cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Ground Water Vulnerability using an Integrated GIS-based neuro-fuzzy techniques

There is a need to develop new modeling techniques that assess ground water vulnerability with less expensive data and which are robust when data are uncertain and incomplete. Incorporation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a modeling approach that is robust has the potential for creating a successful modeling tool. The specific objective of this study was to develop a model using Neuro-fuzzy techniques in a GIS to predict ground water vulnerability. The Neuro-fuzzy model was developed in JAVA using four plausible parameters deemed critical in transporting contaminants in and through the soil profile. These parameters include soil hydrologic group, depth of the soil profile, soil structure (pedality points) of the soil A horizon and landuse. The model was validated using nitrate-N concentration data. The majority of the highly vulnerable areas predicted by the model coincided with agricultural landuse, moderately deep to deep soils, soil hydrologic group C (moderately low Ksat) and high pedality points (high water transmitting properties of the soil structure). The proposed methodology has potential for facilitating ground water vulnerability modeling at a regional scale and can be used for other regions, but would require incorporation of appropriate input parameters suitable for the region. This study is the first step toward incorporation of Neurofuzzy techniques, GIS, GPS and remote sensing in the assessment of ground water vulnerability from non-point source contaminants.
Airplanes, redundancy and lunar habitats

As engineers, we work under the assumptions that we can analyze and design anything with an acceptable level of reliability, given enough time and resources. We also extrapolate our design experiences into new domains, as much as possible, trying to learn lessons from successful designs and applying these to new, different, and perhaps more complex, projects. In many ways, we can learn from the technological evolution of airplanes. Over the past hundred years, airplanes have developed from simple wooden structures built by one or two people using standard materials, to becoming one of the most complex and successful – reliable – structures humans have conceived and built. Perhaps the most complex and successful, given that tens of thousands of people put themselves into these structures daily and survive. The airplane passenger is safer than the automobile passenger.
Integrating quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine student resistance to active learning

Engineering education researchers are increasingly integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods to study learning and retention in engineering. While quantitative methods can provide g...
Diurnal and developmental differences in gene expression between adult dispersing and flightless morphs of the wing polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus: Implications for life-history evolution

Abstract The functional basis of life history adaptation is a key topic of research in life history evolution. Studies of wing-polymorphism in the cricket Gryllus firmus have played a prominent role in this field. However, prior in-depth investigations of morph specialization have primarily focused on a single hormone, juvenile hormone, and a single aspect of intermediary metabolism, the fatty-acid biosynthetic component of lipid metabolism. Moreover, the role of diurnal variation in life history adaptation in G. firmus has been understudied, as is the case for organisms in general. Here, we identify genes whose expression differs consistently between the morphs independent of time-of-day during early adulthood, as well as genes that exhibit a strong pattern of morph-specific diurnal expression. We find strong, consistent, morph-specific differences in the expression of genes involved in endocrine regulation, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and immunity – in particular, in the expression of an insulin-like-peptide precursor gene and genes involved in triglyceride production. We also find that the flight-capable morph exhibited a substantially greater number of genes exhibiting diurnal change in gene expression compared with the flightless morph, correlated with the greater circadian change in the hemolymph juvenile titer in the dispersing morph. In fact, diurnal differences in expression within the dispersing morph at different times of the day were significantly greater in magnitude than differences between dispersing and flightless morphs at the same time-of-day. These results provide important baseline information regarding the potential role of variable gene expression on life history specialization in morphs of G. firmus, and the first information on genetically-variable, diurnal change in gene expression, associated with a key life history polymorphism. These results also suggest the existence of prominent morph-specific circadian differences in gene expression in G. firmus, possibly caused by the morph-specific circadian rhythm in the juvenile hormone titer.
Do Initial Symptom Factor Scores Predict Subsequent Impairment Following Concussion

OBJECTIVE Symptom factors present during the first week following concussion may predict subsequent concussion outcomes and recovery duration. We hypothesized that a high loading on cognitive-fatigue-migraine and somatic factors would be predictive of neurocognitive impairment following concussion. We also hypothesized that the affective factor would be related to vestibular symptoms and impairment. DESIGN Prospective repeated measures. SETTING Concussion specialty clinic. PARTICIPANTS Athletes aged 13 to 20 years diagnosed with a concussion within the past 7 days. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE Symptom factors at the initial visit 1 to 7 days after injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Symptom factor score, neurocognitive testing, and vestibular/ocular motor assessment at the second visit (2-4 weeks after injury). RESULTS The somatic symptom factor from the initial visit was significant (P 0.05) at the second visit. The cognitive-migraine-fatigue and affective symptom factors predicted symptom burden at the second visit (P < 0.001) but did not predict recovery time (P = 0.200). CONCLUSIONS The somatic symptom factor during the first week after injury predicted symptom provocation during vestibular/ocular screening at 2 to 4 weeks after injury. Specifically, higher scores on somatic symptom factor at the initial visit predicted worse symptom reporting for all vestibular/ocular screening components at the second visit. Patients with higher scores on the cognitive-migraine-fatigue and affective symptom factors at the initial visit predicted total symptom burden at the second visit.
Muscle Conditions Affecting Sport Horses

