cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can clot density predict recanalization in acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous tPA

Stroke has become an absolute emergency that is treated by additional endovascular means or by replacing pharmacological options. Modern neuroradiological techniques such as computed tomography (CT...
An emerging study in augmented reality & geographical information system

Augmented Reality (AR) and Geographic Information System (GIS) can be applied in various areas. They can be utilized to provide information on identifying the environments. Since most of the colleges don't offer AR and GIS courses, this paper presents an independent study framework about how college students can learn AR, GIS, Database, mobile app development through the emerging independent study. It is very important to know how Geolocation can be used to make very dynamic applications that users can interact with based on their location. This Independent Study framework will be using many new web and mobile technologies that are open-sourced. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness and the benefits of knowledge on GIS/AR.
The role of African rice and slaves in the history of rice cultivation in the Americas

This paper presents the botanical and historical evidence for the role of African rice (O. glaberrima) and slaves in the crop's introduction to the Americas during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. By focusing on culture, technology, and the environment the research challenges the perspective of the Columbian Exchange that emphasizes the diffusion of crops to, rather than from Africa, by Europeans. The evidence presented in this paper suggests a crucial role for glaberrima rice and slaves in the introduction of African crops to the Americas.
Accuracy and precision in broadband laser ranging

Broadband laser ranging uses spectral interferometry and a dispersive Fourier transform to perform high repetition rate position measurements of explosively-driven surfaces typically moving at several km/s. A broadband fiber laser and fiber interferometer record distance as a relative delay between short pulses, and the beat spectrum of the pulses is mapped into the time domain via long propagation in dispersive fiber. Optical amplification and a fast oscilloscope allow the dispersed spectrum to be recorded in real-time, often at measurement rates of 20-40 MHz. The third-order phase of the dispersive fiber causes distortions in mapping the spectrum into time that must be compensated for when analyzing the measured data. We characterize the accuracy and precision of BLR systems by performing a scan of static positions and comparing our single-shot measurements against position measurements from a commercial Michelson interferometer. We demonstrate a combination of hardware and data analysis that measures position to within 30 microns over a 27 cm range with very high precision.
Rethinking Leisure Education

Starting with the notion that the claims of a coming leisure-based society in which the only potential problem with leisure is having too much of it may not be defensible, we suggest that the whole...
Tensile behavior of bulk nanostructured and ultrafine grained aluminum alloys

In the present study, data on tensile behavior of bulk nanostructured aluminum alloys processed via consolidation of mechanically milled powders and severe plastic deformation are analyzed. High strength and low strain hardening were observed in bulk nanostructured and ultrafine-grained Al alloys. The ductility of aluminum alloys decreases with decreasing grain size. The high amount of intercrystalline components may have an influence on tensile properties of bulk nanostructured materials when grain sizes are less than 100 nm. The high strength in bulk nanostructured Al-Mg alloy may be attributed to contributions arising from grain size strengthening, the presence of high dislocation densities, Orowan strengthening, precipitation hardening and solid-solution hardening. The large and sudden stress drops in the stress-strain curves of cryomilled Al alloys are most probably indicative of the dislocation annihilation in the vicinity of or breakaway from the strong pinning role of dispersoids.
The Curricular Geometries of *SAMBA* Schools: Fractal Dimensions, Surface, Depth, and Recursion

A collaboration between academics and a community arts group leads to a new geometry of curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. The new concepts are fractal dimension, surface, depth, and recursion. Interweaving interdisciplinary curriculum and taking action projects, in and out of school, looks like recursive fractals where the surface contains its own depth when interpreted in terms of Euclidean geometry. Important characteristics include dimensional flow (the changing dimensionality in fractal space time) and the ease of recognizing the depth of hegemonic commonsense.
GenomeFlow: a comprehensive graphical tool for modeling and analyzing 3D genome structure.

