cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OPAA/fluoride biosensor chip towards field detection of G-type nerve agents

Abstract Sensor technology, particularly disposable, field-deployable devices offer considerable promise for addressing major security demands, in general, and in particular the urgent needs for selective and rapid field detection of highly toxic G-type organophosphate (OP) nerve agents. Herein, we report on the first example of a disposable electrochemical biosensor chip for decentralized field detection of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), as the simulant compound of G-type nerve agents (e.g., Sarin and Soman), based on the integration of an all-solid-state fluoride potentiometric transducer with the enzyme organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) in connection to a hand-held potentiometric analyzer. Such solid-contact fluoride ion-selective electrodes were realized by comparing different fluoride ionophores to select the bis(fluorodioctylstannyl)methane molecule, along with systematic optimization of the experimental parameters. This first solid-contact fluoride detection chip displayed a favorable analytical performance, with near-Nernstian behavior at neutral pH in different buffers, high selectivity against various anions along with excellent reproducibility. Combining such desirable merits of the new fluoride sensor with the selective biocatalytic hydrolysis via an immobilized OPAA, to break the P F bond of G-type neurotoxins and release detectable fluoride ions, thereby enabled an attractive analytical performance. Both the fluoride and the nerve-agent recognition layers have thus been systematically optimized. The resulting biosensor chip thus displays a fast, sensitive and selective response towards DFP (including efficient discrimination against OP pesticides), along with a wide dynamic range of 250–3000 μM. Key challenges towards developing the nerve-agent detection chip were carefully addressed, including the pH incompatibility of the enzymatic and detection processes. By providing effective discrimination against common OP pesticides and minimizing related false alarms, the resultant disposable potentiometric biochip platform is expected to provide an instantaneous reliable warning of chemical attack and exposure towards a timely countermeasure action, and hence, would dramatically advance the protection of our military personnel.
Cultural and Social Mecca

Detroit’s Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were African-American neighborhoods that housed a vibrant and active popular music scene between World War I and the 1960s. They were home to a dense network of music venues, many of which were owned or managed by African-Americans. Urban renewal projects during the late-1950s destroyed much of the heart of these places. Unfortunately, discussion of this activity is largely missing from the academic literature on placemaking, cultural entrepreneurship, and music scenes in Detroit. To address this gap, I propose a solution that marries discussion of these neighborhoods with a method to measure and compare entrepreneurial activity in a music scene using venue density as a construct.
Second thoughts: Emergency clinicians see value in secondary interpretations.

Abstract Objective Secondary interpretations of imaging studies performed at another facility are increasingly common in radiology, particularly emergency radiology. While data suggests there are often discrepancies found between original and secondary reports, the benefit from the clinician perspective is unclear. Methods and materials An anonymous electronic survey on secondary interpretations was circulated to 58 attending adult emergency physicians and trauma surgeons at a Level I trauma center from March 2018 to April 2018. Chi-squared testing was used for statistical analysis. Results 80.8% of respondents requested secondary interpretations either “always” or “most of the time.” Over half of the respondents cited trust in the house radiologist interpretation as the primary reason for secondary interpretation requests. 92.3% and 84.6% of respondents felt that the ability to obtain second interpretations improves patient care and facilitates disposition, respectively. 88.5% of respondents reported reduced imaging utilization due to secondary reads. When presented with conflicting interpretations, all trauma surgeons would rely on the in-house interpretation, whereas 50% of the emergency physicians would pursue further imaging (p Conclusion Secondary reads were heavily utilized, felt to influence patient care, reduced additional imaging and aided in disposition, suggesting clinical benefit. When presented with conflicting reports, trauma surgeons would rely on the in-house interpretation whereas emergency physicians more often opted to pursue additional imaging. Most respondents would still request secondary interpretations despite being unaware of insurance coverage for these interpretations.
Caring for our colleagues: Wellness and support strategies for remote library teams

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges for academic and research libraries and those working within them. Nearly everything that we do has been questioned and re-envisioned, and our days are filled with new work, uncertainty, and isolation. Because of this, one of the areas that library leaders must invest in re-envisioning is how we can best support the well-being and morale of our library colleagues. This article identifies and discusses simple, informal, practical, and easy strategies that library leaders can use to support the physical, emotional, spiritual, professional, social, and mental well-being of their teams in remote and hybrid working environment.
SWK-10. TELEHEALTH IN OUTPATIENT PEDIATRIC NEURO-ONCOLOGY CARE

BACKGROUND Telehealth is an emerging modality that can include patient evaluation, review of test results, and clinical decision-making. Access to care and quality of life are challenges for patients with pediatric brain tumors and their families. Herein we describe the introduction of video visits within our outpatient services led by nurse practitioners and nurse coordinators.
Algorithm for cavo-tricuspid isthmus flutter on surface ECGs: the ACTIONS study.

