cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of lung disease using CT image encodings computed from a novel 3D segmentation U-Net

The goal of this study is to demonstrate the classification value of the latent encodings of a neural network trained for image segmentation of the lung region. In order to achieve this, the gold standard of semantic segmentation, a 3D U-Net was used to extract the encodings for 20 thoracic CT images (10 COVID-19 and 10 Control), and a random forest classifier was trained based on the encodings developed from two training experiments. Performance was analyzed in terms of the independent classification value of each voxel of the U-Net’s latent encoding layer in distinguishing COVID-19 v/s control images.
Diagnostic Considerations for Bovine Respiratory Disease

Bovine respiratory disease remains a significant cause of economic loss to the cattle industry1 and source of frustration to the cow/calf sector, the feedlot industry, veterinary practitioners and laboratory diagnosticians. Numerous contributing factors are involved including weaning stress, shipping, commingling, anatomic and physiologic features of the bovine respiratory tract and multiple infectious agents. The role of many of these agents is currently not fully understood. This has led to the term bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD).2 BRD can be a clinically useful term but to the laboratory diagnostician and the practitioner trying to design a control program or a treatment regimen a more specific etiologic diagnosis is generally necessary. While numerous infectious agents have been reported to be involved in the BRD complex only a handful appear to be of major etiologic significance (Table 1). Identifying the specific risk factor(s) and agent(s) involved in a particular group of cattle best involves a team approach and this includes feedlot management and personnel, on-site and consulting veterinarians and diagnostic laboratory personnel. Good communication between field veterinarian and the diagnostic laboratory are particularly critical as is an understanding by field veterinarians of the limitations of the various laboratory tests. Early identification and treatment of sick animals is considered to be the key to success in outbreaks of BRD and early, accurate diagnosis is prerequisite to successful treatment. The inherent time lag in many laboratory tests necessitates that the practitioner often has to act on their initial clinical impression but laboratory confirmation and monitoring can be essential to adjusting treatment and preventative protocols.
CAR FOLLOWING BY OPTICAL PARAMETERS

A model for car following based solely on optical parameters was developed and compared with performance of human drivers in a simulator. The model uses the optical size of the back of the car being followed and the first derivative of its optical size as inputs. The model consists of two components: one that accelerates to maintain the visual size of the leading car, and another that accelerates to minimize changes in the rate of change of the visual size of the leading car. The simulator presented drivers with a leading car that was changing its velocity according to a sum of non-harmonic sines. Comparison of human driver performance with the model performance shows a high degree of similarity.
Countermeasures against Superantigens: Structure-Based Design of Bispecific Receptor Mimics

Superantigens (SAgs) are a family of highly potent immunostimulatory proteins produced by bacteria or viruses. The family includes many proteins that may be unrelated by sequence or structure and yet share the ability to bypass the mechanisms of conventional antigen processing and trigger excessive activation of T cells. The massive lymphokine release by the activated cells within hours and the excessive T-cell proliferation in 2 to 3 days could ultimately lead to an immunosuppressive state and favor the microbe. Human diseases caused by microbes that utilize SAgs as their major virulence factors are characterized by fever and shock. The Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins A-1 are thought to be the causative agents in 33% of all food-poisoning cases and are the most frequent cause of hospital-acquired infections. Presently, the treatment of superantigen-mediated infections is limited to the administration of antibiotics and handling of the state of shock. Conventional antigens are phagocytosed by antigenpresenting cells (APCs) and are processed into discrete peptides. The SAgs of S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes share a common architecture despite their significant difference in sequence. SAgs are globular proteins of 22 to 29 kDa, composed of two domains, amino- and carboxy-terminal, that are separated by a long, solvent-accessible α- helix spanning the center of the molecule. The T-cell receptor is a transmembrane heterodimer, composed of α- and β-chains. Each chain is composed of constant (C) and variable (V) regions.
Up-to-Date Floating Baths

(1917). Up-to-Date Floating Baths. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 80-84.
Corrigendum to “Games With Imperfectly Observable Actions in Continuous Time”

