cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro antimicrobial activity of CP-99433 compared with other fluoroquinolones

Abstract CP-99433 is a new C-7 diazabicyclofluoroquinolone with a broad spectrum of activity that includes Enterobacteriaceae, Gram-positive cocci, and nonenteric Gram-negative bacilli. Potent activity was demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 90 , 0.5 μg/ml), Xanthomonas maltophilia (MIC 90 , 1 μg/ml), and all Streptococcus species (MIC 90 s, 0.25–1 μg/ml). Only CP-99433 was active against Enterococcus faecium (MIC 50 , 2 μg/ml). CP-99433 also demonstrated activity against several ciprofloxacin-resistant staphylococci. Additional studies of CP-99433 activity appear indicated.
Tularemia: Emergency department presentation of an infrequently recognized disease

Tularemia is an uncommon, highly communicable disease occurring with seasonal regularity in endemic parts of the United States. The varied signs and symptoms may confound the unwary physician. Two cases are reported illustrating the ulceroglandular and ingestion forms of the disease. Septic (typhoidal), oculoglandular, pleuropulmonary, glandular, and oropharyngeal forms also are described. Knowledge of the epidemiology and a high index of suspicion should lead the examining physician to ask revealing questions. The diagnosis is presumed upon clinical grounds and confirmed by serological testing. According to published reports delayed diagnosis can result in an overall mortality rate of 7% of cases; however, early diagnosis will lead to uncomplicated recovery in most cases.
Safety Study of the Cochlear Nucleus® 24 Device with Internal Magnet in the 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imager (MRI) on the Cochlear Nucleus® 24 Device without removing the internal magnet. To determine whether device fixation using a compression dressing could prevent internal magnet displacement in the MRI scanner and potentially obviate the need for surgical removal of the internal magnet. Study Design: Prospective cadaveric study. Methods: Four cadaver heads were implanted bilaterally with the Nucleus device with the internal magnet in place and placed into the 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. The devices were then explanted after interaction with the MRI and evaluated for displacement of the internal magnet. Conditions tested include device fixation with a commercially available compression dressing and no fixation (worst-case scenario). Magnet strength was measured before and after each of the test conditions. Results: Moderate to severe displacement of the magnet from the internal device occurred in 14 of 16 (87%) implants when no compression dressing was placed. Displacement occurred in 0 of 16 (0%) implants when the compression dressing was applied. No decrease in the strength of the implant magnet was found with the initial or subsequent MRI/implant interactions. Conclusions: Use of the 1.5 Tesla MRI on subjects with Cochlear Nucleus® 24 implants did not result in any significant demagnetization of the internal magnet and did not cause displacement of the magnet when an external compression dressing was applied. Surgical removal of the internal magnet before scanning with the 1.5 Tesla MRI may not be necessary if a compression dressing is applied.
Metabolic and psychophysiologic studies of cannabidiol-hexobarbital interaction.

Cannabidiol (CBD), 600 mg/day orally for 5 to 12 days, inhibited hexobarbital metabolism in ten subjects. Hexobarbital oral clearance was 36% lower and apparent volume of distribution was 35% smaller, with no change in half-life during CBD. In four subjects who received intravenous and oral hexobarbital, systemic clearance was 36% lower while bioavailability was 10% greater during CBD. Hexobarbital increased fatigue and tremor, impaired eye-tracking performance, and altered the electroencephalogram. Hexobarbital effects were not affected by CBD. Inhibition of metabolism of other drugs should be considered when large amounts of CBD are taken or when CBD is used for therapy. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 28, 115–120; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.139
The Dependence Syndrome Concept as a Psychological Theory of Relapse Behaviour: an empirical evaluation of alcoholic and opiate addicts

Summary This paper examines the drug dependence syndrome (DSS) concept as a psychological theory of relapse to alcohol or opiate use following a period of abstinence from these substances. The results of several empirical studies of relapse in alcoholics and opiate users are described. Measures of the alcohol dependence syndrome provided good prediction of reinstatement in alcoholics, but severity of drug dependence did not predict reinstatement as consistently in opiate users. It is concluded that while the DDS concept may have merit as a psychological explanation of reinstatement, it should be subjected to a more rigorous program of research aimed at better operational measures and more intensive hypothesis testing, especially in samples of drug users.
Essential Oil of Dyssodia acerosa DC.

