cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advances in automated nut sorting

Abstract: Nuts in general and tree nuts in particular are a high value crop in many countries. Products with defects, contamination, insects or fungal damage can cause serious losses to producers, so almost all products are subjected to some level of sorting to remove these undesirable products. This chapter focuses on post harvest processing, specifically the advances in the removal of undesired nuts and contaminants from a nut processing stream via automated sorting. Specifically, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer- and acoustics-based sorting systems.
Outcomes and timing for intervention of partial adrenalectomy in patients with a solitary adrenal remnant and history of bilateral phaeochromocytomas.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcomes and timing of intervention for adrenal-sparing surgery in patients left with a solitary adrenal remnant after bilateral adrenal surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were included in the study if they had undergone bilateral adrenal surgery as a treatment for phaeochromocytoma and were left with a solitary adrenal remnant. Perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated in 21 patients who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS There was minimal perioperative morbidity and no perioperative mortality. After a median (range) follow-up of 21 (3-143) months, there were two cases of persistent disease. Ten patients (48%) required steroid supplementation upon discharge, with four subsequently discontinuing this treatment. Patients were more likely to require steroid supplementation after surgery if they underwent simultaneous adrenalectomy and contralateral partial adrenalectomy, rather than staged procedures (86 vs 40%, P = 0.02). Patients who underwent surgery for tumours > 4 cm were more likely to require long-term steroids than patients who underwent surgery for lesions < 4 cm (75 vs 18%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients left with a solitary adrenal remnant after bilateral adrenal surgery have low surgical morbidity, reasonable functional outcomes and low rates of recurrence at an intermediate follow-up period. A staged approach could decrease the immediate postoperative need for steroids, and intervention before the largest tumour reaches 4 cm could decrease the rate of long-term steroid dependence.
Tax Advice for the Second Obama Administration

Delivered January 18, 2013 as the keynote address at a conference cosponsored by Pepperdine Law School and Tax Analysts.
Flexible Modeling of Epidemics with an Empirical Bayes Framework

Seasonal influenza epidemics cause consistent, considerable, widespread loss annually in terms of economic burden, morbidity, and mortality. With access to accurate and reliable forecasts of a current or upcoming influenza epidemic’s behavior, policy makers can design and implement more effective countermeasures. This past year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted the “Predict the Influenza Season Challenge”, with the task of predicting key epidemiological measures for the 2013–2014 U.S. influenza season with the help of digital surveillance data. We developed a framework for in-season forecasts of epidemics using a semiparametric Empirical Bayes framework, and applied it to predict the weekly percentage of outpatient doctors visits for influenza-like illness, and the season onset, duration, peak time, and peak height, with and without using Google Flu Trends data. Previous work on epidemic modeling has focused on developing mechanistic models of disease behavior and applying time series tools to explain historical data. However, tailoring these models to certain types of surveillance data can be challenging, and overly complex models with many parameters can compromise forecasting ability. Our approach instead produces possibilities for the epidemic curve of the season of interest using modified versions of data from previous seasons, allowing for reasonable variations in the timing, pace, and intensity of the seasonal epidemics, as well as noise in observations. Since the framework does not make strict domain-specific assumptions, it can easily be applied to some other diseases with seasonal epidemics. This method produces a complete posterior distribution over epidemic curves, rather than, for example, solely point predictions of forecasting targets. We report prospective influenza-like-illness forecasts made for the 2013–2014 U.S. influenza season, and compare the framework’s cross-validated prediction error on historical data to that of a variety of simpler baseline predictors.
A test for carrion fly full siblings: a tool for detecting postmortem relocation of a corpse.

: We propose a genetic test for full sibship for a pair of carrion flies that could reveal the postmortem relocation of a corpse. A carrion fly larva is sometimes left behind when a corpse is moved. The discovery of full sibling larvae of approximately the same developmental stage at two locations would strongly suggest that a corpse was moved between those two sites. Distributions of pairwise comparisons of relatedness (R) coefficients were generated using amplified fragment length polymorphism profiles for nine samples of laboratory-generated full siblings as well as for a reference sample of nonfull sibling Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The mean relative R coefficient, a pairwise measure of the proportion of shared alleles, was 0.479 (±0.289 SD) for full siblings, close to the theoretical expectation of 0.5. A likelihood ratio (LR) test was based on observed distributions of R. R >0.55 corresponded to an LR >1000 favoring full sibship for that pair of individuals.
Can We Identify a Group of Children at Age 2 Who Are at High Risk for the Development of Behavior or Emotional Problems in Kindergarten and First Grade