OBJECTIVE Cavo-tricuspid isthmus atrial flutter (CTI-AFL) is an important arrhythmia to recognise because there is a highly effective and relatively low-risk ablation strategy. However, clinical experience has demonstrated that providers often have difficulty distinguishing AFL from atrial fibrillation. METHODS We developed a novel ECG-based three-step algorithm to identify CTI-AFL based on established CTI flutter characteristics and verified on consecutive ablation cases of typical flutter, atypical flutter and atrial fibrillation. The algorithm assesses V1/inferior lead F-wave concordance, consistency of P-wave morphology and the presence of isoelectric intervals in the inferior leads. In this observation study, the algorithm was validated on a cohort of 50 second-year medical students. Students were paired in a control and experimental group, and each pair received 10 randomly selected ECGs (from a pool of 50 intracardiac electrogram-proven CTI-AFL and 50 AF or atypical AFL cases). The experimental group received a cover sheet with the CTI algorithm, and the control group received no additional guidance. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the mean number of correctly identified ECGs among the students in the experimental and control groups (8.12 vs 5.68, p<0.001). Students who used the algorithm correctly identified 2.44 more ECGs as being CTI-AFL or not CTI-AFL. Using the electrophysiology study as the gold standard, the algorithm had an accuracy of 81%, sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 82%, positive predictive value of 78% and negative predictive value of 84% in identifying CTI-AFL. CONCLUSION We developed a three-step ECG algorithm that provides a simple, sensitive, specific and accurate tool to identify CTI-AFL.
Transient ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibition Suppresses Future Fibrogenic Capacity and Heterogeneity of Cardiac Fibroblast Subpopulations

Transient ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition in spontaneously hypertensive rats is known to protect against future injury-induced cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and dysfunction; however, the mechanisms of protection have not been delineated. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to test the hypothesis that transient ACE inhibitor treatment would induce a persistent shift in cardiac fibroblast subpopulations. Adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (11 weeks old, hypertensive with cardiac hypertrophy) were treated for 2 weeks with an ACE inhibitor, enalapril (30 mg/kg per day, PO), or water (untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats) followed by a 2-week washout period (n=7/group). Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from the left ventricle and subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing. Nine clusters of fibroblasts were identified, with 98% of cells in clusters 0 to 6. The transient treatment produced significant changes both within and across clusters. Cluster 1 depicted a highly fibrogenic gene profile, with cluster 6 serving as a gateway to cluster 1. Transient ACE inhibition depleted the gateway and expanded cluster 0, which was the least fibrogenic profile. Moreover, within cluster 1 fibroblasts, ACE inhibition reduced expression of individual fibrosis genes (eg, COL1A1, COL3A1, and FN1; all P<1×10-35). Clusters 2 to 5 reflected proliferative, moderately fibrogenic, translationally active, and less inflammatory subsets of fibroblasts, all of which exhibited attenuated fibrogenic gene expression after transient ACE inhibition. In conclusion, transient ACE inhibition shifts cardiac fibroblast subpopulations and degree of activation resulting in an overall reduced fibrogenic phenotype.
Synergistic potential of dual andrographolide and melatonin targeting of metastatic colon cancer cells: Using the Chou-Talalay combination index method

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality has diminished for decades due to new and improved treatment profiles. However, CRC still ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer in the US. Therefore, a new therapeutic approach is needed to overcome colospheroids inhibition and drug resistance. It is well documented that andrographolide (AGP) and melatonin (MLT) have anti-carcinogenic properties. Our goal was to evaluate their synergistic effects on metastatic colon cancer cells (mCRC) and colospheroids. HT-29 and HCT-15 mCRC cells were simultaneously treated with serial dilutions of AGP and MLT for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was monitored using the MTT assay. The Chou-Talalay method for drug combination is based on the median effect equation, providing a theoretical basis for the combination index and the isobologram equation. This allows quantitative determination of drug interactions using the CompuSyn software, where CI 1 indicates synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effects respectively. Our results demonstrate that AGP and MLT in combination show synergism with CI values of 0.35293 and 0.34152 for HT-29 and HCT-15 respectively and a fractional inhibition of Fa = 0.50–0.90, as shown by the Fa-CI plot and isobologram. The synergism value was validated in colospheroids (HT-29-s and HCT-15-s) based on morphology, viability, and colony formation and in 5-FU drug resistant cell (HT-29R and HCT-116R) viability. The mechanism(s) of decreased cell viability are due to the induction of ER stress proteins and angiogenic inhibition. Our results provide rationale for using AGP in combination with MLT on mCRC.
Pregnancy outcomes among Asian Americans of advanced maternal age, 1992-2018.

