cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hematology of the keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii)

A healthy adult, intact female keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii) was found to have a marked heterophilic leukocytosis using normal hematologic parameters established for the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), a related chelonian species. This animal was monitored with serial complete blood counts (CBCs) over the next 15 years despite remaining asymptomatic for an infectious condition. Retrospective CBC data were compiled from 38 presumably healthy keeled box turtles to establish hematologic values for comparison in this species. Using this species-specific data, over the 15-year period, the female keeled box turtle had two times where the white blood cell (WBC) count was greater than 2 standard deviations (SD) above the mean, six times where the WBC count was greater than 1 SD above the mean, six times where the PCV was greater than 2 SD above the mean, and eight times where the PCV was greater than 1 SD above the mean. Infection and inflammation are the most common causes of leukocytosis in reptiles; however, given the clinical presentation of this patient, it was postulated that these clinicopathologic changes could be secondary to a stress response. Establishing reference intervals and understanding how stress impacts CBC parameters are important for evaluating the health status of keeled box turtles kept in captivity and for assessing the effects of environmental changes on the health status of wild populations of this endangered chelonian species.
Prediction of 7-Day Readmission Risk for Pediatric Trauma Patients

Abstract Background Pediatric patients admitted for trauma may have unique risk factors of unplanned readmission and require condition-specific models to maximize accuracy of prediction. We used a multicenter data set on trauma admissions to study risk factors and predict unplanned 7-day readmissions with comparison to the 30-day metric. Methods Data from 28 hospitals in the United States consisting of 82,532 patients (95,158 encounters) were retrieved, and 75% of the data were used for building a random intercept, mixed-effects regression model, whereas the remaining were used for evaluating model performance. The variables included were demographics, payer, current and past health care utilization, trauma-related and other diagnoses, medications, and surgical procedures. Results Certain conditions such as poisoning and medical/surgical complications during treatment of traumatic injuries are associated with increased odds of unplanned readmission. Conversely, trauma-related conditions, such as trauma to the thorax, knee, lower leg, hip/thigh, elbow/forearm, and shoulder/upper arm, are associated with reduced odds of readmission. Additional predictors include the current and past health care utilization and the number of medications. The corresponding 7-day model achieved an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.737 (0.716, 0.757) on an independent test set and shared similar risk factors with the 30-day version. Conclusions Patients with trauma-related conditions have risk of readmission modified by the type of trauma. As a result, additional quality of care measures may be required for patients with trauma-related conditions that elevate their risk of readmission.
Time-varying risk aversion and the profitability of momentum trades

We show that time-varying risk aversion serves as a significant predictor of stock market momentum in the U.S. and globally. Risk aversion is found to be a robust predictor of momentum returns even after controlling for various well established stock market predictors and absorbs the predictive power of market volatility. The findings imply that momentum strategies can be enhanced by conditioning trades on the degree of risk aversion in the marketplace.
Tumor Markers in Ovarian Cancer

All vertebrates have a defense system that protects them from disease-causing microorganisms. Its deliberate exploitation has conquered many infectious diseases and has long been a major achievement of medical science in terms of preventing suffering and saving lives.
Inverse of the fluvial channel reservoir permeability field using ensemble Kalman filter based on discrete cosine transform

Focusing on the non-Gaussian distribution of the field and the nonlinearity between the production data and the reservoir model of the fluvial channel reservoir,the HIEnKF method coupling discrete cosine transform was used to invert for the fluvial channel reservoir model by automatic history matching method.The non-Gaussian permeability field is transformed to nearly Gaussian distributed DCT coefficient by discrete cosine transform.DCT exhibits excellent energy compaction for highly correlated images.The estimated permeability field is smoother if the low frequency DCT coefficients are retained. The non-Gaussian problem of the fluvial channel reservoir can be solved by the discrete cosine transform.The HIEnKF method can solve the nonlinearity of the production data and the reservoir model.The equivalence of the HIEnKF to EnRML is proved theoretically.The results of standard EnKF,standard EnKF coupling with DCT and HIEnKF coupling with DCT were compared.The effects of retained mode and the retained number of the DCT coefficients were discussed.The results show that less DCT coefficients need to be retained to capture the geological structure when the triangular area mode was used to truncate the coefficients.The estimated results can get the main geological structure of the fluvial channel reservoir when only 2.5% DCT coefficients were retained.
Regulation of Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein 3 (LAMP3) in Lung Epithelial Cells by Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1/2) and Type I Interferon Signaling

