cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Ultrasound Applications in Intracranial Surgery

The methods and use of intraoperative ultrasound in 33 canine and 5 feline patients and its ability to localize and identify anatomical structures and pathological lesions in canines and felines undergoing intracranial surgery are described from a case series. All were client owned referral patients admitted for neurologic evaluation, with an advanced imaging diagnosis of an intracranial lesion, and underwent surgical biopsy or surgical removal of the lesion. Medical records retrieval and review of imaging reports and characterization of findings for all canine and feline patients that intraoperative ultrasound guidance was used in intracranial procedures during the period of 2012 and 2019. Twenty-nine of the canine patients had intracranial tumors. The remainder had various other conditions requiring intracranial intervention. Three of the feline patients had meningiomas, one had a depressed skull fracture, and one had an epidural hematoma. The tumors appeared hyperechoic on intraoperative ultrasound with the exception of cystic portions of the masses and correlated with the size and location seen on advanced imaging. Statistical comparison of the size of images seen on ultrasound and on MRI for 20 of the canine tumors revealed no statistical differences. Neuroanatomical structures, including vascular components, were easily identified, and tumor images correlated well with preoperative advanced imaging. The authors conclude that intraoperative ultrasound is a valuable asset in intracranial mass removals and can augment surgical guidance in a variety of intracranial disorders that require surgery. This is the first known publication in veterinary surgery of using intraoperative ultrasound as a tool in the operating theater to identify, localize, and monitor the removal / biopsy of intracranial lesions in small animals undergoing craniotomy / craniectomy.
Measuring Leisure Motivation: A Meta-Analysis of the Recreation Experience Preference Scales

One approach to studying the motivations for leisure is to focus on the desired goal States that are attained through participation in leisure. The Recreation Experience Preference (REP) scales wer...
Soil pH and Plant Population Effects on Soybean Yield

Liming soils is an important part of the overall fertility program for soybean production. The decision of whether or not lime is needed is generally based on the soil pH. Soybeans are adversely affected by acidity when the pH falls below about 5.8. Considerable interest exists in Iowa about soil pH specific management recommendations. Because soil pH varies across Iowa, it is likely that the current optimum plant population for soybeans needs to be adjusted depending on soil pH. The objective of this study is to identify the optimum plant population for soybeans at various levels of soil pH.
A Review of: “Prosthetic Memory: The Transformation of American Remembrance in the Age of Mass Culture”

The Ethics of performative subjectivity is enacted precisely in and as a response to the always and already exterior, to the other that is the ground of the same. The point is not that I always nee...
Grid-Based Monte Carlo Application

Monte Carlo applications are widely perceived as computationally intensive but naturally parallel. Therefore, they can be effectively executed on the grid using the dynamic bag-of-work model. We improve the efficiency of the subtask-scheduling scheme by using an N-out-of-M strategy, and develop a Monte Carlo-specific lightweight checkpoint technique, which leads to a performance improvement for Monte Carlo grid computing. Also, we enhance the trustworthiness of Monte Carlo grid-computing applications by utilizing the statistical nature of Monte Carlo and by cryptographically validating intermediate results utilizing the random number generator already in use in the Monte Carlo application. All these techniques lead to a high-performance grid-computing infrastructure that is capable of providing trustworthy Monte Carlo computation services.
Where else but Greenwich Village? Love, lust, and the emergence of the American Civil Liberties Union's sexual rights agenda, 1920-1931.

“ T h e p e r f o r m a n c e wa s T h o r o u g h l y vulgar and indecent,” the report began, “as most burlesque shows ordinarily are. While women wore tights . . . other parts of the body were naked, suggestive dancing was frequent, sexual jokes were common, all the usual stunt appeals to sex interest and feelings were there.” The disapproving tone and graphic description of this account echoes those compiled by early twentieth-century moral reformers. This one, though, was produced in 1931 by the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Roger Baldwin, who sent it to Boston’s commissioner of licenses. Why would the director of the ACLU criticize a burlesque show to a license commissioner? historians of the ACLU might not find this anecdote surprising enough to question it, because they have assumed that the organization’s founders were, as two prominent scholars have put it, “extremely puritanical” and
Investigating the microbiological safety of uncured no nitrate or nitrite added processed meat products

The popularity of “preservative-free” foods among consumers has stimulated rapid growth of processed meats manufactured without sodium nitrite. The objective of this study was to quantify the potential for Clostridium perfringens growth in commercially available processed meats manufactured without the direct addition of nitrite or nitrate. Commercial brands of uncured, no-nitrate or nitrite-added frankfurters (10), bacon (9) and ham (7) were obtained from retail stores and challenged with a three-strain inoculation (5 log10 CFU/g) of C. perfringens. Reduced inhibition (P and four brands of bacon when compared to each respective sodium nitrite-added control. These products also demonstrated a wide variation in growth response. These results indicate that commercially available natural/organic cured meats have more potential for growth of this pathogen than do conventionally cured products. Natural and organic processed meats may require additional protective measures in order to consistently provide the same level of safety from bacterial pathogens that is achieved by conventionally cured meat products. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
Linking light attenuation, sunflecks, and canopy architecture in mesic shrub thickets