Sannikov (2007) investigated properties of perfect public equilibria in continuous-time repeated games. This note points out that the proof of Lemma 6, required for the proof of the main theorem (Theorem 2), contains an error in computing a Hessian matrix. A correct proof of Lemma 6 is provided using an additional innocuous assumption and a generalized version of Lemma 5.
Reflections on the nature of human nature

To a great extent, all humanistic studies Iead to the absorbing theme of the nature of human nature. But the various views of scholars lack consensus asid often validity. The ground for this is assumed to be inadequate foundations in scientific phiosophy asad psychology. Conventional views about human nature include notions of innateness asid trascendence. Tbe present essay is designed as a naturalistic alternative based on the interdisciplinary consideration of biological, ethnological, asid psychological principies. It is proposed that a naturalistic approach can provide satisfactory infonnation concerning dic evolution and interbehavior of human beings with the things asid events isa their envi¬ronments. It is interbehavioral events that constitute the natures of hominids.
Modeling sound propagation in the ocean

Sound propagates extremely well in the ocean: inexpensive sound projectors and sensors can be used to transmit and receive pulses around the entire globe. Similarly, the rumble and hum of ships acts like an acoustic beacon that allows them to be heard and tracked at long ranges. Still quieter ships can be tracked by shining an acoustic beam on them and looking for the acoustic glint. In civilian applications sound can also be used to image the ocean through ocean acoustic tomography. However, comparing a sound beam to a light beam is at least a little misleading: light is bent under a refractive index but our common experience does little to suggest the severe distortion of a sound beam as it makes its journey through the ocean channel. These effects are usually very important in understanding how acoustic systems function in the ocean. Back-of-the-envelope calculations are too crude and naive numerical approaches too expensive. However, a combination of mathematical and numerical techniques yields elegant tools. We survey these approaches.
Structures and Mechanisms of Nudix Hydrolases

Abstract Nudix hydrolases catalyze the hydrolysis of n ucleoside d iphosphates linked to other moieties, X , and contain the sequence motif or Nudix box, GX 5 EX 7 REUXEEXGU. The mechanisms of Nudix hydrolases are highly diverse in the position on the substrate at which nucleophilic substitution occurs, and in the number of required divalent cations. While most proceed by associative nucleophilic substitutions by water at specific internal phosphorus atoms of a diphosphate or polyphosphate chain, members of the GDP-mannose hydrolase sub-family catalyze dissociative nucleophilic substitutions, by water, at carbon. The site of substitution is likely determined by the positions of the general base and the entering water. The rate accelerations or catalytic powers of Nudix hydrolases range from 10 9 - to 10 12 -fold. The reactions are accelerated 10 3 –10 5 -fold by general base catalysis by a glutamate residue within, or beyond the Nudix box, or by a histidine beyond the Nudix box. Lewis acid catalysis, which contributes ⩾10 3 –10 5 -fold to the rate acceleration, is provided by one, two, or three divalent cations. One divalent cation is coordinated by two or three conserved residues of the Nudix box, the initial glycine and one or two glutamate residues, together with a remote glutamate or glutamine ligand from beyond the Nudix box. Some Nudix enzymes require one (MutT) or two additional divalent cations (Ap 4 AP), to neutralize the charge of the polyphosphate chain, to help orient the attacking hydroxide or oxide nucleophile, and/or to facilitate the departure of the anionic leaving group. Additional catalysis (10–10 3 -fold) is provided by the cationic side chains of lysine and arginine residues and by H-bond donation by tyrosine residues, to orient the general base, or to promote the departure of the leaving group. The overall rate accelerations can be explained by both independent and cooperative effects of these catalytic components.
Abstract B61: Effects of anti-obesity dietary supplement DHEA on serum DHEA, DHEA-S, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in DMBA-induced breast cancer model.