Aim The trend of delayed childbearing has implications for the increasing national burden of adverse perinatal outcomes across vulnerable racial-ethnic groups. The objective of this study was to investigate age-adjusted risk for adverse maternal-fetal outcomes among Asian Americans of advanced maternal age (≥35 years). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using the 1992-2018 Natality data files. We calculated the prevalence of maternal-fetal outcomes: maternal diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), C-section, small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA), and preterm birth. Adjusted binomial logistic regression was created to evaluate the association between maternal race/ethnicity and each of the maternal-fetal outcomes. Results Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, Asian American women had reduced odds of diabetes, HDP, and LGA babies and increased odds of preterm birth, C-section delivery, and SGA, irrespective of the advanced maternal age group. The odds of developing specific adverse outcomes by advanced maternal age varied by Asian American ethnic subgrouping. Discussion The risk of maternal-fetal outcomes varied among the ethnic subgroups of Asian Americans in the United States. Future studies should explore the sociocultural and environmental nuances that might explain these differences.
In Memoriam: Harry Grubert, 1937-2017

Longtime U.S. Treasury Department economist Harry Grubert passed away last summer. An expert on corporate international tax arbitrage, he had given considerable thought to how to prevent this costly practice while maintaining healthy tax competition. His academic legacy is remarkable: over 1,500 citations in Tax Notes, 44 academic articles on tax policy and dozens more working papers, and a Musgrave Award for the best paper published in the National Tax Journal. In Washington, D.C., political leaders of both parties valued his counsel. His insights have been especially missed in the current tax reform debate.
Endoscopic Management of Gastrojejunal and Jejunocutaneous Fistulae: A Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Complication in a Pediatric Patient

Abstract Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a method of gastric feeding access that has had increasing use by pediatric surgeons in recent years. Known risks of the procedur...
From the Outside In: Black Americans and Black Immigrant’s Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration Policy

The present study examined Black Americans and Black immigrant’s attitudes toward immigration policy. Using the Houston Area Survey, findings revealed significant differences between Black Americans and Black immigrants. Findings showed Black immigrants were more likely than Black Americans to believe that immigrants strengthened American culture and contribute substantially to the US economy. Gender, education, income, political affiliation, and residential location contributed to Blacks’ attitudinal beliefs toward immigration policy. For example, educational attainment and political affiliation resulted in divergent attitudes on specific immigrant policy such as whether or not immigrants are the cause of unemployment. Educational attainment liberalized Blacks’ attitudes toward certain immigration policy while their political affiliation yielded more conservative attitudes. These and other findings are discussed in relation to the extent to which Black American vs. Black immigrants, sociodemographic characteristics, political, and residential placement shape Blacks’ beliefs about immigrants and immigration policy.
Ultraviolet-A light reduces cellular cytokine release from human endotracheal cells infected with Coronavirus.

Abstract Background An important clinical feature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is hypercytokinemia (cytokine storm). We previously showed that narrow band ultraviolet-A (NB-UVA) treatment salvages coronavirus (CoV)-229E-infected human tracheal cells, and that daily endotracheal NB-UVA therapy reduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) levels in human subjects, with improved clinical outcomes. Here, we examined NB-UVA effects on cytokine release during CoV-229E infection. Methods Primary human tracheal epithelial cells were transfected with CoV-229E, then exposed to 2 mW/cm2 NB-UVA for 20 minutes every 24h, either 3 or 4 times. Secreted cytokine/chemokine levels were analyzed in supernatants collected from CoV-229E-infected/UVA-exposed cells 24h after the last UVA treatment, and from matched non-infected/UVA-exposed controls, CoV-229E-infected/non-exposed controls, and non-infected/non-exposed (naive) controls. Metabolic pathway/downstream prediction analyses were also performed. Results Pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and chemokines IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), were significantly increased in CoV-229E-infected cells, and significantly decreased following NB-UVA treatment. Interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were not upregulated in response to CoV-229E. Metabolic pathway predictions indicated hypercytokinemia as the top inflammatory response in CoV-229E-infected cells, whereas the top predicted pathway in CoV-229E-infected/UVA-exposed cells was the recovery stage of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Conclusions Human tracheal epithelial cells infected with CoV-229E showed reduced cytokine secretions including IL-6, TNF, IL-8, and MCP-1, following NB-UVA exposure. This reduction of cytokine levels in vitro, coupled with previously identified reduced cell death in CoV-229E-infected/UVA-exposed cells, suggests that determining UVA effects on cytokine storm in human SARS-Co-V2 patients is warranted.
Studies on unidentified chick growth factors apparently organic in nature.

a mixture of crude sources of unidentified growth factors was fed to chicks, the ob served growth increases appeared to be due to the presence in these materials of both unidentified organic and inorganic constituents. The evidence for the exist ence of growth-stimulating substances or ganic in nature was based upon the mark edly greater growth which occurred in chicks when the diet contained the intact supplements in comparison with that ob tained with an equivalent amount of min eral matter produced by ashing at temper atures of 525 to 700Â°C. The procedure of
Cross-linking of aminotyrosyl residues in the active site of staphylococcal nuclease.

