cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 069: Isoketals in Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Activate T Cells and Promote Hypertension

Fatty acid oxidation leads to formation of highly reactive γ-ketoaldehydes termed isoketals that adduct to protein lysines. We have shown that hypertension causes isoketals to accumulate in dendritic cells (DCs) and activate T cells. Human monocytes traversing the endothelium differentiate into DCs expressing CD83, MHC-II, and CD11c. We hypothesized that oxidative stress catalyzes the formation of isoketals which alters monocyte and DC function to promote monocyte transformation to DCs and T cell activation. Thus, we co-cultured human monocytes with aortic endothelial cells exposed to either a hypertensive 10% stretch or a normotensive 5% stretch for 48 hours using the Uniflex® culture system. We used flow cytometry to detect human DC markers (CD14-/CD83+) in monocytes exposed to stretch. We detected conversion of CD14-/CD83+ from CD14+ human monocytes and found they contained increased levels of isoketal-ligated proteins in the 10% compared to 5% stretch (77.47 ± 7.3 vs. 12.14 ± 3.5). We also found a 1.8 fold increase of the CD86 activation marker compared to controls. Exposure of murine monocyte-derived DCs to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) led to a 3-fold increase in isoketals and a 2-fold increase in CD86 in the CD11b+/CD11c+ population compared to controls. Isoketal formation in DCs exposed to t-BHP was scavenged with pre-treatment of 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) in vitro. DCs treated with t-BHP were co-cultured with T cells for 7 days. This promoted T cell survival and proliferation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells compared to untreated controls; this effect was attenuated with pre-treatment of 2-HOBA. Moreover, adoptive transfer of t-BHP treated DCs to normal mice elevated the hypertensive response to a generally subpressor dose of angiotensin-II (128 ± 0.80 vs. 114 ± 0.48 in controls). We conclude that oxidant stress and isoketal formation in murine DCs promote T cell activation and hypertension. We hypothesize that exposure to hypertensive stretch in human endothelial cells transfers an oxidant signal to monocytes and promotes their transformation to DCs, which mature and promote an immune response. These findings provide a mechanism as to how T cells are activated in hypertension and provide insight into the inflammatory nature of this disease.
A Formaldehyde-Free Water-Resistant Soy Flour-Based Adhesive for Plywood

The phasing out of the use of urea–formaldehyde adhesive in the fabrication of interior-used hardwood plywood requires development of environmentally friendly bio-based wood adhesives. We recently reported that phosphorylation of soy flour (SF) using phosphoryl chloride (POCl3) greatly improved the moisture resistance of soy flour adhesive. In the present study, we investigated the effects of inorganic oxidizing agents, such as NaClO2 and Ca(NO2)2, to further improve the wet bonding strength of phosphorylated SF (PSF) wood adhesive. We report that addition of 1.8 % (wet weight basis) Ca(NO2)2 to phosphorylated SF (PSF) adhesive formulation containing 25 % soy flour solids increased the wet bonding strength to greater than 3 MPa at 140 °C hot-press temperature. The water resistance testing of the glued three-ply hardwood plywood panels passed the three-cycle soak/dry test recommended by the American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood/Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association protocol (ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2004). Since the process involves only inorganic chemistry and no petroleum-based chemicals such as formaldehyde or polyamidoamine–epichlorohydrin are used, the PSF + Ca(NO2)2 adhesive is non-toxic and environmentally safe.
A Dirichlet Energy Criterion for Graph-Based Image Segmentation

We consider a graph-based approach for image segmentation. We introduce several novel graph construction models which are based on graph-based segmentation criteria extending beyond -- and bridging the gap between -- segmentation approaches based on edges and homogeneous regions alone. The resulting graph is partitioned using a criterion based on the sum of the minimal Dirichlet energies of partition components. We propose an efficient primal-dual method for computing the Dirichlet energy ground state of partition components and a rearrangement algorithm is used to improve graph partitions. The method is applied to a number of example segmentation problems. We demonstrate the graph partitioning method on the five-moons toy problem, and illustrate the various image-based graph constructions, before successfully running a variety of region-, edge-, hybrid, and texture-based image segmentation experiments. Our method seamlessly generalizes region-and edge-based image segmentation to the multi-phase case and can intrinsically deal with image bias as well as more interesting image features such as texture descriptors.
The Growing Importance of Cost Accounting for Hospitals

Management scholars have identified several cost accounting methods that provide organizations with accurate estimates of the costs they incur in producing output. However, little is known about which of these methods are most commonly used by hospitals. This article examines the literature on the relative costs and benefits of different accounting methods and the scant literature describing which of these methods are most commonly used by hospitals. It goes on to suggest that hospitals have not adopted sophisticated cost accounting systems because characteristics of the hospital industry make the costs of doing so high and the benefits of service-level cost information relatively low. However, changes in insurance benefit design are creating incentives for patients to compare hospital prices. If these changes continue, hospitals’ patient volumes and revenues may increasingly be dictated by the decisions of individual patients shopping for low-cost services and as a result, providers could see increasing pressure to set prices at levels that reflect the costs of providing care. If these changes materialize, cost accounting information will become a much more important part of hospital management than it has been in the past.
Duration of Use of Oral Cannabis Extract in Pediatric Epilepsy (P3.240)

