cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood Group A Active Substances in Embryonated Chicken Eggs and Their Relation to Egg-Grown Virus

Nondialyzable substances similar to blood group A antigens occur in White Leghorn embryos, and in partially purified egg-grown influenza virus preparations. The presence of material with group A activity in the virus itself is not proved. Commercial influenza virus vaccines which were tested contained non-dialyzable substances with group A activity. Injections of this nondialyzable material into human volunteers caused an increase in anti-human blood group A1 and A2 antibodies.
Seasonal changes in morphological structuring in a guild of benthic stream fishes

The ecomorphological model which attempts to identify important variation in the total morphology of groups of animals has been used with some success in communities of fishes. The applicability of the model to subsets of the community, such as guilds of ecologically similar species, is uncertain, and the effects of the possible changes in correlations among morphological variables caused by demographic changes across seasons is unknown. An ecomorphological model is applied to a guild of benthic stream fishes from the Tombigbee River, Mississippi. The model is found to describe structuring in the guild based on aspects of the trophic morphology and the length of the body. Morphologically distinct groups of species are described by the model. The effect of indeterminate growth seems not to be of sufficient magnitude to change groupings across seasons. However, species associations within morphological groups change seasonally. I conclude that ecomorphological models may be properly applied to community subsets, but the interpretation of the model must consider the nature of the data set with respect of seasonality.
Convergence of psychological and biological development.

The special issue provides an opportunity to assess the degree of integration that has been achieved between studies of psychological and biological development. This commentary uses the material in the special issue to address integration of the two fields and to suggest some future developments.
Retrieval of Thermal and Microphysical Variables in Observed Convective Storms. Part 1: Model Development and Preliminary Testing

Abstract The air flow in convective storms, the force that regulate the flow, and the processes that produce hydrometeors of various kinds are all being studied intensively by meteorologists using Doppler radar observations. The research reported here proceeds from the observed motion through accompanying thermodynamic and micro-physical processes to the analysis of hydrometer content and thermal fields in thunderstorms. A three-dimensional numerical kinematic cloud model employing Doppler wind fields is developed and used to diagnose temperature and mixing ratios within a thunderstorm. The microphysical parameterization includes stochastic coalescence effects in warm clouds as well as well- and variable-density dry hail growth. Known fields from a dynamically simulated cloud are used to establish the accuracy of the retrieval scheme. Real data tests indicate good agreement between retrieved and observed radar reflectivities, qualitative dynamic consistency between observed winds and retrieved buoyancies,...
‘Information parasitism’ in mixed colonies of western grebes and Forster's terns

Of 38 western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) colonies initiated on the Delta Marsh, Lake Manitoba, in 1973 through 1979, over half (53%) included breeding Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri). Tern-associated colonies included 12 of the 13 largest colonies, incorporating 83% of the total nesting effort (N=2821 nests). Such colonies were impossible to approach undetected, because grebes used the tern's aerial alarm system to warn of danger. Playbacks showed that grebes recognized the tern's alarm call, and responded by immediately leaving their nests. This essentially constitutes a form of ‘information parasitism,’ which probably is widespread in many nesting associations. This work suggests a broadening of the ‘information centre’ hypothesis to include transfer of information about any reproductive requisite, not just food.
Children's Gender-Related Self-Perceptions, Activity Preferences, and Occupational Stereotypes: A Test of Three Models of Gender Constructs.

Fourth through sixth grade boys (n= 197) and girls (n= 271) were given a simplified form of the Personal Attributes Questionnaire [J. T. Spence and R. L. Helmreich (1978b) The Intermediate Personal Attributes Questionnaire: A Simplified Version for Children and Adults, unpublished manuscript, Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin], assessing desirable instrumental and expressive traits; subsets of items from J. P. Boldizar's [(1991) “Assessing Sex Typing and Androgyny in Children: The Children's Sex Role Inventory,” Developmental Psychology,Vol. 27, pp. 505–513] children's version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory [S. L. Bem (1974) “The Measurement of Psychological Androgyny,” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 42, 155–162]; S. L. Harter's [(1985) Manual for the Self-Perception Profile for Children, Denver: University of Denver] measures of self-esteem; and measures of masculine and feminine activity preferences and prescriptive occupational stereotypes. The children were predominantly white and from middle-class backgrounds. The correlations among the gender-related measures were more congruent with a multifactorial approach to gender than the unifactorial gender schema model or the two-factor model of masculinity and femininity. Instrumentality, however, was correlated with self-esteem in both genders, a finding most reasonably interpreted in terms of this personality variable per se.
Determination of Grayanotoxins in Biological Samples by LC-MS/MS

A rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative determination of grayanotoxins I, II, and III in rumen contents, feces, and urine. The grayanotoxins were extracted from solid samples with methanol. The methanol extract was diluted with water and cleaned up using a reversed phase solid phase extraction column. HPLC separation was performed by reversed phase HPLC using a gradient of water and methanol containing 1% acetic acid. Determination was by positive ion electrospray ionization and ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. Grayanotoxin I quantitation was based on fragmentation of the sodium adduct ion at m/z 435 to a product ion at m/z 375. Grayanotoxins II and III were quantitated on the basis of fragmentation of the ion at m/z 335 to the product ion at m/z 299. The method detection limits were 0.2 microg/g in rumen contents and feces and 0.05 microg/g in urine. Fortifications at the detection limits and 10 times the detection limits of bovine rumen contents, caprine feces, and ovine urine were recovered in the range 80-114%. The diagnostic utility of the method was tested by analyzing samples submitted to the veterinary toxicology laboratory.
A Physically Based Screen for Precipitation Over Complex Surfaces Using Passive Microwave Observations

Physically based passive microwave precipitation retrievals are difficult to develop over land because high nonuniform land emissivity values are difficult to distinguish from those of clouds. This paper uses an empirical approach to determine the covariance of emissivity at different microwave window channels and relies on this covariance to estimate the portion of the observed brightness temperatures that may be attributable to rainfall. One year (2006) of global cloud-free surface emissivity values were retrieved using data sets from multiple instruments on NASA's Aqua satellite. Correlations between the emissivities at different channels were developed for use in an empirical model within an optimal estimation retrieval. The optimal estimation retrieves surface temperature, total column water vapor, cloud water, and the emissivity at the 10.7-GHz horizontally polarized channel. From this retrieval and the covariance of emissivities, the 89.0-GHz brightness temperature at both polarizations can be estimated. Significant differences between the observed and retrieved high-resolution brightness temperatures are used to screen for precipitation, and results are compared to ground-based radar data for several study regions representing a variety of land surface types in the U.S. The Heidke Skill Score is used to determine the robustness of this methodology and, in all cases, demonstrates at least some increase in skill relative to random chance.
The First Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Oxoazides MO2(N3)2, MO2(N3)2⋅2 CH3CN, (bipy)MO2(N3)2, and [MO2(N3)4]2− (M=Mo, W)

Molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) dioxodiazide, MO2(N3)2 (M=Mo, W), were prepared through fluoride–azide exchange reactions between MO2F2 and Me3SiN3 in SO2 solution. In acetonitrile solution, the fluoride–azide exchange resulted in the isolation of the adducts MO2(N3)2⋅2 CH3CN. The subsequent reaction of MO2(N3)2 with 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) gave the bipyridine adducts (bipy)MO2(N3)2. The hydrolysis of (bipy)MoO2(N3)2 resulted in the formation and isolation of [(bipy)MoO2N3]2O. The tetraazido anions [MO2(N3)4]2− were obtained by the reaction of MO2(N3)2 with two equivalents of ionic azide. Most molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) dioxoazides were fully characterized by their vibrational spectra, impact, friction, and thermal sensitivity data and, in the case of (bipy)MoO2(N3)2, (bipy)WO2(N3)2, [PPh4]2[MoO2(N3)4], [PPh4]2[WO2(N3)4], and [(bipy)MoO2N3]2O by their X-ray crystal structures.
Genome-wide analysis of mRNA abundance in two life-cycle stages of Trypanosoma brucei and identification of splicing and polyadenylation sites

Transcription of protein-coding genes in trypanosomes is polycistronic and gene expression is primarily regulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms. Sequence motifs in the untranslated regions regulate mRNA trans-splicing and RNA stability, yet where UTRs begin and end is known for very few genes. We used high-throughput RNAsequencing to determine the genome-wide steady-state mRNA levels (‘transcriptomes’) for � 90% of the genome in two stages of the Trypanosoma brucei life cycle cultured in vitro. Almost 6% of genes were differentially expressed between the two life-cycle stages. We identified 5 0 splice-acceptor sites (SAS) and polyadenylation sites (PAS) for 6959 and 5948 genes, respectively. Most genes have between one and three alternative SAS, but PAS are more dispersed. For 488 genes, SAS were identified downstream of the originally assigned initiator ATG, so a subsequent in-frame ATG presumably designates the start of the true coding sequence. In some cases, alternative SAS would give rise to mRNAs encoding proteins with different N-terminal sequences. We could identify the introns in two genes known to contain them, but found no additional genes with introns. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of the RNA-seq technology to study the transcriptional landscape of an organism whose genome has not been fully annotated.
New molecular phenotypes in the dst mutants of arabidopsis revealed by DNA microarray analysis

