cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A functional comparison of canine and murine bone marrow derived cultured mast cells.

Disorders involving mast cells are extremely common in dogs, ranging from allergic diseases to neoplastic transformation resulting in malignant mast cell tumors. Relatively little is known regarding the basic biologic properties of normal canine mast cells, largely due to the difficulty in reliably purifying large numbers from canine skin. In vitro generated bone marrow derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs) are routinely used in both human and murine studies as a ready source of material for in vitro and in vivo studies. We previously developed a technique to generate canine BMCMCs from bone marrow derived CD34+ cells and demonstrated that these cells exhibit the phenotypic properties characteristic of mast cells and release histamine in response to IgE cross-linking. The purpose of the following study was to characterize the functional properties of these canine BMCMCs and contrast these with the functional properties of murine BMCMCs. Our work demonstrates that both IL-4 and IL-10 promote canine BMCMC proliferation, possibly through upregulation of Kit expression, while TGFβ inhibits proliferation. The canine BMCMCs produce a variety of cytokines and chemokines in response to IgE cross-linking and chemical stimulation including IL-3, IL-4, IL-13, GM-CSF, RANTES, and MIP1α. Interestingly, the canine BMCMCs released significantly larger amounts of MCP-1 and tryptase and significantly smaller amounts of IL-6 following chemical stimulation and IgE cross-linking when compared to murine BMCMCs. Lastly, the canine BMCMCs produced larger amounts of active MMP9 than their murine counterparts. In summary, canine BMCMCs exhibit unique functional properties that distinguish them from murine BMCMCs and provide insight into the contribution of these cells to mast cell disorders in the dog.
Into the fifth dimension

Particles such as the proton can be imagined as vibrating strings. We also know that protons contain smaller, point-like particles, going against the string theory. But in five dimensions, the contradiction disappears.
The internal conversion of the 6 keV transition in 181Ta

Abstract Penetration effects were observed in the M and N shell internal conversion of the 6 keV ground state transition in 181Ta. The transition energy was measured to be 6.21 ±0.03 keV.
Neural modeling of intrinsic and spike-discharge properties of cochlear nucleus neurons

The purpose of this study was to develop neurobiologically plausible models to account for the response properties of several types of cochlear nucleus neurons. Three cell types -- the bushy cells, stellate cells, and fusiform cells -- were selected because useful data from intracellular recordings were available for these cell types, and because these three cell types exhibit distinct contrasts in their neuronal signal coding strategies. Stellate cells have primarily linear current-voltage (I---V) characteristics, but both bushy and fusiform cells have highly non-linear I---V characteristics. In light of this, we hypothesize that some of these cells have non-linear voltage-dependent conductances which alter their response properties. We modeled the bushy cell membrane conductance as an exponentially increasing function of membrane voltage, that of the fusiform cell as an exponentially decreasing function of the voltage, and that of the stellate cell as being voltage-independent. We have combined the voltage-dependent non-linear conductances of the cell membrane with a simple R-C circuit type of neuron model. These models reproduced the salient features of the experimentally observed I---V characteristics of the cells. In addition, we found that the models reproduced the spike discharge behavior to intracellularly injected current steps. Moreover, a more detailed study of stellate cell `chopper'-type response patterns yielded hypotheses regarding the nature of the current that must exist at the soma during a pure-tone stimulus in order for the cells to exhibit various chopper subtype patterns, such as chop-S, chop-T, and O c .The chop-S pattern requires a steady average current level with a relatively small variability during the tone-burst stimulus. The chop-T pattern, in contrast, requires that the current become more irregular during the tone-burst stimulus. The O c pattern arises, however, when the input is similar to the chop-T case but the intrinsic properties of the cell model have been changed to increase the accommodation of the threshold. The implications of these findings for circuitry in the cochlear nucleus are discussed. Our analysis of these models revealed that this approach can be used to simulate neuronal cell types where I-V characteristics are known but more detailed ion channel data are not known.
Incorporation and characterization of biological molecules in droplet-interface bilayer networks for novel active systems

Biological molecules including phospholipids and proteins offer scientists and engineers a diverse selection of materials to develop new types of active materials and smart systems based on ion conduction. The inherent energy-coupling abilities of these components create novel kinds of transduction elements. Networks formed from droplet-interface bilayers (DIB) are a promising construct for creating cell mimics that allow for the assembly and study of these active biological molecules. The current-voltage relationship of symmetric, "lipid-in" dropletinterface bilayers are characterized using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). "Lipid-in" diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) droplet-interface bilayers have specific resistances of nearly 10MΩ•cm2 and rupture at applied potentials greater than 300mV, indicating the "lipid-in" approach produces higher quality interfacial membranes than created using the original "lipid-out" method. The incorporation of phospholipids into the droplet interior allows for faster monolayer formation but does not inhibit the selfinsertion of transmembrane proteins into bilayer interfaces that separate adjacent droplets. Alamethicin proteins inserted into single and multi-DIB networks produce a voltage-dependent membrane conductance and current measurements on bilayers containing this type of protein exhibit a reversible, 3-4 order-of-magnitude conductance increase upon application of voltage.
Temporally Distinct Requirements for Endothelin Receptor B in the Generation and Migration of Gut Neural Crest Stem Cells

