cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Production of β-Lactoglobulin and Orotic Acid with Lactose in Bovine Mammary Cell Cultures: Effects of Cell Density and Constituent Inhibition

Abstract Abilities to accumulate β -lactoglobulin and orotic acid were compared to lactose in dispersed cell cultures of lactating bovine mammary tissue. The inverse of the amount accumulated of each milk constituent at a given time in the culture medium was a linear function of the inverse of the cell density. The amount of lactose had no effect on its own subsequent accumulation, but added orotic acid and β -lactoglobulin inhibited their own production. The accumulation of certain milk constituents in the culture medium is a factor in the expression and loss of normal function in the in vitro cultures which may be related to the observed effects of milk accumulation in vivo on the rate of milk synthesis and mammary involution.
Adolescent Sibling Bereavement: An Ongoing Attachment

A taxonomy of the adolescent sibling bereavement process was developed from the responses of 157 bereaved adolescents to the question "If you could ask or tell your dead sibling something, what would it be?" The taxonomy had six mutually exclusive categories: regretting, endeavoring to understand, catching up, reaffirming, influencing, and reuniting. Pervasive throughout the taxonomy was the theme of "ongoing attachment"; that is, the emotional and social bond with the deceased sibling remains continuous throughout the bereavement process. The notion of ongoing presence illustrates the timelessness of adolescent bereavement and the infiniteness of the sibling bond. The phenomena of "ongoing presence" and timelessness challenge current medical science conceptualizations of bereavement that postulate that grief is time bound and that healthy recovery depends on severance of emotional bonds with the deceased. Qualitative and quantitative studies are needed to develop a substantive theory of adolescent siblin...
A living systems process analysis of a public transit system

This article examines how living systems theory can be applied at the level of the organization to assess the effectiveness of an urban public transit authority. Living systems process analysis was utilized to survey and analyze department ratings of information and matter/energy processing. Evaluations were compared among departments which rated high and low on effectiveness criteria, such as meeting goals and objectives. Results showed significant differences between groups on many living system processes, and revealed problems which required remedial action. The methodology and findings of the study are discussed.
Electrostatic ion instabilities in the presence of parallel currents and transverse electric fields

The electrostatic ion instabilities are studied for oblique propagation in the presence of magnetic field-aligned currents and transverse localized electric fields in a weakly collisional plasma. The presence of transverse electric fields result in mode excitation for magnetic field aligned current values that are otherwise stable. The electron collisions enhance the growth while ion collisions have a damping effect. These results are discussed in the context of observations of low frequency ion modes in the auroral ionosphere by radar and rocket experiments.
WEIGHING CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES: MAXIMUM EXPECTED COVERAGE VERSUS ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION

Decision makers involved in land acquisition and protection often have mul- tiple conservation objectives and are uncertain about the occurrence of species or other features in candidate sites. Models informing decisions on selection of sites for reserves need to provide information about cost-efficient trade-offs between objectives and account for incidence uncertainty. We describe a site selection model with two important conser- vation objectives: maximize expected number of species represented, and maximize the likelihood that a subset of endangered species is represented. The model uses probabilistic species occurrence data in a linear-integer formulation solvable with commercial software. The model is illustrated using probabilistic occurrence data for 403 terrestrial vertebrates in 147 candidate sites in western Oregon, USA. The trade-offs between objectives are explicitly measured by incrementally varying the threshold probability for endangered species representation and recording the change in expected number of species represented. For instance, in the example presented here, we found that under most budget constraints, the probability of representing three endangered species can be increased from 0.00 (i.e., no guaranteed protection) to 0.90 while reducing expected species representation ;2%. However, further increasing the probability of endangered species representation from 0.90 to 0.99 results in a much larger reduction in species representation of ;14%. Although the numerical results from our analysis are specific to the species and area studied, the meth- odology is general and applicable elsewhere.
Prolonged Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Response to B Cell Receptor Stimulation Promotes B Cell Activation and Proliferation

We have investigated the intracellular sources and physiological function of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in primary B cells in response to BCR stimulation. BCR stimulation of primary resting murine B cells induced the rapid production of ROS that occurred within minutes and was maintained for at least 24 h after receptor stimulation. While the early production of ROS (0-2 h) was dependent on the Nox2 isoform of NADPH oxidase, at later stages of B cell activation (6-24 h) ROS were generated by a second pathway, which appeared to be dependent on mitochondrial respiration. B cells from mice deficient in the Nox2 NADPH oxidase complex lacked detectable early production of extracellular and intracellular ROS after BCR stimulation but had normal proximal BCR signaling and BCR-induced activation and proliferation in vitro and mounted normal or somewhat elevated Ab responses in vivo. In contrast, neutralizing both pathways of BCR-derived ROS with the scavenger N-acetylcysteine resulted in impaired in vitro BCR-induced activation and proliferation and attenuated BCR signaling through the PI3K pathway at later times. These results indicate that the production of ROS downstream of the BCR is derived from at least two distinct cellular sources and plays a critical role at the later stages of B cell activation by promoting sustained BCR signaling via the PI3K pathway, which is needed for effective B cell responses to Ag.
Assessing the Use of Call Surveys to Monitor Breeding Anurans in Rhode Island

