cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrolyzed feather meal as a source of amino acids for finisher pigs

21 gilts and 21 castrated males were used to evaluate the value of hydrolyzed feather meal (FM) as a source of amino acids for finisher pigs, and to determine the possibility of replacing soybean meal (SBM) completely with FM by lysine supplementation. Dietary treatments consisted of five iso-lysinic (planned, 7.3 g kg−1; actual, 8.0–8.8 g kg−1) SBM diets containing 0 to 120 g FM kg−1. Two additional diets containing 90 g FM kg−1 were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous to the SBM diet containing 0 g FM kg−1. For these FM diets, SBM was replaced completely by FM, and one of the two diets was supplemented with L-lysine · HCl to achieve a target level of 7.3 g lysine kg−1. At an average weight of 67.5 ± 3.4 kg, pigs were assigned randomly within sex to seven dietary treatments. Pigs were housed individually, and allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. All pigs were slaughtered at an average weight of 100.4 ± 3.2 kg to assess carcass traits. The rate (linear, P < 0.05; cubic, P = 0.09) and efficiency of weight gain (linear, P = 0.07) decreased as dietary FM increased. However, the response of pigs to the initial increment of FM (30 g kg−1) in weight gain and greater feed intake of pigs fed the diet containing 120 g FM kg−1 seemed to be responsible for overall decreases in these criteria. The rate and efficiency of weight gain in pigs fed other SBM diets containing FM were similar. Although there were no statistically significant trends among pigs fed the SBM diets, the inclusion of 120 g FM kg−1 seemed to result in the inferior carcass quality as indicated by consistently lower values for carcass specific gravity (1.040 vs. 1.045), proportion of carcass lean (48.7 vs. 51.6%) and the rate of lean accretion (236.4 vs. 301.4 g d−1). Pigs fed the two FM diets (with and without lysine supplementation) grew slower than those fed the SBM diet containing 0 (P < 0.01) or 90 g FM kg−1 (P = 0.06). Similar results were obtained for the efficiency of weight gain (P < 0.05) and rate and efficiency of lean accretion (P < 0.05). There was no effect of lysine supplementation on the rate and efficiency of weight gain. Pigs fed the FM diet supplemented with lysine, however, had less 10th rib backfat (P = 0.10), larger longissimus muscle area (P = 0.08), greater proportion of carcass lean (P < 0.05), and higher rate (P = 0.08) and efficiency of lean accretion (P < 0.05) than those fed the FM diet without lysine supplementation. The results indicate that FM up to 90 g kg−1 may be incorporated in the diet without adversely affecting carcass traits of finisher pigs. In addition, although weight gain may be reduced, FM can be used as the only source of protein supplement without decreasing the carcass quality, provided that the diet is supplemented with crystalline lysine to alleviate its deficiency.
Escherichia coli K-12 F' plasmids carrying insertion sequences IS1 and IS5.

Abstract A simple method is described for the detection of the insertion elements IS1 and IS5 in Escherichia coli F′ plasmids. Several of these insertion elements are normal constituents of the E. coli chromosome and are located on chromosomal regions carried by the F′ plasmids, while several others were probably acquired during the isolation or propagation of the F′ plasmids. The F′ plasmids carrying copies of IS1 or IS5 have been transferred into Salmonella (a host lacking chromosomal copies of IS1 and IS5) where individual copies can be examined for a variety of properties, including structural similarities and ability to transpose to new sites.
Vaccine availability in the US: problems and solutions.

The present shortage in the US influenza vaccine supply has finally focused public attention on recurrent problems faced by public health officials in ensuring the availability of many vaccines.
Energy Metabolism during Insect Flight: Biochemical Design and Physiological Performance*

Flying insects achieve the highest known mass-specific rates of O(2) consumption in the animal kingdom. Because the flight muscles account for >90% of the organismal O(2) uptake, accurate estimates of metabolic flux rates (J) in the muscles can be made. In steady state, these are equal to the net forward flux rates (v) at individual steps and can be compared with flux capacities (V(max)) measured in vitro. In flying honeybees, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase, both nonequilibrium reactions in glycolysis, operate at large fractions of their maximum capacities (i.e., they operate at high v/V(max)). Phosphoglucoisomerase is a reversible reaction that operates near equilibrium. Despite V(max) values more than 20-fold greater than the net forward flux rates during flight, a close match is found between the V(max) required in vivo (estimated using the Haldane relationship) to maintain near equilibrium and this net forward flux rate and the V(max) measured in vitro under simulated physiological conditions. Rates of organismal O(2) consumption and difference spectroscopy were used to estimate electron transfer rates per molecule of respiratory chain enzyme during flight. These are much higher than those estimated in mammalian muscles. Current evidence indicates that metabolic enzymes in honeybees do not display higher catalytic efficiencies than the homologous enzymes in mammals, and the high electron transfer rates do not appear to be the result of higher enzyme densities per unit cristae surface area. A number of possible mechanistic explanations for the higher rates of electron transfer are proposed.
Virtual three-dimensional computed tomography assessment of the gastric pouch following laparoscopic Roux-Y gastric bypass.