Motivation Three-dimensional (3D) genome organization plays important functional roles in cells. User-friendly tools for reconstructing 3D genome models from chromosomal conformation capturing data and analyzing them are needed for the study of 3D genome organization. Results We built a comprehensive graphical tool (GenomeFlow) to facilitate the entire process of modeling and analysis of 3D genome organization. This process includes the mapping of Hi-C data to one-dimensional (1D) reference genomes, the generation, normalization and visualization of two-dimensional (2D) chromosomal contact maps, the reconstruction and the visualization of the 3D models of chromosome and genome, the analysis of 3D models and the integration of these models with functional genomics data. This graphical tool is the first of its kind in reconstructing, storing, analyzing and annotating 3D genome models. It can reconstruct 3D genome models from Hi-C data and visualize them in real-time. This tool also allows users to overlay gene annotation, gene expression data and genome methylation data on top of 3D genome models. Availability and implementation The source code and user manual: https://github.com/jianlin-cheng/GenomeFlow. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hysterectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy in the setting of pre-operative diagnosis of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Abstract Objectives Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may be considered in the setting of a pre-operative diagnosis of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) due to high rates of concurrent invasive cancer. The aim of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of different surgical management strategies for a pre-operative diagnosis of EIN. Methods A decision model was developed from a third party payer perspective to compare four surgical strategies for the management of EIN: (1) hysterectomy; (2) hysterectomy with frozen section (hysterectomy + frozen); (3) hysterectomy with SLNB (hysterectomy + SLNB); (4) hysterectomy with frozen section and SLNB (hysterectomy + frozen + SLNB). The probability that frozen section identifies high- or low-risk cancer, final pathology distribution, adjuvant treatments, and surgery/imaging costs were abstracted from the literature, Medicare reimbursement data, and the financial department of a private academic hospital. Adjuvant treatments were determined through NCCN guidelines and published studies. Effectiveness was quantified as percentage of patients who received the guideline-based treatment that aligned with their true stage. Results The base case cost and effectiveness of each strategy was: hysterectomy-$4383/89%, hysterectomy + frozen-$5220/99.2%, hysterectomy + SLNB-$5354/94.7% and hysterectomy + frozen + SLNB-$5938/99.6%. Hysterectomy + frozen had an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $8111 per patient who received adjuvant treatment that aligned with true stage compared to hysterectomy. Hysterectomy + frozen + SLNB had an ICER of $168,171 per additional patient who received adjuvant treatment that aligned with their true stage compared to hysterectomy + frozen. Conclusion Hysterectomy + frozen + SLNB is a costly strategy for pre-operative EIN when compared to hysterectomy + frozen, with limited clinical benefit. Hysterectomy with frozen section and subsequent intraoperative staging decisions should continue to be standard of care.
Novel AMP surface treatment for improving optical fiber strength and laser gain (Conference Presentation)

Contaminants can severely limit the efficiency, laser damage threshold, and strength of photonic crystal fiber-based lasers. Such contamination can occur due to environmental exposure during the pulling or stacking of rods and tubes or improper handling and storage of these glass components. A preform made by the “stack and draw” process is susceptible to incorporating surface contaminants into the bulk laser glass. We have adapted cleaning and handling protocols originally developed for processing large fused silica optics for the National Ignition Facility. The etch cleaning process reported here mimics the “AMP” or “Advanced Mitigation Process” developed for NIF optics that see high fluence 351nm light. In addition, all cleaning, fixturing and assembly processes used to prep a stack for pulling into a fiber are done in a Class 100 cleanroom. Glass rods (1-3mm in diameter and 10” long) are assembled into a Teflon fixture that only contacts the rods at each end. The loaded fixture receives 120kHz ultrasonic cleaning in 10% sodium hydroxide at 45C and 3% Brulin 1696 detergent at 55C. Parts are thoroughly rinsed using ultrasonicated ultrapure water and spray rinses. A 200nm etch in buffered hydrofluoric acid (6:1 BOE diluted 2:1 in DI water) is followed by additional ultasonicated (120kHz-270kHz) ultrapure water and spray rinse. Finally, the components are allowed to fully dry inside the Teflon frame. The rods are cleaned, stacked, and assembled into a fused silica tube. The preform stack is then returned to a non-cleanroom area to be pulled into fiber using standard telecom fiber-based draw tower equipment and without clean air filters around the draw area. Four fibers were made to test independently the damage threshold and the background loss, two Yb core active fibers and two silica core (F clad) fibers. One of each was cleaned with the AMP process, and one of each with a methanol wipe cleaning process. The active fiber was coated with a dual acrylate coating, first with a low-index inner coating to provide a pump cladding, and then with a relatively hard coating to protect the relatively soft primary coating. The active fibers were pumped at 980nm in a double Fresnel cavity configuration and the power increased until the fiber was damaged up to 1kW. The passive fiber background loss was measured using a standard cut-back technique. Replacing the former methanol wipe clean process with this aqueous cleaning process improved the 1060nm damage threshold of a fiber laser by >30x to above the kW level in the laboratory and reduced the background attenuation by >18x. Early indications are that the acid etching also makes the tensile strength of the fiber consistently high. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
Technical Issues in the High-Risk Patient

Lateral craniofacial resections and reconstructions are typically long and complex surgeries. Patient selection is important in planning the most appropriate reconstruction. In addition to medically optimizing patients with significant comorbidities, the preoperative work-up should include planning for locating adequate free flap recipient blood vessels. Appropriate flap selection and design are critical not only to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes but to minimize the risk for complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak, fistulae, and flap loss.
The emergence of targetable MEKanisms in sporadic lymphatic disorders.

