cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 15793: Transdifferentiation of Bone Marrow Cells and Cardiomyogenesis in the Infarcted Heart

A major debate of the last decade involves the plasticity of c-kit-positive bone marrow cells (c-kit-BMCs) and their ability to acquire cell lineages different from the organ of origin. Conflicting results obtained in different laboratories may depend on the functional heterogeneity and distinct transdifferentiation potential of single c-kit-BMCs. To address this issue, two methodologies were employed to label individual c-kit-BMCs and define their clonal fate in vivo: viral gene-tagging and fluorescent protein-based multicolor cell marking. c-kit-BMCs were infected with EGFP lentiviruses and injected in infarcted hearts. At 2 weeks, the regenerated myocardium was enzymatically digested and EGFP-labeled myocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and c-kit-cells were sorted. By employing a PCR-based method of detection of viral integrants, we searched for unique sites of viral insertion in the infected c-kit-BMCs and their progeny. Common insertion sites were found in the DNA of c-kit-BMCs and specialized cells, documenting that single c-kit-BMCs transdifferentiated into multiple cell lineages. However, only specific subsets of c-kit-BMCs generated cardiomyocytes in vivo. This finding strongly indicated that c-kit-BMCs are functionally heterogeneous, being composed of myogenic and non-myogenic cells. To strengthen these observations, freshly isolated FACS-sorted c-kit-BMCs were simultaneously transduced with 3 lentiviruses, each encoding red, green or blue (RGB) fluorescent proteins. Different combinations of inserted vectors in individual c-kit-BMCs resulted in a variety of mixed colors, each indicative of the development of clonal populations. RGB-infected c-kit-BMCs were delivered to infarcted rats; at 4 days, engrafted undifferentiated c-kit-BMCs displayed most of the color combinations seen in vitro. However, only few of the color combinations present at 4 days persisted at the later time-points. These homogeneously colored colonies consisted of large patches of myocytes, which derived from the expansion and transdifferentiation of single c-kit-BMCs. Our findings document that c-kit-BMCs are functionally heterogeneous and have different ability to survive, engraft, and transdifferentiate in the ischemic heart.
Thoracic Bone Tumors Every Radiologist Should Know

The thoracic cage provides the structural support that makes respiration possible, provides protection to vital organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, and spleen, and serves as an anchor point for the upper extremities. Neoplasms of the bony thorax are not an uncommon incidental finding at both radiography and cross-sectional imaging. Some tumors have a characteristic appearance and it is important that an accurate differential diagnosis be provided. Misidentification could lead to unnecessary imaging or procedures with associated cost, morbidity, and mortality. The purpose of this article is to serve as a quick review of bone tumors commonly encountered in the thorax and that every radiologist should know. Please note that there are also several non-neoplastic osseous lesions that may mimic bone tumors such as osteomyelitis and eosinophilic granuloma; however, these entities are beyond the scope of this review and would not be discussed.
Accurate and efficient computation of high order zernike moments

Zernike Moments are useful tools in pattern recognition and image analysis due to their orthogonality and rotation invariance property. However, direct computation of these moments is very expensive, limiting their use especially at high orders. There have been some efforts to reduce the computational cost by employing quantized polar coordinate systems, which also reduce the accuracy of the moments. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm to accurately calculate Zernike moments at high orders. To preserve accuracy, we do not use any form of coordinate transformation and employ arbitrary precision arithmetic. The computational complexity is reduced by detecting the common terms in Zernike moments with different order and repetition. Experimental results show that our method is more accurate than other methods and it has comparable computational complexity especially in case of using large images and high order moments.
Progress against cancer (1971-2011): how far have we come?

Tiwari AK, Roy HK (NorthShore University HealthSystem; Evanston, IL, USA). Progress against Cancer (1971–2011): how far have we come? (Historical Perspectives). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 392–399. Abstract. ‘The big C’, a common euphemism for cancer, has loomed large on the collective psyche of the mankind for centuries, not least because of the relative dearth of effective treatment against this disease but its ability to relentlessly evade them and come back to haunt us. However, the struggle against cancer took a decisive turn in 1971 when a relentless campaigning by health activists eventually led to signing of the National Cancer Act in the United States, an unprecedented event in the history of diseases. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the signing of that historic legislation, an assessment of the progress against cancer would naturally help us understand how we have fared so far in this struggle and guide us in our efforts to re-strategize and re-deploy our limited resources to their best use against this immortal enemy.
Photodehydrocyclizations in stilbene-like compounds—II : Photochemistry of distyrylbenzenes

Abstract The photochemistry of distyrylbenzenes has been reinvestigated. It appears that formation of 1,12-benzperylene from the para isomer and picene from the ortho compound occur via an indirect route; the relevant cyclizations take place only in dimers of the parent compounds. Other photoproducts from ortho distyrylbenzene are stilbene and phenanthrene, probably arising via 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-dihydronaphthalene. These results show that the photoreactivity of the three isomers is entirely in accordance with the general rules previously formulated for photodehydrocyclizations in stilbene-like compounds.
Phosphorylation of Enkephalins: NMR and CD Studies in Aqueous and Membrane-Mimicking Environments