Optimal function of skeletal muscle is essential for successful athletic performance. Even minor derangements in locomotor muscle function will impact power output, coordination, stamina, and desire to work during exercise. In this review, the presenting clinical signs, differential diagnoses, approach to diagnostic testing and treatment of muscle atrophy and weakness, focal muscle strain, and exertional myopathies are discussed. Exertional myopathies include polysaccharide storage myopathies, recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, malignant hyperthermia, and myofibrillar myopathy.
Employment Policies for the Multiperiod Monopolist–Monopsonist with Implications for Macroeconomic Control

The theory of a multiperiod monopolist incurring nonseparable labor adjustment costs is developed when investment is irreversible. Optimal input stocks are shown to exist and be unique in any period for any finite horizon model. Optimal input policies are characterized by considering the difference between initial stocks and optimal ones in each period. The sensitivity of disequilibrium policies to parametric changes is examined. A potentially dangerous result for macroeconomic policy makers is derived under recessionary conditions. Even though the optimal labor stock is negatively related to changes in the discount rate, the optimal labor policy is positively related to such changes. Hence, in recessionary situations, decreases in the interest rate may weaken present employment demand from the multiperiod monopolist–monopsonist. This result is attributable to a horizon effect that operates only in disequilibrium situations. Under our assumptions and in contrast to other work, several well-known comparative static results are derived, and a link between the durability of capital and employment policies is demonstrated.
An architecture for constructing large VRML worlds

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) offers capabilities far beyond the virtual exploration of solid models. The scripting capabilities and the execution mechanism enable the creation of complex applications. Indeed, applications can be implemented as a collection of modules interacting in a decentralized fashion, communicating through the exchange of messages. In this paper, an architecture is presented for creating large VRML worlds. The architecture includes a definition of functional modules that serve as the foundation for the application. In addition, object model architectures are structured into three layers that separate pure behavior from editing controls and also from the interface to the visualization, supporting module diversity and reuse. An urban planning example application is presented that incorporates these ideas and features a graphical user interface (GUI), collision management, a simple simulation manager, and an interface to a web server. Finally, several object examples are described followed by a presentation of an example session.
A diffuser language: Designing quadratic residue diffuser arrays with shape grammars

This paper presents research on a rule-based approach to designing creative acoustic diffuser arrays. A shape grammar-influenced design method is specified that uses shape rules to recursively design arrays of quadratic residue diffusers (QRD) in a way that is neither mechanical nor deterministic. Shape grammar-based generative systems have already been shown to be capable of being used in architecture and engineering to create languages of functional objects but have not yet been extended into the realm of acoustics. The grammar presented by this paper produces a QRD-based acoustic diffusion language that breaks habits in QRD deploying techniques, which is lacking outside of using known equations that give known forms. The grammar can include different design frequencies and open the possibilities of different and non-uniform, intentional diffusion treatment. This paper will specify and demonstrate the formation rules, and discuss on how in combination with material specifications, this design method can...
Erythema nodosum in a postpartum primigravida: a case report.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is an uncommon panniculitis that is characterised by the eruption of erythematous, tender cutaneous nodules. Lesions are typically found on the extensor surfaces of the lower ...
In Rare Form: A Pictorial History of Baseball Evangelist Billy Sunday/The Sawdust Trail: Billy Sunday in His Own Words

Reviews of: "In Rare Form: A Pictorial History of Baseball Evangelist Billy Sunday," by W. A. Firstenberger, and "The Sawdust Trail: Billy Sunday in His Own Words," by William A. "Billy" Sunday.
Connectivity of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations in a highly fragmented urban landscape

Urbanization is a substantial force shaping the genetic and demographic structure of natural populations. Urban development and major highways can limit animal movements, and thus gene flow, even in highly mobile species. Characterizing varying species responses to human activity and fragmentation is important for maintaining genetic continuity in wild animals and for preserving biodiversity. As one of the only common and wide-ranging large wild herbivores in much of urban North America, deer play an important ecological role in urban ecosystems, yet the genetic impacts of development on deer are not well known. We assessed genetic connectivity for mule deer to understand their genetic response to habitat fragmentation, due to development and highway barriers, in an increasingly urbanized landscape. Using non-invasive sampling across a broad region of southern California, we investigated genetic structure among several natural areas that were separated by major highways and applied least-cost path modelling to determine if landscape context and highway attributes influence genetic distance for mule deer. We observed significant yet variable differentiation between subregions. We show that genetic structure corresponds with highway boundaries in certain habitat patches, and that particular landscape configurations more greatly limit gene flow between patches. As a large and highly mobile species generally considered to be well adapted to human activity, mule deer nonetheless showed genetic impacts of intensive urbanization. Because of this potential vulnerability, mule deer and other ungulates may require further consideration for effective habitat management and maintenance of landscape connectivity in human-dominated landscapes.
Clinical Outcomes and Economic Impact of Starting Hemodialysis with a Catheter after Predialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Creation.