In this study, DNA microarray analysis was used to expand our understanding of the dst1 mutant of Arabidopsis. The dst (downstream) mutants were isolated originally as specifically increasing the steady state level and the half-life of DST-containing transcripts. As such, txhey offer a unique opportunity to study rapid sequence-specific mRNA decay pathways in eukaryotes. These mutants show a threefold to fourfold increase in mRNA abundance for two transgenes and an endogenous gene, all containing DST elements, when examined by RNA gel blot analysis; however, they show no visible aberrant phenotype. Here, we use DNA microarrays to identify genes with altered expression levels in dst1 compared with the parental plants. In addition to verifying the increase in the transgene mRNA levels, which were used to isolate these mutants, we were able to identify new genes with altered mRNA abundance in dst1 . RNA gel blot analysis confirmed the microarray data for all genes tested and also was used to catalog the first molecular differences in gene expression between the dst1 and dst2 mutants. These differences revealed previously unknown molecular phenotypes for the dst mutants that will be helpful in future analyses. Cluster analysis of genes altered in dst1 revealed new coexpression patterns that prompt new hypotheses regarding the nature of the dst1 mutation and a possible role of the DST-mediated mRNA decay pathway in plants.
Receiver design for noncoherent digital network coding

Physical-layer network coding is considered for the two-way relay network with realistic assumptions on the coherence of the channel. In contrast to analog network coding, which relays received analog signals plus noise, our system relays digital network codewords, obtained by digital demodulation and channel decoding. By using binary frequency-shift keying and noncoherent reception, the relay may operate without knowledge of the phases of the signals transmitted simultaneously by the two sources. The channels between the end nodes and the relay are modeled as noncoherent block fading channels, and an outer turbo code is used. A noncoherent receiver is formulated for the relay, which estimates the fading amplitudes but not the phases. Several block sizes are considered, and the effect of block size on error-rate performance is investigated. As a baseline for performance comparison, the system is also simulated using perfect knowledge of the fading amplitudes, and it is observed that the performance lost to channel estimation is negligible for sufficiently large blocks. An example realization of the proposed system demonstrates a 32.4% throughput improvement compared to a similar system that performs network coding at the link layer.
Amphiphilic star-like macromolecules as novel carriers for topical delivery of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The objective of this study was to evaluate amphiphilic star-like macromolecules (ASMs) as a topical drug delivery system. Indomethacin, piroxicam, and ketoprofen were individually encapsulated into the ASMs using coprecipitation. The effects of the ASMs on percutaneous permeation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) across full thickness, hairless mouse skin were evaluated in vitro using modified Franz diffusion cells. In addition, solubility and in vitro release experiments were performed to characterize ASMs behavior in aqueous media. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and Pluronic P-85 were used as polymer controls to compare the role of PEG and amphiphilic behavior in the ASMs. In vitro release experiments indicated that ASMs can delay drug release (P⋖05), whereas solubility measurements showed that ASMs can increase NSAIDs aqueous solubility (P⋖05). Percutaneous permeation studies revealed that ASMs decreased both flux and Q24 of drugs compared with the control (P⋖10). Skin pretreatment studies with ASM-containing solution before drug application demonstrated that pretreatment similarly influenced NSAID percutaneous permeation. In conclusion, ASMs likely slow drug permeation through 2 mechanisms, delayed drug diffusion from its core and skin dehydration by its shell. Thus, ASMs may be useful for delayed dermal delivery or prevention of compound permeation through the skin (eg, sunscreens, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide [DEET]) from aqueous formulations.
Deletion of a CD2-Like Gene, 8-DR, from African Swine Fever Virus Affects Viral Infection in Domestic Swine

An African swine fever virus (ASFV) gene with similarity to the T-lymphocyte surface antigen CD2 has been found in the pathogenic African isolate Malawi Lil-20/1 (open reading frame [ORF] 8-DR) and a cell culture-adapted European virus, BA71V (ORF EP402R) and has been shown to be responsible for the hemadsorption phenomenon observed for ASFV-infected cells. The structural and functional similarities of the ASFV gene product to CD2, a cellular protein involved in cell-cell adhesion and T-cell-mediated immune responses, suggested a possible role for this gene in tissue tropism and/or immune evasion in the swine host. In this study, we constructed an ASFV 8-DR gene deletion mutant (Δ8-DR) and its revertant (8-DR.R) from the Malawi Lil-20/1 isolate to examine gene function in vivo. In vitro, Δ8-DR, 8-DR.R, and the parental virus exhibited indistinguishable growth characteristics on primary porcine macrophage cell cultures. In vivo, 8-DR had no obvious effect on viral virulence in domestic pigs; disease onset, disease course, and mortality were similar for the mutant Δ8-DR, its revertant 8-DR.R, and the parental virus. Altered viral infection was, however, observed for pigs infected with Δ8-DR. A delay in spread to and/or replication of Δ8-DR in the draining lymph node, a delay in generalization of infection, and a 100- to 1,000-fold reduction in virus titers in lymphoid tissue and bone marrow were observed. Onset of viremia for Δ8-DR-infected animals was significantly delayed (by 2 to 5 days), and mean viremia titers were reduced approximately 10,000-fold at 5 days postinfection and 30- to 100-fold at later times; moreover, unlike in 8-DR.R-infected animals, the viremia was no longer predominantly erythrocyte associated but rather was equally distributed among erythrocyte, leukocyte, and plasma fractions. Mitogen-dependent lymphocyte proliferation of swine peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro was reduced by 90 to 95% following infection with 8-DR.R but remained unaltered following infection with Δ8-DR, suggesting that 8-DR has immunosuppressive activity in vitro. Together, these results suggest an immunosuppressive role for 8-DR in the swine host which facilitates early events in viral infection. This may be of most significance for ASFV infection of its highly adapted natural host, the warthog.
Treating Chronic Pain with Prescription Opioids in the Substance Abuser: Relapse Prevention and Management

