cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus sperm to support community-based repository development for preservation of genetic resources

Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus is an emerging model organism in which cutting-edge genomic tools and resources are being developed for use in a growing number of research fields. However, one limitation of this model system is the lack of long-term storage for genetic resources. Our goal in this study was to establish a generalizable approach to sperm cryopreservation that would support future repository development and could be applied to many species according to available resources. Our approach was to: 1) Assess sperm characteristics and standardize collection and processing; 2) Assess acute toxicity to cryoprotectants, and 3) Evaluate and refine freezing conditions to permit post-thaw fertilization and produce viable offspring. By following this approach, we found that Hydractinia sperm incubated in 5% DMSO, equilibrated at 4°C for 20 min, and cooled at a rate of 20°C/min to -80°C at a cell concentration of 10 8 -10 9 /mL in 0.25-mL aliquots were able to fertilize 150-300 eggs which yielded offspring that could metamorphose into juvenile polyps. In addition, improvements were made for processing sperm using a customized 3-D printed collection system. Other opportunities for improvement include optimizing the volumetric sperm-to-egg ratio for fertilization. Establishing repository capabilities for the Hydractinia research community will be essential for future development, maintenance, protection, and distribution of genetic resources. More broadly, this application-based approach highlights the long-term value of establishing repository-level resources that can be expanded to fit community needs.
Perturbation-based exploration methods in deep reinforcement learning.

Recent research on structured exploration placed emphasis on identifying novel states in the state space and incentivizing the agent to revisit them through intrinsic reward bonuses. In this study, we question whether the performance boost demonstrated through these methods is indeed due to the discovery of structure in exploratory schedule of the agent or is the benefit largely attributed to the perturbations in the policy and reward space manifested in pursuit of structured exploration. In this study we investigate the effect of perturbations in policy and reward spaces on the exploratory behavior of the agent. We proceed to show that simple acts of perturbing the policy just before the softmax layer and introduction of sporadic reward bonuses into the domain can greatly enhance exploration in several domains of the arcade learning environment. In light of these findings, we recommend benchmarking any enhancements to structured exploration research against the backdrop of noisy exploration.
High ligation in adolescents: Is it enough?

Abstract Background In adults, the gold standard for surgical repair of an inguinal hernia is a mesh repair, whereas, in children, the standard is high ligation of the hernia sac. However, adolescents represent a “gray zone” between children and adults, and there is no consensus on the most appropriate operation for inguinal hernias in these patients. We aimed to describe the outcomes in adolescents undergoing high ligation for inguinal hernia repair and determine what factors may portend an increased risk of recurrence in this population. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of all children that underwent open high ligation for an inguinal hernia at our tertiary children's hospital from January 2000 to January 2018, who were 12 to 18 years old at the time of surgery. We compared the patient demographic data, medical history, and repair characteristics for the cohort of hernias that developed a recurrence to the cohort that did not. Results During our study period, 256 adolescent patients underwent repair with 11 of those patients having both sides repaired for a total of 267 hernias repaired. The median age at surgery was 14.7 years, and 83.9% of the hernias were in male patients. There was a 6.0% recurrence rate, and all patients that developed recurrence underwent a reoperation. The median time from surgery to reoperation for recurrence was 3.1 years. Patients with recurrence were more likely to have cardiac (25.0% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.02) and gastrointestinal comorbidities (25% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.01). There were no other significant differences between the two cohorts. Conclusion High ligation of the hernia sac in adolescents is effective and has an acceptable risk of recurrence while avoiding any additional morbidity that may come from the use of mesh. Patients with cardiac and gastrointestinal comorbidities should be counseled on the higher risk of recurrence.
Financial toxicity, mental health, and gynecologic cancer treatment: The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic among low-income women in New York City.

BACKGROUND: New York City (NYC) emerged as an epicenter of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and marginalized populations were affected at disproportionate rates. The authors sought to determine the impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment, anxiety, and financial distress among low-income patients with gynecologic cancer during the peak of the NYC pandemic. METHODS: Medicaid-insured women who were receiving gynecologic oncology care at 2 affiliated centers were contacted by telephone interviews between March 15 and April 15, 2020. Demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained through self-report and retrospective chart review. Financial toxicity, anxiety, and cancer worry were assessed using modified, validated surveys. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients completed the telephone interview. The median age was 60 years (range, 19-86 years), and 71% had an annual income $40,000; P = .036 and P = .017, respectively). When controlling for telehealth participation, income, primary language, and residence in a high COVID-19 prevalence area, a delay in medical care resulted in a 4-fold increased rate of anxiety (P = .023, 95% CI, 1.278-14.50). Race was not significantly associated with increased financial distress, cancer worry, or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Low socioeconomic status was the most common risk factor for increased financial distress, cancer worry, and anxiety. Interventions aimed at improving access to timely oncology care should be implemented during this ongoing pandemic.
Reciprocal Social Behavior and Related Social Outcomes in Individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