Obesity has been epidemic in the US for over two decades. Obesity has been linked to the risk of development of various cancers, including breast cancer. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an over-the-counter dietary supplement used as an anti-cancer agent and anti-obesity supplement. The objectives of this study were to investigate the long-term effects of obesity and DHEA treatment on body weight gain and serum DHEA, DHEA-S, IGF-1and IGFBP-3 using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumor model. Forty-three six-week-old obese female Zucker rats were used. Rats were randomly assigned and had ad libitum access to water and a diet of either chow (2016) as a control diet or chow with the addition of DHEA at a concentration of 6 g/kg of chow as a DHEA diet. All rats were orally gavaged at age 50 days with 65 mg DMBA/kg body weight and were sacrificed 155 days post-DMBA treatment. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the control diet group developed mammary tumors, while no tumors were detected in the DHEA diet group (P<0.001). Obese rats fed the DHEA diet gained significantly less weight (P<0.001) and had an increased (P<0.001) serum DHEA and DHEA-S compared to control rats. Also, obese DHEA-Fed rats had significantly (P<0.001) lower serum IGF-1 and IGF-BP3. Our results suggest that DHEA treatment can reduce body weight gain by lowering serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 which might protects against breast cancer development caused by obesity. Also, this results suggests that breast cancer risk may be due to genetic predisposition to obesity might be related to body weight gain. It also suggests that these individuals could potentially reduce their risk by actively combating the weight gain. Supported by ABI to RH. Citation Format: Reza Hakkak, Soheila Korourian. Effects of anti-obesity dietary supplement DHEA on serum DHEA, DHEA-S, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in DMBA-induced breast cancer model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B61.
Low-Temperature Oxygen Trap for Maintaining Strict Anoxic Conditions

A low-temperature O2 trap was designed in order to achieve strict anoxic conditions. The work was motivated by observation of slow oxidation of Fe(II) in an anaerobic chamber, leading to an estimated 3.8×10-7atm O2 (well below the O2 monitor detection limit) despite recirculation of the N2:H2 atmosphere across a Pd catalyst. Very low O2 activity inside an “anaerobic” chamber can result in erroneous conclusions regarding oxidation-reduction reactivities in anoxic environments. The O2 trap consisted of two sequential barrier suspensions with 93.2mM Fe(III) as ferric hydroxide, 0.90mM FeCl2, and pH 8.1. The partial pressure of O2 was estimated to be less than 7.5×10-9atmO2 when reactors were attached to the traps, based on no observed oxidation of Fe(II).
Schlanke Hochbaudecken. Steifigkeitsorientierte Analyse zur Klärung extremer Durchbiegungen

Die Gebrauchstauglichkeit eines grosen Burogebaudes wurde durch erhebliche Durchbiegungen der schlanken Flachdecken gemindert. Das seit der Deckenerstellung auffallige Verformungsverhalten hat Schaden an Trennwanden und Fassaden verursacht und stellt die Tragfahigkeit der Konstruktion in Frage. Der Beitrag beschreibt die festgestellten Mangel und den steifigkeitsorientierten Prozess zur Klarung ihrer Ursachen und Bewertung der Konsequenzen. Slender Building Floors, Clarification of Extreme Deflections Serviceability of a large office building was impaired by extreme deflections of their slender floors. This deformation behaviour was peculiar from the beginning on and had caused damage to the partitions and facades and questions the strength of the building. The flaws and the stiffness oriented process are described in the paper in term of clarification of the causes and assessment of the consequences.
Management of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula.

PURPOSE: Rectourethral fistulas are uncommon, usually iatrogenic injuries that are challenging to treat. Our aim was to determine a logical approach to surgical treatment of this often debilitating problem. METHODS: Records of all patients who were diagnosed with rectourethral fistula between January 1981 and December 1995 were reviewed and 16 males were identified. All but three patients had had intervention for their prostatic malignancy performed elsewhere. All patients were interviewed by telephone to establish follow-up. The mean age of the sixteen patients was 68 years. The mean follow-up was 80 months. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate in 15 patients and recurrent transitional cell epithelioma of the bladder in one patient were the underlying malignant diseases. Seven patients had a radical retropubic prostatectomy, two had radical retropubic prostatectomy after radiation, two had brachytherapy, and three were treated by a combination of radiation and brachytherapy. One patient formed a fistula after cystectomy and dilation of a stricture. This heterogenous group of patients received multiple therapies including initial colostomy (7 patients), transanal repair (2 patients), parasacral repair (2 patients), transperineal repair (2 patients), coloanal anastomosis (3 patients), and muscle transposition (3 patients). Four of our patients required a permanent stoma. CONCLUSION: In patients with iatrogenic rectourethral fistula that occurred after radical retropubic prostatectomy or radiation, fecal and urinary diversion and muscle transposition followed by re-establishment of both urinary and intestinal continuity may be the treatment modality of choice.
Linear and bifurcated hydronium ion complexes with electron donors: An AB initio study