Samples of the suffrutescent Dyssodia acerosa DC. were collected from the Jornada Experimental Range in south-central New Mexico, and GC/MS and retention indices were used to identify 62 components from the steam-distilled oil. Chrysanthenone (34.8%), limonene (14.5%), camphor (12.3%), α-pinene (6.8%), sabinene (4.3%), camphene (3.9%), (E)-β-ocimene (2.5%), 1,8-cineole (2.2%), myrcene (2.0%), and cis-sabinene hydrate (1.6%) were the major components of the steam-distilled oil. Keywords: Dyssodia acerosa; Asteraceae; essential oil composition; chrysanthenone; limonene; camphor
A revised multidimensional social desirability inventory

A multidimensional social desirability inventory was revised in order to facilitate the usefulness and improve the precision of measurement of its four subscales. The original inventory was based on a conception of the importance of attribution and denial as central and quantifiable elements in self-descriptive statements differing in social desirability value. The 442 subjects participated in a series of investigations that resulted in the creation of a 128-item scale with 32 items in each of the following categories: attribution of positive traits, attribution of negative traits, denial of positive traits, and denial of negative traits. The importance of providing operational definitions for the measurement and quantification of sources of variation in self-descriptive statements was discussed.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ in a 27-Year-Old Woman with McCune-Albright Syndrome

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a sporadic disorder characterized by the triad of irregularly edged hyperpigmented macules (cafe au lait spots); a slowly progressive bone disorder, polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, usually involving the base of the skull and the long bones; and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-independent precocious puberty. This case is the first report of a 27-year-old woman with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and Paget's disease of the nipple associated with MAS. The discussion focuses on two endocrine manifestations of this syndrome including precocious puberty and excess growth hormone secretion. In our patient, both her early puberty and pituitary adenoma, in association with MAS, resulted in excess production and secretion of estrogen and growth hormone. Both of these hormones function to stimulate breast growth and development. We hypothesize they are responsible for this patient's DCIS and Paget's disease of the nipple so early in life.
Interleukin-2 induced immune effects in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients receiving intermittent interleukin-2 immunotherapy

To characterize the immunological effects of intermittent IL-2 therapy, which leads to selective increases in CD4+ T lymphocytes in HIV-infected patients, 11 patients underwent extensive immunological evaluation. While IL-2 induced changes in both CD4+ and CD8+ cell number acutely, only CD4+ cells showed sustained increases following discontinuation of IL-2. Transient increases in expression of the activation markers CD38 and HLA-DR were seen on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells, but CD25 (a chain of the IL-2 receptor) increased exclusively on CD4+ cells. This increase in CD25 expression was sustained for months following discontinuation of IL-2, and was seen in naive as well as memory cells. IL-2 induced cell proliferation, but tachyphylaxis to these proliferative effects developed after 1 week despite continued IL-2 administration. It thus appears that sustained CD25 expression selectively on CD4+ cells is a critical component of the immunological response to IL-2, and that intermittent administration of IL-2 is necessary to overcome the tachyphylaxis to IL-2-induced proliferation.
Cultural Aesthetics and Teacher Improvisation: An Epistemology of Providing Culturally Responsive Service by African American Professors

This research documents and analyzes the nature and content of the knowledge that enables professors to foster learning for Black students. Specifically, it suggests that knowledge of the discourse...
From Emile to Frankenstein: the education of monsters

(1991). From Emile to Frankenstein: the education of monsters. European Romantic Review: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 147-162.
Diagnostics for invasive Salmonella infections: current challenges and future directions

Invasive Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi or Paratyphi A, B, C, or invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella serotypes, is an immensely important disease cluster for which reliable, rapid diagnostic tests are not available. Blood culture remains the gold standard but is insensitive, slow, and resource-intensive. Existing molecular diagnostics have poor sensitivity due to the low organism burden in bodily fluids. Commercially available serologic tests for typhoidal Salmonella have had limited sensitivity and specificity. In high burden, resource-limited settings, reliance on clinical diagnosis or inaccurate tests often results in frequent, unnecessary treatment, which contributes selective pressure for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This practice also results in inadequate therapy for other etiologies of acute febrile illnesses, including leptospirosis and rickettsial infections. A number of novel serologic, molecular, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to diagnostics are under development. Target product profiles that outline specific needs may focus development and investment, and establish benchmarks for accuracy, cost, speed, and portability of new diagnostics. Of note, a critical barrier to diagnostic assay rollout will be the low cost and low perceived harm of empiric therapy on behalf of providers and patients, which leaves few perceived incentives to utilize diagnostics. Approaches that align incentives with societal goals of limiting inappropriate antimicrobial use, such as subsidizing diagnostics, may be essential for stimulating development and uptake of such assays in resource-limited settings. New diagnostics for invasive Salmonellosis should be developed and deployed alongside diagnostics for alternative etiologies of acute febrile illnesses to improve targeted use of antibiotics.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Experiential Learning in a Student-Run Free Clinic:

Experiential learning is an important contributor to higher education. Incorporating experiential learning into a program of study helps provide a new avenue for the application of theory to practi...
Effect of long-term feeding of corn oil or coconut oil diets on immune response and prostaglandin E2 synthesis of squirrel and cebus monkeys