Sporadic lymphatic diseases are orphans among orphans in the medical community, a diverse collection of disorders at the intersection of cardiac, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, dermatologic, and oncologic disease that receives only passing attention in medical school and that no subspecialty in medicine fully embraces as its own. They often present in a confusing and illusive manner, with a fractured bone, expectoration of blood or a branching airway cast, a swollen limb or a collection of chylous material; protean manifestations that can challenge even the most expert diagnostician. Yet many of these acquired disorders have been discovered to have a targetable genetic basis, and as the case report of Foster et al (2020) demonstrates, the sedulous clinician-patient dyad can be rewarded with an almost miraculous result when the molecular pathogenesis of the disease is pursued and an exquisitely targeted therapy is administered.
CLINICAL OPHTHALMIC PARAMETERS OF THE TEXAS TORTOISE ( GOPHERUS BERLANDIERI ).

Ophthalmic studies of the Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri) established normal ophthalmic parameters for select diagnostic tests in captive tortoises and assessment of differences among individuals of differing size and health status. Sixty-one tortoises of varying weight, shell size, Mycoplasma seroprevalence, and herpesvirus exposure were included. Complete ophthalmic examinations, including neuro-ophthalmic reflexes, phenol red thread test, rebound tonometry, fluorescein staining, palpebral fissure length measurement, slit lamp biomicroscopy, indirect fundoscopy, and ocular ultrasound measurements of axial globe length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous length, were recorded. All tortoises had negative dazzle and pupillary light reflexes, inconsistent menace responses, and positive palpebral reflexes. Mean ± SD tear production and intraocular pressure (IOP) were 14.2 ± 5.6 mm/15 sec and 13.8 ± 2.4 mm Hg in healthy tortoises, respectively. Mycoplasma-seropositive tortoises (with or without herpesvirus exposure) had significantly increased tear production (20.2 ± 8.1 and 19.9 ± 8.9 mm/15 sec, respectively) compared with healthy seronegative tortoises (14.2 ± 5.6 mm/15 sec; P = 0.02). As body size decreased, so too did palpebral fissure length and ocular ultrasound measurements, while IOP increased. Overall, palpebral fissure length appeared relatively small, and tear production relatively increased compared with other chelonian species, likely on the basis of the relatively arid native habitat. Further work is recommended to establish baseline values in related species, as well as comparison in aquatic versus terrestrial chelonians. The authors further suggest that the finding of relatively increased tear production in tortoises may indicate the need to rule out mycoplasmosis as a cause of upper respiratory tract disease.
Mitigating Corporate Water Risk: Financial Market Tools and Supply Management Strategies

A decision framework for business water-risk response is proposed that considers financial instruments and supply management strategies. Based on available and emergent programmes, companies in the agricultural, commodities, and energy sectors may choose to hedge against financial risks by purchasing futures contracts or insurance products. These strategies address financial impacts such as revenue protection due to scarcity and disruption of direct operations or in the supply chain, but they do not directly serve to maintain available supplies to continue production. In contrast, companies can undertake actions in the watershed to enhance supply reliability and/or they can reduce demand to mitigate risk. Intermediate strategies such as purchasing of water rights or water trading involving financial transactions change the allocation of water but do not reduce overall watershed demand or increase water supply. The financial services industry is playing an increasingly important role, by considering how water risks impact decision making on corporate growth and market valuation, corporate creditworthiness, and bond rating. Risk assessment informed by Conditional Value-atRisk (CVaR) measures is described, and the role of the financial services industry is characterised. A corporate decision framework is discussed in the context of water resources management strategies under complex uncertainties.
Implementation and testing

Following the design and simulation of the sensors, the implementation poses its own challenges, both mechanical and electrical. These have to be resolved, and their effects on performance must be evaluated. This chapter discusses the implementation of the sensors followed by testing. Much of the functional testing was reported in Chapter 6 and will not be addressed here. However, microwave systems are very sensitive to mechanical issues, and these will be addressed here. In particular, resonant systems, because of their high sensitivity to variations in volume of material, position of the tested material within the cavity, and, of course, variations in permittivity, require special attention to mechanical structures that support and facilitate the measurement.
Re-Visiting Site Visits through the Lens of Disability Studies

The site visit (also called “field trips,” “excursions,” even “field research”) is a well-known learning activity in religious studies classrooms. In this article, I will analyze site visits to reveal how ableism is embedded even in educational practices common to religion courses. First, I will provide a brief overview of disability studies, various models of disability, and the pervasive ableism that structures higher education. Next, I will describe the typical conceptions and components of a site visit, as illustrated by real religion syllabi, with consideration of the barriers that it may present for students who ‘deviate’ from the ‘norm.’ I will then introduce some principles of Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning, which may give readers ideas and tools for revising and expanding all of their assignments, including site visits. Finally, I will conclude with some (not definitive, admittedly, but specific) ideas for making site visits more inclusive.
National Security and Access, a Structural Perspective

