cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secure Partial Encryption with Adversarial Functional Dependency Constraints in the Database-As-a-Service Model

Abstract Cloud computing enables end-users to outsource their dataset and data management needs to a third-party service provider. One of the major security concerns of the outsourcing paradigm is how to protect sensitive information in the outsourced dataset. In some applications, only partial values are considered sensitive. In general, the sensitive information can be protected by encryption. However, data dependency constraints (together with the unencrypted data) in the outsourced data may serve as adversary knowledge and bring security vulnerabilities to the encrypted data. In this paper, we focus on functional dependency (FD), an important type of data dependency constraints, and study the security threats by the adversarial FDs. We design a practical scheme that can defend against the FD attack by encrypting a small amount of non-sensitive data (encryption overhead). We prove that finding the scheme that leads to the optimal encryption overhead is NP-complete, and design efficient heuristic algorithms, under the presence of one or multiple FDs. We design a secure query rewriting scheme that enables the service provider to answer various types of queries on the encrypted data with provable security guarantee. We extend our study to enforce security when there are conditional functional dependencies (CFDs) and data updates. We conduct an extensive set of experiments on two real-world datasets. The experiment results show that our heuristic approach brings small amounts of encryption overhead (at most 1% more than the optimal overhead), and enjoys a 10-time speedup compared with the optimal solution. Besides, our approach can reduce up to 90% of the encryption overhead of state-of-the-art solution.
A compositional morphosemantic analysis of exclusivity in Ch'ol

We argue that novel empirical generalizations on exclusive operators in Ch’ol (Mayan) provide strong evidence for a morphological decompositionality of exclusivity into a core semantic entry and focus sensitivity. There is a robust literature on exclusivity and the distributions of scalar particles in various languages (Beaver & Clark 2003, 2008; Orenstein & Greenberg 2010; Coppock & Beaver 2011a,b). Coppock & Beaver (2011a) argue that mere operates in a different domain (properties) than only (propositions). Recent work on focus constructions in Mayan languages include Yasavul (2013) for K’iche’ and AnderBois (2012) for Yucatec Maya. However, little work has been done on the variation among exclusives in morphologically rich languages like Ch’ol. Original data from fieldwork indicate that exclusivity can occur independently of focus marking, and when divorced from focus, the exclusive morpheme has a wider distribution and range of meanings.
Mental Illness, the Media, and the Moral Politics of Mass Violence: The Role of Race in Mass Shootings Coverage

Objectives:We examine how news media portrays the causes of mass shootings for shooters of different races. Specifically, we explore whether White men are disproportionately framed as mentally ill,...
A Respiratory Gating System for PET Imaging of Lung Cancer

The accurate characterization of lesions in FDG-PET imaging of lung cancer in terms of their size, shape, location and quantitation, can be significantly affected by motion of the lungs during respiration. The objective of this research was to develop a system to acquire and process the patient’s breathing signal and use it to “gate” the acquisition of FDG-PET images in order to reduce the effects of respiratory motion. Methods: A high-resolution CCD laser system that senses the displacement of the chest or abdomen during the patient’s breathing cycle was employed. The displacement information was appropriately processed to reconstruct the respiratory signal, which in turn was used to trigger the gated acquisition of FDG-PET images in a synchronized fashion from inspiration to expiration. The system was attached to a custom designed mechanical assembly with robotic movements and was tested on a Philips C-PET and a Philips Gemini PET/CT scanner. A motorized oscillating phantom and a ventilator supplied lung simulator were developed for testing and validating the system with positron emitting sources simulating lung lesions at variable speeds of breathing and motion displacement. Results: There was a significant reduction in the effects of respiratory motion with the proposed respiratory gating system. Improved accuracy was noted in determining the spatial location, obtaining the size, and recovering the actual counts of simulated lung lesions with gated vs. non-gated phantom experiments. The reliable operation of the respiratory gating system was also validated in 3 patient studies. Conclusions: A system was developed that enables respiratory-gated acquisition in FDG-PET imaging in order to reduce the effects of respiratory motion, which can affect lung lesions. Phantom experiments and limited clinical applications demonstrated the reliable performance of the system and improved accuracy in the characterization of lung lesions.
Videoscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (VMIS) for Bone Regeneration around Teeth and Implants: A Literature Review and Technique Update.