Abstract Reciprocal social behavior (RSB) deficits have been noted in formal psychotic disorders and may play a role in the clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR) syndrome. The present study examined RSB deficits and clinical and social functioning correlates in 45 individuals meeting criteria for a CHR syndrome and 47 healthy comparisons (HC). Further, this study examined associations with number of friends, problematic social Internet use, and perceived social support. Compared to the HC group, the CHR group exhibited greater deficits in total RSB and in all RSB subdomains. Total RSB deficits were associated with greater negative but not positive symptom severity in the CHR group, and greater social functional impairment. RSB deficits also may have related to fewer friendships, more problematic social Internet use, and less perceived belonging and tangible social support, although relationships with Internet use and perceived social support did not survive FDR-correction. These findings provide further evidence that RSB is impaired in the CHR syndrome and suggest specific social outcomes that may be affected. Further investigations with larger, diverse samples and repeated measures can confirm these findings.
Autopsy Case of Meningoencephalomyelitis Associated With Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Antibody.

Background and objectives To describe the autopsy findings and neuropathologic evaluation of autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis associated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody. Methods We reviewed the clinical course, imaging, laboratory, and autopsy findings of a patient with autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis associated with GFAP antibody who had a refractory course to multiple immunosuppressive therapies. Results The patient was a 70-year-old man who was diagnosed as GFAP antibody-associated autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis. MRI of the head showed linear perivascular enhancement in the midbrain and the basal ganglia. Despite treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, plasma exchange, IV immunoglobulins, and cyclophosphamide, he died with devastating neurologic complications. Autopsy revealed a coexistent neuroendocrine tumor in the small intestine and diffuse inflammation in the brain parenchyma, perivascular spaces, and leptomeninges, with predominant T-cells, macrophages, and activated microglia. B-cells and plasma cells were absent. There was no astrocyte involvement with change in GFAP immunostaining. Discussion This case illustrates autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis associated with GFAP antibody in the CSF and coexistent neuroendocrine tumor. The autopsy findings were nonspecific and did not demonstrate astrocyte involvement. Further accumulation of cases is warranted to delineate the utility and pathogenic significance of the GFAP autoantibody.
Weed Control and Crop Tolerance in Inzen Grain Sorghum with Zest Tank Mixtures

Although preemergence applications of Cinch ATZ provided excellent green foxtail control, it did not provide commercially acceptable levels of Palmer amaranth or crabgrass control. All postemergence tank mixes of Zest raised the level of control achieved by the preemergence applications of Cinch ATZ to excellent levels for these species. With the exception of the Huskie tank mix, which provided excellent Palmer amaranth control, all other postemergence programs provided only adequate control of Palmer amaranth, crabgrass, or green foxtail. Weed pressure of these species was extreme. Under conditions of extreme weed pressure, a foundation treatment of Cinch ATZ followed by a postemergence application would be needed for commercially acceptable levels of weed control.
A distributed information management framework (REGNET) for environmental laws and regulations

The complexity, diversity, and volume of Federal and State regulations (as well as supplementary and supportive documents) are detrimental to businesses and hinder public understanding of government. The objective of REGNET project is to develop information infrastructure and tools for regulatory information management and to facilitate compliance assistance. As a pilot research application, the REGNET project focuses on environmental regulations. The experimental scope of this project focuses on Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40: Protection of the Environment and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22: Social Security. Implementation examples include regulations and selected supplementary documents, covering hazardous waste, drinking water and the management of used oil. Furthermore, tools have been tested with additional environmental regulations from other States and regulations from other domain areas, such as CFR Title 21 on Food and Drugs, and different regulations related to accessibility from the US and UK.
The exhilarating, dangerous world of technology transfer communication: success and sanity through teamwork

A growing interest in technology transfer as a tool for economic development has resulted in a new genre of communication, which must appeal to audiences at several levels of technical expertise while retaining technical accuracy. Technology transfer communication products can be created in many forms, and the preparation is exciting, as is the thrill of being on the "leading edge " of technology development. Technical communicators are admirably suited to handle this challenging task which offers an unprecedented opportunity for expanding roles. The dangers of too-enthusiastic a response to this challenge, and some guidelines for success through teaming, are presented. >
Kurt Weitzmann, Greek Mythology in Byzantine Art

(1952). Kurt Weitzmann, Greek Mythology in Byzantine Art. The Art Bulletin: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 51-54.
The Competitive Consequences Of Size In Banking: Evidence From Megabank Mergers