Abstract Hydronium ion complexes with C2H2, C2H4, N2, O2, CO, HCN and N2H2 were studied with STO-3G and extended basis sets. The stability of single versus bifurcated hydrogen bonding decreases as the basis set is extended. Geometries of the complexes more nearly resemble the reactants than the products of proton transfer. Single-well proton transfer energy curves were found for N2, C2H2, and C2H4 complexes.
Drawdown-Effect of Lightpipes in Silicon Wafer Surface Temperature Measurements

Lightpipe radiation thermometers (LPRTs) have been widely used for temperature measurement in the semiconductor industries. According to the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors 2004 (ITRS), temperatures for semiconductor wafer processing should be measurable to within an uncertainty of ± 1.5°C at 1,000 °C with temperature calibration traceable to ITS (international temperature standard)-90. To achieve this uncertainty, there are several issues associated with LPRTs to be resolved. The “draw-down effect” is the one that will be examined in this paper. We discuss this effect both experimentally and numerically in the temperature range of 500°C to 900°C.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Ultrastructure of the cortical cell of the interrenal gland of the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

The cortical cell of the interrenal gland of the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, was examined in the electron microscope. These cells occur in small groups and cords and are quite irregular in shape. The cortical cell is reminiscent of adrenal cortical cells from other vertebrates. Liposomes are variable in size and density. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is scant in amount and predominantly of the fine tubular type. Mitochondria have vesicular cristae, a dense matrix, and occasionally have blebs, vacuoles, and myelin-like whorls at their surfaces. Intimate morphological relationships are found among the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and liposomes, and among Golgi vacuoles, mitochondria, and liposomes. In addition microfibrils are a prominent feature of the cortical cell. The biochemical events of steroidogenesis in amphibia and other vertebrates are discussed in relationship to the organellar interrelations found in the bullfrog interrenal cortical cells. Based on the available chemical and morphological information a scheme is proposed of movement of the steroidal intermediates through the cell that tentatively identifies the localizations of the various enzyme systems involved in corticosteroidogenesis from acetate to corticosterone and aldosterone.
Characterization of C-Alkyl Amidines as Bioavailable Covalent Reversible Inhibitors of Human DDAH-1.

C-alkyl amidine analogs of asymmetric Nω,Nω -dimethyl-L-arginine are dual-targeted inhibitors of both human DDAH-1 and nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and provide a promising scaffold for developing therapeutics to control NO overproduction in a variety of pathologies including septic shock and some cancers. Using a two-part clickchemistry-mediated activity probe, a homologated series of C-alkyl amidines are ranked for their ability to inhibit DDAH-1 within cultured HEK 293T cells. N5-(1-iminopentyl)-L-ornithine was determined to be the most potent compound in vitro (Kd = 7 μM) as well as in cultured cells, and the binding conformation and covalent reversible mode of inhibition was investigated by comparison of interactions made with DDAH-1 and a catalytically inactive C274S variant as gauged by Xray crystallography and isothermal titration calorimetry. By interrupting the ability of the inhibitor to form a covalent bond, the contribution of this interaction can be estimated. These results suggest further stabilization of the covalent adduct as a promising strategy for lead optimization in the design of effective reagents to block NO synthesis.
Adaptive Control to Mitigate Damage Impact on Structural Response

The use of semi-active devices for natural hazard mitigation is particularly attractive as they do not destabilize the structure and have the ability of adapting to varying usage patterns and loading conditions. However, even in the presence of supplemental control devices, extreme earthquake, wind loads, and deterioration caused by corrosion or fatigue may result in structural damage. Adaptive control approaches are attractive methods to control the structural performance of the structure as it can deal with these changes. In this study, first, the behavior of a 3-story building is controlled by a direct adaptive control approach using active devices, and then, magnetorheological (MR) dampers are controlled by the direct adaptive method. This control approach is used to reduce the impact of damage in the 3-story building. In the analysis of the structure, some stiffness reduction is assumed as a result of potential damage in different stories of the building. The controlled damaged structure responses un...
Should all patients undergo transesophageal echocardiography before electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