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a major risk factor for mortality and morbidity in critical care hospitals around the world. Lung epithelial type II cells play a major role in several physiological processes, including recognition and clearance of respiratory viruses as well as repair of lung injury in response to environmental toxicants. Gene expression profiling of lung epithelial type II-specific genes led to the identification of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3). Intracellular locations of LAMP3 include plasma membrane, endosomes, and lysosomes. These intracellular organelles are involved in vesicular transport and facilitate viral entry and release of the viral RNA into the host cell cytoplasm. In this study, regulation of LAMP3 expression in human lung epithelial cells by several respiratory viruses and type I interferon signaling was investigated. Coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 significantly induced LAMP3 expression in lung epithelial cells within 24 hours after infection that required the presence of ACE2 viral entry receptor. Time-course experiments revealed that the induced expression of LAMP3 by SARS-CoV-2 was correlated with the induced expression of interferon-beta1 (IFNB1) and signal transducers and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mRNA levels. LAMP3 was also induced by direct IFN-beta treatment or by infection with influenza virus lacking the non-structural protein1(NS1) in NHBE bronchial epithelial cells. LAMP3 expression was induced in human lung epithelial cells by several respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3). Location in lysosomes and endosomes as well as induction by respiratory viruses and type I Interferon suggests that LAMP3 may have an important role in inter-organellar regulation of innate immunity and a potential target for therapeutic modulation in health and disease. Furthermore, bioinformatics revealed that a subset of lung type II cell genes were differentially regulated in the lungs of COVID-19 patients.
Association of Oral Health and Mini Nutritional Assessment in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses.

PURPOSE To evaluate whether poor oral health is associated with a higher risk of malnutrition based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) or MNA-SF (short form) in older adults. STUDY SELECTION For this meta-analysis, cohort and cross-sectional studies with adults 65 years and older, reporting oral health outcomes (i.e. edentulism, number of teeth) and either the MNA or MNA-SF were selected. Four electronic databases were searched (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE) through June 2020. Risk of bias was assessed with the checklist by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale. RESULTS A total of 928 abstracts were reviewed with 33 studies, comprising 27,559 participants, aged ≥65 being ultimately included. Meta-analyses showed that the lack of daily oral hygiene (teeth or denture cleaning), chewing problems and being partially/fully edentulous, put older adults at higher risk of malnutrition (p < 0.05). After adjustment for socio-demographic variables, the included studies reported lack of autonomy for oral care, poor/moderate oral health, no access to the dentist and being edentulous with either no dentures or only one denture were risk factors significantly associated with a higher risk of malnutrition (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings may imply that once elders become dependent on others for assistance with oral care, have decreased access to oral healthcare, and lack efficient chewing capacity, there is increased risk of malnourishment. Limitations of the study include heterogeneity of oral health variables and the observational nature of the studies. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.
Psychosocial Well-Being: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Loneliness, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Compassion, and Professional Quality of Life in Oncology Nurses.

Background In addition to heavy workloads, oncology nurses are confronted with emotionally demanding caregiving moments with little training or institutional support for coping and emotional well-being. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the associations and potential predictors among self-compassion, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and professional quality of life in oncology nurses. Methods Participants were recruited throughout central Texas. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted on survey data. Findings Burnout and compassion satisfaction were strongly related to loneliness, self-compassion, and depression. Compassion fatigue was most highly related to anxiety and depression. Loneliness made the strongest unique contribution to burnout and compassion satisfaction, and depression was the only statistically significant predictor of compassion fatigue.
Christian universities as moral communities: Drinking, sex, and drug use among university students in the United States

We examine the effects of religious educational context, Christian fundamentalist beliefs and religiosity on alcohol use, sexual activity, and illegal drug use. Respondents are 3610 university stud...
Distribution and host records of Melittobia (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from Mexico

SPECIMENS OF A PARASITOID WASP ATTACKING PUPAE OF ANASTREPHA LUDENS (LOEW) IN MEXICO WERE IDENTIFIED AS MELITTOBIA DIGITATA DAHMS, AND AFTER A REVISION OF SEVERAL WORLDWIDE INSECT COLLECTIONS, M. AUSTRALICA GIRAULT WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE PRESENT IN MEXICO. DISTRIBUTION, DIAGNOSIS, HOSTS AND COLLECTION LOCATIONS ARE GIVEN FOR BOTH SPECIES. THE POSSIBILITY THAT M. ACASTA (WALKER) IS ALSO PRESENT IN MEXICO IS DISCUSSED
Free energy consumption at self-sharpening concentration fronts in isothermal fixed-bed adsorption : Theory for isotherms of arbitrary shape and applications in displacement chromatography

Abstract General equations are presented for calculating the free energy consumption at self-sharpening concentration fronts in isothermal fixed-bed adsorption. The equations apply when the individual component isotherms have an arbitrary shape and whether or not mass-transfer resistances are present. The equations are used to investigate various aspects of displacement chromatography. It was determined that for certain isotherm shapes a displacement pattern consisting of individual bands each containing a single solute can not exist even when the operating line intersects each isotherm.
Comparison of Bars and Interferometers: Detection of Transient Gravitational Radiation