Background Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease frequently undergo arteriovenous fistula creation prior to reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but some initiate hemodialysis with a central vein catheter, if their fistula is not yet usable. The clinical consequences of the delay in fistula use have not been quantified in such patients. We compared patients with pre-ESRD fistula surgery who initiated dialysis with a catheter versus a fistula in terms of the frequency of post-dialysis vascular access procedures and complications and their economic impact. Methods We identified 205 patients with predialysis fistula creation from 2006 to 2012 at a large dialysis center who started hemodialysis within the ensuing 2 years. Of these, 91 (44%) initiated dialysis with a catheter and 114 (56%) with a fistula. We compared these 2 groups in terms of their annual frequency of percutaneous vascular access procedures, surgical access procedures, total access procedures, hospitalizations due to catheter-related bacteremia, and overall cost of vascular access management. Results The 2 groups were similar in demographics, comorbidities, and fistula type. As compared to patients initiating dialysis with a fistula, those initiating with a catheter had a significantly greater annual frequency of percutaneous access procedures (1.29 [1.19-1.40] vs. 0.75 [0.68-0.82]), surgical access procedures (0.69 [0.61-0.76] vs. 0.59 [0.53-0.66]), total access procedures (1.98 [1.86-2.11] vs. 1.34 [1.26-1.44]), and hospitalizations due to catheter-related bacteremia (0.09 [0.07-0.12] vs. 0.02 [0.01-0.03]). Patients initiating dialysis with a catheter incurred a median overall annual cost of access management that was USD 2,669 higher (USD 6,372 [3,121-12,242) vs. USD 3,703 [1,867-6,953], p = 0.0001). Conclusion Among patients with predialysis fistula creation, those initiating dialysis with a catheter versus a fistula had substantially more frequent percutaneous, surgical, and total vascular access procedures, as well as hospitalizations due to catheter-related bacteremia. The annual cost of access management was substantially higher in those initiating dialysis with a catheter.
Control of bubble ζ-potentials to improve the kinetics of bubble-particle interactions

Abstract Derjaguin and Dukhin (1961) developed a kinetic model for the bubble-particle interactions in flotation using the classical DLVO theory. According to the model, the energy barrier (E1) to flotation should increase with the square of particle ζ-potential due to the increase in the repulsive electrical double-layer (EDL) forces in the thin liquid films (TLFs) of water confined between the two dissimilar surfaces. In the present work, surface force measurements have been conducted by monitoring the changes in local curvatures of the air bubbles approaching flat silica surfaces of varying contact angles, while controlling the bubble ζ-potentials in alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (CnTACl) solutions of varying chain lengths and concentrations. The results show that the kinetics of film thinning and contact angle formation increased with decreasing energy barriers. It has been found, however, that E1 = 0 is not the sufficient condition for maximum kinetics, as the bubble-particle interaction continued to improve with further increases in the negative disjoining pressure in the TLFs. These findings can be attributed to the increase in the hydrodynamic forces in TLFs due to the increases in the attractive EDL and hydrophobic forces. The fundamental information obtained in the present work may be useful for developing novel flotation reagents and designing more efficient flotation machines.
Hedge Fund Regulation, Performance, and Risk-Taking: Re-Examining the Effect of the Dodd-Frank Act

This paper examines the effect of the Dodd-Frank Act (“Dodd-Frank”) on the profits and risk-taking of the hedge fund industry. Dodd-Frank subjects most hedge funds to government inspections, requires them to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and imposes a number of disclosure and compliance obligations. According to the SEC and other authorities, these measures were intended to protect investors from misrepresentation of fund performance and increase the control of systemic risk; but the industry opposed the law, claiming that compliance costs would substantially affect the profitability of the industry and that the new obligations were unnecessary given the relatively sophisticated nature of hedge fund investors. The empirical evidence on the effect of Dodd Frank on profitability and risk-taking, however, is limited. This paper, therefore, contributes to filling this gap. The results show that, relative to a control group of funds that were already regulated or largely exempted from regulation, the newly regulated funds experienced a significant decrease in reported profits but not in risk (as proxied by volatility). The funds that became subject to the obligation to file Form PF (a new form created as part of the implementation of Dodd-Frank, which focuses on performance and volatility data) actually experienced a decrease in risk, but this result should only be interpreted as suggestive given some limitations of the data. In addition, the analysis suggests that the decline in reported profits among the newly regulated funds was not driven by compliance costs, as predicted by the industry. Rather, the results indicate that the decline can be reasonably attributed to greater conservativism in financial reporting. Taken together, the results contradict some commentators’ suggestion that the reduction in reported returns following Dodd-Frank represents a “partial government failure.”
Genetic Factors Associated With Opioid Therapy and Opioid Addiction