Phosphorylation of l-serine-containing enkephalin analogs has been explored as an alternative to glycosylation in an effort to increase blood-brain barrier permeability and CNS bioavailability of peptide pharmacophores. Two enkephalin-based peptides were modified for these studies, a set related to DTLES, a mixed μ/δ-agonist, and one related to DAMGO, a highly selective μ-agonist. Each unglycosylated peptide was compared to its phosphate, its mono-benzylphosphate ester, and its β-d-glucoside. Binding was characterized in membrane preparations from Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human μ, δ and κ-opiate receptors. Antinociception was measured in mice using the 55 °C tail-flick assay. To estimate bioavailability, the antinociceptive effect of each opioid agonist was evaluated after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intravenous administration (i.v.) of the peptides. Circular dichroism methods and high-field nuclear magnetic resonance were used in the presence and absence of sodium dodecylsulfate to understand how the presence of a membrane might influence the peptide conformations.
Creatine therapy provides neuroprotection after onset of clinical symptoms in Huntington's disease transgenic mice.

While there have been enormous strides in the understanding of Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis, treatment to slow or prevent disease progression remains elusive. We previously reported that dietary creatine supplementation significantly improves the clinical and neuropathological phenotype in transgenic HD mice lines starting at weaning, before clinical symptoms appear. We now report that creatine administration started after onset of clinical symptoms significantly extends survival in the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD. Creatine treatment started at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age, analogous to early, middle, and late stages of human HD, significantly extended survival at both the 6- and 8-week starting points. Significantly improved motor performance was present in both the 6- and 8-week treatment paradigms, while reduced body weight loss was only observed in creatine-supplemented R6/2 mice started at 6 weeks. Neuropathological sequelae of gross brain and neuronal atrophy and huntingtin aggregates were delayed in creatine-treated R6/2 mice started at 6 weeks. We show significantly reduced brain levels of both creatine and ATP in R6/2 mice, consistent with a bioenergetic defect. Oral creatine supplementation significantly increased brain concentrations of creatine and ATP to wild-type control levels, exerting a neuroprotective effect. These findings have important therapeutic implications, suggesting that creatine therapy initiated after diagnosis may provide significant clinical benefits to HD patients.
Nox2 Is a Mediator of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Delayed graft function (DGF) results from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and the generation of reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) plays an important role in pathways leading to DGF. We tested this hypothesis in vitro, in an animal model of IRI using wild type and Nox2(-/-) mice, and in patients with DGF. Under hypoxic conditions, primary tubular epithelial cells from Nox2(-/-) mice had reduced expression of MMP2, vimentin, and HSP27. BUN and creatinine levels were significantly increased in both Nox2(-/-) and WT mice at 4 weeks and 6 months after IRI, suggesting the development of acute and chronic kidney injury. At 4 weeks, kidney fibrosis (α-SMA, picrosirius) and oxidative stress (dihydroethidine, HNE) were significantly reduced in Nox2(-/-) mice, confirming the oxidative and pro-fibrotic effects of Nox2. The molecular signature of IRI using genomic analyses demonstrated a significant decline in hypoxia reponse, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation in Nox2(-/-) mice. Immunohistochemical analyses of pre-implanatation kidney allograft biopsies from patients with subsequent DGF showed significantly greater Nox2 levels and vascular injury compared with patients without DGF. These studies demonstrate that Nox2 is a modulator of IRI and its absence is associated with reduced inflammation, OS, and fibrosis.
Peroxybis(triphenylphosphine)palladium

[29933-60-6; 15614-66-1] C36H30O2P2Pd (MW 663.02) InChI = 1S/2C18H15P.O2.Pd/c2*1-4-10-16(11-5-1)19(17-12-6-2-7-13-17)18-14-8-3-9-15-18;1-2;/h2*1-15H;;/q;;-2;+2 InChIKey = OXDMQEQIGOKTRK-UHFFFAOYSA-N InChI = 1S/2C18H15P.O2.Pd/c2*1-4-10-16(11-5-1)19(17-12-6-2-7-13-17)18-14-8-3-9-15-18;1-2;/h2*1-15H;;/q;;-2;+2 InChIKey = OXDMQEQIGOKTRK-VULIYLOBAN (an oxygen carrier for mild oxidation of alkenes,1 sulfur compounds,2 and oximes3) Alternate Name: dioxygenbis(triphenylphosphine)palladium. Physical Data: described as green crystalline solid; mp 105 °C (darkens); 140–143 °C (melts);4 also described as pale blue powder; mp 100 °C (dec).5 Solubility: sol CH2Cl2. Preparative Methods: prepared by bubbling oxygen through a solution of Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in a carbon dioxide-free mixture of CH2Cl2 and diethyl ether4 or benzene,6 or by bubbling oxygen through a carbon dioxide-free solution of bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium in benzene.5 Purification: recrystallization from a 1∶1 mixture of CH2Cl2 and ether with oxygen bubbling through continuously.4 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the solid and its solutions decompose in a few days to metallic palladium and oxygen or phosphine oxide.
Static driver verifier, a formal verification tool for Windows device drivers

