cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A review of seabird energetics using the doubly labeled water method.

Abstract The doubly labeled water (DLW) method has been essential for understanding animal energetics of free-ranging individuals. The first published studies on free-ranging seabirds were conducted on penguins in the early 1980s. Since then, nearly 50 seabird species with representatives from each major taxonomic order have been studied using DLW. Although the basic methodology has not changed, there are at least nine different equations, varying with respect to assumptions on fractionation and the total body water pool, to estimate field metabolic rate (FMR) from isotopic water turnover. In this review, I show that FMR can vary by as much as 45% depending on the equation used to calculate CO 2 production in five albatross species. Energy budgets derived from DLW measurements are critical tools for understanding patterns of energy use and allocation in seabirds. However, they depend on accurate and representative measurements of FMR, so analyses that include greater partitioning of activity specific FMR yield more realistic cost estimates. I also show how the combined use of DLW and biologging methods can 1) provide greater clarity for explaining observed variation in FMR measurements within a species and 2) allow FMRs to be viewed in a wider physiological, behavioral, or ecological context. Finally, I update existing allometric equations with new FMR data. These updates reaffirm that albatrosses have the lowest at-sea FMRs per equivalent body mass and that individuals of other seabird orders have FMRs ranging between 1.39 and 2.24 times higher than albatrosses.
Recyclable optical microcavities for label-free sensing

High-sensitivity, label-free biosensors, such as optical microcavities, have shown tremendous potential in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety evaluation, particularly when paired with a biochemical recognition element that grants high specificity towards a target of interest. Their primary limitation is that these systems are single-use, unless the recognition element can be regenerated. Therefore, the ability to selectively functionalize the optical microcavity for a specific target molecule and then recycle the system, without degrading device performance, is extremely important. Here, we present a bioconjugation strategy that not only imparts specificity to optical microcavities, but also allows for biosensor recycling. In this approach, we selectively functionalize the surface of silica microtoroids with a biotin recognition element. We then use a non-destructive O2 plasma treatment to remove the surface chemistry, refresh the recognition element, and recycle the device. The surface chemistry and optical performance of the functionalized and recycled devices are characterized by microcavity analysis, and typical spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The resulting devices can be recycled several times without performance degradation, and show high density surface coverage of biologically active recognition elements. This work represents one of the first examples of a recyclable, bioconjugation strategy for optical microtoroid resonators.
Susceptibility of Ips calligraphus (Germar) and Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to coleopteran-active Bacillus thuringiensis, a Bacillus metabolite, and avermectin B1.

A simple, reliable feeding bioassay was developed for screening certain biorational insecticides with potential use against pine bark beetles. Adult Ips calligraphus and Dendroctonus frontalis were fed freeze-dried phloem fortified with Avermectin B1, Bacillus thuringiensis with known coleopteran activity, or a bacterial metabolite (R003). Avermectin B1 was toxic to adult I. calligraphus by 4 days at an LC50 of 0.36 μg AI/g of diet. R003 was active against both beetle species, yielding 85–100% mortality after 10 days exposure to a concentration of 360 μg/g of diet. No B. thuringiensis product was toxic at a discriminating concentration of 200 μg of spore/crystal preparation per gram of diet. Beetle mortality on untreated diet remained <10% over the 4–10 days duration of feeding trials. Unadulterated, lyophilized phloem diet did not spoil during bioassays, provided that tanned beetles were taken for bioassays before they emerged from their natal host bolts. Microbial products with scolytid activity, such as Avermectin B1 and R003, could have future value for limiting bark beetle infestations of individual trees or small stands in urban or ecologically sensitive forests. Innovative strategies for delivery would have to be developed, however, to circumvent the cryptic habits of these phloeophagous beetles.
Failure Analysis on Boiler Industrial Extraction Steam Pipe

Failure reason of boiler extraction steam pipe was discussed by means of macro-observation, chemical composition analysis, metallurgical and SEM microstructure examination and EDS analysis. Results showed that the crack initiated from original corrosion flaw on outer wall of the extraction pipe, propagated rapidly under large pressure caused by water-hammer due to no drainage design in the unit pipe system until final bursting.
Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Hemoglobin Derivatives: Heme Structure Changes in 7 Nanoseconds

Resonance Raman spectra of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and the corresponding myoglobin derivatives have been obtained with 7-nanosecond laser pulses at 531.8 nanometers. The results suggest that no transient constraint of the heme group by the globin structure occurs on this time scale, and thus establish a temporal sequence for the early events that may participate in the stereochemical trigger mechanism of hemoglobin cooperativity.
Learning to Be Illegal: Undocumented Youth and Shifting Legal Contexts in the Transition to Adulthood