Background The construction of the gastric pouch during surgery is largely based on the prevailing dogma of Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The scarce data that exist suggest that the smaller the gastric pouch, the greater the weight loss after surgery. Current estimations of pouch volume have inherent limitations. We describe the use of virtual three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) to assess pouch volume in the immediate postoperative period.
Glucuronide formation in rainbow trout--effect of salicylamide on the acute toxicity, conjugation and excretion of 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol.

Abstract In rainbow trout, the selective sea lamprey larvicide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), was previously found to be conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted to a great extent in bile. In order to determine the degree and significance of conjugation of TFM in trout, studies utilizing salicylamide, an inhibitor of glucuronide formation, were carried out. Pre-exposure of rainbow trout to 25 mg/l. of salicylamide decreased the lc 50 of TFM from 5.05 to 2.67 mg/l. Coincidental with the increase in toxicity were elevated blood levels of unconjugated TFM and a depression of TFM glucuronide in blood and bile. An increase in the level of unconjugated TFM was also found in brain, muscle and heart from salicylamide-treated trout. Salicylamide increased the half-life of i.p. injected TFM from 1.59 to 4.13 hr and inhibited the glucuronidation of TFM by trout liver extracts in vitro . These studies indicate that glucuronide formation appears to be an important mechanism in the protection of trout from the toxic effects of TFM and possibly other water-borne phenols.
The use of radiation therapy in the management of minor salivary gland tumors

Abstract Between 1964 and 1985, 52 patients were treated with curative intent by radiation therapy alone or in combination with surgery for malignant tumors of minor salivary gland origin. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years, and 80% had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Twenty-six (50%) were adenoid cystic carcinomas; the remaining histologies included adenocarcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and malignant mixed tumors. The most common sites of origin were in the oral cavity/oropharynx (49%) and the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses (40%). Twenty-seven patients (52%) presented with an advanced or unresectable stage (AJCC Stage III or IV, extensive bone or nerve invasion, or tumor >5 cm). Treatment was highly individualized; 50% of the patients received radiation therapy alone, and 50% received combined treatment with either postoperative or preoperative radiation therapy. Early-stage minor salivary gland tumors were controlled equally well with radiation therapy alone or with a combined approach. For the advanced tumors, a combined approach yielded significantly superior absolute local control rates as compared with radiation therapy alone (10/13 vs. 2/13). For adenoid cystic carcinoma, the local control rate at 10 years was 45% (actuarial); the tumor was not controlled locally in any patients with advanced/unresectable stage who were treated with radiation therapy alone. The absolute local control rate was 75% for 4 early-stage tumors treated with radiation therapy alone and 60% for 5 advanced tumors treated with a combined approach. The average time to local recurrence was 67 months for adenoid cystic carcinoma. Severe complications of radiation therapy occurred in 11 (27%) of 40 evaluable patients, with unilateral blindness being the most common. Seven of 9 patients who became blind had unresectable disease with close proximity to or invasion of the orbit. A time-dose analysis is also presented.
Treatment of polydrug abuse and addiction by covert sensitization: some contraindications.

Three polydrug abusers undergoing treatment at a drug-free residential facility were administered covert sensitization as an alternative procedure to aversive counterconditioning with faradic stimulation. The clients were able to relax extremely well but experienced difficulties imagining aversive scenes subsequent to the first presentation. Hypnosis was induced and clients were able to imagine every presentation clearly and exhibited some behavioral reactions to the suggestions. Two of the three clients remained drug-free for 11/2 years and 3 years; and the third relapsed after 11/2 years but returned for treatment and is now drug-free. It is suggested that covert sensitization with hypnosis may be a more effective procedure with such recalcitrant behavior disorders as polydrug abuse and addiction.
“These are [Our] Stories”: Engaging Cultural Debate and Performing Contradictions in Law & Order

A young woman steps out of a hotel bathroom, towel-drying her hair as loud music from the room next door powers through the hotel wall. She questions her boyfriend's [seated at a laptop, chin on hi...
ERα signaling regulates MMP3 expression to induce FasL cleavage and osteoclast apoptosis