Our objective was to develop a long-term monitoring program that quantified anuran population trends in Rhode Island. Because road-based, manual call surveys are widely used in North America to monitor anurans, we assessed the efficacy of using this method to monitor the impact of anthropogenic change of anuran populations in the state. We quantified interspecific variation in calling chronology, calling frequency, and calling intensity at 31 breeding ponds in southern Rhode Island in 1998. Four distinct sampling periods were needed to monitor the seven species we detected. During a species' peak sampling period, males of some species called only sporadically within our 16-min surveys, such as pickerel frogs (Rana palustris), whereas other species called continually [spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) and green frogs (Rana clamitans)]. Based on accumulation curves, we suggest that call surveys in Rhode Island be conducted for 10-min at breeding ponds to have a high probability of detecting all species. Assuming we conduct one call survey annually during the four sampling periods, a power analysis estimated that we need to conduct 283 or 690 10-min surveys annually to detect 10% or 5% annual declines, respectively, to monitor most anurans in Rhode Island. Common species that are widespread and call frequently could be monitored with road-based call surveys. However, rarer species or those that call infrequently would be difficult to monitor with call surveys in Rhode Island; therefore other monitoring methods might be more appropriate.
The immunobiology of photodynamic therapy: the potential for therapeutic intervention in lung cancer.

Studies have shown that photodynamic therapy (PDT) causes or enhances an antitumor immune response. Moving from a mouse model in lung cancer to a translational approach, researchers are conducting an ongoing observational study to determine whether the immune response in patients with lung cancer treated with PDT is mediated by a T-cell phenotype, which may result in decreased tumor size and potentially improve survival. Preliminary findings focus on certain inflammatory cytokines that may be predictive of these T-cell phenotypes, such as interleukin (IL)-12, IL-4, T-regulatory cells, and T helper 17 cells. Correlation of the immunobiology of PDT associated with outcomes and surrogate markers may allow clinicians to predict improvement in patients treated with PDT and improve prognostic counseling. (JNCCN 2012;10[Suppl 2]:S27–S30)
Effects of logging activities on selected soil physical and hydraulic properties for a claypan landscape

Abstract Previous studies have shown that once compacted, forest soils often recover slowly over many decades to pre-disturbed levels for soil properties such as bulk density or penetrometer resistance. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selected harvesting techniques on soil physical and hydraulic properties. The effects of logging roads, log landing areas, and logged areas on soil properties of water retention, saturated hydraulic conductivity (KSat), pore-size distributions, and bulk density were investigated on harvested sites within the Mark Twain National Forest in Callaway County, Missouri, USA on claypan landscape with a moderately well-drained Keswick soil (fine, smectitic, mesic Aquertic Chromic Hapludalfs). Soil cores (7.6 cm by 7.6 cm) were removed in four 10-cm depth increments. Bulk density was significantly greater (P 1000 μm diameter) and coarse mesopores (60 to 1000 μm diameter) combined, values were 131% greater for the logged area compared to logging road and log landing areas within the 0 to 10 cm depth. From this study, the methods used in the logged area appear to have caused small changes to soil physical and hydraulic properties; however, significant changes to these properties occurred for logging road and the log landing areas.
Split Ticket Voting and Social Networks in New and Established Democracies: A Quasi-Experiment in the 1990 German Unification Elections

When deciding to cast a split ticket ballot, voters in established democracies can rely on their experience with democracy and long term party attachments to guide their voting behavior. However, voters in new democracies do not have these individual level sources of information and motivation, and may instead rely on information from their social networks. Using the 1990 Cross-National Election Project German Unification election study, I examine the information sources West and East Germans use when splitting their ballot. I find that political disagreement within a social network is much more influential in decisions to cast a split ticket ballot for East German voters, while individual-level traits, particularly party attachment, play a greater role for West German voters. These findings indicate that, in absence of competition between individual-level information sources, network characteristics may have a profound impact on political decision-making.
The challenges of diaspora migration: interdisciplinary perspectives on Israel and Germany

The extent to which migrants integrate in their new society is at the centre of policy decisions and social science research. Within the vast literature on this topic, the integration of diaspora m...
Fetal bovine serum: a multivariate standard.