Objective: Our aim was to determine the average reported length of use of Oral Cannabis Extract (OCE) and to estimate the effects of perceived seizure benefit and relocation to Colorado (CO) on this metric. Background: OCE9s are used in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy; however, no clinical studies have consistently demonstrated efficacy. Methods: Data was collected via retrospective chart review of patients given OCE by their parents for treatment of their epilepsy. Kaplan Meier curves were fit to compare time to cessation of product between various fixed factors. Results: Among a cohort of 100 patients, 43 families moved to CO to access OCE; median duration of therapy was 321 days [range 9-1712 days]. Longer duration of use was reported in patients whose families perceived some seizure benefit as compared to those who did not perceive seizure benefit (362 days vs 207 days, p=0.02). If the family moved to CO for OCE, they were more likely to report benefit of OCE as compared to families who were already living in CO (68[percnt] vs 36[percnt], p=0.004). Sixty-eight percent of this cohort continued on OCE therapy as of their last clinical encounter. Conclusions: Parental report of OCE use in refractory pediatric epilepsy suggests that some patients have seizure benefit from this therapy, however discontinuation of these products is common. Duration of therapy appears to be affected by sociological factors, as familes who move to Colorado for OCE report higher rates of perceived seizure benefit, which affects duration of OCE use. Results from this study highlight the need for rigorous clinical studies to characterize the efficacy and safety of OCE9s in pediatric epilepsy. Disclosure: Dr. Treat has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chapman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Colborn has nothing to disclose. Dr. Knupp has nothing to disclose.
Anomalous spin-orbit torque switching in synthetic antiferromagnets

C-SPIN; one of six centers of STARnet, a Semiconductor Research Corporation program - MARCO; National Science Foundation [ECCS-1310338]; PROF and Partners in Scholarship grant; one of six centers of STARnet, a Semiconductor Research Corporation program - DARPA
Investigation of Boron Gas Mixtures for Beamline Implant

Beamline implant productivity challenges associated with high dose p-type boron doping have been well documented. Recently, BF3/H2 mixtures were shown to be an effective alternative to BF3 in enabling implant tool productivity improvements through the extension of ion source life - which is accomplished with hydrogen's ability to interrupt the halogen cycle that otherwise is responsible for depositing tungsten on sensitive ion source components [1]. Presented here are additional studies of boron mixtures with the goal of further improving ion source performance. Specific mixtures tested include various compositions of BF3/B2H6 as well as BF3/B2H6/H2. Beam current and mixture stability are examined, and ion source condition observations are provided.
Pseudoscaffolds and anchoring proteins: the difference is in the details

Pseudokinases and pseudophosphatases possess the ability to bind substrates without catalyzing their modification, thereby providing a mechanism to recruit potential phosphotargets away from active enzymes. Since many of these pseudoenzymes possess other characteristics such as localization signals, separate catalytic sites, and protein–protein interaction domains, they have the capacity to influence signaling dynamics in local environments. In a similar manner, the targeting of signaling enzymes to subcellular locations by A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) allows for precise and local control of second messenger signaling events. Here, we will discuss how pseudoenzymes form ‘pseudoscaffolds’ and compare and contrast this compartment-specific regulatory role with the signal organization properties of AKAPs. The mitochondria will be the focus of this review, as they are dynamic organelles that influence a broad range of cellular processes such as metabolism, ATP synthesis, and apoptosis.
Evolving Medical-Legal Issues in Breast Imaging

Because breast imaging practice is associated with a high number of medical malpractice lawsuits, understanding basic medical-legal parameters becomes even more important as new technology and conditions of practice evolve. Incorporating new supplementary breast screening in strategizing a response to the importance of breast density, recognizing the purpose and ramifications of issuing diagnostic imaging reports, understanding the role of expert witnesses in assisting standard of care determinations and employing reasonable applications for off-label use of medical devices exemplify the relevance of integrating defensible practice patterns in a changing medical environment. This article addresses these issues and provides a contextual discussion so that physicians and facilities are educated in their selection of a wide variety of approaches that can be applied to clinical use.
Probabilistic Empiricism and Rationality

I shall not define with any precision what I mean by probabilistic empiricism, although it should be clear from the surface meaning that I do want to use probability concepts to deal with metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical matters. I intend deliberately to replace the concept of logical empiricism by that of probabilistic empiricism, and I shall argue that it is probabilistic concepts rather than logical concepts that provide a rich enough framework to justify both our ordinary ways of thinking about the world and our scientific methods of investigation.
Copper-Coated Self-Assembled Monolayers: Alkanethiols and Prospective Molecular Wires