Abstract Loss of Endothelin-3/Endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) signaling leads to aganglionosis of the distal gut (Hirschsprung's disease), but it is unclear whether it is required primarily for neural crest progenitor maintenance or migration. Ednrb -deficient gut neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) were reduced to 40% of wild-type levels by embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), but no further depletion of NCSCs was subsequently observed. Undifferentiated NCSCs persisted in the proximal guts of Ednrb -deficient rats throughout fetal and postnatal development but exhibited migration defects after E12.5 that prevented distal gut colonization. EDNRB signaling may be required to modulate the response of neural crest progenitors to migratory cues, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). This migratory defect could be bypassed by transplanting wild-type NCSCs directly into the aganglionic region of the Ednrb sl/sl gut, where they engrafted and formed neurons as efficiently as in the wild-type gut.
Treatment of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

Approximately 10% to 15% of women with metastatic breast cancer will develop brain metastases. Treatment options for these women remain limited, particularly at the time of central nervous system (CNS) relapse following completion of initial CNS-directed therapy. Historically, prior studies have broadly examined systemic treatments for breast cancer brain metastases with mixed, but overall disappointing, results. More recently, studies have increasingly selected patients based on breast cancer subtype and have examined novel, targeted agents that have preclinical suggestion of blood–brain barrier penetration. Correlative science objectives, with both tissue-based and novel imaging endpoints, are more frequently incorporated into trials of this nature, with the goal of enhancing our understanding of possible predictors of response. This review summarizes the current and emerging data on systemic therapy for breast cancer brain metastases and provides a framework for future directions in treating this clinically-challenging entity.
Effects of intake and postruminal casein infusion on performance and concentrations of hormones in plasma of lactating cows.

Abstract Four Holstein cows were utilized in a Latin square design with a factorial arrangement of treatments to examine the interaction between effects of dry matter intake (107 vs. 78% of energy requirements) and postruminal infusions (water vs. 395 g/d casein) on lactational performance, utilization of nitrogen and energy, and plasma concentrations of hormones. Yields of milk and milk protein were decreased by feed restriction and increased by casein infusion with no treatment interactions. Restricting feed intake decreased total nitrogen intake by 143 g/d and resulted in smaller quantities of fecal, absorbed, urinary, milk, and retained nitrogen compared with cows fed ad libitum. Casein infusion increased total nitrogen intake (55 g/d), absorbed nitrogen (54 g/d), urinary nitrogen excretion (28 g/d), and milk nitrogen (13 g/d). Casein by dry matter intake interactions were not significant for nitrogen utilization. Restricting feed intake increased plasma growth hormone and decreased concentrations of insulin and triiodothyronine. Glucagon, prolactin, and thyroxine were not affected by intake. Casein infusion did not affect growth hormone, insulin, prolactin, triiodothyronine, or thyroxine. Increased milk and milk protein yields obtained with casein infusion were apparently not mediated through changes in circurlating concentrations of these hormones; however, plasma glucagon was increased by casein infusions.
Isolation of females prior to parturition reduces neonatal mortality in Galago.

Eighteen years of birth records for three species of Galago at the Duke University Primate Center were examined to determine the effects of isolation of pregnant females on neonatal mortality rates. Isolation significantly decreased neonatal mortality rates in all three species over neonatal mortality rates in infants born to unisolated females. The frequency of cannibalism of infants did not differ between isolated and unisolated females. Secondary sex ratio differed significantly from 1:1 for all three species, but higher mortality in males in the first 10 days of life resulted in sex ratios that did not differ from 1:1 in G. garnettii and G. crassicaudatus.
Relationships between position on the parent plant and germination characteristics of seeds of parsley (Petroselinium crispum Nym.)

The percentage germination of seeds of parsley cv. Imperial Curled was higher in the light than in the dark, the high temperature limits for germination being 30 and 28°C for light and dark respectively. At the higher temperatures, the germination rate was slower in the dark. At 30°C, treatment with a gibberellin A4/7 mixture at 2 × 10−4 M partially alleviated the inhibiting effect of darkness on the germination percentage. Pre-incubation of parsley seeds at 35°C in the dark for 30 h increased the rate, but decreased the percentage, of germination of seeds incubated at 15°C in the light. Germination and seedling emergence studies were made on seed harvested from four different umbel positions. Although heavier seeds were produced from primary umbels than from other umbel orders, they were less viable as measured by seedling emergence in the glasshouse. The rate of emergence was decreased with increasing umbel order i.e. with later seed development: this was reflected in subsequent seedling weights, with seedlings from quarternary umbel seeds being about half the weight of those from primary umbel seeds. The upper temperature limit for dark germination was only slightly affected by umbel order, with quarternary umbel seeds being the most thermo-inhibited.
Mitochondria and respiratory enzymes of L cells treated with actinomycin D.