A group of 198 children were followed from age 2 through first grade to see how consistent their behavior was across time and across settings. Measures of child behavior in the home were obtained when the children were ages 2, 4, and 5. Classroom behavior was ascertained when the children were in nursery school, kindergarten, and first grade. Correlations between early home and school behavior patterns were all quite low. Only when home and school measures were made close to the same point in time did relationships reach even a moderate level. Behavior within the same setting was more consistent over time than behavior across settings but even here relationships were not strong enough to be clinically useful for making predictions about individual children. It is concluded that early behavior in the home, as measured by these methods and for this population, is not be itself sufficiently predictive of later home or school behavior to warrant identifying the child or his family as being at "high risk" for future problems. Pediatrics 59.971-981, 1977, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, SCREENING, BEHAVIOR, CHILD DEVELOPMENT, HIGH RISK. Language: en
Introduction to a transient world

Concentrating on transients is probably a strategy for selecting important information from the overwhelming amount of data recorded by the senses. Yet, classical signal processing has devoted most of its efforts to the design of time-invariant and space-invariant operators that modify stationary signal properties. This has led to the indisputable hegemony of the Fourier transform, but it leaves aside many information-processing applications. This chapter provides an introduction to a transient world with new mathematical and algorithmic results, while trying to provide an intuitive sense of orientation. The world of transients is considerably larger and more complex than the garden of stationary signals. The search for an ideal Fourier-like basis that would simplify most signal processing is a hopeless quest. Instead, a multitude of different transforms and bases have proliferated, among which wavelets are just one example. The chapter also introduces the reproducible experiment approach based on the WAVELAB and LASTWAVE softwares.
PKCζ Regulates TNF-α--Induced Activation of NADPH Oxidase in Endothelial Cells

Although oxidant generation by NADPH oxidase is known to play an important role in signaling in endothelial cells, the basis of activation of NADPH oxidase is incompletely understood. The atypical isoform of protein kinase C, PKCzeta, has been implicated in the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced oxidant generation in endothelial cells; thus, in the present study, we have addressed the role of PKCzeta in regulating NADPH oxidase function. We showed by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy the presence of the major cytosolic NADPH oxidase subunits, p47(phox) and membrane-bound gp91(phox) in human pulmonary artery endothelial (HPAE) cells. TNF-alpha failed to activate oxidant generation in lung vascular endothelial cells derived from p47(phox-/-) and gp91(phox-/-) mice, indicating the requirement of NADPH oxidase in mediating the oxidant generation in endothelial cells. Stimulation of HPAE cells with TNF-alpha resulted in the phosphorylation of p47(phox) and its association with gp91(phox). Inhibition of PKCzeta by multiple pharmacological and genetic approaches prevented the TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation of p47(phox), and its translocation to the membrane. PKCzeta was shown to colocalize with p47(phox), and inhibition of PKCzeta activation prevented the interaction of p47(phox) with gp91(phox) induced by TNF-alpha. Furthermore, inhibition of association of p47(phox) with gp91(phox) prevented the oxidant generation in endothelial cells. These data demonstrate a novel function of PKCzeta in signaling oxidant generation in endothelial cells by the activation of NADPH oxidase, which may be important in mediating endothelial activation responses.
Public Education Equity and Efficiency in South Africa: Lessons for Other Countries.

Abstract Labor market productivity of education is analyzed by race and compared to investment levels. While investment was highly favorable to whites, more detailed analysis shows interesting allocations within racial groups by type of schooling. Per capita and total investment in general secondary education of black South Africans is neglected relative to university and technical education of the same group, and university subsidies appear inequitable even within the black population. Comparisons to Latin America, from which generic lessons can be drawn, are consistent with an inefficient economy based on populistic politics. A call is made for more informed policy debate about education investment. Policy recommendations include subsidies based on individual need, and not on historic ethnic affiliation; concentration on primary and particularly secondary education of the disadvantaged; and funding and administrative mechanisms that increase efficiency in the system.
A Systematic Approach for Understanding Slater-Gaussian Functions in Computational Chemistry

A systematic way to understand the intricacies of quantum mechanical computations done by a software package known as “Gaussian” is undertaken via an undergraduate research project. These computations involve the evaluation of key parameters in a fitting procedure to express a Slater-type orbital (STO) function in terms of the linear combination of Gaussian-type orbital (GTO) functions. A procedure for the optimization process based on the Newton–Raphson method is developed and is applied to STO-2G and STO-3G basis sets. Satisfactory results obtained by this procedure are used to illustrate the importance of ab initio computations for inclusion in the chemistry or physics undergraduate curriculum. Programming languages such as Python and Maple were employed to obtain the results.
Syntrophic metabolism of a co-culture containing Clostridium cellulolyticum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris for hydrogen production