The benefits of estrogens on bone health are well established; how estrogens signal to regulate bone formation and resorption is less well understood. We show here that 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced apoptosis of bone-resorbing osteoclasts is mediated by cleavage and solubilization of osteoblast-expressed Fas ligand (FasL). U2OS-ERα osteoblast-like cells expressing an EGFP-tagged FasL at the C-terminus showed decreased fluorescence after E2 treatment, indicative of a cleavage event. Treatment of U2OS-ERα cultures with a specific MMP3 inhibitor in the presence of E2 blocked FasL cleavage and showed an increase in the number of EGFP-FasL+ cells. siRNA experiments successfully knocked down MMP3 expression and restored full-length FasL to basal levels. E2 treatment of both human and murine primary osteoblasts showed upregulation of MMP3 mRNA expression, and calvarial organ cultures showed increased expression of MMP3 protein and colocalization with the osteoblast-specific RUNX2 after E2 treatment. In addition, osteoblast cell cultures derived from ERαKO mice showed decreased expression of MMP3 but not MMP7 and ADAM10, two known FasL proteases, demonstrating that ERα signaling regulates MMP3. Also, conditioned media of E2-treated calvarial osteoblasts showed an approximate sixfold increase in the concentration of soluble FasL, indicating extensive cleavage, and soluble FasL concentrations were reduced in the presence of a specific MMP3 inhibitor. Finally, to show the role of soluble FasL in osteoclast apoptosis, human osteoclasts were cocultured with MC3T3 osteoblasts. Both a specific MMP3 inhibitor and an MMP inhibitor cocktail preserved osteoclast differentiation and survival in the presence of E2 and demonstrate the necessity of MMP3 for E2-induced osteoclast apoptosis. These experiments further define the molecular mechanism of estrogen's bone-protective effects by inducing osteoclast apoptosis through upregulation of MMP3 and FasL cleavage.
Thermal/structural analysis of radiators for heavy-duty trucks

A thermal/structural coupling approach is applied to analyze thermal performance and predict the thermal stress of a radiator for heavy-duty transportation cooling systems. Bench test and field test data show that non-uniform temperature gradient and dynamic pressure loads may induce large thermal stress on the radiator. A finite element analysis (FEA) tool is used to predict the strains and displacement of radiator based on the solid wall temperature, wall-based fluid film heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. These are obtained from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. A 3D simulation of turbulent flow and coupled heat transfer between the working fluids poses a major difficulty because the range of length scales involved in heavy-duty radiators varies from few millimeters of the fin pitch and/or tube cross-section to several meters for the overall size of the radiator. It is very computational expensive, if not impossible, to directly simulate the turbulent heat transfer between fins and the thermal boundary layer in each tube. In order to overcome the computational difficulties, a dual porous zone (DPZ) method is applied, in which fins in the air side and turbulators in the water side are treated as porous region. The parameters involved in the DPZ method are tuned based on experimental data in prior. A distinguished advantage of the porous medium method is its effectiveness of modeling wide-range characteristic scale problems. A parametric study of the impact of flow rate on the heat transfer coefficient is presented. The FEA results predict the maximum value of stress/strain and target locations for possible structural failure and the results obtained are consistent with experimental observations. The results demonstrate that the coupling thermal/structural analysis is a powerful tool applied to heavy-duty cooling product design to improve the radiator thermal performance, durability and reliability under rigid working environment.
Microbial community structure and global trace gases

Global change can affect soil processes by either altering the functioning of existing organisms or by restructuring the community, modifying the fundamental physiologies that drive biogeochemical processes. Thus, not only might process rates change, but the controls over them might also change. Moreover, previously insignificant processes could become important. These possibilities raise the question ‘Will changes in climate and land use restructure microbial communities in a way that will alter trace gas fluxes from an ecosystem?’ Process studies indicate that microbial community structure can influence trace gas dynamics at a large scale. For example, soil respiration and CH4 production both show ranges of temperature response among ecosystems, indicating differences in the microbial communities responsible. There are three patterns of NH4 1 inhibition of CH4 oxidation at the ecosystem scale: no inhibition, immediate inhibition, and delayed inhibition; these are associated with different CH4 oxidizer communities. Thus, it is possible that changes in climate, land-use, and disturbance regimes could alter microbial communities in ways that would substantially alter trace gas fluxes; we discuss the data supporting this conclusion. We also discuss approaches to developing research linking microbial community structure and activity to the structure and functioning of the whole ecosystem. Modern techniques allow us to identify active organisms even if they have not been cultivated; in combination with traditional experimental approaches we should be able to identify the linkages between these active populations and the processes they carry out at the ecosystem level. Finally, we describe scenarios of how global change could alter trace gas fluxes by altering microbial communities and how understanding the microbial community dynamics could improve our ability to predict future trace gas fluxes.
Electrophysiological characterization of the projection from the nucleus raphe magnus to the lateral reticular nucleus: possible role of an excitatory amino acid in synaptic activation