Expansion of shrubs into grasslands is often accompanied by a reduction in understory light and an associated reduction of shade-intolerant species. However, effects of specific canopy architectural characteristics on the light environment under shrub thickets are unknown. Our objective was to determine what characteristics of canopy architecture most influence understory light in monospecific shrub thickets. We quantified understory light and canopy architecture for five shrub species in the eastern United States that have a history of expansion, and we used multiple regression to determine which canopy characteristics best predicted light attenuation and relative contribution of sunflecks. Measurements included leaf angle, leaf azimuth, branch bifurcation ratio, leaf area index (LAI), canopy depth (the vertical distance from the bottommost leaf to the top of the canopy), and leaf area density (LAD) as well as understory photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). The best predictor of light attenuation and the occurrence of sunflecks for all species was canopy depth. Multiple leaf and plant-level traits were correlated with canopy depth but not with LAI or LAD. The invasive shrub Elaeagnus umbellata had the lowest understory light levels of the species examined although LAI values for Morella cerifera and Rhododendron maximum were higher. Branch bifurcation ratios for E. umbellata were significantly higher than for other species and this likely contributed to the differences in light attenuation and suppression of sunflecks. The potential of shrubs to intercept light is primarily dependent on vertical distribution of leaves in the canopy which is itself correlated with fine-scale, species-specific variations in leaf display.
Patterns and Predictors of Unplanned Hospitalization in a Population-Based Cohort of Elderly Patients With GI Cancer

Purpose Hospitalizations among patients with cancer are common and costly and, if unplanned, may interrupt oncologic treatment. The rate of unplanned hospitalizations in the population of elderly patients with cancer is unknown. We sought to describe and quantify patterns and risk factors for early unplanned hospitalization among elderly patients with GI cancer. Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked Texas Cancer Registry and Medicare claims data from 2001 to 2009. Texas residents age 66 years or older initially diagnosed with GI cancer between 2001 and 2007 were included in the study. The unplanned hospitalization rate was estimated, and reasons for unplanned hospitalization were evaluated. Risk factors were identified using adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Thirty thousand one hundred ninety-nine patients were included in our study, 59% of whom had one or more unplanned hospitalizations. Of 60,837 inpatient claims, 58% were unplanned. The rate of un...
Multi-piece mould design based on a mixed-integer programming method

Multi-piece mould design is a moulding technology that involves three-dimensional spatial construction of two or more mould pieces in a manner similar to assembling/dissembling a three-dimensional puzzle to build production parts. Using such a moulding technology, complex parts with intricate geometries can be made for limited run productions. Compared to traditional two-piece moulds and rapid prototyping, the multi-piece mould approach has many advantages with respect to part complexity and production speed, etc.; however, the technology has challenges in designing the actual multi-piece moulds. Previous methodologies address this problem primarily using heuristics. We present a multi-piece mould design MPMD framework that is based on a mixed-integer programming approach. The method constructs the MPMD by minimising the number of mould pieces that is required for a given Computer-Aided Design CAD model. The solution strategy for the formulated linear mixed-integer optimisation problem is presented. The algorithmic strategy for solving the resulting mixed-integer programming problem is also provided with examples that illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach.
Relative influence of surface states and bulk impurities on the electrical properties of Ge nanowires.

We quantitatively examine the relative influence of bulk impurities and surface states on the electrical properties of Ge nanowires with and without phosphorus (P) doping. The unintentional impurit...
Attachment Predicts Adolescent Conversions at Young Life Religious Summer Camps

The correspondence hypothesis maintains that people with secure parental attachments will experience gradual religious conversions, with internal working models of childhood attachment figures forming the basis of attachment to God. The compensation hypothesis predicts that people with insecure attachments will experience sudden and dramatic conversions as they seek a relationship with God to compensate for insecure attachment relationships. In Study 1, faith narratives from 162 adolescents were analyzed; associations between parental attachment and the type of conversion reflected in the narrative support both hypotheses. In Study 2, data were prospectively collected from 240 adolescents attending religious summer camps; after camp, 138 participants reported a gradual conversion and 21 reported a sudden conversion. Participants who rated themselves securely attached to their parents before camp were more likely to report a gradual conversion, supporting the correspondence hypothesis. Precamp insecure par...
Sympathetic storms in a child with a midbrain glioma: a variant of diencephalic seizures