This article examines the transition to adulthood among 1.5-generation undocumented Latino young adults. For them, the transition to adulthood involves exiting the legally protected status of K to ...
Effect of Growth Stage and Fertilization on Crude Protein and In Vitro Protein Degradation of Cool-Season Annual Forages

Abstract Cool season annual forages were chosen for crude protein and protein degradation evaluation in two experiments replicated over 2 yr. Ryegrass, oats, wheat, and arrowleaf clover grown continuously were evaluated in Experiment 1, whereas oats, wheat, and three varieties of ryegrass were utilized in Experiment 2. In addition, the effects of heavy fertilization and frequent cutting were evaluated in Experiment 2. Arrow-leaf clover had the highest CP but the lowest protein degradation in Experiment 1. In yr 1, oats exhibited the lowest CP but the highest degradation. In yr 2, ryegrass had high CP and degradation values. Arrowleaf clover had the lowest degradation during both years. Fertilization tended to increase both CP and protein degradation in yr 1 but not in yr 2. In Experiment 2, protein degradation for 4-wk regrowth declined with increases in cutting date whereas 2-wk regrowth stabilized in the middle of the growing season. Degradation values in yr 2 were relatively similar to the ranking of CP concentrations across all forages. With heavy fertilization and frequent cutting, CP and protein degradation remained high, but results were more variable with lower fertilization.
Carcinogenicity of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride

Exposure of mice to 50, 250, or 1000 ppm of vinyl chloride (VC) in the air for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk, caused a high incidence of bronchioloalveolar adenoma, mammary gland tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. Mammary gland tumors occurred in the females and included ductular odenocarcinoma and squamous and anaplastic cell carcinomas with metastasis to the lung. Hemangiosarcoma occurred in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in various other organs. The incidence and severity of these tumors increased with the concentration of VC and the length of exposure. Malignant lymphoma involving various organs was observed in several mice. Rats were more resistant to the carcinogenic effects of VC. Exposure of rats to 250 or 1000 ppm of VC caused hemangiosarcoma in the liver. Many rats with hepatic hemangiosarcoma also developed hemangiosarcoma in the lung. Extrahepatic hemangiosarcoma also occasionally occurred in other organs. Exposure to 55 ppm of vinylidene chloride (VDC) caused hepatic hemangiosarcoma and probably bronchioloalve...
Abstract 4558: Synergistic effect of alcohol and estradiol in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. In addition to the various risks associated with breast cancer development, an interesting epidemiological observation exists, which is an increase in breast cancer incidence with increased alcohol consumption. Post-menopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy are at an even greater risk suggesting a synergistic interplay between estrogen and alcohol. Since the risk of alcohol for breast cancer can be partly attributed to circulating estrogens, the alcohol-estrogen axis, currently understudied at the biological level, is a viable breast cancer etiological agent. The precise cellular and biochemical mechanism for the role of the estrogen- alcohol axis in breast cancer progression is poorly understood. To investigate this, an in-vitro study was performed using 4T1 breast cancer cell line. The breast cancer cells were treated with alcohol (0.5%), estradiol (E2, 10-8 M) and with combination of alcohol and E2. Alcohol and E2 treatment modulates activation of cell surface receptors, specifically the epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Erb2), which subsequently affects signaling through downstream pathways, such as Akt and mTOR. Akt/mTOR pathways are related to tumor development, and are target for any therapeutic agent. Alcohol, E2 and the combination treatments elicited a significant stimulation of estrogen receptor (ERα), Erb2, Akt and mTOR in 4T1 breast cancer cells. Accordingly, our data suggest that ERα, Erb2, Akt and mTOR may serve as key regulators that are involved in alcohol induced breast cancer progression. Thus the present study reveals the key pathways for alcohol-mediated promotion of cancer that could be targeted for therapy or prevention of alcohol-related cancers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4558. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4558
Acoustic parameters of nasalized vowels in hearing‐impaired and normal‐hearing speakers

One of the more prevalent abnormalities that contribute to reduced intelligibility in the speech of hearing‐impaired speakers is inadvertent nasalization. Acoustic analysis of the speech of hearing‐impaired children and nasalized vowels of normal‐hearing adults indicate the presence of an extra pole‐zero pair between the first and second formants and a reduced first‐formant prominence. The difference between the amplitude of the first formant and the amplitude of the extra peak, A1‐P1, was shown to be a promising measure that correlates with listener judgments of the degree of vowel nasality in utterances of hearing‐impaired and normal‐hearing children. To obtain further validation of these parameters as measures of nasality, A1 and P1 were systematically manipulated in synthetic utterances. The results of perceptual experiments with a number of synthesized words (of the form bVt) showed somewhat different relative importance of the two parameters, depending on the vowel. High correlation of A1‐P1 with the average nasality perception judgments was found for each of the stimuli except those for which the first formant was very close to the extra peak frequency. A procedure was developed for correcting the value of A1‐P1 to normalize for different vowels, based on the frequencies of the first two formants.
Use of an abdominal reapproximation anchor (ABRA) system in a patient with abdominal compartment syndrome after severe burns: A case report