Abstract Several studies have explored combining fermentative and purple bacteria to increase hydrogen yields from carbohydrates, but the metabolic interaction between these organisms is poorly understood. In an artificial co-culture containing Clostridium cellulolyticum and Rhodopseudomonas palustris with cellulose as the sole carbon source, we examined cell growth kinetics, cellulose consumption, H2 production, and carbon transfer from C. cellulolyticum to R. palustris. When cultured alone, C. cellulolyticum degraded only 73% of the supplied cellulose. However, in co-culture C. cellulolyticum degraded 100% of the total cellulose added (5.5 g/L) and at twice the rate of C. cellulolyticum monocultures. Concurrently, the total H2 production by the co-culture was 1.6-times higher than that by the C. cellulolyticum monoculture. Co-culturing also resulted in a 2-fold increase in the growth rate of C. cellulolyticum and a 2.6-fold increase in final cell density. The major metabolites present in the co-culture medium include lactate, acetate and ethanol, with acetate serving as the primary metabolite transferring carbon from C. cellulolyticum to R. palustris. Our results suggest that the stimulation of bacterial growth and cellulose consumption under the co-culture conditions is likely caused by R. palustris' removal of inhibitory metabolic byproducts (i.e., pyruvate) generated during cellulose metabolism by C. cellulolyticum.
Control of electrochemical reactions at the capillary electrophoresis outlet/electrospray emitter electrode under CE/ESI-MS through the application of redox buffers.

It was found that combining capillary electrophoresis (CE) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) overlays two controlled current techniques to form a three-electrode system (CE inlet, CE outlet/ES emitter, and MS inlet electrodes) in which the CE outlet electrode and the ES emitter electrode were shared between the CE and the ESI-MS circuits. Depending on the polarities and magnitudes of the voltages at the CE inlet, CE outlet/ES emitter, and MS inlet electrodes, the nature of the two redox reactions at the shared electrode was the same or different (both reduction, both oxidation, or one oxidation and the other reduction). Several redox buffers were introduced for controlling electrochemical reactions at the shared electrode. By reacting at this electrode, redox buffers were able to maintain electrode potentials below the onset of water electrolysis, thereby eliminating gas bubble formation and/or pH drift. The volume of the gas generated due to water electrolysis was used to quantitate ...
Tropomyosin binding to F-actin protects the F-actin from disassembly by brain actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)

Brain or muscle F-actin is rapidly depolymerized to monomeric actin in vitro by actin-depolymerizing factor, a protein isolated from chick embryo brain. Binding of muscle tropomyosin to muscle F-actin protects the F-actin from depolymerization by this factor. A 8.4/1.0 molar ratio of actin subunits to tropomyosin, achieved by incubation of the F-actin with excess tropomyosin, protects 58% of the F-actin from depolymerization by excess actin-depolymerizing factor for at least 3 hr at 25 degrees C. Thus, actin-depolymerizing factor seems to be specifically directed toward actin filaments lacking tropomyosin.
Social class gradients in health during adolescence

Study objective: To review existing data on social class gradients in adolescent health and to examine whether such gradients exist in new data concerning US adolescents. Design: Review of relevant publications and unpublished data; regression analyses using adolescent self reported health status data to determine whether there are gradients by social class, using three classes categorised by adolescent reported parental work status and education. Participants: Adolescents of ages 11–17. Main results: Findings from the literature indicate the presence of social class gradients in some but not all aspects of adolescent health. Results from new data showed social class gradients in several domains of health and in profiles of health. The likelihood of being satisfied with one9s health, of being more resilient (better family involvement, better problem solving, more physical activity, better home safety), having higher school achievement, and of being in the best health profiles were significantly and progressively greater as social class rose. Moreover, the probability of being in the poorest health profile type group was progressively higher as social class declined. Conclusions: The review of existing data and the new findings support the existence of social class gradients in satisfaction with one9s health, in resilience to health threats, in school achievement, and in being in the best health overall (as manifested by the health profiles composed of four major domains of health). The study had two especially notable findings: (1) the paucity of studies using the same or similar indicators, and (2) the consistent existence of social class gradients in characteristics related to subsequent health, particularly intake of nutritional foods and physical activity. The sparseness of existing data and the different aspects of health investigated in the relatively few studies underscore the need for (1) the development of conceptual models specifically focused on adolescent health and social class; (2) additional inquiry into the measurement of social class and adolescent perceptions of class; (3) inclusion of contextual variables in study design; and (4) longitudinal cohort studies to better understand the specific determinants of health during adolescence.
Formation of droplets and mixing in multiphase microfluidics at low values of the Reynolds and the capillary numbers