Since 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that the press and the public have a First Amendment right of access to attend criminal trials. The Court, however, has failed to anchor that access right to any First Amendment theory in particular. Sometimes it has adjudicated requests for access without invoking any theory whatsoever, and other times, it has maintained that access to information played a “structural role” in a democracy by ensuring that public debate was an informed one. Then the Court stopped considering access cases altogether, leaving it unmoored in a sea of First Amendment jurisprudence. This drift has created vast inconsistencies in how lower courts understand access, which the government has, in turn, exploited to limit public access, especially in cases involving national security. Extending the country's secret wars into the courtroom, however, is antithetical to the traditional value of openness in our judicial system. To prevent the further erosion of this value, courts must begin to understand access not just as an individual right to be vindicated but rather as a structural necessity for effective self-governance. First, as explained in Part I, access plays a structural, separation of powers role by limiting the Executive’s authority to decide what information submitted in judicial proceedings may properly be kept from the public. Second, as explained in Part II, access plays a structural role by providing the public with the pool of information it needs to engage in — to borrow and modify a famous phrase — “[meaningful,] uninhibited, robust, and wide-open” public debate that fuels the democracy established by the Constitution. Finally, Part III explains how the failure to account for these principles undermines access and how courts can reverse that effect by focusing on access as an essential ingredient to the system of government established by the Constitution.
Central Auditory Plasticity from Molecules to Behavior

Understanding how, when, and for how long the adult central auditory system adapts to hearing loss and aging is an important topic that is currently studied across the globe [...].
Diffusion-Weighted and Tensor Imaging of the Normal Brain

Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) are usually obtained in three orthogonal orientations using spin-echo type single-shot echo-planar imaging with b values around 0 and 1000 s/mm2. These three planes are combined into isotropic DWI, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps are calculated on a pixel-by-pixel basis (Fig. 2.1). To avoid misinterpretations, it is important to recognize the normal findings on DWI and ADC maps.
Neutralizing Cyber Attacks: Techniques of Neutralization and Willingness to Commit Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure by ideology-based hackers may have both significant financial costs and public safety consequences. Scholars have been increasingly using Sykes and Matza’s (1957) techniques of neutralization to better understand the commission of various forms of cybercrime, including that of computer hacking. This study examines the effects of techniques of neutralization on college students’ willingness to commit cyber attacks, specifically defacing websites and compromising financial and government servers, against both domestic and foreign targets. An overall techniques of neutralization scale significantly predicted being willing to commit all examined forms of cyber attacks even after controlling for peer behavior, computer skills, time spent online, and being male. The strongest support was found for the techniques of condemnation of the condemners and claim of entitlement. The implications of the findings for our understanding of why certain individuals are more willing to commit cyber attacks and the situational crime prevention efforts to remove excuses for offenders are both explored.
The effect of flywheel-based resistive exercise workouts on testosterone/cortisol ratios

Toassessthesubsequent testosterone/cortisol ratio(TCr)fromflywheel-basedresistiveexercise, usingawithin-subjects design volunteers (7men, 10 women) performed three seated legpress workouts on an ergometer (YoYoTechnologies, Stockholm Sweden). Comprised of ten-repetition sets, the workouts entailed: a three-set protocol composed of concentric and eccentric actions (CE3), as well as concentric-only paradigms of three (CO3) and six (CO6) sets. Venous blood, collected before bouts and at one and 30 minutes post-exercise, was used to quantify the TCr. Data were examined with ANOVA and multivariate regression. ANOVA yielded a gender x time TCr interaction, as male values declined significantly yet women's data were unchanged. With the TCr at one and 30 minutes post-exercise as separate criterion measures, and data pooled across genders and workouts, multivariate regression revealed significance per dependent variable. Univariate correlations showed the best predictors of the post-exercise TCr in descending order were: body mass, average power and delta lactate. Gender and quadriceps muscle volume may have acted as confounding variables to allow body mass to the best current study predictor. Continued research should examine additional predictor variables, as current results only accounted for roughly 30% of the total criterion measure variance.
A New Red Clover 2,4-D-Resistant Cultivar to Improve Broadleaf Weed Control and Elucidate the Molecular Mechanism of Resistance

Using recurrent phenotypic selection we have developed a red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) cultivar (FL24D) resistant to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) after six cycles. Approximately 20,000 seeds were broadcast seeded into metal flats and sprayed with 1.1 kg a.i. ha-1 2,4-D at 4 week (3 trifoliate leaf stage). One month later, 385 (1.95 %) plants were selected for intercrossing. Selection criteria were based on survival and regrowth. Following cycles were based on recurrent half-sib selection. While standard red clover cultivars (susceptible to 2,4-D) died after the recommended 2,4-D application rates, FL24D established a stand with no decrease in total yield relative to the unsprayed treatment. Under unsprayed conditions, FL24D presented one of the highest yields compared to commercially available cultivars. Additionally, FL24D is earlier in spring growth than any other known cultivar in the market. Despite the economic importance of 2,4-D and its use for more than 60 years, remarkably little is known about the underlying genetic architecture or the genetic process by which resistance is acquired in plants. Using remnant seed from the cultivar development, cycle 0 (susceptible) through cycle 6 (resistant), we are studying both the process of acquired resistance and the molecular mechanism involved in such resistance.
A novel brushless DC motor speed estimator based on space-frequency localized wavelet neural networks (WNNs)

A novel high-accurate speed estimator using a recurrent wavelet neural network (WNN) is proposed and validated for BLDC motor drives. The experimental results show that the WNN speed estimator yields promising results over a wide operating range including low-speed bands and transient operating conditions
Isolation and characterization of fig lysozyme.