The signal-to-noise ratios for the detection of transient gravitational radiation are compared for resonant bar and laser interferometric detectors. For the detection of gravitational-wave bursts (e.g., supernovas, particle- black hole interactions), the bar antenna shows its resonant nature with a sensitivity that is broadly peaked near the bar frequency, while the interferometer shows a smooth f-1 frequency response (for a fixed gravitational energy emitted in the burst). Applied to the detection of the ’chirp’ of radiation emitted in the decay of a compact binary system, the ratio of bar to interferometer sensitivities is independent of the source parameters. Operational bars and interferometers are compared using specific parameters of representative antennas and are seen to be operating near sensitivities allowing Galactic observations. Finally, each detector technology holds promises for increased sensitivity which will allow for collaborative detection of sources as distant as the Virgo cluster.
A Dusty Business

In 1984, the detection of "excess" infrared emission provided the first signs of dusty disks surrounding main sequence stars similar to our Sun. However, as [Weinberger][1] explains in her Perspective, not all stars with excess emission are surrounded by disks. Furthermore, imaging studies show that disks can have very different structures even when the central stars are quite similar. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/295/5562/2027
Selfies| #NaMo: The Political Work of the Selfie in the 2014 Indian General Elections

A May 2014 issue of Open Magazine, an Indian weekly news digest, celebrated the victory of Narendra Modi, the new Indian prime minister, with an iconic portrait with the caption “Triumph of the Will” (see Figure 1). Given the pronounced right-wing leanings of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the political party with which Modi is affiliated, the reference in the caption to the Leni Reifenstahl film of the same name might have been more than just a mere play on words. Added to the oft-iterated implication of the BJP ministry in the Gujarat riots of 2002 during Narendra Modi’s chief ministership, Open Magazine’s low-angle portrait of the incumbent prime minister, together with the caption, seemed to convey a deliberate construction of Modi as a man of iron will, whose government promised not to stray from the “right” path (pun intended).
Physical mechanism of initial breakdown pulses and narrow bipolar events in lightning discharges

To date the true nature of initial breakdown pulses (IBPs) and narrow bipolar events (NBEs) in lightning discharges remains a mystery. Recent experimental evidence has correlated IBPs to the initial development of lightning leaders inside the thundercloud. NBE wideband waveforms resemble classic IBPs in both amplitude and duration. Most NBEs are quite peculiar in the sense that very frequently they occur in isolation from other lightning processes. The remaining fraction, 16% of positive polarity NBEs, according to Wu et al. (2014), happens as the first event in an otherwise regular intracloud lightning discharge. These authors point out that the initiator type of NBEs has no difference with other NBEs that did not start lightning, except for the fact that they occur deeper inside the thunderstorm (i.e., at lower altitudes). In this paper, we propose a new physical mechanism to explain the source of both IBPs and NBEs. We propose that IBPs and NBEs are the electromagnetic transients associated with the sudden (i.e., stepwise) elongation of the initial negative leader extremity in the thunderstorm electric field. To demonstrate our hypothesis a novel computational/numerical model of the bidirectional lightning leader tree is developed, consisting of a generalization of electrostatic and transmission line approximations found in the literature. Finally, we show how the IBP and NBE waveform characteristics directly reflect the properties of the bidirectional lightning leader (such as step length, for example) and amplitude of the thunderstorm electric field.
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION IN ANTARCTICA: INHIBITION OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

With the seasonal formation of the ozone hole over Antarctica, there is much concern regarding the effects of increased solar UV-B radiation (280–320 nm) on the marine ecosystem in the Southern Ocean. In situ incubations of natural phytoplankton assemblages in antarctic waters indicate that under normal ozone conditions UV-B radiation is responsible for a loss of approximately 4.9% of primary production in the euphotic zone, whereas UV radiation with wavelengths between 320 and 360 nm causes a loss of approximately 6.2%. When combined with data on the action spectrum for photoinhibition by UV radiation, our data suggest that the enhanced fluence of UV-B radiation under a well-developed ozone hole (150 Dobson units) would decrease daily primary productivity by an additional amount of 3.8%. Calculations that take into consideration the extent and duration of low stratospheric ozone concentrations during September to November indicate that the decrease in total annual primary production in antarctic waters due to enhanced UV-B radiation would be 0.20%.
Autoradiographic studies of protein turnover in motoneurons of IDPN-treated rats.