Treating the pain patient with chronic opioid therapy brings with it certain precautions and risks, with substance abuse and addiction being one of the most troublesome to clinicians. This risk is greatest for persons coming to chronic opioid therapy (COT) with a history of addictive disease; across a growing body of literature, a patient history of substance abuse or addiction is a primary predictor of problematic medication use in chronic pain treatment. This article reviews the key issues associated with COT in the substance abuser, beginning with the challenges associated with identifying addiction in the context of sanctioned opioid access, and complicated by the overlapping presentation of unrelieved pain and untreated addictive disease. Accepting the premise that chronic pain can only be successfully managed with COT if the patient is in recovery, the charge of the clinican becomes that of relaspe prevention. Strategies for preventing, identifying, and managing relapse in this uniquely vulnerable g...
A Combined Model for Analyzing the Interdependency of Electrical and Gas Systems

With increasing investment in natural gas powered generation technologies, limitations in gas delivery capabilities are becoming increasingly relevant to operational planning for power systems. This paper presents a combined model for the electrical and natural gas operation based on mixed integer linear programming. This combined model can be used for analyzing the interdependencies of electrical and natural gas systems, as well as identifying critical vulnerabilities which cannot be observed by studying the electrical and natural gas systems separately. A three-bus system with four gas nodes is presented to demonstrate the proposed model.
The Rise of the Gourmet Hamburger

Sociologist Mark Caldwell delves into the cultural dimensions of omnivorousness by exploring the rise of “gourmet hamburgers” across the United States. He shows that space, authenticity and exoticism are important aspects of hamburger consumption.
iPS Cells Reprogrammed From Human Mesenchymal-Like Stem/Progenitor Cells of Dental Tissue Origin

Generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells holds a great promise for regenerative medicine and other aspects of clinical applications. Many types of cells have been successfully reprogrammed into iPS cells in the mouse system; however, reprogramming human cells have been more difficult. To date, human dermal fibroblasts are the most accessible and feasible cell source for iPS generation. Dental tissues derived from ectomesenchyme harbor mesenchymal-like stem/progenitor cells and some of the tissues have been treated as biomedical wastes, for example, exfoliated primary teeth and extracted third molars. We asked whether stem/progenitor cells from discarded dental tissues can be reprogrammed into iPS cells. The 4 factors Lin28/Nanog/Oct4/Sox2 or c-Myc/Klf4/Oct4/Sox2 carried by viral vectors were used to reprogram 3 different dental stem/progenitor cells: stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP), and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). We showed that all 3 can be reprogrammed into iPS cells and appeared to be at a higher rate than fibroblasts. They exhibited a morphology indistinguishable from human embryonic stem (hES) cells in cultures and expressed hES cell markers SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-80, TRA-2-49, Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2. They formed embryoid bodies in vitro and teratomas in vivo containing tissues of all 3 germ layers. We conclude that cells of ectomesenchymal origin serve as an excellent alternative source for generating iPS cells.
Improved numerical solutions of inverse kinematics of robots

Numerical solution of the inverse kinematics of robots using modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) and modified predictor-corrector (MPC) algorithms is discussed. These modified algorithms are highly reliable and stable. Both algorithms always find a solution if a physically realizable robot configuration exists. They are also capable of approaching singular configurations of the robot as E = C em, where E is the error between the theoretical and numerically computed singular joint values,\epsivis the convergence criteria, and C and m are appropriate constants. It is also shown that the modified predictor-corector (MPC) algorithm is 5-15 times faster than the modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) algorithm.
Surface Features of Quartz Sand Grains from Northeast Coast, Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

The surface textures of quartz sand grains from locations along the Florida Gulf Coast have been compared with those from other environments. High-magnification studies consistently show the predominance of chemical over physical textural features, which is to be expected in low- to moderate-energy coastal environments. Because of multiple reworking of these sediments, detailed environmental interpretations are difficult but not impossible. Distinctions are commonly quite subtle. The great influence of the crystal structure of quartz on the physical and chemical surface features precludes the normal method of rapid scanning of several grains per sample by the electron microscope. Therefore, a statistical approach is suggested using a combination of Nomarski differential interference-contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A relatively high percentage of the total surface areas of large numbers of grains can be studied in detail by this method. Stereopairs of scanning electron micrographs illustrate numerous surface textural features produced by a variety of sedimentary processes and environments. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1695------------
Mixing and segregation of granular matter: multi-lobe formation in time-periodic flows

We study size segregation in two classes of granular systems in time-periodically forced quasi-two-dimensional tumblers. In dry granular systems (DGS), particles are immersed in air, whereas in liquid granular systems (LGS) or slurries, particles are wholly immersed in a less dense liquid. Experimental results show lobe formation and classical radial segregation, depending on the frequency of the forcing and fill fraction of the system. Both DGS and LGS exhibit similar multi-lobe patterns when subjected to the same forcing. A simple model captures the experimental results and suggests that the symmetry of the forcing plays a crucial role in the emergence of the patterns. Lobes form via a reinforcement mechanism that depends on the period of the regular islands in the Poincare map. The mechanism can be controlled by changing the forcing period and/or fill fraction.
Pathogenesis and treatment of undescended testes.