Abstract After exposure to doses of actinomycin D sufficient to suppress overall RNA synthesis 85–90%, L cells increased in size and cytoplasmic mass, attaining to 140–150% of normal in 28 h. The chondriome also increased, and in some experiments the augmentation of mitochondria, determined morphometrically, was disproportionately greater than the rest of the cytoplasm. Cell enlargement was accompanied by commensurate increases in the activity of the mitochondrial enzymes, succinate cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome oxidase, and in the content of cytochrome c (measured as the hemoprotein). It appears therefore that during the unbalanced cytoplasmic growth that follows inhibition of transcription by actinomycin D, the mitochondria and their enzymes proliferate independently of direct nuclear control.
A Partial Replication with a Sample Size of One: A Smoke Test for Empirical Software Engineering

Performing a full external replication can be a hugely expensive undertaking. The aim of this study was to determine what could be reliably established by performing a partial replication with a single competent developer making good use of available tools. The developer was not constrained by artificial time limits and was directed to make good use of the Jumble tool for automated mutation testing and the Model Unit framework for automated state-based testing. The Java-based software under test (SUT) was Cruise Control, a car simulation system. The patterns of mutation kills and reasons for missed kills are compared with the patterns and reasons reported in the original experimental study which involved four groups of students who manually generated test cases. We conclude that it can be meaningful to have a single competent developer perform a partial replication as long as a checking team checks and, where necessary, revises the work of the developer. The approach can be viewed as a smoke test for empirical software engineering.
Equal-channel angular extrusion of beryllium

The equal-channel angular extrusion (ECAE) technique has been applied to a powder metallurgy (P/M) source Be alloy. Extrusions have been successfully completed on Ni-canned billets of Be at approximately 425°C. No cracking was observed in the billets, and significant grain refinement was achieved. In this article, microstructural features and dislocation structures are discussed for a singlepass extrusion, including evidence of and dislocations. Significant crystallographic texture developed during ECAE, which is discussed in terms of this unique deformation processing technique and the underlying physical processes which sustain the deformation.
Ultraviolet radiation induced changes in macrophage activity.

— The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on macrophage activity was examined. Thioglycollate-stimulated peritoneal exudate cells were collected from adult C57BL/6 mice. Ninety-five per cent of the cells adhering to plastic petri dishes were macrophages as determined by the presence of a non-specific esterase. Adherent cells were exposed to UV radiation of 0.5-13.2 J/m2. Viability and phagocytosis were measured at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exposure. A statistically significant UV exposure-dependent decrease in macrophage viability and phagocytic capacity was observed. Macrophage viability and phagocytosis also decreased as a function of time after exposure to UV radiation.
An examination of tourists' identity in tourist weblogs

The present study focused on one of the new mass media technologies, weblogs, which allow more tourists to construct an expressive self by posting their writings about their travel experiences. The current research examined the meanings represented in the personal travel experiences and how self-identity is constructed in the touristic discourse. Utilizing critical discourse analysis (CDA), the travel blogs posted by Chinese tourists about their experiences of visiting a Chinese minority group—the matriarchal Mosuo—were analyzed. Among 69 blogs, four major topics were located. The study identified the fragmented, fluid, and flexible nature of self-identity constructed in the postmodern social conditions.
A comparison of estimated and measured SO2 deposition velocities

A nested-network program for obtaining data on the dry deposition of SO2 and SO4− has been initiated at a small array of locations (6 in 1985, presently 13) across North America. The procedures involved rely on the availability of models for deriving dry deposition rates from observations of air concentrations and of meteorological and surface properties known to influence the deposition velocity. At a subset of locations (i.e., 3), the results obtained by this indirect method are tested by comparison against more direct methods. One of the first comparison experiments of this series was conducted at Oak Ridge in July 1985 when the fluxes determined by inferential methods were compared to those measured by eddy correlation. The results obtained suggest that initial computer routines, developed to estimate deposition velocity for SOz on a routine basis, overestimate the deposition velocity by about 20% to a mixed-species deciduous forest. The difference is possibly due to the omission of water stress as a contributing factor in the initial computer routines, but might also be associated with chemical processes at the substomatal level.
Binary alloy phase diagrams requiring further studies

