was 3~120 μg/L,quantification limit was 0.0028 mg/kg,recoveries were 90.3%~107% with the relative standard deviation(RSD) of 1.2%~7.5% for the method.Conclusion:The method was simple,rapid,accurate and sensitive.It has been successfully applied to determination of lead of in food.
Induction of multiple ovulation by pulsatile administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone *

Pharmacologic doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses (10 μ g) were used for the induction of multiple follicular development in six normal cycling women. GnRH administration via an autoinfusion pump (intravenously at 60- to 120-minute intervals) was begun on day 5 after the onset of menses. During these stimulated cycles, two to five follicles of preovulatory size were detected by sonography in all subjects. In two subjects, follicle aspiration was performed with successful oocyte recovery. Assessment of the follicular fluid steroid concentrations from these follicles suggests that two of three (subject 5) and four of five (subject 6) follicles were mature. Gonadotropin levels of treated cycles were significantly higher than in normal cycles. Both follicular and luteal phases were of normal duration but were associated with significantly elevated estradiol and progesterone levels, respectively. Timely midcycle gonadotropin surges occurred by days 12 to 14 in all cases. Thus, ovarian steroid feedback control of gonadotropin secretion can be overridden by larger pulses of GnRH, resulting in the development of multiple follicles. This technique may prove useful for in vitro fertilization.
Tropical spastic paraparesis on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

Abstract Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is a retroviral disease characterized predominantly by a chronic myelopathy and progressive leg weakness. Four patients from the northern coast of Colombia with chronic spastic paraparesis and serum positivity for antibodies to human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot are reported. All patients had mixed ethnic origins (white, black, and amerindian). This is the first report of TSP on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This study extends the geographic boundaries of TSP in the Caribbean basin.
Hormonal Changes Associated with Physical Activity and Exercise Training

The survival of the human body is dependent on having effective and efficient internal communication systems. These communication systems maintain a homeostatic balance and the ability to respond to any stress that disrupts homeostasis. This chapter provides an overview of how one of these systems, the endocrine, responds to the homeostatic challenge and stress of physical activity—exercise—by altering hormonal release, many of which relate to reproduction. Organizationally, the hormonal responses are presented as those associated with resistance exercise and endurance/aerobic exercise, and the training associated with each form. Several key concepts are addressed in relation to each form of exercise. Factors relative to resistance exercise are as follows: (a) the critical nature of the size principle as a stimulus, (b) how in order to incur anabolic hormonal responses beyond normal homeostatic maintenance of the cell, muscle fibers must first be recruited as part of motor unit activation in response to an exercise demand for force and power, and (c) how in successful training the recruiting of muscle fibers, hormonal responses are governed by the upper regulatory elements as well as the manipulation of the acute program variables. Factors that are relative to endurance/aerobic exercise are the following: (a) those critical factors in an exercise session that drive specific hormonal response as well as the magnitude of the response (e.g., energy expenditure and cardiovascular-hemodynamic adjustments), (b) how appropriate training allows for adaptions to result in reduced hormonal responses to a single exercise session through alterations at both the glandular and target tissues levels, and (c) how incorrect training can lead to hormonal dysregulation and negative consequences on the reproductive hormonal status and reproductive biology in both men and women. Overall, this chapter endeavors to present a concise and succinct overview of exercise endocrinology and the hormonal reactions associated with the topic.
Rehabilitation of the Knee in Disorders of the Patellofemoral Joint: Relevant Biomechanics

Summary A knowledge of the biomechanics, anatomy, and contact pattern of the patellofemoral joint provides the basis for the selection of a highly individualized program of rehabilitation for those with patellofemoral disease. The program of choice is one that minimizes high impact loading activities and avoids the generation of greater than physiologic contact stress unit loads at articular surfaces. Recommended exercises for rehabilitating the patellofemoral joint include isometrics, terminal extension exercises, swimming, and cycling.
The influence of albumin and calcium on human platelet arachidonic acid metabolism

