APPLICATION OF A BIO-ECONOMIC-ENGINEERING MODEL FOR SHRIMP MARICULTURE SYSTEMS

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Dynamic filtering of static dipoles in magnetoencephalography

We consider the problem of estimating neural activity from measurements of the magnetic fields recorded by magnetoencephalography. We exploit the temporal structure of the problem and model the neural current as a collection of evolving current dipoles, which appear and disappear, but whose locations are constant throughout their lifetime. This fully reflects the physiological interpretation of the model. In order to conduct inference under this proposed model, it was necessary to develop an algorithm based around state-of-the-art sequential Monte Carlo methods employing carefully designed importance distributions. Previous work employed a bootstrap filter and an artificial dynamic structure where dipoles performed a random walk in space, yielding nonphysical artefacts in the reconstructions; such artefacts are not observed when using the proposed model. The algorithm is validated with simulated data, in which it provided an average localisation error which is approximately half that of the bootstrap filter. An application to complex real data derived from a somatosensory experiment is presented. Assessment of model fit via marginal likelihood showed a clear preference for the proposed model and the associated reconstructions show better localisation

Anti-Lu14: A Lutheran Antibody Defining the Product of an Allele at the Lu8 Blood Group Locus 1

A ‘new’ Lutheran-related antibody, named anti-Lu14, reacts with approximately 2.4% of random bloods. Red cells of the rare Lu:-8 phenotype are Lu:14. The data indicate, with a high probability, that the Lu 14 antigen is a product of an allele of Lu 8 and that Lu 14 and Lu 8 comprise a third pair of alleles at the Lutheran locus. Red cells of the original Sw (a+) propositus are Lu:14. By coincidence, he has inherited two low-incidence genes. This observation may explain the discrepancy in different families concerning a possible relationship between Sw a and Lutheran. Pedigree information now suggests that Sw a is not a Lutheran gene.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75055/1/j.1423-0410.1977.tb00632.x.pd

Modelling the penumbra in computed tomography

Background: In computed tomography (CT), the spot geometry is one of the main sources of error in CT images. Since X-rays do not arise from a point source, artefacts are produced. In particular there is a penumbra effect, leading to poorly defined edges within a reconstructed volume. Penumbra models can be simulated given a fixed spot geometry and the known experimental setup. Objective: This paper proposes to use a penumbra model, derived from Beer’s law, both to confirm spot geometry from penumbra data, and to quantify blurring in the image. Methods: Two models for the spot geometry are considered; one consists of a single Gaussian spot, the other is a mixture model consisting of a Gaussian spot together with a larger uniform spot. Results: The model consisting of a single Gaussian spot has a poor fit at the boundary. The mixture model (which adds a larger uniform spot) exhibits a much improved fit. The parameters corresponding to the uniform spot are similar across all powers, and further experiments suggest that the uniform spot produces only soft X-rays of relatively low-energy. Conclusions: Thus, the precision of radiographs can be estimated from the penumbra effect in the image. The use of a thin copper filter reduces the size of the effective penumbra

Cell and molecular transitions during efficient dedifferentiation

Dedifferentiation is a critical response to tissue damage, yet is not well understood, even at a basic phenomenological level. Developing Dictyostelium cells undergo highly efficient dedifferentiation, completed by most cells within 24 hr. We use this rapid response to investigate the control features of dedifferentiation, combining single cell imaging with high temporal resolution transcriptomics. Gene expression during dedifferentiation was predominantly a simple reversal of developmental changes, with expression changes not following this pattern primarily associated with ribosome biogenesis. Mutation of genes induced early in dedifferentiation did not strongly perturb the reversal of development. This apparent robustness may arise from adaptability of cells: the relative temporal ordering of cell and molecular events was not absolute, suggesting cell programmes reach the same end using different mechanisms. In addition, although cells start from different fates, they rapidly converged on a single expression trajectory. These regulatory features may contribute to dedifferentiation responses during regeneration