Abstract A procedure is described for the isolation of fig lysozyme from dried fig latex. The pure enzyme has a molecular weight of 29,000 and consists of a single polypeptide chain with amino-terminal glycine and carboxyl-terminal isoleucine residues. With Micrococcus lysodeikticus cells as substrate, the enzyme exhibits a sharp pH optimum at pH 4.5. Fig lysozyme is considerably more active toward chitin and tetra-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine than egg-white lysozyme. The enzyme shows a strong ionic strength dependence, maximal activity being attained at an ionic strength of 0.02 to 0.03. The physical and enzymatic properties of fig lysozyme are strikingly similar to those of papaya lysozyme, although the amino acid compositions of the two enzymes show many differences. Fig lysozyme, just as papaya and egg-white lysozymes, is powerfully inhibited by histamine. A mechanism for this inhibition is suggested.
A Challenge Standing on Shaky Clay

Dissent over Descent . Intelligent Design's Challenge to Darwinism. By Steve Fuller . Icon Books, Cambridge, 2008. 278 pp. £12.99, C$26. ISBN 9781840468045. The author holds that for most of Western history, science and religion have "gone hand in hand," and he takes the search for intelligent design in nature to have been an overriding concern of science.
The BKK root count in C n

The root count developed by Bernshtein, Kushnirenko and Khovanskii only counts the number of isolated zeros of a polynomial system in the algebraic torus (C * ) n . In this paper, we modify this bound slightly so that it counts the number of isolated zeros in C n . Our bound is, apparently, significantly sharper than the recent root counts found by Rojas and in many cases easier to compute. As a consequence of our result, the Huber-Sturmfels homotopy for finding all the isolated zeros of a polynomial system in (C * ) n can be slightly modified to obtain all the isolated zeros in C n .
Properties and mode of action of a partially purified deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase from the mitochondria of HeLa cells.

A DNA polymerase has been partially purified from the mitochondria of HeLa cells. Properties, including low levels of nuclease activity and a preference for native duplex DNA templates, were favorable for the study of in vitro DNA synthesis using circular duplex DNA templates. Initiation of DNA synthesis occurs predominantly at sites of single strand scissions with covalent addition of nucleotides to the priming template strand. Centrifugation and electron microscopy have established that the template DNA strand ahead of the growing point is displaced rather than degraded. Hairpin structures are not formed in the course of DNA synthesis on duplex DNA templates.
Loss on serial passage of rhesus monkey kidney cells of proteolytic activity required for Sendai virus activation.

Primary and secondary cultures of rhesus monkey kidney cells supported multiple-cycle replication of Sendai virus, but later passages lost this ability, and this was reflected in decreased plaque formation. Multiple-cycle replication also did not occur in LLC-MK2 cells, a continuous line of RMK cells. Failure of replication in serially passed cells was correlated with a decrease in proteolytic cleavage of a viral surface glycoprotein (Fo), and the ability of cells to support multiple-cycle replication and plaque formation could be restored by the addition of trypsin (0.3 microgram/ml) to the overlay medium. The use of wild-type virus, which requires trypsin, and protease activation mutants that require chymotrypsin or elastase for activation has provided evidence that the activating protease supplied by primary or secondary cells has trypsin-like activity. Inactive virus, with uncleaved Fo glycoprotein, absorbed to primary or secondary cells but did not infect them, even though such cells possess the enzyme that is capable of cleaving the Fo glycoprotein of virus synthesized in these cells. The inability of these cells to activate adsorbed virus indicates that the activating protease that they possess is inacessible to adsorbed virus, although it can act on the Fo glycoprotein during virus maturation in these cells. These data provide a biochemical explanation for the failure of later passages of a cell strain or a continuous cell line to support the replication of a paramyxovirus. Images
Wall Street's Reaction to Listing of the Northern Spotted Owl