The management of anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing electrical cardioversion remains controversial, largely because of inadequate studies demonstrating risk or benefit, a relatively inconvenient anticoagulation management strategy and the increasing use of transesophageal echocardiography. Recent investigations into the potential mechanisms involved in the development of thrombus and systemic embolism in patients undergoing electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation may provide insight into underlying predisposing factors, with subsequent modification of management strategies. Conventional wisdom suggests that preexisting thrombus is responsible for thromboembolic events after cardioversion. However, development of a thrombogenic milieu after cardioversion, particularly in the left atrial appendage, may also be an important predisposing factor. To protect against both potential mechanisms of embolization, these data support therapeutic anticoagulation for all patients with atrial fibrillation of > 2 days in duration from the time of, as well as after cardioversion for a total of 4 weeks, undergoing cardioversion, even in the absence of thrombus on echocardiography. Therefore, the role of transesophageal echocardiography in this setting should be to enable early cardioversion if atrial thrombus is excluded and to identify high risk patients with atrial thrombi so as to postpone cardioversion and avoid the risk of embolization. Ultimately, however, a controlled, randomized and prospective clinical trial will be required to compare conventional management with a transesophageal echocardiography-guided strategy.
The Ottoman Documents and the Genocidal Policies of the Committee for Union and Progress (İttihat ve Terakki) toward the Armenians in 1915

The author analyzes the Ottoman Archives as a source of information on the Armenian Genocide of 1915. He discusses the contradictory positions of two broad groups of scholars on the reliability of these archives, concluding that the Ottoman Archives agree with the information found in the archives of the United States, Britain, Germany, and Austria. He discusses the various categories of Ottoman documents, which mostly came out during the trials related to the Armenian Genocide, which took place from 1919 to 1921, and makes clear that there was a wide-ranging cleansing operation of the archives after the armistice in 1918. The author explores the reliability of this evidence and, based on the existing documents that remain, tries to reconstruct the structure and implementation of the genocide. He concludes that the Ottoman documents clearly show the genocidal intent of the Ottoman authorities and puts the Armenian genocide within the broader context of an overarching plan to homogenize the ethnic population of Anatolia.
Ontogeny of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA signal levels in central dopaminergic neurons: development of a gender difference in the arcuate nuclei

Abstract Using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, this study examined the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA signal levels and immunostaining in the arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus, zona incerta and substantia nigra of male and female rats during neonatal, peripubertal and adult life. The catalytic activity of TH in the stalk-median eminence was also investigated using the in vitro accumulation of 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) after inhibiting aromatic amino acid decarboxylase activity. In the arcuate nuclei, TH mRNA levels increased 3.5-fold between 5 and 15 days of age and remained at a steady level between 15 and 35 days of age in both male and female rats. Similar to TH mRNA levels in the arcuate nuclei, TH activity in the stalk-median eminence increased 2–3 fold between days 10 and 15 of age and remained at a steady level between 15 and 35 days of age in both sexes. A later increase in TH mRNA levels in the arcuate nuclei and catalytic activity in the stalk-median eminence was observed between 35 and 40 days in females, but not males. During adulthood, TH mRNA levels and enzyme activity were 2.7-fold higher in the arcuate nuclei and stalk-median eminence, respectively, of diestrous females vs males. These data suggest that the changes in TH mRNA in the arcuate nuclei may contribute to the developmental alterations, as well as the adult gender differences, in enzyme activity in the stalk-median eminence. Circulating progesterone levels were low (1–10 ng/ml) between days 5 and 25 of age and increased 6-fold between 25 and 35 days of age in both males and females. Progesterone levels increased 2-fold in females, but not males, between days 35 and 40 and were 4-fold higher in diestrous females as compared to adult males. Circulating prolactin levels were low (2–3 ng/ml) between days 5 and 15, increased 15-fold between days 15 and 25 and increased an additional 2- to 3-fold between days 35 and 70 in both males and females. TH mRNA signal levels increased between days 5 and 15 of age in dopaminergic perikarya in the zona incerta and the substantia nigra of both female and male rats. The TH mRNA levels remained constant between days 15 and 70 in the zona incerta, whereas TH mRNA levels declined with age in the substantia nigra. Given that the early (days 5–15) rise in TH mRNA levels occurred similarly in both sexes and that an early increase was observed in the arcuate nuclei, zona incerta and substantia nigra, the early rise may be controlled by a mechanism common to central dopaminergic systems. The later (day 40) increase in TH mRNA levels in the arcuate nuclei is gender- and sytem-specific and may be related to hormonal changes during the initiation of estrous cycles in the female during puberty.
Firing variability in cat association cortex during sleep and wakefulness.