Abstract Many opioids are metabolized via CYP2D6 enzyme, which is subjected to much genetic polymorphism. For certain drugs such as codeine, it must be converted into morphine by the action of CYP2D6 for pharmacological action because most analgesic effect of codeine is due to it metabolite morphine. In addition, polymorphisms of genes encoding opioid receptors are associated with not only success of pain management therapy using opioids but also may increase vulnerability of some individuals to opioid abuse. In addition, polymorphisms of genes encoding other neurotransmitter systems may increase susceptibility of certain individuals for drug or alcohol abuse. However, no single gene that is directly linked to drug and or alcohol abuse has been identified. Currently, link between polymorphism of CYP2D6 gene with response to opioid therapy has been well established. However, other genetic components associated with opioid use disorder are not fully characterized. However, polymorphisms of genes encoding various receptors and transporters and their potential association with opioid abuse have been addressed in this chapter.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and problematic alcohol use: The explanatory role of drinking motives

Abstract The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the unique explanatory role of alcohol use motives above the effects of each other, using a multiple mediation model, for the relationship between obsessive–compulsive symptomatology and problematic alcohol use among a young ethno-racially diverse sample of college students with current (past-month) alcohol use. Participants were 454 college students (81.72% female, Mage = 22.46, SD = 4.71). Results indicated that coping motives significantly explained the relationship between obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and alcohol consumption (past year), risky drinking, and recent alcohol use (past month) as behavioral indices of problematic drinking after controlling for the variance accounted for by recent cannabis use, smoking, and anxiety and depressive symptoms (with small to medium effect sizes). These findings are discussed in terms of the development of specialized treatments to specifically target coping oriented alcohol use motives in the context of obsessive–compulsive symptoms among young adults with clinically significant OCD symptoms and comorbid problematic alcohol use.
The School-to-Gang Pipeline: Examining the Impact of School Suspension on Joining a Gang for the First Time:

This study draws on labeling and routine activity theory to examine whether being suspended from school is associated with subsequent gang membership onset. With data from the National Longitudinal...
Enhancing the Electrical Properties of Inkjet-Printed Silver Ink by Electrolyte Sintering, Photonic Sintering, and Electroless Plating

Conductive inkjet printing is an emerging rapid manufacturing technology in the field of smart clothing and wearable electronics. The current challenge in conductive inkjet printing includes upgrading of electrical performance of printed inks to the equivalent level to traditional conductors such as bulk silver and copper, especially for high-performance electronic applications such as flexible antennas and circuits. Post-treatments are commonly employed to enhance the electrical conduction of inkjet-printed tracks. This research discusses the effects of electrolyte sintering, photonic sintering and electroless copper plating on the DC electrical resistance and resistivity of inkjet-printed silver nanoparticles. From experimental results and measurements, it was found that all the post-treatment methods effectively improved the electrical properties of printed silver ink, but in different ways. The lowest resistance of 4.5 Ω (in 0.1 mm × 10 mm) and thickest (4.5 μm) conductor were achieved by electroless copper plating, whereas the lowest resistivity (7.5×10-8 Ω•m) and thinnest (1.0 μm) conductor were obtained by photonic sintering.
Cytotoxic and apoptotic data of BPA and BPA alternatives TMBPF, BPAF, and BPS in female adult rat and human stem cells.

Abstract Here, we used female adult rat adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) to compare the toxicities and potencies of several widespread environmental toxins that may be endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA), and the newer BPA alternatives bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol AF (BPAF), and tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF). Adult stem cells were cultured to 80% confluency in vitro and then exposed to BPA (1 and 10 µM), 17β-estradiol (E2; 10 µM), BPS (1 and 10 µM), BPAF (3 × 10−3–30 µM), TMBPF (0.01–50 µM), or control media alone (with 0.01% ethanol) for varying time intervals from 20 min to 5 hrs. Using several cellular assays, the levels of cell death, apoptosis, caspase-6 activation, and potencies were compared across chemical treatments and vehicle-treated controls. There was significantly decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in rat and human stem cells treated with each BPA analog, as early as 20 min of exposure, and at low doses. With higher magnification, higher resolution imaging it was evident that in many of the BPA analog-treated cells, the Apopxin Deep Red dye indicative of apoptosis was localized to the cytoplasmic compartments of cells, while the nuclear green DCS1 dye indicative of late-stage apoptosis and necrosis was localized to the nuclei of cells. Notably, BPAF and TMBPF showed cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner (BPAF LC50 = 0.014 µM (rASCs) and 0.009 µM (hASCs); TMBPF LC50 = 0.88 µM (rASCs) and 0.06 µM (hASCs); lethal concentration with 50% survival). The rank order of potency was BPAF>TMBPF>BPA>BPS. The majority of cell death was due to apoptosis as indicated by high levels of activated caspase-6 in the cytoplasm of almost 100% of cells treated with the BPA analogs. This data allows for further confirmation of caspase-6-mediated apoptosis using higher magnification imaging that definitively demonstrate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of these BPA analogs. For a complete description, interpretation, and discussion of the data refer to the article in press [1] .
A history of DMIST and its implications - Limited resources should be better spent

