cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system excites hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons in heart failure.

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus has critical homeostatic functions, including the regulation of fluid balance and sympathetic drive. It has been suggested that altered activit...
APPLYING SPECIES DIVERSITY THEORY TO LAND MANAGEMENT

Many theories, hypotheses, and empirical studies seek to explain patterns of species richness, turnover, and distribution/abundance (i.e., diversity patterns) at various scales, but it is often not clear how these ideas relate to one another, or how they apply across scales. Consequently, it has been difficult to use diversity theory as a basis for understanding patterns at the intermediate (landscape) scales at which biodiversity is man- aged. Here, we present a framework for the study and management of diversity based on the ecological processes that influence the distribution of species at different scales. We use this framework to organize diversity theories into several classes based upon how the theories link patterns of habitat occupancy, landscape distribution, and geographic range for a variety of taxa. The processes contributing to diversity patterns depend on the char- acteristics of the taxa considered, the spatial scales at which organisms respond to envi- ronment, and the scales and other characteristics of the particular environments in which investigators hope to explain variation in diversity. At the scales traditionally considered by land managers and conservation biologists, biodiversity is determined by processes addressed by several bodies of theory. Of necessity, management decisions aimed at bio- diversity as a whole are based either implicitly or explicitly on only a subset of biodiversity (e.g., single species or functional groups). We suggest that the translation of diversity theory into conservation practice can be achieved, at present, by considering a set of questions for each case: (1) which groups of organisms will be considered, (2) how do their domains of scale relate to the land area under consideration, (3) what processes are likely to be important determinants of species distribution at management scales, and (4) how will the proposed management activities interact with these processes? We illustrate this process using an example from the Chihuahuan Desert. We emphasize the value of considering species diversity theories in a pluralistic and case-specific way.
15d-PGJ2 induces apoptosis of mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells

Prostaglandin (PG) production is associated with inflammation, a major feature in multiple sclerosis (MS) that is characterized by the loss of myelinating oligodendrocytes in the CNS. While PGs have been shown to have relevance in MS, it has not been determined whether PGs have a direct effect on cells within the oligodendrocyte lineage. Undifferentiated or differentiated mouse oligodendrocyte precursor (mOP) cells were treated with PGE2, PGF2α, PGD2 or 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2). Cell growth and survival following treatment were examined using cytotoxicity assays and apoptosis criteria. The membrane receptors for PGD2 and the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the death mechanism were examined. PGE2 and PGF2α had minimal effects on the growth and survival of mOP cells. In contrast, PGD2 and 15d-PGJ2 induced apoptosis of undifferentiated mOP cells at relatively low micromolar concentrations. 15d-PGJ2 was less toxic to differentiated mOP cells. Apoptosis was independent of membrane receptors for PGD2 and the nuclear receptor PPARγ. The cytotoxicity of 15d-PGJ2 was associated with the production of ROS and was inversely related to intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. However, the cytotoxicity of 15d-PGJ2 was not decreased by the free radical scavengers ascorbic acid or α-tocopherol. Taken together, these results demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 is toxic to early stage OP cells, suggesting that 15d-PGJ2 may represent a deleterious factor in the natural remyelination process in MS.
A text-mining approach for classification of genomic fragments

Genome identification is an emerging area of interest due to the study of environmental DNA samples. We show that performance approaches 50% for classifying 500 bp fragments when using 12 mer features, but more importantly, the performance linearly increases for large N. Secondly, we determine that an inverted TF-IDF measure performs 16% better when only using 80% of the words, as opposed to taking the fullset (100%). This increase implies that while too sparse of a feature subset does not produce good results, a carefully selected set has the potential to improve genome classification over a random feature set. Computing even 80% of all possible features can result in a significant savings in computation. The Euclidean classifier and TF-IDF measures will pave the way for more discriminative classification techniques.
CA models of myxobacteria swarming

We develop two models for Myxobacteria swarming, a modified Lattice Gas Cellular Automata (LGCA) model and an off-lattice CA model In the LGCA model each cell is represented by one node for the center of mass and an extended rod-shaped cell profile Cells check the surrounding area and choose in which direction to move based on the local interactions Using this model, we obtained a density vs expansion rate curve with the shape similar to the experimental curve for the wild type Myxobacteria In the off-lattice model, each cell is represented by a string of nodes Cells can bend and move freely in the two-dimensional space We use a phenomenological algorithm to determine the moving direction of cells guided by slime trail; the model allows for cell bending and alignment during collisions In the swarming simulations for A+S- Myxobacteria, we demonstrate the formation of peninsula structures, in agreement with experiments.
Analysis of the Spectrum of Quadruply Ionized Yttrium (Y v)