Microsoft is improving the quality of system software, in particular, through the intensive application of formal methods. The ultimate goal is to reach a point at which robustness against failures and attacks can be guaranteed. To support this goal, the company has invested in advanced testing and verification tools. Examples include model-based testing supported by AsmL/SpeC#, TLC and Zing model checkers for concurrency verification, a type system augmented with pre-/post- conditions (Fugue), advanced static analysis tools (PreFix, ESP, etc.) and Static Driver Verifier, SDV. SDV is a formal verification tool aimed at checking device drivers developed using the Windows Driver Model (WDM) interface. The WDM interface consists of more than 800 functions - entry points into the kernel functionality. To correctly use the WDM interface is not easy: WDM rules are numerous and complicated.
Some statistical aspects of JASIS publications

Statistics on the nationality, society memberships, and citation patterns of JASIS and other information science journal authors are presented, together with data concerning elapsed time between initial receipt of a manuscript and its publication.
The role of ε-martensite in the impact toughness of an Fe-17Mn alloy

The influence of e-martensite on the cryogenic toughness of an Fe-17 wt% Mn alloy was studied in this work. Alloys were tempered at various temperatures in order to systematically increase the volume fraction of e-martensite. This was followed by Charpy impact testing conducted at room temperature and at−196°C. The experimental results indicated that although room-temperature toughness was not influenced by the e-martensite content, the cryogenic toughness was strongly dependent on the volume fraction of e-martensite. In particular, with the exception of the alloys tempered at 400 and 450°C, the impact toughness consistently increased with e-martensite content. Microstructural and fractographic evaluations using SEM and TEM suggested that the toughness improvements were attributed to the e→ α stress-induced martensite transformation. No microstructural evidence was found which could be ascribed to an effect of e-martensite on the low-temperature embrittlement exhibited by Fe-Mn alloys tempered at 400–450°C.
A soluble inhibitor of B and T cell proliferation and antibody synthesis produced by dividing human T cells

Abstract Supernatants derived after 5 to 7 days of mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) of human lymphocytes were found to contain a nondialyzable soluble inhibitor of DNA synthesis and of antibody formation. Supernatants from unstimulated lymphocytes contained low concentrations of this activity, suggesting continuous production of the inhibitor by metabolically active cells. The inhibitor was partly separable from the B-cell helper LMF, on Sephadex G200, and was elaborated in MLC culture as LMF production ceased. It is postulated that this factor plays a role in the normal homeostatic control of lymphocyte function.
Tung Oil: A Revival

This case illustrates the difficult financial decisions that exist in agriculture. A small group of farmers are considering planting tung nut trees on their land. Historical information about the tung nut industry is included as background. Because tung nuts are grown on trees, farmers deciding to invest in tung orchards must wait years for a return on investment. Instructors can use this case to aid in teaching financial topics, such as net present value, simple rate of return, and other financial measures. Other issues also could be explored, including risk, marketing channels, business planning, and alternative agricultural crops.
Electrical design for manufacturability and lithography and stress variability hotspot detection flows at 28nmn

Lithography and stress effects cause Layout Dependent Variability (LDV), which results in unexpected and unaccounted timing variations. Because standard cells yield unpredicted timing variation due to context differences, the LDV methodology includes the Cell Context Analysis (CCA) flow that provides designers a comprehensive framework to optimize the design layouts and tune the cell's electrical performance. Conventional static timing analysis tools do not incorporate the electrical impact due to nearby context proximity. The LDV methodology includes an Advanced Timing Analysis (ATA) flow that accounts for the electrical impact of cell contexts, which provides more accurate timing results and identifies new timing violations on critical paths. This paper presents the electrical DFM (eDFM) methodologies developed by GLOBALFOUNDRIES using Cadence LEA (Litho Electrical Analyzer) at 28nm technology node. The paper also discusses about the CCA results for more than 40 contexts of each cell and reports mean delay variations of 3% or more.
Increasing ablation distance peripheral to the saphenofemoral junction may result in a diminished rate of endothermal heat-induced thrombosis.