This paper reports an experimental characterization of a simple method for rapid formation of droplets, or plugs, of multiple aqueous reagents without bringing reagents into contact prior to mixing. Droplet-based microfluidics offers a simple method of achieving rapid mixing and transport with no dispersion. In addition, this paper shows that organic dyes at high concentrations should not be used for the visualization of flow patterns and mixing of aqueous plugs in multiphase flows in this system (fluorinated carrier fluid and PDMS microchannels). It reports an inorganic dye that can be used instead. This work focuses on mixing in plugs moving through straight channels. It demonstrates that, when traveling through straight microchannels, mixing within plugs by steady recirculating flow is highly sensitive to the initial distribution of the aqueous reagents established by the eddy flow at the tip of the forming plug (twirling). The results also show how plugs with proper distribution of the aqueous reagents could be formed in order to achieve optimal mixing of the reagents in this system.
The sources of children's source errors in judging causal inferences

Abstract Understanding the source of an inference is critical for regulating inferences and understanding mental process. Four experiments determine if and why young children make source errors in attributing causal inferences to stories rather than to themselves. First, second, and fourth graders listened to short stories containing an inconsistent goal and outcome that invited a causal inference. An inference was probed after each story and then attributed by the subject to self or the story. In Experiments 1 and 2, clues about the inference and the inference probe at test were manipulated to test the representation hypothesis that source errors vary with the likelihood that a story representation in memory contains causal information that matches retrieval cue information. The results were consistent with the hypothesis for all grades. In Experiments 3 and 4, instructions and test delay were manipulated to show that differential access to verbatim information in a story representation contributes to developmental differences in source errors. The results have implications concerning children's inference monitoring and developing theory of mind and about the developmental relation between memory for verbatim information and inference.
Application of epothilones in breast cancer therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The taxanes that target microtubules are among the most active drugs in breast cancer treatment; however, resistance to these agents remains a significant issue for many patients. The epothilones are a novel class of nontaxane, microtubule-targeting agents, currently being evaluated in varying stages of clinical trials. Ixabepilone is the first epothilone analogue to receive US Food and Drug Administration approval in the United States for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and as such will be the primary focus of this review. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple phase II trials evaluating ixabepilone in different populations of patients with metastatic breast cancer as well as a phase III trial in combination with capecitabine have recently been published. SUMMARY Phase II trials clearly demonstrate the activity of single-agent ixabepilone in both taxane-untreated and taxane-treated metastatic breast cancer. Although the highest activity was seen in early lines of therapy, there was also clear evidence of activity in heavily pretreated patients. Ixabepilone has also been evaluated in combination with capecitabine in a randomized, phase III trial demonstrating a benefit for the combination compared with single-agent capecitabine for patients resistant to anthracyclines and taxanes. In general, ixabepilone administered as a single-agent and in combination with capecitabine has been reasonably well tolerated.
Tissue levels of N-n-propylnorapomorphine after treatment with (−)10,11-methylenedioxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine, an orally long-acting prodrug active at central dopamine receptors

Abstract High performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to assay N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA) and other aporphines. Pretreatment of rats with (−)10,11-methylenedioxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (MDO-NPA) yielded dose-dependent increases in tissue levels of NPA after oral or parenteral administration. Cerebral levels of NPA significantly paralleled the stereotyped behavioral effects produced by MDO-NPA at several doses and times. Pretreatment with the microsomal oxidase inhibitor SKF-525A (see Methods) prevented these behavioral effects of MDO-NPA and blocked the formation of NPA in vivo. These results support the suggestion that MDO-NPA is a uniquely orally effective and relatively long-acting aporphine which acts at cerebral dopamine receptors as a prodrug of NPA.
Effects of monsoons on the seasonal and spatial distributions of POC and chlorophyll in the Arabian Sea

The Arabian Sea is of special interest because of annual reversals in the atmospheric forcing that lead to large seasonal variations in biogeochemical cycles. A series of cruises spanning an annual monsoonal cycle was conducted in the Northern Arabian Sea as part of the 1995 U.S. Joint Global Ocean Flux Study. Distributions of particulate organic carbon (POC) and chlorophyll a were determined via transmissometers and fluorometers. Throughout the year concentrations were generally high near the coast and decreased offshore. Spatial distributions were patchy and were influenced strongly by mesoscale features. Seasonal variations of the standing stock of POC and chlorophyll a in the upper 100 m at some locations were of the same order of magnitude as spatial variations across the basin and were greatly affected by nutrient concentrations and mixed layer depths. Integrations of chlorophyll a and POC to 100 m revealed much less uniform seasonal and spatial variations than expected. In fact, in many locations the standing stock of POC and chlorophyll a to 100 m unexpectedly showed higher values during the Spring Intermonsoon than during the Southwest Monsoon because a ubiquitous subsurface layer of POC and chlorophyll a existed deeper than could be detected by satellite color sensors.
Therapy of noncardiac chest pain: Is there a role for surgery?