The Y v spectrum has been observed in a sliding-spark discharge with the NBS 10.7-m normal-incidence vacuum spectrograph. The analysis has yielded all the levels of the 4p45s configuration and nearly all levels of 4p44d that can combine with the 4p5 2P ground term. The 4s24p44d + 4s24p45s + 4s4p6 levels have been theoretically interpreted, including configuration-interaction effects. The 4s4p6 S212 level was found to have a 26% 4s24p44d(1D)2S character and the 4s24p44d(D1)S212 level a 22% 4s4p6 2S character. The energy parameters determined from a least-squares fit of the observed level values are compared with Hartree–Fock calculations. The ionization energy is estimated to be 75.0 ± 0.5 eV.
Characterization of two molecular forms of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) from the pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus (Acipenseriformes)

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was isolated in two molecular forms from an extract of the gastroenteropancreatic system of the pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus (Acipenseriformes). VIP-1 was identical to the peptide previously isolated from the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and the bowfin, Amia calva, consistent with the proposed sister group relationship of the Acipenseriformes and the Neopterygii. Sturgeon VIP-2 contained the amino acid substitution (Ala4 to Ser) at a site previously regarded as invariant. The isolation of two distinct VIP gene products provides some support for the hypothesis that S. albus, with approximately 120 chromosomes, is functionally tetraploid but the alternative view that the species is functionally diploid and the two peptides arose from a local duplication of the VIP gene within the Scaphirhynchus lineage cannot be rejected.
The G-algorithm for extraction of robust decision rules - children's postoperative intra-atrial arrhythmia case study

Clinical medicine is facing a challenge of knowledge discovery from the growing volume of data. In this paper, a data mining algorithm (the G-algorithm) is proposed for extraction of robust rules that can be used in clinical practice for better understanding and prevention of unwanted medical events. The G-algorithm is applied to a data set obtained for children born with a malformation of the heart (univentricular heart). As a result of the Fontan surgical procedure, designed to palliate the children, 10%-35% of patients post-operatively develop an arrhythmia known as intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia. There is an obvious need to identify those children that may develop the tachycardia before the surgery is performed. Prior attempts to identify such children with statistical techniques have been unrewarding. The G-algorithm shows that there exists an unambiguous relationship between measurable features and the tachycardia. The data set used in this study shows that, for 78.08% of infants, the occurrence of tachycardia can be accurately predicted. The authors' prior computational experience with diverse medical data sets indicates that the percentage of accurate predictions may become even higher if data on additional features is collected for a larger data set.
Nucleotide sequence analysis of the leader segments in a cloned copy of adenovirus 2 fiber mRNA

Fiber mRNA of adenovirus 2 has been used as a template for RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The resulting cDNA/RNA hybrids have been inserted at the Pst I site of the plasmid vector pBR322 after A:T tailing. One recombinant plasmid, pJAW 43, has been characterized in detail and shown to contain sequences from the main body of fiber mRNA, the three leaders common to most late adenoviral mRNAs and a fourth leader found in some species of fiber mRNA. The complete DNA sequence of the leader region has been determined and does not contain the initiation codon AUG, although this codon does occur immediately downstream from the junction between the fourth leader and the main body of the fiber mRNA. The first leader (map coordinate 16.6) is 41 nucleotides long, the second (from 19.6) is 71 nucleotides, the third (from 26.6) is 88 nucleotides and the fourth (from 78.5) is 181 nucleotides. The location of junctions between viral leaders and intervening sequences has been determined by reference, where possible, to sequences of the adenovirus 2 genome. Although the presence of short repeated sequences at the boundaries of intervening sequences and leaders makes it impossible to locate the splice point unambiguously, all of the leader-intervening sequence junctions can be arranged to stress a common feature--the presence of the dinucleotides GT and AG at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, of the intervening sequences. This prototype sequence, which has also been recognized at or near the splice points in other eucaryotic systems, is possibly part of a larger unit which serves as a recognition site for specific excision-ligation events that ultimately lead to the production of mature mRNAs.
Effects of the Ultimobranchial and Parathyroid Glands on Sodium and Water Excretion in the Frog11

Adult male Rana pipiens with either the ultimobranchial (UBX) and/or parathyroids (PTX) removed were maintained in fresh water and transferred to deionized water or a mild sodium load (fresh water with a 0.05M NaCl added). Urinary excretion rates (UER) were determined and correlated with alterations in total excretion of endogenous creatinine, sodium and calcium. In fresh water UBX frogs displayed a transitory diuresis after three days, whereas PTX and UBX-PTX exhibited oliguria after the seventh postoperative day. The UER was directly proportional to total sodium loss in all groups. Under a mild sodium load, UER increased about 75% in controls and 15% in UBX frogs, but remained unchanged in PTX and UBX-PTX frogs. The mild sodium load increased the calcium excretion rate to a proportional molar ratio of Na:Ca to 36– 39:1 in all groups. When transferred from fresh water to deionized water all groups displayed an increased UER when compared to the UER of frogs kept in fresh water; the increase in UER was as...
Prenatal diagnosis of rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata.