Concerns over size in banking arise from the potential for a megabank to harm competition and extract safety net subsidies. With the worrisome increases in size having been achieved through megamergers, this paper examines whether gains in such mergers trace to efficiency improvements or market power vis-a-vis customers and regulators administering the government safety net. The findings indicate that as statutory restrictions on bank expansion faded over time, size-related efficiency gains receded, and as bank size continued to expand through market overlap mergers, market power gains emerged. When mergers produced extremely large banks that were perceived to be Too-Big-To-Fail, gains arose from the ability to shift risk onto the government safety net. These finding have implications for reform proposals that aim to restrict bank size in the interests of macroeconomic stability.
Repair of pectus excavatum in children under 3 years of age: a twelve-year experience

From 1964 to 1975, 50 children under 36 months of age had operative repair of severely deforming pectus excavatum. No child died or suffered a serious complication from the operation. Most young children needing early repair of progressive pectus excavatum can be identified by 18 months of age. Forty-five patients in this series (90%) have had a totally satisfactory cosmetic and anatomical result on one- to twelve-year follow-up. Early repair of marked pectus excavatum in young children is safe and is efficacious in providing a suitable body contour.
Two Populations of Node Monocilia Initiate Left-Right Asymmetry in the Mouse

The vertebrate body plan has conserved handed left-right (LR) asymmetry that is manifested in the heart, lungs, and gut. Leftward flow of extracellular fluid at the node (nodal flow) is critical for normal LR axis determination in the mouse. Nodal flow is generated by motile node cell monocilia and requires the axonemal dynein, left-right dynein (lrd). In the absence of lrd, LR determination becomes random. The cation channel polycystin-2 is also required to establish LR asymmetry. We show that lrd localizes to a centrally located subset of node monocilia, while polycystin-2 is found in all node monocilia. Asymmetric calcium signaling appears at the left margin of the node coincident with nodal flow. These observations suggest that LR asymmetry is established by an entirely ciliary mechanism: motile, lrd-containing monocilia generate nodal flow, and nonmotile polycystin-2 containing cilia sense nodal flow initiating an asymmetric calcium signal at the left border of the node.
Humoral and cellular immunity in the anergic tuberculosis patient: A prospective study

Abstract Six of 458 patients with active tuberculosis were anergic by skin test at the time of diagnosis. In 5, no cause for anergy could be identified. All 5 had precipitating antibodies to tuberculoprotein; and their lymphocytes responded poorly in culture to phytohemagglutinin and not at all to tuberculoprotein. During treatment, humoral antibody titers dropped, skin tests became positive, and lymphocyte reactivity in culture approached that of positive control subjects. The response of lymphocytes from patients with active tuberculosis and positive skin tests also increased with treatment, suggesting the existence of a general depression of cell-mediated immunity in active tuberculosis.
The effect of foreign compounds on elasmobranchs and the effect of elasmobranchs on foreign compounds.

Abstract 1. 1. Foreign compounds generally exert effects on elasmobranchs that are qualitatively similar to those they exert in mammals. 2. 2. Certain drugs acting on higher centers of the central nervous system produce little effect in the dogfish. 3. 3. Mechanism for disposition of foreign compounds by elasmobranchs are qualitatively similar to those of mammals and include metabolism and excretion via the kidneys, bile and the gills.
The thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndromes: overview of pathogenesis (Experience of The Oklahoma TTP-HUS Registry, 1989–2007)

The Oklahoma TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura)—HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome) Registry, an inception cohort of 382 consecutive patients with TTP–HUS, provides a complete community perspective of these syndromes. TTP is the diagnostic term used for all adults, with or without neurologic or renal abnormalities; it is typically an acquired disorder; it may rarely result from congenital ADAMTS13 deficiency. HUS is the term used for children who have renal failure, most often caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection; it may rarely result from congenital abnormalities of complement regulation. Clinical categories related to associated conditions and potential etiologies provide a structure for describing pathogenesis of the acquired syndromes. (1) Following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; a disorder primarily affecting kidneys described as transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy. (2) Pregnancy-associated; pregnancy is a prominent risk factor for the development of TTP. (3) Drug-associated; acute, immune-mediated systemic syndromes and also dose-dependent renal toxicity. (4) Bloody diarrhea prodrome, suggesting an enteric infectious etiology. (5) Presence of an additional autoimmune disorder. (6) Idiopathic. A severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity contributes to the pathogenesis of many idiopathic patients and also some patients who present during pregnancy, with bloody diarrhea, or who have additional autoimmune disorders.
Infrared characterization of an epitaxial film of gallium arsenide on a gallium arsenide substrate