Esophageal distention, motor abnormalities, or exposure of the esophageal mucosa to acidic gastric juice can cause chest pain indistinguishable from that of myocardial ischemia in patients with and without coronary artery disease. In these situations the exact cause of the symptom needs to be established prior to any surgical therapy. An antireflux procedure relieves chest pain in patients with increased esophageal acid exposure more reliably than medical therapy. The best results are obtained in patients in whom a direct correlation of the symptom with reflux episodes can be documented on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal motility monitoring shows that esophageal motor disorders are a less frequent cause of noncardiac chest pain than suggested by standard manometry or provocation tests. Furthermore, chest pain episodes in patients with esophageal motor abnormalities are not associated with single contractions of excessively high amplitude or duration. Rather, the symptom appears to be triggered by an increased frequency of simultaneous, multipeaked, and repetitive motor activity. In appropriately selected patients with chest pain and dysphagia secondary to an esophageal motor abnormality, a long esophageal myotomy eliminates the ability of the esophagus to produce these contractions, reduces or eliminates dysphagia, and decreases the frequency and severity of chest pain episodes.
Influence of Training and Experience on Selecting Criteria to Evaluate Medical Care

To determine whether training and experience affect the selection of process criteria for evaluating medical care, three groups of physicians (family physicians, general pediatricians, and pediatricians specializing in infectious disease) were sent a questionnaire asking their opinions about various clinical actions in 125 clinical situations concerning respiratory infections in infants. Five hundred and twenty-four (54 per cent) physicians returned completed questionnaires. The three groups agreed in 93 (74 per cent) situations, especially about history taking, physical examination, and follow-up observation. Disagreements occurred most often regarding antibiotic use. Of the three groups, the family physicians selected the most extensive list of recommended actions including the greatest number of indications for antibiotics. The general pediatricians selected the fewest situations requiring history taking, physical examination and diagnostic tests. The infectious-disease pediatricians felt the greatest necessity to record history and physical-examination items but were the most restrictive in recommending antibiotics and other drugs.
Enhancing learning by using writing in history of mathematics

Upper division mathematics students taking a course in history of mathematics were divided into two equal groups. One of the groups kept journals throughout the course while the other group did not. The object of the study was to determine whether journal writing would increase learning. The group keeping journals scored significantly higher than the other group on the examination covering the first half of the course, but only marginally higher on the examination covering the second half of the course.
Minimally invasive laparotomy for treatment of neonatal ovarian cysts.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The optimal management of neonatal simple ovarian cysts greater than 4 cm is not known. The authors describe a safe, simple, definitive surgical technique. Methods: We report 5 cases of simple ovarian cysts greater than 4 cm treated at the authors' institution between 1998 and 1999. All initial ultrasound findings were consistent with simple ovarian cysts greater than 4 cm. All patients underwent minimally invasive laparotomy. Length of operation ranged between 28 and 49 minutes. There were no intraoperative nor postoperative complications. The operation did not delay discharge. All patients were taking enteral nutrition and required no analgesia by postoperative day 1. No patient had recurrence of the ovarian cysts when screened by ultrasound scan at 4 months of age. Conclusion: Minimally invasive laparotomy provides a safe, definitive treatment for neonatal ovarian cysts greater than 4 cm. J Pediatr Surg 36:868-869. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
What is regenerative medicine? Emergence of applied stem cell and developmental biology

Regenerative medicine is an emerging, but still poorly defined, field of biomedicine. The ongoing ‘regenerative medicine revolution’ is based on a series of new exciting breakthrough discoveries in the field of stem cell biology and developmental biology. The main problem of regenerative medicine is not so much stem cell differentiation, isolation and lineage diversity, although these are very important issues, but rather stem cell mobilisation, recruitment and integration into functional tissues. The key issue in enhancing tissue and organ regeneration is how to mobilise circulating stem and progenitor cells and how to provide an appropriate environment (‘niche’) for their tissue and organo-specific recruitment, ‘homing’ and complete functional integration. We need to know more about basic tissue biology, tissue regeneration and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tissue turnover (both cellular and extracellular components) at different periods of human life and in different diseases. Systematic in ...
Nascent Noise Reduction Strategies for Underwater Vehicles

Noise reduction concepts applicable to small underwater vehicles and in the nascent stages of research, are considered. These questions are asked. How to lower the propulsor rotational rate while maintaining forward speed? How to reduce blade tonal? How to supplant the propulsor drive train, which is the main source of hull vibration and radiated noise? The highlights of progress in passive and active approaches are reviewed. The approaches are inspired by unsteady high lift principles employed in flying and swimming animals and by emerging artificial muscle technology.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Apolipoprotein E and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

