cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling temporal closures in a multispecies recreational fishery reveals tradeoffs associated with species seasonality and angler effort dynamics

Abstract Seasonal closures are commonly used to reduce fishing mortality in recreational and commercial fisheries, but they may be less effective when effort is merely displaced to the open season or in multispecies fisheries that allow for discarding to continue while other species are targeted. The latter is especially true for the valuable multispecies recreational reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, where discard mortality is high and it can be difficult to avoid catching one species while fishing for others. We evaluated the utility of complete bottom fishing closures (in addition to already mandated harvest closures) that would temporarily prohibit recreational reef fishing as a means to control effort, reduce the amount of dead discards, and improve stock status of multiple species. In this study we developed age-structured population models for six Gulf of Mexico reef fish species that dominate the recreational catch, with each model linked to a monthly effort dynamic model for the recreational fishery. The effect of closing any given month(s) varied across species and resulted in tradeoffs, such that some closures may result in positive effects on biomass of one species and negative effects on others. For example, a spring closure was predicted to have positive effects on Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus spawning stock biomass but negative effects on Gag grouper Mycteroperca microlepis due to the contrasting patterns in harvest rates during those months. These tradeoffs were associated with seasonal availability patterns and the degree to which anglers might shift effort to the open season. The closure scenarios that were most likely to reduce dead discards without negatively impacting harvest, spawning biomass, or total effort occurred in late winter and early spring (March & April). In evaluating seasonal fishing closures, the gains in biomass and reductions in dead discards must be weighed against the socio-economic tradeoffs, in terms of lost effort-generated revenue at various spatial and temporal scales and angler dissatisfaction.
Ruptured Appendicitis and Retrocecal Abscess Masquerading as Knee Pain in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Abstract Background Knee pain has a variety of etiologies in the pediatric population, including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, fracture, ligamentous injury, and neoplasms. Extrinsic sources of knee pain may also be intra-abdominal, although abdominal pathology is much more likely to manifest as hip or proximal thigh musculature pain. Case Report A 5-year-old healthy male presented with atraumatic right knee pain, discomfort with weightbearing, fever, and elevated inflammatory laboratory markers. Physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the knee were benign, leading to low clinical suspicion for knee septic arthritis. Blood cultures were positive for a gastrointestinal organism, Granulicatella adiacens, suggesting abdominal pathology leading to referred pain. Ultrasound evaluation and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a large abscess secondary to perforated appendicitis, which was treated with CT-guided drainage and i.v. antibiotics. The patient's musculoskeletal pain subsided with treatment of the appendicitis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Acute appendicitis may present as knee pain, with other signs and symptoms mimicking septic arthritis, such as fever, inability to bear weight, and elevated inflammatory markers. Considering an array of differential diagnoses in pediatric patients with apparent knee septic arthritis is crucial to prevent delay in diagnosis of alternative infectious sources.
Evaluation of healing at molar extraction sites with and without ridge preservation: A three-arm histologic analysis.

Background Little evidence is available regarding the benefit of ridge preservation (RP) at molar sites. The primary objective of this three-arm cohort study was to histologically compare the healing outcome between natural healing after molar tooth extraction and two different techniques of RP using freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and a nonresorbable dense polytetrafluoroethylene (dPTFE) membrane, or an absorbable collagen sponge as a barrier. Methods Seventy-nine patients requiring extraction and delayed implant placement were placed into three groups: extraction alone (control); ridge preserved using FDBA; and either dPTFE (Test1) or collagen sponge (Test2). Bone cores were harvested from implant osteotomies at ≈3 months after extraction for histomorphometric analysis to determine the percentage of vital bone, residual graft, and connective or other tissue. Ridge dimension changes were also evaluated radiographically (cone-beam computed tomography). Results The percentage of vital bone was significantly greater in control group compared with Test1 but was not statistically different among other groups. Test2 showed significantly less connective or other tissue than control and Test1. The percentage of residual graft was significantly lower in Test1 compared with Test2. There was no significant correlation between the percentage of vital bone or residual graft and the following parameters: healing time, patient age, gender, buccal plate thickness, or radiographic changes in ridge dimensions. Conclusion RP at molar sites using FDBA and an absorbable collagen sponge may be a sufficient and economic way to preserve the ridge dimension without interfering with the amount of new bone formation.
Modeling Propagation Loss in Site-Specific Non-Uniform Dielectric Urban Environments Using VTRPE