Impaired intrauterine gonadotropin secretion was the cause of cryptorchidism in 78% of cryptorchid boys studied. On the one hand, this impairement implied the underdevelopment of the epididymis and thus the cryptorchid state of the gonad. On the other hand, the histological alterations of the testis, due to impaired gonadotropin secretion were Leydig cell atrophy and an impairment in the number of the germ cells. The secondary damage, due to the unfavorable position, started during the second year of life. To avoid this damage, early treatment is highly recommended. Hormonal treatment with GnRH is the treatment of first choice. This treatment was successful in 60% of cryptorchid boys. An additional treatment of nonresponders with low doses of hCG increased the overall success rate to 80%. Six months after treatment, 14.5% of those successfully treated suffered a relapse.
Partial genetic deficiency of the C4 component of complement in discoid lupus erythematosus and urticaria/angioedema

A high incidence of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and urticaria/angioedema was found among patients with selective low levels of the C4 component of complement. Although evidence for activation of C4 was present in patients' sera, studies to determine the presence of known activation mechanisms were negative. Genetic C4 typing in four pedigrees showed that all propositi carried the null allele B*QO. It is postulated that the low C4 levels in these patients are related to the skin lesions and this partial genetic deficiency.
Complex IR spectra of OH− groups in silicate glasses: Implications for the use of the 4500 cm−1 IR peak as a marker of OH− groups concentration

Previous studies of hydrous glasses and melts with infrared spectroscopy have led to the conclusion that the IR combination peaks near 4500 and 5200 cm−1 reflect the existence of OH− (hydroxyl) groups and H2Omol water molecules in those materials. Here, we show that the glass chemical composition can impact profoundly the intensities and frequencies of the fundamental O-H stretching signal and, therefore, potentially those of the 4500 and 5200 cm−1 combination peaks. In alkali silicate glasses, compositional effects can give rise to peaks assigned to fundamental O-H stretching at frequencies as low as 2300 cm−1. This expanded range of Raman intensity assigned to O-H stretch is increasingly important as the ionic radius of the alkali metal increases. As a result, the combination of the fundamental O-H stretch in OH− groups with the Si-O-H stretch located near 910 cm−1 gives rise to a complex combination signal that can extend to frequencies much lower than 4200 cm−1. This combination signal then becomes unresolvable from the high-frequency limb of the band assigned to fundamental O-H stretch vibration in the infrared spectra. It follows that, when O-H stretch signals from OH− groups extend to below 3000 cm−1, the 4500 cm−1 peak does not represent the total OH− signal. Under such circumstances, this infrared peak may not be a good proxy for determining the concentration of OH− hydroxyl groups for glassy silicate materials.
The Effect of Crystallinity on the Rapid Pseudocapacitive Response of Nb2O5

Capacitive energy storage offers several attractive properties compared to batteries, including higher power, faster charging, and a longer cycle life. A key limitation to this electrochemical energy-storage approach is its low energy density and, for this reason, there is considerable interest in identifying pseudocapacitor materials where faradaic reactions are used to achieve greater charge storage. This paper reports on the electrochemical properties of Nb2O5 and establishes that crystalline phases of the material undergo fast faradaic reactions that lead to high specific capacitance in short charging times. In particular, the specific capacitance for the orthorhombic phase at infinite sweep rate reaches ≈400 F g−1, which exceeds that of birnessite MnO2 in nonaqueous electrolyte and is comparable to RuO2 at the same extrapolated rate. The specific capacitances of the orthorhombic and pseudohexagonal phases are much greater than that of the amorphous phase, suggesting that the faradaic reactions which lead to additional capacitive energy storage are associated with Li+ insertion along preferred crystallographic pathways. The ability for Nb2O5 to store charge at high rates despite its wide bandgap and low electronic conductivity is very different from what is observed with other transition metal oxides.
A History of Muslim Sicily

This lengthy monograph is more than a history of Muslim Sicily: it is a very welcome addition to the literature on the history of Sicily as a whole and discloses the story of the island's inestimab...
A BAYESIAN UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS OF CETACEAN DEMOGRAPHY AND BYCATCH MORTALITY USING AGE-AT-DEATH DATA