The authors report the unusual case of a 7-year-old child, one of the youngest reported to date, who developed repeated episodes of sympathetic hyperactivity after surgical resection of a midbrain glioma. These paroxysmal events were similar to previously described diencephalic seizures. However, there was no evidence of epileptogenic activity on electroencephalography, and radiologic imaging did not reveal hydrocephalus or intraparenchymal hemorrhage. In this report, clinical features are described of this patient, along with the novel use of clonidine--a sympathetic blocking agent--in his treatment, published reports are reviewed on diencephalic seizures, and steps are recommended in the treatment of a patient who presents in this manner. The authors believe that diencephalic seizures can present with a spectrum of autonomic features, and treatment should be tailored with the appropriate pharmacologic blockade.
Effects of chemical mechanical polishing on a porous SiCOH dielectric

Chemical mechanical polish (CMP) of a porous SiCOH dielectric with k value 2.4 was studied, relevant to integrated circuit fabrication. The effects of different liner CMP slurries were compared in studies of direct CMP on the porous SiCOH. A variety of chemical and electrical characterization methods were used to study the dielectric after CMP exposure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed new chemical structures in the dielectric for the case of 1 slurry. Increases in k value and conductivity were observed after direct CMP for all slurries studied. The reversal of these film changes by various energetic treatments was then examined, and treatments were identified to restore the original dielectric k value and conductivity.
Identifying Robust portfolios of suppliers: a sustainability selection and development perspective

Abstract The initial selection and development of suppliers is a critical and increasingly complex component of organizational supply chains. In recent years sustainability issues have played an increasing role in making these decisions, though there has been limited activity in the literature in this regard. We develop an optimization model that simultaneously addresses supplier selection, supplier development, and sustainability considerations. Sustainability is integrated in the form of supplier sustainability ratings and sustainable supplier development through investment and training budgets. To handle the considerable complexity concerning such decisions, we demonstrate a recent algorithmic approach that can identify a portfolio (set) of multiple high-quality and yet collectively diverse solutions. This approach is carried out on a selection of randomly generated, representative test instances. Encouraging computational results and managerial implications are analyzed and discussed.
Spatial patchiness in the sea cucumber Pachythyone rubra in the California Channel Islands

Pachythyone rubra is a small, direct-developing sea cucumber, with a limited geographic range in central and southern California. Surveys from 1996 to 1998 in the Santa Barbara Channel revealed spatial patchiness, with high densities immediately adjacent to low or zero densities in similar habitat. To investigate causes of this patchiness, I transplanted and followed survival and recruitment of P. rubra in sites that had high and low densities of P. rubra. This transplant experiment revealed that survival and recruitment of P. rubra vary spatially, along a gradient in environmental conditions, and that these differences may be caused by predation, sedimentation, and food supply. Laboratory predation experiments identified two predators: the lobster Panulirus interruptus and the sea star Pycnopodia helianthoides. Field observations and trials with freeze-dried P. rubra pellets suggested that fish do not eat P. rubra. Population growth of P. rubra was highest in the western region of the Channel Islands that receives cool, nutrient and phytoplankton-rich water suitable for P. rubra feeding and reproduction. Patchiness of P. rubra in this area may result from spatially variable, but intense, predation by P. helianthoides. The eastern region of the Channel Islands has warmer water with less nutrients and phytoplankton, which may be less suitable for P. rubra feeding and reproduction but lacks P. helianthoides, resulting in lower population growth but potentially more stable patches over space and time.
Spectroscopic characterization of textilotoxin, a presynaptic neurotoxin from the venom of the australian eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja t. textilis)

Spectroscopic behavior of textilotoxin, from the venom of Pseudonaja t. textilis, and its subunits were investigated using fluorescence, circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Circular dichroism spectra of the B, C and D subunits indicate considerable similarity in their alpha-helix and beta-sheet contents. By contrast, the A subunit displays significantly more beta-sheet and 'remainder' structure. FTIR spectra confirm conclusions drawn from CD spectra. Fluorescence spectra indicate that, in general, tryptophan residues in the A, B and D subunits are relatively exposed to the solvent. The C subunit exhibits no fluorescence, suggesting a lack of tryptophan. Comparisons of individual subunit spectra with those of the intact toxin suggest that significant changes in secondary structure may occur when the toxin dissociates.
New insights into the binding mode of melanin concentrating hormone receptor-1 antagonists: homology modeling and explicit membrane molecular dynamics simulation study.