Summary Spontaneous discharges of single neurons in the association (middle suprasylvian) cortex of the cat were studied during natural sleep and wakefulness. Changes in the temporal pattern of neuronal discharges associated with the behavioral shifts were evaluated by the variability in discharge sequences. In individual neurons, changes in discharge rate were always accompanied by an altered temporal pattern characteristic of a particular state. In arousal and REM sleep, these cortical neurons showed considerably higher activity, and the temporal sequences tended to be random but were typically more regular than in other behavioral states. In intermediate sleep with spindle bursts, or in deep sleep with high voltage slow waves in EEG, neuronal activity was reduced and accompanied by irregular discharges. The pattern was then characterized by clustered discharges alternating with long periods of silence. These changes in the degree of variability in the discharge sequences were evaluated numerically in terms of the coefficient of variation, which was smaller in arousal and REM sleep, with means of 1.11 and 1.09 respectively. However, values shifted higher in the progress of behavioral states from wakefulness (¯X = 1.27), to intermediate sleep (¯X = 1.47) and to deep sleep (¯X = 1.56). The temporal arrangement of discharge sequences varied from unit to unit during intermediate and deep sleep. Autocorrelation analysis revealed that during these sleep phases some temporal patterns deviated from randomness and that the discharges then occurred at preferred intervals relative to each other. Occasionally the likelihood of their occurrence varied with time in a periodic and cyclic manner.
Sub-microgram estimation of morphine in biological fluids by gas-liquid chromatography☆

Abstract A specific gas-liquid Chromatographic method for the determination of nanogram amounts of morphine in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid is described. The procedure requires conversion of morphine, after extraction and concentration from the biological fluid, to its trimethylsilyl ether derivative. Bis (trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide plus 1 % trimethylchlorosilane is used both as the solvent and silylating agent in the derivatization. Extraction and conversion are linear over the range 25–500 ng/sample with the limit of sensitivity of the method being about 25 ng/sample.
Interaction of phosphorus fertilizer form and soil medium on Douglas-fir seedling phosphorus content, growth and photosynthesis

Douglas-fir seedlings were grown in containers in peat-vermiculite or mineral soil each amended with different levels of concentrated superphosphate (CSP) or a granulated North Carolina phosphate rock (RP). Media dilute acid-fluoride extractable phosphorus (DAP), seedling photosynthesis, weights, and tissue P concentrations were measured at 65±3 and 105±3 days.
Ammonia volatilization and the effects of large grazing mammals on nutrient loss from East African grasslands

Ammonia volatilization losses measured from soils at seven sites in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania during the 1986 growing season ranged from 2.78±0.49% to 25.03±1.34% of nitrogen applied. Although peak ammonia losses ranged from 0.071±0.018 to 0.404±0.040 g N m-2 h-1, rates dropped to zero within four days, and calculations reveal that volatilization losses represent minor fluxes in the context of the system's nitrogen cycling. Volatilization losses were inversely correlated with grazing intensity experienced by a site, and it appears that large ungulates themselves contribute to nutrient conservation throught indirect interactive effects on system processes.
Performance of a silicon proton polarimeter between 19 and 32 MeV