Abstract The infrared reflectance of a thin film of GaAs on a GaAs substrate was measured for several samples of the type n n + and n + n . The reflectance was analyzed to determine the carrier density and mobility of film and substrate and the thickness of the film. These values are compared with independent values obtained from electrical and other measurements.
The origin and functions of adjunctive behavior

The major determinants of schedule-induced or adjunctive behavior are reviewed briefly. Adjunctive behavior and its ethological equivalent, displacement activity, has a stabilizing function on agonistic, mating, parental, and intermittent-feeding behavior when any of these activities are in unstable equilibrium with an escape vector. This buffering action of adjunctive behavior is analogous to the diversity-stability rule of ecology in which an increase in the diversity of species stabilizes the populations of the component species, thereby preventing extinction. Opposing behavioral vectors in unstable equilibrium can function to exaggerate certain behavioral adjuncts that preexist in a situation. The resulting increase in diversification (information) augments the overall stability of the opposing-vector circumstance, conserving the context. This strengthening process is discussed in relation to ritualization and the preadaptation of exaggerated behavior to new functions.
A ubiquitin ligase complex essential for the NF-κB, Wnt/Wingless, and Hedgehog signaling pathways

Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis by the proteasome plays an essential role in a number of key biological processes, including cell cycle progression, transcription, and signal transduction (for review, see Peters et al. 1998). In many cases the target protein is first marked for degradation or processing by phosphorylation. The phosphorylated protein is then recognized and ubiquitinated in a process that requires three proteins (Hershko et al. 1983; for review, see Hershko 1998; Peters et al. 1998). Ubiquitin is first attached to a ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1) in an ATP-dependent reaction to form a highenergy thiolester bond. The ubiquitin is then transferred from the E1 protein to an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, which functions in conjunction with an E3 protein to link ubiquitin to lysine residues in the targeted protein. A specific lysine residue in the conjugated ubiquitin is then attached to a second ubiquitin, and reiteration of this process results in the assembly of a polyubiquitin chain. The polyubiquitinated protein can then be recognized by the 26S proteasome and degraded or processed.
Teresa Wilms Montt: A forgotten legend

Abstract In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many talented Chilean women authors were censured and silenced by a society that mistrusted women who engaged in intellectual pursuits. In most cases, the works of these women were lost forever after their deaths, and the authors' names were omitted from literary annals. This paper attempts to shed light on the works and life of one of the most controversial and influential literary figures in Chile during the early 20th century: Teresa Wilms Montt. Although great writers such as Juan Ramon Jimenez and Ramon del Valle Inclan praised the transcendental value of Wilms Montt's poetry, little has been published about her works. This paper examines the social processes that worked to ostracize this brilliant poet and suppress her writings, and presents a critical introduction to her autobiography, Lo que no se ha dicho.
Automated microwave testing of spacecraft

Preflight evaluation of the performance of the communications subsystem of communications satellites is a rigorous and demanding task. It involves exposing the spacecraft to predicted environments while interspersing performance measurements that evaluate subsystem performance. The International Business Service (IBS) version of the Intelsat VA satellite has more than 1500 different pathways that can be utilised to relay a microwave signal through the satellite. The large number of pathways to be tested adds another degree of complexity to the test programme and creates a critical need for high-speed automated testing. These requirements affected the evolution of the latest generation of microwave automatic test equipment (MATE) in several areas: closed-loop path configuration, user-friendly operator interface, multitasking capability, equipment and peripheral selection, self-test capability, microprocessor-based custom peripherals, and development/reconfiguration cost. The test measurement requirements and the techniques used to implement them are discussed. The requirements have been cost-effectively satisfied in a system that has the flexibility to handle spacecraft requirements. In addition to providing highspeed automated testing, data analysis and display, the system allows for quick reconfiguration and test method restructuring when required for investigation of anomalous performance or introduction of special tests.
de Haas-van Alphen and Galvanomagnetic Effect in Bi and Bi-Pb Alloys

The de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effect in pure Bi and lightly doped Bi-Pb alloys was studied using a sensitive mutual-induction technique. In pure Bi, we obtained for the electron and hole Fermi surfaces, respectively: Fermi energies ${E}_{n}=25.0$ meV and ${E}_{p}=11.0$ meV; the number densities per ellipsoid $n=0.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\frac{{10}^{17}}{\mathrm{cc}}$ and $p=3.00\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\frac{{10}^{17}}{\mathrm{cc}}$, and the Dingle temperatures ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{n}=0.68$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{p}=0.2$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Additionally, we find that for the conduction band the energy dispersion in the heavy-mass direction is essentially the same as in the lighter-mass direction; i.e., the constant-energy surfaces are very closely ellipsoidal. The data on Bi-Pb alloys show that the relative motion of the conduction and the overlapping valence band is negligible and only the Fermi level shifts with alloying. From the dHvA and the galvanomagnetic data in Bi-Pb alloys in moderate fields, we deduced that the electron and hole mobilities decrease inversely as (${N}_{p}\ensuremath{-}{N}_{n}$) as expected, where the $N$'s are the total carrier densities and we assume that all the Pb atoms scatter independently as ionized impurities.
Fierz-Pauli Theory of Particles of Spin32