The study of the effects of metal overlayers on organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is of interest in many scientific areas. The self-assembly process leads to a well-defined substrate whereas the numerous combinations of end-groups and metals allows for the fine-tuning of the chemistry at the monolayer/metal interface. These unique features make metal/SAM interfaces a valuable tool for probing fundamental processes. SAM/metal interfaces, have been proposed as templates to elucidate details on, for example, metal/“organic host” interactions which are known to occur in biologically active metallic reaction sites [1]; reaction mechanisms at organic/metal/gas interfaces, such as those involved in heterogeneous catalysis and environmental chemistry [2]; the solvation and electron-transfer reactions of metals in molecular solvents or within molecular clusters [3, 4]; and the insertion of zero-valent metals into chemical bonds frequently found in homogeneous catalysis reactions [3, 4, 5, 6].
Phase Angle and the Diagnosis of Impending Death in Patients with Advanced Cancer: Preliminary Findings

BACKGROUND Phase angle is a prognostic factor in patients with months of survival, but its accuracy has not been examined in patients with weeks/days of survival. We determined the association between phase angle and survival in patients with advanced cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit (APCU). SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS We prospectively assessed phase angle in consecutive patients with advanced cancer admitted to our APCU. We conducted univariate and multivariate survival analyses adjusting for established prognostic factors. Post hoc subgroup analyses examined patients with and without edema. RESULTS Among 204 patients, the median overall survival was 10 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 8-11 days). Seventy-four (36%) did not have edema. The median phase angle was 3.7° for the entire cohort, 3.9° for the nonedematous subgroup and 3.6° for the edematous subgroup. In univariate analysis, a low phase angle was associated with decreased survival for the entire cohort (≤3° vs. >3°, median survival 7 vs. 10 days, p = .045) and the nonedematous subgroup (5 vs. 18 days, p < .001) but not the edematous subgroup (9 vs. 9 days, p = .84). In multivariate analysis, phase angle did not reach significance for the entire cohort but remained significant in the nonedematous subgroup (hazard ratio 2.46, 95% CI 1.14-5.31, p < .001). Specifically, phase angle ≤3° had an accuracy of 86% (95% CI 77%-93%) for 3-day survival in patients without edema. CONCLUSION Phase angle had limited prognostic utility in unselected APCU patients but was significant in the nonedematous subgroup. Further studies are required to confirm these preliminary findings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE In this prospective study involving 204 patients with advanced cancer, phase angle as measured by bioelectric impedance analysis was a significant predictor of mortality independent of known prognostic factors in patients without edema but not patients with edema. Among patients without edema, a phase angle ≤3° had an accuracy of 86% for 3-day survival, which may inform the diagnosis of impending death and potentially end-of-life decision making.
Combined DNA Typing and Protein Identification from Unfired Brass Cartridges

Biological evidence analysis from contact traces is adversely affected by low quantity and quality of DNA. Proteins in thesesamples contain potentially individualizing information and may be particularly important for difficult surfaces such as brass, where DNA mayyield incomplete profiles. In this study, touched unfired brass cartridges were sampled using dry tape or wet swabs and analyzed by separatingDNA and protein from the same collected material, thus producing both genomic and proteomic information. DNA recovery was similar forboth collection methods, with tape yielding an average of 1.36+-1.87 ng and swabs, 1.34+-3.04 ng. Analysis by mass spectrometry identi-fied 95 proteins, with the two collection methods showing no significant difference (p=0.76) in the average number of collected proteins:44.+-10.9, (tape) versus 47.9+-0.4 (swabs). Proteins can be collected from fingerprints at levels necessary to provide identifying informa-tion, thus expanding information obtained from challenging evidence.
Treatment and outcome of elderly patients with PCNSL: A Beaumont experience.

e23012Background: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Prognosis remains poor, and data on clinical characteristics or outcomes are limited, particul...
Abstract 933: Integrated Omics Analysis of Diabetic Heart Failure in Human Myocardium

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher risk of heart failure (HF). While metabolic dysregulation has been well-established in HF and DM separately, molecular mechanisms asso...
Pseudomonas aeruginosa enhances the efficacy of norfloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

The thick mucus within the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) promotes frequent respiratory infections that are often polymicrobial. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most prevalent pathogens that cause CF pulmonary infections, and both have been associated with worse lung function. Furthermore, the ability of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus to form biofilms promotes the establishment of chronic infections that are often difficult to eradicate using antimicrobial agents. In this study, we found that multiple LasR-regulated exoproducts of P. aeruginosa, including HQNO, siderophores, phenazines, and rhamnolipids, likely contribute to the ability of P. aeruginosa to shift S. aureus norfloxacin susceptibility profiles. Here, we observe that exposure to P. aeruginosa exoproducts leads to an increase in intracellular norfloxacin accumulation by S. aureus. We previously showed that P. aeruginosa supernatant dissipates S. aureus membrane potential, and furthermore, depletion of the S. aureus proton-motive force recapitulates the effect of P. aeruginosa supernatant on shifting norfloxacin sensitivity profiles of biofilm-grown S. aureus. From these results, we hypothesize that exposure to P. aeruginosa exoproducts leads to increased uptake of the drug and/or an impaired ability of S. aureus to efflux norfloxacin. Our results illustrate that microbially-derived products can greatly alter the ability of antimicrobial agents to kill bacterial biofilms.
Error Probability Models for Voltage-Scaled Multiply-Accumulate Units