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic 19-amino-acid peptide expressed mainly in the hypothalamus. It is involved in the control of feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, and body weight. Administration of MCH-R1 antagonists has been proved to reduce food intake and cause weight loss in animal models. In the present study, a homology model of the human MCH-R1 was constructed using the crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin (PDB: 1u19) as a template. Based on the observation that MCH-R1 can bind ligands of high chemical diversity, the initial model was subjected to an extensive ligand-supported refinement using antagonists of different chemotypes. The refinement process involved stepwise energy minimizations and molecular dynamics simulations. The refined model was inserted into a pre-equilibrated DPPC/TIP3P membrane system and then simulated for 20 ns in complex with structurally diverse antagonists. This protocol was able to explain the SAR of MCH-R1 antagonists with diverse chemical structures. M...
Radioprotection of the digestive tract by intravenous infusion of vasopressin.

The effect of venous infusions of vasopressin during fractionated abdominal radiation exposures was evaluated in four pairs of dogs. In each pair, the control dog was given venous infusion of saline during irradiation. The results were analyzed from clinical observation, autopsy findings, and pathological examination. It appears that venous infusion of vasopressin has a definite and reproducible effect of radioprotection on the gastrointestinal tract, the dose modifying factor (DMF) being 1.5. Radiation therapy of the gynecologic malignancies would be one major application since the radiosensitivity of the intestinal tract is often a limiting factor in delivering high doses to the tumor, and further investigations are being done to study the effects of vasopressin on the radiosensitivity of malignant tumors.
Congenital choledochus cyst

Summary Congenital choledochus cyst, although a rare condition, should be suspected in any individual with jaundice, abdominal tumor, and pain. A partial review of the literature is presented, along with a discussion of the cause, pathology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, mortality, treatment, and complications of the condition. A case in a 4-month-old white female is reported, with a one-year postoperative follow-up.
X-ray microdiffraction analysis of mm-scale orientational correlations in Tl-1223 high-critical-current, high-temperature superconducting films

Abstract Tl 1− y Ba 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x , y c -axes normal to the film; a - and b -axes are randomly oriented on a macroscopic scale. We describe X-ray pole-figure measurements from 0.1 mm regions of Tl-1223 films. For samples with the highest critical currents, the a -axes of the grains are locally aligned over distances up to 1 mm. Regions of higher critical current are associated with regions of high a -axis alignment.
American Indian University Students' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors Associated with HIV/AIDS

Manuscript considers results of a research study that assesses American Indian university students' factual knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, and relationships between their attitudes and decisions to engage in HIV-risk behaviors. Participants responded to a 57-item scaled survey and several demographic items. Survey items were grouped into five categories: factual knowledge about HIV/AIDS, perceptions about sexual intercourse and condom use, perceptions about susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, self-efficacy and HIV/AIDS, and personal beliefs about HIV/AIDS. Survey results indicate unique approaches should be employed when conducting HIV/AIDS prevention education programs for the heterogeneous American Indian/Alaska Native tribes in the United States.
Response latency and serial position in short-term memory

A serial position effect was observed in latency scores when a visually presented test element was correctly identified as having a particular serial location in a memorized serial list. The effect was not observed in a choice reaction-time task which made similar response requirements. The data suggest that the serial position effect for latency scores, as for error scores, arise in memory tasks in which the identification of a position in a list is critical for correct responding.
Potential applications of water hyacinth for water, air recycling in closed systems

Russian space scientists have done much work on closed ecological life support systems (CELSS) using higher plants and algae both for recycling water and air and regeneration of food. Research in this country has been directed mostly towards physiochemical methods for recycling water and air. Development of CELSS using biological components such as aquatic vascular plants (water hyacinth) has recently been recommended. Use of water hyacinth in open systems for municipal wastewater treatment has been studied extensively along with its many other terrestrial uses (animal feed, source of fresh water through evapotranspiration, methane source, fertilizer and compost). After reviewing the research work in CELSS, controlled environment agriculture, and water hyacinth and its uses, potential applications of water hyacinth in closed ecological systems for water, air recycling are outlined.
New Strategies for Employment? Internet Skills and Online Privacy Practices during People's Job Search

How does online know-how relate to people's tendencies to manage their privacy? A survey of a diverse group of young adults' online skills and privacy practices reveals patterns of online privacy management, specifically with job search in mind. Findings suggest that women, Whites, and those with higher Internet privacy skills are more likely to manage their online profiles actively.
Effect of Clinical Characteristics on Neutropenia‐Related Inpatient Costs Among Newly Diagnosed Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cases During First‐Course Chemotherapy