The Fierz-Pauli field corresponding to particles of spin $\frac{3}{2}$ is quantized, and its interaction with the electromagnetic field is investigated. It is also shown how the elements of the $S$ matrix for collision processes, involving photons and charged particles of spin $\frac{3}{2}$, can be obtained in a simple way.
Maximal linear transformation groups preserving the asymptotic properties of linear differential systems: II

We consider linear piecewise differentiable transformations of linear differential systems. We show that the set of such transformations preserving the Lyapunov exponents of each system with finite Lyapunov exponents coincides with the group of generalized Lyapunov transformations. In addition, we show that the set of transformations bringing each linear system with bounded coefficients on the half-line to a system of the same class and preserving its Lyapunov exponents is a group containing the group of Lyapunov transformations as a proper subgroup, and we describe that group. We obtain descriptions of other groups and semigroups of linear piecewise differentiable transformations considered in the theory of Lyapunov exponents and the theory of stability.
THE GREAT GATSBY and THE LADY WITH A DOG

Although Anton Chekhov's influence on F. Scott Fitzgerald was first noted by Doug Steinberg in his article “Lights from a Distance,” published in the F. Scott Fitzgerald Review (2009), Matthew J. B...
Plastic microfluidic chip for continuous‐flow polymerase chain reaction: Simulations and experiments

A continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CF-PCR) device comprises a single fluidic channel that is heated differentially to create spatial temperature variations such that a sample flowing through it experiences the thermal cycling required to induce amplification. This type of device can provide an effective means to detect the presence of a small amount of nucleic acid in very small sample volumes. CF-PCR is attractive for global health applications due to its less stringent requirements for temperature control than for other designs. For mass production of inexpensive CF-PCR devices, fabrication via thermoplastic molding will likely be necessary. Here we study the optimization of a PCR assay in a polymeric CF-PCR device. Three channel designs, with varying residence time ratios for the three PCR steps (denaturation, annealing, and extension), were modeled, built, and tested. A standardized assay was run on the three different chips, and the PCR yields were compared. The temperature gradient profiles of the three designs and the residence times of simulated DNA molecules flowing through each temperature zone were predicted using computational methods. PCR performance predicted by simulation corresponded to experimental results. The effects of DNA template size and cycle time on PCR yield were also studied. The experiments and simulations presented here guided the CF-PCR chip design and provide a model for predicting the performance of new CF-PCR designs prior to actual chip manufacture, resulting in faster turn around time for new device and assay design. Taken together, this framework of combined simulation and experimental development has greatly reduced assay development time for CF-PCR in our lab.
The Louisiana French in 1900

When writing about nineteenth-century Louisiana most commentators have concluded that, because of geographical isolation or Gallic assimilation prowess, the Louisiana French were untouched by change. It is proposed here, however, that the nineteenth century was one of significant transformation in which an aggressive Anglo-saxon nation displaced the French as Louisiana's predominant people. To substantiate this proposition, the written record as well as a gradational paradigm were used to analyze the culminating nineteenth-century geographical patterns of the Louisiana French. The gradational modeling examined as a spatial surrogate of change the intensity of cultural distance-decay outward in a series of gradations or zones from the Gallic regional focus. Fifty-four economic, social, and political variables drawn primarily from the 1900 manuscript census schedules were tested statistically against the gradational morphology. The findings of this study challenge several important traditional interpretations of the Louisiana French.
Improvement in Dynamic Range of SS-OCT by Using True Logarithmic Amplifier

A new method to increase the dynamic range of a swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) by using a true logarithmic amplifier is studied theoretically and tested experimentally.
Differential diagnosis of tarsal coalition versus cuboid syndrome in an adolescent athlete.

This case report involves a patient with lateral foot pain, which was diagnosed by a primary care physician as myalgia and diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon as a neuroma. There can be multiple causes of foot and ankle pain, including ankle sprain, tendinitis, neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, stress fracture, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, cuboid syndrome, and tarsal coalition. The patient's history and the objective evaluation findings led the author to rule out some of these conditions as the cause of her foot pain. Two conditions remained as possible diagnoses: tarsal coalition and cuboid syndrome. This report describes the process by which the author determined the differential diagnosis and decided to refer this patient to another health care provider outside of physical therapy for additional diagnostic testing. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2001;31(12):702–707. doi:10.2519/jospt.2001.31.12.702
Tall fescue development in response to Acremonium coenophialum and soil acidity