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN), located in the caudal ventrolateral medulla, is an important nuclear region in the descending analgesia system. Activation of this brainstem region, either electrically or chemically, results in a reduction in nociceptive threshold. In addition, destruction of LRN abolishes the tonic descending inhibition present on dorsal horn neurons. Recent neuroanatomical tracing studies have shown that the nucleus raphe (NRM), long implicated in nociception, sends direct projections to LRN; however, no information exists regarding the physiological characteristics of this pathway, nor its role in the endogenous descending analgesia system. The purpose of this study was to physiologically characterize the synaptic influence(s) of projections from the NRM to the LRM using electrophysiological recording, electrical and chemical stimulation, and iontphoretic techniques. Sixty-one percent of LRN neurons responded to single pulse stimulation of NRM; 52% of the responsive cells were excited and 48% were inhibited. The mean latency to onset of excitation was4.9 ± 1.2 ms. High frequency (100 Hz) electrical stimulation of NRM influenced 69/102 neurons; 52% (36/69) were excited, while 48% (33/69) were inhibited. Microinjection of glutamate into NRM significantly modified the discharge of 83% (93/112) of LRN cells tested; of these, 71% were inhibited, while 29% were excited. In 35 cells the effects of the excitatory amino acid antagonist kynurenic acid (KYN) were studied. In 75% of the cells excited blutamate administration into the NRM (18/24), KYN partially antagonized this response. In 11 LRN cells inhibited by NRM chemical stimulation, KYN had no effect on this inhibition. Overall 95% of the LRN cells responsive to NRM stimulation were also responsive to noxious peripheral stimulation, indicating that these cells are receiving ascending information from the spinal cord regarding somatosensory stimulation as well as receiving descending input from the NRM. It is concluded that LRN neurons are highly responsive to both noxious peripheral stimulation and NRM efferent activation, and that this region plays a significant role as an integrator for both ascending and descending information.
THE RIGHT SHOCK TO INITIATE CHANGE: A SENSEMAKING PERSPECTIVE.

Organizational scholars and management practitioners have long been concerned with the processes and dynamics associated with changes in the beliefs and practices in organizations. The purpose of t...
A Psychophysical Evaluation of Spectral Enhancement

Listeners with sensorineural hearing loss have well-documented elevated hearing thresholds; reduced auditory dynamic ranges; and reduced spectral (or frequency) resolution that may reduce speech intelligibility, especially in the presence of competing sounds. Amplification and amplitude compression partially compensate for elevated thresholds and reduced dynamic ranges but do not remediate the loss in spectral resolution. Spectral-enhancement processing algorithms have been developed that putatively compensate for decreased spectral resolution by increasing the spectral contrast, or the peak-to-trough ratio, of the speech spectrum. Several implementations have been proposed, with mixed success. It is unclear whether the lack of strong success was due to specific implementation parameters or whether the concept of spectral enhancement is fundamentally flawed. The goal of this study was to resolve this ambiguity by testing the effects of spectral enhancement on detection and discrimination of simple, well-d...
Accounting- versus economic-based rates of return: implications for profitability measures in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract Background: Accounting-based profits have indicated that pharmaceutical firms have achieved greater returns relative to other sectors. However, partially due to the theoretically inappropriate reporting of research and development (R&D) expenditures according to generally accepted accounting principles, evidence suggests that a substantial and upward bias is present in accounting-based rates of return for corporations with high levels of intangible assets. Given the intensity of R&D in pharmaceutical firms, accounting-based profit metrics in the drug sector may be affected to a greater extent than other industries. Objective: The aim of this work was to address measurement issues associated with corporate performance and factors that contribute to the bias within accounting-based rates of return. Methods: Seminal and broadly cited works on the subject of accounting- versus economic-based rates of return were reviewed from the economic and finance literature, with an emphasis placed on issues and scientific evidence directly related to the drug development process and pharmaceutical industry. Results: With international convergence and harmonization of accounting standards being imminent, stricter adherence to theoretically sound economic principles is advocated, particularly those based on discounted cash-flow methods. Researchers, financial analysts, and policy makers must be cognizant of the biases and limitations present within numerous corporate performance measures. Furthermore, the development of more robust and valid economic models of the pharmaceutical industry is required to capture the unique dimensions of risk and return of the drug development process. Conclusions: Empiric work has illustrated that estimates of economic-based rates of return range from ∼2 to ∼11 percentage points below various accounting-based rates of return for drug companies. Because differences in the nature of risk and uncertainty borne by drug manufacturers versus other sectors make comparative assessments of performance challenging and often inappropriate, continued work in this area is warranted.
Ectopic Deposition of Lignin in the Pith of Stems of Two Arabidopsis Mutants