SummaryChemical and endocrine parameters were investigated in commercially available fetal bovine sera intended for use as culture media supplements. A high degree of serum variability was present both within and between suppliers in all major categories investigated. It is suggested that caution be employed in the interpretation of results from experiments utilizing serum supplements without specific quantitation of possible interfering or modulating factors.The authors thank Dr. H. A. Tucker for the bovine growth hormone and bovine prolactin RIA and Dr. P. Foa for the total and pancreatic glucagon RIA.
Demonstration of bacteroides capsules by light microscopy and ultrastructural cytochemistry.

Forty-six anaerobic gram-negative bacilli, including 26 members of the Bacteroides fragilis group (BFG), were examined for capsules by the India ink technic. Thirty-five were encapsulated, including all the BFG strains. As a follow-up, seven of these isolates and two previously studied reference strains (B. fragilis ATCC 23745 and Bacteroides vulgatus ATCC 8482) were examined for capsules by ultrastructural cytochemistry. Using the periodic acid thiocarbohydrazide silver proteinate (PATCSP) method of Thiery, all the BFG examined were encapsulated. In addition to the reference strains, this included one strain of B. fragilis and four of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. One non-BFG strain showed no capsular material. Differences between these results and those reported previously with the ruthenium red technic may reflect species differences in the chemical composition of Bacteroides capsules.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF OUTLET FLOW FIELD OF DRB-4Z TYPE DUAL CHANNEL SWIRL BURNER

The influence of primary air velocity and external overfire air blade angle on outlet flow field was simulated by CFX soft ware,taking the single DRB-4Z dual channel swirl burner of a power plant as an example.Results indicate that,properly reducing the primary air speed can enlarge the recirculation zone,but too low the speed will weaken the later stage mixing of primary and secondary air,which goes against the stable ignition of pulverized coal.With an increase in external secondary air blade angle,the flame length increases significantly,postponing the blending of external secondary air and the primary air,decreasing the ignition stability,and causing slagging on the waterwall opposite the burner.As the outer secondary air blade angle decreases,the swirl strength reduces,and the reduction of the highest axial and tangential velocity of the pulverized coal accelerates.Too small angle of the outer secondary air causes the formation of recirculation zone in the center of flame tail,which has adverse effect on the combustion stability and shortens the service life of the burner.
Freshwater Crayfish: A Potential Benthic-Zone Indicator of Nanosilver and Ionic Silver Pollution

Nowadays, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are utilized in numerous applications, raising justified concerns about their release into the environment. This study demonstrates the potential to use freshwater crayfish as a benthic-zone indicator of nanosilver and ionic silver pollution. Crayfish were acclimated to 20 L aquaria filled with Hudson River water (HRW) and exposed for 14 days to widely used Creighton AgNPs and Ag+ at doses of up to 360 μg L–1 to surpass regulated water concentrations. The uptake and distribution of Ag in over 650 exoskeletons, gills, hepatopancreas and muscles samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in conjunction with two complementary U.S. EPA-endorsed methods: the external calibration and the standard additions. Reflecting the environmental plasticity of the two investigated species, Orconectes virilis accumulated in a dose-dependent manner more Ag than Procambarus clarkii (on average 31% more Ag). Both species showed DNA damag...
Lecture 25: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Pediatrics, Part 2

Early treatment of clubfoot usually results in an essentially normal foot. Artificial aids for function may be of value in amyoplasia congenita. In mild cases, stretching of tight structures may be helpful. Muscle-strengthening exercises may improve joint stability in cutis hyperelastica; braces may be needed for walking. Numerous reports claim that in most cases, early proper treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip results in a relatively normal acetabulum without dislocation.
Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Skin: An Immunohistochemical Analysis of 30 Cases

Summary In this study the immunohistochemical analysis of distinct morphologic variants of benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) of the skin was performed with immunoperoxidase technique for both lysozyme and alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). Thirty cases including cellular, fibrous and xanthomatous variants of BFH were selected. Out of the total 6 cases (20%) showed positive staining only for A1AT, 3 cases (10%) only for lysozyme and 10 (33.3%) for both markers. Thus, 19 cases (63.3%) showed positive staining for one of both markers. Positive staining was higher in the cellular variant than the fibrous and xanthomatous types. Negative staining of tumors of definite histiocytic morphology may be interpreted as a variable enzymatic expression of different histiocytic activation and/or undetectable enzymatic content by the current techniques. These results are in accordance with our previous evolutional hypothesis of BFH which considered the cellular tumors as functionally more active variants evolving to less cellular, more fibrous and less active types. Current histogenetic concepts about this controversial group of skin neoplasms are discussed.
Temperature dependent solubility of gold nanoparticle suspension/solutions