Background—The literature related to minimally invasive periodontal surgery is reviewed. This includes the original minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure for bone regeneration, the modification of MIS for the minimally invasive surgery technique (MIST) and modified MIST (M-MIST) procedures, and the introduction of the videoscope for oral surgical procedures and the ability to perform videoscope-assisted minimally invasive surgery (VMIS). The evolution from MIS through MIST to the current VMIS is reviewed. The results from studies of each of these methods are reported. Conclusion—The use of small incisions that produce minimal trauma and preserve most of the blood supply to the periodontal and peri-implant tissues results in improved regenerative outcomes, minimal to absent negative esthetic outcomes, and little or no patient discomfort. Minimally invasive procedures are a reliable method to regenerate periodontal tissues.
P147 Decreasing medicare cost by tailoring single antigen test utilization on renal allocation score

Aim There are currently 95,121 patients awaiting a renal transplant in the US (UNOS data). The average cost of combined testing for HLA class I and II by single antigen (SA) is around $900. If all renal patients were screened monthly this would translate in over $1 billion in annual Medicare costs. We investigated whether cost saving could be achieved by devising a test utilization strategy based on patients’ UNOS status and allocation score. Methods First, we performed a query in UNET to obtain the renal allocation score and status (1 active or 7 inactive) of all renal transplant patients listed at our center. Second, we performed a search of all kidneys allocated by our OPO in the last 3 months to determine what allocation category and patient renal allocation score received the kidneys. Results Of the 588 patients on our waitlist, 65.3% were listed active and 34.7% were listed inactive. The average allocation score for kidneys placed by our OPO in the last 3 months was 7.27 for the first allocated kidney and 5.64 for the second kidney (scores above 15 were excluded). 8.4% of first allocated kidneys were transplanted in patients with scores below 4. These included ABO incompatible (A2 into B), 0-ABDR mismatch, and pediatric patients. Only one kidney with a KDPI of 35–85% was allocated to a patient with less than 4 points. A greater proportion of second kidneys were transplanted in patients with lower scores particularly 86–100 KDPI kidneys, kidney with long ischemic times, and high risk donors. Based on these results we developed a testing strategy whereby patients which are listed status 7 do not get tested by SA. Status 1 patients with less than 4 points are tested annually and those with more than 4 points are tested quarterly. Utilization of this testing strategy has resulted in a saving of 87.9% vs monthly testing. Conclusions It is possible to devise an SA test utilization strategy based on the listing status and allocation score of renal patients. We recognize that this approach may need to be tailored to each center depending on local allocation data and each center’s transplant practice. However, using such strategy can significantly decrease Medicare cost. When compare to monthly screens, we calculated that if used nationwide our approach could yield annual savings to Medicare of up to $902,810,700.
ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZE OF COMPOSITE LEAF SPRING FOR LIGHT WEIGHT VEHICLE

In present scenario weight reduction is the main focus of an automobile manufacturer. Leaf spring is an important component for any automobile. Generally leaf spring is used for suspension purpose in heavy vehicles. These springs are mainly made of steel material which having more weight. In order to reduce weight, here composite leaf spring is used instead of steel leaf spring. This topic describes design and static structural analysis of steel leaf spring and laminated composite leaf spring. The dimensions of an existing conventional steel leaf spring of a light commercial vehicle mini truck are taken and are verified by design calculations. Static structural analysis of a 3-D model of conventional leaf spring is performed using ANSYS. Same dimensions are used in composite multi leaf spring using carbon/Epoxy and Graphite/Epoxy unidirectional laminates. The load carrying capacity, and weight of composite leaf spring are compared with that of steel leaf spring.
Queering critical race pedagogy: reflections of disrupting erasure while centering intersectionality

This article argues that intersectional pedagogies are one way to capture the experiences of Queers of Color, specifically in higher education classrooms. Using critical pedagogies and critical rac...
Red Oak Borer, Enaphalodes rufulus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, U.S.A.: An Unexpected and Remarkable Forest Disturbance

A complex interaction of multiple factors has resulted in an oak decline event in oak-hickory forests of the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Missouri, U.S.A. The most striking feature of this situation is an unprecedented population explosion of red oak borer, a species of cerambycid beetle, Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman), which appears to be causing extensive mortality to mature red oaks (Quercus, subgenus Erythrobalanus). The insect is a native species, historically a minor pest of oaks, found throughout the eastern United States. Beetles normally reproduce in living oaks, as larvae initially feed in phloem tissue and subsequently bore into xylem where pupation occurs. The life cycle is two years in length and synchronous adult emergence occurs in odd-numbered years. Data from previous research indicate average attack densities of less than four per tree with a high of 71 on a single tree. Historical emergence densities are similarly low and the highest reported was 15 adults from one tree. Our research is concerned with understanding factors contributing to this outbreak; developing sampling methods for red oak borer; assessing oak mortality; and evaluating site and stand conditions associated with the current outbreak. Results of our initial sampling reveal dramatically higher average attack densities of 244 per m2 and emergence densities of 18 per m2 of bark surface area. We confirm a three-week period of adult emergence and activity during mid-June to early July. We also report on possible management responses by federal and state agencies to this remarkable epidemic and oak mortality crisis.
Supersymmetry constraints on U-duality invariant deformations of N ≥ 5 supergravity