Plasmalogen biosynthesis and phytanic acid oxidation activity were measured in cultured chorionic villus samples or amniocytes from four pregnancies at risk for the rhizomelic form of chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP). Normal results were obtained in three of the samples and post-natal examination or fetal ultrasound studies confirmed that the fetuses were unaffected. Chorionic villus culture in one case demonstrated defective plasmalogen biosynthesis and lack of phytanic acid oxidation. Pregnancy was interrupted at 10 weeks. Immunoblot studies of post-mortem fetal tissues showed thatperoxisomal 3-oxoacyl-coenzyme A thiolase was present in the unprocessed form, a finding we had previously demonstrated in RCDP. These results establish that RCDP can be identified prenatally.
Sex and flow: the consequences of fluid shear for sperm-egg interactions.

SUMMARY Fertilization is a complex interaction among biological traits of gametes and physical properties of the fluid environment. At the scale of fertilization (0.01–1 mm), sperm encounter eggs while being transported within a laminar (or viscous) shear flow. Varying laminar-shear in a Taylor-Couette flow tank, our experiments simulated important aspects of small-scale turbulence within the natural habitats of red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ), a large marine mollusk and external fertilizer. Behavioral interactions between individual cells, sperm–egg encounter rates, and fertilization success were quantified, simultaneously, using a custom-built infrared laser and computer-assisted video imaging system. Relative to still water, sperm swam faster and moved towards an egg surface, but only in comparatively slow flows. Encounter rate, swim speed and orientation, and fertilization success each peaked at the lowest shear tested (0.1 s –1 ), and then decayed as shear increased beyond 1.0 s –1 . The decay did not result, however, from damage to either sperm or eggs. Analytical and numerical models were used to estimate the propulsive force generated by sperm swimming ( F swim ) and the shear force produced by fluid motion within the vicinity of a rotating egg ( F shear ). To first order, male gametes were modeled as prolate spheroids. The ratio F swim / F shear was useful in explaining sperm–egg interactions. At low shears where F swim / F shear >1, sperm swam towards eggs, encounter rates were pronounced, and fertilization success was very high; behavior overpowered fluid motion. In contrast, sperm swimming, encounter rate and fertilization success all decayed rapidly when F swim / F shear <1; fluid motion dominated behavior. The shears maximizing fertilization success in the lab typically characterized natural flow microenvironments of spawning red abalone. Gamete behavior thus emerges as a critical determinant of sexual reproduction in the turbulent sea.
Professional development: Students' perceptions of an immersion elective in substance abuse

Abstract Objectives Persons facing substance abuse and addiction are ubiquitous in all areas of pharmacy practice. Some colleges of pharmacy (COP) do not report didactic coursework in substance abuse. An off-site elective was developed to offer students an experience in immersion learning on this topic. The elective objectives were (1) to facilitate professional pharmacy student development by challenging student perceptions of people regarding addiction and substance abuse concerns and (2) to elicit input on the course structure and activities to improve entry-level pharmacist preparation. Participation in the second goal was optional. Methods Eleven pharmacy students participated. Surveys and on-site student reports were evaluated for common themes of student learning and substance abuse knowledge. This project maintained participant anonymity and was approved by the University's institutional review board. Results The most common self-reported experience was recognizing addiction as a disease. Secondly, students reported increased knowledge in the following areas: healthcare provider risk, disease prevention, and treatment options for impaired healthcare professionals. Students included personal reflections on the entire experience, assigned personal goals for service delivery, considered this education essential for adequate pharmacist preparation, self-reported changes in knowledge and understanding of substance abuse and addiction following completion of the elective, reported the experience would influence their practice as pharmacists, and opined more students should have access to this educational experience. Conclusion Pilot study data supported substance abuse education inclusion in core curricula. COPs are encouraged to use published curriculum guidelines as a road map for development.
Ex Vivo Gene Therapy Using Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Deliver Growth Factors in the Skeletal Muscle of a Familial ALS Rat Model

Therapeutic protein and molecule delivery to target sites by transplanted human stem cells holds great promise for ex vivo gene therapy. Our group has demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of ex vivo gene therapy targeting the skeletal muscles in a transgenic rat model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We used human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and genetically modified them to release neuroprotective growth factors such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Intramuscular growth factor delivery via hMSCs can enhance neuromuscular innervation and motor neuron survival in a rat model of ALS (SOD1(G93A) transgenic rats). Here, we describe the protocol of ex vivo delivery of growth factors via lentiviral vector-mediated genetic modification of hMSCs and hMSC transplantation into the skeletal muscle of a familial ALS rat model.
Molecular Pathways: Clinical Applications and Future Direction of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Pathway Blockade