Objective The treatment of venous insufficiency using endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation may result in endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT), a form of deep venous thrombosis. This study sought to assess whether increasing the ablation distance peripheral to the deep venous junction would result in a reduction in the incidence of EHIT II. Methods This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database from April 2007 to December 2011. Consecutive patients undergoing great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) ablation were evaluated. Previous to February 2011, all venous ablations were performed 2 cm peripheral to the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction (group I). Subsequent to February 2011, ablations were performed greater than or equal to 2.5 cm peripheral to the respective deep system junction (group II). The primary outcome was the development of EHIT II or greater (ie, thrombus protruding into the deep venous system but comprising less than 50% of the deep vein lumen). Secondary outcomes included procedure-site complications such as thrombophlebitis and hematomas. χ2 tests were performed for all discrete variables, and unpaired Student's t-tests were performed for all continuous variables. P Results A total of 4223 procedures were performed among group I (n = 3239) and group II (n = 984). Patient demographics were similar between the two groups; however, the CEAP classification was higher by a small margin in group II, and the result was significant (group I: 2.6% ± 0.9% vs group II: 2.8% ± 1.0%; P = .006). The incidence of EHIT II was 76 in group I and 13 in group II. This represented a trend toward diminished frequency in group II as compared with group I (group I: 2.3% vs group II: 1.3%; P = .066). There were no reported cases of EHIT III or IV in this patient cohort. Patients who developed an EHIT II in group I were treated using anticoagulation 54% of the time, and patients who developed an EHIT II in group II were treated using anticoagulation 100% of the time. Conclusions This study suggests that changing the treatment distance from 2 cm to greater than or equal to 2.5 cm peripheral to the deep venous junction may result in a diminished incidence of EHIT II. Ongoing evaluation is required to validate these results and to affirm the long-term durability of this technique.
Hijacking oocyte DNA repair machinery in transgenesis

Transgenesis refers to the modification of a genome to carry specified exogenous DNA sequences (transgenes, tgs) in a plant or animal; tgs are ideally transmissible through the germline. It has recently been shown that a membrane-disrupted spermatozoon mixed with exogenous DNA can be microinjected into an unfertilized, metaphase II (mll) oocyte to generate transgenic mouse embryos and offspring. This is here referred to as metaphase II (mll) transgenesis. Exogenous DNA clearly becomes genomically integrated in this process, but how? Presumably, the integration process utilizes DNA repair and recombinational machinery resident within mll oocytes. With recent advances in the description of DNA recombination and repair per se and in relation to meiotic and mitotic cell cycles, we are now poised to explain features of mll transgenesis. Conversely, the method may of itself provide a new tool to probe these aspects of DNA metabolism. This article describes mll transgenesis in the context of DNA recombination and homeostasis in mll oocytes. A fuller understanding of the underlying recombinational mechanisms may enable improved methods of manipulating mammalian genomes and lead to gene targeting and genetic surgery in mll oocytes.
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis of Anti-TRAP (AT) Reveals Residues Involved in Binding to TRAP

Abstract The trp RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP) regulates expression of the tryptophan biosynthetic (trp) genes in response to changes in intracellular levels of free l-tryptophan in many Gram-positive bacteria. When activated by binding tryptophan, TRAP binds to the mRNAs of several genes involved in tryptophan metabolism, and down-regulates transcription or translation of these genes. Anti-TRAP (AT) is an antagonist of TRAP that binds to tryptophan-activated TRAP and prevents it from binding to its RNA targets, and thereby up-regulates trp gene expression. The crystal structure shows that AT is a cone-shaped trimer (AT3) with the N-terminal residues of the three subunits assembled at the apex of the cone and that these trimers can further assemble into a dodecameric (AT12) structure. Using alanine-scanning mutagenesis we found four residues, all located on the “top” region of AT3, that are essential for binding to TRAP. Fluorescent labeling experiments further suggest that the top region of AT is in close juxtaposition to TRAP in the AT-TRAP complex. In vivo studies confirmed the importance of these residues on the top of AT in regulating TRAP mediated gene regulation.
Interaction of mineral elements in sea water and shell of oysters (Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)) cultured in controlled and natural systems

Abstract The interaction is reported of selected chemical elements (cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, strontium, and zinc) in cultured sea water, with soft tissues, prismatic calcite of the right valve, and foliated calcite of right and left valves of genetically similar American oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) grown in a natural habitat and in two environmentally controlled experimental systems (flow-through and recycle). The addition of trace elements as algal nutrients in ambient sea water was reflected in higher concentrations of trace metals in shells and soft tissues of oysters grown in experimental systems. Calcium was relatively uniformly distributed in major regions of valves from the three habitats, even though its concentration fluctuated widely in sea water in experimental systems. Magnesium and strontium were most concentrated in valves of oysters grown in the recycle system (magnesium in the prismatic layer of the shell and strontium in the foliated calcite). Iron was uniformly distributed. Cadmium, copper, manganese, and zinc were most concentrated in the prismatic calcite of valves from the flow-through system. In soft tissues, calcium was more concentrated in oysters from experimental systems than in those from the natural habitat. Manganese was about equally distributed in soft tissues from the three habitats, whereas copper and iron were more concentrated in soft tissues in experimental systems than in the natural habitat, and were many times more concentrated in soft tissues than in valves from all three habitats. As concentrations of magnesium, strontium, mangenese, zinc, and cadmium increased in valves in experimental systems, pigmentation of valves decreased. The study confirmed the capacity of oysters to concentrate several elements in their valves as concentration of these elements increased in ambient sea water and disclosed the heterogeneous distribution of these elements in major regions of the valves.
Genetic analysis of NF-κB/Rel transcription factors defines functional specificities