Energy efficiency is a critical design objective in deep learning hardware, particularly for real-time machine learning applications where the processing takes place on resource-constrained platforms. The inherent resilience of these applications to error makes voltage scaling an attractive method to enhance efficiency. Timing error probability models are proposed in this article to better understand the effects of voltage scaling on error rates and power consumption of multiply-accumulate units. The accuracy of the proposed models is demonstrated via Monte Carlo simulations. These models are then used to quantify the related tradeoffs without relying on time-consuming hardware-level simulations. Both modern FinFET and emerging tunneling field-effect transistor (TFET) technologies are considered to explore the dependence of the effects of voltage scaling on these two technologies.
Crack Growth Studies in Biaxial Fatigue

The influence of strain state on the nucleation and early growth of fatigue cracks was investigated. Thin-walled tubular specimens of Inconel 718 were subjected to combinations of axial and torsional loading in the low-cycle fatigue regime. The changes in crack growth rates as a function of crack size have been examined at effective strain amplitudes of 0.01 and 0.005. The crack growth rates under pure torsion, combined loading, and axial loading were found to be similar for the same crack size. Crack growth rates were interpreted based on an elastoplastic fracture mechanics characterization. A strain intensity range parameter was defined based on the shear and normal strain calculated on the crack plane. For mixed-mode loading conditions, similar crack growth rates were observed at a given range of strain intensity. Extensive crack surface rubbing has been observed due to facets formed along the crack. Results indicate that relative changes in the ratio of Mode II/Mode I strain intensity components did not alter the crack growth rates notably at an effective strain amplitude of 0.005. However, at higher strain levels a relative decrease in Mode II/Mode I ratio promoted higher crack growth rates. If the magnitude of Mode I component of loading is high enough to result in crack opening beyond the size of the facets, then Mode II and Mode III components may be fully effective in propagating the crack.
Evaluating tooth strontium and barium as indicators of weaning age in Pacific walruses.

Lactation length and weaning age provide important information about maternal investment, which can reflect the health and nutritional status of the mother, as well as broader reproductive strategies in mammals. Calcium-normalized strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) concentrations in the growth layers of mammalian teeth differ for nursing animals and those consuming non-milk foods, thus can be used to estimate age-at-weaning. To date, this approach has been used only for terrestrial animals, and almost exclusively for primates.The goal of this study was to determine whether Sr and Ba concentrations in the cementum of Pacific walrus Odobenus rosmarus divergens teeth can be used to estimate weaning age. Teeth from 107 walruses were analysed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and calcium-normalized 88Sr and 137Ba concentrations were quantified.For most walruses, both Sr and Ba concentrations exhibited rapid changes in early life. Ba concentrations matched closely with expected patterns in the published literature, rapidly declining from high to low concentrations (typically from ~10 ppm to ~5 ppm). In contrast, Sr exhibited a pattern opposite to that presented in studies of terrestrial mammals, appearing nearly identical to Ba (typically declining from ~400 ppm to ~200 ppm). To explain these findings, we present conceptual models of the factors generating weaning signals in Sr and Ba for terrestrial mammals, as well as a new, hypothetical model for walruses. Both a visual and mathematical approach to weaning age estimation indicated a median weaning age of walruses at the end of the second year of life (in the second dark layer of the tooth cementum), with many walruses estimated to have weaned in their third year of life, and a smaller group weaning in their fourth or fifth year. This is later than expected, given a published estimate of walrus weaning at 18-24 months.These results do not conclusively support the use of tooth Sr and Ba for estimating weaning age in walruses, and further research is warranted to better understand the drivers of the observed patterns of Ba and Sr accumulation in walrus teeth.
Quantification of creatine kinase reaction rate in mouse hindlimb using phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopic fingerprinting

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency of a 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopic fingerprinting (31 P-MRSF) method for fast quantification of the forward rate constant of creatine kinase (CK) in mouse hindlimb. The 31 P-MRSF method acquired spectroscopic fingerprints using interleaved acquisition of phosphocreatine (PCr) and γATP with ramped flip angles and a saturation scheme sensitive to chemical exchange between PCr and γATP. Parameter estimation was performed by matching the acquired fingerprints to a dictionary of simulated fingerprints generated from the Bloch-McConnell model. The accuracy of 31 P-MRSF measurements was compared with the magnetization transfer (MT-MRS) method in mouse hindlimb at 9.4 T (n = 8). The reproducibility of 31 P-MRSF was also assessed by repeated measurements. Estimation of the CK rate constant using 31 P-MRSF (0.39 ± 0.03 s-1 ) showed a strong agreement with that using MT-MRS measurements (0.40 ± 0.05 s-1 ). Variations less than 10% were achieved with 2 min acquisition of 31 P-MRSF data. Application of the 31 P-MRSF method to mice subjected to an electrical stimulation protocol detected an increase in CK rate constant in response to stimulation-induced muscle contraction. These results demonstrated the potential of the 31 P-MRSF framework for rapid, accurate, and reproducible quantification of the chemical exchange rate of CK in vivo.
Universally Programmable Chip-scale TeraHertz Systems for Future Wireless Communication and Sensing