Wildlife ecologists and managers are challenged to make the most of sparse information for understanding demography of many species, especially those that are long lived and difficult to observe. For many odontocete (dolphin, porpoise, toothed whale) populations, only fertility and age-at-death data are feasibly obtainable. We describe a Bayesian approach for using fertilities and two types of age-at-death data (i.e., age structure of deaths from all mortality sources and age structure of anthropogenic mortalities only) to estimate rate of increase, mortality rates, and impacts of anthropogenic mortality on those rates for a population assumed to be in a stable age structure. We used strandings data from 1977 to 1993 (n = 96) and observer bycatch data from 1989 to 1993 (n = 233) for the Gulf of Maine, USA, and Bay of Fundy, Canada, harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) population as a case study. Our method combines mortality risk functions to estimate parameters describing age-specific natural and bycatch mortality rates. Separate functions are simultaneously fit to bycatch and strandings data, the latter of which are described as a mixture of natural and bycatch mortalities. Euler-Lotka equations and an estimate of longevity were used to constrain parameter estimates, and we included a parameter to account for unequal probabilities of natural vs. bycatch deaths occurring in a sample. We fit models under two scenarios intended to correct for possible data bias due to indirect bycatch of calves (i.e., death following bycatch mortality of mothers) being underrepresented in the bycatch sample. Results from the two scenarios were "model averaged" by sampling from both Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) chains with uniform probability. The median estimate for potential population growth (r(nat)) was 0.046 (90% credible interval [CRI] = 0.004-0.116). The median for actual growth (r) was -0.030 (90% CRI = -0.192 to +0.065). The probability of population decline due to added fisheries mortality, prior to management to reduce bycatch, was 0.690. Our approach takes into account multiple sources of uncertainty in data and process, and it provides posterior distributions for a rich set of demographic rate parameters that are unknown for most cetaceans. This method should be easily adaptable to other taxa for which fertility and age-at-death data are available.
Skin conductance at baseline and postheel lance reflects sympathetic activation in neonatal opiate withdrawal.

AIM Skin conductance (SC) provides an objective measure of autonomic system regulation through sympathetic-mediated filling of sweat glands. This study aimed to test the utility of SC to detect sympathetic activation in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). METHODS Fourteen term (mean, SE: 38.8 ± 0.35 weeks gestational age) neonates with chronic prenatal opiate exposure were enrolled. SC (peaks/seconds and mean of peaks) was measured at baseline, during heel lance/squeeze (HLS) and recovery from HLS at 24-48 (mean 38) hours of life prior to treatment for NAS. Blinded coders with established reliability assessed neonates using the Modified Finnegan Neonatal Scoring System (MFNSS). Nonparametric tests were used to determine group differences, phase differences from baseline to HLS and HLS to recovery, and associations between MFNSS and SC measures. RESULTS Neonates that would later require morphine treatment for NAS (n = 6) had higher baseline SC mean of peaks than those that did not require treatment (n = 8) (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were unique phase differences between groups and SC positively correlated with MFNSS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION SC provides early identification of NAS severity. However, a larger sample is needed to determine sensitivity and specificity of SC for early identification of NAS and treatment effectiveness.
Immunotherapy Combinations With Checkpoint Inhibitors in Metastatic Melanoma: Current Approaches and Future Directions

Based on the complexity of the immune response to cancer and the mechanisms of tumor evasion, it is likely that therapeutic modulation of multiple immune-mediated pathways will be needed to maximally induce tumor regression in patients with advanced melanoma. The rationale of using combination checkpoint inhibitor-based regimens may include the concomitant effects on re-activation of T cells, increased trafficking of tumor reactive lymphocytes into the tumor tissue, and enhanced killing of cancer cells. The administration of nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab demonstrated increased response rates, tumor shrinkage, and median progression-free survival using combined therapy compared with either treatment alone. Although toxicity was also increased, this trial established proof of principle that combination immunotherapy could enhance the efficacy seen with single-agent programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) pathway blockade for the unselected patient. Current and future trials are evaluating alternative schedules and other combinations of immunotherapies to determine if they could provide similar efficacy with less toxicity. In addition, efforts are underway to determine how best to integrate combination immunotherapy with other treatment approaches for patients with advanced melanoma.
The Effect of Extracts of the Urine of Pregnant Women on the Hyperplastic Endometrium

Summary This case clearly illustrates the beneficial effects of the extract of urine of pregnant women in a case of endometrial hyperplasia. It also illustrates the fact that the extract may exercise its immediate effect without producing progestational proliferation. However, it is entirely possible that progestational proliferation may occur at some future time in this case.
Are the “Customers” of Business Ethics Courses Satisfied? An Examination of One Source of Business Ethics Education Legitimacy:

Though there are many factors that contribute to the perceived legitimacy of business ethics education, this research focuses on one factor that is given great attention both formally and informally in many business schools: student satisfaction with the course. To understand the nature of student satisfaction, the authors draw from multiple theories with central claims relating (met) expectations with satisfaction. The authors then compare student expectations of business ethics courses with instructor objectives and discover that business ethics courses are not necessarily designed to meet student expectations. The authors speculate that this general mismatch between student expectations and instructor objectives has material consequences. As one example, the authors analyze student evaluations from three business schools and identify a “business ethics course effect”: a negative association between business ethics courses and student evaluations. The authors discuss the implications for business ethics...
Religious Addiction: Obsession with Spirituality