The NF-κB transcription factors consist of dimeric proteins of the Rel homology family. They activate many promoters containing highly divergent κB-site sequences. We have generated cell lines lacking individual and multiple NF-κB proteins and used them to establish interactions between components of the NF-κB–IκB signaling system. Functional compensation within the family of dimers was evident in knockout cell lines. Analysis of transiently transfected genes gave an impression of promiscuity that was not borne out by analysis of endogenous genes. Using TNFα as an inducer, a panel of endogenous genes showed a wide range of subunit specificities as well as highly variable kinetics of induction. Comparing the function and subunit specificity of genes with the sequence of the κB DNA-binding site we found little correlation, indicating that NF-κB family member specificity for endogenous promoters is not solely encoded by the κB site sequence itself.
The Detail Behind Web-Scale: Selecting and Configuring Web-Scale Discovery Tools to Meet Music Information Retrieval Needs.

Web-scale discovery tools are rapidly gaining popularity as a purported “one-stop search” for discovering library information. Music, particularly printed music and recordings, presents unique information-retrieval needs. This article identifies, explores, and makes recommendations regarding key music-related aspects to consider when selecting and implementing a discovery tool, considering scope, metadata, and interface.
Oxygen Depletion in Lake Erie: Modeling the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Interactions, 1972 and 1979

Models of the thermal structure, transport, and oxygen uptake within the water column and sediment are combined to examine the interaction of physical and biochemical processes resulting in oxygen depletion in the central basin hypolimnion of Lake Erie. While the oxygen demand in water and sediment may vary slightly from year to year, the oxygen supply to the hypolimnion due to physical processes is quite variable. Detailed calculations show that in years with relatively calm weather (e.g., 1979), physical processes supply only about 10% of the amount needed to offset demand due to uptake in the water and sediment during stratified periods. As the hypolimnion also tends to be relatively shallow in such years, the available oxygen is often quickly depleted. In contrast, during windy years (e.g., 1972) physical sources can supply about 40% of the oxygen consumed and, since the hypolimnion tends to be thicker, the oxygen concentration seldom reaches the anoxic level. It is concluded that analysis with oxygen depletion as an indicator of Lake Erie's recovery due to phosphorus control must consider variability in oxygen sources as a result of physical processes.
Contact and Surface Problems in Adhesion, Friction, Indentation, and Cavitation Erosion Related to Space and Aeronautics Lubrication

This paper presents fundamental studies and observations of the adhesion, friction, deformation, and fracture behavior of solid surfaces undergoing solid-to-solid contact and liquid-to-solid contact. Emphasis is on the basic material and structural characteristics, as well as the surface effects, in the tribological phenomena. First, the adhesion and friction behaviors of smooth, atomically clean surfaces of solid-solid couples in a clean environment are presented, and the friction mechanisms are described in terms of surface energy and ductility. The roles of interface species (dispersed carbon nanotubes as well as contaminant and oxide layers) are also considered. The importance of surface analytical techniques used both to understand the phenomena and mechanisms of adhesion, friction, deformation, and fracture and to define the associated problems is addressed. Secondly, deformation behavior of single crystals, such as MgO, subjected to hardness indentation and cavitation erosion is discussed. How the deformation behavior relates to crystal orientation and distribution of dislocations is explained. Thirdly, crack patterns in ceramics, such as diamond, generated by spherical indenters under normal loading are discussed in relation to the structures, impurities, and properties of the ceramics.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The value of noise for informational cascades

Informational cascades are said to occur when rational agents ignore their own private information and blindly follow the actions of other agents. Models for such cascades have been well studied for Bayesian agents, who observe perfectly the actions of other agents. In this paper, we investigate the impact of errors in these observations; the errors are modelled via a binary symmetric channel (BSC). Using a Markov chain model, we analyze the net payoff of each agent as a function of his signal quality and the crossover error probability in the channel. Our main result is that a lower error level does not always lead to a higher payoff when the number of agents is large.
Grazing rates of the Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus as a function of particle size and concentration