Abstract Derivatives of staphylococcal nuclease containing monoaminotyrosyl residues in position 85 or 115 were treated at pH 5 with two bifunctional reagents, p,p'-difluoro-m,m'-dinitrodiphenylsulfone (F2DPS) and 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (F2DNB). Monofunctional reaction occurred exclusively at the aminotyrosyl residue, and there was no significant hydrolysis of the second fluorine atom. The excess bifunctional reagent was then removed by gel filtration, and the pH was raised to 9.4 to allow reaction of the other end of the reagent molecule. This final cross-linking procedure could be followed spectrophotometrically. The peptides containing the cross-links were purified from tryptic digests of each of the cross-linked proteins. The positions of the cross-linked peptides in the primary sequence of nuclease were determined. The aminotyrosyl residue at position 85 cross-links to tyrosine 115 with F2DPS and to lysine 116 with F2DNB, whereas aminotyrosine 115 is probably bridged by F2DPS to lysine 53 and by F2DNB to lysine 136. The results confirm the stereochemical proximity of the tyrosine residues at positions 85 and 115. This had been predicted from catalytic and physicochemical properties of the corresponding nitrotyrosine derivatives, which suggested a functional cooperatively between these two tyrosine residues. Unique intramolecular cross-links did not form when the native enzyme was treated with bifunctional reagents at pH 8 to 10. This was presumably due to the facile reaction of many amino groups with these reagents.
POLARIZED LIGHT MICROSCOPY OF SPINDLES

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the technique of polarized light microscopy of spindles starting with the basic setup of the traditional polarized light microscope and ending with state of the art in polarized light microscopy, the Pol-Scope. In addition to the instrumentation, the chapter discusses the ways to improve sensitivity and achieve high signal to noise ratios in recorded images. The chapter then describes the molecular origin of spindle birefringence, including the distinction between form and intrinsic birefringence, and presents some analysis tools that can be applied to find the microtubule density in the spindle based on birefringence measurements. A brief introduction to various cell types, which are amenable to polarized light microscopy is presented and some preparative techniques such as centrifugation to minimize background birefringence contributed by cell components other than the spindle are discussed. The chapter also presents a representative overview of the literature describing polarized light imaging of spindles in living cells.
Regional Circulation Systems

The planetary scale atmospheric circulation of the tropics is dominated by the mean meridional Hadley cells of the two hemispheres (Section 3.3). The descending branches of these cells and the associated anticyclonic axes in the lower troposphere provide a natural delineation of the poleward extremities of the tropical atmosphere. Accordingly, the discussion of regional circulation systems in this chapter will in Sections 6.3 to 6.6 proceed from the realm of the subtropical anticyclones of both hemispheres, over the trade wind regimes, to the equatorial trough zone and associated confluence and convergence belts. The focus will be on the atmosphere, although it will on occasion become necessary to refer to the hydrospheric portion of the coupled system.
Laboratory Maintenance of Helicobacter Species

Helicobacter species are Gram-negative bacteria that colonize the gastric or intestinal mucosa of many mammalian and avian hosts and induce histologic inflammation. The association of H. pylori with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancers makes it a significant human pathogen. Animal models for these diseases are being used to explore the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection and in vaccine development (UNIT ). Both bacterial and host factors contribute to Helicobacter pathogenesis, and therefore the microbiology is very important. This unit describes how to culture the most commonly used gastric Helicobacter species, H. pylori, H. mustelae, and H. felis.
Development of male urogenital epithelia elicited by soluble mesenchymal factors.

: Androgen-dependent development of male secondary sexual glands is mediated by paracrine mesenchymal-epithelial interactions that regulate a complex array of biological events such as epithelial morphogenesis, growth, and cytodifferentiation. It is not known whether the action of mesenchyme on epithelial development in the male genital tract requires cell-cell contact or whether soluble, diffusible mediators are involved. To examine paracrine effects of urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) on epithelial development, conditioned media (CM) from embryonic mouse UGM of normal (wildtype) and androgen-insensitive Tfm (testicular feminization) mice were tested for growth and morphogenetic effects on heterotypic tissue recombinants composed of rat or mouse bladder mesenchyme plus neonatal mouse seminal vesicle epithelium (BLM + SVE) or rat or mouse bladder mesenchyme plus neonatal mouse bulbourethral gland epithelium (BLM + BUG-E). Addition of a concentrate of CM from wild-type UGM grown in the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced epithelial growth and complex epithelial morphogenesis in BLM + SVE recombinants, whereas CM from DHT-treated Tfm UGM or a saline control were without effect. CM from wild-type UGM elicited similar trophic effects in BLM + BUG-E recombinants, but in addition induced precocious mucous epithelial differentiation in BLM + BUG-E recombinants. These results suggest that the normally androgen-dependent epithelial growth and branching morphogenesis in developing male urogenital organs is elicited by soluble mesenchymal factors. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins synthesized and secreted by wild-type UGM revealed several androgen-dependent proteins with molecular weights of approximately 30 kDa that are absent in CM of Tfm UGM either in the presence or absence of DHT. These androgen-dependent proteins may be involved as paracrine mediators of the growth and morphogenetic effects of UGM on epithelial development.
Folate and nitrate-induced endothelial dysfunction: a simple treatment for a complex pathobiology.