Abstract The in vitro and in vivo immune response was investigated in adult squirrel and cebus monkeys fed corn oil (CORN) or coconut oil (COCO) diets (31% calories as fat) since birth. The in vitro blastogenic response of lymphocytes cultured in calf serum or in autologous serum to T- and B-cell mitogens was compared between the two species fed the two types of fat. For in vivo measurements of immune competence, all monkeys received measles vaccine and their serum antibody titers were measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay along with measurement of IgG, IgM and IgA. Prostaglandin E 2 synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was measured following stimulation with calcium ionophore. Cells cultured in either calf or autologous serum responded in the same relative fashion to mitogens. However, culturing cells in autologous serum exaggerated the dietary differences found. Cebus monkey lymphocytes were more responsive than squirrel monkeys, but squirrel monkeys fed corn oil had the lowest blastogenic responses to T-cell and B-cell mitogens and lower antibody titers to measles vaccine. Cebus monkey PBMC also generated less PGE 2 than those from squirrel monkeys. The data suggest that genetic variation in phospholipid metabolism, possibly including PGE 2 synthesis, may underlie differences in the immune response to dietary fat unsaturation by these two species of monkeys.
Detection of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in normal prostates.

BACKGROUND Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA has been detected in semen and prostatic tissues in some, but not all reports. We have analyzed prostate tissues from HHV-8 seropositive men for the expression of viral proteins and determined if expression of these proteins are associated with increased inflammation. METHODS Paraffin sections of non-cancerous prostates from HHV-8 seropositive (n = 16) and seronegative (n = 2) men who died with AIDS were screened for expression of three viral proteins by immunohistochemistry. Levels of inflammation were determined by expression of CD68 and CD20. Cellular proliferation was determined by expression of Ki67. RESULTS Among the 16 HHV-8 seropositive cases, 68.9% (11/16) (95% C.I. = 0.41–0.89) were positive for HHV-8 protein expression, while the 2 seronegative patients showed no HHV-8 protein expression. There was increased inflammation among HHV-8 positive prostates. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that HHV-8 is present in normal prostates of HIV-infected men and the expression of viral proteins is associated with increased localized inflammation. Prostate © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neuropsychological performance in pediatric bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background Growing awareness of childhood bipolar disorder necessitates further cognitive neuroscience research to determine unique developmental differences between pediatric and adult onset bipolar disorder. We sought to examine whether neuropsychological function in children with bipolar disorder resembles that in adults with the illness and to extend our knowledge about cognitive function in pediatric bipolar disorder. Methods We administered a computerized neuropsychological test battery known as the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery to a sample of 21 children and adolescents with bipolar disorder and compared them with 21 age- and gender-matched controls. Results In comparison to controls, children with bipolar disorder were impaired on measures of attentional set-shifting and visuospatial memory. Post hoc analyses in pediatric bipolar disorder subjects did not show significant associations between neuropsychological performance and manic symptomatology or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbidity. Conclusions Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery data presented here in pediatric bipolar disorder fit well within the broader framework of known neurocognitive deficits in adult bipolar disorder. Our pediatric bipolar disorder subjects demonstrated selective deficiencies in attentional set-shifting and visuospatial memory. Our work suggests altered ventrolateral prefrontal cortex function, especially when linked to other lesion and neuroimaging studies.
Precision delay matching testing for gate driver ICs on IFLEX™ tester platform

Green energy sources such as solar power, wind, and biomass ... are getting more attention especially after the nuclear crisis caused by earthquake in Mar. 2011 in Japan. The solar power has been considered to be the major contributor of the green energy. There are more than enough solar irradiations available to satisfy the world's energy demands. However the traditional photovoltaic (PV) systems suffer from various power losses, the performance shows average losses of about 20%-30% in electricity production. Some companies provide advance system architectures which can boost solar panel output power by up to 20%-25%. One of a key element of the system is the DC-DC converter [1]. Texas Instruments' high voltage gate driver ICs (HVIC) can be used as a DC-DC converter, half/full bridge applications or class-D audio amplifiers. There are challenges for the HVIC testing. First, the timing measurements for propagation delay matching in both buck and boost which need to be in nanoseconds range but the typical production automatic test equipment (ATE) specification of timing measurement unit (TMU) accuracy is approximate 2 nanoseconds (ns) and meanwhile, the output voltage of gate driver application can exceed 100 volts. Second, test time and multi-site testing have to be considered. In this paper, we have discussed the critical timing measurements and have successfully implemented the multi-site delay matching testing on IFLEXTM ATE platform with 100 picoseconds (ps) resolution while the boost is operating at 120V.
Selenium controls transcription of paralogous formate dehydrogenase genes in the termite gut acetogen, Treponema primitia