We present measurements of the temperature dependence of thermally reversible solubility for a nanoparticle (NP) suspension/solution. The NPs were gold with an average diameter of 5.5 nm, ligated with dodecanethiol. The solvent was a toluene–dodecanethiol mixture. Analysis of the temperature dependence yielded an enthalpy of dissolution of ΔHd = 20.9 kJ per mole NP. Under the assumption that the NP superlattice solid that dissolves to yield the NP solution is a van der Waals solid, the implied melting temperature was found to be unrealistically high. However, under the same assumption, the minimum of the interparticle potential derived from the data agreed fairly well with a previously presented phenomenological model for the potential. Although the activity coefficient could not be determined due to the lack of a known melting temperature for the NP superlattice solid, any finite melting temperature implied a huge activity coefficient. Scatchard–Hildebrand theory cannot explain the data because the data extrapolate to negative temperatures at a NP mole fraction equal to one. However, the very large activity coefficient was ascribed to the very large molar volume of the NP system, consistent with that theory.
Developing a Lasallian Inspired Practice: Tools for Faculty Development

The project considered discussion points from two years of a Lasallian Pedagogy study group (2010-2012), the writings of The Christian Brothers, faculty and organizational development processes from SMU faculty research conducted in the San Miguel Schools (Peckover, 2004; 2005; 2006a; 2006b; 2006c; 2010; 2013), and from the educational research literature underpinning the National Board of Teaching’s Best Practices Standards. The goal was to create two practical tools for reflection on practice, wedding core Lasallian values and practices with current educational research on best teaching practices. As a result of the project, a Faculty Planning and Reflection Guide was created that any new or existing faculty member in P12 and higher education could use. It is designed to help the faculty member consider important questions in how they are meeting the needs of learners using Lasallian inspired pedagogy embedded in a best practices teaching framework. In addition, a second tool, the Formal Class Observation Guide was created considering the same tenets. The formal observation guide serves colleagues, administrators, or other mentors in focusing their coaching development of the teaching qualities that a faculty member has been intentionally developing in an ongoing faculty development process.
Good Distribution, Bad Delivery, and Ugly Politics: The Traumatic Beginnings OfGermany's Health Care System

In December 1931, a major reform of the Bismarckian health care system in Germany was passed into law. It was soon abrogated by the Nazi regime, but it was resuscitated largely intact after World War II to become the basis of the German system today. Intense class, professional, and partisan conflicts about health care’s multiple objectives of quality, equality, and economy preceded the 1931 reform. For the most part, ironically, organized labor and capital lined up against organized medicine, challenging doctors’ clinical autonomy, in efforts to bring health costs under control and thus deal with the Weimar Republic’s severe fiscal crisis. But the 1931 reform, brokered by the Catholics’ Center Party under Heinrich Bruning, resulted from a profound shift in these relations as medicine and labor lined up against big capitalists on the details of the reform that left physician autonomy intact. In doing so they contributed to the inflamed class conflict that was the downfall of the Weimar Republic.
Chapter 3: What Do Judges Want? How to Model Judicial Preferences

We discuss a central question in the study of courts: What do judges want? We suggest three different domains that might serve as the basic preferences of a judge: case dispositions and rules, caseloads and case mixes, and social consequences. We emphasize preferences over dispositions on the grounds of plausibility and tractability. We then identify desireable properties of dispositional utility functions and the relationship between dispositional utility and expected utility for rules. We examine the impact on expected rule utility from case distributions that are sensitive to the enforced rule. We illustrate how to combine dipositional utility with efforts costs and time constraints. We provide examples of case spaces, dispositional utility functions, and expected utility functions for enforced rules. This essay is a draft chapter of a book-in-progress on the positive political theory of courts.
Impact on Quality of Life Following the Implantable Miniature Telescope Procedure

ABSTRACTThe purpose is to examine the impact of the Implantable Miniature Telescope procedure on the level of treatment satisfaction and quality of life of individuals with end-stage age-related macular degeneration. Six individuals who had undergone the Implantable Miniature Telescope procedure were recruited. The participants completed two survey instruments about their overall quality of life and level of treatment satisfaction post intervention. In-depth interviews were also conducted to gain a perspective of the participant’s lived experience. A moderately high quality-of-life and treatment satisfaction rating was reported by participants post intervention. Qualitative themes included loss of independence, realistic perspective about the procedure, importance of rehabilitation following the procedure, and high treatment satisfaction despite lack of improvement in visual functioning. Moderately high quality-of-life ratings and treatment satisfaction were reported despite reports of limited improvement...
Advances in controlling hypertension in low-income patients.