Organic nitrates have served as mainstays of therapy for the treatment of coronary artery disease for more than a century. Their use, however, has been complicated by unwanted side effects, including hypotension and the development of nitrate tolerance. Nitrate tolerance is a term used to define tachyphylaxis to nitrates with long-term use. The mechanisms of nitrate tolerance have been debated for some time and include depletion of thiols, an increase in venous blood volume limiting vasodilator responsiveness, and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. See p 1119 Recent observations provide evidence for the reactive oxygen species hypothesis: nitrate tolerance is associated with an increase in the vascular production of superoxide anion,1 and the sources of this superoxide are membrane-bound NAD(P)H oxidase2,3 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase itself.4 The superoxide anion produced by these enzyme systems inactivates the nitric oxide derived from the metabolism of the organic nitrate by forming peroxynitrite; evidence for this process has been found by observing an increase in 3-nitrotyrosine in the urine of nitrate-tolerant subjects.5 An additional feature of nitrate tolerance is the recognition that cross-tolerance to endogenous endothelium-dependent vasodilators also occurs.1,6,7 The mechanism by which an organic nitrate suppresses the bioactivity of endothelial nitric oxide involves several determinants. Vascular superoxide anion can react with and inactivate endogenous nitric oxide just as it can nitrate-derived nitric oxide. In addition, organic nitrates increase superoxide production by …
Clouds and sulfate are anticorrelated: A new diagnostic for global sulfur models

[1] We consider the correlation between clouds and sulfate in order to assess the relative importance of cloud aqueous-phase production of sulfate, precipatation scavenging of sulfate, and inhibition of gas-phase sulfate production beneath clouds. Statistical analysis of observed daily cloud cover and sulfate surface concentrations in Europe and North America indicates a significant negative correlation between clouds and sulfate. This implies that clouds remove sulfate via precipitation scavenging and/or inhibit sulfate gas-phase production more than they enhance sulfate concentration through aqueous-phase production. Persistent sulfate/cloud anticorrelations at long timescales (8–64 days) apparently result from large-scale dynamical influences on clouds, which in turn impact sulfate. A statistical analysis of output from the general circulation model (GCM) of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) shows weak coherence between sulfate and cloud cover. However, there is stronger anticorrelation between the model's sulfate generated by gas-phase oxidation and cloud cover. Sulfate/cloud anticorrelation in the GCM strengthens if we extinguish gas-phase sulfate production beneath clouds, as should happen since the oxidant OH is photochemically generated. However the only way to achieve strong anticorrelation between total sulfate and clouds is by correcting our treatment of aqueous-phase sulfate production. Our model, like many other global tracer models, released dissolved species (including sulfate) from clouds after each cloud time step rather than making release contingent upon cloud evaporation. After correcting this in the GISS model, more sulfate is rained out, the sulfate burden produced via the aqueous phase decreases to half its former amount, and the total sulfate burden is 25% lower.
Effects of body composition, pre- and postpartum energy intake and stage of production of energy utilization by beef cows.

Mature Charolais x Angus cows (n = 128) were adjusted to a body condition score (BCS) of 3 (1 = very thin, 3 = moderate, 5 = very fat) between 130 and 190 d of gestation. When cows averaged 190 d of gestation, they were assigned randomly to a maintenance energy diet (ME) or to a diet very low in energy (LE). Cows were allotted within these prepartum (PRP) diets to a high-energy (HE) or LE diet at parturition. At 30 d postpartum (PP), cows were allotted to four treatments: a) slaughter at 0 (n = 32) or b) 48 h after calf removal (n = 32), c) cows whose calves were early weaned at 30 d PP (n = 32) or d) normally weaned at 205 d PP (n = 32). Low energy PRP intake reduced (P less than .01) BCS, cow weight, total empty body lipid (TEBL), body energy (BE) and daily predicted maintenance energy (PME)/W.75 by parturition. Pre- and postpartum energy intake combined to affect (P less than .10) these same factors in a similar manner at 30 d PP. From 30 to 60 d PP, early weaning reduced (P less than .05) PME/W.75. Cow BCS at 190 d of gestation had little effect (P greater than .10) on PME/W.75 or PME/Mcal of BE. Body condition score at parturition, however, affected (P less than .05) delta BCS, delta BE and PME/Mcal of BE by 30 and 60 d PP, with thinner cows losing less condition and requiring more PME/Mcal of BE. Cow BCS had a similar effect from 30 to 60 d PP. Total daily PME was greater for the fat cows during both the PRP and PP periods. Body composition, PRP and PP energy intake and early weaning affect energy requirements and energetic efficiency of beef cows.
Enemies of the People: The Moral Dimension to Public Health