The termite gut spirochete, Treponema primitia, is a CO_2-reductive acetogen that is phylogenetically distinct from other distantly related and more extensively studied acetogens such as Moorella thermoacetica. Research on T. primitia has revealed details about the role of spirochetes in CO_2-reductive acetogenesis, a process important to the mutualism occurring between termites and their gut microbial communities. Here, a locus of the T. primitia genome containing Wood-Ljungdahl pathway genes for CO_2-reductive acetogenesis was sequenced. This locus contained methyl-branch genes of the pathway (i.e. for the reduction of CO_2 to the level of methyl-tetrahydrofolate) including paralogous genes for cysteine and selenocysteine (Sec) variants of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and genes for Sec incorporation. The FDH variants affiliated phylogenetically with hydrogenase-linked FDH enzymes, suggesting that T. primitia FDH enzymes utilize electrons derived directly from molecular H_2. Sub-nanomolar concentrations of selenium decreased transcript levels of the cysteine variant FDH gene. Selenium concentration did not markedly influence the level of mRNA upstream of the Sec-codon in the Sec variant FDH; however, the level of transcript extending downstream of the Sec-codon increased incrementally with increasing selenium concentrations. The features and regulation of these FDH genes are an indication that T. primitia may experience dynamic selenium availability in its H_2-rich gut environment.
Structural, Conformational, and Polarization Changes of Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) Copolymer Induced by High-Energy Electron Irradiation

Structural and molecular conformation changes of high-energy electron-irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride−trifluoroethylene) 50/50 copolymer have been investigated by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and cross-linking density measurement and are compared with the change of polarization hysteresis loops with dose. Although in general the irradiation reduces the macroscopic polar ordering, which leads to the eventual disappearance of the remanent polarization in the copolymer at room temperature, the change in the mesoscopic structure and molecular conformation with dose is not monotonic. In the intermediate dose range, there is a reversal of the change of local ordering with dose, as revealed by the decrease of the fraction of the TG conformation in the copolymer and contraction of the lattice in directions perpendicular to the polymer chain with dose, which could be caused by the high cross-linking density due to irradiation. In addition, for irradiated polymers at doses above 30 Mrad, no t...
Twin Study Using Mortality Data: A New Sampling Method

Graham A J (Department of Clinical Neurology, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5PD, UK) and Hawkes C H. Twin study using mortality data : A new sampling method. International Journal of Epidemiology 1995 ; 24 : 758-762. Background. To evaluate the success of a novel approach to twin studies using death discordant twin pairs in a disease of low prevalence. Method. A population study based on all registered deaths at the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys of England and Wales, classified under the ICD code 335.2 (motor neuron disease [MND]) for the period 1979-1989 inclusive. From the above database of 10 872 people, individuals born after 31 December 1899 were traced in the Birth Indices for England & Wales to enable identification of possible twins. In all 131 twin pairs were found and the co-twin details were sent to the National Health Service Central Register (NHS-CR) to enable location of the relevant Family Health Services Authority and thence the co-twin's general practitioner (GP). A letter requesting access was sent to the family practitioners. If given, the co-twin can be approached and interviewed. Results. The search produced : 54 living co-twins ; 31 who died as adults ; 29 infant deaths ; 5 emigrated ; 3 incorrectly diagnosed index twins ; and 9 untraceable co-twins. Among the adult deaths two concordant pairs were identified. This has created the largest twin population sample worldwide for MND. Conclusion. This new twin study method is clearly viable, and has produced a large unbiased sample compared to that possible using traditional methods. It relies heavily on the accuracy of death certificates and zygosity reporting by living co-twins, but is possibly the only way of collecting twins in rare conditions.
Theoretical study of lesion detectability of MAP reconstruction using computer observers

The low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in emission data has stimulated the development of statistical image reconstruction methods based on the maximum a posteriori (MAP) principle. Experimental examples have shown that statistical methods improve image quality compared to the conventional filtered backprojection (FBP) method. However, these results depend on isolated data sets. Here, the authors study the lesion detectability of MAP reconstruction theoretically, using computer observers. These theoretical results can be applied to different object structures. They show that for a quadratic smoothing prior, the lesion detectability using the prewhitening observer is independent of the smoothing parameter and the neighborhood of the prior, while the nonprewhitening observer exhibits an optimum smoothing point. The authors also compare the results to those of FBP reconstruction. The comparison shows that for ideal positron emission tomography (PET) systems (where data are true line integrals of the tracer distribution) the MAP reconstruction has a higher SNR for lesion detection than FBP reconstruction due to the modeling of the Poisson noise. For realistic systems, MAP reconstruction further benefits from accurately modeling the physical photon detection process in PET.
Counterpoint: Standardization of Cardiac Troponin I Assays Will Not Occur in My Lifetime