The IGF1R signaling pathway is a complex and tightly regulated network that is critical for cell proliferation, growth, and survival. IGF1R is a potential therapeutic target for patients with many different malignancies. This brief review summarizes the results of clinical trials targeting the IGF1R pathway in patients with breast cancer, sarcoma, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therapeutic agents discussed include both monoclonal antibodies to IGF1R (dalotuzumab, figitumumab, cixutumumab, ganitumab, R1507, AVE1642) and newer IGF1R pathway targeting strategies, including monoclonal antibodies to IGF1 and IGF2 (MEDI-573 and BI 836845) and a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of IGF1R (linsitinib). The pullback of trials in patients with breast cancer and NSCLC based on several large negative trials is noted and contrasted with the sustained success of IGF1R inhibitor monotherapy in a subset of patients with sarcoma. Several different biomarkers have been examined in these trials with varying levels of success, including tumor expression of IGF1R and its pathway components, serum IGF ligand levels, alternate pathway activation, and specific molecular signatures of IGF1R pathway dependence. However, there remains a critical need to define predictive biomarkers in order to identify patients who may benefit from IGF1R-directed therapies. Ongoing research focuses on uncovering such biomarkers and elucidating mechanisms of resistance, as this therapeutic target is currently being analyzed from the bedside to bench.
Face infiltrated Plaques/Nodules

The clinical differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with facial plaques and or nodules consists of acute discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and tumid lupus erythematosus (TLE), Jessner benign lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (JBLI), lymphocytoma cutis (also known as pseudolymphoma of Spiedler and Fendt), sarcoidosis, granuloma faciale (GF), follicular mucinosis, and B-cell lymphoma (BCL). In endemic areas, lupus vulgaris, Leishmania recidivans, subcutaneous and systemic fungal infection, and extra nodal NK cell lymphoma nasal type may be considered.
The incidence of multicentricity in renal cell carcinoma.

AbstractWe established the frequency of cancer multicentricity in kidneys removed for renal cell carcinoma by examining 100 intact, formalin preserved kidneys with a diameter of less than 80mm. (1987 to 1989). The mean diameter of the predominant tumors was 51mm. (range 15 to 80mm.). After the capsules were removed the kidneys were serially sectioned at 3mm. intervals, and cortical and intraparenchymal nodules were removed for histological examination. A total of 3 kidneys had multiple tumors found previously on routine pathological examination. In addition, we discovered another 11 nodules in 10 other kidneys. Four nodules had histological features consistent with carcinoma. The size of the nodules ranged from 2 to 5mm. The rest of the nodules consisted of 3 adenomas, 1 adrenal rest, 1 oncocytoma coexisting with an adenoma and 1 carcinoma permeating through the lymphatic vessels. The mean size of the predominant tumors in the kidneys bearing multiple nodules was 49mm. Therefore, we observed a 13% inciden...
Synthesis of colloidal HgTe quantum dots for narrow mid-IR emission and detection

HgTe colloidal quantum dots are prepared via a simple two-step injection method. Absorption and photodetection with sharp edges, as well as narrow photoluminescence, are tunable across the near and mid-IR between 1.3 and 5 μm.
Aflatoxin Occurrence in 1973 Corn at Harvest. II. Mycological Studies

SUMMARY Since aflatoxin is formed in corn in the field before harvest, our objectives were to determine at harvest (a) the amount of Aspergillus flavusinfected corn kernels, (b) the amount of A. flavus spores on the surface of corn, (c) the total amount of fungus-infected kernels, (d) the occurrence of A flavus spores in and on insects from corn reported in the first paper of this series, and (e) the correlation between A. flavus infection and occurrence of aflatoxin. The corn was collected at harvest from seven counties in northeastern South Carolina and dried to less than 13% moisture as quickly as possible. Of the 152 aflatoxin-positive samples, 120 showed one or more kernels internally infected with A. flavus and of the 145 aflatoxin-negative samples, 59 showed infection. Of the 297 samples examined, 276 had one or more kernels with surface contamination of A. flavus spores, and in 75 of the samples every kernel was contaminated. When kernels were surface disinfected, 224 samples (50 kernels each) showed 100% internal mold contamination. One or more kernels of 185 samples were infected with A. flavus; this number represents 60% of the total samples. Of the 375 insects collected and examined for A. flavus from the corn samples, 247 showed A. flavus present. Of the 85 rice weevils, 78 were carrying A. flavus spores and of the other 290 insects, 165 were contaminated. Besides A. flavus, the predominant infecting fungi internally were two species of Penicillium and Fusarium. Members of the Mucorales were rarely seen. The occurrence of Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and A. parasiticus Speare growing on corn plants in the field before harvest has rarely been recorded (Taubenhaus, 1920). From 0.02 to 0.09% infection of corn kernels before harvest was reported by Tuite (1961) from Indiana. The highest single instance had a 22% infection by A. flavus. In 1970, Tuite and Caldwell (1971) found an average incidence of 0.4% kernel infection before harvest in corn also in Indiana. The A. flavus incidence in southern Indiana counties was 1.2% as compared to 0.2% in northern counties. Rambo et al. (1974) reported a 0.03 to 0.08% incidence of
Bi-Functional Oxygen Electrodes - Challenges and Prospects