Abstract Randomized, Controlled Trials (RCT), the most rigorous tests of efficacy, had proven that mammography screening reduces deaths by early detection. This had been validated in studies that showed that screening in the community also resulted in fewer deaths. Film mammography (FM) had been replaced by Xeroradiography (XM) which had been replaced by Screen/Film Mammography (SFM) which was being replaced by Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM). The FDA required FFDM to undergo a Premarket Approval (PMA) instead of the usual 510 K required for conversion for other x-ray studies to digital imaging. In addition, the FDA was going to require that even after a PMA, the FFDM systems were going to have to undergo a post approval RCT comparison to SFM. Experience and science were able to convince the FDA that a post-approval trial was not needed, and the requirement was dropped. Congress, however, had earmarked $25 million to support the trial that was no longer required. It appears that the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) was undertaken to take advantage of the earmarked money and was used to compare SFM to FFDM for cancer detection. The historical issues involved with DMIST provide an important background for the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). Just as the monies for DMIST could have been better spent on an RCT of MRI for screening, the monies for TMIST could be better spent to improve our ability to detect more breast cancers at a time in their growth when cure may be possible.
Hydrolytically Sensitive Fiber-Forming Bioresorbable Polymers

There are many different resorbable polymer systems based on different degradation mechanisms, and having a range of physical and mechanical properties. This chapter covers those polymers that are fiber forming and hydrolytically sensitive. Mechanical properties, resorption profile, and medical applications for these polymers have been discussed.
A torque balance measurement of anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility in white matter

Purpose Recent MRI studies have suggested that the magnetic susceptibility of white matter (WM) in the human brain is anisotropic, providing a new contrast mechanism for the visualization of fiber bundles and allowing the extraction of cellular compartment-specific information. This study provides an independent confirmation and quantification of this anisotropy. Methods Anisotropic magnetic susceptibility results in a torque exerted on WM when placed in a uniform magnetic field, tending to align the WM fibers with the field. To quantify the effect, excised spinal cord samples were placed in a torque balance inside the magnet of a 7 T MRI system and the magnetic torque was measured as function of orientation. Results All tissue samples (n = 5) showed orienting effects, confirming the presence of anisotropic susceptibility. Analysis of the magnetic torque resulted in reproducible values for the WM volume anisotropy that ranged from 13.6 to 19.2 ppb. Conclusion The independently determined anisotropy values confirm estimates inferred from MRI experiments and validate the use of anisotropy to extract novel information about brain fiber structure and myelination. Magn Reson Med 74:1388–1396, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measles Virus Defective Interfering RNAs Are Generated Frequently and Early in the Absence of C Protein and Can Be Destabilized by Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA-1-Like Hypermutations

ABSTRACT Defective interfering RNAs (DI-RNAs) of the viral genome can form during infections of negative-strand RNA viruses and outgrow full-length viral genomes, thereby modulating the severity and duration of infection. Here we document the frequent de novo generation of copy-back DI-RNAs from independent rescue events both for a vaccine measles virus (vac2) and for a wild-type measles virus (IC323) as early as passage 1 after virus rescue. Moreover, vaccine and wild-type C-protein-deficient (C-protein-knockout [C KO ]) measles viruses generated about 10 times more DI-RNAs than parental virus, suggesting that C enhances the processivity of the viral polymerase. We obtained the nucleotide sequences of 65 individual DI-RNAs, identified breakpoints and reinitiation sites, and predicted their structural features. Several DI-RNAs possessed clusters of A-to-G or U-to-C transitions. Sequences flanking these mutation sites were characteristic of those favored by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-1 (ADAR1), which catalyzes in double-stranded RNA the C-6 deamination of adenosine to produce inosine, which is recognized as guanosine, a process known as A-to-I RNA editing. In individual DI-RNAs the transitions were of the same type and occurred on both sides of the breakpoint. These patterns of mutations suggest that ADAR1 edits unencapsidated DI-RNAs that form double-strand RNA structures. Encapsidated DI-RNAs were incorporated into virus particles, which reduced the infectivity of virus stocks. The C KO phenotype was dominant: DI-RNAs derived from vac2 with a C KO suppressed the replication of vac2, as shown by coinfections of interferon-incompetent lymphatic cells with viruses expressing different fluorescent reporter proteins. In contrast, coinfection with a C-protein-expressing virus did not counteract the suppressive phenotype of DI-RNAs. IMPORTANCE Recombinant measles viruses (MVs) are in clinical trials as cancer therapeutics and as vectored vaccines for HIV-AIDS and other infectious diseases. The efficacy of MV-based vectors depends on their replication proficiency and immune activation capacity. Here we document that copy-back defective interfering RNAs (DI-RNAs) are generated by recombinant vaccine and wild-type MVs immediately after rescue. The MV C protein interferes with DI-RNA generation and may enhance the processivity of the viral polymerase. We frequently detected clusters of A-to-G or U-to-C transitions and noted that sequences flanking individual mutations contain motifs favoring recognition by the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-1 (ADAR1). The consistent type of transitions on the DI-RNAs indicates that these are direct substrates for editing by ADAR1. The ADAR1-mediated biased hypermutation events are consistent with the protein kinase R (PKR)-ADAR1 balancing model of innate immunity activation. We show by coinfection that the C-defective phenotype is dominant.
Computational analysis of storage synthesis in developing Brassica napus L. (oilseed rape) embryos: flux variability analysis in relation to 13C metabolic flux analysis