This paper is continuation of previous work investigating the sensitivity of propagation loss calculations to changes in relative permittivity assigned to features of a sitespecific dense urban landscape. This work adds complexity to the model simulations by introducing non-uniform dielectric definition of the lower boundary condition of the calculation domain. Simulations were done using the Variable Terrain Radiowave Parabolic Equation (VTRPE) model. The geometry of interest is that of a transmitter fixed high above the average building height, with interest in the propagation loss calculated several kilometers down range at receiver heights of a few meters above the ground. The geometry of the lower boundary is defined by urban landscape profiles generated from digital surface models (DSM) derived from vector polygon data. Relative permittivity values for concrete, glass, and brick are assigned with varying arrangements for which simulation results are discussed. Simulation results are shown for 900MHz and 1800MHz for both horizontal and vertical polarizations.
Donkeys under discussion

Donkey sentences have existential and universal readings, but they are not often perceived as ambiguous. We extend the pragmatic theory of non-maximality in plural definites by Križ (2016) to explain how hearers use Questions under Discussion to fix the interpretation of donkey sentences in context. We propose that the denotations of such sentences involve truth-value gaps — in certain scenarios the sentences are neither true nor false — and demonstrate that Križ’s pragmatic theory fills these gaps to generate the standard judgments of the literature. Building on Muskens’s (1996) Compositional Discourse Representation Theory and on ideas from supervaluation semantics, we define a general schema for dynamic quantification that delivers the required truth-value gaps. Given the independently motivated pragmatic theory of Križ 2016, we argue that mixed readings of donkey sentences require neither plural information states, contra Brasoveanu 2008, 2010, nor error states, contra Champollion 2016, nor singular donkey pronouns with plural referents, contra Krifka 1996, Yoon 1996. We also show that the pragmatic account improves over alternatives like Kanazawa 1994 that attribute the readings of donkey sentences to the monotonicity properties of the embedding quantifier. EARLY ACCESS
Term Labor Outcomes after Cerclage Placement in a Multi-institutional Cohort.

Objective The placement of a cervical cerclage in early pregnancy could influence subsequent labor outcomes at term. Prior studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the potential association with adverse labor outcomes such as cesarean delivery (CD), cervical laceration, and prolonged labor. Our objective was to evaluate rate of CD and adverse maternal outcomes in women who labored at term with and without a cerclage within the Consortium on Safe Labor (CSL) cohort. We hypothesize that women with a cerclage in the incident pregnancy will have an increased frequency of CD and other adverse term labor outcomes. Study Design A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the CSL. Women with live nonanomalous singleton gestations≥ 37 weeks with induced or spontaneous labor were identified. The risk of CD and other maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women with and without cerclage placement during pregnancy. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed with adjustment for confounding factors. Planned subgroup analysis by history of CD was performed. Results A total of 374 of the 147,463 patients who met study inclusion criteria in the CSL (0.25%) had a cerclage. In univariable analysis, cerclage placement was associated with a significant increase in the frequency of CD (17.1 vs. 12.8%, p = 0.016, odds ratio: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.07–1.84), cervical lacerations, infectious morbidity, and blood loss. The association with CD persisted in multivariable regression. Cerclage placement was not associated with an increased risk of neonatal morbidity. Conclusion Cerclage placement in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of CD, cervical laceration, and infectious morbidity among women delivering at term. These findings suggest that cerclage placement may impact labor progression and outcomes. However, the magnitude of the association may not alter clinical decisions regarding cerclage placement in appropriate candidates.
Impact of Clinical Process Improvement Training in an Integrated Delivery System

Multiple integrated health systems use frontline staff training in quality and process improvement, although the optimal method to determine training success remains unknown. The authors assessed the Partners Clinical Process Improvement Leadership Program's short-term impact by evaluating data in project presentations during 14 courses between 2010 and 2016. Long-term impact was assessed via a graduate survey. Among 262 interprofessional teams, 180 (69%) achieved short-term improvement, including 78 (30%) achieving and 102 (39%) demonstrating improvement toward their project goal. Projects implementing ≥2 interventions were more likely to succeed. Of 231 graduates surveyed, 79% reported the ability to lead and 67% reported actual work on additional quality improvement projects. Ninety-seven percent of alumni reported a positive career impact. Hospital leadership support of clinical process improvement training meets short-term improvement needs and promotes long-term capacity for learning health systems.
Adrenal metastasis as the initial diagnosis of synchronous papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer uncommonly presents with distant metastases. Adrenal metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancer presenting as the initial finding is even less common. A 71-year-old male was incidentally found on chest CT to have bilateral thyroid nodules, which were confirmed on ultrasound. Fine needle aspiration of the dominant right 3.3 cm nodule contained histologic features most consistent with Bethesda classification III, and repeat fine needle aspiration revealed pathology consistent with Bethesda classification II. Follow-up thyroid ultrasound showed 1% increase and 14% increase in nodule volume at one and two years, respectively, compared to baseline. Prior to the second annual thyroid ultrasound, the patient was incidentally found to have a 4.1 cm heterogeneously enhancing mass in the right adrenal gland on CT of the abdomen and pelvis. Biochemical evaluation was unremarkable with the exception of morning cortisol of 3.2 µg/dL after dexamethasone suppression. The patient then underwent laparoscopic right adrenal gland excision, which revealed metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy was then performed, with pathology showing a 4.8 cm well-differentiated follicular thyroid carcinoma of the right lobe, a 0.5 cm noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features of the left lobe, and a 0.1 cm papillary microcarcinoma of the left lobe. Thyrotropin-stimulated whole body scan showed normal physiologic uptake of the remnant thyroid tissue without evidence of other iodine avid disease. The patient then received radioactive iodine. At follow-up 14 months after total thyroidectomy, he remains free of recurrent disease. Despite following the recommended protocol for evaluation and surveillance of thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer can be challenging to diagnose, and may not be diagnosed until distant metastases are identified.
Effects of Personalized and Aggregate Top-N Recommendation Lists on User Preference Ratings