In this paper, we present opportunities for the THz chip-scale technologies in wireless communication and sensing in the next decade.
Strategy Development and Feedback Processing During Complex Category Learning

In this study, 38 young adults participated in a probabilistic A/B prototype category learning task under observational and feedback-based conditions. The study compared learning success (testing accuracy) and strategy use (multi-cue vs. single feature vs. random pattern) between training conditions. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P3a event related potentials were measured to explore the relationships between feedback processing and strategy use under a probabilistic paradigm. A greater number of participants were found to utilize an optimal, multi-cue strategy following feedback-based training than observational training, adding to the body of research suggesting that feedback can influence learning approach. There was a significant interaction between training phase and strategy on FRN amplitude. Specifically, participants who used a strategy in which category membership was determined by a single feature (single feature strategy) exhibited a significant decrease in FRN amplitude from early training to late training, perhaps due to reduced utilization of feedback or reduced prediction error. There were no significant main or interaction effects between valence, training phase, or strategy on P3a amplitude. Findings are consistent with prior research suggesting that learners vary in their approach to learning and that training method influences learning. Findings also suggest that measures of feedback processing during probabilistic category learning may reflect changes in feedback utilization and may further illuminate differences among individual learners.
Adaptive Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Lung Cancer: An Overview of the Current State of the Field

Lung cancer treatment is constantly evolving due to technological advances in the delivery of radiation therapy. Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) allows for modification of a treatment plan with the goal of improving the dose distribution to the patient due to anatomic or physiologic deviations from the initial simulation. The implementation of ART for lung cancer is widely varied with limited consensus on who to adapt, when to adapt, how to adapt, and what the actual benefits of adaptation are. ART for lung cancer presents significant challenges due to the nature of the moving target, tumor shrinkage, and complex dose accumulation because of plan adaptation. This article presents an overview of the current state of the field in ART for lung cancer, specifically, probing topics of: patient selection for the greatest benefit from adaptation, models which predict who and when to adapt plans, best timing for plan adaptation, optimized workflows for implementing ART including alternatives to re-simulation, the best radiation techniques for ART including magnetic resonance guided treatment, algorithms and quality assurance, and challenges and techniques for dose reconstruction. To date, the clinical workflow burden of ART is one of the major reasons limiting its widespread acceptance. However, the growing body of evidence demonstrates overwhelming support for reduced toxicity while improving tumor dose coverage by adapting plans mid-treatment, but this is offset by the limited knowledge about tumor control. Progress made in predictive modeling of on-treatment tumor shrinkage and toxicity, optimizing the timing of adaptation of the plan during the course of treatment, creating optimal workflows to minimize staffing burden, and utilizing deformable image registration represent ways the field is moving toward a more uniform implementation of ART.
Seasonal Occurrence of the Pelagic Copepoda in Mississippi Sound

Collections of planktonic copepods from Mississippi Sound were made from January 1965 to March 1966. The following fifteen freeliving copepods were identified: Eucalanus pileatus, Paracalanus parvus, Centropages hamatus, Centropages furcatus, Temora stylifera, Temora longicornis, Labidocera aestiva, Labidocera species, Acartia tonsa, Oithona brevicornis, Oithona species, Oncaea venusta, Corycaeus species, Sappharina nigromaculata and Euterpina acutifrons. It was found that there is a definite seasonal distribution of copepods in Mississippi Sound with peak populations of copepods occuring in the spring, summer and fall. INTRODUCTION The copepods have a vital role in the economy of the sea. Clarke (1957) referred to them as “key industry animals,” thus indicating that they act to convert the phytoplankton into a form of food available to larger animals in the environment that are not able to feed directly on the phytoplankton. Knowledge of the abundance and seasonal occurrence of the copepods is of fundamental importance. The literature published on copepods of the Gulf of Mexico is sparse. Herrick (1887) published a list of a number of copepods colfrom the west coast of Florida to the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Foster (1904) reported on the copepods collected from the area around the Gulf Biologic Station in Louisiana. King (1949) published a list of species taken in a ten-month survey of the west coast of Florida. Davis (1949) also published a composite and updated list of the copepods collected from a number of stations located on both the east and west coasts of Florida, which included both marine and brackish water forms. Jones (1952) conducted a preliminary survey of copepods from the Florida Current. His work included notes on the seasonal distribution and vertical distribution of the copepods in that region. Owre (1962) compiled a composite list of 129 species of copepods which were found in the Florida Current. This list was amend* lected from the northern Gulf Coast. His investigations extended
Applications of Induced and Spontaneous Mutation in Rice Breeding and Genetics