Since hypertension is the foremost problem in minority and low-income populations treated in our community health centers, in 1976 we introduced a protocol that standardized diagnostic criteria and a step-care approach to the treatment of hypertension. In 1980, we modified the original protocol with guidelines for dietary management and an outline for improving physician-patient communication and health education. We hypothesized that implementing the protocol (and later modifications) would be associated with improved identification and control of hypertension. We conducted a cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients’ charts in three community health centers in 1973, 1978, and 1982, and determined the status of blood pressure (BP) control of those patients by the end of the year. In 1973 (before protocol), 4 percent of hypertensives were undiagnosed and untreated, and 20 percent were lost to follow-up. Among those who remained under care, only 33 percent were under control (BP
Health Care Utilization for Chronic Pain in Low-Income Settings.

Background Chronic pain is a serious health problem with high rates of health care utilization (HCU). Many patients become stymied in a perpetual cycle of unsuccessful attempts to find relief from suffering through frequent health care visits. Especially within low-income populations, the burdens of health care services are especially unpleasant due to significant financial costs, barriers to transportation, and high levels of stress. This study aimed to examine factors associated with HCU for chronic pain in low-income settings. Methods As part of the Learning About My Pain (LAMP) trial, a randomized comparative effectiveness study of group-based psychosocial interventions (PCORI Contract #941, Beverly Thorn, PI; clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01967342) for patients receiving care for chronic pain at low-income clinics in Alabama, medical records one-year prior to randomization were retrospectively collected for data analysis. HCU was defined as the sum of health care visits for chronic pain over this one-year period. Sociodemographic traits (age, sex, race, poverty status, primary literacy, education level), pain related variables (pain severity, pain interference, disability, number of pain sites, number of pain types, opioid prescriptions), and psychological variables (depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing) were entered into a hierarchical multiple regression model to predict HCU. Results Results suggested that race/ethnicity, having received an opioid prescription in the year prior to treatment onset, and higher depressive symptoms were associated with increased HCU for chronic pain conditions. Conclusions Depressive symptoms are an essential aspect of increased health care use. Study findings support the need for a biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain management.
Evolution of Network Security and Lessons Learned from History

The business of providing security for the transport of information has been evolving for thousands of years, from the Chinese messenger service through the American Civil War to the two world wars and today’s data networks. With the advent of computer networks and, more recently, the increased reliance on networks and associated resources used by the military, government, industry, and academia, the pace of the evolution has greatly accelerated.
Nutritional, Physical, and Psychological Stress and Functional Amenorrhea

The lack of regular, cyclic menstruation in reproductive-aged women in whom there is no organic or anatomic cause is called functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). The cause of this malfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is generally attributed to psychological, physical, or nutritional stress, and the underlying deficit is the suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone release by the hypothalamus. The diagnosis of FHA is reached by the exclusion of all other factors and conditions that could cause amenorrhea. FHA, by definition, is a chronic condition and can have serious health consequences if not treated. Since the underlying causes of the FHA are thought to be either low energy availability or dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors that result in stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or suppression of thyroid function, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy are the best potential approaches for ameliorating this condition. Finally, increasing food intake and reducing stressful activities can be very effective in restoring menstruation.
Impact of Shift Work on Individuals and Families

Shift work introduces multiple strains into the lives of working women and men. Nonstandard working hours affect sleeping and eating regimes, dating opportunities, long-term relationships, child-ra...
Novel Cellular Therapeutic Approaches for the Prevention and Management of Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Pharmacologic immunosuppression is the mainstay of treatment for GVHD, but there is a crucial need for new therapeutic approaches. Our review focuses on the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting immune regulatory cell infusions, allograft engineering, and suicide-gene-transduced donor T cells to mitigate GVHD. We also review potential challenges to the adoption and use of these therapies. Mesenchymal stromal cells and regulatory T cells appear effective in preventing and treating GVHD in preliminary studies, although methods of isolating and expanding these cells differ and warrant further investigation. Elimination of naive or host-reactive donor T cells from allografts can prevent GVHD but may increase infection risk. Donor T cells engineered with human caspase 9 are rapidly eliminated after inducible gene activation, preventing GVHD. Cellular therapeutics are a promising approach to mitigate GVHD. Clinical trials are underway domestically and internationally to establish the safety and efficacy of these approaches.
Blood vessel epicardial substance (BVES) reduces LRP6 receptor and cytoplasmic -catenin levels to modulate Wnt signaling and intestinal homeostasis.