Prior research has shown a robust effect of personalized product recommendations on user preference judgments for items. Specifically, the display of system-predicted preference ratings as item recommendations has been shown in multiple studies to bias users’ preference ratings after item consumption in the direction of the predicted rating. Top-N lists represent another common approach for presenting item recommendations in recommender systems. Through three controlled laboratory experiments, we show that top-N lists do not induce a discernible bias in user preference judgments. This result is robust, holding for both lists of personalized item recommendations and lists of items that are top-rated based on averages of aggregate user ratings. Adding numerical ratings to the list items does generate a bias, consistent with earlier studies. Thus, in contexts where preference biases are of concern to an online retailer or platform, top-N lists, without numerical predicted ratings, would be a promising format for displaying item recommendations.
Stability Control of Autonomous Ground Vehicles Using Control-Dependent Barrier Functions

In the development of autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs), guaranteeing vehicle driving safety is a major concern. Among various aspects that need to be thoughtfully considered for driving safety, vehicle stability is one of the most fundamental and important factors. In this paper, to describe a guaranteed vehicle stability control problem, a new time-varying control-dependent invariant set is introduced. Correspondingly, the concept of a time-varying control-dependent barrier function (CDBF) is proposed. The proposed time-varying CDBF is more general than conventional control barrier functions (CBF), since we additionally consider invariant sets that can be time-varying and control-dependent, which will have broader applications. Then, using the proposed framework, we design a vehicle stability control algorithm, which guarantees that the vehicle states are always kept in the time-varying and control-dependent lateral stability regions. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed theory and control method are verified and discussed through illustrative simulation results of high-speed J-turn and double lane change maneuvers for an AGV.
Selection of Reference Genes for Real-time Quantitative RT- PCR in Rice(Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) under Nutrient Deficiency

Mineral nutrient assimilation and utilization play a critical role in rice yield. Reference genes suitable for nutrient deficiency must be selected,prior to qRT-PCR analysis of rice functional gene. In this study,a total of 12 rice housekeeping genes were selected as candidate reference genes for qRT-PCR of rice under nutrient deficiency. Total sample pool consisted of rice(Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) plants grown under 1-week and 2-week nutrient deficiency of 6 macro elements,including nitrogen,phosphorus,potassium,calcium,magnesium,sulphur. Stability of candidate reference genes under nutrient deficiency was analysed and reference gene eIF4a was identified as the most suitable gene using geNorm,and two genes with most stable expression were found to be optimal for reliable normalisation,based on the result of actual normalisation effect under different nutrient deficiency using various reference gene groups,reference gene selection was been proved to be of importance on qRT-PCR results under nutrient deficiency treatment of rice,and effectiveness of gene stability analysis using geNorm was further confirmed. Finally,single gene normalisation of eIF4a was validated as an improvement and complement for geNorm software. Taken together,all the results provide good reference for further research in qRT-PCR under nutrient deficiency.
Structural and Binding Effects of Chemical Modifications on Thrombin Binding Aptamer (TBA)

The thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is a promising nucleic acid-based anticoagulant. We studied the effects of chemical modifications, such as dendrimer Trebler and NHS carboxy group, on TBA with respect to its structures and thrombin binding affinity. The two dendrimer modifications were incorporated into the TBA at the 5' end and the NHS carboxy group was added into the thymine residues in the thrombin binding site of the TBA G-quadruplex (at T4, T13 and both T4/T13) using solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy confirmed that all of these modified TBA variants fold into a stable G-quadruplex. The binding affinity of TBA variants with thrombin was measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The binding patterns and equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) of the modified TBAs are very similar to that of the native TBA. Molecular dynamics simulations studies indicate that the additional interactions or stability enhancement introduced by the modifications are minimized either by the disruption of TBA-thrombin interactions or destabilization elsewhere in the aptamer, providing a rational explanation for our experimental data. Overall, this study identifies potential positions on the TBA that can be modified without adversely affecting its structure and thrombin binding preference, which could be useful in the design and development of more functional TBA analogues.
COVID-19 vaccination and glomerulonephritis