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews some of the applications of induced and spontaneous mutation in rice improvement. Induced semidwarf mutants are being used widely in breeding programs in Japan. The most useful types of mutants in rice have been characters that were simply inherited and usually controlled by single recessive genes: semidwarfism, early maturity, waxy endosperm, genetic male sterility, and various phenotypic markers such as hull color. Such mutants have been used in three general modes: for direct release as improved cultivars, for donor gene sources in standard cross-breeding or hybridization programs, and for developing near-isogenic comparisons for testing agronomic and physiologic hypotheses. Mutants are very useful in situations where only one or two simple changes in well-adapted local cultivars are needed, especially when the local cultivar carries gene complexes adapted to modem agriculture. Such complexes include cold tolerance, grain quality, insect or pest resistance, and tolerance to environmental stress. An application of induced mutation is the induction of genetic male sterility for use in facilitating crossing in population improvement schemes.
Vitamin D and its relationship with markers of bone metabolism in healthy Asian women.

Background: In this study, we aimed to determine the normal ranges of 25-hydroxyvitaminD 3 (25-OHD 3 ),parathyroidhormone (PTH), and the markers of bone turnover, procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), in normal healthy women in Singapore, and to explore the relationship between vitamin D, PTH, and these markers of bone turnover in the women. Methods: One hundred and ninetyseven healthy women, aged 25 to 60, were selected from a hospital staff health screening program; 68% were Chinese, 18% Malay, and 14% Indian. P1NP, CTX, and 25-OHD 3 were measured using the
Joint map data/phase sequence estimation for trellis phase codes

A unified estimation procedure is formulated for the coherent detection of trellis phase codes, including partial response FM codes and multi-h codes. The unknown carrier phase is imbedded in the system state vector, and by simple augmentation of the decoder's state space, joint data and carrier estimation may be accomplished. The procedure is general to all trellis phase codes analyzed thus far. The effect of a static phase error on detection performance is also treated.
GRADE 1 REYE'S SYNDROME |[lpar]|RS|[rpar]|-OUTCOME AND PREDICTORS OF PROGRESSION TO DEEPER COMA GRADES

Recent studies (N Engl J Med 309:133, 1983) suggest that non-comatose RS (so-called Grade 1) may comprise as many as 75% of all cases. We sought to determine the outcome of all cases of hospitalized Grade 1 RS and determine if any clinical or laboratory characteristics might predict progression to deeper coma grades. Since 1969, 84 patients had liver biopsy proven Grade 1 RS. Group A included 79 patients with no coma grade change and in Group B, 5 (5.9%) progressed to deeper coma grades (1 to Grade 2, 3 to Grade 3 and 1 to Grade 4). All patients survived without sequelae except one Group B patient with severe brain damage. There were no differences between groups in age at presentation, sex, admitting SGOT, glucose, CPK, BUN, salicylate level, uric acid, or hours of emesis prior to admission; however, admitting NH3 was significantly higher (p = .005) in Group B (291 ± 42 μg/dl, ± SEM) vs. Group A (52 ± 5 μg/dl) and the prothrombin time was significantly more prolonged (p = .003) in Group B (3.86 ± .49 seconds) vs. Group A (1.63 ± .16 seconds). Liver ultrastructural changes were severe in all Group B subjects, and varied from mild to severe in Group A. Conclusions: 1) The prognosis is excellent for survival without sequelae in Grade 1 Reye's Syndrome (98.8%) when management includes hospital surveillance and intravenous glucose-electrolyte infusion. 2) A small number (6%) progress to deeper coma grades and the admitting NH3 and prothrombin time may predict progression.
Detection of Delirium by Bedside Nurses Using the Confusion Assessment Method

A prospective, descriptive study was used to assess the diagnostic validity of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) administered at the bedside by nurses in daily practice. Two different scoring methods of the CAM (the specific (SPEC) and sensitive (SENS) methods) were compared with a criterion standard (CAM completed by trained research nurses). During a 5-month period, all patients consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric ward of the University Hospitals of Leuven (Belgium) were enrolled in the study. The 258 elderly inpatients who were included underwent 641 paired but independent ratings of delirium by bedside and trained research nurses. Delirium was identified in 36 of the 258 patients (14%) or in 42 of the 641 paired observations (6.5%). The SENS method of the CAM algorithm as administered by bedside nurses had the greatest diagnostic accuracy, with 66.7% sensitivity and 90.7% specificity; the SPEC method had 23.8% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity. Bedside nurses had difficulties recognizing the features of acute onset, fluctuation, and altered level of consciousness. For both scoring methods, bedside nurses had difficulties with the identification of elderly patients with delirium but succeeded in diagnosing correctly those patients without delirium in more than 90% of observations. Given these results, additional education about delirium with special attention to guided training of bedside nurses in the use of an assessment strategy such as the CAM for the recognition of delirium symptoms is warranted.
Anisotropy in Emissivity of Single-Crystal Refractory Materials