I have chosen to address the argument of why cardiac troponin I (cTnI)3 assays will likely never be standardized. It is not that I do not wish it would happen, but I think the scientific, evidence-based story I will present regarding this cardiac specific protein will speak for itself. As a means to present this argument, I would like to consider the following analogy. I am an avid trail runner. During the second week of June, I set out every morning to run a 10-km rolling trail along the Ammonoosuc River in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Although the path I navigated each day was the same, what I observed each morning at 7 AM was dramatically different. It was influenced by the temperature, the wind, rain with thunder and lightning, puddles in rocky crevasses, tree branches covering the path, and, twice, minor course changes due to a fox and 2 black bears that appeared both upstream and downstream on the trail I was navigating. So, what does this analogy have to do with the cTnI story? cTnI, a protein of 110 amino acid residues with a unique N-terminal sequence that differentiates it from skeletal muscle forms, is part of the myofibril 3 subcomplex (cTnI–cTnC–cTnT) in the heart with specific structural and regulatory functions (1). Shortly after cell death caused by an acute myocardial infarction (MI), cTnI is released from the damaged myocardium into the extracellular space, and 1–6 h after onset of the index event, cTnI can be detected circulating in the blood (2). Data indicate that cTnI circulates mainly as a binary complex with cTnC in the blood of patients with acute MI, but it also circulates as free cTnI and as a ternary complex, cTnICT. In addition, C- and N-terminal proteolytic …
Marital Timing: Race and Sex Comparisons

In this paper we explore the determinants of marital timing for males and females separately by race using a sequential model and data from the [U.S.] National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972. Results indicate that background factors are relatively unimportant in determining directly when marriage will occur. Rather events and circumstances that are more current are the determining factors as to whether marriage will occur. In addition the factors important in determining marital timing vary systematically according to sex and race. The models for blacks are distinct in that few measured predictors of marital timing show consistently significant effects contrary to the case for whites. This suggests a much different marriage market for each of the races. (EXCERPT)
How New and Assertive Is China's New Assertiveness?

There has been a rapidly spreading meme in U.S. pundit and academic circles since 2010 that describes China's recent diplomacy as "newly assertive." This "new assertiveness" meme suffers from two problems. First, it underestimates the complexity of key episodes in Chinese diplomacy in 2010 and overestimates the amount of change. Second, the explanations for the new assertiveness claim suffer from unclear causal mechanisms and lack comparative rigor that would better contextualize China's diplomacy in 2010. An examination of seven cases in Chinese diplomacy at the heart of the new assertiveness meme finds that, in some instances, China's policy has not changed; in others, it is actually more moderate; and in still others, it is a predictable reaction to changed external conditions. In only one case—maritime disputes—does one see more assertive Chinese rhetoric and behavior. The speed and extent with which the newly assertive meme has emerged point to an understudied issue in international relations—namely, the role that online media and the blogosphere play in the creation of conventional wisdoms that might, in turn, constrain policy debates. The assertive China discourse may be a harbinger of this effect as a Sino-U.S. security dilemma emerges.
Issues Regarding Change in Engineering Education

As the scholarship of engineering education has advanced, it has confronted a number of challenges that come with working for change. As curriculum development is being addressed more systematically, the process of curricular change also needs to be addressed systematically in future initiatives in order to continue positive progress in student learning. The paper offers a seven-element framework for the process of curricular change: goals for change, objects for change, barriers to change, change mechanisms, models of change, change agents, and the role of faculty development. This paper examines what has been learned through engineering education initiatives and other related research.
Nephrotic Syndrome: Components, Connections, and Angiopoietin-Like 4–Related Therapeutics

Nephrotic syndrome is recognized by the presence of proteinuria in excess of 3.5 g/24 h along with hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia), and lipiduria. Each component has been investigated individually over the past four decades with some success. Studies published recently have started unraveling the molecular basis of proteinuria and its relationship with other components. We now have improved understanding of the threshold for nephrotic-range proteinuria and the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia. These studies reveal that modifying sialylation of the soluble glycoprotein angiopoietin-like 4 or changing key amino acids in its sequence can be used successfully to treat proteinuria. Treatment strategies on the basis of fundamental relationships among different components of nephrotic syndrome use naturally occurring pathways and have great potential for future development into clinically relevant therapeutic agents.
A Forward Genetic Strategy Reveals Destabilizing Mutations in the Ebolavirus Glycoprotein That Alter Its Protease Dependence during Cell Entry