ContextApolipoprotein E (APOE) genetic variation has been implicated in diabetic nephropathy with the e2 allele increasing and the e4 allele decreasing risk. APOE allelic associations with chronic kidney disease beyond diabetic nephropathy are unknown, with no studies reported in high-risk African American populations.ObjectiveTo quantify the risk of chronic kidney disease progression associated with APOE in a population-based study including white, African American, diabetic, and nondiabetic individuals.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsProspective follow-up (through January 1, 2003) of Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants, including 3859 African American and 10 661 white adults aged 45 to 64 years without severe renal dysfunction at baseline in 1987-1989, sampled from 4 US communities.Main Outcome MeasuresIncident chronic kidney disease progression, defined as hospitalization or death with kidney disease or increase in serum creatinine level of 0.4 mg/dL (35 μmol/L) or more above baseline, examined by APOE genotypes and alleles.ResultsDuring median follow-up of 14 years, chronic kidney disease progression developed in 1060 individuals (incidence per 1000 person-years: 5.5 overall; 8.8 in African Americans and 4.4 in whites). Adjusting for major chronic kidney disease risk factors, e2 moderately increased and e4 decreased risk of disease progression (likelihood ratio test, P = .03). Further adjustment for low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides did not attenuate relative risks (RRs) (e2: 1.08 [95% CI, 0.93-1.25] and e4: 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75-0.95] compared with e3; likelihood ratio test, P = .008). e4 decreased risk of end-stage renal disease (RR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.43-0.84]). e2 was associated with a decline in renal function (RR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.02-1.53]), though not with events, such as hospitalizations or end-stage renal disease. Risks were similar stratified by race, sex, diabetes, and hypertension (all P values for interaction >.05). Excess risk of chronic kidney disease in African Americans was not explained by APOE alleles.ConclusionsAPOE variation predicts chronic kidney disease progression, independent of diabetes, race, lipid, and nonlipid risk factors. Our study suggests that nonlipid-mediated pathways, such as cellular mechanisms of kidney remodeling, may be involved in the association of APOE alleles and progression of chronic kidney disease.
Distribution of economic impacts from proposed conservation measures in the U.S. Atlantic menhaden fishery

Abstract Impacts from proposed regulation in the U.S. Atlantic menhaden industry are examined in this paper. The regulations are proposed because of concerns that fishing pressure has been too intense on juvenile menhaden. The impacts are examined by a bio-economic model using a time-dynamic and geography-specific framework. The results indicate that a shorter fishing season would redistribute catches and income to states north of the Chesapeake Bay at a gradual rate; states to the south of Chesapeake Bay would experience relatively large losses in catch and income in the first 2 years of a shorter season, but have a small decline permanently. The whole industry would experience a net gain, but the gainers and losers are clearly delineated spatially and temporally.
High prevalence of metabolic syndrome in first-degree male relatives of women with polycystic ovary syndrome is related to high rates of obesity.

Context: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have twice the risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) compared to women from the general population. Mothers and sisters of affected women also have an increased prevalence of MetS. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of MetS in fathers and brothers of women with PCOS compared to men from the general population. Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study at academic medical centers. Participants: A total of 211 fathers and 58 brothers of women with PCOS were studied and compared to 1153 and 582 Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES III) men of similar age and race/ethnicity, respectively. Main Outcome Measure: We measured MetS prevalence. Results: The prevalence of MetS was increased in fathers (42 vs. 32%; P = 0.006) and brothers (22 vs. 9%; P = 0.001) compared to NHANES III men. Fathers and brothers had higher body mass index (BMI) than NHANES III men (P < 0.0001). MetS rates were similar in fathers and brothers compared to NHANES III groups after adjusting for BMI. Total testosterone was inversely related to MetS in both fathers and brothers, but this relationship was also accounted for by the higher BMI in male relatives. Conclusion: Male relatives of women with PCOS had increased prevalence rates of MetS and obesity compared to the general U.S. male population from NHANES III. In contrast to women with PCOS and their female relatives, the higher prevalence of MetS in male relatives was accounted for by elevated BMI. These findings suggest that the high rates of MetS in male relatives of women with PCOS are related to higher rates of obesity than the general population.
Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in a previously healthy adolescent

Abstract Infections endocarditis is occasionally a complication of Staphylococcus aureus sepsis in previously well individuals with no heart disease or history of intravenous drug use. We report a case of a 16 year old who developed Staphylococcal sepsis and endocarditis probably as the result of neglected paronychia of her toes. Despite adequate antibiotic therapy, the infectious process destroyed her aortic valve, thereby producing aortic regurgitation complicated by cerebral embolism. Aoritc valve replacement surgery was required. Endocarditis should always be sought with S. aureus bacteremia. Intravenous high-dose antibiotic therapy for at least 4 weeks is the recommended therapy.
Two distinct translesion synthesis pathways across a lipid peroxidation-derived DNA adduct in mammalian cells.

Translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) of damaged DNA templates is catalyzed by specialized DNA polymerases. To probe the cellular TLS mechanism, a host-vector system consisting of mouse fibroblasts and a replicating plasmid bearing a single DNA adduct was developed. This system was used to explore the TLS mechanism of a heptanone-etheno-dC (H-edC) adduct, an endogenous lesion produced by lipid peroxidation. In wild-type cells, H-edC almost exclusively directed incorporation of dT and dA. Whereas knockout of the Y family TLS polymerase genes, Polh, Polk, or Poli, did not qualitatively affect these TLS events, inactivation of the Rev3 gene coding for a subunit of polymerase ζ or of the Rev1 gene abolished TLS associated with dA, but not dT, insertion. The analysis of results of the cellular studies and in vitro TLS studies using purified polymerases has revealed that the insertion of dA and dT was catalyzed by different polymerases in cells. While insertion of dT can be catalyzed by polymerase η, κ, and ι, insertion of dA is catalyzed by an unidentified polymerase that cannot catalyze extension from the resulting dA terminus. Therefore, the extension from this terminus requires the activity of polymerase ζ-REV1. These results provide new insight into how cells use different TLS pathways to overcome a synthesis block.
A coherent/Compton scattering method employing an x-ray tube for measurement of trabecular bone mineral content

Comments on a paper by P. Puumalainen et al. (see ibid., vol.27, p.425-9, 1982). That paper indicated that the measured coherent/Compton scatter ratio is proportional to the third power of the effective atomic number (Z3). The present authors however feel that this is not the case.
Oxygen-18 isotope shifts on the 13C nuclear magnetic resonance of metal carbonyl derivatives

Abstract The oxygen-18 isotope shifts on the natural abundance 13 C spectra of oxygen-18 enriched samples of W(CO) 8 and W(CO) 5 PPh 3 have been observed to be 0.040 ppm (0.61 Hz at 15.03 MHz) upfield from that of a 13 C nucleus bearing an oxygen-16 atom.
Interaction Between Vancomycin and Rifampin Against Staphylococcus aureus

By the time-kill method, vancomycin and rifampin were antagonistic against 43 of 50 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, whether susceptible or resistant to methicillin.
An evaluation of worker assignment policies in dual resource-constrained job shops with heterogeneous resources and worker transfer delays

Abstract The focus of this study is on investigating worker assignment policies in dual resource constrained (DRC) job shops which include features such as the presence of heterogeneous resources and worker transfer delays between different departments. Previous studies on DRC systems have not modelled a shop which includes these design features simultaneously, although both of them would be present in many actual DRC environments. Several worker assignment policies that can be expected to work well in such environments are proposed and tested. Results indicate that in most DRC shops that have heterogeneous resources and finite transfer delays, decentralized assignments which delay the transfer decisions improve system performance. Additionally, two different task selection rules are shown to be very robust in giving good performance across a wide range of DRC environments modelled in the study.
Colocalization of 15-lipoxygenase mRNA and protein with epitopes of oxidized low density lipoprotein in macrophage-rich areas of atherosclerotic lesions.

Abstract Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) enhances its atherogenicity, and inhibition of such oxidation decreases the rate of progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The mechanism of LDL oxidation in vivo remains uncertain, but in vitro studies have suggested that cellular lipoxygenases may play a role by initiating lipid peroxidation in LDL. In situ hybridization studies using a 15-lipoxygenase riboprobe and immunostaining using antibodies against 15-lipoxygenase showed strongly positive reactivity largely confined to macrophage-rich areas of atherosclerotic lesions. Polymerase chain reaction with 15-lipoxygenase-specific oligonucleotides and restriction enzyme digestions of the amplified fragment were used to confirm the presence of 15-lipoxygenase message in the reverse-transcribed lesion mRNA. Immunostaining with antibodies reactive with oxidized LDL (but not with native LDL) indicated that the lipoxygenase colocalizes with epitopes of oxidized LDL, compatible with a role for macrophage lipoxygenase in the oxidation of LDL in vivo. Since oxidized LDL is chemotactic for blood monocytes, early lesions might progress at a markedly accelerated rate because of further recruitment of more monocytes which, in turn, would increase further the rate of oxidation of LDL. These data suggest that therapy targeted to block macrophage lipoxygenase activity might decrease the rate of development of atherosclerotic lesions.
Yield, Digestibility, and Chemical Composition of Endophyte Free and Infected Tall Fescue