Autoradiography was performed in order to envisage the turnover of H3-leucin labeled protein in the perikarya of spinal motoneurons and in the axonal balloons formed after repeated administrations of IDPN (β-β′-iminodiproprionitrile) in rats. These results suggested that (1) there was no significant, if any,in situ protein synthesis within the axon balloons, (2) the protein turnover was not appreciably altered in the perikarya of the control and IDPN-intoxicated rats, and (3) the labeled protein collected in the axon balloons seemed to be transported from the perikarya to which they were linked with short axonal segments (30 μ in average length).
Caspase-3 Cleavage Links δ-Catenin to the Novel Nuclear Protein ZIFCAT

δ-Catenin is an Armadillo protein of the p120-catenin subfamily capable of modulating cadherin stability, small GTPase activity, and nuclear transcription. From yeast two-hybrid screening of a human embryonic stem cell cDNA library, we identified δ-catenin as a potential interacting partner of the caspase-3 protease, which plays essential roles in apoptotic as well as non-apoptotic processes. Interaction of δ-catenin with caspase-3 was confirmed using cleavage assays conducted in vitro, in Xenopus apoptotic extracts, and in cell line chemically induced contexts. The cleavage site, a highly conserved caspase consensus motif (DELD) within Armadillo repeat 6 of δ-catenin, was identified through peptide sequencing. Cleavage thus generates an amino-terminal (residues 1–816) and carboxyl-terminal (residues 817–1314) fragment, each containing about half of the central Armadillo domain. We found that cleavage of δ-catenin both abolishes its association with cadherins and impairs its ability to modulate small GTPases. Interestingly, 817–1314 possesses a conserved putative nuclear localization signal that may facilitate the nuclear targeting of δ-catenin in defined contexts. To probe for novel nuclear roles of δ-catenin, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening of a mouse brain cDNA library, resolving and then validating interaction with an uncharacterized KRAB family zinc finger protein, ZIFCAT. Our results indicate that ZIFCAT is nuclear and suggest that it may associate with DNA as a transcriptional repressor. We further determined that other p120 subfamily catenins are similarly cleaved by caspase-3 and likewise bind ZIFCAT. Our findings potentially reveal a simple yet novel signaling pathway based upon caspase-3 cleavage of p120-catenin subfamily members, facilitating the coordinate modulation of cadherins, small GTPases, and nuclear functions.
Mineralogy and weathering processes in Recent and Holocene tephra deposits of the Pacific Northwest, USA

Abstract Weathering and evolution of minerals in tephra deposits in the Cascade Range of Washington State, USA, are influenced by climate, vegetation, time, microtopography, and in the vicinity of Mt. St. Helens, naturally acidic precipitation. We have observed the interaction of these factors in Spodosols developed on Holocene tephra in the central Cascades, and in Entisols formed on the 1980 pyroclastic flow of Mt. St. Helens. Weathering regimens in these tephritic soils can be qualitatively characterized by the soil solution composition. Weathering reactions in the Spodosol are driven by organic acids in the upper soil horizons and by carbonic acid in the lower B and C horizons. The mineral assemblage in the Spodosol reflects, in part, the chemical regimen dictated by each proton donor. The presence of smectite in the highly acidic E horizon (pH
Rupture of a nonaneurysmal aorta secondary to Staphylococcus aortitis: A case report and review of the literature

Infectious aortitis has become increasingly uncommon and, when diagnosed, typically occurs in an immunocompromised elderly male with a history of Staphylococcus or Salmonella infection and underlying atheromatous cardiovascular disease. The authors report a case of a 74-year-old man with aortitis complicated by rupture secondary to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The patient presented with worsening abdominal pain and fever after being discharged from the emergency room 2 weeks before with back pain and leukocytosis diagnosed as urinary tract infection and bronchitis. Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the retroperitoneum on the first visit appeared normal. Repeat CT scan on the subsequent visit revealed a contained rupture of a nonaneurysmal aorta at the level of the diaphragm. The patient was taken to the operating room emergently for repair. An infected periaortic hematoma and a 1 cm perforation in the posterior aorta were found. The aorta was excised and the area debrided. Revascularization was performed using a 22 mm extruded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) interposition graft placed in situ. This case demonstrates that a high index of suspicion is required in diagnosing infectious aortitis and that the diagnosis may be delayed in many cases. Additionally, it may not be uncommon for the infected aorta to rupture without prior aneurysm formation.
Inorganic Binding Peptides with Electro-Activated Properties via Phage Display Techniques

A biosensor is an analytical device that can specifically, rapidly, and continuously convert a biological/chemical response into an electric signal, which makes it a powerful tool for biomedical diagnosis. However, one of the challenges of biosensors is the ability for continuous detection. It is difficult to avoid the loss of activity following the bioreceptor-analyte binding event, which limits the lifetime of the device. The goal of this research is to use phage display to biopan for inorganic binding peptides that are reversible upon application of an electric field. This can provide dynamic functionalization of surfaces, with applications such as self-cleaning devices. Our group has been biopanning for peptides that bind strongly to indium zinc oxide (IZO), a transparent conducting oxide. An electro-releasing device is being used to collect the strong binding peptides that are released. In an alternative method, our group is also developing a novel phage display biopanning protocol with an electro-elution process instead of the regular chemical elution.
Two decades of urban climate research: a review of turbulence, exchanges of energy and water, and the urban heat island