Plant oils are an important renewable resource, and seed oil content is a key agronomical trait that is in part controlled by the metabolic processes within developing seeds. A large-scale model of cellular metabolism in developing embryos of Brassica napus (bna572) was used to predict biomass formation and to analyze metabolic steady states by flux variability analysis under different physiological conditions. Predicted flux patterns are highly correlated with results from prior 13C metabolic flux analysis of B. napus developing embryos. Minor differences from the experimental results arose because bna572 always selected only one sugar and one nitrogen source from the available alternatives, and failed to predict the use of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Flux variability, indicative of alternative optimal solutions, revealed alternative pathways that can provide pyruvate and NADPH to plastidic fatty acid synthesis. The nutritional values of different medium substrates were compared based on the overall carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) for the biosynthesis of biomass. Although bna572 has a functional nitrogen assimilation pathway via glutamate synthase, the simulations predict an unexpected role of glycine decarboxylase operating in the direction of NH4+ assimilation. Analysis of the light-dependent improvement of carbon economy predicted two metabolic phases. At very low lightmore » levels small reductions in CO2 efflux can be attributed to enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase) and glycine decarboxylase. At higher light levels relevant to the 13C flux studies, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity is predicted to account fully for the light-dependent changes in carbon balance.« less
Test of cure for gonorrhea in teenagers: Who complies and does continuity of care help?

This study evaluates factors influencing test of cure (TOC) compliance for gonorrhea in teenagers attending a public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. The efficacy of providing continuity of care to improve the TOC rate is also evaluated. Overall, females complied better (54%) than males (33%), and younger males better than older males (greater than 16 years of age). Of patients with a prior history of gonorrhea, the TOC rates were significantly higher for those who had previously kept their TOC appointment. Continuity of care did not improve the TOC rate, but initial contact with a clinician appeared to influence the return rate of female adolescents. Male adolescents will apparently require a different intervention strategy to improve their appointment keeping.
Hypocholesterolemic properties of plant indoles: Inhibition of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity and reduction of serum LDL/VLDL cholesterol levels by glucobrassicin derivatives

Studies were undertaken to investigate the effects of the plant compound indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its acid condensation products, which are generated in the stomach following ingestion of I3C, on cholesterol homeostasis in mice. Individual acid condensation products were synthesized and purified by HPLC. In vitro experiments revealed that several of the acid condensation products effectively inhibited the enzyme acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), which is responsible for the conversion of free cholesterol to the cholesteryl ester, at micromolar concentrations. Since the inhibition of ACAT in vivo should reduce serum cholesterol levels, I3C was administered to mice, and the effects on serum cholesterol levels were evaluated. Total serum cholesterol levels were elevated by 29% in mice provided a 3% cholesterol-supplemented diet, but this elevation was attenuated significantly (P < or = 0.05) by approximately 50% when I3C (100 mg/kg/day) was added to this diet. This effect of I3C was entirely on low density lipoprotein (LDL)/very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, which was lowered significantly (P < or = 0.05) by approximately 30%. In summary, I3C lowered serum LDL/VLDL cholesterol levels in mice, and this effect was likely mediated by the inhibition of ACAT by some of the acid condensation products of I3C. These results provide a possible mechanism by which I3C-rich vegetables lower serum cholesterol levels.
Pore-Filled Nanoporous Silica Colloidal Films with Enantioselective Permeability†