The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) was declared a threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service on June 22, 1990. Its listing as a threatened species makes it illegal not only to harm the owls directly, but also to destroy their habitat. Uncertainty associated with the federal government's handling of the owl habitat area increased with the announcement on June 27 that a plan for protection would be delayed. Subsequently, the Bush administration responded with a plan aimed at “balancing” environmental and employment considerations (Hooker and Rockwell, 1990). Reflecting the 1994 Clinton forest plan for the Pacific Northwest, total harvests of softwoods in the Douglas‐fir region of Western Washington and Western Oregon were recently projected to decline from 3.14 billion cubic feet in 1986 to 1.75 billion cubic feet in 2010 (Haynes, Adams, and Mills, 1995). Since the stock market responds very rapidly to new information, its reaction to the owl's listing can be investigated in an attempt to uncover Wall Street's perception of the likely future effect of the decision on the financial attractiveness of growing and marketing timber. Results have implications for the forest products industry and should be of interest to policymakers, forest industry planners, and security analysts.
Roughening Hexagonal Surface Morphology on Laser Lift-Off (LLO) N-Face GaN with Simple Photo-Enhanced Chemical Wet Etching

A photo-enhanced chemical wet etching technique is presented to form a roughened surface morphology with hexagonal symmetry on laser lift-off (LLO) N-face GaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). An aqueous solution of KOH was used as etch electrolyte. The etched surface showed cones with hexagonal pyramid structures bound by {1011} facets. A detailed analysis of the etch rates and time-evolution of the surface morphology is described as a function of KOH concentration (1.25 M to 8.8 M). The comparison between (0001) N-face and Ga-face GaN etch morphology is discussed. This roughened hexagonal surface morphology can be applied to enhance the external efficiency in GaN based light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Current efficiency and titration efficiency in coulometric titrations with electrogenerated ceric ion determination of iodide

Abstract The current efficiency for the electrogeneration of cerie ion at a platinum anode falls considerably below 100% at both very small and at large current densities in both sulfuric and perchloric acid media. The maximal current efficiency is about 99.8%. Iodide ion can be titrated to iodine with an error of only about +0.3%, even under conditions where the cerie ion generation efficiency is only 98%. High titration efficiency, in spite of poor efficiency for ceric ion generation, is obtained because iodine is oxidized to iodate ion at a potential slightly in advance of the potential at which cerous ion is oxidized. Since the electrogenerated iodate ion oxidizes iodide ion only a minor fraction of the total quantity of electricity results from ceric ion generation, so the effect of its inefficient generation is greatly minimized. Satisfactory titrations of iodide ion to iodine can be performed without any cerous salt present, provided the generating current density is smaller than the limiting current density for oxidation of iodine to iodate ion.
A silicon and aluminum dynamic memory technology

The Silicon and Aluminum Metal Oxide Semiconductor (SAMOS) technology is presented as a high-yield, low-cost process to make one-device-cell random access memories. The characteristics of the process are a multilayer dielectric gate insulator (oxide-nitride), a p-type polysilicon field shield, and a doped oxide diffusion source. Added yield-enhancing features are backside ion implant gettering, dual dielectric insulators between metal layers, and circuit redundancy. A family of chips is produced using SAMOS, ranging from 18K bits to 64K bits. System features such as on-chip data registers are designed on some chips. The chip technology is merged with "flip-chip" packaging to provide one-inch-square modules from 72K bits through 512K bits, with typical access times from 90 ns to 300 ns.
Analytical tools for characterizing biopharmaceuticals and the implications for biosimilars

Biologics such as monoclonal antibodies are much more complex than small-molecule drugs, which raises challenging questions for the development and regulatory evaluation of follow-on versions of such biopharmaceutical products (also known as biosimilars) and their clinical use once patent protection for the pioneering biologic has expired. With the recent introduction of regulatory pathways for follow-on versions of complex biologics, the role of analytical technologies in comparing biosimilars with the corresponding reference product is attracting substantial interest in establishing the development requirements for biosimilars. Here, we discuss the current state of the art in analytical technologies to assess three characteristics of protein biopharmaceuticals that regulatory authorities have identified as being important in development strategies for biosimilars: post-translational modifications, three-dimensional structures and protein aggregation.
Lp Minkowski problem with not necessarily positive data

Abstract The L p Minkowski problem in the plane has been the object of a number of recent investigations. Here we present various existence results for 0 ⩾ p ⩾ - 2 . In the case 0 > p > - 2 , a necessary and sufficient condition for the solvability of the problem is given.
Use of ELISA Immunoassay Kits as a Complement to HPLC Analysis of Imazapyr and Triclopyr in Water Samples from Forest Watersheds