The effects of in vitro changes in calcium and albumin on human platelet arachidonic acid metabolism were evaluated. Hypoalbuminemia enhanced the conversion of released 14C-arachidonic acid from prelabeled platelet phospholipids to the metabolites of the platelet cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. This effect was, however, associated with a decreased release of arachidonic acid in the presence of hypoalbuminemia, such that the overall conversion of released 14C-arachidonic acid to platelet thromboxane B2 was similar in the presence of physiologic albumin concentration (3.5 g/dl) or at decreased albumin concentrations of 0.7 and 0.0 g/dl. External calcium was shown to be important for optimal platelet arachidonic acid release, with maximal release occurring at 1 mM calcium.
CXCL10-Mediates Macrophage, but not Other Innate Immune Cells-Associated Inflammation in Murine Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an inflammatory lipotoxic disorder, but how inflammatory cells are recruited and activated within the liver is still unclear. We previously reported that lipotoxic hepatocytes release CXCL10-enriched extracellular vesicles, which are potently chemotactic for cells of the innate immune system. In the present study, we sought to determine the innate immune cell involved in the inflammatory response in murine NASH and the extent to which inhibition of the chemotactic ligand CXCL10 and its cognate receptor CXCR3 could attenuate liver inflammation, injury and fibrosis. C57BL/6J CXCL10(-/-), CXCR3(-/-) and wild type (WT) mice were fed chow or high saturated fat, fructose, and cholesterol (FFC) diet. FFC-fed CXCL10(-/-) and WT mice displayed similar weight gain, metabolic profile, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. In contrast, compared to the WT mice, FFC-fed CXCL10(-/-) mice had significantly attenuated liver inflammation, injury and fibrosis. Genetic deletion of CXCL10 reduced FFC-induced proinflammatory hepatic macrophage infiltration, while natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, neutrophils and dendritic cells hepatic infiltration were not significantly affected. Our results suggest that CXCL10(-/-) mice are protected against diet-induced NASH, in an obesity-independent manner. Macrophage-associated inflammation appears to be the key player in the CXCL10-mediated sterile inflammatory response in murine NASH.
The Long-term Effect of Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccination on Tuberculin Skin Testing: A 55-Year Follow-Up Study

Background Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination is known to cause false-positive tuberculin skin test (TST) results from cross-reactions with mycobacterial antigens. However, the duration of BCG vaccination influence on the TST is poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effect of BCG vaccination on TST reactivity. Methods Data on TST reactivity were prospectively collected during 1935 to 1947 as part of a clinical trial among Native Americans/Alaskan Natives and were retrospectively collected thereafter between 1948 and 1998. TST induration of ≥ 10 mm was defined as a positive reaction. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression were used to compare the time to TST conversion and reversion between the BCG and placebo groups. Results BCG vaccination after infancy was associated with an increased risk of TST reactivity in the first 15 years after vaccination (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.33). This association remained during the interval 16 to 55 years after vaccination, although the effect was attenuated (adjusted HR, 1.26). Age at vaccination modestly impacted the effect of BCG on TST results in the first 15 years. Positive TST results among the BCG-vaccinated group were more likely to revert to negative results during the first 15 years but not in the latter period. Conclusions This study provides evidence that BCG vaccination after infancy may influence TST results beyond the 10-year period conventionally accepted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extending up to 55 years after vaccination. This suggests that BCG vaccination should be taken into account when interpreting TST results regardless of the time elapsed since vaccination.
Draft genome sequences of eight bacteria isolated from the indoor environment: Staphylococcus capitis strain H36, S. capitis strain H65, S. cohnii strain H62, S. hominis strain H69, Microbacterium sp. strain H83, Mycobacterium iranicum strain H39, Plantibacter sp. strain H53, and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans strain H72.

We report here the draft genome sequences of eight bacterial strains of the genera Staphylococcus, Microbacterium, Mycobacterium, Plantibacter, and Pseudomonas. These isolates were obtained from aerosol sampling of bathrooms of five residences in the San Francisco Bay area. Taxonomic classifications as well as the genome sequence and gene annotation of the isolates are described. As part of the “Built Environment Reference Genome” project, these isolates and associated genome data provide valuable resources for studying the microbiology of the built environment.
Real-Time Interactive Tree Animation

We present a novel method for posing and animating botanical tree models interactively in real time. Unlike other state of the art methods which tend to produce trees that are overly flexible, bending and deforming as if they were underwater plants, our approach allows for arbitrarily high stiffness while still maintaining real-time frame rates without spurious artifacts, even on quite large trees with over ten thousand branches. This is accomplished by using an articulated rigid body model with as-stiff-as-desired rotational springs in conjunction with our newly proposed simulation technique, which is motivated both by position based dynamics and the typical $O(N)$ algorithms for articulated rigid bodies. The efficiency of our algorithm allows us to pose and animate trees with millions of branches or alternatively simulate a small forest comprised of many highly detailed trees. Even using only a single CPU core, we can simulate ten thousand branches in real time while still maintaining quite crisp user interactivity. This has allowed us to incorporate our framework into a commodity game engine to run interactively even on a low-budget tablet. We show that our method is amenable to the incorporation of a large variety of desirable effects such as wind, leaves, fictitious forces, collisions, fracture, etc.
A Rodent Paw Tracker Using Support Vector Machine