In rechargeable metal-air batteries and regenerative fuel cells, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) both occur on the same electrode (usually the positive electrode) during the charge and discharge processes, respectively. Such an electrode is termed a “bi-functional” oxygen electrode. Bi-functional electrodes are used in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes. The reactions occurring at a bi-functional oxygen electrode during charge and discharge are listed in Fig. 1. The materials used in the bi-functional oxygen electrode should be good electro-catalysts for both the oxidation and reduction reactions of oxygen and should be chemically stable over the wide range of potentials experienced during charge and discharge. Further, the electrodes should be sufficiently robust to resist the mechanical and compositional changes occurring during repeated cycling. In some cases, the products of the oxygen reduction reaction are solids that must be accommodated within the structure of the electrode. These solid products must remain accessible for further electrochemical reaction. In other cases, the soluble substances produced at the surface of the electrode need to be transported into the electrolyte phase during charge and discharge. Meeting such diverse and demanding requirements has been a formidable challenge. However, the realization of such electrodes presents immense potential in terms of designing power sources with specific energy densities that are several times larger than the stateof-art. Metal-air rechargeable batteries using zinc, iron, metal hydrides or lithium as the negative electrode have theoretical specific energy values ranging from 1000 to 11000 W -h/kg because the oxygen needed for the reaction can be drawn from the surroundings and does not add to the mass of the battery. However, these (potentially) high-energy battery systems remain elusive in practice because of the lack of suitable bifunctional oxygen electrodes. Regenerative hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells based on a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), although quite efficient, rely on expensive precious-metal-based catalysts to achieve bi-functional capability. The large-scale commercial deployment of regenerative fuel cells is presently predicated upon a significant reduction in the cost of the catalysts, which has again remained elusive. Current research on bi-functional oxygen electrodes is motivated by the above challenges.
Predictive MRI Correlates of Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Plantar Plate Tear

To identify correlated signs on non-enhanced MRI that might improve diagnostic detection of plantar plate (PP) tear. We performed an IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective analysis of 100 non-contrast MRI (50 PP tear, 50 controls). All were anonymized, randomized, and reviewed; 20 were duplicated to assess consistency. One musculoskeletal radiologist evaluated qualitative variables. A trained non-physician performed measurements. Consistency and concordance were assessed. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test the correlation between qualitative findings and PP tear status. Correlation between measurements and PP status was assessed using t tests and Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test (p values 45° between the 1st–2nd MT axis correlated with PP tear. Pericapsular soft tissue thickening correlated most strongly with PP tear, correctly classifying 95 % of cases and controls. Excluding pericapsular soft tissue thickening, sequential assessment of 2nd toe enthesitis, 2nd flexor tendon subluxation, and splaying of the second and third toes accurately classified PP status in 92 %. Pericapsular soft tissue thickening most strongly correlated with PP tear. For cases in which it might be difficult to distinguish pericapsular fibrosis from neuroma, sequential assessment of 2nd toe enthesitis, flexor tendon subluxation and splaying of the 2nd and 3rd toe is most helpful for optimizing accurate diagnosis of PP tear.
Overwintering of Heliothis spp. in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Mature larvae of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), and the bollworm, H. zea (Boddie), when collected from hosts in the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and caged outdoors, did not diapause until late September. Emergence of moths from larvae collected in October, November, and December peaked in the winter and spring.; that of moths from larvae collected in January peaked in the spring. Mature larvae held in the laboratory at conditions favorable to pupation and emergence had maximum proportions diapausing in mid-October to early November.
Solution Synthesis and Photoluminescence Studies of Small Crystallites of Cadmium Telluride

Small crystallites of CdTe have been produced using a new solution synthetic method. In this technique, Cdl2 and Na2Te are each dissolved separately in methanol before rapid mixing. The product of this reaction is pure, stoichiometric CdTe with interesting electronic and optical properties. Photoluminescence studies of this material show a blue shift due to the quantum confinement, indicating the presence of small crystallites. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the presence of nanocrystals. Reaction temperature and processing conditions can be varied to change the crystallite sizes produced. This synthesis can also produce nanocrystalline HgTe.
Patterns in winter nutritional status of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus populations in Maine, USA