Candidate counterterms break E7 type U-duality symmetry of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ ≥ 5 supergravity theories in four dimensions [1, 2]. A proposal was made in [3] to restore it, starting with a double set of vector fields and argued that a supersymmetric extension of their proposal should exist. We show that the extra vectors, needed for the deformation, can not be auxiliary fields in an eventual off-shell formulation of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ ≥ 5 supergravity, assuming that such a formulation exists. Furthermore we show that these extra vector fields can not be dynamical either since that changes the unitary supermultiplets underlying these theories and requires one to go beyond the standard framework of extended simple supergravities. To show this we list all relevant unitary conformal supermultiplets of SU(2, 2| $$ \mathcal{N} $$ + n). We find that doubling of vectors consistent with linearized supersymmetry requires to change the number of scalars, violating the coset structure of the theory, and also to add a finite number of higher spin fields, which do not admit consistent couplings to theories with spins ≤ 2. Thus, the proposed duality restoring deformation along the lines of [3] can not be implemented within the standard framework of extended supergravity theories. We argue therefore that, in the absence of anomalies, E7 type duality together with supersymmetry, might protect $$ \mathcal{N} $$ ≥ 5 supergravity from UV divergences, in particular, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 5 supergravity at 4 loops in d=4.
Evaluation of ostium size following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy as a predictive factor of outcome: A prospective study.

Summary Introduction Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure that aims to increase tear drainage to treat epiphora caused by nasolacrimal obstruction by creating a bypass through the bone between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. A silicone stent is temporarily put in place for 2 months to avoid early obstruction of the rhinostomy. One of the causes of surgical failure is related to progressive stenosis of intranasal ostium, due to fibrosis and new bone growth, inducing a relapse of epiphora and/or dacryocystitis. Few studies have described changes in the size of the intranasal ostium on direct post-DCR measurement or kinetics of its shrinkage. The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in the size of intranasal ostium might be a predictor of final functional efficacy. Materials and methods A prospective cohort of eighteen consecutive patients undergoing endonasal DCR for chronic epiphora or chronic dacryocystitis between January 2017 and April 2018 was analyzed. Eight patients who underwent bilateral DCR, and twenty-six intranasal ostia were finally analyzed. Follow-up took place every two months for 1 year, with the silicone tube removed at 2 months. Functional success was defined as absence of recurrent epiphora or dacryocystitis. Ostium size was systematically measured on photos taken during intranasal endoscopy performed every 2 months for 1 year. Results At 2 months after endonasal DCR, 23 of the 26 ostia (88.5%) were functional, but only 19 (73.1%) of them were directly measurable. The mean horizontal diameter at 2 months was 1.44 (SD 0.61) mm, and the mean vertical diameter was 0.86 (SD 0.37) mm, which corresponded to a mean area of 10 (SD 0.84) mm2. We noted a statistically significant decrease in ostium size and area between 2 and 4 months after the procedure (P −0.001), followed by a stabilization period with no statistical correlation between the size of the ostium and its final functional efficacy. At 6 months after DCR, of the 7 ostia that were not initially measurable, 3 were immediately non-functional at 2 months, 3 had a relapse of epiphora at 4 months, and 1 had a relapse of dacryocystitis at 6 months, i.e., 100% clinical failures at 6 months. The other procedures all remained functional after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion The intranasal ostium of an endonasal DCR shrinks significantly within the 2 months after removal of the silicone tube and remains stable thereafter. There is no correlation between the size or area of intranasal ostium and its final functional efficacy. However, when the ostium is not measurable at the time of 2-month stent removal, all patients experienced a relapse of epiphora or dacryocystitis within 6 months.
The Challenges of Immigration and Implications for Adult Education Practice

"Adult education assists immigrants in learning about and adjusting to a new culture, facing the difficulties of learning a new language, securing housing, and gaining employment " This special issue addresses national and international immigration and implications for adult education practice Adult education will continue its historical commitment to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and provision of citizenship education [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Adult Learning is the property of Sage Publications Inc and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
Axial Diameter is Superior to Volumetric Measurement in Predicting Ureteral Stone Passage

AbstractIntroduction:We sought to investigate the clinical utility of volumetric measurements in predicting passage of symptomatic ureteral calculi.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of pa...
Age as a risk factor for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) has been widely reported in the medical literature. Various patient characteristics, including age, have been investigated as possible risk factors for this disease entity, but the existence and direction of the cause-and-effect relationship are still unclear. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the effect of age on development of BRCL. PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for relevant articles, which were found to be published between 1974 and 2020. Twenty-six studies involving 19,396 patients were selected. The average age of patients was 54.9. 26 studies were included in the final analysis, and 13 articles reported no association between age and BCRL development. Though studies presented different findings, the majority did not identify age as a risk factor for development of lymphedema. However, the level of evidence of individual studies was low. In this article, we call attention to the need for uniform design of lymphedema studies and diagnosis. All patients should be informed and screened regularly for lymphedema during and after the treatment independent of their age.
Research on Low Voltage Control Measures of distribution Network