Background MRNA COVID-19 vaccine is more effective than traditional vaccines due to superior immune activation. However, the impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on triggering de novo/relapsing glomerulonephritis (GN) is limited. We report a case series of patients who developed new or relapsing GN post vaccination. Method We evaluated baseline characteristics, vaccine type and clinical outcomes of 13 patients from our institution who had a new diagnosis or relapse of their GN post mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Results Of 13 patients, 8 patients were newly diagnosed GNs and 5 patients had relapse. Median age was 62 years (range 19-83 years). Autoimmune disease (38%) was the most prevalent underlying disease followed by cancer (23%). Majority of patients were white male. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was the most common GN in our series (5 patients, 38%) followed by membranous nephropathy (MN) (3 patients, 23%). One patient with IgAN had evidence of IgA deposits prior to vaccination suggesting that the immune activation following vaccination triggered a flare of the disease. Our case series also included the first case report of tip-variant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, NELL-1 associated MN, and atypical anti-GBM nephritis. Seventy seven percent developed acute kidney injury with the majority being KDIGO stage 1 (67%). Outcome are favorable with 80% responding to therapy. Conclusions New cases and relapse of GN can present shortly after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. New cases of IgAN may result from unmasking of undiagnosed IgAN due to robust immune activation rather than development of new deposits.
Unusual Options Market Activity with an Application to the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 there was a great deal of speculation that the terrorists or their associates had traded in the options market on advanced knowledge of the impending events. It is nearly impossible, however, to assess the options market trading leading up to this or any other event in the absence of systematic information about the characteristics of options market activity. This paper provides this information by computing the distributions of certain options market volume ratios and put and call trading indicators both unconditionally and when conditioning on the overall level of options activity, the return and trading volume on the underlying stocks, and the return on the overall market. When the options market activity in the days leading up to the terrorist attacks is compared to the benchmark distributions, the volume ratios and call volume indicator are seen to be at typical levels but the put volume indicator appears to be unusually high.
The Interaction of Polypeptide Components of Human High Density Lipoprotein with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Abstract The anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate interacts with three to four binding sites on the surface of each of the individual polypeptide components (AI and AII) of human serum high density lipoprotein. The association constants for this process are the same for both AI and the disulfidebonded dimer of AII, namely 2 x 104 liters per mole. AI and AII are relatively compact, ordered structures over this range of detergent binding, and cooperative interaction occurs only at much higher free concentrations of ligand ( g 1.5 x 10-4 m). The detergent binding sites are probably exposed rather than clefts in the protein surface, since these same sites are involved in protein-protein interactions between the polypeptide components of high density lipoprotein.
Functionality Evaluation of Photo-definable Polyimide, Flexible Interface for the Central Nervous System

The success of implantable technologies to generate advancements in biorobotics or neuroprosthetics hinges on the development of a multichannel electrode array capable of one or two way communication with a large number of neurons at high channel fidelity over very long implant durations. While a large number of conductive materials have been developed as candidate materials for a long-term neural interface, very few meet the strict requirements of the unique bio-chemical-mechanical environment of the brain. In particular, one of the common shortfalls seems to be in the inflexible materials often chosen for such devices, despite the common knowledge that the brain itself is a very 'soft' viscoelastic environment. In an effort to improve long-term performance of cortical implants, we present a design-based strategy that includes finite-element modeling of a mechanically flexible tissue/device interface
Effect of Si precursors on micro-loading, morphology and throughput of selective epitaxial growth of si and Si 1−x Ge x

In this paper, we report the effect of two Si precursors, SiH 4 and SiCl 2 H 2 on the micro-loading, morphology and throughput for selective epitaxial growth of Si and Si 1−x Ge x (0 1−x Ge x can be engineered by carefully adjusting the ratio of partial pressures of SiH 4 and SiCl 2 H 2 .
Induced reoxidation and reactivation of a reduced uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase complex.

Abstract An inactive reduced UDP-galactose-4-epimerase complex, which is prepared by reduction with NaBH4 in the presence of substrates and is known to contain DPNH and UDP-hexoses in tightly bound form, is largely reoxidized and partially reactivated in the presence of 0.02 to 0.4 m cyclohexanone or cyclohexanol. Upon placing the epimerase-[4-β-3H]DPNH · UDP-hexose complex in the presence of 0.4 m cyclohexanone about 70% of the DPNH is reoxidized and about 40% of the catalytic activity is restored within 90 min at 27° and pH 8.5, while the major radioactive products are 3H2O and free tritiated DPN+, as well as enzyme-bound tritiated DPN+, but not tritiated cyclohexanol. There is no evidence that cyclohexanone is reduced, and cyclohexanol at similar concentrations causes a similar reactivation. It is probable that these compounds act by causing the tightly bound UDP-hexose molecules to be released from the reduced complex. The resultant epimerase · DPNH complex then undergoes spontaneous autoxidation and reactivation.
Let Quantum Mechanics Improve Your Images