Study Objective. To estimate the costs of hospitalization for neutropenia among chemotherapy-treated patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and to assess baseline patient factors associated with these costs. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Data Source. Linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program–Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases for Iowa from 1993–1998. Patients. Patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who received all inpatient care at Iowa hospitals during their first course of chemotherapy. Measurements and Main Results. Neutropenia-related hospitalization costs were estimated from discharge abstracts found within the earliest of the following: 6 months after the diagnosis month, the date of bone marrow transplantation, or date of death. We performed univariate tests of differences in neutropenia-related hospitalization costs in all patients in the sample, as well as tests for neutropenia-related hospitalization costs, length-of-stay, and cost/inpatient day for patients with at least one hospitalization for neutropenia. We modeled total inpatient charges over the period for patients with at least one neutropenia-related hospitalization (multiple regression). A total of 1636 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had chemotherapy in Iowa and met inclusion criteria; of these, 316 had at least one hospitalization for neutropenia. The 316 patients had 418 stays. Patients with advanced stage (vs limited stage), previous anemia (vs no anemia), positive Charlson comorbidity score (vs score of 0), and diffuse large cell histology (vs follicular) had higher mean neutropenia-related hospitalization cost/patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (p<0.05). Among those with neutropenia-related hospitalizations, a longer length of stay was associated with nonfollicular histologies, previous anemia, and positive Charlson score (p<0.05). Conclusion. When estimating expected payments for neutropenia-related hospitalization in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, payers need to be aware of the distribution of clinical characteristics in these patients.
An agglutination test for the serodiagnosis ofCorynebacterium sepedonicum

Antisera specific forCorynebacterium sepedonicum were produced in three rabbits and in a goat. Bacterial cell agglutination titers of 640, 1280, and 1280 were recorded for the rabbit sera and 320 for the goat antiserum. All antisera reacted equally well with twelve isolates ofC. sepedonicum obtained from Canada, California, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. No cross-reactivity was observed when the anti-C. sepedonicum sera were tested against five otherCorynebacterium spp.and seven other species of plant pathogenic bacteria.
Use of Web Resources in the Journal Literature 2001 and 2007: A Cross-Disciplinary Study

This article examines Web resources in research articles from 30 scholarly journals in disciplines across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The purpose of the study is to report the degree to which scholars make use of Web-based resources in the journal literature and to identify Web citation characteristics within different subject areas. The study also explores whether any changes emerged between 2001 and 2007. The examination confirms the finding of previous studies that, even though Web resources are not heavily used in journal articles, the number of such resources is increasing. Publicly accessible database repositories and open source software prevail over other Web resources in research communication. The implications for academic libraries are discussed. The study suggests that new strategies need to be developed to manage Web-based information resources.
Internal Thermal Injury: A Case Report

Internal burns resulting from thermal injury are not well documented in the literature. Thermal burns are categorized as first, second, and third degree based on depth, however, those burns that extend into deeper tissues have not had such a clear classification. Fourth degree burns are defined as injury extending to the subcutaneous fat, muscle, or bone. Although cutaneous second and third degree burns can be mapped to yield a percentage burn, this does not adequately describe the deeper tissue damage in a given burn patient. There have been very few reports of diffuse deep tissue burns resulting from thermal injury. We will refer to this as internal thermal injury. A 47-year-old male fire fighter was involved in a training exercise and was found unresponsive. This patient had been in the basement of a facility specially designed for fire fighter training exercises where he was found unconscious with an estimated exposure time of 8 min. The patient expired in cardiac arrest within 24 h of presentation. The physiological impact of high ambient temperatures on fire fighters has been well documented in the literature. Internal thermal injury was suspected given the history. Values assessed in training buildings, such as the one in which the patient was found, showed temperatures of 50-130 degrees C on the ground and 100-190 degrees C at 1 m above the ground. Temperatures of over 278 degrees C had been recorded within training buildings. Pain threshold is reached at a skin temperature of approximately 44 degrees C, and burn injury can occur at lower temperatures, depending on time of contact. Skin temperatures of fire fighters were found to range from 39 to 45.5 degrees C and core temperatures were measured by a miniature sensor in the form of a pill and were found to rise by 0.6-1 degrees C in 1 h within a training building. Therefore, it is possible that fire fighters undergo internal thermal injury before the sensation of cutaneous burn injury may be perceived. Kevlar is a material found in fire fighting gear and has been documented to have a degradation temperature of 520 degrees C. Kevlar can withstand high environmental temperatures; however, a great number of thermal injuries are due to an overheating of the body regardless of the thermal properties of Kevlar.
Jordanian Foreign Policy and the Arab Spring

The Arab Spring may have begun in Tunisia in December 2010 with mass protests that ultimately toppled the regime of Zine El Abidin Ben Ali, but that same month, protesters also gathered in Amman's streets, demanding political change. The Jordanian demonstrations were never as large as those in Tunisia and were certainly not comparable to the mass protest rallies in Egypt's Tahrir Square. They also differed in focus, calling for reform but not for regime change or revolution. Initially, they demanded the ouster of the government of Prime Minister Samir Rifai, and succeeded. But even after the shift in royally appointed governments, protesters continued to gather almost every Friday for the next several years, calling for more reform within the Hashemite kingdom.
Synthesis and stationary phase properties of bromophenyl ethers