We used urinary indices to determine temporal and regional patterns in nutritional status of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus in nine wintering areas in northern and central Maine, USA. Winter severity was greater in the northern region, and we expected deer in that region to exhibit greater evidence for nutritional restriction. We collected an average of 26 urine samples from snow on a biweekly basis during 1 January- 31 March 1993 in each wintering area and analyzed them for ratios of urea nitrogen (N):creatinine (C), an index of nutritional status, and potassium (K):creatinine (C), an index of forage intake. Mean urea N:C ratios increased to 3.0 and 3.3 during March in northern and central Maine, respectively, suggesting that nutritional status of deer in these populations was poor. There were no differences in ratios of urea N:C between regions within time periods, except for late March when urea N:C ratios were greater in the central region. The proportions of deer exhibiting severe nutrition...
A Simple Streamflow Forecasting Scheme for the Ganges Basin

Abstract To increase preparedness and improve response to floods in Bangladesh, a streamflow forecasting lead time of 7–10 days is desired at the international border entry points of the major rivers. The accuracy of available streamflow forecast products is currently limited to 3–5 days, which is much shorter than the desired lead time for floods. Several initiatives continue to develop and refine hydrologic and flood forecasting models without adequately exploring the utility of precipitation forecasts to obtain longer flood forecasting lead time. For large basins with a strong seasonality, such as the Ganges, simple but carefully designed linear regression models may provide great value to operational flood forecasting. Here, a simple linear model with observed streamflow and gridded precipitation data for the upstream basin areas is introduced to provide satisfactory forecasts for the Ganges flow at the Hardinge Bridge point with up to 10-day lead time. The proposed linear model can provide 3- to 5-day forecasting lead time using only lagged values of flow with skill comparable to published results of detailed hydrological or statistical models. The results also suggest that 5–6 days forecasted rainfall and observed streamflow are able to enhance streamflow forecasting accuracy for a lead time up to 10 days. The proposed framework can be of great value to operationalize flood forecasting in large basins, where upstream data are scarce or inaccessible due to political boundaries, and detailed forecasting model setups are prohibitively expensive.
Gisèle Pineau : Causerie à Penn State (avril 2001)

En mission des Affaires Culturelles francaises, Gisele Pineau a fait une tournee de conferences aux Etats-Unis en avril 2001. La romanciere, qui est aussi infirmiere en psychiatrie, nous a fort aimablement accorde la permission de transcrire la causerie qu'elle a presentee le 13 avril 2001 a l'Universite d'Etat de Pennsylvannie, University Park, pour publication dans Women in French Studies . La transcription a ete assuree par Njeri Githire (doctorante en Litterature Comparee a Penn State) et la version finale editee par Christiane Makward.
First-principles calculations of lattice dynamics and thermal properties of polar solids

Although the theory of lattice dynamics was established six decades ago, its accurate implementation for polar solids using the direct (or supercell, small displacement, frozen phonon) approach within the framework of density-function-theory-based first-principles calculations had been a challenge until recently. It arises from the fact that the vibration-induced polarization breaks the lattice periodicity, whereas periodic boundary conditions are required by typical first-principles calculations, leading to an artificial macroscopic electric field. The article reviews a mixed-space approach to treating the interactions between lattice vibration and polarization, its applications to accurately predicting the phonon and associated thermal properties, and its implementations in a number of existing phonon codes.
Critical Problems in the History of Science (1961)

This book, handsomely printed and low in price, contains the texts of lectures by R. Hall, G. De Santillana, A. C. Crombie, J. T. Clark, E. J. Dijksterhuis, D. J. De S. Price, D. Stimson, H. Guerlac, C. C. Gillespie, L. P. Williams, T. S. Kuhn, I. B. Cohen, J. W. Wilson, J. C. Greene, C. S. Smith, and M. Boas. The periods con­sidered range from classical antiquity to the end of the last century, most of them emphasizing the circumstances of science rather than what a scientist would regard as science itself, though there is some discussion of mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, physics, biology, and metallurgy. As to be expected of unrefereed papers, the quality is uneven, and the book is made still more diffuse by printing nineteen prepared comments, which footnotes indicate to have been possibly more useful to the participants than most are likely to be for the reader, who may be reasonably thought capable of summarizing the papers for himself. In reflection of the concern of historians of science in the U.S.A. to organize, compartment, and promote them­selves, we are told how much the symposium cost, where the money came from, and how well the participants thought of each other, with titles, and we are even subjected to two papers on how to teach undergraduates, a matter, like the necessities of the privy, in no way dishonorable but dull for discourse unless provoked by illness or joking.
Guidelines for Reproducibly Building and Simulating Systems Biology Models

Objective: Reproducibility is the cornerstone of the scientific method. However, currently, many systems biology models cannot easily be reproduced. This paper presents methods that address this problem. Methods: We analyzed the recent Mycoplasma genitalium whole-cell (WC) model to determine the requirements for reproducible modeling. Results: We determined that reproducible modeling requires both repeatable model building and repeatable simulation. Conclusion: New standards and simulation software tools are needed to enhance and verify the reproducibility of modeling. New standards are needed to explicitly document every data source and assumption, and new deterministic parallel simulation tools are needed to quickly simulate large, complex models. Significance: We anticipate that these new standards and software will enable researchers to reproducibly build and simulate more complex models, including WC models.
A Simple Way to Estimate the Cost of Downtime