Entanglement of light beams allows images to be transmitted and recorded in ways that surpass classical limits.
Strong cosmic censorship: the role of nearly extreme nonrotating black holes

In this paper it is argued that even invoking the dominant energy condition, the Einstein's field equations admit nonglobally hyperbolic, asymptotically de Sitter spacetimes with locally naked singularities and with Cauchy horizons failing to be surfaces of infinite gravitational blueshift; what is more, it is shown the existence of space-time solutions containing Cauchy horizons expected to be stable against small linear nonstationary axisymmetric perturbations in an open set of the physical parameter space where the positive cosmological constant is nearly zero. The price to pay is a violation at ultrahigh densities of Le Chatelier's principle. Given an equation of state, the line of thought introduces black-hole Cauchy horizon instability criteria in terms of the associated adiabatic index, revealing a connection between this subject and the stability theory of relativistic stars. This is used to put forward a tentative, limited formulation of the strong cosmic censorship principle inside black holes (once called dark stars).
Crested Mutant in Zebra Finches

The crested mutant in zebra finches was shown statistically to be an autosomal codominant lethal. Homozygous crests likely die as embryos. Even the heterozygous crests were deficient in numbers, allowing the conclusion that heterozygous crest in zebra finches is also detrimental (subvital), or it has reduced penetrance.
The effects of endocrine and mechanical stimulation on stage I lactogenesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells.

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of endocrine and mechanical (gel release) signaling on bovine mammary epithelial cell ultrastructure and gene expression. Cultures receiving only one stimulus demonstrated partially differentiated ultrastructure, which included abundant polysomes, limited rough endoplasmic reticulum, and absence of secretory products, whereas the 2 stimuli together induced a more complete lactogenic phenotype that included increased rough endoplasmic reticulum, abundant lipid droplets, and secretory vesicles containing casein micelles. The structural data indicated that although synthesis of milk components was initiated, the copious synthesis and secretion associated with stage II lactogenesis was not evident. Microarray analysis revealed that both prolactin and gel release independently regulated several genes linked to a wide array of cellular activities. In combination, they regulated fewer genes targeted to lactogenesis. Genes regulated by the combination treatment included claudin 7, multiple caseins, xanthine oxidoreductase, and several protein synthesis, packaging, and transport genes. Genes related to structural activity including keratin 15 (morphogenesis), α-spectrin (cell shape via actin cytoskeleton), and chitinase-like protein 1 (tissue remodeling) were up-regulated by the combination treatment as was the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF-2). However, Snail 2, which down-regulates and inhibits tight junction components, was repressed in response to the combination treatment. These results suggest coordination between endocrine and physical signals at the genomic level that produces a more specific and targeted transcriptional response associated with stage I lactogenesis. A molecular pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that genes regulating cell signaling were linked to those regulating cell structure and adhesion.
Bronchoprovocation: Effect on priming and desensitization phenomenon in the lung

Priming, or increased sensitivity to antigen, has not been demonstrated in the lung and could play a role in asthmatic symptomatology during seasonal pollen exposure. It is also an important consideration in the design of any experimental protocol requiring serial bronchoprovocations with antigen. Thirteen patients with a history of asthma symptoms during the pollen season and a positive skin test to ragweed extract were selected. Patients were given bronchial challenge out of season on 4 successive days with stepwise inhalations of antigen, and airways conductance was monitored in the body plethysmograph. Antigen dose-response curves were drawn, and the cumulative dose required for a 35% reduction in specific airway conductance was calculated and designated Provocation Dose (PD35). No regular trend toward either priming or desensitization was noted. The daily changes in antigen sensitivity did not correlate with daily variation of baseline pulmonary function. To determine if there was any priming due to natural exposure to pollen, 9 patients were brought back and rechallenged during the pollen season with no significant increase in bronchial sensitivity to ragweed extract. The PD35 method provides figures useful for comparing dose-response curves and shows a one-log variation from day to day. Any evaluation by bronchial challenge of antigen sensitivity or drug efficacy must take into account such variation.
α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone and Habituation of Prey-Catching Behavior in the Texas Toad, Bufo speciosus