Jessica Heimes *, Elizabeth Carlton , Jessica McDonnell , Tracy Rogers , Khadi Udobi , Michael Moncure a Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, United States The University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, United States University of Kansas Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, United States b u r n s 3 9 ( 2 0 1 3 ) e 2 9 – e 3 3
Cloning chromosomal lac genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae

The chromosomal gene for beta-galactosidase from Klebsiella pneumoniae strain T17R1 and associated regulatory genes have been cloned as a 5-kb HindIII fragment in the pBR322 plasmid vector. The beta-galactoside permease gene is not present in a functional form in the 5-kb fragment. The K. pneumoniae genes are expressed in an Escherichia coli host. The synthesis of beta-galactosidase is inducible by isopropyl-beta-D-galactosidase (IPTG) and is sensitive to catabolite repression. There appears to be greater homology between the K. pneumoniae and E. coli structural genes for beta-galactosidase than there is between the respective repressor genes.
The intrathecal administration of excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists selectively attenuated carrageenan-induced behavioral hyperalgesia in rats.

A single unilateral injection of carrageenan (4.5–6.0 mg in 0.15–0.20 ml saline) into the rat hindpaw induced behavioral hyperalgesia as evidenced by a significant reduction in hindpaw withdrawal latency to a noxious thermal stimulus. The involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in this model of hyperalgesia was examined by intrathecal administration of the selective excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor antagonists: (±)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5), (±)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine), 7-chlorokynurenic acid (7-Cl kynurenic acid), and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). The effects of dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) were studied under the same conditions and published previously (Ren et al., 1992) and the data are presented for comparison. While the withdrawal latencies of the non-injected paws and of the paws of naive rats were not significantly affected by application of the EAA receptor antagonists at doses tested, the paw withdrawal latencies of the carrageenan-injected paws were elevated dose dependently. The rank order of potency of these agents to reduce hyperalgesia was: MK-801 ≥ AP-5 ≥ CPP = 7-Cl kynurenic acid = ketamine ⪢ CNQX > 0. In contrast, intrathecal injection of the opioid receptor agonists, [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO, μ-selective) and [D-Pen2,D-Pen5] enkephalin (DPDPE, δ-selective), produced antinociception in both injected and non-injected paws. DAMGO was much more potent, while DPDPE was less potent, than MK-801. It is concluded that NMDA receptors are involved in the development of carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia.
The geography of ecosystem service value: The case of the Des Plaines and Cache River wetlands, Illinois

This paper explores the geography of ecosystem service benefits, the journey from ecosystem source to human beneficiary, using a comparative case study of the 2555 ha Cache River wetlands in rural southern Illinois and the 362 ha Des Plaines River wetlands in urban northeastern Illinois. Applying log-linear and exponential distance decay functions from source ecosystems to residents of zip code units yields annual economic values for the Cache River of $28,258e$2,548,793,956 and for the Des Plaines of $531,926e $216,284,749, with the Cache having greater value at shallow rates of spatial discounting and the Des Plaines at steeper rates. These extraordinarily wide ranges in estimated value highlight the essential importance of spatial discounting in ecosystem service valuation and, to a lesser extent, the importance of the spatial unit to which they are applied. They also highlight the dearth of empirical knowledge on the geographic context of ecosystem service values and the need to address critical research questions.
3-Methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiencies: A coupled enzyme assay useful for their detection

A coupled assay has been developed using 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA and NaH14CO3 which permits the detection of deficiencies of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, 3-methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA-lyase. The products of the reaction were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Using this method the site of the defect was documented in a patient with deficiency of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, 2 patients with deficiency of 3-methyl-glutaconyl-CoA hydratase, and 2 patients with deficiency of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA lyase.
Adjunctive atomoxetine for residual fatigue in major depressive disorder