Binary Alloy Phase Diagrams , 2nd ed. 90Mas, covering ∼3000 systems and ∼2200 phase diagrams, is the most current compilation of binary systems. However, ∼500 of them include thermodynamically unlikely features. These problems are classified into more than 30 groups, and a few typical examples are shown for each group. If a phase diagram shows an improbable feature, it implies that either the phase diagram is erroneous or a very unique phase diagram situation is occurring in the system. In either case, it is worthwhile to investigate the system in more detail.
Aerobic exercise training induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy and age-dependent adaptations in myofiber function in young and older men

To examine potential age-specific adaptations in skeletal muscle size and myofiber contractile physiology in response to aerobic exercise, seven young (YM; 20 ± 1 yr) and six older men (OM; 74 ± 3 ...
Effects of IGF-1 on I(K) and I(K1) Channels via PI3K/Akt Signaling in Neonatal Cardiac Myocytes

Previous studies suggest that sarcolemmal potassium currents play important roles in cardiac hypertrophy. IGF-1 contributes to cardiac hypertrophy via activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. However, the relationships between IGF-1, PI3K/Akt signaling and sarcolemmal potassium currents remain unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that IGF-1 and PI3K/Akt signaling, independently, decrease sarcolemmal potassium currents in cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats. We compared the delayed outward rectifier (IK) and the inward rectifier (IK) current densities resulting from IGF-1 treatments to those resulting from simulation of PI3K/Akt signaling using adenoviral (Ad) BD110 and wild-type Akt and to those resulting from inhibition of PI3K signaling by LY294002. Ad.BD110 and Ad.Akt decreased IK and these decrements were attenuated by LY 294002. The IGF-1 treatments decreased both IK and IK1 but only the IK decrement was attenuated by LY294002. These findings demonstrate that IGF-1 may contribute to cardiac hypertrophy by PI3K/Akt signal transduction mechanisms in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Failure of LY294002 to effectively antagonize IGF-1 induced decrements in IK1 suggests that a signal pathway adjunct to PI3K/Akt contributes to IGF-1 protection against arrhythmogenesis in these myocytes. Our findings imply that sarcolemmal outward and inward rectifier potassium channels are substrates for IGF-1/PI3K/Akt signal transduction molecules.
Knowledge and uncertainty

One of the concerns of knowledge management (KM) should be the management of uncertainty in the KM process and in the data with which this process operates. We examine the various types of uncertainty that can arise. These are grouped into types that relate to data quality and to the KM process. Some areas in need of further study are indicated.
Minimizing Stress Concentrations in Laminated Composites by Genetic Algorithm

Design optimizations using a genetic algorithm (GA) are well suited for problems having many design variables and local optimum design points. Concomitant with recent manufacturing advances, the concept is utilized here to minimize the tensile stress concentration in a perforated laminated composite by orientating the fibers locally both within the plies and from ply-to-ply. The current optimization approach is advantageously conducted in conjunction with FEA. The geometry is discretized into general 3D solid 20-node isoparametric layered composite elements of our own design. Solid, rather than plate, elements enable one to reliably account for features such as stress variations within and between individual plies. A parallel computing scheme is implemented between the FEA and GA optimization. Design optimization variables are local fiber directions within discrete finite elements and within respective plies of the laminate. Since fiber orientations are optimized locally within individual plies, the technique provides more than just a favorable stacking sequence of various rectilinearly orthotropic plies having different fiber orientations.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Localization of antigen in tissue cells; V. Capsular polysaccharide of Friedländer bacillus, type B, in the mouse.

The fate of the capsular polysaccharide of Friedlander B bacillus in the mouse after its intravenous administration was studied by means of homologous antibody labelled with fluorescein. The results indicate that this acid polysaccharide, like pneumococcal polysaccharide, types II and III, was rapidly taken up by phagocytic cells throughout the body, where it persisted in decreasing concentration for more than 33 days. It was widely distributed in the capillary endothelium and on collagenous fibres in all organs. It made a transient appearance in or on lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes. It was found in the hepatic epithelium and in the bile; in the juxtaglomerular segment of the distal renal tubule and in an occasional cast in the lumens of collecting tubules; in the epithelium of some uterine glands; and in cells in the steroid-secreting tissues of the ovary, suprarenal cortex, and perhaps of the testis. In joints the synovial membranes contained large amounts of antigen, and some also penetrated into cartilage cells adjacent to the joint cavity. Osteoblasts and a few osteocytes also took up the polysaccharide. When administered by inhalation, the polysaccharide was found in high concentration in the pulmonary macrophages but could not be found constantly in other lung elements.
Immunohistochemical evaluation is not prognostic for recurrence in fully staged high-risk endometrial cancer