The observation of both human and animal kinematics has proven to be of tremendous scientific value for both understanding biological phenomena and development of medical treatments. Rodents, in particular, are widely used as a model for human disease. Unfortunately, they are also notoriously difficult to use in experiments requiring the use of motion capture (MoCap) for kinematic analyses. Current commercially available technology for rodent MoCap (e.g. Digigait [1, 2], Motorater, Noldus Catwalk [3, 4]) requires either frequent anaesthesia for shaving and tattooing of anatomical landmarks , or retroreflective markers known to agitate rodent subjects. Less automated methods require the use of high speed video capture and manual tracking, which both time and data intensive.
Caulobacter Crescentus Cell Cycle-Regulated DNA Methyltransferase Uses a Novel Mechanism for Substrate Recognition

Caulobacter crescentus relies on DNA methylation by the cell cycle-regulated methyltransferase (CcrM) in addition to key transcription factors to control the cell cycle and direct cellular differentiation. CcrM is shown here to efficiently methylate its cognate recognition site 5′-GANTC-3′ in single-stranded and hemimethylated double-stranded DNA. We report the Km, kcat, kmethylation, and Kd for single-stranded and hemimethylated substrates, revealing discrimination of 107-fold for noncognate sequences. The enzyme also shows a similar discrimination against single-stranded RNA. Two independent assays clearly show that CcrM is highly processive with single-stranded and hemimethylated DNA. Collectively, the data provide evidence that CcrM and other DNA-modifying enzymes may use a new mechanism to recognize DNA in a key epigenetic process.
Functional determinants for Laplacians on annuli and elliptical regions

In this article, we consider the functional determinant on an annulus and elliptic regions with a variety of boundary conditions. Known results for the annulus are rederived and extended using contour integration techniques. Conformal transformations are then used to relate these results to ellipsoidal annuli, providing very explicit answers. Similarly, for the ellipse, answers are related to those for a disc, but explicit results can only be found for small eccentricity.
MR-assisted PET motion correction in simultaneous PET/MRI studies of dementia subjects.

Background Subject motion in positron emission tomography (PET) studies leads to image blurring and artifacts; simultaneously acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data provides a means for motion correction (MC) in integrated PET/MRI scanners. Purpose To assess the effect of realistic head motion and MR-based MC on static [18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET images in dementia patients. Study type Observational study. Population Thirty dementia subjects were recruited. Field strength/sequence 3T hybrid PET/MR scanner where EPI-based and T1 -weighted sequences were acquired simultaneously with the PET data. Assessment Head motion parameters estimated from high temporal resolution MR volumes were used for PET MC. The MR-based MC method was compared to PET frame-based MC methods in which motion parameters were estimated by coregistering 5-minute frames before and after accounting for the attenuation-emission mismatch. The relative changes in standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) between the PET volumes processed with the various MC methods, without MC, and the PET volumes with simulated motion were compared in relevant brain regions. Statistical tests The absolute value of the regional SUVR relative change was assessed with pairwise paired t-tests testing at the P = 0.05 level, comparing the values obtained through different MR-based MC processing methods as well as across different motion groups. The intraregion voxelwise variability of regional SUVRs obtained through different MR-based MC processing methods was also assessed with pairwise paired t-tests testing at the P = 0.05 level. Results MC had a greater impact on PET data quantification in subjects with larger amplitude motion (higher than 18% in the medial orbitofrontal cortex) and greater changes were generally observed for the MR-based MC method compared to the frame-based methods. Furthermore, a mean relative change of ∼4% was observed after MC even at the group level, suggesting the importance of routinely applying this correction. The intraregion voxelwise variability of regional SUVRs was also decreased using MR-based MC. All comparisons were significant at the P = 0.05 level. Data conclusion Incorporating temporally correlated MR data to account for intraframe motion has a positive impact on the FDG PET image quality and data quantification in dementia patients. Level of evidence 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1288-1296.