Utilization of low-endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams) cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) has been shown to improve animal performance; however, insufficient information is available on the direct effects of endophyte infection on the productivity and composition of tall fescue herbage. A 2-yr field study was conducted to assess the effects of A. coenophialum infection on the yield, digestibility, and chemical composition of tall fescue. Endophyte-free (EF) and endophyte-infected (El) plots for each of two tall fescue cultivars (Kenhy and Kentucky 31) were established in August 1985 on a Maury silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalt) soil. Dry matter yields were determined for three harvests made in 1986 and 1987. Total N, fiber composition, and in vitro rate and extent of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestion were determined on samples of first and second harvest forage. Dry matter yields were not affected by infection status and averaged 0.80 and 0.83 Mg ha⁻¹ in 1986 and 1.69 and 1.79 Mg ha⁻¹ in 1987 for EF and El tall fescue, respectively. Endophyte infection status had no effect on the rate or extent of NDF digestion. Rate of NDF digestion averaged 0.056 and 0.055 h⁻¹ for EF and El tall fescue, respectively. Endophytic infection also had no influence on the N concentration or fiber composition of tall fescue. The results of this study suggests that A. coenophialum does not have a significant effect on the digestibility or chemical composition of tall fescue. Contribution of the Dep. of Agron., Kentucky Agric. Exp. Stn. Article no. 89-3-127.
Dopamine receptor subtypes in renal brush border and basolateral membranes

Dopamine receptor subtypes in renal brush border and basolateral membranes. Dopamine (DA) modulates renal tubular sodium transport by actions at both brush border (BBM) and basolateral membranes (BLM). DA receptors have been demonstrated in proximal tubule but the subtype of DA receptor in either BBM or BLM has not been determined. DA-1 receptors were quantitated by the specific binding of 125 I-SCH 23982, a DA-1 antagonist (defined by 20 µM SCH 23390, a DA-1 antagonist) and DA-2 receptors by the specific binding of 3 H-methyl-spiroperidol or 3H-spiroperidol (defined by 30 µM trifluperidol, a predominantly DA-2 antagonist). The specific binding of 125 I-SCH 23982 and 3 H-methyl-spiroperidol or 3 H-spiroperidol were saturable with time and ligand concentration and reversible. Analysis of Rosenthal plots by non-linear regression revealed a high affinity site and a very low affinity site for both BLM and BBM. Maximum receptor density was similar in BBM and BLM. Competition experiments with 125 I-SCH 23982 revealed high and low affinity binding sites in both BBM and BLM. The high affinity site was characteristic of a DA-1 receptor. Competition experiments with 3 H-spiroperidol were also suggestive of DA-2 receptors. DA-1 but not DA-2 drugs increased adenylate cyclase and phospholipase-C activities in both BBM and BLM. However, their effects were greater in BLM than BBM. We conclude that DA-1 and DA-2 receptors are present in both BBM and BLM in canine kidney. Renal DA-1 receptors are linked to stimulation of both adenylate cyclase and phospholipase-C activity.
Evaluation of the reported association of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or disorder with Tourette's disorder.

Abstract This review evaluates the evidence reporting an association of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with Tourette's syndrome or disorder (TS). Published reports in the literature describing a relationship between OCS-OCD and TS provided the data for the review. The methodological adequacy of the studies are discussed and rated on five criteria: adequacy of the experimental sample, presence and adequacy of the control sample, whether tics are defined as OCS-OCD, whether blind procedures are used to diagnose OCS-OCD in subjects and controls, and evidence for the reliability and validity of OCS-OCD measures. Although there are considerable clinical indications suggesting an association of OCS-OCD with TS and chronic motor tic disorder (CMT), and a possible overlap between OSC-OCD and TS, our evaluation of the evidence does not provide adequate support for an association between these disorders. To meaningfully evaluate the possible relationship between OCS-OCD and TS requires development of specific criteria for classification of OCS-OCD-TS symptoms, use of adequate experimental and control samples, blind evaluation, reliable and valid measures of OCS-OCD-TS, and appropriate statistical analysis. If such studies are performed, it is possible that the strong relationship reported between OCS-OCD and TS is more likely to be artifact than fact, and recent bandwagon effect rather than the latest break-through.
Comparison of live versus online bioreadiness training programs for nurses

BACKGROUND /OBJECTIVES: The center for biological defense at a university in south Florida has developed a training program entitled “Bioreadiness for Nurses.” It was designed to incorporate into nursing school curricula in Florida. In the past year, it has been delivered in an online CD-ROM format and in a live format, both via the same instructor, to a variety of nursing programs throughout the state. The purpose of this evaluation was to compare the effectiveness and user satisfaction of the two formats. METHODS: Attendees at live programs as well as participants in the online courses were administered identical pre-tests before beginning the course and post-tests upon completion of the course. In addition, identical course evaluations were administered upon course completion to both groups. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results of pre- and post-tests and course evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 469 attendees completed pre- and post-tests, 324 in live programs and 145 in online programs. Based on repeated measures analysis of variance, there was a significant increase in knowledge scores between pre-test (mean = 6.15, SD = 1.90) and post-test (mean = 8.63, SD = 1.26) for all participants (F = 329.89, DF = 1, p CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was evidence that an increase in knowledge regarding bioreadiness occurred after the course and that participant satisfaction ranked between good and excellent for both formats. Nursing bioreadiness programs will continue to use both formats along with recommendations from attendees for modification and improvements.