distribution network voltage is the main index of power quality, which has a direct impact on the safety and stability of distribution network and the safe operation of power equipment, power loss of transmission lines, industrial and agricultural safety production and people's daily electricity consumption. Based on the PSASP simulation software, the real-time simulation analysis of the voltage in the Nailin area is carried out. During the irrigation period, the simulation results show that the low voltage problem is serious, and the daily load fluctuation is obvious, so it is necessary to adopt the control measures which can adjust the voltage in both directions flexibly. After comparison, the line voltage regulator and SVG are proposed to be used. After low voltage control, the simulation results show that the low voltage problem is obviously improved . Finally, the management measures to improve the low voltage problem are put forward.
AFTERCARE: POST-TREATMENT SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

The substance abuse treatment process may be thought of as a long continuum emcompassing a number of necessary activities. The list of activities usually includes: 1) intake and assessment; 2) treatment plans; 3) intervention and progress notes; 4) discharge; 5) aftercare and 6) followup. Of these, we single out aftercare as being relatively new in concept and design. This novelty often leads to misunderstanding. Yet aftercare is receiving increasingly more attention by important groups such as the Joint Commission on Accredition of Hospitals (JCAH).
Chapter 25 Isolation of Developmentally Regulated Genes

Publisher Summary This chapter considers the approaches available for the isolation of developmentally regulated genes from Dictyostelium, and some of the advantages and drawbacks of each are discussed. The chapter discusses various techniques for the isolation of genes having a particular pattern of regulation, is limited only by imagination. Using these techniques, it is possible to identify genes induced by heat shock, by starvation, expressed at a particular time in the cell cycle, in a particular cell type, or any other fashion that allows the investigator to identify a set of conditions where the genes of interest are expressed and another where they are not. The use of developmental mutants in such gene selection schemes may increase the kinds of schemes that can be devised. For example, it may be possible to use null mutants and subtractive hybridization to isolate a wild-type copy of the mutant gene. The availability of cloned developmentally regulated genes has facilitated investigation of the mechanisms by which the developmental program is regulated, and has given the significant insight into the molecular details of that regulation.
Chapter 41 Synergistic use of Multi-Spectral Data: Missing Pieces of the Workstation Puzzle

Abstract As a result of recent technological improvements, laboratory scientists now have available high speed computer workstations which provide large-scale data storage, manipulation, and display capabilities. In addition, direct instrument control and data acquisition is commonplace. Parallel improvements in analytical chemistry instruments make possible the concurrent and synergistic use of multi-instrument combinations for organic mixture analysis. In spite of these facts, the full potential of the laboratory workstation is, as yet, unrealized. Accordingly, in this paper we consider the present status of laboratory workstation-instrument combinations, illustrated with recent results from research on direct-linked gas chromatography-infrarcd-mass spectrometry (GC-IR-MS) in our laboratory. Finally, the prerequisites for more full realization of laboratory workstation capabilities in the laboratory will be addressed. It is by now well-established that the benefits of complementary use of IR and MS spectral information derived from linked GC-IR-MS for organic mixture analysis include increased speed and reliability of component identification. These advantages were discussed in a recent review [1]. As a consequence of this recognition, commercial instrument systems for GC-IR-MS, based upon use of both lightpipe and matrix-isolation approaches to GC-IR are now available. To date, applications of GC-IR-MS have included analysis of environmentally important samples [2-8] and joint IR-MS data has been used for analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [9]. Here, the advantages of linked GC-IR-MS will be reviewed briefly and the implications with respect to workstations considered. The vehicle for this discussion is comparison of results obtained with two such commercial systems in our laboratory.
Fiber-based passive components

Fiber-based passive fiber optic components demonstrate a number of very desirable properties, including low loss, low reflectance, and a relatively simple manufacturing process compared to integrated optical approaches. The addition of a tubing glass which forms a glass matrix around the coupling region adds mechanical robustness, makes possible new or improved optical functionality, and allows the practical implementation of bend tuning and switching. These devices are referred to as multiclad couplers, because of the multiple cladding layers used.
Risk Preference and Utility

This introduction to methods for treating risk illustrates the assessment and use of a utility function and gives simplified techniques for typical forms of risk aversion. Some associated risk-preference exercises (QA-0253) can be used with the note.
UNDERSTANDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO ORGANIZATIONAL AND SOCIETAL CHANGE