Religious addiction is a disease only recently recognized; however, it has been with humanity throughout the ages. This obsession with spirituality not only has harmful effects for the individual but also a devastating effect on his/her family. As with any addiction, recovery is possible. This article covers the history of religious addiction, its symptoms and characteristics, and also its downward spiral. The effects on the addict, the codependent spouse, and children are discussed. Recovery, including intervention and treatment, is also covered.
On the relationship between mean monthly global radiation and air temperature

Theoretical consideration of the energy budget equation suggests that the relationship between solar radiation and air temperature is dependent upon five major factors, i. e. the reflection coefficient, effective outgoing longwave radiation, the Bowen ratio, heat flux into the soil, and advection. The varying effects of these five factors in different climatic regimes are discussed here. Statistical analysis of data from 442 stations indicates that radiation and temperature are reasonably well correlated only in B, C, and D climates, but not in A and E climates.
Experimental infection of the skin in the hamster simulating human impetigo. I. Natural history of the infection.

Impetigo is a common disease of childhood, particularly in the summer months and in the lower socioeconomic group. Ample information is available regarding the etiology of the disease; group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus are the 2 most usual agents [1, 2]. Epidemiologic work has indicated that streptococcal impetigo is most often caused by strains of certain specific serotypes [1, 2], and that the causative agent of staphylococcal impetigo is probably restricted to strains of certain phage types [1, 2]. The clinical appearance of the disease may be dependent on the etiologic agent [1]; however, the histopathology is thought to be similar [3, p. 470472]. Although the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological aspects of the disease have been explored, little is known about the pathophysiology of the infection or about the role of bacterial interaction in the lesions of the skin. An experimental model is therefore desirable to explore some of the parameters of this disease, particularly since such answers cannot be easily obtained from study of the human infection. The Syrian hamster
Calculating solar equivalence ratios of the four major heat-producing radiogenic isotopes in the Earth's crust and mantle

Abstract As part of the ongoing work in defining a consistent and unified geobiosphere emergy baseline (GEB) this paper considers the radiogenic component of the available energy from geothermal sources (one third of the global tripartite: solar radiation, dissipation of tidal momentum, and geothermal exergy). Recent literature suggests that Earth's geothermal energy results from two very different sources, decay of radioisotopes and primordial heat (heat left from Earth's accretion). In previous baseline computations, the radiogenic component of geothermal exergy was added to primordial heat, given various names like “deep earth heat”, and a single transformity was computed for the combined sources. With the acknowledgment that the geothermal component of the GEB had two different sources, it became apparent that a single transformity may no longer be appropriate, thus a method of computing separate transformities was necessary. In a novel approach, this paper uses gravity as the primary input to both solar radiation and heavy radionuclides and computes gravitational transformities for both. Then solar equivalence ratios (SERs) are computed between solar radiation and the four major crustal radionuclides ( 238 U, 235 U, 232 Th, 40 K). The SERs are combined with published radiogenic geothermal exergy data to calculate the solar equivalent exergy of the radiogenic component of the geothermal flux. This equivalence method can be used to derive a theoretically and methodologically consistent calculation for the other inputs to the global emergy baseline (i.e. tides and primordial geothermal heat flux) that can be similarly quantified in terms of gravitational exergy required to produce them.
Effects of renal receptor stimulation on neurons within the ventrolateral medulla of the cat

Experiments were performed to determine if activation of renal receptors by occlusion of the renal artery, renal vein, or ureter would alter activity of cells within the ventrolateral medulla of the cat. Extracellular unit recordings were obtained from 195 cells located within the rostral ventrolateral medulla of 90 alpha-chloralose-anesthetized cats. Fifty-five of 195 cells (28.2%) tested for responses to renal receptor activation responded to at least one of the occlusions. Occlusion of the ureter increased the activity of 25 cells from 9.7 +/- 3.7 to 23.0 +/- 6.5 impulses/s and decreased the activity of 5 cells from 11.9 +/- 3.6 to 3.5 +/- 1.2 impulses/s. Occlusion of the renal vein increased the activity of seven cells from 7.5 +/- 3.3 to 22.3 +/- 7.3 impulses/s and decreased the activity of six cells from 13.8 +/- 3.8 to 4.1 +/- 2.0 impulses/s. Renal artery occlusion elicited solely excitatory responses from 43 cells. Thirty-one of the 43 cells increased their activity within 0-3 s of the onset of renal artery occlusion from 4.1 +/- 0.8 to 12.6 +/- 1.2 impulses/s. Renal artery occlusion increased the activity of 10 out of 43 cells with a mean latency of 26.1 +/- 6.5 s from 8.3 +/- 2.5 to 29.6 +/- 9.3 impulses/s. Twenty-four of the 55 (43.6%) responders were responsive to two or more forms of renal receptor activation. These results demonstrate that activation of renal mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors affects cells within the ventrolateral medulla of the cat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Distribution Network Reliability Evaluation Based on Network Simplification and Switching Fault Analyses