The biosynthesis of lignin in vascular plants is regulated both developmentally and environmentally. In the inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis, lignin is mainly deposited in the walls of xylem cells and interfascicular fiber cells during normal plant growth and development. The mechanisms controlling the spatial deposition of lignin remain unknown. By screening ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized populations of Arabidopsis, we have isolated two allelic elp1 (ectopic deposition of lignin in pith) mutants with altered lignin deposition patterns. In elp1 stems, lignin was ectopically deposited in the walls of pith parenchyma cells in addition to its normal deposition in the walls of xylem and fiber cells. Lignin appeared to be deposited in patches of parenchyma cells in the pith of both young and mature elp1 stems. The ectopic deposition of lignin in the pith of elp1 stems was accompanied by an increase in the activities of enzymes in the lignin biosynthetic pathway and with the ectopic expression of caffeoyl coenzyme A O -methyltransferase in pith cells. These results indicate that the ELP1 locus is involved in the repression of the lignin biosynthetic pathway in the pith. Isolation of the elp1 mutants provides a novel means with which to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the spatial control of lignification.
Interleukin-18 Inhibits Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Production in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Interleukin (IL)-18 is an interferon (IFN)-gamma-inducing factor and contributes to the Th1 immune response. IL-18 added after infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with monocyte-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) inhibited p24 antigen production by a maximum of 72%. IFN-gamma levels in these cultures were increased, and a significant inverse relationship between HIV-1 production and IFN-gamma levels was observed. A neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibody reversed the IL-18 inhibitory effect. Preincubation of PBMC with IL-18 before infection inhibited p24 without additional IL-18 (64%). However, compared with the degree of IL-18 inhibition observed after a 4-day culture, no additional IL-18 inhibitory effect was observed during days 5-13. IL-18 also reduced cell surface expression of the HIV-1 receptor CD4. These results demonstrate that IL-18 inhibited HIV-1 production in PBMC through intermediate IFN-gamma. Furthermore, inhibition was present during the early stages of viral infection and was associated with reduced HIV-1 receptor expression.
Synchronization free dibit response extraction from PRBS waveforms

The authors introduce two different dibit extraction techniques that are simple to use, and more importantly they require no timing synchronization of the readback waveform with the written data sequence. They illustrate the use of these techniques using perpendicular recording readback signals corresponding to pseudorandom binary sequences (PRBS). As with other dibit extraction techniques, the nonlinearities in the signals show up as echoes around the main dibit.
LIN-12/Notch signaling: lessons from worms and flies

LIN-12/Notch proteins function as receptors for intercellular signals during development. Many aspects of LIN-12/Notch-mediated signaling have been elucidated through studies of cell–cell interactions that occur during Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster development. The basic principles that operate in these lower organisms have also been shown to apply to vertebrates (for review, see Gridley 1997). Molecular features defined in lower organisms have also been shown to be conserved in vertebrates, including components of the signaling and signal transduction systems (for review, see Weinmaster 1997). The focus of this paper is on what has been learned about LIN-12/Notch signaling from invertebrates. First, a description of roles for LIN12/Notch proteins in development is given, using different model cell fate decisions to illustrate various features. A discussion of the mechanism of LIN-12/Notch signal transduction follows, including new in vivo evidence that favors the direct participation of the intracellular domain of LIN-12/Notch proteins in regulating target gene expression. Finally, other influences on LIN-12/ Notch activity are discussed, particularly protein turnover and protein processing.
Evaluation of changes in guidelines for medication management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Rationale, aims and objectives The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines are well-known international clinical practice guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to examine how treatment recommendations and the quality of supporting evidence for pharmacologic management of stable COPD have evolved since the initial guidance issued in 2001. Methods Recommendations in the 2001 and 2011 GOLD guidelines, along with the evidence grades (i.e. A, B, C, D), were identified and abstracted. We determined the distribution and evolution of recommendations across levels of evidence and treatment categories over time. Results There were 35 and 54 recommendations identified in the 2001 and 2011 guidelines, respectively. Twenty-six recommendations were common to the 2001 and 2011 guidelines, with eight having the same evidence grade in both versions and three having a grade change (one upgraded and two downgraded). Twenty-eight new recommendations were added in 2011. Bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are the classes of pharmacologic treatment with the most prominent changes regarding emerging evidence and the number of recommendations. Approximately 45% of the graded recommendations were supported by well-designed randomized controlled trials, i.e. grade A. Conclusions The GOLD guideline recommendations have changed considerably over the past 11 years, which reflects a dynamic evidence base and perhaps a change in the way guideline developers view the evidence to inform recommendations. Given the large number of recommendations with lower grade levels, there continues to be substantial opportunity to inform gaps in the evidence base with high-quality studies.
Comparison of velocity estimates from advanced very high resolution radiometer in the Coastal Transition Zone

Two methods of estimating surface velocity vectors from AVHRR data are applied to the same set of images and the results are compared with in situ and altimeter measurements. The first technique utilizes an automated feature-tracking algorithm and the second uses an inversion of the heat equation. The two methods were comparable in their degree of agreement with the in situ data, giving velocity magnitudes that were 30 to 50 percent less than drifter and acoustic Doppler current profiler velocities measured at 15 to 20 m depth, with rms directional differences of about 60 degrees.
Arginine vasotocin concentrations in the supraoptic nucleus of the lizard Anolis carolinensis are associated with reproductive state but not oviposition.

Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a neuropeptide involved in reproductive function in many nonmammalian vertebrates. We determined brain and plasma AVT concentrations during the estrous cycle and oviposition in the lizard Anolis carolinensis. There were no differences in AVT concentrations in the plasma or any brain region during the ovipositional sequence. However, we found that females with an egg in each oviduct and a large pre-ovulatory follicle (diameter > 4.5 mm) in oneovary had significantly higher AVT concentrations in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus than did females with small pre-ovulatory follicles in both ovaries. In a second study, females with an egg in each oviduct and a large pre-ovulatory follicle had significantly greater AVT concentrations in the SON than females with only one oviductal egg and a large pre-ovulatory follicle or females with an egg in each oviduct and a small pre-ovulatory follicle in each ovary. Concentrations of AVT in other brain regions and in the plasma did not differ among these groups. Changes in steroid profiles during estrous and/or direct neural communication between the uterus, ovary, and brain may account for the changes in AVT concentrations seen in the supraoptic nucleus during the estrous cycle of Anolis carolinensis. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Open-loop feedback control under multiple disturbance function hypotheses

We consider the control of a linear time-invariant system that is subject to a systematic, non-zero mean disturbance process drawn from a finite set of hypothesized disturbance functions. In addition to the systematic disturbance, we assume that the system is also subject to zero mean white Gaussian process and sensor noise. Using a quadratic objective function, our setting is a generalization of the well-known framework of Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control. Decomposing the state estimation problem along the lines of the hypothesized set of systematic disturbances, we derive the optimal filtering equations and corresponding Bayesian update rule for assessing the posterior probability that any given hypothesized disturbance is the one perturbing the system. We also derive the stage-by-stage optimal open-loop feedback control action, based on the current history of measurements and control actions. Finally, we present three numerical examples that illustrate the ability of OLFC to anticipate future perturbations to the system after the initial uncertainty over the hypothesized disturbance set is resolved.
Lung Volume, Pulmonary Vasculature, and Factors Affecting Survival in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

OBJECTIVES: There is a wide variation in published mortality from congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The prevailing opinion is that this variation is related directly to the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that other factors are important for outcome. The specific objectives of this study were: 1) to quantitate the degree of lung hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial wall thickness in infants eligible for, and treated with, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), using postmortem analysis of lung DNA, wet lung weight, lung volume, and vessel morphometrics; 2) to correlate the degree of lung hypoplasia and vascular changes with functional tests of oxygenation and estimated right ventricular systolic pressures (RVSP); 3) to determine the minimum lung volume necessary for survival; and 4) to determine contributory clinical factors as potential causes of death in ECMO-treated infants with CDH. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively analyzed all 90 infants with CDH admitted consecutively over a 9-year period to a children's hospital with an ECMO program. Infants were categorized as lived or died, with or without ECMO. Indication for ECMO was an evolving process; however, in general, it was the therapy of last resort for pulmonary insufficiency. Clinically, the single best oxygenation index before ECMO or CDH repair while on conventional ventilation, and serial echocardiograms before, during, and after ECMO, were obtained. Twelve of 14 infants dying with ECMO and 6 of 12 without ECMO had postmortem examinations. Lung volume, DNA content, wet weights, and arterial wall thickness at the level of alveolar ducts were measured in both lungs. Postmortem morphometric findings were correlated with in vivo tests of cardiopulmonary function and contributory clinical factors in mortality. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of all infants with CDH and 61% of ECMO-treated infants lived. All infants with CDH requiring ECMO had elevated RVSP/systolic systemic blood pressure ratios before ECMO (0.98 +/- 0.24). Eighty-eight percent of ECMO-treated infants with CDH decreased this ratio to 45% of values predicted for age-matched controls, the oxygenation index ranged from 4 to 29, significantly less than that in infants with values 45% of that for controls died from potentially preventable surgical and medical complications. CONCLUSION: A minimum lung volume of 45% of the value predicted from age-matched controls is required for survival in ECMO-treated infants. The RVSP/systolic systemic blood pressure ratio can be reduced with ECMO to < 0.5 in the majority of infants, even with lung volumes inadequate for survival. We speculate that 9% of infants with adequate lung volume were potentially survivable, but died of medical and surgical complications.
Introduction to the special issue: Recap of ninth International Conference on Health Policy Statistics

The papers in this special double-issue of Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology are based on presentations at the ninth International Conference on Health Policy Statistics (ICHPS) held October 5–7, 2011 at The Ritz Carlton in Cleveland, OH. We are very excited to publish nine papers that are not only of the highest quality but also serve as a permanent reminder of the very high standard of research on display at the conference.
Functional properties of parietal visual neurons: mechanisms of directionality along a single axis