In recent years, IT scholars have adopted from historians of technology a social constructivist approach to study IT and organizational change. Actor-network theory has also shown to be a promising tool to analyze the complexity of the intricate relationships between technical and nontechnical aspects of change, and thus to serve as a framework for studies on IT and organizational change. In this paper we want to extend this argument by stating that the interdependence and influence of IT in the case of complex, networked, infrastructural technologies is not limited to that of organizational change, but has a broader scope that encompasses society as a whole. Thus, we want to explore how information technology is transforming our lives, and how to account for this transformation. We base our argument on an evaluation of the criticism voiced of social constructivist approaches to technology studies, and on our observations gleaned from studies of the development of cellular technologies in Europe.
Severe cervical scoliosis in the fetus

Objective This study provides prenatal characteristics and postnatal outcomes of patients with severe cervical scoliosis. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical information from cases prenatally diagnosed with severe cervical scoliosis (>90° angulation) in the Fetal Care Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 2007 and 2010 was performed. We excluded iniencephaly and tumors of the head or neck. Results We identified five patients with severe cervical scoliosis. The fetal spine abnormality was diagnosed between 18 and 27 weeks of gestation. Classical cesarean section was recommended in all patients. There were no immediate airway or neurological complications in the delivery room. Extravertebral anomalies were present in four of the five patients. These patients had a more complicated clinical course and three separate syndromes including a complex collagenopathy, heterotaxy, and Klippel–Feil syndrome were identified. One patient had an isolated cervical deformation secondary to a large uterine fibroid with a benign clinical course. None of the infants have required spinal surgery. Conclusion Our patients suggest that connective tissue diseases or heterotaxy may be important risk factors for the development of severe cervical scoliosis. There were no significant long-term complications directly related to cervical scoliosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tyrosyl Fluorescence Decays and Rotational Dynamics in Tyrosine Monomers and in Dipeptides

Picosecond time-correlated single-photon counting was used to measure fluorescence lifetimes and fluorescence anisotropy decays of tyrosine and the tyrosine–alanine and tyrosine–leucine dipeptides. After excitation of tyrosine at 287 nm two emitting species were observed, one at 303 nm with a lifetime of 3.3 ns and another at 340 nm with a lifetime of 360 ps. The rotational correlation time of tyrosine at 303 nm is 38 ps in water at pH 7 and depends linearly on viscosity with a slope of 44 ps/cP, consistent with Stokes–Einstein–Debye theory. We calculated a value of 45 ns for the radiative lifetime of tyrosine, yielding a fluorescence quantum yield of 0.07. The dipeptides Tyr–Ala and Tyr–Leu exhibit two- or three-exponential decays. The amplitudes of the decay components for three-exponential fits correlate closely with the populations of rotamers in these peptides as determined by NMR. The quenching of dipeptide fluorescence is shown to depend on the solvent polarity, strongly supporting the hypothesis that tyrosyl fluorescence in peptides is quenched by charge transfer. The rotational correlation times of tyrosine, Tyr–Ala, and Tyr–Leu increase linearly with the van der Waals volumes. However, rotational relaxation is somewhat faster than expected from Stokes–Einstein–Debye theory with “stick” boundary conditions.
Threat assessment of IP based voice systems

In this paper, we will provide an analysis of the potential threats to the reliability and security of IP based voice systems including; voice over IP and IP telephony. For each of the threat categories we will explore the potential methods of attacks and detail various mitigation approaches. These mitigation approaches may help to minimize or eliminate the exposure. Finally, we will provide a set of summary recommendations for dealing with each of the threat categories.
Early treatment of obese (ob/ob) mice with triiodothyronine increases oxidative metabolism in muscle but not in brown adipose tissue or liver

We explored the possibility that early replacement of low triiodothyronine (T3) may improve the low oxidative metabolism in metabolically important tissues of ob/ob mice. Triiodothyronine doses (2.5 to 25.0 micrograms/100 g body wt) were injected intraperitoneally into ob/ob and non-ob/ob mice daily from 3 wk until 6 wk of age. Untreated ob/ob and non-ob/ob mice were injected with saline (pH 9.1). Food intake was equalized across all groups. At 6 wk of age, the O2 consumption of muscle, white and brown adipose tissues, and hepatocytes was measured. The saline-treated ob/ob mice showed lower muscle weights, higher fat pad and liver weights, and larger fat cell sizes than saline-treated non-ob/ob mice. In ob/ob mice, tissue O2 consumption was the same in muscle, lower in brown and white adipose tissues, but higher in liver compared with values in non-ob/ob mice. Triiodothyronine treatment in ob/ob mice resulted in lower values for body weight, liver weight, hepatocyte number, liver protein, epididymal fat pad weight, and white adipocyte number and size than in saline-treated ob/ob mice. Triiodothyronine treatment increased soleus muscle, liver and brown adipose tissue O2 consumption in non-ob/ob mice. In ob/ob mice, triiodothyronine increased only soleus muscle O2 consumption and required higher doses than in non-ob/ob mice to achieve an effect. These data are consistent with the concept of tissue triiodothyronine resistance in ob/ob mice. Low triiodothyronine levels and tissue resistance to triiodothyronine might be important early defects in this obesity syndrome.
Selective Neutrality of 6pgd Allozymes in E. COLI and the Effects of Genetic Background