Progress in urban climatology over the two decades since the first publication of the International Journal of Climatology is reviewed. It is emphasized that urban climatology during this period has benefited from conceptual advances made in microclimatology and boundary-layer climatology in general. The role of scale, heterogeneity, dynamic source areas for turbulent fluxes and the complexity introduced by the roughness sublayer over the tall, rigid roughness elements of cities is described. The diversity of urban heat islands, depending on the medium sensed and the sensing technique, is explained. The review focuses on two areas within urban climatology. First, it assesses advances in the study of selected urban climatic processes relating to urban atmospheric turbulence (including surface roughness) and exchange processes for energy and water, at scales of consideration ranging from individual facets of the urban environment, through streets and city blocks to neighbourhoods. Second, it explores the literature on the urban temperature field. The state of knowledge about urban heat islands around 1980 is described and work since then is assessed in terms of similarities to and contrasts with that situation. Finally, the main advances are summarized and recommendations for urban climate work in the future are made. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
Risk stratification in patients bridged to cardiac transplantation

Patient selection is considered one of the most important factors influencing success in bridge to transplant procedures. However, to date it has been difficult to identify predictors of mortality in this population using univariate or multivariate analysis. In 1988, we developed a scoring system using 21 clinical variables that could be calculated rapidly at the bedside while evaluating potential candidates. Points were designated to these variables using a scale of 1 to 3, 1 having the least adverse effect on survival and 3 the most. Patients received a value of 0 for each variable that did not apply. This scoring system was used in a retrospective analysis for 15 bridge to transplant patients. The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.003) between the 8 survivors (mean score, 5.75 +/- 2.19) and the 7 nonsurvivors (mean score, 11.71 +/- 3.45). Since 1989, we have prospectively calculated the scores in an additional 27 patients. Based on the score, all 42 patients were divided into three groups: group I had scores of 1 to 5; group II, 6 to 10; and group III, 11 to 16. The mean score for group I (16 patients) was 3.69 +/- 1.25. All group I patients survived. Group II patients (n = 15) had a mean score of 7.87 +/- 1.36 and a survival rate of 53%. The mean score for group III (n = 11) was 13 +/- 1.73. Thirty-six percent of these patients survived. Comparison of survival and mean scores among the three groups was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interleukin mathematical model of an immune system

Some generalizations of Marchuk's model of an infectious disease with respect to the role of interleukins are presented in this paper. Basic properties of the models are studied. Results of numerical simulations with different coefficients corresponding to the different forms of the disease are shown.
Reducing multinomial coefficients modulo a prime power

Abstract If p is a prime and l ≥ 1 then in Theorem 1 it is shown that the multinomial coefficient (mod pl) if and only if where kji is the residue of ki mod pj for j = 1, …, h with h = [log k/log p] and [ ] is the greatest integer function. By comparing running times necessary to reduce randomly generated multinomial coefficients, this method is shown to be computationally faster than the previously known methods.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor in the rat hippocampus: an in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical study

After 3 or 4 weeks of age, insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) gene expression in normal rats has been detected only in mesenchymal tissue associated with the central nervous system. In contrast, the IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor has been reported to be widely distributed in adult rat brain. This study was performed in order to clarify the cellular localization of IGF-II and IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor in rat brain by comparing an immunocytochemical map with the distribution of mRNAs by in situ hybridization. The highest levels of IGF-II mRNA were detected in the choroid plexus and meningeal membranes. In contrast, IGF-II receptor transcripts were mainly present in neuron-rich areas such as the hippocampus, with a lower signal present in the choroid plexus and meninges. Specific IGF-II receptor immunoreactivity was present in neurons throughout the forebrain, with the highest intensity in the pyramidal cell and polymorphic layers of the hippocampus and the granule cell layer of the dentat...
The politics of random assignment: implementing studies and impacting policy

This article presents lessons from social experiments in the US over 30 years testing employment and training, welfare reform and social service programmes and systems. It discusses the challenges in implementing a random assignment study and strategies to overcome them, and also sets out lessons for ensuring that an experiment informs and affects policy. In laying out the ingredients for success, the article argues that creative and flexible research design skills are essential, but that just as important in a complex, real‐world context are operational and political skills, applied both to marketing the experiment in the first place and to helping interpret and promote its findings down the line.
Experimental demonstration of a multicast-capable optical-label switching router

This paper proposes and demonstrates an optical-label switching router with limited multicast capability. A multi-wavelength converter is the key sub-system enabling packet replication. The experimental demonstration shows correct packet multicast forwarding.
Remains of a pycnodont fish (Actinopterygii: Pycnodontiformes) in a coprolite; An uppermost record of Micropycnodon kansasensis in the Smoky Hill Chalk, western Kansas