Blood vessel epicardial substance (BVES, otherwise known as POPDC1) is an integral membrane protein known to regulate tight junction formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. BVES is underexpressed in a number of malignancies, including colorectal cancer. BVES loss leads to activation of the Wnt pathway, suggesting that decreased BVES expression functionally contributes to tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism by which BVES modulates Wnt signaling are unknown. Here we confirm that BVES loss increases -catenin protein levels, leads to Wnt pathway activation in a ligand-independent fashion, and coordinates with Wnt ligand to further increase Wnt signaling. We show that BVES loss increases levels and activation of the Wnt co-receptor, LRP6, in cell lines, murine adenoma tumoroids, and human-derived colonoids. We also demonstrate that BVES interacts with LRP6. Finally, murine tumor modelling using a Wnt-driven genetic model and a chemically-induced model of colorectal carcinogenesis demonstrates that BVES loss increases tumor multiplicity and dysplasia. Together, these results implicate BVES as an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, provide one of the first examples of a tight junction-associated protein regulating Wnt receptor levels, and expand the number of putative molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in colorectal cancer.
A source biasing and variance reduction technique for Monte Carlo radiation transport modeling of emission tomography problems

A numerical radiation transport methodology for predicting gamma emission tomographs was developed utilizing the deterministic fuel burn-up software, ORIGEN, in the SCALE code package as a source definition input for Monte Carlo N Particle Transport ver. 6.1 to simulate gamma emission spectra from irradiated nuclear fuel and measured by an inorganic scintillator detector. Variance reduction utilized analytical expressions for the solid angle and field of view between source, collimator and detector to normalize the gamma energy spectrum from a non-analog monodirectionally biased beam source problem to approximate the equivalent analog problem of an isotropic source. One normalization scheme, which assumes that the source is distributed in a thin cylindrical volume, can achieve lower than 6% error and an order of 107 reduction in the computational cost. A different normalization scheme involving a truncated cone source distribution overestimated the count rate by approximately 45% but had similar computational savings. In both approaches, the accuracy and computational savings of the method improves with increasing collimator aspect ratio. This method is therefore useful for problems with high aspect ratio collimators.
Physiological and genome-wide gene expression analyses of cold-induced leaf rolling at the seedling stage in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract Leaf rolling and discoloration are two chilling-injury symptoms that are widely used as indicators for the evaluation of cold tolerance at the seedling stage in rice. However, the difference in cold-response mechanisms underlying these two traits remains unknown. In the present study, a cold-tolerant rice cultivar, Lijiangxintuanheigu, and a cold-sensitive cultivar, Sanhuangzhan-2, were subjected to low-temperature treatments and physiological and genome-wide gene expression analyses were conducted. Leaf rolling occurred at temperatures lower than 11 °C, whereas discoloration appeared at moderately low temperatures such as 13 °C. Chlorophyll contents in both cultivars were significantly decreased at 13 °C, but not altered at 11 °C. In contrast, the relative water content and relative electrolyte leakage of both cultivars decreased significantly at 11 °C, but did not change at 13 °C. Expression of genes associated with calcium signaling and abscisic acid (ABA) degradation was significantly altered at 11 °C in comparison with 25 °C and 13 °C. Numerous genes in the DREB, MYB, bZIP, NAC, Zinc finger, bHLH, and WRKY gene families were differentially expressed. Many aquaporin genes and the key genes in trehalose and starch synthesis were down regulated at 11 °C in comparison with 25 °C and 13 °C. These results suggest that the two chilling injury symptoms are temperature-specific and are controlled by different mechanisms. Cold-induced leaf rolling is associated with calcium and ABA signaling pathways and is regulated by multiple transcriptional regulators. The suppression of aquaporin genes and reduced accumulation of soluble sugars under cold stress results in a reduction in cellular water potential and consequently leaf rolling.
Recognition of marine sound events using an echo state reservoir and a K-nearest neighbor classifier

A sound event detection and classification algorithm was developed to sift through passive acoustic data, and to extract and classify signals of interest. Segments of data containing interesting sound events were identified from raw audio files using framing techniques and standard deviation-based event detection, and statistical acoustic features from the temporal and spectral domains were extracted for each segment. An adapted cyclical reservoir model was employed to accumulate time varying information over the duration of each sound event, evolving raw features to an echo state space representation with a fading temporal memory. A K-Nearest Neighbor classifier was trained on the echo states extracted from a library of recordings corresponding to broad classes of common ambient marine sound types and self-produced noise from autonomous underwater vehicles. A simple majority voting scheme was then utilized to obtain a single representative class label for each sound event. Validation of the classifier using available underwater acoustic libraries and passive acoustic datasets collected using Seagliders equipped with acoustic sensors indicates small improvements in both the per-frame and per-label performance for a model trained on states over one trained on raw features.A sound event detection and classification algorithm was developed to sift through passive acoustic data, and to extract and classify signals of interest. Segments of data containing interesting sound events were identified from raw audio files using framing techniques and standard deviation-based event detection, and statistical acoustic features from the temporal and spectral domains were extracted for each segment. An adapted cyclical reservoir model was employed to accumulate time varying information over the duration of each sound event, evolving raw features to an echo state space representation with a fading temporal memory. A K-Nearest Neighbor classifier was trained on the echo states extracted from a library of recordings corresponding to broad classes of common ambient marine sound types and self-produced noise from autonomous underwater vehicles. A simple majority voting scheme was then utilized to obtain a single representative class label for each sound event. Validation of the classifier us...
A survey of palliative care clinicians’ weekly self-care practices.