The directional properties of parietal visual neurons (PVNs) were examined using the method of single-neuron analysis in waking monkeys. PVN properties were determined with passive visual stimuli as the animal executed a simple detection task. Parietal area PG was studied in 10 hemispheres of 6 male Macaca mulatta. Each class of parietal neurons was identified in PG: the fixation, projection, visual, and oculomotor neurons; 613 PVNs were identified, 323 were studied quantitatively, and 188 were studied with one or more of the protocols described. The receptive fields of PVNs are commonly large and bilateral, and at the limit some may fill the visual field; for many, the central zone of the visual field is spared when the fields are determined by stimuli that enter from the periphery and transit meridians. The receptive fields vary with the behavioral state, the angle of gaze, and the parameters of the stimuli used to determine them. PVNs are sensitive to stimulus movement but relatively insensitive to stimulus speed; many respond over a speed range of 5 degrees-500 degrees/sec. Stimulus-response relations may be incremental or decremental with increasing speed or show maxima or minima in the midrange of speed, but the response variation over the full range is rarely greater than 2:1. The directional preferences of PVNs with bilateral receptive fields are opponently organized; the preferred directions point either inward toward or outward away from the central line of gaze along the 4 meridians tested, which were equally spaced in the circular dimension of the visual field. The mechanism of the axis directionality of PVNs was studied using conditioning-test paradigms. They revealed a feed-forward inhibition preceding a stimulus, an effect that extends from the leading edge of the stimulus for 10 degrees-20 degrees in front of the moving stimulus and lasts for several hundred milliseconds. A double-Gaussian model of superimposed but unequal excitatory and inhibitory effects suffices to explain the present observations. It places demand upon the projection of functional properties from the contralateral hemisphere or from the ipsilateral prestriate areas that project upon PG over multistaged pathways and minimal demands upon intracortical processing mechanisms.
Detection of bluetongue virus antigens in Culicoides variipennis by enzyme immunoassay.

A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed to detect bluetongue (BT) virus antigens in infected cell cultures and in suspensions of infected Culicoides variipennis midges. The technique was equally sensitive for detecting the five U.S. BT virus serotypes (2, 10, 11, 13, and 17) in cell cultures. EIA reliably detected about 3.8 log10 median tissue culture infective doses per ml of BT virus in infected cell culture lysates. The EIA readily detected virus antigens in pools of midges infected with BT serotypes 2, 10, 11, 13, and 17 and contained 2.3 to 4.8 log10 median tissue culture infective doses per ml of BT virus. The technique was sensitive enough to detect a single infected midge in a pool with 99 noninfected midges. The EIA may be a sensitive and rapid alternative to virus isolation for surveillance of BT viruses in vector populations.
An Internal Control Evaluation Tool For Advertising Revenue In The Newspaper And Magazine Publishing Industry

Even before the recent economic downturn, the newspaper and magazine publishing industry had been experiencing unprecedented change, with some companies facing an immediate need to either invent a new business model or else cease operations. The current economic slowdown has, in many cases, exacerbated those challenges. These trends have had the effect of increasing the risk of fraudulent financial reporting. The revenue cycle continues to be one of the most important areas for auditors to examine for possible fraud and one for which strong, comprehensive internal controls are especially important (AICPA 2002). This paper presents an internal control review checklist for advertising revenue in the newspaper and magazine publishing industry. This checklist may be used by independent auditors as a general benchmark in performing a preliminary evaluation of a company’s internal controls over advertising revenue. In instances where important internal controls on the checklist have been omitted from the client’s system, the auditor should consider whether the omission increases audit risk. The checklist may also be used by CFOs or controllers in the industry to help determine whether their company’s internal control system is adequate.
Molecular hydrogen: A novel therapy for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension

E T /B S 29. He B, Zhang Y, Kang B, Xiao J, Xie B, Wang Z. Protection of oral hydrogen water as an antioxidant on pulmonary hypertension. Mol Biol Rep. 2013;40: 5513-21. 30. Bonnet S, Rochefort G, Sutendra G, Archer SL, Haromy A, Webster L, et al. The nuclear factor of activated T cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension can be therapeutically targeted. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007;104:11418-23. 31. Li FY, Zhu SX, Wang ZP, Wang H, Zhao Y, Chen GP. Consumption of hydrogen-rich water protects against ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced nephrotoxicity and early tumor promotional events in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;61:248-54. 32. Hamidi SA, Lin RZ, Szema AM, Lyubsky S, Jiang YP, Said SI. VIP and endothelin receptor antagonist: an effective combination against experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension. Respir Res. 2011;12:141.
A microearthquake study in the Salton Sea geothermal area, California

Abstract Earthquake activities in the Salton Sea geothermal field were monitored for 8 weeks in 1975 with an array consisting of five portable seismographs and two USGS permanent stations. Two to three events per day ( M L
Osteomyelitis as a Late Complication of Percutaneous Pinning of a Supracondylar Fracture of the Distal Part of the Humerus.