We prepared nanoporous silica colloidal films whose nanopores were filled with polymer brushes containing chiral selector moieties in the side chains, or with a chiral polypeptide. Both types of polymers were grown inside the nanopores using surface-initiated polymerization and thus were covalently attached to the nanopore surface. We studied the enantioselective permeation in the resulting pore-filled films and found that they possess a relatively high enantioselectivity. Increasing the number of chiral selectors inside the nanopores and preventing through solution diffusion by pore-filling with polymers did not lead to increased enantioselectivity compared to that observed for silica colloidal films whose nanopores were surface-modified with a monolayer of chiral selectors. This suggests that the enantioselectivity depends solely on the energy difference between the enantiomer/selector complexes and that through solution diffusion plays a minor role in the transport of enantiomers, which occurs predominantly through site hopping.
Gender in Interruptive Turns at Talk-in-Interaction

In this paper, gender and its role in interruptive turns at talk-in-interaction are examined. Research on the topic of gender in interaction and gender and interruption reflects a tension between essentialist and contextual views. Using the research methods of conversation analysis, this paper examines interruptions in a transcript of a conversation between a male and a female speaker. This examination of the form and function of the interruptions appears to support the idea that gender as a construct is situated rather than fixed.
Identification of an obese eating style in 4-year-old children born at high and low risk for obesity.

This study tested whether children's eating behavior and parental feeding prompts during a laboratory test meal differ among children born at high risk (HR) or low risk (LR) for obesity and are associated with excess child weight gain. At 4 years of age, 32 HR children (mean maternal prepregnancy BMI = 30.4 kg/m2) and 29 LR children (maternal BMI = 19.6 kg/m2) consumed a test meal in which their eating behavior was assessed, including rate of caloric consumption, mouthfuls/min, and requests for food. Parental prompts for the child to eat also were measured at year 4, and child body composition was measured at ages 4 and 6 years. T-tests, and logistic and multiple regression analyses tested study aims. Results indicated that HR and LR children did not differ in eating rate or parental feeding prompts. Greater maternal BMI, child mouthfuls of food/min, and total caloric intake/min during the test meal predicted an increased risk of being overweight or obese at age 6, whereas greater active mealtime was associated with a reduced risk of being overweight or obese. Regression analyses indicated that only mouthfuls of food/min predicted changes in BMI from 4 to 6 years, and mouthfuls of food/min and gender predicted 2-year changes in sum of skinfolds and total body fat. Thus, a rapid eating style, characterized by increased mouthfuls of food/min, may be a behavioral marker for the development of childhood obesity.
Preterm premature rupture of membranes and abruptio placentae: is there an association between these pregnancy complications?

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether the incidence of abruptio placentae is increased in pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes and to assess whether certain clinical risk factors in this group predispose them to have abruptio placentae. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study over a 2.5-year period was performed. The study group consisted at 756 singleton pregnancies between 20 and 36 weeks' gestation complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes and managed expectantly. The control group consisted of 11,240 pregnancies not complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes and delivered during the same time period. The incidence of abruptio placentae was compared between the two groups. The study group of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes wa further subdivided into cases with (n = 38) and without abruptio placentae (n = 718) and compared. Clinical factors such as admission amniotic fluid index, history of bleeding before or after rupture of membranes, incidence of intrapartum fetal distress, and low 5-minute Apgar scores ( RESULTS: The incidence of abruptio placentae in the study grouop ( 387 756 , 5%) was significantly higher than that in the control group ( 97 11 , 240, 0.9%) (p 18 38 , 46% vs 49 718 7%, p CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes that are managed expectantly are at significant risk for abruptio placentae. Preterm premature rupture of membranes n such cases is more often preceded by bleeding. These abruptions may predispose the patient to intrapartum fetal distress.
Developments of α-bungarotoxin receptors in cultured chick ciliary ganglion neurons

Abstract We have maintained embryonic chick ciliary ganglion neurons in dissociated cell culture and studied the progressive appearance of surface receptors for [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin. Cultures were established from 8-day-old embryos and fed a medium supplemented with 180 μg/ml of a soluble protein extract prepared from the eye, the target organ for the ciliary ganglion. Approximately 8064 neurons survived per ganglion and there was no evident loss of neurons through two weeks in culture. Binding of [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin was determined at room temperature on intact cells still attached to their coverslips. Non-specific binding was less than 2% of the total. Specific binding of [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin was saturable with respect to both time of incubation (20–30 min) and concentration of toxin (5–10 nM), with an apparent K d = 1.0 nM. Binding sites for [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin increased during the first week in culture from 1.8 fmol per 10 4 neurons at 1 day in vitro (DIV) to 8.6 fmol per 10 4 neurons at 7 DIV, after which the number of sites seemed to plateau. Light microscopic autoradiography was performed on cultures at 4 DIV and showed most of the grains associated with the surfaces of neuronal cell bodies, while scattered grains occurred over neuronal processes. When compared with previous reports on the in vivo development of α-bungarotoxin receptors in chick ciliary ganglia, the appearance of receptors in these cultured neurons followed a time course similar to, but at lower levels than, their in vivo counterparts. Nevertheless, this culture system should prove useful for the study of questions concerning the regulation, surface distribution and intracellular pathways of neuronal α-bungarotoxin receptors.
Detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens type A isolates in American retail foods.