This essay explores the effects of morality on health policy. Moral images and stereotypes, I argue, have powerful political consequences. They are the differences between fighting poverty and fearing the poor, between expanding social welfare programs and cracking down on crime, between public health campaigns and drug wars. I begin by locating morality within traditional paradigms of American politics (which are designed to overlook the issue); I then suggest how moral stigmas are constructed; show how they are deployed in debates over public health issues, such as alcohol abuse and drug addiction; and briefly sketch an alternative approach to defining community and seeking public health.
Assessment of Variability and Uncertainty Distributions for Practical Risk Analyses

In recent years the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been challenged both externally and internally to move beyond its traditional conservative single-point treatment of various input parameters in risk assessments. In the first section, we assess when more involved distribution-based analyses might be indicated for such common types of risk assessment applications as baseline assessments of Superfund sites. Then in two subsequent sections, we give an overview with some case studies of technical analyses of (A) variability/heterogeneity and (B) uncertainty. By “inter-individual variability” is meant the real variation among individuals in exposure-producing behavior, in exposures, or some other parameter (such as differences among individual municipal solid waste incinerators in emissions). In contrast, “uncertainty” is a description of the imperfection in knowledge of the true value of a particular parameter or its real variability in an individual or a group. In general uncertainty is reducible by additional information-gathering or analysis activities (better data, better models), whereas real variability will not change (although it may be more accurately known) as a result of better or more extensive measurements. The purpose of the rather long-winded exposition of these two final sections is to show the differences between analyses of these two different things, both of which are described using the language of probability distributions.
Parametric higher-order abstract syntax for mechanized semantics

We present parametric higher-order abstract syntax (PHOAS), a new approach to formalizing the syntax of programming languages in computer proof assistants based on type theory. Like higher-order abstract syntax (HOAS), PHOAS uses the meta language's binding constructs to represent the object language's binding constructs. Unlike HOAS, PHOAS types are definable in general-purpose type theories that support traditional functional programming, like Coq's Calculus of Inductive Constructions. We walk through how Coq can be used to develop certified, executable program transformations over several statically-typed functional programming languages formalized with PHOAS; that is, each transformation has a machine-checked proof of type preservation and semantic preservation. Our examples include CPS translation and closure conversion for simply-typed lambda calculus, CPS translation for System F, and translation from a language with ML-style pattern matching to a simpler language with no variable-arity binding constructs. By avoiding the syntactic hassle associated with first-order representation techniques, we achieve a very high degree of proof automation.
The Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis D-IAP1 suppresses cell death induced by the caspase drICE

Many members of the Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) family inhibit cell death and existing data suggest at least two mechanisms of action. Drosophila IAPs (D-IAP1 and D-IAP2) and a baculovirus-derived IAP, Op-IAP, physically interact with and inhibit the anti-apoptotic activity of Reaper, HID, and Grim, three genetically defined inducers of apoptosis in Drosophila, while human IAPs, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, and X-IAP interact with a number of different proteins including specific members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases which are crucial in the execution of cell death. We have examined whether insect-active IAPs can inhibit apoptosis induced by selected caspases, Drosophila drICE, Sf-caspase-1, and mammalian caspase-3, in insect SF-21 cells. D-IAP1 inhibited apoptosis induced by the active forms of all three caspases tested and physically interacted with the active, but not the proform of drICE. MIHA, the mouse homolog of X-IAP and an effective inhibitor of caspase-3, also interacted with and blocked apoptosis induced by active drICE but was relatively ineffective in blocking Sf-caspase-1. Op-IAP and D-IAP2 were unable to inhibit effectively any of the active caspases tested and failed to interact with drICE. The Drosophila IAPs and Op-IAP, but not MIHA, blocked HID-initiated activation of pro-drICE. We conclude that D-IAP1 is capable of inhibiting the activation of drICE as well as inhibiting apoptosis induced by the active form of drICE. In contrast, D-IAP2 and Op-IAP are more limited in their inhibitory targets and may be limited to inhibiting the activation of caspases.
“A Language Which Is Foreign to Us”Continuities and Anxieties in the Making of the Indian Constitution

Dasgupta’s essay revisits the long-standing debate about colonial continuity in postcolonial India’s constitutional system. The Indian constitution makers sought to produce a system embodying a transformational constitutional vision—that is, a constitutional structure that could mediate a thoroughgoing transformation of social conditions in a controlled and deliberate manner. Therefore, they sought to maintain continuities with the executive apparatus of the colonial state for two reasons: one, to maintain a coherent state machinery that was capable of intervening and transforming the society; and two, to ensure that all contestation about the transformational project was channeled through constitutional paths, by repressing any extraconstitutional forms of agitation. Finally, the essay delineates the centrality of the administrator’s point of view and proceduralism in the constituent imagination of India.
Evaluation of a regularized SAR imaging technique based on recognition-oriented features