Case: We report a case of an eleven-year-old boy who presented to our clinic with a draining wound from the left elbow. He had a history of a left closed supracondylar humeral fracture that had been treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning at five years of age, and he subsequently developed late-onset osteomyelitis. The patient was successfully treated with surgical irrigation and debridement, followed by intravenous and oral antibiotics. Conclusion: Dormant osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for any child who presents with elbow symptoms with a prior history of a supracondylar humeral fracture that has been treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.
The Fall of the Moche: A Critique of Claims for South America's First State

The Moche archaeological culture of the North Coast of Peru has been reified into a political system and claimed as the first state in South America. While some recent scholarship has reduced the size of the proposed state, the idea of Moche as a distinct political, social, or ethnic entity remains. In this article we demonstrate that even by the “classic” neoevolutionary theory of the 1960s—1980s the criteria for Moche statehood were not met. We suggest that neoevolutionary models for one or more Moche states are inadequate for understanding an archaeological culture that endured for more than six centuries, and we offer suggestions for directions for future research.
Ladder angle and ankle flexion while climbing.

39 children 4 to 8 yr. of age were filmed while ascending and descending ladders positioned at 90, 67, 40, 24, 14, and 0 degree from horizontal. Analysis indicated that the greatest range of motion, i.e., variability, took place at angles of 90, 67, and 40 degrees, and at each angle the deviation was from dorsito plantar flexion. While results showed that at each angle more dorsiflexion was exhibited ascending than descending, minimal plantar flexion was noted so most movement occurred in the dorsiflexion range. The greatest deviation (and near maximal movement) was in dorsiflexion at the horizontal (0 degree) position. Implications for design of play apparatus were presented.
The Effects of Mandatory Vaccination Laws on Childhood Health and Adult Educational Attainment

This paper investigates the effects of mandatory vaccination laws on childhood health and adult educational attainment in the United States. After the invention of a number of key vaccines, states began to require proof of immunization against certain infectious diseases for first-time school entry beginning in the 1960s. I exploit the staggered implementation of mandatory vaccination laws across states to identify both the short-run impacts on childhood morbidity and long-term effects on adult educational attainment. First, I show that the state mandates were effective in reducing the incidence rates of the targeted diseases, suggesting that the mandates did improve child health. Next, I find sizable and positive effects on educational attainment.
The Values of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in the Treatment of Asthmatic Children in A Province

Objective To find out the values of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide(Fe NO)in the treatment of asthmatic children in the Yun Nan Station. Methods Choose from January 2012 to December 2012, children's hospital in kunming, and asthma nursing diagnosis of 100 cases of children with asthma. Aged five to 15 years old. All children were randomly divided into research group and routine group, cases in the 50 cases in each group. All children were followed up for 1 times every 1-3 month. The team every time follow-up to determine Fe NO concentration detection, lung function, asthma control questio nnaire(ACT)adjustment condition assessment and treatment. Regular group determination, lung function were performed at the time of each follow-up ACT adjustment questionnaire survey condition assessment and treatment. Two groups of 10 months follow-up. To judge Fe NO detection in a role in the treatment of asthma control. Results The team the dose of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with the normal group, but reduce the number of asthma attacks than the conventional group. Conclusion The test of Fe NO can be used in asthma management and its control.
The design and research of intelligent line-tracking robot based on fuzzy-PID

This article introduces the design and execution of auto-searching for track by usage of the reflected infrared sensor on the car.The AT89C52 single chip microcomputer is used for the control core in this system.The fuzzy arithmetic and the PWM is used for control the direct current electromotor.
On cultivating oil-containing microalgae by using urban sewage

This paper is aimed to screen out a species of microalgae which grows in the original urban sewage. The said species of microalgae has a high tolerability,proliferates rapidly. It can also purify water as well as absorb the microalgae grease. For our study purpose,we have chosen three kinds of high oil-containing algaes as the study objects,that is: Chlorella sp.,Scenedesmus sp. and Botryococcus braunil. Having inoculatedin the local urban sewage,we have been trying to use the algaes for our experimental tests to validate its tolerability,growth condition,oil accumulation in addition to the degradation of TP and TN in the sewage in order to provide the basic data and promote the urban sewage treatment with its coupled biodiesel. The results of our experiments show that: in different sewage concentrations,Scenedesmus sp. has the most favorable tolerability of sewage. At the same time,the density of the algae can be made increase to 143 × 105 months / mL. Actually,it can be cultured in the 100% sewage,which also tells us that the algae density and the cell dry weight can be made much higher than the other algae species. In addition,Botryococcus braunii grows poor with the minimum density,with the maximum algal density being only 13 × 105 months / mL in 50% of sewage. Although the three concentrations of the algaes have some difference,the tests indicate that the sewage concentration has little effects on the growth of Botryococcus braunii,therefore,the algae is not fit for such sewage basically. Since Scenedesmus sp. has the highest oil content,it can be found that there exists a descending order for the three algaes,that is:Scenedesmus sp. Chlorella sp. Botryococcus braunii. The percentages of the oil-removal were 26. 34%, 23. 42% and21. 54%. Of the three kinds of algaes from the point of view of removing rate of TN,TP is idealistic,and the Scenedesmus sp.enjoys thehighest removal efficiency,whose removal rate is over 95%.