Currently there is only limited understanding of the reservoirs for Clostridium perfringens type A food poisoning. A recent survey (Y.-T. Lin and R. Labbe, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 69:1642-1646, 2003) of non-outbreak American retail foods did not identify the presence of a single C. perfringens isolate carrying the enterotoxin gene (cpe) necessary for causing food poisoning. The present study revisited this issue, using revised methodology and food sampling strategies. In our survey, cpe-positive C. perfringens isolates were detected in ∼1.4% of ∼900 surveyed non-outbreak American retail foods. Interestingly, those enterotoxigenic isolates in non-outbreak foods appear indistinguishable from C. perfringens isolates known to cause food poisoning outbreaks: i.e., the enterotoxigenic retail food isolates all carry a chromosomal cpe gene, are classified as type A, and exhibit exceptional heat resistance. Collectively, these findings indicate that some American foods are contaminated, at the time of retail purchase, with C. perfringens isolates having full potential to cause food poisoning. Furthermore, demonstrating that type A isolates carrying a chromosomal cpe gene are the enterotoxigenic isolates most commonly present in foods helps to explain why these isolates (rather than type A isolates carrying a plasmid cpe gene or cpe-positive type C or D isolates) are strongly associated with food poisoning outbreaks. Finally, since type A chromosomal cpe isolates present in the surveyed raw foods exhibited strong heat resistance, it appears that exceptional heat resistance is not a survivor trait selected for by cooking but is instead an intrinsic trait possessed by many type A chromosomal cpe isolates.
Relative Contributions of Bone Density, Bone Turnover, and Clinical Risk Factors to Long‐Term Fracture Prediction

Long-term fracture prediction using bone mineral density remains controversial, as does the additional contribution from assessing bone turnover or clinical risk factors. We measured bone mineral density at various sites, along with biochemical markers of bone turnover, sex steroid levels, and over 100 clinical variables, at baseline on an age-stratified sample of 304 Rochester, MN women in 1980. The 225 postmenopausal women were subsequently followed for 3146 person-years (median, 16.2 years per subject), wherein they experienced 302 new fractures: 81% resulted from minimal or moderate trauma and 60% of these involved the proximal femur, thoracic or lumbar vertebrae, or distal forearm. Accounting for multiple fractures per subject, these osteoporotic fractures together were best predicted by baseline femoral neck bone mineral density (age-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per SD decrease, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10–1.70); 19 moderate trauma forearm fractures were best predicted by distal radius bone mineral content, whereas 28 hip fractures and 100 vertebral fractures were best predicted by femoral neck bone mineral density. Femoral neck bone mineral density performed comparably in predicting osteoporotic fracture risk within the first decade of follow-up (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.10–1.74) as well as more than 10 years after baseline (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05–1.84). The older biochemical markers were not associated with fractures, but serum “free” estradiol index was independently predictive of short- and long-term fracture risk. Consistent clinical risk factors were not identified, but statistical power was limited. Identifying patients at increased long-term risk of fracture is challenging, but it is reassuring that femoral neck bone mineral density can predict osteoporotic fractures up to 20 years later.
Electron microscopic and enzyme histochemical studies of cerebellum, ocular and skeletal muscles in chronic progressive ophthalmoplegia with cerebellar ataxia

Electron microscopic and enzyme histochemical studies were performed on the cerebellum and the ocular and deltoid muscles from a 38 year old woman who developed bilateral ptosis at the age of nine years. Histologically the cerebellum appeared normal. The biopsies of three ocular muscles showed varying sizes of muscle fibers which were rounded and contained increased numbers of subsarcolemmal nuclei. The deltoid muscle stained by hematoxylin and eosin appeared normal, but the trichrome stain showed increased numbers of red granules within the sarcolemma corresponding ultrastructurally to increased numbers of abnormal mitochondria. These abnormal mitochondria displayed increased reaction products with LDH, NADH and SDH preparations, while the muscle gave normal reaction in phosphorylase, PAS and myosin ATP preparations. Chemical studies on the cerebellum showed normal proteolipids, glycolipids and phospholipids. Ultrastructurally, the cerebellum, the myofibers of three ocular muscles and the deltoid muscle exhibited abnormal mitochondria which showed peculiarly arranged circular cristae. They frequently contained paracrystalline structures which consisted of individual tubules arranged in a helical pattern. Frequently, the abnormal mitochondria were replaced by dense rectangular inclusions and occasionally showed complete transition to crystalline structures.