Abstract The design is presented of a proton polarimeter which combines the advantages of high scattering efficiency and good energy resolution. The polarimeter, intended for proton energies above 17 MeV, is well-suited to the study of polarisations in low-yield reactions and has been used in the measurement of triple-scattering parameters. A typical figure of merit Aσ 1 2 of ≈ 2.2 × 10 −3 and an energy resolution of approximately 100 keV fwhm at 26 MeV make the present type of polarimeter superior to others for experiments where good energy resolution is required.
Does Prey Availability Determine Seasonal Patterns of Habitat Selection in Texas Ratsnakes

An animal's requirements (e.g., food vs. shelter) from its environment are likely to vary seasonally and, therefore, so too should habitat selection. Here, we test the hypothesis that Texas Ratsnakes (Elaphe obsoleta) choose habitats based on prey availability during their active season and on cover during winter. We examined snake habitat selection at three spatial scales and compared that to abundance of small mammals and nesting birds, which we confirmed by diet analysis to be the snakes' principal prey. Small mammal trapping and avian point counts showed that overall prey abundance was higher on mesas and slopes compared to savannahs. Compared to availability of habitats within the entire study area, snakes selected home ranges with a high proportion of slope habitat. Within home ranges, however, selection for slopes was exhibited only during winter when foraging is at a minimum and snakes are relatively inactive. Snakes did not use habitat within home ranges selectively during the active season or during the avian breeding season. The latter result suggests that ratsnakes are effective avian nest predators despite preying on birds opportunistically. However, it is also possible that some individual ratsnakes specialize on birds, whereas the majority preys on mammals. Microhabitat analysis comparing winter and active season sites showed that snakes preferentially used areas of high canopy cover and rock ground cover during winter. Collectively these results provide limited support for the hypothesis that ratsnakes use habitats based on prey availability but do indicate that ratsnakes select winter habitat based on cover availability.
A method for speech analysis by a wavefunction representation

Abstract A three stage algorithm is presented for representing human speech by time ordered sets of Hanning Cosine Modulated (HCM) wavefunctions. A given HCM element is defined by a five parameter set [ A , S , C , φ , F ], and the analysis algorithm, which may be implemented on a small computer system, calculates the parameter sets which represent the time domain behavior of the acoustic signal. These parameter sets provide a closed form solution to the acoustic signal which permits convenient extraction of features of interest relating to human speech. A major objective of the HCM procedure is simplicity of implementation and speed of operation. This has been successfully achieved, and prleiminary results indicate that HCM analysis may be a generally useful digital signal processing algorithm.
Parameter estimation in time-triggered and event-triggered model-based control of uncertain systems

In this article on-line parameter estimation of dynamical systems is addressed in the context of model-based networked control systems (MB-NCSs). Stability conditions that are robust to parameter uncertainties and lack of feedback for extended intervals of time are presented. The updated model is used to control the real system the next time feedback information is unavailable. Additionally, new estimation models are proposed that offer better convergence properties than typical state-space parameter estimation methods; common assumptions such as availability of persistently exciting inputs and estimation of only a canonical form of the system are relaxed. The implementation of upgraded models in MB-NCSs results in better usage of the network by allowing longer intervals without the need for measurement updates.
Purification and initiation of structural characterization of human peripheral myelin protein 22, an integral membrane protein linked to peripheral neuropathies.

Gene duplications, deletions, and point mutations in peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) are linked to several inherited peripheral neuropathies. However, the structural and biochemical properties...
ansa-Ferrocenes with both Trisulfide and Hydrocarbon Straps

Described are two new ferrocenes, each containing two different straps linking the pair of cyclopentadienyl rings. The first, Fe(C5H3)2-1,1‘-S3-3,3‘-C2Me4, was characterized by single-crystal X-ray...
Detection of IgG Aggregation by a High Throughput Method Based on Extrinsic Fluorescence