Abstract Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of atomoxetine as an adjunctive medication for residual fatigue in a naturalistic treatment setting. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify major depressive disorder (MDD) patients who had experienced significant symptom improvement (either partial response or remission) following treatment with conventional antidepressants but who were continuing to complain of fatigue. Fourteen such patients (42.2 ± 13.4 years of age, five women, baseline HDRS 6.2 ± 2.4) with a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) Results Twelve (85.7%) patients (nine remitters, three partial responders) received at least 4 weeks of atomoxetine treatment. The remaining two (partial responders) discontinued atomoxetine within 1–3 days due to increased anxiety. The brief fatigue inventory (BFI) and Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) were administered when atomoxetine was first prescribed, and following 4–10 weeks of treatment (mean of 5.4 ± 1.8 weeks). There was a significant decrease in BFI scores (41.9 ± 14.9 versus 24.3 ± 13.4, p = 0.0015), and HDRS-17 scores (6.2 ± 2.4 versus 3.5 ± 2.8, p = 0.0466), but not CGI-S scores (1.3 ± 1.4–1.0 ± 0.0, p = 0.08) following treatment with atomoxetine. 5/12 (41.6%) patients had a 50% or greater decrease in BFI scores. All 12 patients were remitters at follow-up. The mean atomoxetine dose was 42.8 ± 10.6 mg. Side effects included insomnia (n = 6), increased anxiety (n = 3), nausea (n = 1) and dry mouth (n = 1). Conclusions Although preliminary, these results suggest a possible augmentation role for atomoxetine when used in conjunction with conventional antidepressants for residual fatigue in MDD. Prospective as well as controlled studies are necessary to further explore the role of atomoxetine augmentation in MDD.
Development of quantitative computed-tomography-based strength indicators for the identification of low bone-strength individuals in a clinical environment.

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop quantitative computed-tomography (QCT)-based bone-strength indicators that highly correlate with finite-element (FE)-based strength. Transaxial QCT scans were obtained from 36 major, cadaveric, long bones (humerus, radius, femur and tibia) from 4 females and 2 males, 53 to 86 years old. These images were used to construct the FE models and to develop the QCT-based bone strength indicators under every-day, simplified loading conditions. We have evaluated the performance of area-weighted (AW), density-weighted (DW) and modulus-weighted (MW) rigidity measures as well as popular strength indicators like section modulus (Z) and stress–strain index (SSI). We have also developed a novel strength metric, the centroid deviation, which analyzes the spatial distribution of the centroids along the length of the bone. The correlation results show that the MW polar moment of inertia and the MW moment of inertia are the two top-performers for all bones and loading conditions (average r > 0.89). The MW centroid deviations correlated highly with the estimated load to fracture for all bones under compression (r > 0.83), except for the humerus (r = 0.67). Consistently DW or MW rigidity measures produced a statistically significant improvement in capturing bone strength compared to AW rigidity measures. As expected, MW rigidity measures showed a higher correlation with the FE-based fracture load than the DW rigidity measures; however, the improvement was not statistically significant. Through this study we present a short-list of useful QCT-based strength parameters that correlate well with FE-based fracture load. Although a few parameters perform reasonably well across most bones and loading conditions, a judicious assessment of bone strength should include multiple parameters evaluated at multiple critical locations in the long bones, with attention to the type of loading and bone type.
Should We Wait for the Perfect Donor for Lung Transplant Candidates on Mechanical Ventilation

Our primary outcomes were 30-day and one-year patient survival from the institution of MV. Results: We identified 458 lung transplant candidates who received MV while waiting for donors. Of these patients 223 (48.7%) were not transplanted and their 30-day and 1-year survival rates were 23.2% and 5.7%. Of the 235 (51.3%) MV patients who received lung transplants there was no difference in 30-day and one-year survival with the use of HR vs. LR donors (HR: 96.6%, 65.1%; vs. LR: 95.1%, 78.5%; p> 0.20; Figure 1). The use of HR donors did not reduce the median time to transplant (HR 11 days; vs. LR 8 days; p= 0.42). Candidates on MV who were not transplanted had higher LAS (75 vs 68, p= 0.00) and more IPF (46% vs 36%, p= 0.03). No differences in age, BMI, or ABO group were detected. Conclusion: Transplantation offers a significant survival advantage for lung transplant candidates on MV as compared with those who did not receive a transplant. The use of HR donors is not associated with a decrease in survival in MV transplant candidates.
Nitrogen isotopomer site preference of N2O produced by Nitrosomonas europaea and Methylococcus capsulatus Bath.