59Background: Recent evidence suggests that clinician burnout exceeds the national average in the Palliative Care workforce. MD Anderson’s Palliative Care service has therefore implemented measures...
NCOA4 Expression in Hepatic Cells Is Upregulated Under Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions Associated with Hypoxia

The ubiquitously expressed intracellular protein NCOA4 mediates the degradation of ferritin in vitro (Mancias et al., Nature 2014; Dowdle et al., Nat Cell Biol 2014) and its loss disrupts systemic iron balance in mice (Bellelli et al., Cell Rep 2016). While a mechanism for increased NCOA4 protein turnover under high iron conditions has been reported in transformed cell lines of non-hepatic origin (Mancias et al., Elife, 2015), factors that regulate NCOA4 mRNA levels have not yet been described. Here we investigate stimuli that induce NCOA4 mRNA expression in hepatoma cells as well as in liver, the major iron depot of the body. We found that treating the human hepatoma cell line, Hep3B, for 18 hrs with increasing concentrations of the iron chelator desferrioxamine (DFO; 25-100μM) resulted in significantly higher NCOA4 mRNA (ANOVA P We also investigated if Ncoa4 mRNA expression is upregulated in mouse livers under conditions associated with depletion of hepatic iron stores and/or hypoxia. C57BL/6N mice raised on a 45 p.p.m. iron diet were subjected to a large-volume phlebotomy (500μl; accompanied by intraperitoneal saline volume replacement) and fed an iron-deficient diet (2-6 p.p.m.) after bleeding. Seven days after phlebotomy, mice showed significantly lower blood hemoglobin levels (Student's T test P In summary, we show for the first time that Ncoa4 mRNA rises significantly in physiological and pathophysiological states in which increased extra-hepatic iron demands induce a reduction in hepatic iron stores. Additionally, we show that Ncoa4 mRNA levels in cultured cells of hepatic origin rise in response to hypoxia mimetics. Because NCOA4 functions as a cargo receptor that traffics ferritin to the autolysosome, NCOA4 protein is expected to be consumed during the process of ferritinophagy. We suggest that upregulation of hepatic Ncoa4 mRNA in response to hypoxia may represent a physiological adaptation to replenish NCOA4 protein that is needed to support continued mobilization of iron from the liver during periods of increased systemic iron demands. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
1-Year Mortality and Surgery Incidence in Older US Adults with Cervical Spine Fracture

Background Traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be lethal and are especially dangerous for older adults. Falls from standing and risk factors for a cervical fracture and spinal cord injury increase with age. This study estimates the 1-year mortality for patients with a cervical fracture and resultant SCI and compares the mortality rate with that from an isolated cervical fracture. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of U.S. Medicare patients older than 65 years of age. International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 codes were used to identify patients with a cervical fracture without SCI and patients with a cervical fracture with SCI between 2007 and 2014. Our primary outcome was 1-year mortality cumulative incidence rate; our secondary outcome was the cumulative incidence rate of surgical intervention. Propensity weighted analysis was performed to balance covariates between the groups. Results The SCI cohort had a 1-year mortality of 36.5%, compared with 31.1% in patients with an isolated cervical fracture (risk difference 5.4% (2.9%–7.9%)). Patients with an SCI were also more likely to undergo surgical intervention compared with those without a SCI (23.1% and 10.3%, respectively; risk difference 12.8% (10.8%-14.9%)). Conclusions Using well-adjusted population-level data in older adults, this study estimates the 1-year mortality after SCI in older adults to be 36.5%. The mortality after a cervical fracture with SCI was 5 percentage points higher than in patients without SCI, and this difference is smaller than one might expect, likely representing the frailty of this population and unmeasured covariates.
"It's Like Learning by the Seat of Your Pants": Surgeons Lack Formal Training in Opioid Prescribing.