Abstract We investigated dose-dependent effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on habituation in the Texas toad, Bufo speciosus. Additionally, we determined changes in plasma and brain levels of α-MSH following peripheral administration of the peptide or following exposure to an ether stressor. The ability of α-MSH to facilitate acquisition of habituation was dose dependent. Plasma α-MSH concentrations were elevated within 5 min of dorsal lymph sac injection and remained elevated up to 600% over controls after 30 min. Administration of 50 μg α-MSH had no effect on plasma corticosterone levels. Radiolabeled α-MSH was detected in cerebrospinal fluid microdialysates within minutes of peripheral injection. Concentrations of α-MSH in the telencephalon and preoptic area were significantly lowered after ether exposure, whereas levels in the optic tectum, thalamus/hypothalamus, brainstem, and plasma were unchanged. We conclude that α-MSH administered peripherally facilitates habituation in a dose-dependent fashion. Our results confirm that the effects of α-MSH are independent of corticosterone secretion. The peptide is cleared rapidly into the bloodstream and enters the cerebrospinal fluid after dorsal lymph sac injection. Neuronal α-MSH may help toads gather information about their environment when exposed to certain stressors.
BELIEF, INCONGRUITY, AND SYLLOGISTIC REASONING

In a recent srudy (3), words which had been rated on the evaluarive scales of the Semantic Differential were combined to produce sentences varying in three levels of incongruiry (5). Error and rime scores on validiry judgments of syllogisms were influenced systematically when these sentences were used in syllogistic conclusions. The questions explored in this study dealt with the nature of the relationship between beliefs in conclusions and the amount of incongruency of the sentence used in the conclusion. One week after taking the syllogistic reasoning test the 64 Ss from the original study rated rhe 48 syllogistic conclusions on a series of probabilistic scales designed to measure belief (2). Evaluative scales were used as filler items and scale directions were alternated. Half of the 48 syllogistic conclusions were universal (e.g., "All mothers are evil") and the other half were particular (e.g., "Some mothers are evil"). The mean incongruity rating of each conclusion was correlated with its average belief raring. The Pearson correlations were -.52 (p < .01) and -.66 (p < .01) for the universal and particular conclusions, respectively. These results support Osgood and Tannenbaum's notion that the more incongruous an assertion is, the less its credibility. In the original study (3) the effect of highly incongruous conclusions upon error scores was less than the effect of moderate incongruity, suggesting a function akin to Osgood and Tannenbaum's incredulity factor in syllogistic reasoning. The original srudy showed there were more errors on particular as opposed to universal conclusions. The point biserial correlation between belief and quantifier (universalparticular) was computed across all 48 conclusions (r~,!, = .91, p < .01). Evidently, incongruity predicts belief in assertions between individual words, but neither incongruity nor belief predicts error or time scores (correlations were essentially zero for universal and particular conclusions separately). Qualifiers, on the other hand, are a powerful variable in manipulating Ss' belie!s in assertions, their errors and time scores. The present results indicate that, although attitudes (evaluative ratings) may be manipulated by asserting relations between selected attitude objects (I), both beliefs in those assertions and reasoning behaviors (which are independent of belief to some extent) can easily be manipulated by quantifying assertions. In terms of a mediarion model, belief in an assertion is contingent upon the incompatibilities of the words associated (qualifiers), and even more critically, in the number of relations which are asserted within a given hierarchy (quantifiers). Osgood (4) has suggested the differential effecrs of qualifiers which this study reveals.
THE ASSESSMENT OF SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HAND AND KNEE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 8 AND 14 YEARS1

TODD'S ATLAS2 of the development of the hand, and his description of the devel opment of the knee as related to so-called bone age probably embodies the most minute and careful study of the subject that has been made. Within the age range where they are applicable, these hand and knee standards permit a more precise estimation of skeletal status than has heretoforebeen possible. But on using Todd's data for assessment of bone age it seemed to us that some of the changes on which we were asked to make diagnoses were of very small degree indeed. It often was impossible to be sure within one or two steps (6 months' intervals). In order to discover the limiting critical sensitivity of the method we have studied 10 children over a period of 2 years in that age interval where diagnosis seems to us most difficult, namely ages 8 to 14.
Electrophilic Fluorination of Aromatics with Selectfluor™ and Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid1

1-(chloromethyl)-4-fluoro-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis (tetrafluoroborate) [Selectfluor™ F-TEDA-BF4 (TEDA = triethylenediamine)] in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid has been found to be a very effective reagent system for the direct electrophilic fluorination of a wide variety of aromatic compounds under mild reaction conditions to the corresponding fluoroaromatics in good to excellent yields.
The effect of pituitary stalk section upon reproductive phenomena in the female rat.