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 17 (7) 2003, 738–745.
Distribution of Product and of Quotient of Maximum Values in Samples from a Power-Function Population

Abstract Distributions are derived of the product and of the quotient of maximum values in samples from a population described by the frequency αx k , which may be called a power-function population. The distribution of the quotient is used to test whether two samples have come from the same triangular population. Estimators of the parameters of the distribution are derived.
Collection and analysis of 4D intent downlink data from operational flights

Continental Airlines and The MITRE Corporation have collaborated in an effort to collect and analyze intent data from operational flights in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). Flight intent in four dimensions (4D) which provides latitude, longitude, altitude and time (among other information) is being provided by Continental Airlines from Boeing 737–800 series aircraft equipped with GE Aviation Flight Management System (FMS) avionics.
Preweaning mortality in loose-housed lactating sows: Behavioral and performance differences between sows who crush or do not crush piglets

The majority of piglet deaths occur within the first 72 h after parturition, with crushing by the sow as the most common cause of preweaning mortality. The aim of this study was to compare the behavior and performance of sows that killed piglets (CR) to those that did not (NC) inside a farrowing hut within the first 72 h after parturition. A total of 336 sows and their litters were used for comparisons. CR sows had more (P 0.05). Therewere no (P > 0.05) groupdifferences for sow lying postures.
Photonuclear Activation by 20.5-Mev Gamma Rays

The photonuclear activation cross section of elements whose ($\ensuremath{\gamma}, n$) cross sections lead to a suitable positron activity has been measured using monochromatic gamma rays from the ${\mathrm{T}}^{3}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ reaction. The gamma rays were monitored by a 3-in. diam by 4-in. long sodium iodide crystal and calibrated with a 4\textonehalf{}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}6 in. crystal whose response curve to the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays was determined. The absorption coefficient of these photons in NaI was determined by a good geometry transmission experiment. The positron activity was determined by a coincidence detector, consisting of two 5-in. diam by 2-in. long NaI crystals set on the annihilation radiation photopeaks. This detector was calibrated against a ${\mathrm{F}}^{18}$ positron source standardized in a $2\ensuremath{\pi}$ flow counter.The ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, n){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ and ${\mathrm{F}}^{19}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, n){\mathrm{F}}^{18}$ reactions were investigated over the range from 20.1 to 21.2 Mev. Structure, although reported by other experimenters, was not observed. The ($\ensuremath{\gamma}, n$) activation cross section was measured at 20.5 Mev for ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$, ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{50}$, ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{54}$, ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{63}$, ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{64}$, ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{92}$, ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{121}$, and ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{141}$, giving cross section of 0.60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12, 29.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6.0, 30.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.8, 52.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.5, 35.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.8, 35.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.5, 33.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.7, 51.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5.5, respectively.
Capital Structure and Monitoring Bank Failure

This paper attempts to identify the financial symptoms preceding the failure of FDIC insured banks. It also examines the validity of proposed common principal factors that mimick CAMELS to detect meaningful signals prior to the bank failure. From empirical tests, this study finds that our mimicking factors indicate agency problem and large influx of loan size driving undesirable choice of capital structure, and that those mimicking factors are useful indicators to monitor bank performance and to detect the likelihood of bank failure.
Do investment regulations compromise pension fund performance?: Evidence from Latin America

The paper assesses the impact of regulatory regimes on the market performance of private pension funds in Latin American countries that have undertaken reforms of their pension systems. It focuses in particular on the effects of "draconian" regulation, a set of rules on the industry's structure, investment regime, and performance. The conclusion is that while such rules may have achieved their basic objective of safeguarding workers' retirement savings from financial systems that lack transparency and solidity, they are not without costs. These rules limit opportunities for diversification, and, as a consequence, hamper the performance of pension funds.
The Outsiders: Emerging Roles of Ectonucleotidases in Inflammation

Research on the biological roles of ectonucleoidases has revealed that CD73, an ecto-5 nucleotidase, plays a special role in the extracellular conversion of adenosine monophosphate to adenosine--specifically, as a checkpoint that determines whether the extracellular environment is proinflammatory (characterized by adenosine 5'-triphosphate-mediated responses) or anti-inflammatory (adenosine-mediated responses). Inactivating or inhibiting CD73 attenuates the extracellular formation of adenosine, exacerbating the severity of various inflammatory diseases. In this issue of Science Translational Medicine, Flogel and colleagues showed that CD73 can be pharmacologically exploited to convert an inactive adenosine precursor to an active, anti-inflammatory adenosine analog. In addition to attenuating inflammation associated with collagen-induced arthritis in a mouse model, this prodrug approach was site-selective, because the metabolic conversion relies on CD73, which is up-regulated in the inflammatory locus (the joint).
Joint Segmentation-Registration of Organs Using Geometric Models

In this paper, we present a novel method for the segmentation of the organs found in CT and MR images. The proposed algorithm utilizes the shape model of the target organ to gain robustness in the case where the objective organ is surrounded by other organs or tissue with the similar intensity profile. The algorithm labels the image based on the graph-cuts technique and incorporates the shape prior using a technique based on level-sets. The method requires proper registration of the shape template for an accurate segmentation, and we propose a unified registration-segmentation framework to solve this problem. Furthermore, to reduce the computational cost, the algorithm is designed to run on watershed regions instead of voxels. The accuracy of the algorithm is shown on the medical examples.
Sustainable recycling of municipal solid waste in developing countries