The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of common immunohistochemical pathologic risk factors in fully staged high-risk endometrial cancers. Sixty-two of 265 consecutive endometrioid adenocarcinomas were considered high risk for recurrence because of deep myometrial invasion and poor differentiation (stage IC, G3), cervical metastasis (stage II), ovarian metastasis (stage IIIA) or lymph node metastasis (stage IIIC). All patients underwent complete surgical staging with bilateral pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy. Expression of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, p53, HER-2/neu, c-myc, bcl-2, FVIII, and Ki-67 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using commercially available monoclonal antibodies. A general linear model multiple regression analysis was used to determine if any of the immunostains, along with grade or stage, were predictors of recurrence. Mean age was 68 years and mean weight 188 pounds. Sixty-eight percent of patients had associated medical illness. The majority of tumors were poorly differentiated (44%) and were stage IIIC (29%). Mean follow-up was 4.3 years. Fourteen patients (22%) developed tumor recurrence. Using multiple regression analysis, none of the immunostains were predictive for recurrence (P = 0.19-.96). Only stage and grade were predictive of tumor recurrence (P = 0.04,.02). We conclude that in completely staged high risk endometrial cancer, commonly used immunohistochemical risk factors are not predictive for recurrence.
A cell by any other name

Comment on Costa et al, page [4367][1] Molecular genetics has resolved many of history's venerable enigmas: it has identified the bones of the murdered Romanovs, laid bare the diseases of the ancient Egyptians, and now, in this issue of Blood, revealed the origins of a condition that has baffled
Undercomplete learned dictionaries for land cover classification in multispectral imagery of Arctic landscapes using CoSA: clustering of sparse approximations

Techniques for automated feature extraction, including neuroscience-inspired machine vision, are of great interest for landscape characterization and change detection in support of global climate change science and modeling. We present results from an ongoing effort to extend machine vision methodologies to the environmental sciences, using state-of-theart adaptive signal processing, combined with compressive sensing and machine learning techniques. We use a Hebbian learning rule to build undercomplete spectral-textural dictionaries that are adapted to the data. We learn our dictionaries from millions of overlapping multispectral image patches and then use a pursuit search to generate classification features. Land cover labels are automatically generated using our CoSA algorithm: unsupervised Clustering of Sparse Approximations. We demonstrate our method using multispectral Worldview-2 data from three Arctic study areas: Barrow, Alaska; the Selawik River, Alaska; and a watershed near the Mackenzie River delta in northwest Canada. Our goal is to develop a robust classification methodology that will allow for the automated discretization of the landscape into distinct units based on attributes such as vegetation, surface hydrological properties, and geomorphic characteristics. To interpret and assign land cover categories to the clusters we both evaluate the spectral properties of the clusters and compare the clusters to both field- and remote sensing-derived classifications of landscape attributes. Our work suggests that neuroscience-based models are a promising approach to practical pattern recognition problems in remote sensing.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Variation as an Approach to Systematic Relationships in the Genus Acanthamoeba1

Classification at the species level has been difficult in the genus Acanthamoeba. The taxonomic designations of a number of strains are in doubt and new approaches to classification are needed. We describe the use of electrophoretic patterns obtained with restriction enzyme digests of mitochondrial DNA as a basis for one new approach. Results from analysis of ten strains of A. castellanii, two of A. polyphaga and one of A. astronyxis are discussed. Examples both of nucleotide sequence diversity and of sequence conservation have been found among strains with the same species designation. Five strains from Europe, North America and New Zealand had identical digestion phenotypes with five enzymes; consequently, very similar nucleotide sequences are predicted. All are pathogenic to humans or mice. The mtDNA sequences of eight remaining strains are predicted to differ from this cluster and, in most cases, from each other at least as much as in sibling species of Paramecium aurelia.
Mice lacking the murine interleukin-8 receptor homologue demonstrate paradoxical responses to acute and chronic experimental infection with Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract In this study we demonstrate that mice which lack the murine interleukin-8 receptor homologue exhibit enhanced resistance during the early stage of infection (1–4 days after i.v. challenge withListeria monocytogenes). This result is surprising in that interleukin-8 and other CXC chemokines are key players in the accumulation of inflammatory neutrophils, which is thought to be critical for resistance to listeriosis. Paradoxically, some of the interleukin-8 receptor knockout mice that survived acute infection withL. monocytogenesdemonstrated evidence of chronic infection withL. monocytogenes.
A factor analytic study of social competence in women

In an attempt to uncover the dimensions of heterosocial competence in college women, two independent samples of subjects ( n 1 = 149, n 2 = 120) were given 14 questionnaires designed to measure selected aspects of social competence. Scores on these instruments were factor analyzed using both maximum likelihood and Kaiser's Little Jiffy solutions. Loadings obtained from both samples suggested three major dimensions: heterosexual anxiety, social self-esteem, and dating activity. Oblique rotation indicated that the factors were highly interrelated.
Trisodium dicalcium bismuth hexaoxide