Systems that are more dependable and less expensive to maintain may be more expensive to purchase. If ordinary customers cannot calculate the costs of downtime, such systems may not succeed because it will be difficult to justify a higher price. Hence, we propose an easy-to-calculate estimate of downtime.As one reviewer commented, the cost estimate we propose "is simply a symbolic translation of the most obvious, common sense approach to the problem." We take this remark as a complement, noting that prior work has ignored pieces of this obvious formula.We introduce this formula, argue why it will be important to have a formula that can easily be calculated, suggest why it will be hard to get a more accurate estimate, and give some examples.Widespread use of this obvious formula can lay a foundation for systems that reduce downtime.
Abstract 4897: Accurate variant detection using molecular barcodes

HaloPlex is an amplicon based method for targeted sequencing. The protocol utilizes specificity gained from restriction enzyme recognition, hybridization and DNA ligation to capture molecules originating from the target region to be sequenced. The target region is fully customizable from a single gene up to several thousand discrete regions. Amplicon based methods for multiplex target enrichment are, in general, convenient methods for capturing a wide range of target region sizes. However, in contrast to hybridization capture methods where random shearing is deployed, it is not possible for Haloplex or other amplicon based techniques to use the start point of paired end reads to identify duplicate reads. Duplicate read information can be useful for improving base calling accuracy and to monitor sampling to determine the degree of confidence to assign calls at different presumed allelic fractions. For somatic variants, which are generally present at a lower than 50% allelic fraction, it is even more advantageous to know how many molecules have been sampled when calling a particular base. To enable identification of duplicate reads from libraries prepared with Haloplex, we have added a molecular barcode to the introduced primer cassette. The molecular barcode consists of ten degenerate bases allowing for over one million unique sequences to be present for tagging of molecules. Using information derived from the molecular barcode sequences we demonstrate observation of variants down to 5% allelic fraction in multiple molecules tagged with different molecular barcodes. The new protocol has, besides the introduction of molecular barcodes, been optimized in a few additional aspects. Due to improved reagent formulations and streamlining of workflow, complete target enrichment can now be completed in less than 5 hours. Using 50 ng input we demonstrate >85% specificity and above 90% of target regions being covered at >10% of average depth. Citation Format: Charmian Cher, Henrik Johansson, Javelin Chi, Katie Zobeck, Linus Forsmark, Magnus Isaksson, Holly Hogrefe. Accurate variant detection using molecular barcodes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4897. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4897
Diphenhydramine as a Cause of Drug-Induced Liver Injury.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the Unites States and accounts for 10% of acute hepatitis cases. We report the only known case of diphenhydramine-induced acute liver injury in the absence of concomitant medications. A 28-year-old man with history of 13/14-chromosomal translocation presented with fevers, vomiting, and jaundice. Aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase levels peaked above 20,000 IU/L and 5,000 IU/L, respectively. He developed coagulopathy but without altered mental status. Patient reported taking up to 400 mg diphenhydramine nightly, without concomitant acetaminophen, for insomnia. He denied taking other medications, supplements, antibiotics, and herbals. A thorough workup of liver injury ruled out viral hepatitis (including A, B, C, and E), autoimmune, toxic, ischemic, and metabolic etiologies including Wilson’s disease. A liver biopsy was consistent with DILI without evidence of iron or copper deposition. Diphenhydramine was determined to be the likely culprit. This is the first reported case of diphenhydramine-induced liver injury without concomitant use of acetaminophen.
Form without function: Transitions in the urban-built environment of Qatar