The feeding behavior of adult Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) upon 5 species of phytoplankton and 2 species of zooplankton has been studied. Four recognizable feeding stages which were a function of the concentration and size of the food particles were observed. During rapid feeding the fish swam at a constant speed for a prolonged period over a wide range of particle concentrations. Particle and food carbon-concentrations at the threshold for initiation and termination of feeding were inversely related to particle size. Carteria chuii (13.2 μ) was not grazed at a significant rate, while two-cell chains of Skeletonema costatum (16. 5 μ) were filtered from the water, indicating a minimum-size threshold for filtration of between 13 and 16 μ. The most rapid filtering rates were observed for the copepod Acartia tonsa (\(\bar x\) volume swept clear = 24.8 l/fish/min). The maximum food-particle size acceptable to a menhaden appears to be between Acartia tonsa (1200 μ) and adult Artemia salina (10 mm). These results suggest that the large schools of menhaden found in Atlantic coastal waters could have a significant effect on the plankton, selectively grazing zooplankton, larger phytoplankton, and the longer chains of chain-forming diatoms.
Somatosensory evoked responses in the mesencephalic central gray matter of the rat.

Abstract Short latency evoked potentials were recorded from central gray (CG) of the rat under deep Nembutal anesthesia to stimulation of any limb, the tail, or the face. An intermediate degree of somatotopic organization was evident. The tail and face were better represented than the limbs, and the contralateral body surface was better represented than the homolateral. The focus of maximum responding always lay just ventral to the aqueduct. Several of these observations are in marked contrast to previously reported findings in CG of the cat. In the acute, anesthetized preparation ventral cord section abolished earliest component of the CG response while dorsal cord section abolished the later component. In the chronically implanted, awake animal the CG response consisted of 4 components (positive-negative-positive-negative). The first and second positive components corresponded to those carried in the ventral and dorsal cord paths respectively. The principal growth in amplitude of the first positive component occurred with stimulus intensities well below noxious levels. From these and single cell data it was concluded that this component carried information of tactile origin. Amplitude of later components correlated with nociception in 3 experiments: (1) when shock awakened the animal these components were larger than when the same stimulus failed to awaken the animal; (2) employing a noxious level of stimulation, these components were reduced in amplitude by morphine; (3) when a stimulus was applied of just sufficient intensity to elicit reliable behavioral signs of distress, these components were larger than when a slightly weaker stimulus was used.
Characterization of subcellular particles by size, charge and apparent compressibility on the basis of mobility in agarose gel electrophoresis: Procedures of computer simulation

Two procedures of computer simulation of the electrophoretic migration of a particle through agarose gel are described which allow for: (a) characterization of gel fiber dimensions as a function of gel concentration (gel standardization), (b) determination of particle radius and the dynamics of apparent particle compressibility during passage through the standardized gel, and (c) estimation of the net charge density of a particle by calculating its mobility at 0 % gel concentration. The common model underlying these simulations is based on the extended Ogston theory which probabilistically describes the migration of a particle through a random network of inert and non-flexible fibers in terms of a “random space walk”. The first procedure, applicable to relatively rigid particles such as bacteriophages, standardizes the gel fiber on the basis of mobility values (cm/s)/(V/cm) at several gel concentrations of a single, or several, bacteriophages of known radius. Mobilities of an unknown bacteriophage are then used to simulate its physical properties. The second method, applicable to relatively non-rigid particles such as plant viruses, uses 7 polystyrene particles of known radius to standardize the gel fiber, followed by simulation of virus properties on the basis of their mobilities at several gel concentrations. The techniques described are most appropriate for deriving physical properties of particles from their nonlinear plots of log (mobility) vs. gel concentration (Ferguson plots). They have the virtue of yielding the properties of native, hydrated gel fibers and particles.
A Probabilistic Method for Estimating Monitoring Point Density for Containment System Leak Detection

The use of physical and hydraulic containment systems for the isolation of contaminated ground water and aquifer materials associated with hazardous waste sites has increased during the last decade. The existing methodologies for monitoring and evaluating leakage from hazardous waste containment systems rely primarily on limited hydraulic head data. The number of hydraulic head monitoring points available at most sites employing physical containment systems may be insufficient to identify significant leaks from the systems. A probabilistic approach for evaluating the performance of containment systems, based on estimations of apparent leakage rates, is used to introduce a methodology for determining the minimum number of monitoring points necessary to identify the hydraulic signature of leakage from a containment system. The probabilistic method is based on the principles of geometric probability. The method is demonstrated using three-dimensional ground water flow modeling results of leakage through a vertical barrier. The results indicate that the monitoring point spacing used at many hazardous waste sites likely is inadequate to detect the hydraulic signatures of all but the largest leaks.
A compact optical fiber scanner for medical imaging