Abstract Bone fragments, ganoid scales and the distinctive tooth crown of a pycnodont fish (FHSM VP-16583), were recovered from a coprolite (FHSM VP-16586) collected from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member (lower Santonian) of the Niobrara Chalk in northeastern Lane County, Kansas. Pycnodonts were small to medium-sized, deep-bodied bony fish with batteries of flattened, peg-like teeth on the vomer and prearticulars that are well adapted for feeding on hard-shelled prey. The tooth and a dermal bone fragment were identified as Micropycnodon kansasensis on the basis of comparison with the holotype and other specimens. Small inoceramid fragments inside the coprolite may represent gut contents of the pycnodont, or the larger, possibly durophagous, predator. The remains of pycnodonts are rare occurrences in the Smoky Hill Chalk and are generally limited to toothplates bearing their distinctive teeth. Previous specimens recovered from the Smoky Hill Chalk have also been restricted stratigraphically to the uppermost Con...
Divergent effects of ovarian steroids on neuronal survival during experimental allergic encephalitis in Lewis rats.

Experimental allergic encephalitis, (EAE) a Th1-cell-dependent autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) used to study immune responses relevant to multiple sclerosis (MS) displays gender susceptibility. The underlying basis of the sexual dimorphism may reflect multiple factors including gender-specific hormones. To study the relationship between ovarian hormones and CNS inflammation, we induced EAE in susceptible female Lewis rats ovariectomized (OVX) 7 days earlier and implanted with blank capsules or capsules containing estradiol (E), progesterone (P), or both (EP). Rats were immunized with complete Freunds' adjuvant alone or combined with guinea pig myelin basic protein. Motor function was scored 0-5 on standard criteria (days 7-11 postimmunization). On day 11, the rats were euthanized and the lumbar spinal cord was analyzed for Nissl, neuron nuclear antigen, and DNA fragmentation with a TUNEL assay. Inflammation was judged qualitatively on a scale of 0-4. Our immunization protocol induced limited sensorimotor deficits in OVX rats (2.3 +/- 0.6, mean +/- SEM) with moderate inflammation (2.5 +/- 0.4). E limited both behavioral impairments (1.0 +/- 0.4) and inflammation (0.5 +/- 0.2). P-treated rats had more severe sensorimotor deficits (3.1 +/- 0.5) with increased inflammatory infiltrates (3.6 +/- 0.4) and markedly increased numbers of TUNEL(+) neurons. Neuron counts of the outer two Rexed lamina (L3-L5) showed a 20% neuron loss (P < 0.02) in P-treated rats with EAE in comparison to other groups. Coadministration of E with P prevented the consequences of P, including neuronal apoptosis (behavioral score, 0.6 +/- 0.6; inflammation, 1.4 +/- 0.5). Our results suggest a potential and novel function of P that increases the vulnerability of neurons to apoptotic injury in EAE and may have pathophysiologic implications in the progression of disability in women with MS.
Bolsterless management for recurrent auricular hematomata

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objectives were to describe our experience with a bolsterless technique for the management of auricular hematomata and discuss the management options for auricular hematomata and the comparative benefits of the bolsterless technique. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Patients presented with recurrent auricular hematomata following traditional treatment with incision and drainage and bolster placement. Revision incision and drainage were performed, and then auricular skin was stabilized using through-and-through absorbable horizontal mattress sutures. Patients were seen in follow-up to evaluate for recurrence and assess cosmetic results. Results: Twenty-eight patients were treated for recurrent auricular hematomata using the bolsterless technique. There were no recurrences in follow-up, and cosmetic results were judged to be excellent by both patient and surgeon. Conclusions: Bolsterless management for auricular hematomata using absorbable mattress sutures has been described intermittently in the otolaryngology literature since 1991 but is not widely utilized. In this series, patients presenting with recurrent auricular hematomata following failure of traditional bolster management were effectively managed with the bolsterless technique. This technique is well tolerated by patients and allows for early return to athletic activity.
What heated the asteroids

This article raises the question of what causes asteroids to heat up. Asteroids have moderately high abundances of volatile substances (including noble gases and water) and contain numerous tiny presolar grains (dust particles that formed long ago in the outer atmospheres of other stars and remained unchanged through the history of our solar system). INSETS: ASTEROIDS: PRIMORDIAL RELICS;METEORITES: BITS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH;CRATERS COMPARED.
Faster solvers for large kinetic mechanisms using adaptive preconditioners

Abstract The adaptive preconditioners developed in this paper substantially reduce the computational cost of integrating large kinetic mechanisms using implicit ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers. For a well-stirred reactor, the speedup of the new method is an order of magnitude faster than recent approaches based on direct, sparse linear system solvers. Moreover, the new method is up to three orders of magnitude faster than traditional implementations of the ODE solver where the Jacobian information is generated automatically via finite differences, and the factorization relies on standard, dense matrix operations. Unlike mechanism reduction strategies, the adaptive preconditioners do not alter the underlying system of differential equations. Consequently, the new method achieves its performance gains without any loss of accuracy to within the local error controlled by the ODE solver. Such speedup allows higher fidelity mechanism chemistry to be coupled with multi-dimensional fluid dynamics simulations.
Complex-frequency leaky mode computations using PML boundary layers for dielectric resonant structures