Abstract Electrophilic bromination is shown to be a useful reaction for the site-specific bromination of phenyl ethers containing from two to seven benzene rings. Compared to the phenyl ether stationary phases used in gas chromatography, bromination primarily raises the lower and upper operating temperatures, generally leads to a reduction in the efficiency of column packings and changes the selectivity and polarity of the phases only to a small extent. The three-ring bromophenyl ether, 1,3-dibromo-4,6-bis(4-bromophenoxy)benzene is shown to have the most useful stationary phase properties for the separation of organic compounds with a useable temperature range of 80–200°C.
Developing a castor (Ricinus communis L.) production system in Florida, U.S.: Evaluating crop phenology and response to management

Abstract While castor (Ricinus communis L.) oil is an essential component in many industrial products, the U.S. currently imports all castor oil stocks due to the lack of domestic production of the crop since 1972. To reestablish U.S. production of castor, regional agronomic assessments of cultivars and management systems are required to assess the economic sustainability of the crop. A comparison of two castor cultivars (Hale and Brigham) and management systems using plant growth regulators and harvest aids was conducted at two different locations (PSREU and WFREC) within Florida during two years (2011 and 2012) with the goal of assessing yield potential and phenological development of the crop in this semi-tropical climate. Yields were low in comparison to other U.S. regions where the crop has been tested with the highest yields being 1357 kg ha−1 for Brigham at PSREU in 2011 and the lowest being 686 kg ha−1 for Brigham at PSREU in 2012. Mold observed on both cultivars and significant rates of shatter could have led to upwards of 60% yield loss, indicating that yield potential in the region may be much higher. Oil percentages on average across sites and years were very consistent between the cultivars, with 45.0 and 45.4% for Brigham and Hale, respectively. Typical growth patterns of height, leaf area index (LAI), reproductive development, and root architecture were characterized for the region. The maximum height recorded for either cultivar did not exceed 115.2 cm and the maximum seasonal LAI value was 2.87. Brigham produced between 3 and 8 more racemes than Hale by the end of the season, depending on the site/year. The application of a mepiquat chloride based plant growth regulator (PGR) did not reduce plant height at either location and had no consistent impact on photosynthetic capacity of the crop. The harvest aid paraquat led to over six times more leaf desiccation and leaf defoliation within 11 days after treatment and was more effective overall than the tribufos harvest aid.
Dietary Intake is an Important Predictor of Nutritional Status in HIV-Infected Children. |[bull]| 497

Nutritional problems are common in HIV-infected children and can significantly impact on clinical outcome. Longitudinal follow-up of growth parameters, body composition, and dietary intake are not well described in HIV-infected children. Methods: We prospectively evaluated serial anthropometric markers (height z-score, weight z-score, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF)%, arm muscle circumference (AMC)%) and dietary intake by 24 hour recall in a cohort of 100 HIV-infected children and compared similar parameters to a group of 113 non-infected, but exposed children over an eight year period. Other clinical parameters that were measured included clinical HIV stage (AIDS, non-AIDS), CD4 lymphocyte count, gastrointestinal symptoms, and antiretroviral therapy. Results: 100 HIV-infected (79 non-AIDS, 21 AIDS were followed for a median of 25 months (1-61 months), with a median of 3 visits per child (1-19 visits). 113 control children were followed for a median of 7 months (1-18 months), with a median of 1 visit per child (1-5 visits). At first evaluation, the mean age of the AIDS cohort was 35 months(SD 27); of the HIV group, 31 months (SD 27); and of the control group, 16 months (SD 18) (p<0.05 control vs HIV and AIDS). CD4 counts were significantly lower in the AIDS group (569 vs 1150 cells/mm3) (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in weight z-score, weight-for-height z-score, TSF%, and AMC% between AIDS and non-AIDS groups at initial evaluation, although height z-score was significantly different between groups. Longitudinal evaluation showed the weight z-score, weight-for-height z-score, and TSF% did not change significantly over time, yet height z-score and AMC% in the non-AIDS group decreased with time (p=0.03, p=0.0007, respectively). Dietary intake in the HIV-infected children, 113% (SD 42) of predicted, remained stable with time, yet significantly greater than the non-infected children (p<0.05). There were no differences in carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake between groups. Using generalized estimating equations, significant clinical predictors of a better weight z-score for HIV-infected children included greater caloric intake (p=0.02), female sex(p=0.02), greater CD4 count (p=0.07), no exposure to antiretrovirals (p=0.09), and no diarrhea (p=0.04). We conclude that growth measures remain relatively stable, although below standard, over time, with the exception of decreasing height and muscle mass in HIV-positive children. Dietary intake is greater than expected norms, and is one critical component in maintaining nutritional status for HIV-infected children.
Limitedness theorem on finite automata with distance functions: an algebraic proof