One of the biggest challenges for automatic target recognition (ATR) methods is the accurate and efficient extraction of features from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. We have recently developed a new SAR image formation technique which is recognition-oriented in the sense that it enhances features in the scene which we believe are important for recognition purposes. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of the images produced by this technique in terms of preserving and enhancing these features. The findings of our analysis indicate that the new SAR image formation method provides images with higher resolution of scatterers, and better separability of different regions as compared to conventional SAR images.
St. Thomas Aquinas on punishing souls

The details of St. Thomas Aquinas’s anthropological view are subject to debate. Some philosophers believe he held that human persons survive their deaths. Other philosophers think he held that human persons cease to exist at their death, but come back into being at the general resurrection. In this paper, I defend the latter view against one of the most significant objections it faces, namely, that it entails that God punishes and rewards separated souls for the sins or merits of something else: the (non-existent) persons to whom those souls once belonged. The objector takes this entailment to be problematic. I argue that it fits in well with St. Thomas’s views about punishment and about persons.
A diet containing food rich in soluble and insoluble fiber improves glycemic control and reduces hyperlipidemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The clinical significance of fiber on metabolic control among people with type 2 diabetes is debatable. Patients with type 2 diabetes who consumed a diet containing food naturally rich in fiber (e.g., 50 g fiber/day, 50% soluble) for 6 weeks had significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid panels when compared with patients who consumed a diet with moderate amounts of fiber (e.g., 25 g fiber/day, 50% soluble). Whether this high intake of fiber-rich food, especially fruits, can be maintained, tolerated without side effects or micronutrient deficiencies, and affordable for longer than 6 weeks in people with type 2 diabetes remains to be determined.
The African connection. Cotton Mather and the Boston smallpox epidemic of 1721-1722.

The contributions of black Americans to early American culture have still not been fully explored or given the attention deserved. A case in point is the significant contributions African slaves made to 18th-century American folk medicine. A review of the events incident to the smallpox epidemic in Boston in 1721 will illustrate the degree to which some reputable men of science depended on the testimony and experience of Africans in dealing with a particularly dread disease. (JAMA1988;260:2247-2249)
Investigation of Simple Performance Characteristics of Plant-Produced Asphalt Mixtures in Tennessee

With the recent adoption of the dynamic modulus, flow number, and flow time tests as simple performance tests (SPTs) to complement the Superpave® volumetric mixture design and the selection of dynamic modulus as a basic material property input in the new AASHTO 2002 M-E design guide, SPTs have been receiving more attention and have been more often used in the asphalt community. This paper presents the results from a laboratory study with the asphalt mixtures used in Tennessee obtained by SPTs. Eleven plant-produced mixtures with asphalt cements with different PGs and different aggregates were evaluated by the dynamic modulus and flow number tests. The asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) test was also included in this study to characterize the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures. The results indicated that generally repeatable data can be obtained from the dynamic modulus test. The flow number test was able to identify the effects of both asphalt cement and aggregate in the rutting resistance of mixtures. T...
The effects of vertical barrier walls on the hydraulic control of contaminated groundwater

We present explicit analytic solutions describing the hydraulic head and discharge vector for two-dimensional, steady groundwater flow past an impermeable barrier embedded in a regional flow field. We use the solution to investigate the effects of open vertical barriers on the flow field; in particular, we examine the hydraulic containment of contaminant plumes or source zones by combination of a vertical barrier wall and extraction wells. We quantify the local reduction in discharge rates due to the barrier wall and the local increase in the size of the capture zone of an extraction well near an open, up-gradient barrier. We find that the combination of an open vertical barrier with down-gradient extraction wells can be very effective in decreasing the well discharge rate necessary to control a contaminant plume or source area. Design charts are presented for quantifying the effects of the barrier wall on the hydraulic control of the groundwater flow field and for estimating the jump in head across a barrier. The charts are appropriate for use in the preliminary design and cost estimating of remedial systems, and for the design of dewatering systems.
A GIS/simulation framework for assessing change in water yield over large spatial scales

Recent legislation to initiate vegetation management in the Central Sierra hydrologic region of California includes a focus on corresponding changes in water yield. This served as the impetus for developing a combined geographic information system (GIS) and simulation assessment framework. Using the existing vegetation density condition, together with proposed rules for thinning to reduce fire risk, a set of simulation model inputs were generated for examining the impact of the thinning scenario on water yield. The approach allows results to be expressed as the mean and standard deviation of change in water yield for each 1-km2 map cell that is thinned. Values for groups of cells are aggregated for typical watershed units using area-weighted averaging. Wet, dry, and average precipitation years were simulated over a large region. Where snow plays an important role in hydrologic processes, the simulated change in water yield was less than 0.5% of expected annual runoff for a typical watershed. Such small changes would be undetectable in the field using conventional stream flow analysis. These results suggest that use of water yield increases to help justify forest-thinning activities or offset their cost will be difficult.
Divergent Selection for Mature Body Weight in Dwarf White Leghorns. 2. Maternal Determinants of Egg Size