Single crystals of the title compound, Na3Ca2BiO6, were grown from a high-temperature reactive flux solution of Na2CO3. Na3Ca2BiO6 crystallizes as an ordered rock-salt structure (space group Fddd), in which the octa­hedral holes in the oxide array are filled by an ordered 3:2:1 arrangement of Na+, Ca2+ and Bi5+ cations. All atoms except for one O atom lie on special positions; site symmetries are as follows: Bi 222, Ca 2, Na 222 and 2, O 2.
Cannulation of the axillary artery with a side graft reduces morbidity

Abstract Background The axillary artery is our preferred arterial cannulation site when the ascending aorta cannot be cannulated. Previously, we cannulated the artery directly; now we use a side graft. The purposes of this study were to (1) investigate cannulation-related morbidity and (2) determine whether use of a side graft reduces it. Methods From January 1993 to January 2001, 392 patients underwent 399 axillary artery cannulations. Indications included calcified ascending aorta (129, 32%), ascending aortic aneurysm (115, 29%), type I aortic dissection (85, 21%), cardiac reoperation (70, 18%), and calcified femoral artery (26, 6%). The axillary artery was cannulated directly in 212 (53%) and with a side graft in 187 (47%). Comparisons of cannulation-related morbidity between the direct cannulation and side graft groups were made overall and after both adjusting and matching for propensity score. Results Cannulation-related morbidity was infrequent, with brachial plexus injury in 7 (1.8%), axillary artery damage in 7 (1.8%), aortic dissection in 3 (0.8%), and arm ischemia in 3 (0.8%). Only 4 of 187 (2.1%) occurred in the side graft group, versus 16 of 212 (7.0%) with direct cannulation ( p = 0.03). After propensity adjustment, the odds ratio for reduction of risk of cannulation-related morbidity with use of a side graft was 0.15 ( p = 0.002). Conclusions Use of the axillary artery as inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with low morbidity. However, cannulation with a side graft was associated with less cannulation-related morbidity than direct cannulation. Routine use of a side graft is recommended whenever axillary artery cannulation is indicated.
Lethal means reduction: what have we learned?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Suicide is an important global public health problem. Across nations, suicide rates are linked to the availability of lethal means. Three methods dominate country-specific suicide rates: firearms, pesticides, and hanging. There is increasing international support for reducing the availability of lethal means to prevent suicide. This article reviews evidence regarding lethal means reduction as a suicide-prevention strategy. RECENT FINDINGS: Most evidence in support of means reduction comes from ecological studies examining the association between population-level decreases in the availability of a given lethal means of suicide and method-specific suicide rates. Substantial declines in method-specific suicide rates were shown following reductions in availability of lethal means through initiatives such as the passage of firearm control laws, detoxification of domestic gas, modification of drug packaging and toxicity, and installation of barriers at jump sites. The vast majority of the evidence for the effectiveness of lethal means reduction relates to reducing the availability of firearms and pesticides. SUMMARY: Implementing means reduction at both the population and individual levels poses many challenges, particularly when political issues arise during regulation of firearms or pesticides. Nevertheless, evidence strongly suggests that means reduction is effective and should be an important part of a suicide-prevention strategy. Language: en
Psychological mindedness and awareness of self and others

The major goal of this study was to explore the relationship among psychological mindedness (PM) and several facets of awareness, including a general sense of mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale; Brown & Ryan, 2003), as well as more specific awareness of self (self-consciousness scale; Fenigstein, Scheier, & Buss, 1975) and others (Interpersonal Reactivity Index; Davis, 1980). Participants were 103 undergraduate students at an urban liberal arts college. Results indicated that PM (PM Scale; Conte, Plutchik, Jung, Picard, Karasu, & Lotterman, 1990) is related to mindfulness (r = .41, p < .01), private self-consciousness (r = .27, p < .05), as well as cognitive (r = .30, p < .01) and affective (r = .35, p < .01) indices of empathy. Self-consciousness and empathy explained a significant amount of variance in PM in a simultaneous-entry multiple regression. These findings support theoretical claims that PM involves awareness of self and others.
Rational land use decision-making: The natchez state park

Abstract Mississippi State University undertook a remote sensing application project to assist the Mississippi Park Commission in selecting a suitable site for a proposed state park in Adams County, Mississippi. Due to political and geographic constraints, a study area of approximately 130,000 acres was selected. High-altitude color infrared imagery of scale 1 : 120,000 was available, and these data, together with inputs from other sources such as topographic and geologic base maps, yielded the basic data for the construction of a computerized data management system. The cell size for data input was 4 ha. Ten possible areas were selected by modeling and visual evaluation, and after the Commission personnel had selected one site, a low altitude flight was made to obtain 1 : 24,000 color infrared imagery. These data in conjunction with map information were used to develop a data management system for more intensive analysis and modeling on a 1-ha grid. The modeling effort indicated those cells which had the highest suitability for individual recreational activities. Master planning efforts for the park incorporate these data.
A Brooder for Indoor Use in Nutrition Experiments With Young Chicks