The fungal endophyte Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & W. Gams can modify productivity and stress tolerance of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreher). Clonal populations of five tall fescue genotypes were used in a glasshouse experiment to assess the effect of endophyte infection and soil pH on plant yield, demography, and development. Genotypes differed for most measured parameters, and a general lack of interactions among endophyte infection, genotype, and lime allowed use of treatment means to identify trends that may be reflected in larger populations. Infected plants had 13% greater shoot mass and 11% greater root mass than uninfected plants due primarily to increased tiller size. Larger size may increase tiller longevity and competitive ability. Endophyte did not affect relative tiller appearance rate as reduced relative leaf appearance rates were compensated by increased site usage. Liming of an acid soil (pH 4.3 for unamended soil) resulted in a 32% increase in dry matter production and increased root to shoot ratios of high-yielding genotypes. Root to shoot ratio was affected by the interaction of lime and genotype; high-yielding genotypes had greater root to shoot ratios when limed compared with nonlimed genotypes, while low-yielding genotypes were not affected by liming. This increase was associated with greater site usage and tiller production; relative leaf appearance rate and tiller mass were unaffected. Endophyte modified the resource allocation patterns with resultant increase in phenotypic plasticity and potential competitive ability
Isolation of drugs from autopsy material by XAD-2 adsorption-elution technique a routine procedure

The method of adsorption of drugs on Amberlite XAD-2 resin, followed by differential elution was under study during 1 1/2 year of routine use. The method allows a separation of acidic and basic drugs and — due to acid hydrolysis step before adsorption — assures better recovery of conjugated and proteinbound drugs. The amounts of various drugs, found in autopsy cases by the XAD-2 method were usually higher than those found by solvent extraction. The method applied requires 20 g of sample (biofluid or tissue) for general toxicological analysis.
Maneuvering rotorcraft noise prediction

Abstract This paper presents the unique aspects of the development of an entirely new maneuver noise prediction code called PSU-WOPWOP. The main focus of this work is development of a noise prediction methodology, which will enable the study of the aeroacoustic aspects a rotorcraft in maneuvering flight. It is assumed that the aeromechanical data (namely aircraft and blade motion, blade airloads) are provided as input data. This new noise prediction capability was developed for rotors in steady and transient maneuvering flight. Featuring an object-oriented design, the PSU-WOPWOP code allows great flexibility for complex rotor configuration and motion (including multiple rotors and full aircraft motion). The relative locations and number of hinges, flexures, and body motions can be arbitrarily specified to match any specific rotorcraft. An analysis of algorithm efficiency was performed for maneuver noise prediction along with a description of the tradeoffs made specifically for the maneuvering noise problem. Noise predictions for the mainrotor of a rotorcraft in steady descent, transient (arrested) descent, hover and a “pop-up” maneuver are demonstrated.
Exploitation of N2‐fixation capacity for enrichment of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria in ecological studies

A procedure is described for the selective enrichment of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria from diverse natural sources containing numerous types of microorganisms. The enrichment medium contains a mixture of organic acid carbon sources, and the conditions used favor the growth of organisms that can multiply relatively rapidly anaerobically with N2 as the nitrogen source and light as the source of growth energy; the development of oxygenic cyanobacteria is effectively excluded.
Effect of Sex, Menstrual Cycle Phase, and Oral Contraceptive Use on Circadian Temperature Rhythms

The circadian rhythm of rectal temperature was continuously recorded over several consecutive days in young men and women on regular nocturnal sleep schedules. There were 50 men, 21 women with natural menstrual cycles [i.e., not taking oral contraceptives (OCs) (10 in the follicular phase and 11 in the luteal phase)], and 14 women using OCs (6 in the pseudofollicular phase and 8 in the pseudoluteal phase). Circadian phase and amplitude were estimated using a curve-fitting procedure, and temperature levels were determined from the raw data. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the data from the four groups of women, with factors menstrual cycle phase (follicular, luteal) and OC use (yes, no), showed that temperature during sleep was lower during the follicular phase than during the luteal phase. Since waking temperatures were similar in the two phases, the circadian amplitude was also larger during the follicular phase. The lower follicular phase sleep temperature also resulted in a lower 24-h tempera...
Greater Sage-Grouse and Natural Gas Development in Utah: Using Population Genetic Data for Conservation Efforts

ABSTRACT. Population declines of Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) throughout the western United States have been attributed to the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats. Increased energy development may further fragment sagebrush habitat, isolating sage-grouse populations and resulting in genetic drift, inbreeding, local extinction, or rapid divergence. We conducted a genetic survey of 3 remote sagegrouse populations in northeastern Utah to assess mitochondrial diversity relative to other portions of the species' range. We did not detect any unusual haplotype compositions in these populations. However, haplotype composition of the Anthro Mountain and Strawberry Valley reference populations differed from haplotype compositions of other northeastern Utah populations. These populations are spatially separated by Desolation Canyon of the Green River. This canyon may constitute a geographic barrier to gene flow in this area, given low population densities an...
Cataloging E-Books: Dealing with Vendors and Various Other Problems