Ebolavirus (EBOV) entry into cells requires proteolytic disassembly of the viral glycoprotein, GP. This proteolytic processing, unusually extensive for an enveloped virus entry protein, is mediated by cysteine cathepsins, a family of endosomal/lysosomal proteases. Previous work has shown that cleavage of GP by cathepsin B (CatB) is specifically required to generate a critical entry intermediate. The functions of this intermediate are not well understood. We used a forward genetic strategy to investigate this CatB-dependent step. Specifically, we generated a replication-competent recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus bearing EBOV GP as its sole entry glycoprotein and used it to select viral mutants resistant to a CatB inhibitor. We obtained mutations at six amino acid positions in GP that independently confer complete resistance. All of the mutations reside at or near the GP1-GP2 intersubunit interface in the membrane-proximal base of the prefusion GP trimer. This region forms a part of the "clamp" that holds the fusion subunit GP2 in its metastable prefusion conformation. Biochemical studies suggest that most of the mutations confer CatB independence not by altering specific cleavage sites in GP but rather by inducing conformational rearrangements in the prefusion GP trimer that dramatically enhance its susceptibility to proteolysis. The remaining mutants did not show the preceding behavior, indicating the existence of multiple mechanisms for acquiring CatB independence during entry. Altogether, our findings suggest that CatB cleavage is required to facilitate the triggering of viral membrane fusion by destabilizing the prefusion conformation of EBOV GP.
The Authorities Really Do Matter: Party Control and Trust in Government

For some time, one line of research on trust in government has stressed that trust results from evaluations of the institutions of government. Here, trust reflects public sentiments toward the responsiveness of the political process. Another line of research has alternatively countered that trust tends to be a reflection of political leaders. But this research has been largely unable to demonstrate that the performance of authorities matters relative to evaluations of the political process. Changes in partisan control of Congress and the presidency, however, provides us with a natural experiment where authorities change while the political process is constant. Here, partisans should trust government more when their party controls Congress, the presidency, or both. I find that trust does respond to changes in partisan control of the Congress and presidency, which demonstrates that the effect of authorities matters relative to evaluations of the political process.
Genetic Analysis of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Phaseoli Mutants Defective in Nodulation and Nodulation Suppression.

Abstract Nodulation-defective rhizobia and their nodule-forming derivatives containing cloned DNA from the wild type were used to study nodulation suppression in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Non-nitrogen-fixing derivatives which formed rhizobia-containing white nodules induced partial suppression. Comparison of this with the complete suppression by Fix+ derivatives and a Fix- mutant which formed rhizobia-containing pink nodules suggests that the extent of suppression may be related to successive stages of nodule development.
Using distance transform to solve real-time machine vision inspection problems

This paper describes novel solutions to two challenging real-time inspection tasks in machine vision. The first is fast surface approximation for volume and surface area measurements of irregularly shaped objects; the second is fast intensity gradient correction for surface inspection and evaluation of spherical objects. Both solutions apply a distance transform (DT) based on the distance of each image pixel from the object boundary. We describe both real-time machine vision inspection tasks and discuss their complexity. We show that the new solutions result in significant improvements in both accuracy and efficiency—despite the relative simplicity of the DT approach.
Development of fuzzy logic based differentiation algorithm and fast line-scan imaging system for chicken inspection

A fuzzy logic-based algorithm was developed for a hyperspectral line-scan imaging system for differentiation of wholesome and systemically diseased fresh chickens. The hyperspectral imaging system consisted of an electron-multiplying charge-coupled-device (EMCCD) camera and an imaging spectrograph. The imaging system acquired line-scan images of chicken carcasses as they passed through the pixel-wide vertical linear field of view. The chickens were hung on a closed-loop laboratory processing line moving at a speed of 70 birds per minute. The use of light-emitting-diode (LED) line lights was selected following comparative evaluation of LED and quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) line lights. From analysis of wholesome and systemically diseased chicken spectra, four key wavelengths for differentiating between wholesome and systemically diseased chickens were selected: 413, 472, 515, and 546 nm; a reference wavelength at 626 nm was also selected. The ratio of relative reflectance between each key wavelength and the reference wavelength was calculated for use as input image features. A fuzzy logic-based algorithm utilising the image features was developed to identify individual pixels on the chicken surface exhibiting symptoms of systemic disease. Two differentiation methods utilising the fuzzy logic-based algorithm were tested using two separate image sets, the first containing 65 wholesome and 74 systemically diseased chickens, and the second containing 48 wholesome and 42 systemically diseased chickens. The first method achieved 100% accuracy in identifying chickens in both image sets. The second method achieved 96% and 100% accuracy in identifying chickens in the first and second image sets, respectively.
Operant variability: Evidence, functions, and theory