1924-25: Abilene Christian College Bible Lectures - Full Text

PREFACE The lectures in this volume were delivered in the auditorium of Abilene Christian College during the last week of February in 1924 and 1925. Not all of the lectures delivered during these two weeks are given here, some of those delivering lectures not having responded with their manuscripts. These are given to the public in the belief that the splendid sermons delivered here ought to be read by thousands of Christians who did not have the opportunity of hearing them. Many of those who heard them will desire to read them. May this contribution to the literature of Christian teaching from the minds of some of our best and most faithful laborers in the Master’s vineyard be a continued blessing to all whose lives they touch. BATSELL BAXTER. __________________ PUBLISHER’S ANNOUNCEMENT This volume of Abilene Christian College Lectures is the fourth and comprises the lectures for February 1924 and 1925. The lectures for 1919 were published in one volume, 1920 and 1921 were combined in one volume, as were also the lectures for 1922 and 1923. By putting the lectures for two years in one volume, the reader is saved the expense of an additional book in order to receive the full benefit of these lectures. That these discourses are of great value is recognized by thousands who have heard them orally or have read them on the printed page. Such carefully prepared addresses really and truly merit a permanent place in the literature of the brotherhood of the churches of Christ. They are filled with expositions and analyses of much benefit to younger brethren who are entering upon lines of public service for the church, and they contain instruction on the word of God that is of much value to those out of the church as well as those in the church. The four books comprising the Abilene Christian College Lectures will make a most valuable addition to all libraries. We are at this time, January, 1926, in position to furnish complete sets or any volume to complete any broken set that any of our readers may have. When our present supply is gone, the books will probably not be reprinted as no plates have been made, and the books will be scarce. The messages of hope and love contained in this volume will find their place into the homes of many thousands, and it is to be ardently hoped that they will be read attentively and that they may contribute much to the extension of the power and kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. G. II. P. SHOWALTER. Austin, Texas, January 1, 1926

KATP channels are necessary for glucose-dependent increases in amyloid-β and Alzheimer\u27s disease-related pathology

Elevated blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, can increase brain excitability and amyloid-β (Aβ) release, offering a mechanistic link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD). Since the cellular mechanisms governing this relationship are poorly understood, we explored whether ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, which couple changes in energy availability with cellular excitability, play a role in AD pathogenesis. First, we demonstrate that KATP channel subunits Kir6.2/KCNJ11 and SUR1/ABCC8 were expressed on excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the human brain, and cortical expression of KCNJ11 and ABCC8 changed with AD pathology in humans and mice. Next, we explored whether eliminating neuronal KATP channel activity uncoupled the relationship between metabolism, excitability, and Aβ pathology in a potentially novel mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis and neuronal KATP channel ablation (i.e., amyloid precursor protein [APP]/PS1 Kir6.2-/- mouse). Using both acute and chronic paradigms, we demonstrate that Kir6.2-KATP channels are metabolic sensors that regulate hyperglycemia-dependent increases in interstitial fluid levels of Aβ, amyloidogenic processing of APP, and amyloid plaque formation, which may be dependent on lactate release. These studies identify a potentially new role for Kir6.2-KATP channels in AD and suggest that pharmacological manipulation of Kir6.2-KATP channels holds therapeutic promise in reducing Aβ pathology in patients with diabetes or prediabetes

The spectrum of myelodysplastic syndromes post-solid organ transplantation: A single institutional experience

An increased incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has recently been documented in patients post-solid organ transplantation but the incidence and types of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) occurring in this patient population are not known. We identified 5 patients (3M, 2F, age 48–64 years) who developed MDS ranging from 1.8 to 25 years (median 4.2 years) post-solid organ transplantation, only 2 patients had received azathioprine. The cumulative incidence of MDS in heart and lung transplant recipients at 15 years was 0.5% and 1.8%, respectively, which is markedly higher compared to the general population. Low-risk types of MDS predominated, 3 of 5 patients are alive (median 3.9 years) since diagnosis. Deletions of chromosome 20q, which have not been previously reported in post-transplant MDS/AML, were identified in 3 cases. Our findings expand the morphologic and cytogenetic spectrum of MDS occurring post-solid organ transplantation and suggest that mechanisms beside azathioprine toxicity might be important in disease pathogenesis