A compact fiber optic scanner for biomedical applications such as optical coherent tomography has been designed, fabricated and tested. The scanner is designed as an in vivo device and composed of an optical fiber coated with nickel-powder loaded paint for external magnetic actuation. The compactness of the imaging device makes it suitable for applications where size, precision and low power consumption is critical. We have previously demonstrated the principles utilizing magnetic actuation for the fiber scanner coated with magnetic gel. This work focused on verification and optimization of the scanner operation. The magnetic properties of the nickel particle mixed with paint were characterized using an alternating gradient magnetometer. The optical scanner is externally actuated by an electromagnet and so it does not require a voltage or current supply in the probe itself. The displacements of the scanner were recorded using a position sensitive detector. The result showed a 0.8-mm displacement under the influence of a static magnetic field of 17.6 KA/m in a fiber with a moveable length of 4.2cm. Dynamic analysis showed a displacement of 0.83mm with an input current amplitude of 41mA and a magnetic field of 2.4 KA/m. The measurements are in good agreement with the theoretical lumped-element calculations. Finite-element analysis was performed and the results agree with the theoretical and experimental results. The static and dynamic displacements of the fiber optic scanner depend on the thickness and length of the magnetic coating. Thus, scanners for different displacements and operating frequencies can be designed by varying the coating thickness and length.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Indications for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Neonate

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a rescue technique used for term and near-term neonates who have respiratory failure that is unresponsive to conventional therapy. The complexity of the equipment necessitates intensive training of a specialized team before setting up an ECMO unit. An understanding of the physiology underlying ECMO and the criteria used for patient selection assists the nurse in identifying neonates who might benefit from the technique.
Contributions to topological biology: Some considerations on the primordial graph and on some possible transformations

This paper is a continuation of some discussions published previously (Bull. Math. Biophysics,16, 317–347, 1954). A different example of a primordial graph is suggested and discussed. Then six different types of geometric transformations, similar in some respects to the one discussed in the previous paper are proposed. Another set of seven different transformations which emphasize the central role of the circulatory system is described. A theorem about the “lumping” of several points of a graph into one point is proved and possible biological aspects of it are discussed.
Olanzapine in pregnancy and breastfeeding: a review of data from global safety surveillance

Olanzapine use has been reported during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but there are no controlled clinical trials assessing the safety of olanzapine exposure to infants and fetuses. The purpose of this report was to review and analyze prospective post-marketing cases of pregnancy and breastfeeding with olanzapine, in order to guide clinicians and women on the use of olanzapine therapy during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. A worldwide safety database maintained by Eli Lilly and Company was searched for all spontaneous-reported data regarding olanzapine use during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Cases reported prior to pregnancy outcome were considered to be prospective, and follow-up was pursued after the delivery date to assess outcome. Outcome data were available for 610 prospectively identified pregnancies during which olanzapine was used. The majority of women had normal births (66%), although premature births were reported in 9.8% and perinatal conditions in 8% of the pregnancies. A total of 102 pregnancies reported olanzapine treatment during breastfeeding. In these infants, the most commonly reported adverse events were somnolence (3.9%), irritability (2%), tremor (2%), and insomnia (2%), although the majority of pregnancies reported no adverse events (82.3%). The frequency of fetal outcomes in these prospectively identified pregnancies exposed to olanzapine did not differ from rates of outcomes reported in the general population. These data may be useful to help guide clinicians and women decide to continue, or discontinue, olanzapine therapy during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, but should be considered within the limitations associated with spontaneously reported data. Women should notify their clinicians if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while being treated with olanzapine. Because of limited experience in humans, olanzapine should be used in pregnancy only when potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Olanzapine should only be considered during breastfeeding when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant.
Air quality model evaluation data for organics. 6. C3-C24 organic acids.

The atmospheric concentrations of 47 carboxylic acids in the semivolatile and particle phases are quantified in the Los Angeles area, as part of a larger study of the vapor-phase, semivolatile, and particle-phase organic compounds. Variations in the spatial and temporal distributions of acid concentrations are analyzed to determine whether atmospheric formation or primary emissions are responsible for the observed levels. Relatively low molecular weight aliphatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., butanedioic acid, hexanedioic acid, and propanedioic acid) and some n-alkanoic acids (e.g., n-octanoic acid and n-nonanoic acid) are found at an offshore sampling location at levels comparable to urban area concentrations indicating that these compounds or their atmospheric precursors may be derived from long-range transport or natural background sources. Some aromatic carboxylic acids (e.g., benzoic acid and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid) have spatial and temporal distributions suggesting that formation from anthropogenic emissions of gaseous precursors dominates their atmospheric concentrations. Additionally, the distributions of aliphatic carboxylic acid concentrations known to be emitted from primary sources (e.g., hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid) are consistent with direct emissions as the dominant source of these compounds.
Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Western Washington: Landowner Learning Methods and Motivations