This research focuses on recycling in developing countries as one form of sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM). Twenty-three case studies provided municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and recovery rates and composition for compilation and assessment. The average MSW generation rate was 0.77 kg/person/day, with recovery rates from 5-40%. The waste streams of 19 of these case studies consisted of 0-70% recyclables and 17-80% organics. Qualitative analysis of all 23 case studies identified barriers or incentives to recycling, which resulted in the development of factors influencing recycling of MSW in developing countries. The factors are government policy, government finances, waste characterization, waste collection and segregation, household education, household economics, MSWM (municipal solid waste management) administration, MSWM personnel education, MSWM plan, local recycled-material market, technological and human resources, and land availability. Necessary and beneficial relationships drawn among these factors revealed the collaborative nature of sustainable MSWM. The functionality of the factor relationships greatly influenced the success of sustainable MSWM. A correlation existed between stakeholder involvement and the three dimensions of sustainability: environment, society, and economy. The only factors driven by all three dimensions (waste collection and segregation, MSWM plan, and local recycled-material market) were those requiring the greatest collaboration with other factors.
Horseshoe kidney with simultaneous occurrence of calculi, transitional cell and squamous cell carcinoma

The simultaneous occurrence of invasive renal pelvic carcinoma with hydronephrosis and multiple calculi was noted after resection of the involved left renal unit of a horseshoe kidney. A perirenal lymph node submitted with the specimen was also involved necessitating a "second look" with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and removal of left lower ureter and cuff of the bladder, all of which were benign. The increased incidence of renal pelvic tumors with horseshoe kidney is discussed. While the occurrence of adenocarcinoma in a horseshoe kidney appears to be no higher than in nonfused kidneys, the incidence of transitional cell carcinoma among horseshoe tumors is higher (24% vs. 7.7% in nonfused kidneys).
Full-Range Public Health Leadership, Part 2: Qualitative Analysis and Synthesis.

Public health leadership is an important topic in the era of U. S. health reform, population health innovation, and health system transformation. This study utilized the full-range leadership model in order to examine public health leadership. We sought to understand local public health leadership from the perspective of local health department leaders and those who work with and for them. Public health leadership was explored through interviews and focus groups with directors (n=4) and staff (n=33) from local health departments. Qualitative analytic methods included reflexive journals, code-recode procedures, and member checking, with analysis facilitated by Atlas.ti v.6.0. Qualitative results supported and expanded upon previously reported quantitative findings. Leading by example and providing individual consideration to followers were found to be more important than other leader factors such as intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, or idealized attributes of leaders. Having a clear and competent vision of public health, being able to work collaboratively with other community agencies, and addressing the current challenges to public health with creativity and innovation were also important findings. Idealized leadership behaviors and individual consideration should be the focus of student and professional development. Models that incorporate contextual considerations, such as the situational leadership model, should be utilized and instruction in basic interpersonal skills may prove useful. The development of a detailed leadership assessment and development process for public health practitioners is indicated.
Edges are the 'Independent Components' of Natural Scenes.

Field (1994) has suggested that neurons with line and edge selectivities found in primary visual cortex of cats and monkeys form a sparse, distributed representation of natural scenes, and Barlow (1989) has reasoned that such responses should emerge from an unsupervised learning algorithm that attempts to find a factorial code of independent visual features. We show here that non-linear 'infomax', when applied to an ensemble of natural scenes, produces sets of visual filters that are localised and oriented. Some of these filters are Gabor-like and resemble those produced by the sparseness-maximisation network of Olshausen & Field (1996). In addition, the outputs of these filters are as independent as possible, since the infomax network is able to perform Independent Components Analysis (ICA). We compare the resulting ICA filters and their associated basis functions, with other decorrelating filters produced by Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and zero-phase whitening filters (ZCA). The ICA filters have more sparsely distributed (kurtotic) outputs on natural scenes. They also resemble the receptive fields of simple cells in visual cortex, which suggests that these neurons form an information-theoretic co-ordinate system for images.
Transcription and Tyranny in the Nucleolus: The Organization, Activation, Dominance and Repression of Ribosomal RNA Genes.