Abstract Two generations of selection for high (H) and low (L) 20-week body weight (BW) in dwarf White Leghorns resulted in a significant divergence in egg weight (EW) between lines. To determine how maternal body size influences egg size, a study was conducted using approximately 30 39-week-old hens from each of the H and L lines and a randombred control line (C). The C line was intermediate in BW and EW to the selected lines. Egg component weights and oviduct transition time (OTT) were determined for single eggs obtained from each hen. Other measurements obtained were magnum, isthmus, and uterus length, width, and weight, rate of lay (RL) and BW. Significant differences were found among lines for BW and EW. The H and C hens laid significantly larger eggs than L and C eggs contained significantly more albumen than L eggs. The L line eggs had significantly smaller yolks than H line eggs but shell weight did not differ among the lines. No differences among lines for RL or OTT were found. Magnum and isthmus weights, widths, and lengths were significantly greater for H birds than C or L birds but were not different when expressed as weight per square centimeter of surface area. Uterus measurements did not vary among lines. Albumen weight accounted for most of the variation in EW within each line, and albumen weight variation was greatly influenced by magnum surface area and magnum weight per unit surface area.
Intratracheal administration of perfluorochemical‐gentamicin suspension: A comparison to intravenous administration in normal and injured lungs*

Respiratory infections can lead to acute lung injury and perfusion abnormalities. We hypothesized that intratracheal (IT) administration of a perfluorochemical (PFC) gentamicin (G) suspension as compared to intravenous (IV) administration of gentamicin will result in higher lung tissue levels of gentamicin, while maintaining safe serum levels. To test this hypothesis, 21 lambs with normal and acid injured lungs were studied for 4 hr, using 2 different drug delivery methods, IT and IV. Lungs were injured with warm HCl acid in saline lavage, followed by partial liquid ventilation with perflubron (bolus FRC = 20 mL/kg). G at a dose of 5 mg/kg was delivered either IT (G-PFC; 20 mL/kg) or IV (aqueous injection with IT 20 mL/kg PFC alone). Throughout the study, serum G levels, arterial blood gases, respiratory system compliance, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured. Lung tissue G levels were measured at 4 hr and averaged across lobes. Physiologic gas exchange and pulmonary function were maintained throughout the protocol for both the normal and injured lungs. Intravenously administered G resulted in an initial 5-min serum concentration of 43 ± 2.5 mcg/mL, followed by an exponential decline over the 4-hr protocol to a level of 2.1 ± 0.23 mcg/mL at hr 4. The intratracheally administered G suspension resulted in a 5-min serum concentration of 1.8 ± 0.98 mcg/mL and remained relatively constant throughout the protocol, with a 4-hr level of 1.6 ± 0.29 mcg/mL. With respect to lung tissue G levels, IT administration was significantly more effective in delivering the drug to the normal lungs than IV (31.4 ± 3.3 mcg/g vs. 4.0 ± 0.7 mcg/g) 4 hr after administration. In the lung injury group, there was a small but significant difference in lung tissue G levels, with the IT-administered perfluorochemical-G suspension achieving greater levels than the IV-administered G (11.9 ± 0.52 mcg/g vs. 10.1 ± 0.8 mcg/g). Additionally, the drug delivered IV and IT in both the normal and injured lung models was homogeneously distributed throughout the lung. These data show that G lung tissue levels in both normal and injured lungs were higher in the IT group when compared to IV administration. The results of this study demonstrate that in normal and injured lungs, homogeneous G lung tissue levels can be more effectively achieved at lower serum levels when delivered IT in a G-PFC suspension as compared to IV administration. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:142–151. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Demand aggregation and integrability of the HOGLEX demand function

Abstract We find indirect utility and expenditure functions and the implications of Slutsky symmetry for the HOGLEX demand function X ( p , y ) = y α ( p ) B ( p )+ yC ( p ). These implications restrict the usefulness of the HOGLEX function in the theory of preference aggregation unless α is constant.
Impact of syringaldehyde on the growth of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 and butanol production

While lignocellulosic biomass excels as a cheap, renewable resource for biofuel production, it does present some challenges such as generation of microbial inhibitory compounds. The mode of selective inhibition of acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) production (as opposed to cell growth) by syringaldehyde on Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 was examined. C. beijerinckii 8052 grown in syringaldehyde-supplemented P2 medium had a comparable growth rate (μ = 0.34) at acidogenic growth phase to that of C. beijerinckii 8052 grown in control P2 medium (μ = 0.30). The addition of syringaldehyde into P2 medium inhibited solvent production by C. beijerinckii 8052 and increased butyric and acetic acid accumulation in the fermentation broth. Analysis of coenzyme A transferase (CoAT) using cell-free extracts of C. beijerinckii 8052 showed decreased expression and activity in the presence of syringaldehyde. These results indicate that C. beijerinckii 8052 CoAT is negatively affected by syringaldehyde and thus, hampers the ability of the microorganism to metabolize butyric and acetic acid for ABE production as evidenced by the accumulation of butyric and acetic acid in the fermentation broth.