Abstract In brooding young chicks during nutrition experiments it is necessary that all influencing factors be controlled as much as possible. It is the object of this paper to describe an indoor brooding device which we are using in our nutrition studies with young chicks at the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station. Dunn 1 has used a somewhat crude and temporary device in certain of his experiments. Our brooders have been constructed along the same general lines but we have made them more permanent and convenient, although more expensive. After using our brooders for several months we are convinced that the extra expense was entirely justified. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the general plan of the brooder. It consists of a table with wire frame sides and tops, wooden partitions, and an electric brooder. The table is 7 × 7 feet, made from six-inch flooring nailed on six-inch side braces. The legs . . .
The geologic basis for a reconstruction of a grounded ice sheet in McMurdo sound, Antarctica, at the last glacial maximum

A grounded ice sheet fed from the Ross Embayment filled McMurdo Sound at the last glacial maximum (LGM). This sheet deposited the little-weathered Ross Sea drift sheet, with far-traveled Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) erratics, on lower slopes of volcanic islands and peninsulas in the Sound, as well as on coastal forelands along the TAM front. The mapped upper limit of this drift, commonly marked by a distinctive moraine ridge, shows that the ice-sheet surface sloped landward across McMurdo Sound from 710 m elevation at Cape Crozier to 250 m in the eastern foothills of the Royal Society Range. Ice from the Ross Embayment flowed westward into the sound from both north and south of Ross Island. The northern flowlines were dominant, deflecting the southern flowlines toward the foothills of the southern Royal Society Range. Ice of the northern flowlines distributed distinctive kenyte erratics, derived from western Ross Island, in Ross Sea drift along the TAM front between Taylor and Miers Valleys, Lobes from grounded ice in McMurdo Sound blocked the mouths of TAM ice-free valleys, damming extensive proglacial lakes A floating ice cover on each lake formed a conveyor that transported glacial debris from the grounded ice lobes deep into the valleys to deposit a unique glaciolacustrine facies of Ross Sea drift. The ice sheet in McMurdo Sound became grounded after 26.860 14 C yr BP. It remained near its LGM position between 23,800 14 C yr BP and 12,700 14 C yr BP. Recession was then slow until sometime after 10,794 14 C yr BP. Grounded ice lingered in New Harbor in the mouth of Taylor Valley until 8340 14 C yr BP. The southward-retreating ice-sheet grounding line had penetrated deep into McMurdo Sound by 6500 14 C yr BP. The existence of a thick ice sheet in McMurdo Sound is strong evidence for widespread grounding across the Ross Embayment at the LGM. Otherwise, the ice-sheet surface would not have sloped landward, nor could TAM erratics have been glacially transported westward into McMurdo Sound from farther offshore in the Ross Embayment.
Phorate-induced Host Defence Responses Condition Acquired Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt in Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Phorate is an acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting organophosphate pesticide used for the control of insects, mites and nematodes. In cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), phorate is often used as an in-furrow, systemic insecticide to reduce thrips populations which vector tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV). However, phorate-induced suppression of disease incidence and severity is not solely due to thrips control because other pesticides control thrips but not TSWV. The present research was focused on understanding the biochemical and molecular components of the phorate-induced host responses that may condition acquired resistance to TSWV in peanut. Phorate treatments adversely affected maximal quantum yield of the light reactions (Fv/Fm). A dose-dependent increase in ascorbic acid content and in activities of the oxidative stress-related enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase was evident following phorate treatment, whereas the level of glutathione reductase was not affected. An RT-PCR differential display screen identified 35 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) responsive to phorate treatment in peanut leaves. Functional annotations revealed transcriptional regulation of ESTs implicated in primary and secondary metabolism including photosynthesis-related genes, mitigation of oxidative stress, signalling pathways and pathogenesis- and defence-related proteins. Two ESTs encoding membrane trafficking functions were downregulated, which may reflect reduced internalization and/or subsequent replication of viral particles in phorate-treated leaves. Time-course quantitative RT-PCR analyses further verified fidelity and sensitivity of the mRNA differential display screen and corroborated that systemic spread of TSWV in field-grown plants is reduced following phorate application. The melange of differentially regulated gene functions is consistent with a model in which a phorate-induced breach of redox control culminates in hypersensitive cell death and subsequent induction of systemic acquired resistance.
“Learning to live with it”: Coping with the transition to cancer survivorship in older adults