Although responses are sometimes easy to predict, at other times responding seems highly variable, unpredictable, or even random. The inability to predict is generally attributed to ignorance of controlling variables, but this article is a review of research showing that the highest levels of behavioral variability may result from identifiable reinforcers contingent on such variability. That is, variability is an operant. Discriminative stimuli and reinforcers control it, resulting in low or high variability, depending on the contingencies. Schedule-of-reinforcement effects are orderly, and choosing to vary or repeat is lawfully governed by relative reinforcement frequencies. The operant nature of variability has important implications. For example, learning, exploring, creating, and problem solving may partly depend on it. Abnormal levels of variability, including those found in psychopathologies such as autism, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may be modified through reinforcement. Operant variability may also help to explain some of the unique attributes of voluntary action.
Role of the endocytic pathway in the counteraction of BST-2 by human lentiviral pathogens

The interferon-inducible transmembrane protein BST-2 (CD317, tetherin) restricts the release of several enveloped viruses from infected cells. BST-2 is broadly active against retroviruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2. To counteract this host defense, HIV-1 uses the accessory protein Vpu, whereas HIV-2 uses its envelope glycoprotein (Env). In both cases, viral antagonism is associated with decreased expression of BST-2 at the cell surface. Here, we provide evidence supporting a role for the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway in the downregulation of BST-2 from the cell surface and the counteraction of restricted virion release. A catalytically inactive, dominant negative version of the vesicle “pinch-ase” dynamin 2 (dyn2K44A) inhibited the downregulation of BST-2 by Vpu, and it inhibited the release of wild-type (Vpu-expressing) HIV-1 virions. Similarly, dyn2K44A inhibited the downregulation of BST-2 by HIV-2 Env, and it inhibited the release of vpu-negative HIV-1 virions when HIV-2 Env was provided in trans. dyn2K44A inhibited Env more robustly than Vpu, suggesting that dynamin 2, while a cofactor for both Env and Vpu, might support just one of several pathways though which Vpu counteracts BST-2. In support of a role for clathrin in these effects, the C-terminal domain of the clathrin assembly protein AP180 also inhibited the downregulation of BST-2 by either Vpu or HIV-2 Env. Consistent with modulation of the postendocytic itinerary of BST-2, Vpu enhanced the accumulation of cell surface-derived BST-2 in transferrin-containing endosomes. Vpu also inhibited the transport of BST-2 from a brefeldin A-insensitive compartment to the cell surface, consistent with a block to endosomal recycling. We propose that HIV-1 Vpu, and probably HIV-2 Env, traps BST-2 in an endosomal compartment following endocytosis, reducing its level at the cell surface to counteract restricted viral release.
Edge-based image segmentation: machine learning from examples

We report a method for the design of optimal edge based image segmentation systems in which the criterion of optimality is automatically determined by learning from border tracing examples. The border features employed in the designed method are selected from a predefined global set using radial-basis neural networks. The method was validated in intracardiac, intravascular, and ovarian ultrasound images. The achieved performance was comparable to that of our previously reported single-purpose border detection methods (Sonka et al. (1995). Our approach facilitates development of general multipurpose image segmentation systems that can be trained for different types of image segmentation applications.
Discharge and surface plume measurements during manganese nodule mining tests in the north equatorial pacific

Abstract Rates, concentrations, and composition of mining discharge and the size and structure of the ensuing surface plumes were examined during North Pacific tests of scaled manganese nodule mining systems. Discharge was composed principally of bottom water and pelagic silts and clays, although nodule fragments with diameters less than 1 mm were also discharged at widely varying rates. Average flow rates of the discharge varied from 95 to 160 litres/s, with the solid fraction varying from 550 to approximately 2000g/s. The plume, as determined by particulate concentrations in excess of ambient oceanic conditions, extended approximately 5 km from the mining ship and had a width of about 1 km. Fe and Mn signatures allowed detection of the plume nearly 35 km from the source. The plume provided evidence of settling more rapidly than expected of silt and clay-size particles: a mean settling velocity of 6 × 10 −2 cm/s for the particulates in the plume and a mixed layer vertical turbulent eddy diffusivity of 1 × 10 −2 m 2 /s have been inferred from the data. Field and laboratory data together suggest that the rapid settling was due to flocculation of the discharge particulates.
Systematics of the Hexacorallia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)

The composition of and relationships among higher-level groups within the anthozoan subclass Hexacorallia ( = Zoantharia) has been controversial because independent analyses of anatomy, life history, ultrastructure, and molecular sequences have failed to provide a consistent framework for drawing taxonomic boundaries or under- standing phylogenetic relationships. The relationship among stony corals (order Scleractinia), sea anemones (order Actiniaria), and corallimorpharians (order Corallimorpharia) has been particularly problematic. We synthesize exist- ing studies and provide new anatomical and molecular evidence that bear on the question of ordinal circumscription and relationships. We find that orders Actiniaria, Antipatharia, Ceriantharia, Corallimorpharia, Scleractinia, and Zoanthidea are monophyletic; Corallimorpharia is most closely related to Scleractinia. We infer that many tradi- tional diagnostic characters are shared primitive features and thus poor indicators of phylogenetic relationships. Although the major nodes of the hexacorallian tree are well supported by multiple types of data, questions about skeletal evolution and subordinal taxonomy remain unanswered pending denser taxonomic and character sampling. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 139 , 419-437. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: Actiniaria - Anthozoa - Cnidaria - combined data - evolution - Scleractinia - systematics.
Energetics of substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes: a DFT study