IT HAS RECENTLY BEEN SHOWN that the activity of the anterior lobe of the pituitary may be modified by nervous stimuli which reach the gland through the fibers of the pituitary stalk. An increase in cell height in the rat thyroid, which nor' mally occurs after exposure to cold, is prevented by cutting the pituitary stalk (i). Likewise, Brooks (2) has shown that ovulation in the rabbit, which normally follows coitus, does not occur after pituitary stalk section. This nervous mechanism, however, is not indispensable for the production or release of the thyrotropic and luteinizing hormones. The thyroid gland shows no histological change in animals maintained at normal temperature after pituitary stalk section (2, 3). Similarly, in the spontaneously ovulating rat and guinea pig, the re' productive cycle and ovulation may proceed normally after section of the pituitary stalk (4, 5).
Application of Molecular Techniques to the Study of Hospital Infection

Nosocomial infections are an important source of morbidity and mortality in hospital settings, afflicting an estimated 2 million patients in United States each year. This number represents up to 5% of hospitalized patients and results in an estimated 88,000 deaths and 4.5 billion dollars in excess health care costs. Increasingly, hospital-acquired infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens represent a major problem in patients. Understanding pathogen relatedness is essential for determining the epidemiology of nosocomial infections and aiding in the design of rational pathogen control methods. The role of pathogen typing is to determine whether epidemiologically related isolates are also genetically related. To determine molecular relatedness of isolates for epidemiologic investigation, new technologies based on DNA, or molecular analysis, are methods of choice. These DNA-based molecular methodologies include pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), PCR-based typing methods, and multilocus sequence analysis. Establishing clonality of pathogens can aid in the identification of the source (environmental or personnel) of organisms, distinguish infectious from noninfectious strains, and distinguish relapse from reinfection. The integration of molecular typing with conventional hospital epidemiologic surveillance has been proven to be cost-effective due to the associated reduction in the number of nosocomial infections. Cost-effectiveness is maximized through the collaboration of the laboratory, through epidemiologic typing, and the infection control department during epidemiologic investigations.
Using modeling to help understand vaginal microbicide functionality and create better products

A summary is presented of a range of mathematical models that relate to topical microbicidal molecules, applied vaginally to inhibit HIV transmission. These models contribute to the fundamental understanding of the functioning of those molecules, as introduced in different delivery systems. They also provide computational tools that can be employed in the practical design and evaluation of vaginal microbicide products. Mathematical modeling can be implemented, using stochastic principles, to understand the probability of infection by sexually transmitted HIV virions. This provides a frame of reference for the deterministic models of the various processes that underlie HIV transmission and its inhibition, including: the temporal and spatial history of HIV migration from semen to vaginal epithelial surfaces and thence to the underlying stroma; the time and spatial distribution of microbicidal drugs as delivered by various vehicles (e.g., gels, rings, films, and tablets)—this is central to understanding microbicide product pharmacokinetics; and the time and space history of the drug interactions with HIV directly and with host cells for HIV within the vaginal environment—this informs the understanding of microbicide pharmacodynamics. Models that characterize microbicide functionality and performance should and can interface with both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. They can serve as a rapidly applied, inexpensive tool, to facilitate microbicide R&D, in advance of more costly and time consuming clinical trials.
The role of vortices in the three-dimensional random-field xy model

We study vortex states in a 3d random-field xy model of up to one billion lattice spins at T = 0. Starting with random spin orientations, the sample freezes into the vortex-glass state with a stretched-exponential decay of spin correlations, having short correlation length and a low susceptibility, compared to vortex-free states. In a field opposite to the initial magnetization, peculiar topological objects —walls of spins still opposite to the field— emerge along the hysteresis curve. On increasing the field strength, the walls develop cracks bounded by vortex loops. The loops then grow in size and eat the walls away. Applications to magnets and superconductors are discussed.
Abstract IA7: Novel mechanisms of resistance in BRAF-mutant melanoma

Tumors with mutant BRAF(V600E) are dependent on ERK signaling for their growth. Unlike MEK inhibitors that suppress ERK signaling in all cells, RAF inhibitors suppress ERK signaling in cells with mutant BRAF, but paradoxically enhance ERK signaling in tumor and normal cells with wild-type BRAF. The mechanistic basis of this phenomenon lies in the interaction of these drugs with RAF dimers. Active RAS promotes homo- and heterodimerization of RAF. Binding of drug to one protomer in the RAF dimer transactivates the other. In BRAF(V600E) tumors, RAS is not activated, RAF is a monomer and thus transactivation is minimal. In these tumors, RAF inhibitors bind to and inhibit the RAF monomer and effectively suppress ERK signaling. Furthermore, because RAF inhibitors do not inhibit ERK signaling in other cells, the model predicts that they would have a higher therapeutic index and greater antitumor activity than MEK inhibitors. Indeed, RAF inhibitors have shown remarkable clinical activity in patients with melanomas that harbor mutant BRAF(V600E), however, resistance invariably develops. The mechanism of action of these drugs suggests that drug resistance could result from any lesion that increases RAF dimerization. These could include mechanisms that increase RAS activation in the tumor cells or lesions that cause RAF to dimerize in a RAF-independent manner. Indeed, mutations in NRAS and activation of receptor tyrosine kinases have now been associated with innate or acquired resistance to RAF inhibitors. We have found that aberrantly spliced forms of BRAF(V600E) are associated with resistance to RAF inhibitors in preclinical models and in patients that relapsed on the RAF inhibitor vemurafenib (PLX4032). These variants lack the RAS-binding domain, constitutively homodimerize in cells with low levels of RAS activity and confer resistance to the drug. Thus, RAF dimerization emerges as a common theme in RAF-inhibitor resistance mechanisms. Since a large part of resistance to RAF inhibitors is attributable to attenuation of the ability of the drug to inhibit RAF, one would predict that such tumors would retain at least partial sensitivity to inhibitors of downstream effectors of RAF such as MEK or ERK. Therefore, combinatorial approaches targeting upstream or downstream of RAF in addition to RAF inhibitors may delay or prevent the onset of these mechanisms of resistance.
Antigen-induced neutrophil chemotactic activity from sensitized lung