A distance function on a finite automaton M is defined by assigning to each transition a distance of nonnegative integer value. M is said to be limited in distance if there is a nonnegative integer k such that, for each accepted string w in the language of M, there is an accepting path p for w on which the sum of distances is bounded by k. The limitedness theorem [6,9] on finite automata with distance functions states that it is decidable if an arbitrary finite automaton with a distance function is limited in distance. In this paper, we give an algebraic proof of the theorem and derive from it an exponential-time decision algorithm. In addition, we prove that the decision problem is PSPACE-hard.
Estimating the proportion of mutagenic compounds in environmental samples

A method for estimating the proportion of mutagens in a sample of N compounds is developed. For this procedure to be applicable, there must be a statistically significant correlation between the number of mutagens in the sample and the sample size N. Sample size is treated as a random variable. A sequential sampling scheme is considered. In the first stage, compounds are identified and classified as mutagens, nonmutagens, or untested, as reported in the literature. In the second stage, all untested compounds are tested for mutagenicity. Since data of this type are not generally available, estimates of the proportions of compounds tested (p), tested and mutagenic (p 1 ), and untested but mutagenic (p 2 ) are developed from existing compilations. It is shown that there is a high, statistically significant correlation between the total number of mutagens in a sample and the sample size N. The proportion of mutagens in a sample for various values of p, p 1 and p 2 is tabulated.
Little knowledge and limited practice: Emergency contraceptive pills, the public, and the obstetrician-gynecologist

Objective To assess Americans' knowledge and attitudes about emergency contraceptive pills and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of obstetrician-gynecologists with respect to emergency contraceptive pills. Methods A random sample of a national cross-section of 2002 Americans, age 18 and older, including 1000 women and 1002 men, was surveyed by telephone between October 12 and November 13, 1994. A nationally representative sample of 307 obstetrician-gynecologists, whose names were drawn from the American Medical Association Physicians' Masterfile, was surveyed by telephone between February 1 and March 21,1995. Both surveys addressed knowledge and attitudes about unplanned pregnancy and contraception options, including emergency contraception. Despite response rates of 50 and 77%, respectively, both unweighted samples closely mirror the populations from which they were drawn. Results Americans are not well informed about emergency contraceptive pills. Only 36% of respondents indicated that they knew “anything could be done” within a few days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Fifty-five percent said they had “heard of” emergency contraceptive pills, and only 1% had ever used them. Ninety-nine percent of obstetrician-gynecologists reported being “familiar” with emergency contraceptive pills. Twenty-two percent were “somewhat familiar.” Among those who said they were “very familiar” with the method (77%), the majority considered emergency contraceptive pills to be “very safe” (88%) and “very effective” (85%). Overall, 70% of obstetriciangynecologists surveyed said they had prescribed emergency contraceptive pills within the last year, but on an infrequent basis; 77% of those who prescribed emergency contraceptive pills did so five or fewer times. Conclusion Public knowledge about the availability and use of emergency contraceptive pills is limited, as is the practice of prescribing the pills among obstetrician-gynecologists. Because patients rely on health care providers for information on birth control, health care providers can improve knowledge about and availability of emergency contraceptive pills among their patients.
Neologisms And Mnemonics: Linguistic Tools In Nutrition Education And Communication

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the value of using neologisms and mnemonics. A penchant for words is a valuable commodity for nutrition educators and communicators. Linguistic devices such as neologisms and mnemonics can capture the attention of one's audience, facilitate retention of the message delivered, and even bring prominence to their developers. Joan Gussow was thrust into the national nutrition limelight when she pronounced television ads counternutritonal. The impact of her provocative neologism far surpassed the effect she might have achieved by decrying the ads for presenting 'negative nutrition information.' Mnemonics enhance memory: CATCH makes it easier to remember the very long name of a clinical trial, and DETERMINE makes it possible to recite the otherwise unwieldy list of nine areas assessed in the protocol for nutrition screening of the elderly. Other food and nutrition mnemonics include WIN and LEARN. Two new mnemonic devices are presented here: Food SAFE (Shelf Available For Emergencies) arid E-A-T (Egg, Apple, Thirst-quencher). SAFE was developed as a reminder to reserve some space for stocking nonperishable staples. While the array of items contained on each household's SAFE is unique, suggestions are provided for including bottled water, a manual can opener and foods that do not require cooking. The mnemonic E-A-T was originally devised as a counseling tool for nutritionists to use with clients who need help controlling food intake during the holidays. It suggests having an apple, hard-boiled egg and non-caloric thirst-quencher 30 minutes before arriving at a social event that involves food. The plan requires no measuring, weighing, or special cooking, and is portable. EATing has been featured in radio and television broadcasts aired between Thanksgiving and New Year's. In December 1995, E-A-T was spotted by public relations specialists who recognized its public health value: six weeks later, a major food industry trade group launched a national campaign encouraging people to E-A-T.
Improving gastroschisis outcomes: Does birth place matter?