The herbicide triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)-oxyacetic acid has been marketed by the Dow Chemical Co. since the mid 1970’s as the triethylammonium salt (Garlon 3A) and as the ethylene glycol butyl ether ester (Garlon 4). Shortly after its introduction, McKellar (1977) published a method for the extraction, isolation, and electron capture gas chroinatographic analysis of triclopyr and two of its major metabolites in soil and water samples. A number of environmental fate studies of triclopyr have been published since then, each of which has used the McKellar method or a minor modification of it (Oloffs et al. 1986; Deubert et al. 1986; Norris et al. 1987; Whisenant et al. 1989). Glas (1978) developed a method along similar lines for the analysis of triclopyr in plant tissues as did Bovey et al. (1983). While state-of-the-art for their day, these methods are laborintensive and time-consuming. They use large volumes of dichloromethane which has been designated a hazardous material by the EPA, making its disposal difficult and expensive. These methods also involve derivitization with diazomethane, which is an explosion hazard and requires handling of highly carcinogenic precursors. We have developed a rugged high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for analysis of the free-acid form of triclopyr in environmental water samples. This method features solid-phase extraction (SPE) and a lead diacetate cleanup to remove interfering humic substances. We have applied this method to the analysis of over two thousand water samples from a major environmental fate study we conducted on the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas, but only 10 samples could be processed in one technician-day. Samples from environmental fate studies collected in one day frequently exceed 200-300 so there is a great need for a method which will accelerate the analysis of these samples.
Environmental and Yield Effects on Reproduction in Primiparous Holsteins

Abstract Environmental and yield effects on days from parturition to first service, first service conception rate, and number of services were studied in primiparous Holsteins. Recorded breedings and DHI production records were from six experimental herds. Seasonal subsets included daughters of sires having ≥5 progeny calving in April through July (n=817) and August through March (n=1162). Subsets based on production were 9750 kg FCM (241 cows). Highest and lowest conception rates were for December (56.7%) and May (26.1%) calvings with opposite results for number of services (December, 1.80; May, 2.74). More than one cow in estrus on day of first service reduced interval to first service in August through March calvings but increased that trait in April through July parturitions. For both seasonal subsets, >1 estrual cow increased first service conception, but ≥4 cows in estrus decreased conception in April through July. In production subsets with >7250kg FCM, first service conception declined (11.9%) and number of services increased (.28) per 1000kg more FCM. However, yield did not affect conception rates or days to first service for lowest producers (
Molecular aspects of aluminum toxicity

The focus in this review is directed to molecular aspects of aluminum toxicity in animal and plant cells. Unique thermodynamic features of Al(lII) ions impart biological specificity which may form the biochemical basis of aluminum interactions with cellular constituents. Current knowledge about aluminum‐specific, molecular interactions is rather scanty. Al(III) ions may coordinate with nucleotides or complex to phospholipids resulting in impaired genetic expression or aluminum‐induced membrane phase changes, respectively. Aluminum‐specific structures are formed with proteins involved in iron transport. and with calmodulin, a key regulatory protein involved in coordinating the actions of second messengers. A novel hypothesis is put forward that Al‐calmodulin may be a primary lesion that occurs in the broadly defined syndrome of aluminum toxicity. Pertinent research areas are discussed.
1‐Methylphenanthro[3,4‐b]thiophene: Determination of the tertiary structure in solution and in the crystalline state by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction

1-Methylphenanthro[3,4-b]thiophene was prepared by the photocyclization of 1-(4′-methyl-2′-thienyl)-2-(2″-naphthyl)ethene. The 1H and 13C-nmr spectra were assigned using two-dimensional 1H/13C heteronuclear chemical shift correlation and relayed coherence transfer (RELAY) experiments. From nuclear Overhauser difference spectra, the H11-C1 methyl-H intramolecular distance was determined to be 2.10 A. The molecule crystallized from chloroform in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c. A total of 3536 unique reflections were measured and the structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final R = 0.049. The molecule is helical with both chiral forms observed in the crystal. The H11-C1 methyl-H distance in the crystal was 2.12(3)A in excellent agreement with the distance measured in solution by NOE techniques.
Causes and Consequences of Bias in the Consumer Price Index as a Measure of the Cost of Living

The accurate measure of prices is fundamental to almost every important issue in economics, from measuring economic progress to the conduct of monetary policy to the indexation of private contracts and public programs and tax rules. This paper reviews the causes of bias in the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI), updates the estimate of such bias (now roughly 0.8 percent per annum) following several improvements by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), notes the likely far larger substitution bias than previously estimated and calls for a series of priority improvements. Particular attention is called to the over 40 basis point slower growth of the BLS’ C-CPI-U compared to the CPI-U, more than double the early 1990s estimates, which highlights the importance of moving to a formula such as the chained Tornqvist C-CPI that corrects for traditional substitution bias. The implications for mismeasuring the growth of real wages, real median income, and real returns to stocks and bonds are developed, as are the budgetary implications of the overindexing of spending and tax brackets resulting from the overstatement of changes in the cost of living.
Decreased myofibrillar protein breakdown following treatment with clenbuterol