E-books are an important part of library collections. Allowing patrons to easily find e-books in a library’s online catalog requires properly cataloging these materials. Miao Jin, Catalog Librarian at Hinds Community College, gave a presentation titled “Cataloging e-Books: Dealing with Vendors and Various Other Problems” at the Mississippi State University Libraries’ eResource & Emerging Technologies Summit held in the Mitchell Memorial Library on August 2, 2013. Jin provided information on cataloging her library’s e-books and adding them to the library’s online catalog. She presented strategies for loading e-book machine-readable cataloging (MARC) records, and shared her experience working with vendors.
Central infusion of aldosterone increases blood pressure by mechanisms independent of Na retention.

Experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that Na retention and Na in the diet are not required to initiate central aldosterone induced hypertension. Rats were fed either standard rat chow or Na-deficient diet and infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with aldosterone (28 ng/h) dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (vehicle) or vehicle alone. In Na-replete rats the central infusion of aldosterone did not promote Na or water retention, prior to increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Infusion of aldosterone in Na-deficient rats also initiated a rise in SBP, although the response was delayed. In neither group of rats did aldosterone infusion significantly change plasma Na, K, renin, norepinephrine (NE) or vasopressin (AVP) concentrations. There was no significant increase in plasma aldosterone concentration in Na replete rats centrally infused with aldosterone. Infusion of vehicle had no effect on SBP. We conclude that central aldosterone infusion initiates an increase in blood pressure by a mechanism independent of Na retention. Furthermore, increased concentrations of systemic renin, vasopressin, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system do not appear to be involved in maintaining hypertension.
Further thoughts on simplicity and complexity in population projection models

This article is a review of--and response to--a special issue of Mathematical Population Studies that focused on the relative performance of simpler vs. more complex population projection models. I do not attempt to summarize or comment on each of the articles in the special issue, but rather present an additional perspective on several points: detinitions of simplicity and complexity, empirical evidence regarding population forecast accuracy, the costs and benelits of disaggregation. the potential benefits of combining forecasts, criteria for evaluating projection models, and issues of economic efliciency in the prodttction of population projections. I believe that further discussion of these and related topics will deepen our understanding of the projecti¢m process and make population projections more useful for planning and attalysis. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Keyw,~rds: [)cmography; Population forecasting; Forecast errors; Comparative methods: Combining forecasts; Evaluation of errors
Bakke to the future: affirmative action and the US Supreme Court

Since 1978 the US Supreme Court has upheld affirmative action in higher education that uses race or ethnicity as a “plus” factor in admissions to produce diversity in entering classes. This essay t...
Anesthesia for outpatient cosmetic surgery.

Purpose of review American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery statistics show outpatient cosmetic procedures increased from 3 to 11 million (1997-2007), an increase of 457%, and $13 billion was spent. Exponential growth, complexity of cases and patients, and media attention to high-profile untoward events are accompanied with concerns for patient safety and development of safer anesthesia practices. Recent findings Improved safety and efficacy in aesthetic facial surgery include oral sedation and local anesthesia, addition of dexmedetomidine to intravenous anesthesia, and defining the 'safest' dose of lidocaine with epinephrine. A nasopharyngeal tube can be used to deliver a concentration of oxygen commensurate with recent American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force Practice Advisory for the prevention and management of operating room fires. Analgesia for breast surgery including instillation of bupivicaine, paravertebral block, and combination dexamethasone with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease narcotic requirement and recovery time. Risks of combined gynecologic and plastic surgical procedures are not greater than those seen with either procedure alone. A coordinated team approach for patient management is essential. Pulmonary embolism remains the greatest cause of mortality. Summary The methods presented improve patient safety. The number of cosmetic procedures will continue to grow exponentially and evolve additional patient safety concerns. This larger population is the foundation for prospective trials to develop evidence-based anesthesia for cosmetic surgery.
Optimization of high-performance liquid chromatography-radioimmunoassay protocols for the analyses of substance P and some of its metabolic fragments