Perfectly matched layers are used for finite-difference computation of complex-frequency leaky modes of resonant dielectric structures in cylindrical and Cartesian coordinates. Examples of dielectric-halfspace-perturbed 3D rings and 2D round, square and coupled resonators are given.
Measurement of the 3D geometry of the fascial arches in women with a unilateral levator defect and “architectural distortion”

The arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP) and arcus tendineus levator ani (ATLA) are elements of anterior vaginal support. This study describes their geometry in women with unilateral levator ani muscle defects and associated “architectural distortion.” Fourteen subjects with unilateral defects underwent MRI. 3D models of the arcus were generated. The locations of these relative to an ilial reference line were compared between the unaffected and affected sides. Pronounced changes occurred on the defect sides’ ventral region. The furthest point of the ATLA lays up to a mean of 10 mm (p = 0.01) more inferior and 6.5 mm (p = 0.02) more medial than that on the intact side. Similarly, the ATFP lays 6 mm (p = 0.01) more inferior than on the unaffected side. The ventral arcus anatomy is significantly altered in the presence of levator defects and architectural distortion. Alterations of these key fixation points will change the supportive force direction along the lateral anterior vaginal wall, increasing the risk for anterior vaginal wall prolapse.
Atmospheric photochemical degradation of 1,4-unsaturated dicarbonyls

To better understand fates of aromatics hydrocarbon species in the atmosphere, the authors have investigated the transformation chemistry of butenedial (CHOCH{double{underscore}bond}CHCHO), 4-oxo-2-pentenal (CH{sub 3}COCH{double{underscore}bond}CHCHO), and 3-hexene-2, 5-dione (CH{sub 3}COCH{double{underscore}bond}CHCOCH{sub 3}). These 1,4-unsaturated dicarbonyls are known to be products of aromatic photochemical oxidation. Both hydroxyl radical (OH) and ozone (O{sub 3}) initiated smog chamber experiments under atmospheric conditions were conducted in the University of North Carolina outdoor smog chamber. Carbonyl intermediates and products were measured using the O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine derivatization method followed by gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry analysis. Carbonyl products detected and identified by comparison with standards in the OH-initiated photooxidation of butenedial include formaldehyde, acrolein, glycolaldehyde, glyoxal, and malonaldehyde (CHOCH{sub 2}CHO). For 4-oxo-2-pentenal, the carbonyl products were formaldehyde, methyl vinyl ketone, glycolaldehyde, hydroxyacetone, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and malonaldehyde. for 3-hexene-2,5-dione the products were formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, hydroxyacetone, and methylglyoxal. Carbonyl products detected in the P{sub 3}-initiated experiments with cyclohexane as the OH scavenger were formaldehyde and glyoxal in butenedial; formaldehyde, glyoxal, methyl-glyoxal, and malonaldehyde in 4-oxo-2-pentenal; and formaldehyde and methylglyoxal in 3-hexene-2,5-dione.
Interaction of Herpes Simplex Virus ICP0 with ND10 Bodies: a Sequential Process of Adhesion, Fusion, and Retention

On entry into the nucleus, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA localizes to nuclear bodies known as ND10. Gene repression imposed by ND10 is released by a viral protein, ICP0, via degradation of the ND10 constituents promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and Sp100 and the subsequent dispersal of ND10 bodies. In order to understand the dynamic interaction between ICP0 and ND10, we carried out deletion mapping to identify the domains of ICP0 responsible for its association with ND10. Here, we report the following. (i) An ND10 entry signal (ND10-ES), located between residues 245 and 474, is required for ICP0 to penetrate and fuse with ND10. ICP0 lacking ND10-ES adheres to the surface of ND10 but fails to enter. (ii) In the absence of ND10-ES, the E3 ubiquitin ligase of ICP0 facilitates the transient adhesion of the truncated ICP0 to the ND10 surface, whereas the presence of ND10-ES in ICP0 renders ND10 fusion regardless of the E3 ligase activity. (iii) The C terminus of ICP0 is required for retention of ICP0 in ND10 but plays no role in the recruitment process. (iv) The adverse effects of an inactive RING domain on viral replication are partially reversed by deleting either ND10-ES or the C-terminal retention domain, suggesting that additional ICP0 functions require the release of ICP0 from ND10. Based on these results, we conclude that association of ICP0 and ND10 is a dynamic process, in which three sequential steps--adhesion, fusion, and retention--are adopted to stabilize the interaction. A faithful execution of these steps defines the ultimate productivity of the virus.
Extension programs and farmer experiences with ridge tillage