Daily treatment of Fischer-344 rats for 14 days with the beta 2-adrenergic agonist, clenbuterol, increased gastrocnemius muscle mass and protein content. Coadministration with the beta-adrenergic antagonist, nadolol, significantly reduced these anabolic effects of clenbuterol. Although clenbuterol treatment reduced food intake during the first 4 days, clenbuterol-treated rats were hyperphagic during the second week of drug administration. Nadolol treatment also blocked these effects of clenbuterol on feeding. In a second experiment, in vitro incubation of extensor digitorum longus muscles taken from post weaning food-deprived rats demonstrated decreased release of 3-methylhistidine by clenbuterol-treated rats, suggesting decreased breakdown of myofibrillar protein. Protein synthesis was not increased in vitro in the soleus muscles taken from these rats. These experiments demonstrate that the anabolic effect of clenbuterol is due in part to beta-adrenergic activity and may involve reduced myofibrillar protein degradation. These results appear to have direct application to nutrition and protein repletion in various catabolic diseases.
Circulations and Qualities of Political Elites

AbstractCirculations and qualities of political elites are subjects of abiding interest in comparative political sociology. Pairs of articles in this issue examine (1) long-term circulations of parliamentary elites in Norway, Denmark, and other Nordic countries; (2) changing compositions of ministerial and parliamentary elites in Spain and Russia since both countries transited from authoritarian rule; (3) personality traits of German parliamentary elites, compared with those of the German adult population, and proclivities of American and British elites since World War II. This introduction compares and contrasts the three pairs of articles with previous comparative studies of political elites.
Alteration of left ventricular performance by left bundle branch block simulated with atrioventricular sequential pacing

The effects of atrioventricular (AV) sequential pacing-induced left bundle branch block (LBBB) on left ventricular (LV) performance were evaluated during cardiac catheterization in 9 randomly selected patients being investigated for chest pain. All patients were in normal sinus rhythm with a normal P-R interval and QRS duration. LV performance was assessed by both hemodynamic and angiographie measurements. The maximal rate of LV pressure increase (dP/dt), rate of maximal LV pressure decrease (−dPdt), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), stroke volume and percent ejection (EF) were measured during right atrial and AV sequential pacing at a constant pacing rate. The average pacing rate was 97 ± 3 beats/min (mean ± standard error of the mean). In each patient, both dP/dt and −dPdt decreased significantly (p < 0.001) during AV sequential pacing compared with atrial pacing at the same rate, from 1,541 ± 68 to 1,319 ± 56 mm Hg/s for dP/dt and from 1,506 ± 86 to 1,276 ± 92 for −dPdt. LVEDP did not change significantly when atrial (17 ± 3 mm Hg) and AV sequential pacing (16 ± 2 mm Hg) were compared. Mean LVEDV did not change during atrial (135 ± 13 ml) or AV sequential pacing (137 ± 14 ml). In contrast, the LVESV during AV sequential pacing was higher by 15 ml (23 % ) (from 48 ± 10 to 63 ± 12 ml) (p < 0.001); as a result, the stroke volume was lower by 13 ml (15%) and the EF decreased by 10 %, from 66 to 56 % (−15 %). These changes in LV performance during acutely induced LBBB by AV sequential pacing as compared with atrial pacing at the same rate were independent of altered preload, because both LVEDP and LVEDV were similar during the 2 different pacing modes. Peak systolic pressure during AV sequential pacing was significantly lower than that during atrial pacing (161 ± 10 vs 145 ± 10 mm Hg, p < 0.01), and thus afterload was presumably altered during the different pacing modes. However, because the observed change in systolic pressure (afterload) was lower during AV sequential pacing, this change should improve rather than result in deterioration of ejection phase indexes. Because the opposite was observed, it is concluded the deterioration in LV function noted during AV sequential pacing must be due in part to the asynchronous pattern of ventricular activation induced by this intervention.
Crural Artery Traumatic Injuries: Treatment with Embolization

The purpose of this paper is to report our experience with the endovascular treatment of crural arterial injuries using transcatheter and direct embolization techniques. A total of eight consecutive patients have been treated during a 7-year period. Six males and two females, mean age 32 years (range, 15–56 years), presented with penetrating trauma to the lower extremities. Mechanisms of injuries were stab wounds in six patients, gun shot wound in one patient, and iatrogenic injury in one patient. Five patients presented with acute trauma, while three patients presented with delayed injuries. Crural arterial injuries encountered included pseudoaneurysms with arteriovenous fistulas (n = 6), pseudoaneurysms with vessel transections (n = 2), and pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). Proximal and distal embolization with coils was used in three cases, proximal embolization with coils in three cases, percutaneous thrombin injection in one case, and liquid n-butyl cyanoacrylate in one case. Complete exclusion of the lesions was accomplished by sacrifice of one crural vessel in seven cases and of two crural vessels in one case. Two cases of delayed injuries required combined coil and liquid embolization techniques for lesion exclusion. A minor complication (groin hematoma) occurred in one patient, no distal ischemia was seen, and no amputations were required. Mean follow-up was 61 days (range, 1–180 days). One pseudoaneurysm treated with thrombin injection recurred and required surgical excision. We conclude that transcatheter embolization alone or in combination with different endovascular techniques is useful in the treatment of traumatic crural vessel injuries.