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure combined with radioimmunoassay (HPLC-RIA) was developed and optimized for the concomitant quantitation of substance P (SP) and some of its C- and N-terminal fragments in the extracts of the spinal cord of mice. A selective and efficient solid-phase extraction protocol was used for preparative purification of sample homogenates prior to analyses. The sensitivity of the HPLC assay was 18.75 ng for SP and some of its fragments of interest. Recoveries of peptides were calculated from spiked aqueous standards carried through the experimental protocol and ranged from 53 to 98%. The precision of the peptide recoveries from aqueous-based standards, expressed as coefficient of variation, ranged from 2 to 28%. The sensitivities for the RIA procedure using SP antiserum were 1.5, 3.4 and 4.6 fmol SP1-11, SP2-11 and SP5-11, respectively. The percentage cross-reactivity of SP1-11 antiserum with the C-terminal fragments was complete whereas the cross-reactivities of the N-terminal fragments were essentially zero. The molar limits of detectability of SP and some of its C-terminal fragments determined by HPLC alone were several orders of magnitude greater than those determined from the same spinal cord samples using RIA after HPLC fractionation.
Some new combinatorial identities derived from units in algebraic number fields

Abstract Two new combinatorial identities are derived from explicitly stated units in algebraic number fields of degree n = 3. Let e = w − D be a unit in a cubic field where w 3 = D 3 + 1, D ϵ N and n = 0,1, …. Then zn = tn+12 − tntn+2 and tn = zn−12 − zn−2zn are two combinatorial identities where tn+2 and zn+1 are obtained from some recursion formulas. Both have the same structure.
Nancy Cruzan and the right to die.

The national discussion concerning decision making for incompetent patients began with the 1976 case of Karen Ann Quinlan. Because she had been left in a persistent vegetative state after two periods of anoxia, her parents sought court authorization to remove her from a ventilator. The New Jersey Supreme Court, in a landmark, unanimous decision, authorized the removal on the basis of Quinlan's constitutional right of privacy, which the court concluded would be lost unless her parents were given authority to exercise it on her behalf.1 In the 15 years since Quinlan, courts in almost 20 states have reviewed disputes . . .
White matter hyperintensities in dementia of Alzheimer's type and in healthy subjects without cerebrovascular risk factors. A magnetic resonance imaging study.

• T 2 -weighted (0.5 T) magnetic resonance images were used to study the prevalence of subcortical white matter hyperintensities (WMHIs) in 22 patients with dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT), 20 age-matched older healthy control subjects, and 10 younger healthy control subjects. Exclusionary criteria for all groups included cerebrovascular risk factors. All subjects had Hachinski Ischemic Index scores of less than 2 and computed tomographic scans showing no infarct. The WMHIs were classified as periventricular WMHIs or deep WMHIs and graded 0 through 3 (0 indicated absent, and 3, severe). For the group with DAT and older control subjects, periventricular WMHIs and deep WMHIs were graded 2 or 3 in fewer than 17% and 27% of subjects, respectively, whereas in the younger control subjects, all ratings were grade 1 or less. Serum cholesterol and systolic blood pressure values, although within the normal range, were elevated significantly in older control subjects when compared with those in younger control subjects. No significant differences in WMHI ratings, blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels were found between patients with DAT and age-matched control subjects. Systolic blood pressure levels correlated with the severity of periventricular WMHIs only in older control subjects. Age correlated with periventricular WMHIs and deep WMHIs within both the older control subjects and the patients with DAT. There was no significant correlation between WMHIs and the severity of dementia in the group with DAT. These results suggest that, in subjects screened for cerebrovascular risk factors, WMHIs are rare and occur with identical frequency in patients with DAT as in age-matched healthy control subjects. Furthermore, cognitive decline does not correlate with the severity of WMHIs in patients with DAT without cerebrovascular risk factors.
Mitochondrial mutation in a child with distal arthrogryposis

A 15-year-old girl presented with stroke and was found to have a mitochondrial mutation MELAS T3271C. As an infant, she had required casting and surgery for clubbed feet as well as physical therapy for camptodactyly and adducted thumbs. Despite some residual deformities, psychomotor development was normal, but she was extremely small for her age with height, weight, and head circumference below the third centile. A younger brother had similar distal arthrogryposis, but normal height and weight and no history of stroke though he had been diagnosed with attention deficit. The parents and another brother were clinically normal. While the observation of MELAS in a child with distal arthrogryposis could be co-incidental, it raises concern about the possible role of mitochondrial myopathy or neuropathy in causation of distal arthrogryposis. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Psychology's limits as a scientific discipline: A personal view

Abstract I provided a more personal view of Wachtel's (1980) article. I began by discussing the extent to which my own research program complied with his distinctive recommendations. After offering a different take on the impact of high productivity, I focused on (a) the negative effects of the quest for extramural funding and (b) the positive effects of a better balance between theoretical and empirical contributions. I then turn to some of my own theoretical and empirical studies of the place that theory has in successful science. This research suggests that theory only has a beneficial effect when it is integrative in function and when it is closely constrained by available data. I end with a speculation regarding the value of having theories that are maximally formal, even mathematical.