The effect of anisotropy on normal spectral emissivitv enX has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Measurements include data on the two major crystallo-graphic faces of single-crystal beryllium and zirconium, pyrolytic boron nitride, and pyrolytic graphite. The results were obtained at temperatures near 8 00° C over a wavelength range from visible to near infrared (0.60 – 11µ) in both purified argon and hydrogen atmosphere. Photomicrographs (up to 1000x), interference photographs, and x-ray orientation patterns were taken of all surfaces before and after the experiments.
Germplasm evaluation in beef cattle-cycle IV : Birth and weaning traits

Gestation length, unassisted calving percentage, perinatal mortality, calf crop weaned (survival from birth to weaning), birth weight, and 200-d weaning weight of 2,597 calves born and 2,433 calves weaned are reported for F1 crosses resulting from matings of Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Pinzgauer, Shorthorn, Galloway, Longhorn, Nellore, Piedmontese, and Salers sires to Angus and Hereford dams (> or = 3 yr of age) in Cycle IV of the Germplasm Evaluation (GPE) Program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Hereford and Angus sires included 1) reference sires born from 1963 to 1971 used in previous cycles of the GPE Program, 2) sires born from 1982 to 1985 (1980s), and 3) sires born from 1983 to 1985 used in natural service clean-up matings. Effects of sire breed of calf were significant for gestation length, unassisted calving percentage, birth weight, and 200-d weaning weight. Gestation length was significantly longer for Nellore than for Charolais, Galloway, Longhorn, Piedmontese, and Salers, which were in turn longer than for Hereford-Angus and Shorthorn. Rankings for birth weight tended to be inversely related to those for calving ease, except for Shorthorn and Salers sires, which required low assistance relative to their heavy birth weights. Rankings for 200-d weight among AI-sired progeny were as follows: Charolais (231.3), Nellore (229.7), Salers (225.5), Shorthorn (223.8), 1980s Hereford-Angus (223.1), Piedmontese (220.0), Galloway (209.5), reference Hereford-Angus (210.1), and Longhorn (199.0); differences > or = 6.5 kg were significant.
A computer-based teaching program in hemostasis.

We have developed a natural language computer program that teaches a clinical approach to disorders of blood coagulation. The purpose of the program was fourfold: to teach a specific set of facts that we considered important to an understanding of hemostasis, to simulate an actual clinical setting in which the student determines the order and content of his patient evaluation; to be adaptive to a student’s responses; and to provide for ready retrieval of student responses. The program is now constructed in two sections. The first section comprises general purpose instructions to the computer that analyze and store input and display the next portion of the lesson according to rules that are independent of the text. The second element consists of specific teaching context. This format allows ready adaptation of the program to teaching other areas of hematology. Experience with the system demonstrates that new subject matter can be easily programmed and revised, that second-year medical students like the approach, and that the subject matter can be effectively taught.
The Anti-nptII Gene (A Potential Negative Selectable Marker for Plants)

An efficient negative selection procedure is crucial to the isolation of rare homologous recombinants in gene targeting. Although gene targeting is a common practice in lower eukaryotes and is becoming routine in mammals, its application to plants has not been achieved. In this report, we have evaluated an antisense construct against the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (nptII) as a negative selectable marker. The anti-nptII gene construct was able to suppress nptII expression both transiently and in transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) calli. A construct was made which includes both a hygromycin-resistance gene and the sense plus antisense genes for neomycin phosphotransferase. Hygromy-cin-resistant calli were obtained after Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Subsequently, hygromycin-resistant calli were tested for kanamycin sensitivity. The growth on kanamycin medium of calli harboring both the sense and antisense gene constructs was retarded, whereas that of control calli transformed with only the sense nptII gene was not inhibited. Southern blot analysis confirmed the presence of both nptII and anti-nptII genes. Northern blot analyses revealed that antisense transcripts of the nptII gene were made and that the level of sense transcripts was greatly reduced in transgenic calli. These results suggest that the anti-nptII gene could potentially be used as a negative selectable marker for gene targeting in plants.
Post-Vietnam syndrome: recognition and management.

Abstract Post-Vietnam syndrome, a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, has gained clinical attention as the high psychiatric casualty rate (20% to 60%) among Vietnam veterans has become increasingly apparent. Post-Vietnam syndrome is characterized by intrusive, combat-related thoughts and nightmares, numbed responsiveness, and several specific symptoms such as drug dependence, depression, anxiety, and rage. A multifaceted treatment approach may include pharmacotherapy, group or individual therapy, and behavioral techniques.
Frog cones as well as Müller cells have peroxisomes.