In Arabidopsis thaliana, ∼8 million of the genome's ∼130 million basepairs are devoted to two chromosomal loci, NOR2 and NOR4. At these loci, the genes encoding the precursor transcripts of 18S, 5.8S and 25S ribosomal RNA are clustered. These gene clusters are remarkable in many ways. The ∼375 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes at each NOR evolve rapidly, yet do so in almost perfect synchrony with one another, a phenomenon known as concerted evolution. The rRNA genes have their own transcription system, namely that of RNA polymerase I (pol I). Transcription factors of the pol I system co-evolve with the rapidly evolving promoter sequences in an evolutionary duet of molecular recognition. At times, the rRNA genes are the most active genes in the nucleus and at other times, their transcripts are virtually undetectable. When activated, rRNA genes are the driving force for the formation of one of the cell's most recognizable features, the nucleolus. Yet rRNA genes can be silenced by mysterious (epi)genetic forces of repression in response to inter-species genetic hybridization, a phenomenon known as nucleolar dominance. The wide range of biological questions for which rRNA genes are well-suited has made these genes the focus of studies in diverse eukaryotes. Research using Arabidopsis has contributed to the understanding of eukaryotic rRNA gene chromosomal organization, evolution, transcription and epigenetic regulation. Insights gleaned from studying Arabidopsis and its relatives, in the broader context of eukaryotic rRNA gene regulation, are the focus of this review.
Molecular compartmentalization of lateral geniculate nucleus in the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Previous research has suggested that the three physiologically-defined relay cell types in mammalian lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) – called parvocellular (P), magnocellular (M), and koniocellular (K) cells in primates and X, Y, and W cells in other mammals – each express a unique combination of cell type marker proteins. However, some of the relationships among physiological classification and protein expression found in primates, prosimians, and tree shrews do not apply to carnivores and murid rodents. It remains unknown whether these are exceptions to a common rule for all mammals, or whether these relationships vary over a wide range of species. To address this question, we examined protein expression in the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), a highly visual rodent. Unlike many rodents, squirrel LGN is well laminated, and the organization of X-like, Y-like, and W-like cells relative to the LGN layers has been characterized physiologically. We labeled tissue sections through visual thalamus with antibodies to calbindin and parvalbumin, the antibody Cat-301, and the lectin WFA. Calbindin expression was found in W-like cells in LGN layer 3, just adjacent to the optic tract. These results suggest that calbindin is a common marker for the konicellular pathway in mammals. However, while parvalbumin expression characterizes P and M cells in primates and X and Y cells in tree shrews, here it identifies only about half of the X-like cells in LGN layers 1 and 2. Putative Y/M cell markers did not differentiate relay cells in this animal. Together, these results suggest that protein expression patterns among LGN relay cell classes are variable across mammals.
Effects of Endmember Dimensionality on Subpixel Detection Performance

The importance of estimating the correct number of endmembers for hyperspectral subpixel detection applications is shown. To demonstrate this, various state-of-the-art methods to estimate the endmember dimensionality are identified. Additionally, a new method for estimating the number of endmembers is presented based on the specific subpixel detection algorithm used, the desired target signature, and the hyperspectral image being analyzed. A comparison of this new metric to current state-of-the-art methods shows gains in a number of experiments on real-world hyperspectral image data. Additionally, the experiments show how sensitive subpixel detectors can be to the number of endmembers when all other variables are held constant.
Practitioner as Theorist A Reprise

This column addresses the idea of practitioner as theorist as it may inspire new paths of theory development in practice for nursing. Historical and philosophical dimensions of theory development are discussed. Extant theory development strategies as well as new approaches for practice-based theory development are proposed.
Why Dynamic-Element-Matching DACs Work

This jump-start tutorial brief explains the principle that underlies all of the published mismatch-scrambling and mismatch-shaping dynamic-element-matching (DEM) digital-to-analog converters (DACs). It explains the apparent paradox of how an all-digital algorithm can cause analog component mismatches to introduce spectrally shaped noise instead of nonlinear distortion, even though the algorithm has no knowledge of the actual mismatches. The concept is first explained in the context of a discrete-time three-level DEM DAC. The results are then generalized to an arbitrary number of levels, to segmented DEM DACs, and to continuous-time DEM DACs.
The Effect of High Levels of an Antibiotic on Laying Chickens During Hot Weather

Abstract THERE is disagreement among the results obtained at different experiment stations on the effect of antibiotics on the egg production and hatchability of chickens. An interesting possible explanation for part of the disagreement was offered by Lillie and Sizemore (1954), who found that supplementing a diet with an antibiotic improved the egg production of low- but not of high-producing New Hampshires. Some of the more recent reports are on experiments with layers kept under what can be considered “stress” conditions. Balloun (1954) found that the addition of chlortetracycline at the level of 50 mgm. per pound of diet improved egg production “under conditions unfavorable to high egg production.” White-Stevens (1954) reported that the addition of chlortetracycline at the level of 100 grams per ton of diet increased egg production and hatchability in the presence of chronic respiratory disease. A further review of the literature does not seem pertinent to the …
Morphological systematics of kingsnakes, Lampropeltis getula complex (Serpentes: Colubridae), in the eastern United States