The introduction of air conditioning in Qatar has radically changed the everyday life both inside and outside the home both physically and socially. As part of a larger project investigating thermal comfort in Qatar, we seek to understand the ways changes in everyday Qatari life are connected to the articulation of a modernized and global national identity. Air conditioning is one of the material comforts that accompanies a diversifying economy as well as an influx of wealth and expatriates migrating to Qatar. We posit that in Qatar, similar to elsewhere in the Gulf, this economic and social trajectory has resulted in an increase in Western urban forms that do not take into account traditional design. Whereas the traditional design of Arab towns and neighborhoods reflects climatic and socio-religious practices, modernization has taken away many of these features, particularly in the design and articulation of new buildings in Qatar. In what sense has it become difficult to orient oneself in Qatar with a place identity? This paper will discuss the various factors at place in the place identity challenges facing Qatar as a modern urban Arab city. We will discuss some of the salient features of passive cooling, such as wind towers and mashrabiya or screening, and how their inclusion in building identity is a nod to form without utilizing cooling functions. As case studies, we will discuss the ideas and impetus in such energy-intensive concepts that gave rise to the West Bay business district of skyscrapers and the ‘objects in a landscape’ approach to designing buildings in Education City.
Integrating multi-omics biomarkers and postprandial metabolism to develop personalized treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Abstract Background Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a serious mental illness characterized by emaciation, an intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight, and distorted body image. Few treatments reverse the core symptoms in AN such as profound aversion to food and food avoidance. Consequently, AN has a chronic and relapsing course and the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. A more complete understanding of the disease pathogenesis is needed in order to develop better treatments and improve AN outcome. The pathogenesis and psychopathophysiology of AN can be better elucidated by combining longitudinal phenotyping with multiple “omics” techniques, including genomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics. Design This paper summarizes the key findings of a series of interrelated studies including new experimental data and previously published data, and describes our current initiatives and future directions. Results Exon sequencing data was analyzed in 1205 AN and 1948 controls. Targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics data were collected in two independent convenience samples consisting of 75 subjects with eating disorders and 61 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Study participants were female and the mean age was 22.9 (4.9 [SD]) years. Epoxide hydrolase 2 ( EPHX2 ) genetic variations were significantly associated with AN risk, and epoxide hydrolase (sEH) activity was elevated in AN compared to controls. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and eicosanoids data revealed that cytochrome P450 pathway was implicated in AN, and AN displayed a dysregulated postprandial metabolism of PUFAs and sEH-dependent eicosanoids. Implication and current initiatives Collectively, our data suggest that dietary factors may contribute to the burden of EPHX2 -associated AN susceptibility and affect disease outcome. We are implementing new investigations using a longitudinal study design in order to validate and develop an EPHX2 multi-omics biomarker system. We will test whether sEH-associated postprandial metabolism increases AN risk and affects treatment outcome through an ω-6 rich breakfast challenge. Participants will include 100 ill AN patients, 100 recovered AN patients, and 100 age- and race-matched healthy women. These data will allow us to investigate 1) how genetic and dietary factors independently and synergistically contribute to AN risk and progression, and 2) if clinical severity and treatment response in AN are affected by sEH activity and eicosanoid dysregulation. Results of our study will 1) identify clinically relevant biomarkers, 2) unravel mechanistic functions of sEH, and 3) delineate contributory roles of dietary PUFAs and cytochrome P450 pathway eicosanoids for the purpose of developing novel AN treatments and improving disease prognosis.
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine: US Anesthesiology Resident Training-The Year 2015

Background and Objectives The Anesthesiology Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education sets core requirements for residency program accreditation. We periodically report and analyze the US anesthesiology residents9 training experience in regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Methods Resident caseload, procedure, and pain medicine evaluation data were aggregated for the resident cohort who graduated in 2015. These data were analyzed for present-day experience and compared with previous reports from years 1980, 1990, and 2000 graduates. Results Data were available for 1631 residents who graduated from 129 training programs. Regional anesthesia as a portion of the overall anesthesiology residents9 training experience remains unchanged since 1990. The distribution of regional anesthesia training has shifted from neuraxial to peripheral blocks. All residents at the 10th percentile and above achieved the benchmark for spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve block anesthetics and for new pain evaluations. Conclusions The focus of US anesthesiology resident training in regional anesthesia and pain medicine has changed over the past 15 years by shifting from neuraxial to peripheral nerve block techniques. Previous training deficits have resolved for spinal anesthesia and peripheral nerve block. Procedural experience in pain medicine overwhelmingly involves epidural and facet injections.
Learning from each other: using a service-learning citizenship course to promote intercultural understanding

Many U.S. college students are unaware of the processes for refugee resettlement and the steps that refugees must take to attain citizenship. We designed a college course to address these gaps. The...
Reliable and Fault Diagnosis Architectures for Hardware and Software-Efficient Block Cipher KLEIN Benchmarked on FPGA

Security-sensitive usage models, such as implantable and wearable medical devices are prone to algorithmic cryptographic attacks as well as malicious implementation attacks. The cryptographic algorithms in these cryptosystems, such as lightweight block ciphers utilized in constrained applications, face significant tradeoff between the high level of security and the efficiency of their implementation metrics. For thwarting fault analysis attacks, among effective variants of active implementation attacks, and also to detect natural faults, efficient fault diagnosis schemes for these lightweight block ciphers are essential. In this paper, for the first time, we propose error detection schemes for lightweight block cipher, KLEIN, to ameliorate its error resiliency with low hardware complexity. The proposed fault diagnosis architectures are for linear and nonlinear components of this cipher. We also consider the notion of fault space transformation for lightweight cryptography and present its potential complications. The implementation of the proposed schemes through variants of Xilinx field-programmable gate arrays and the error coverage assessed with fault injection simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes with acceptable footprints.