Objective To determine the training surgical residents and faculty receive on opioid prescribing, and to identify opportunities for curricula development to fill training gaps. Design We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews and surveys. After applying an overarching organizational framework, we used an iterative, team-based process to develop relevant inductive codes. We then performed thematic analyses to identify and catalogue critical domains related to surgeons’ education about opioid prescribing. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center. Participants Maximum variation purposive sampling was used to recruit general surgery residents and surgical faculty members. Results We interviewed 21 attending surgeons and 20 surgical residents. Surgeons reported minimal formal training on pain management and prescribing opioids. A minority of individuals described receiving opioid training in the form of continuing medical education, intern boot camp sessions, and medical school classes. Participants compensated for the lack of formal training during residency by informally learning from senior residents, consulting pain specialists, and seeking external learning resources. Increased surgical experience was correlated with increased comfort with pain management. A majority of surgeons desired formal training. The most commonly requested educational resources were opioid prescribing guidelines for common operations and recommendations for treating chronic pain patients. Residents requested that training occur early in residency to maximize the benefits received. Based on these findings, we developed a conceptual framework to explain how surgeons learn to prescribe opioids and to highlight opportunities for improvement. Conclusions Although surgeons routinely prescribe opioids and desire education on opioids, a majority of them do not receive any training. Instituting formal educational programs is critical for improving opioid prescribing practices among surgeons.These programs should include standard prescribing guidelines and address management of acute postoperative pain in patients with chronic pain.
REMS Patents Should Not be Listed in Orange Book

This submission to the FDA explains why patents covering REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, applying to risky drugs) programs should not be listed in the Orange Book (which lists drugs and any relevant patents). First, it explains that these patents are not similar to categories listable in the Orange Book. Second, it demonstrates how the listing of REMS patents in the Orange Book harms competition. Third, it shows how these patents undermine the relevant statute. Fourth, it offers a proposal to implement the recommendation.
A ‘Man of Fiery Temperament’, 1845–1852

Richard Congreve experienced great inner turmoil during his tenure at Rugby School. On discovering that for various reasons he was persona non grata, he immersed himself in the works of Thomas Carlyle, G. H. Lewes, J. S. Mill, and Auguste Comte. Their ideas informed his fiery utterances on free trade, elections, revolution, and autocracy. After headmaster A. C. Tait pushed him out of his post, the ordained minister and liberal pamphleteer received a warm welcome as a Wadham College don. By the time Congreve’s prophesies attracted a coterie of disciples there, he had dedicated himself to the serious study of Positivism. This chapter argues that, based on critiques surrounding the Christian church, he saw in Positivism the true purpose and duties of the rising spiritual leaders of modernity.
Oxygen Cycle in the Atmosphere

Publisher Summary The development of oxygen in the early atmosphere led to a concomitant buildup in the ozone density and a significant decrease in the middle ultraviolet radiation impinging upon the earth's surface. The importance of odd oxygen chemistry in fixing the chemical composition and physical structure of the atmosphere has encouraged the application of the most sophisticated methods of modern physical chemistry to its study. Overall rate constants and, to a large extent, chemical branching ratios have now been well established for the deactivation of O ( 1 D 2 ), and precise yields for its formation following ozone photolysis in the Hartley continuum are now known. The chapter focuses on the energetics of these important processes, and information concerning the distribution of available energy in photodissociative and reactive fragments is increasingly becoming available. Such data will permit the identification of the mechanisms by which such processes occur and lead to their theoretical descriptions at a microscopic level. Energy-transfer mechanisms must be identified to understand various airglow phenomena and radiative energy loss.
Development of the US EPA's metal finishing facility pollution prevention tool

Abstract Metal Finishing processes are a type of chemical processes and can be modeled using Computer Aided Process Engineering (CAPE). Currently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is developing the Metal Finishing Facility Pollution Prevention Tool (MFFP2T), a pollution prevention software tool for the metal finishing industry. CAPE is the central component of MFFP2T, and the CAPE-OPEN standards were used in MFFP2T development. MFFP2T development is expanding the application of CAPE-OPEN standards beyond the chemical industry to the metal finishing industry. It has a CAPE-OPEN compliant simulation executive to carry out simulations of user-constructed metal finishing processes, and it includes a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling users to build simulations of unique metal finishing processes that closely represent their own metal plating lines. MFFP2T provides only CAPE-OPEN compliant components. Included in MFFP2T is a Thermodynamic Material Object and Property Package to conduct thermodynamic calculations, such as estimation of thermodynamic properties of materials used in the metal plating process, and chemical equilibrium calculations. MFFP2T includes Unit Operations specific to the metal plating industry, both the basic operations ( e.g. Alkaline Cleaning, Vapor Degreaser, Cr +6 Plating) and pollution control operations ( e.g. Microfiltration, Ion Exchange, Reverse Osmosis). Many of the modules produced are expected to have immediate application in the chemical industry. MFFP2T utilizes the EPA's Waste Reduction (WAR) Algorithm Package to determine the potential environmental impact of materials used in the plating process. All components are developed using the CAPE-OPEN Component Object Module (COM) interface defintion language (IDL), and have passed CAPE-OPEN tests available through the CAPE-OPEN Laboratories Network(CO-LaN).