Abstract Purpose Babies born in the hospital where they obtain definitive surgical care do not require transportation between institutions and may have shorter time to surgical intervention. Whether these differences result in meaningful improvement in outcomes has been debated. A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed comparing outcomes based on birthplace. Methods Six institutions within the PedSRC reviewed infants born with gastroschisis from 2008 to 2013. Birthplace, perinatal, and postoperative data were collected. Based on the P-NSQIP definition, inborn was defined as birth at the pediatric hospital where repair occurred. The primary outcome was days to full enteral nutrition (FEN; 120kcal/kg/day). Results 528 patients with gastroschisis were identified: 286 inborn, 242 outborn. Days to FEN, time to bowel coverage and abdominal wall closure, primary closure rate, and length of stay significantly favored inborn patients. In multivariable analysis, birthplace was not a significant predictor of time to FEN. Gestational age, presence of atresia or necrosis, primary closure rate, and time to abdominal wall closure were significant predictors. Conclusions Inborn patients had bowel coverage and definitive closure sooner with fewer days to full feeds and shorter length of stay. Birthplace appears to be important and should be considered in efforts to improve outcomes in patients with gastroschisis.
Age Dependent Nicotinic Influences Over Dopamine Neuron Synaptic Plasticity

The dopamine (DA) system of the ventral midbrain plays a critical role as mammals learn adaptive behaviors driven by environmental salience and reward. Addictive drugs, including nicotine, exert powerful influences over the mesolimbic DA system by activating and desensitizing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in a subtype-dependent manner. Nicotine induces synaptic plasticity at excitatory synapses onto DA neurons, thereby sending elevated DA signals that participate during the reinforcement of addictive behaviors. While humans and animals of any developmental age are potentially vulnerable to these drug-induced effects, evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies indicates that adolescents have an increased risk of addiction. Although this risk arises from a complex set of variables including societal and psychosocial influences, a contributing factor involves age dependent sensitivity to addictive drugs. One aspect of that sensitivity is drug-induced synaptic plasticity at excitatory synapses onto the dopamine neurons in the ventral midbrain. A single, acute exposure to addictive drugs, including nicotine, produces long-term potentiation (LTP) that can be quantified by measuring the shift in the subtypes of ionotropic glutamate receptors mediating evoked synaptic transmission. This change in glutamatergic transmission is expressed as an increased ratio of AMPA receptors to NMDA receptors at glutamatergic synapses. Age-related differences in the excitability and the nicotine sensitivity within the midbrain dopamine system may contribute to the greater risk of nicotine addiction in adolescent animals and humans.
Dynamic range limits in field determination of fluorescence using fiber optic sensors

Prior work has reported on the usefulness of fiber optic sensors in detection of aromatic organic ground water contaminants such as the benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) fraction of petroleum fuels. Our device is essentially a laser fluorimeter using fiber optic sensors for in-situ measurements. Both field and laboratory work have exhibited limits in the dynamic response range of fluorescence signal versus concentration when excitation occurs in the ultraviolet (266 nm). Potential causes of the observed shallow fluorescence versus concentration response include self-absorption at high concentration and stray light or electronic noise at low concentrations. The observed wide dynamic range resulting from visible excitation (532 nm) is used as a basis for comparison with UV performance. Selfabsorption phenomena are evident from the data at high contaminant concentration but practical applications more often are concerned with low concentrations. Lower limits of detection observed in UV excitation experiments are evaluated as to the possible sources of stray light including fiber luminescence coupling between the excitation and collection fibers in the sensor elastic scattering and reflection signals in the excitation module and spectral impurities in the laser excitation light from the laser flashlamp. Coupling and fiber luminescence in the sensor have been evaluated and resolved the excitation module has been redesigned to reduce potential scattering and the laser source continues to be investigated. 1 . LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUE Our research group has been
Living macrophages phosphorylate the 20,000 dalton light chains and heavy chains of myosin

Abstract Brief incubation of rabbit alveolar macrophages in medium containing 32 Pi results in the incorporation of radioactivity into the 20 KD light chains and into the 220 KD heavy chains of myosin. Phosphorylation of the heavy chain is mediated by a kinase that is probably not myosin light chain kinase. Limited proteolysis of the phosphorylated myosin shows that radioactivity is associated with the rod portion of the heavy chain.