Genetic analysis of cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy of water diffusion in the brain

Objectives: The thickness of the brain’s cortical gray matter (GM) and the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the cerebral white matter (WM) each follow an inverted U-shape trajectory with age. The two measures are positively correlated and may be modulated by common biological mechanisms. We employed four types of genetic analyses to localize individual genes acting pleiotropically upon these phenotypes. Methods: Whole-brain and regional GM thickness and FA values were measured from high-resolution anatomical and diffusion tensor MR images collected from 712, Mexican American participants (438 females, age = 47.9 ± 13.2 years) recruited from 73 (9.7 ± 9.3 individuals/family) large families. The significance of the correlation between two traits was estimated using a bivariate genetic correlation analysis. Localization of chromosomal regions that jointly influenced both traits was performed using whole-genome quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. Gene localization was performed using SNP genotyping on Illumina 1M chip and correlation with leukocyte-based gene-expression analyses. The gene-expressions were measured using the Illumina BeadChip. These data were available for 371 subjects. Results: Significant genetic correlation was observed among GM thickness and FA values. Significant logarithm of odds (LOD ≥ 3.0) QTLs were localized within chromosome 15q22–23. More detailed localization reported no significant association (p \u3c 5·10−5) for 1565 SNPs located within the QTLs. Post hoc analysis indicated that 40% of the potentially significant (p ≤ 10−3) SNPs were localized to the related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) and NARG2 genes. A potentially significant association was observed for the rs2456930 polymorphism reported as a significant GWAS finding in Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative subjects. The expression levels for RORA and ADAM10 genes were significantly (p \u3c 0.05) correlated with both FA and GM thickness. NARG2 expressions were significantly correlated with GM thickness (p \u3c 0.05) but failed to show a significant correlation (p = 0.09) with FA. Discussion: This study identified a novel, significant QTL at 15q22–23. SNP correlation with gene-expression analyses indicated that RORA, NARG2, and ADAM10 jointly influence GM thickness and WM–FA values

Highly purified human-derived follicle-stimulating hormone (Bravelle®) has equivalent efficacy to follitropin-beta (Follistim ®) in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization

BACKGROUND: These data compare the efficacy and safety of highly purified human-derived follicle-stimulating hormone (Bravelle(R)) and recombinant follitropin-β (Follistim(R)) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. METHODS: This report describes the pooled data from two, nearly identical, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, multicenter studies conducted in a total of 19 academic and private IVF-ET centers in the United States. Infertile premenopausal women underwent pituitary down-regulation using leuprolide acetate followed by a maximum of 12 days of subcutaneous Bravelle(R) (n = 120) or Follistim(R) (n = 118), followed by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer. The primary efficacy measure was the mean number of oocytes retrieved; secondary efficacy measures included the total dose and duration of gonadotropin treatment; peak serum estradion levels; embryo transfer and implantation rates; chemical, clinical and continuing pregnancies; and live birth rates. All adverse events were recorded and injection site pain was recorded daily using a patient, self-assessment diary. RESULTS: Similar efficacy responses were observed for all outcome parameters in the two treatment groups. Although patients receiving Bravelle(R) consistently reported a greater number of chemical, clinical and continuing pregnancies, as well as an increased rate of live birth, the data did not attain statistical significance (P > 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, but compared to Follistim(R), injections of Bravelle(R) were reported by patients to be significantly less painful (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bravelle(R) and Follistim(R) had comparable efficacy in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing IVF-ET. There were no differences in the nature or number of adverse events between the treatment groups although Bravelle(R) injections were reported to be significantly less painful