Abstract We have localized d -amino acid oxidase in peroxisomes of frog retina using cerium procedures on tissue fixed in mixtures containing lower concentrations of glutaraldehyde than we had previously used in our cytochemical studies of this enzyme. We find the Muller cells of these preparations contain a more striking population of peroxisomes than had previously been thought: the d -amino acid oxidase-containing bodies are especially concentrated near the outer limiting membrane, but appreciable numbers are also found in the outer plexiform layer and near the inner limiting membrane. In addition, we find peroxisomes to be present in frog cone photoreceptors, particularly in zones near the ellipsoid. To our knowledge peroxisomes have not been described hitherto in vertebrate photoreceptors. Possible roles for the peroxisomes of the neural retina include participation in the metabolism of lipids (e.g. those of the cones' oil droplets, or of the outer segment) and involvement in oxidation of transmitter-related amino acids and of other small molecules.
Highlights from Making Sense of Snowden, Part II: What's Significant in the NSA Revelations

In June 2013, the English newspaper The Guardian began publishing a series of secret documents leaked from the National Security Agency (NSA). Each day brought startling news, from the NSA's collection of metadata records of all calls made within the US to programs that collected and stored data of “non-US” persons to the UK Government Communications Headquarters' (GCHQ) interception of 200 transatlantic fiberoptic cables at the point where they reached Britain. The author summarized these initial revelations in the July/August issue of IEEE Security & Privacy. In late December 2013, in a different district court case, the NSA metadata collection was ruled legal.
Income inequality and economic growth: a panel VAR approach

The paper uses a new and improved comprehensive dataset on inequality to examine the effects of inequality on per capita income and the effects of per capita income on income inequality. The use of such a comprehensive cross-state panel allows for the estimation of the dynamic responses of inequality and per capita income using panel vector autoregressive (VAR) models. Cumulative impulse responses from a baseline bivariate VAR model indicate that shocks to the Gini index of inequality significantly decrease the level of per capita income. This finding is robust to changes in the measures of inequality used, as well as to the estimation of a three-variable model. We also find that the relationship between inequality and per capita income varies over time and is sensitive to particular episodes in history.
Degradation and signal ranging in birds: memory matters

Naguib (1997) claimed that ... Carolina wrens in this experiment, as well as Kentucky warblers (Wiley and Godard 1996), ranged song types which they were unlikely to have heard previously. Recently, Morton and Derrickson (1996) also concluded from their study on dusky antbirds (Cercomacra tyrannina) that ranging does not require familiarity with the song type. In other words, memory is not required for song ranging. Here, I dispute the claims of Naguib (1997) and show that this research, while corroborating nicely the perception by birds of signal degradation, does not show that birds are able to use general features of degradation alone to respond adaptively. First, my antbird paper referenced by Naguib does not support his statement. All dusky antbirds have the same calls they are not learned thus the same calls are stored in the brains of all members of that species. Memory is equivalent, and ranging is effective. "Familiarity" with a song, as defined by McGregor and Krebs (1984), pertains to the learned songs of songbirds, and includes songs experienced by a bird, not strictly those sung by it. Perhaps this term caused confusion here because it is so vague with regards to memorization. For discussion of ranging, a song should be termed either in memory or not in memory. Trying to define what is in memory or not is difficult but "familiar" does not equate with "songs in memory" any more than songs that a bird sings encompass all possible songs that the bird has stored in memory. Some songs may be stored in memory but not be performed (Morton 1986, p. 67). If they are correct in claiming that birds can range distances to calling conspecifics without having the signal (including callnotes, not only songs) in their memories, then the ranging hypothesis (RH) (Morton 1982,
Cooperative behavior and pattern formation in mixtures of driven and nondriven colloidal assemblies

We simulate a disordered assembly of particles interacting through a repulsive Yukawa potential with a small fraction of the particles coupled to an external drive. Distortions in the arrangement of the nondriven particles produce a dynamically induced effective attraction between the driven particles, giving rise to intermittent one-dimensional stringlike structures. The velocity of a moving string increases with the number of driven particles in the string. We identify the average stable string length as a function of driving force, background particle density, and particle charge. This model represents a type of collective transport system composed of interacting particles moving through deformable disorder.
vOH and pKa values of para substituted tetrafluorobenzoic acids

Abstract The OH stretching frequencies of a series of para substituted tetrafluorobenzoic acids have been determined and found to provide a useful measure of the p K a values of the acids.
An integrated framework for export competitiveness: evidence from the global alcoholic beverages industry

Participation in international trade is a key indicator of an industry's competitiveness. This study presents a framework for measuring the export competitiveness of an industry across countries that takes into account (a) industry specialisation, measured by the revealed comparative advantage, (b) industry export growth rate and (c) relative industry size. The framework is applied to the alcoholic beverages industry using data from the top 30 exporters of alcoholic beverages over a five-year period (2001?2005). The results indicate that the alcohol beverage export market is dynamic and changing, and that export competitiveness varies by country according to the sub-sector of the industry. A discussion of the application of the framework across industries and countries follows.