Abstract This article explores the coping experiences of elderly cancer survivors in the Intermountain West. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 55 older adult cancer survivors at 1 and 3 months following the last radiation or chemotherapy treatment. All interviews were fully transcribed and topic-coded for emergent themes. The coping process was characterized by the core theme of “Learning to Live WITH it (cancer).” The process begins when the survivor enters the cancer experience with prior life experiences and ends with a state where cancer survivors potentially achieve new balance or growth. The coping process is dynamic and is affected by the survivor's previous life experience, attitudes and sense of self, positive or negative intervening factors, and coping strategies. The ‘Learning to live with it' model shows how survivors draw upon various strategies, attitudes and prior life experiences to integrate the cancer diagnosis into their lives.
ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY AS AN EXTERNALITY OF INWARD FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: PANEL DATA FROM ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, COLOMBIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

Many emerging economies seek multiple and diversified means of economic development, including openness to inward foreign direct investment. However, some scholars and protectionists claim this hosting of economic activity on the part of multinational corporations (MNCs) might in fact be detrimental to economic development. This paper seeks to address these concerns by using panel data from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and South Africa to investigate a mediational relationship among inward foreign direct investment, skilled labor supply and entrepreneurial activity in the emerging economy context. Our results provide empirical evidence of later stage entrepreneurial activity as a spillover effect of inward foreign direct investment and that this indirect effect is fully mediated by the pool of factory workers.
APOE genotype modifies the relationship between midlife vascular risk factors and later cognitive decline.

Background Vascular risk factors have been associated with cognitive decline; however, it remains unclear whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype modifies this relationship. We aimed to further elucidate these relationships and extend previous findings by examining data from a more comprehensive cognitive assessment than used in prior studies. Methods In all, 1436 participants from the prospective Framingham Offspring Cohort Study underwent health examination from 1991 to 1995, followed by a baseline neuropsychological assessment (1999-2003) and a repeat neuropsychological assessment approximately 8 years later (2004-2009). Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship among midlife vascular risk factors, presence of the APOE e4 allele, and cognitive change. Results APOE genotype significantly modified the associations between both midlife hypertension and cardiovascular disease and decline in language abilities and midlife diabetes and decline in verbal memory, attention, and visuospatial abilities. Associations between increased midlife vascular risk burden and greater cognitive decline were observed among APOE e4 carriers but not noncarriers. Conclusions The present findings revealed a subgroup at increased risk for cognitive decline (APOE e4 carriers with midlife exposure to vascular risk factors) and suggest that treatment of vascular risk factors during midlife may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment later in life, particularly among APOE e4 carriers.
EPR bone dosimetry : a new approach to spectral deconvolution problems

EPR dosimetry was used to assess the dose to bone samples from radiation accident victims. Complications in the measurement process arose from overlapping resonances of multiple paramagnetic centers. A computer fitting routine was developed to enhance measurement of the EPR signal of interest, thereby improving the precision of the dose assessment.
Oil-drop cataracts.

The oil-drop cataract is a common yet often overlooked cause of progressive vision loss. Although the nuclear change can be subtle on slitlamp biomicroscopic examination, retinoscopy reveals the classic oil droplet silhouetted against the red reflex. We present seven patients with oil-drop cataracts referred for neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation because of unexplained vision loss. All had been evaluated by multiple physicians and had had extensive diagnostic testing. The patients were between 36 and 69 years old with visual acuities from 20/20 to 20/400. The neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation in all patients was normal except for lenticular nuclear changes, best appreciated with retinoscopy.
Soil disturbance as a driver of increased stream salinity in a semiarid watershed undergoing energy development

Summary Salinization is a global threat to the quality of streams and rivers, but it can have many causes. Oil and gas development were investigated as one of several potential causes of changes in the salinity of Muddy Creek, which drains 2470 km 2 of mostly public land in Wyoming, U.S.A. Stream discharge and salinity vary with seasonal snowmelt and define a primary salinity–discharge relationship. Salinity, measured by specific conductance, increased substantially in 2009 and was 53–71% higher at low discharge and 33–34% higher at high discharge for the years 2009–2012 compared to 2005–2008. Short-term processes (e.g., flushing of efflorescent salts) cause within-year deviations from the primary relation but do not obscure the overall increase in salinity. Dissolved elements associated with increased salinity include calcium, magnesium, and sulfate, a composition that points to native soil salts derived from marine shales as a likely source. Potential causes of the salinity increase were evaluated for consistency by using measured patterns in stream chemistry, slope of the salinity–discharge relationship, and inter-annual timing of the salinity increase. Potential causes that were inconsistent with one or more of those criteria included effects from precipitation, evapotranspiration, reservoirs, grazing, irrigation return flow, groundwater discharge, discharge of energy co-produced waters, and stream habitat restoration. In contrast, surface disturbance of naturally salt-rich soil by oil and gas development activities, such as pipeline, road, and well pad construction, is a reasonable candidate for explaining the salinity increase. As development continues to expand in semiarid lands worldwide, the potential for soil disturbance to increase stream salinity should be considered, particularly where soils host substantial quantities of native salts.