Kingsnakes of the Lampropeltis getula complex range throughout much of North America. Using morphology and color pattern, Blaney made the last revision of this species complex nearly 30 years ago and recognized seven subspecies. Furthermore, Blaney hypothesized that populations in the eastern United States consist of two closely related taxa, L. g. getula & L. g. floridana, whichare morphologically divergent from all other subspecies. At the same time, Means hypothesized that an undescribed taxon existed in the Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands in the Florida panhandle. To test these hypotheses as well as help better understand phylogenetic relationships, we examine morphological characters and color pattern of L. getula throughout its range, particularly those populations in the eastern United States, and make comparisons to molecular data. We find that populations in the eastern United States represent a well-supported monophyletic group. Although some infraspecific clades (i.e., subspecies) within the L. getula complex may be weakly supported by homoplasious characters, at least one synapomorphy supports the monophyly of each group, including the two currently recognized subspecies in the eastern United States and the unnamed entity in the Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands, described herein as L. g. meansi. Justification for naming this natural clade at the infraspecific level (rather than species level) is provided. Furthermore, this panhandle clade is diagnosed by more synapomorphies than any other currently recognized taxon of L. getula, and overlaps in distribution with numerous other endemic plants and animals. All molecular analyses produced very similar tree topologies as our morphological dataset.
Abstract 2347: PSA splice variants and their expression in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in American men, resulting in 32,000 deaths annually. Challenges for the management of PCa include the inability to distinguish indolent from aggressive and untreatable castration-resistant PCa. These challenges can be addressed by understanding the molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is widely used for screening, diagnosing and monitoring of PCa, although it is also elevated in other disorders and therefore lacks specificity and sensitivity. Alternative splicing is a common mechanism used in nature to enhance protein diversity. Alternative splicing of the PSA gene produces at least 15 transcripts of 0.7-6.1 kb (Heuze-Vourc'h et al 2003). Several variants of PSA have been reported and are shown to be differentially expressed in PCa compared to normal prostates or to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here we describe the identification of four variants of PSA with the potential to improve on the specificity of the PSA test. Material and Methods Human prostate cDNAs were from cryopreserved prostate tissues collected after radical prostatectomies and have been described previously (Mubiru et al. 2004). PCR was carried out using primers that amplify the complete PSA mRNA and also those specific for the most common splice variant (Heuze-Vourc'h et al. 2001). The PCR products were inserted into the PCR2.1-TOPO vector (Life Technologies) and sequenced. Results We identified four novel splice variants of the PSA gene. View this table: Results also indicate that some transcripts are differentially expressed in tumors compared to non-tumors. References 1.Mubiru JN, et al. (2004). Gene 327: 89-98. 2.Heuze-Vourc'h N, et al. (2003) Eur J Biochem 270: 706-714. 3.Heuze-Vourc'h N, et al. (2001) Eur J Biochem 268: 4408-4413. Citation Format: Alice S. Yang, Thushari Alahapperuma, James N. Mubiru, Magdalena Garcia-Forey, Robert E. Shade. PSA splice variants and their expression in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2347. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2347
Impact of long-axis function on cardiac surgical outcomes in patients with radiation-associated heart disease

Abstract Background Malignancy-associated thoracic radiation leads to radiation-associated cardiac disease (RACD) that often necessitates cardiac surgery. Myocardial dysfunction is common in patients with RACD. We sought to determine the predictive value of global left ventricular ejection fraction and long-axis function left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) in such patients. Methods We studied 163 patients (age, 63 ± 14 years; 74% women) who had RACD and underwent cardiac surgery (20% had reoperations) between 2000 and 2003. In addition to standard echocardiography, LV-GLS (%) was derived from the average of 18 segments in 3 apical views of the left ventricle, using velocity vector imaging. Standard clinical and demographic parameters were recorded. All-cause mortality was recorded. Results The mean duration between cardiac surgery and the last chest radiation was 18 ± 12 years. The median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) was 8, and 88 patients died over 6.6 ± 4 years. A total of 52% of patients had ≥II+ mitral regurgitation; 23% of patients had severe aortic stenosis; and 39% of patients had ≥II+ tricuspid regurgitation. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 54% ± 13%, and the mean LV-GLS was −12.9% ± 4%. In a Cox proportional survival analysis, lower LV-GLS was predictive of mortality in univariable analysis (hazard ratio, 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.14); P = .006); however, after adjustment for other variables, the association became nonsignificant. In patients with a EuroSCORE Conclusions In patients who have RACD and undergo cardiac surgery, LV-GLS does not sufficiently discriminate and is not independently predictive of long-term outcomes. However, in patients with a low EuroSCORE, abnormal LV-GLS was associated with higher mortality, compared with those with normal LV-GLS.