Abstract Ridge tillage extension activities in nine north central states are summarized. The extension faculty members use many teaching methods to communicate ridge-tillage information. They insert information into programs planned for general farm audiences. They plan in-depth programs, demonstrations and field days for ridge-till farmers and professionals. A survey of 118 ridge-till farmers in three states is also included. They reported overall savings of $50 ha −1 for soybeans and $59 ha −1 for corn, while yields have stayed the same or increased. Compared with tillage systems based on a plow, ridge tillage requires less machinery investment and reduces operating and labor costs.
An improved synthesis of potassium hexacyanoruthenate(II)

Abstract A new procedure for the synthesis of K 4 Ru(CN) 6 is detailed. The synthesis involves bromine oxidation of an aqueous solution of ruthenium chloride, conversion of the perruthenate to ruthenate with base, and reaction of ruthenate with cyanide ion. Good yields (77%) of pure compound are obtained.
Fatal victims of lightning strike injuries in North Carolina over an 11 year period

Lightning injuries are relatively uncommon, affecting 6472 people in the United States over 25 years (1959–1984) with 2574 reported fatalities. Relatively few population-based studies are available in the literature. This study examines death due to lightning in the State of North Carolina utilizing the Medical Examiner's Data Base. During 1978–1988, there were 46 deaths. Ages of the victims ranged from 0–60 (average 29.1) years; 37 (80.4%) victims were 44 years of age or younger. Eighty-three percent of the victims were out of doors when struck; 72% of strikes occurred during the months of June, July, and August. Of the indoor victims, three were in residences, two in outbuildings at a residence, one in a farm outbuilding and two in houses under construction. Forty-one percent of the victims were engaged in recreational activities. Twenty-six percent of deaths involved a tree strike. Seventy-six percent of the deaths occurred in rural areas. Young males were the most common victims. Although fatal injuries are uncommon, many may be preventable.
Synthesis of boron nanowires, nanotubes, and nanosheets

The synthesis of boron nanowires, nanotubes, and nanosheets using a thermal vapor deposition process is reported. This work confirms previous research and provides a new method capable of synthesizing boron nanomaterials. The materials were made by using various combinations of MgB2, Mg(BH4)2, MCM-41, NiB, and Fe wire. Unlike previously reported methods, a nanoparticle catalyst and a silicate substrate are not required for synthesis. Two types of boron nanowires, boron nanotubes, and boron nanosheets were made. Their morphology and chemical composition were determined through the use of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. These boron-based materials have potential for electronic and hydrogen storage applications.
Evoked potentials and the study of sentence comprehension

Evoked brain potentials were used to monitor moment-by-moment decisions during language comprehension. Subjects read sentences containing temporary syntactic ambiguities for which one of the possible interpretations was semantically implausible. The N400 component of the evoked potential, which is sensitive to implausibility, was used to discover when during a sentence subjects made a decision about the ambiguity. The results demonstrate that readers try to interpret a syntactic ambiguity early in a sentence rather than waiting for disambiguating information. This introduces a new way to use brain activity to study sentence comprehension processes.
A comparison of thermography and electromyography in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy

We studied 20 asymptomatic control subjects and 14 patients with clinically unequivocal cervical radiculopathy to compare the diagnostic value of thermography with that of electromyography. We measured the average skin temperature of designated regions over the neck, shoulder, and upper extremities. We then compared the temperature between corresponding regions of the two limbs, and between fingers innervated by different roots in the same hand. Thermography was abnormal in 6 patients (43%), whereas electromyography was abnormal in 10 (71%). Thermographic abnormalities were seen only in the hands and fingers, and the pattern did not follow the dermatome of the clinically involved cervical root. When compared to electromyography, thermography provided no additional diagnostic information. Thus, thermography does not have an established role in the evaluation of patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Effective action for adjoint representation Higgs-SU(N) gauge systems on a lattice

Abstract A strong gauge coupling effective Higgs action is constructed for adjoint Higgs field-gauge systems for symmetry group SU(N), N ⩾ 3. The effective action reduces to that of a 4D-Ising model at large self-coupling on the Higgs bosons. At weak self-coupling the phase transition is of first order with strongly coupled radial and angular modes. In the absence of a λ tr (Φ 4 ) term, the pattern of the symmetry breaking is SU(N) → SU(N−1)×U(1).
Serological precipitation method for studying biosynthesis and secretion of immunoglobulins by human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Abstract A reproducible, serological method to quantify radiolabeled immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesized and secreted by human peripheral blood lymphocytes is described. In contrast to indirect precipitation (rabbit antihuman Ig and goat antirabbit Ig), the direct coprecipitation method using human IgG and rabbit antihuman IgG F(ab) 2 showed much smaller, non-specifically precipitable radioactivity (i.e., 2∼14%) without affecting Ig radioactivity.