First principles density functional theory calculations were conducted to investigate the structures and energetics of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules with varying aluminum and alkali (sodium or potassium) concentrations. Notable trends emerge from this study namely, (1) the thermodynamic stability of the substituted POSS molecules is critically dependent on the interplay between size and composition of the POSS structures, and (2) larger POSS structures provide lower central electron density and hence better accommodate the central alkali atom. These observations, when viewed in the context of aluminosilicate based geopolymers, provide fundamental insights into the relations that describe the structure composition interplay of their underlying monomers.
Kinematics of Entrapped Air Pockets Within Stormwater Storage Tunnels

During the rapid filling of stormwater storage tunnels, which is anticipated to occur during intense rain events, a number of different mechanisms may lead to …
Characterization of opioid overdose and response in a high-risk community corrections sample: a preliminary study

Opiate overdose is an increasingly common cause of death, yet could be easily treated with available opioid antagonists. Opiate use is very common in criminal justice populations, and individuals recently released from prisons or jails are an especially vulnerable group for both overdose and death, particularly in the immediate postrelease period. Participants (N = 478) were individuals under community corrections supervision who were surveyed about their opioid use, overdose history, medical history, and demographics. Most participants were male (67.4 percent) and either African American (52.4 percent) or Caucasian (44.2 percent) with an average age of 35 years (SD = 11.1). Two hundred twenty participants (46 percent) reported lifetime use of opioids, whereas 88 (40 percent) reported experiencing an opioid-related overdose. Relative to those with no history of opioid overdose or lifetime opioid use, participants with a history of opioid overdose were more likely to be Caucasian, female, and report higher educational attainment; more likely to be willing to receive additional training about overdose; and reported double to triple the rates of witnessing an overdose or knowing someone who had died from overdose -78 percent and 69 percent, respectively. The rates of actions taken when witnessing overdose were relatively low: 59 percent had called 911, 33 percent had taken someone to a hospital with 23 percent providing no intervention, and only 4 percent having used an opioid antagonist, naloxone. These findings suggest that while opioid overdose is a significant problem in the criminal justice population, affected individuals are open to instruction in effective strategies, such as naloxone training, to prevent fatal opioid overdose.
ENDOPHYTE-HOST ASSOCIATIONS IN GRASSES. XIX. A SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF SOME SYMPATRIC SPECIES OF EPICHLOE IN ENGLAND

Systematic studies were conducted on populations of Epichloe species on host grasses Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, and Holcus lanatus. Three species of Epichloe are described and two, E. baconii and E. clarkii, are proposed as new, being distinguishable from the type by disarticulation of ascospores to form uniquely shaped part-spores. The type species E. typhina does not form part-spores. Reproductive compatibility between fungi was examined. Intraspecies crosses were found to yield a dense layer of perithecia that differentiated asci and ascospores internally. Interspecies crosses gave one of three results, including no reaction, necrotic browning, or perithecia that did not mature. Cultural features of these fungi are compared. Isolates are seen to exhibit differences in growth rates on sugars and hydrolysis of milk protein and corn starch. Generic limits of Epichloe are discussed and several species are excluded. It is proposed that a biological species concept be adopted to aid definition of species within this genus.
Epidemiological analysis of gonorrhea in Qingyuan City from 2008 to 2012

Objective To investigate the epidemiology of prevalent trend of gonorrhea in Qingyuan City. Methods Descriptive research methods were adoptedv to analyze epidemiological characyeristics of gonorrhea reported by Disease Reporting Information System in Qingyuan from 2008 to 2012.Results From 2008 to 2012, a total of 2 557 gonorrhea cases were reported, and the incidence rate ranged from 9.23/100 000 to 16.95/100 000.The annual average incidence rate was 14.23/ 100 000, showing a downward trend. The cases distributed in 8 counties. Qingcheng, Liannan, Fogang and Lianshan had more gonorrhea cases. No seasonal fluctuation in case distribution was observed. The incidence rate of male was higher than that of female(χ2 =217.99,P0.01). Most cases were in the age group of 20 to 40 years old, accounted for 60.15%.and 30.43% of the cases were farmers. Conclusions The gonorrhea showed a downward trend from 2008 to 2012 in Qingyuan City, and sexually active populationare still the focus for prevention and control of gonorrhea.