A new method based on the equivalent network namely zone-networks(zone-elements) is proposed for the reliability evaluation of distribution networks.In the method,two equivalent networks are formed by two types of zone-elements defined by the auto(or non-auto) switching to be the boundary.A valid proposition is further suggested for the simplification of the equivalent networks.During the evaluation process,the switches are treated as one of components of the relevant zone-element,avoiding the sole consideration of the switch fault.Taking zone-loads as analysis objects and the zone-elements as the analysis unit,a classification evaluation strategy is designed for the calculation of reliability indices,which greatly reduces the number of the units needing to be traversed and analyzed,and also overcomes the defect of repetitive evaluation of the same kind of loads.Test results demonstrate that the computational efficiency of the method is significantly improved compared with other methods.
Reception of Aversive Taste

Many organisms encounter noxious or unpalatable compounds in their diets. Thus, a robust reception-system for aversive taste is necessary for an individual's survival; however, mechanisms for perceiving aversive taste vary among organisms. Possession of a system sensitive to aversive taste allows for recognition of a vast array of noxious molecules via membrane-bound receptors, co-receptors, and ion channels. These receptor-ligand interactions trigger signal transduction pathways resulting in activation of nerves and in neural processing, which in turn dictates behavior, including rejection of the noxious item. The impacts of these molecular processes on behavior differ among species, and these differences have impacts at the ecosystem level by driving feeding-behavior, organization of communities, and ultimately, speciation. For example, when comparing mammalian carnivores and herbivores, it is not surprising that herbivores that encounter a variety of toxic plants in their diets express a larger number of aversive taste receptors than carnivores. Comparing the molecular mechanisms and ecological consequences of aversive-taste reception among organisms in a variety of types of ecosystems and ecological niches will illuminate the role of taste in ecology and evolution.
Crystal Engineering Gone Awry. What a Difference a Few Methyl Groups Make in Fullerene/Porphyrin Cocrystallization

Two related nickel(II) porphyrins, etioporphyrin-I (Etio-I) and octaethylporphyrin (OEP), were cocrystallized with C70 to produce the new cocrystal structures C70·Ni(Etio-I)·2C6H6 and C70·Ni(OEP)·2C6H6. Etio-I is a variant of OEP, where four alternating ethyl groups from OEP are replaced with methyl substituents. This isomer of etioporphyrin has the potential to act as an agent in chiral sorting of asymmetric fullerenes. However, the replacement of four ethyl groups has nontrivial structural consequences. Further host–guest investigation of M(Etio-I) (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) with C60 or C70 was conducted, producing new X-ray structures of Co(Etio-I) and Zn(Etio-I), and a redetermination of Ni(Etio-I). Despite numerous and varied attempts, C60 cocrystallized with M(Etio-I) could not be obtained.
Agenda-Setting: Power and Contingency

(1991). Agenda-Setting: Power and Contingency. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 14, Communication Yearbook 14, pp. 347-356.
Zum Tode der Dichterin Nelly Sachs

(1970). Zum Tode der Dichterin Nelly Sachs. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 273-288.
Quantum Dynamics of Small Systems using Discrete Variable Representations

The discrete variable representation (DVR) on Gaussian quadrature points for orthogonal polynomials is defined. It is shown that the Hamiltonian for multidimensional systems is easy to evaluate and sparse in the DVR. Methods of solution of the time dependent Schrodinger equation in the DVR are presented. A highly efficient method of solution of the time independent Schrodinger equation for many eigenvalues and eigenvectors is presented which is based (in the DVR) on sequential adiabatic-sudden partitioning diagonalization, truncation, and recoupling of lower dimensional solutions. Brief summaries are presented of the application of these techniques to predissociation of NaI, vibrational states of H3+, and the thermal rate constant of the H+H2 reaction.
European Union energy supply security: The benefits of natural gas imports from the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract This paper analyzes the potential of Eastern Mediterranean offshore natural gas discoveries to increase EU natural gas supply security. It presents an overview of, the status quo of EU-28 natural gas import dependency, the efforts to increase energy security through various measures, and the challenges to supply diversification. It further provides an analysis of the energy and offshore resource sectors of Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon. The paper presents projections of domestic natural gas consumption needs for the years 2012–2042 and results show that potentially large quantities will be available for exports. An empirical model is used to analyze the capital and transmission costs for exporting gas to Europe via the East Med pipeline. The East Med pipeline project is discussed in the broader context of other regional supply options as well as potential U.S. LNG exports to Europe. The paper concludes that the East Med pipeline, which has been classified as a project of Common Interest by the EU, should receive policy priority as its benefits in terms of security of supply go beyond those that can be captured in a competitive market, and the positive externalities that it provides justify a ‘security premium’.