We have used the model of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs to define the source of antigen-derived, high-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA). Incubating sensitized lung fragments with specific antigen (ovalbumin) but not irrelevant antigen (bovine serum albumin) or buffer resulted in the release of high-molecular-weight NCA and histamine, suggesting a lung mast cell origin for NCA. High-molecular-weight NCA accounted for greater than 90% of the NCA observed after antigen-lung incubation. The importance of high-molecular-weight NCA in recruitment of neutrophilic leukocytes to the site of allergic inflammatory reactions is emphasized.
Optofluidic devices and applications in photonics, sensing and imaging

Optofluidics integrates the fields of photonics and microfluidics, providing new freedom to both fields and permitting the realization of optical and fluidic property manipulations at the chip scale. Optofluidics was formed only after many breakthroughs in microfluidics, as understanding of fluid behaviour at the micron level enabled researchers to combine the advantages of optics and fluids. This review describes the progress of optofluidics from a photonics perspective, highlighting various optofluidic aspects ranging from the device's property manipulation to an interactive integration between optics and fluids. First, we describe photonic elements based on the functionalities that enable fluid manipulation. We then discuss the applications of optofluidic biodetection with an emphasis on nanosensing. Next, we discuss the progress of optofluidic lenses with an emphasis on its various architectures, and finally we conceptualize on where the field may lead.
On the relative error in normal approximation for signed rank statistics with a broad range of scores

Abstract The Cramer-type large deviation results in the optimal range of 0 1 4 ) are obtained on the relative error in normal approximation for the signed rank statistics under the symmetry hypothesis. The methods used are applications of elementary conditional probability and Feller's Theorem 1 [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 54 (1943), 361–372] (as Kallenberg, Z. Wahrsch. Verw. Geb. 60 (1982), 403–409, did to obtain the optimal range of 0 1 6 ) for the simple linear rank statistics). The results obtained are valid with a broad range of regression constants and scores (allowed to be generated by discontinuous functions, but not necessarily) restricted by mild conditions, while most of previous results for the problem dealing with rank statistics are obtained with a narrow range of scores generated by differentiable and bounded functions, and/or with severely restricted regression constants.
Effect of Fusarium roseum (Gibberella zea) on pregnancy and the estrous cycle in gilts fed molded corn on days 7-17 post-estrus.

A laboratory produced corn culture ofFusariumroseum (Gibberellazea) was fed as 10% of the total diet to bred and non-bred gilts on days 7–17 postestrus. The corn culture contained both zearalenone and deoxynivalenol by analysis, and caused considerable feed refusal.
Effect of preoperative pupil measurements on glare, halos, and visual function after photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy.

Abstract Purpose To prospectively assess the effect of preoperative variables such as pupil size on glare, halos, and visual function after photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PARK). Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA. Methods Ninety-three eyes had PARK for primary compound myopic astigmatism. Preoperative pupil diameters were measured under scotopic and photopic illuminance conditions. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. A regression model was performed to evaluate the predictive value of assessing preoperative variables such as pupil diameter on the development of glare and halos, contrast sensitivity, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) under scotopic, photopic, and glare conditions. Results The greater magnitude loss of BSCVA under scotopic conditions in the early postoperative period as well as the slower recovery to preoperative levels in eyes with larger scotopic pupil diameters were not statistically significant ( P > .05). An increase in symptoms of glare was related more to the attempted level of spherical equivalent (SE) correction than to the pupil size during the first 12 postoperative months ( P P = .03). At the 2 year follow-up, pupil diameter under both scotopic and photopic illuminance conditions was not predictive of any of the measured outcomes variables. Conclusions An assessment of preoperative pupil size and the attempted level of both SE and astigmatic correction may be useful in identifying patients at risk of developing symptoms or declines in visual performance after PARK. However, follow-up studies are indicated to identify variables predictive of poor visual outcomes following excimer laser refractive surgery.