ABSTRACT We have used gluconate-limited chemostats to study selective differences between isogenic strains of Escherichia coli K12 into which four naturally occurring alleles coding for allozymes of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) had been transferred. The limit of detectability of selection with our procedures is a selection coefficient of 0.5%. In the normal E. coli K12 genetic background, all alleles are selectively neutral or nearly neutral. The absence of detectable selection does, however, depend on genetic background and on such environmental factors as cell density. In a genetic background containing a mutation that cuts off the alternative metabolic route for 6-phosphogluconate, selection between allozymes can be detected, and the selection is in the direction expected from the measured apparent K m values of the allozymes. Even when the alternative metabolic route is not blocked by mutation, one of the 6PGD allozymes has a detrimental, but density-dependent, interaction with a mutation conferring resistance to bacteriophage T5. In all cases, the observed selection is due to the allozymes themselves (or to associated regulatory elements), as the selection disappears when the chemostats are limited by a different carbon source (ribose plus succinate). Nevertheless, the four alleles do seem to be selectively neutral or nearly neutral in the normal E. coli K12 genetic background. Moreover, the distribution of allele frequencies in natural populations of E. coli is in accord with the expectations of selective neutrality. I am inclined to suspect that we see, at least in some [cases], variations which are of no service to the species, and which consequently have not been seized on and rendered definite by natural selection…. Variations neither useful nor injurious would not be affected by natural selection, and would be left either a fluctuating element, as perhaps we see in certain polymorphic species, or would ultimately become fixed…. We may easily err in attributing importance to characters, and in believing that they have been developed through natural selection;… many structures are now of no direct use to their possessors, and may never have been of any use to their progenitors…. [On the other hand,] we are much too ignorant in regard to the whole economy of any organic being to say what slight modifications would be of importance or not.
A comparison of CPAP and CPAPFLEX in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in World Trade Center responders: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Following the World Trade Center disaster, a large number of individuals involved in rescue and recovery activity were exposed to significant amounts of dust, and reported symptoms of chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. An unusually high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been observed in this World Trade Center Responder population. This project aims to examine the relationship between nasal pathology and OSA. Our hypothesis is that increased nasal resistance due to nasal inflammation predisposes to OSA in this population. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the standard therapy for OSA but despite its efficacy has poor adherence. Subjects with high nasal resistance may have greater difficulty in tolerating this therapy than those who do not have high nasal resistance. Reduction of excess expiratory positive pressure by the modality known as Cflex™ during Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAPFlex) has been suggested to improve comfort without compromising efficacy. We will compare CPAP to CPAPFlex in subjects with OSA. Subjects with new onset habitual snoring will be screened for OSA using home sleep studies and rhinomanometry will be used to determine nasal resistance. In 400 subjects with OSA we will perform a randomized double blind cross-over study comparing CPAP to CPAPflex, and relate nasal resistance to adherence to CPAP therapy. This is the first multicenter trial designed to test the hypothesis that adherence to CPAP therapy relates to nasal resistance and CPAPFlex will improve adherence to CPAP in those subjects with high nasal resistance. We anticipate the following results from this trial: 1. Increased nasal resistance is associated with decreased adherence to CPAP therapy. 2. Use of CPAPFlex improves adherence with CPAP therapy in subjects with high nasal resistance, but not in those with low nasal resistance. 3. The benefit of CPAPFlex on adherence is greatest when offered at CPAP therapy initiation rather than as a “rescue” therapy in subjects with high nasal resistance. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01753999 , Date: 12 December 2012
Components of Labor Force Growth

Between 1890 and 1950 the labor force of the United States creased by some 37.3 million workers. decade-by-decade States in-increments fluctuated widely, roughly half of the sixty-year increase (18.9 million) occurred over the first thirty years, and half (18.4 million) over the second.
“Oh, My God, I Hate You:” The Felt Experience of Being Othered for Being Thin

It is universally held among researchers and social critics that a thin ideal dominates current cultural conceptions of what is attractive, especially for women. Using interviews with eighteen women and men, this paper investigates an apparent paradox: how thin people negotiate a landscape where the attention they receive because of their thinness distresses them. Results indicate that thin people are often the target of unwanted comments about their size, comments produce an unpleasant state of self-consciousness, and the expectation of unwanted social interaction will motivate thin individuals to avoid certain social situations. Results are interpreted in terms of thinness being a hypervisible condition that produces a breakdown of norms regarding civil inattention toward thinness and produces the experience of being othered by social perceivers.
The indirectly heated thermistor as a precise a.c.-d.c. transfer device