States, territories, and tribes identify nonpoint source pollution as responsible for more than half of the Nation’s existing and threatened water quality impairments, making it the principal remaining cause of water quality problems across the United States. Combinations of education, technical and financial assistance, and regulatory measures are used to inform landowners about nonpoint source pollution issues, and to stimulate the use of best management practices. A mail survey of non-commercial riparian landowners investigated how they learn about best management practices, the efficacy of different educational techniques, and what motivates them to implement land management activities. Landowners experience a variety of educational techniques, and rank those that include direct personal contact as more effective than brochures, advertisements, radio, internet, or television. The most important motivations for implementing best management practices were linked with elements of a personal stewardship ethic, accountability, personal commitment, and feasibility. Nonpoint source education and social marketing campaigns should include direct interpersonal contacts, and appeal to landowner motivations of caring, responsibility, and personal commitment.
Effects of commercial versus synthetic diets on hepatic xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in channel catfish

Abstract Immature channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were fed either: (1) a laboratory-prepared, semipurified diet, (2) a standard catfish ration obtained from Rangen, Inc., or (3) a diet from Gold Kist, Inc. After feeding for 90 days, half of the fish in each group were treated with Aroclor 1254 (50 mg/kg i.p.). Hepatic microsomal 7-ethoxyresorufin and 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase activities were significantly (p
Quantitative genetic analysis of longitudinal trends in adoption designs with application to IQ in the Colorado adoption project

A factor model is presented that provides for either multivariate or developmental specification of longitudinal genetic and environmental effects in the presence of assortative mating and cultural transmission. Delta path methods are employed for the treatment of assortative mating and selective placement effects. The proportions of genetic and environmental variance and covariance attributable to assortative mating and cultural transmission are modeled explicitly. The model was applied to cognitive ability data on 493 families in the Colorado Adoption Project by means of maximum-likelihood pedigree analysis. A test of the assumption of multivariate normality of error provided an additional model criterion beyond the log-likelihood ratio statistic. No significant effects were found for cultural transmission, genetic-environmental covariance, or selective placement. The results suggest that the phenotypic stability of IQ during early childhood is largely, if not entirely, genetic in origin and that these longitudinal genetic effects can be represented most parsimoniously in the form of developmental transmission.
Constraints on the Skyrme Equations of State from Properties of Doubly Magic Nuclei

I use properties of doubly magic nuclei to constrain symmetric nuclear matter and neutron matter equations of state. I conclude that these data determine the value of the neutron equation of state at a density of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{on}=0.10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{nucleons}/{\mathrm{fm}}^{3}$ to be 11.4(10) MeV. The slope at that point is constrained by the value of the neutron skin. Analytical equations are given that show the dependence of the Skyrme equations of state on the neutron skin.
Effect of growth parameters on habit and morphology of electrodeposited lead dendrites

Abstract Changes in habit and morphology of lead dendrites grown by electrodeposition from aqueous solutions were studied as a function of various growth parameters. Changes resulting from current density and concentration of the electrolyte are given in chart form. The following changes in morphology were observed in order of increasing current density, (a) polyhedral growth, (b) dendrites growing in the 〈110〉 directions, (c) acicular dendrites growing in the 〈110〉 directions, (d) dendrites growing in the 〈211〉 directions, (e) dendrites growing in the 〈100〉 directions, and (f) spongy growth. Not all of these morphologies were found, however, at each concentration. Dendrites were faceted in all cases by {111} planes. (a), (e), and (f) did not contain twin planes. Dendrites in (b) and (d) contained twin planes parallel to the main faces, while those in (c) had twin planes radiating from a common line. Evidence suggests that the dendrites containing twin planes grow by the twin plane re-entrant edge mechanism.
The Transmission Strategy for Energy Harvesting Wireless Transmitters

Energy efficiency is always an essential concern in modern wireless communication systems. Energy harvesting is a promising technique and can substantially extend the lifetime of power-critical wireless systems such as wireless sensors. Unlike the traditional battery powered system, the system utilizing energy harvesting usually has a smaller battery or merely a super-capacitor. Rather than the limitation on the maximum energy capacity, it is much more critical to take considerations on the energy harvesting rate when an optimal transmission strategy is proposed for such wireless communication systems. In this paper, we study the above issues, and develop an innovative framework considering the characteristics of the wireless communication systems with energy harvesting. The balance between the available resources such as harvested energy and the output such as successful packets is optimized. The simulation results show that our proposed framework works better in all scenarios compared with the baseline strategy.
Postoperative delirium after hip fracture.

A hip fracture is sustained by 250,000 Americans every year1, and that number is expected to double by 20402. The most frequent complication associated with hip fracture in elderly patients is postoperative delirium3, with a prevalence ranging between 5% and 61%, depending on the patient population1,3-8. Delirium is often undetected, misdiagnosed, or undertreated9-11. However, this condition has severe consequences for the patient4,5,11. The focus of this article is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the outcomes, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of postoperative delirium in elderly patients treated for a hip fracture. For the purposes of this article, delirium and acute confusional states are synonymous. Delirium consists of a “disturbance of consciousness.... with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention.” There is also “a change in cognition... or the development of a perceptual disturbance that is not better accounted for by a preexisting, established, or evolving dementia.”12 The diagnostic criteria …