The paper is an investigation into the possibilities of using an indirectly heated thermistor as a precise a.c./d.c. transfer device over a wide range of frequencies. The thermal drift inevitable with such a device has been examined and a procedure for its elimination developed, resulting in a very high degree of thermal stability. Experiments made on the reproducibility of the thermistor seem to indicate a complete absence of hysteresis over the working range.It is shown that the device has an extremely high sensitivity and is therefore useful for general laboratory work with simple equipment, although this advantage is somewhat outweighed by the slow response.Experimental results are given for the d.c. reversal errors due to Peltier and Thomson effects; these are found to be quite small.An analysis of the effects of frequency shows that, owing to the large thermal time-constant, the indirectly heated thermistor in its present form can be used at frequencies as low as 0.2 c/s, thus well below the working range of normal measuring devices. The response is very slow owing to this large time-constant, and methods of con struction are suggested which would improve the speed of response at power frequencies and above.
Polyalkylsulfonatethiophene: Electrically conducting soluble polythiophene

Abstract In recent years there has been growing interest in soluble and hence processible conducting polymers. Some of these polymers, particularly β-substituted polythiophenes, are not only soluble in organic solvents but exhibit conductivities comparable to unsubstituted polythiophene. 2-(3-Thienyl)-ethyl butanesulfonate was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. This monomer was polymerized by the usual electrochemical polymerization. As-synthesized the polymer is blue and conducting and can be dedoped to a red polymer by treatment with mild base, methanol or just by heat. The polymer easily dissolves in organic solvents and could be doped in solution. The polymer showed electrochronism, thermochronism and solvachromism. Results of these studies and other physical characterizations (conductivity, etc) are discussed.
The association of microalbuminuria with diabetic retinopathy. The Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between microalbuminuria and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in a large population-based cohort of individuals with diabetes. Methods: Microalbuminuria was measured by an agglutination inhibition assay in random urine samples obtained from participants in the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (n = 1139) who did not have hematuria, gross proteinuria, or a history of renal disease. Retinopathy was determined from stereoscopic color fundus photographs graded according to a modification of the Airlie House Classification System. Results: Younger-onset (diagnosed with diabetes before 30 years of age) and olderonset (diagnosed with diabetes when 30 years of age or older) individuals with microalbuminuria were more likely to have retinopathy than those without microalbuminuria. Younger-onset individuals who had microalbuminuria at the time of examination were more likely to have proliferative retinopathy than younger-onset subjects with normoalbuminuria. These relationships remained after controlling for glycemia, hypertension, duration of diabetes, and other potential confounders. Conclusions: Microalbuminuria is associated cross-sectionally with the presence of retinopathy in persons with diabetes and with the presence of proliferative disease in younger-onset individuals. These data suggest that microalbuminuria may be a marker for the risk of proliferative retinopathy developing. If longitudinal studies confirm these findings, individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) who have microalbuminuria may benefit from ophthalmologic follow-up.
Human Rhinovirus 16 Causes Golgi Apparatus Fragmentation without Blocking Protein Secretion

The replication of picornaviruses has been described to cause fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus that blocks the secretory pathway. The inhibition of major histocompatibility complex class I upregulation and cytokine, chemokine and interferon secretion may have important implications for host defense. Previous studies have shown that disruption of the secretory pathway can be replicated by expression of individual nonstructural proteins; however the situation with different serotypes of human rhinovirus (HRV) is unclear. The expression of 3A protein from HRV14 or HRV2 did not cause Golgi apparatus disruption or a block in secretion, whereas other studies showed that infection of cells with HRV1A did cause Golgi apparatus disruption which was replicated by the expression of 3A. HRV16 is the serotype most widely used in clinical HRV challenge studies; consequently, to address the issue of Golgi apparatus disruption for HRV16, we have systematically and quantitatively examined the effect of HRV16 on both Golgi apparatus fragmentation and protein secretion in HeLa cells. First, we expressed each individual nonstructural protein and examined their cellular localization and their disruption of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus architecture. We quantified their effects on the secretory pathway by measuring secretion of the reporter protein Gaussia luciferase. Finally, we examined the same outcomes following infection of cells with live virus. We demonstrate that expression of HRV16 3A and 3AB and, to a lesser extent, 2B caused dispersal of the Golgi structure, and these three nonstructural proteins also inhibited protein secretion. The infection of cells with HRV16 also caused significant Golgi apparatus dispersal; however, this did not result in the inhibition of protein secretion. IMPORTANCE The ability of replicating picornaviruses to influence the function of the secretory pathway has important implications for host defense. However, there appear to be differences between different members of the family and inconsistent results when comparing infection with live virus to expression of individual nonstructural proteins. We demonstrate that individual nonstructural HRV16 proteins, when expressed in HeLa cells, can both fragment the Golgi apparatus and block secretion, whereas viral infection fragments the Golgi apparatus without blocking secretion. This has major implications for how we interpret mechanistic evidence derived from the expression of single viral proteins.
Insulin-like effects of fatty acid synthesis in liver of hamsters infected with plerocercoids of the tapeworm, Spirometra mansonoides.

Elevated serum lipids are associated with infections of laboratory rodents with plerocercoids of Spirometra mansonoides. The effect of infection with these larval tapeworms on triglyceride degradation and hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis was investigated in Syrian hamsters. Serum lipoprotein electrophoresis revealed a consistent elevation in very low density lipoproteins in the infected animals. Lipoprotein lipase activity was enhanced in the infected animals. After seven days of plerocercoid infection the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (E.C. 6.4.1.2) was significantly elevated after 6, 12 and 18 hours of fasting. Fatty acid synthetase was significantly increased after 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours of fasting. Therefore, a chronic insulin-like activity on lipid metabolism of hamsters is associated with plerocercoid infection.
Molecular epidemiology of β-lactamase-producing enterococci

Plasmids from the first six reported beta-lactamase-producing (Bla+) enterococci were compared for genetic relatedness. Bla+ enterococcal plasmids from strains isolated in Houston, Tex.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Connecticut; and Pittsburgh, Pa., had heterogeneous HaeIII and MspI-ClaI restriction endonuclease digestion patterns. A staphylococcal beta-lactamase probe hybridized to all six Bla+ enterococcal plasmids, but hybridization was detected on different HaeIII and MspI-ClaI fragments of the six plasmids. An enterococcal gentamicin resistance (Gmr) probe hybridized to a common 3.9-kilobase HaeIII fragment from the five Gmr plasmids. The Houston plasmid was cross-hybridized to the other five strains, and moderate to extensive homology was demonstrated. Bla+ enterococcal plasmids from a broad geographic range are heterogeneous with respect to size and restriction endonuclease digestion patterns but contain homologous genetic material, including Bla+ and Gmr determinants.
Local communication within dendritic spines: models of second messenger diffusion in granule cell spines of the mammalian olfactory bulb.

Dendritic spines are generally believed to play a role in modulating synaptically induced electrical events. In addition, they may also confine second messengers and thus topologically limit the distance over which second messenger cascades may be functionally significant. In order to address this possibility, computer simulations of transient second messenger concentration changes were performed. The results show the importance of spine morphology and binding and extrusion mechanisms in controlling second messenger transients. In the presence of intrinsic cytoplasmic binding sites and kinetic rates similar to that expected for calcium, second messengers were confined to the spine head. In the absence of binding/extrusion mechanisms, the size and time course of the input transient to the spine head influenced the second messenger transients that might be seen at the base of the spine neck and in other spines. Large and/or sustained increases in second messenger concentration in the spine head were communicated to the spine base and to other spine heads. The results emphasize the importance of a knowledge of breakdown pathways, concentrations and kinetics of binding sites, and extrusion mechanisms for understanding the dynamics of local chemical changes for dendritic spine function. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Geographic Patterns and Profiling of Illegal Crossings of the Southern U.S. Border

Border control is a crucial component of national security. For a country the size of the United States, however, the length of its land borders and coastlines poses a significant security challenge. Illegal migrant workers, drug couriers, foreign terrorists, smugglers, fugitives, and other criminals benefit from the geographic range and porous nature of American borders. The purpose of this research was to identify facilitating and inhibiting factors of illegal land border crossings in order to determine physical and human geographic features related to the probability of such movement. Identifying the geographic patterns of illegal migration can help the Border Patrol optimize resource allocation and anticipate offender reactions.
The Toxicity of Erythromycin, Minocycline, Malachite Green, and Formalin to Nauplii of the Shrimp Penaeus stylirostris

The toxicities of erythromycin, minocycline, malachite green, and formalin to nauplii of the shrimp Penaeus stylirostris were determined in a static bioassay. Toxicity was assessed on the basis of survival of nauplii after 12 and 24 hours of exposure to the compounds and metamorphosis of the nauplii to protozwa. The results suggested that metamorphosis to protozoea is more susceptible to toxic effects than is naupliar survival. Metamorphosis was either reduced or completely inhibited by lower concentrations of erythromycin, minocycline, and malachite green than was naupliar survival at 12 or 24 hours. Metamorphosis was either reduced or completely inhibited by erythromycin, minocycline, malachite green, and formalin concentrations of 80, 100, 0.08, and 27 mg/ L, respectively. Toxic effects were not observed at erythromycin, minocycline, malachite green, and formalin concentrations of 16, 62.5, 0.016, and 2.7 mg/L, respectively. The results suggest that formalin may be toxic at therapeutic levels frequently recommended for post larvae and older penaeids, but that erythromycin, minocycline and malachite green are not.