The utility of extrinsic fluorescence as a tool for high throughput detection of monoclonal antibody aggregates was explored. Several IgG molecules were thermally stressed and the high molecular weight species were fractionated using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). The isolated aggregates and monomers were studied by following the fluorescence of an extrinsic probe, SYPRO Orange. The dye displayed high sensitivity to structurally altered, aggregated IgG structures compared to the native form, which resulted in very low fluorescence in the presence of the dye. An example of the application is presented here to demonstrate the properties of this detection method. The fluorescence assay was shown to correlate with the SEC method in quantifying IgG aggregates. The fluorescent probe method appears to have potential to detect protein particles that could not be analyzed by SEC. This method may become a powerful high throughput tool to detect IgG aggregates in pharmaceutical solutions and to study other protein properties involving aggregation. It can also be used to study the kinetics of antibody particle formation, and perhaps allow identification of the species, which are the early building blocks of protein particles.
Adenovirus vectors from various serotypes induce distinct cytokine profiles

Results Ad35 and Ad26 induced higher levels of antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IFNa2, IFNg, IL-1b) compared to Ad5 in human PBMC (p<0.01, KruskalWallis test; Dunn’s correction). Replacement of Ad5 fiber with that of Ad35 (Ad5f35) increased cytokine induction, while Ad35f5 displayed decreased stimulation, indicating the importance of fiber-receptor interactions for innate immune stimulation. Similarly, monkeys vaccinated with Ad35 or Ad26 also displayed markedly higher levels of antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines compared to Ad5 on day 1 post-vaccination (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U test).
Mesoscopic cooperative emission from a disordered system

We study theoretically the cooperative light emission from a system of $N\ensuremath{\gg}1$ classical oscillators confined within a volume with spatial scale L much smaller than the radiation wavelength ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}=2\ensuremath{\pi}c/{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}.$ We assume that the oscillator frequencies are randomly distributed around a central frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ with some characteristic width $\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}.$ In the absence of disorder, that is, $\ensuremath{\Omega}=0,$ the cooperative emission spectrum is composed of a narrow subradiant peak superimposed on a wide superradiant band. When $\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\ne}0,$ we demonstrate that if N is large enough, the subradiant peak is not simply broadened by the disorder but rather splits into a system of random narrow peaks. We estimate the spectral width of these peaks as a function of N, L, $\ensuremath{\Omega},$ and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}.$ We also estimate the amplitude of this mesoscopic structure in the emission spectrum.
Universal health care for children: why every self-interested person should support it.

By comparison to other developed nations, both the health care and the health status of children in the U.S. are poor. Ethical arguments for covering all children for health services are numerous, but most of them require the suppression of self-interested motivations. Drawing from and developing the arguments of David Hume, this essay argues that self-interested motives need not work against an inclusive system, and can strengthen the case for covering children in particular. Anyone who hopes to benefit from the inter-generational transfers currently required by Social Security and Medicare policies should be an advocate for health care for all children.
Solution Dynamics of Perfluorobenzene, Benzene, and Perdeuteriobenzene in Carbon Dioxide as a Function of Pressure and Temperature

The {sup 19}F, {sup 1}H, and {sup 2}H relaxation times of perfluorobenzene, benzene, and perdeuteriobenzene were measured in carbon dioxide using capillary high-pressure NMR spectroscopy. The pressure range for the measurement of the {sup 19}F, {sup 1}H, and {sup 2}H nuclear relaxation times was between 400 and 2300 atm over a temperature range of 298--423 K. The density regime of the solvent, carbon dioxide, over these conditions was between 0.55 and 1.27 g/cm{sup 3}. Over this wide range of solvent conditions, the contributions to the molecular relaxation processes for both {sup 1}H and {sup 19}F in CO{sub 2} were determined. These conditions were chosen to address the occurrence of specific molecular interactions between CO{sub 2} and fluorine. From the comparison of the relaxation processes for {sup 19}F and {sup 1}H in CO{sub 2}, especially at high densities, any interaction between fluorine and carbon dioxide should be prevalent. No specific interaction between fluorine and CO{sub 2} contributing to the molecular relaxation of these nuclei was noted over the temperature and pressure range investigated in this study.
On the possibility and optimality of positive rent gradients

Abstract The assertion that externalities from low density can create positive residential rent gradients is examined in several cases: optimal externality internalization (zoning), excessive and insufficient restriction, and no internalization. In all cases positive rent gradients are unlikely (i.e., require land to be an inferior good), unstable, or impossible. In addition, easily interpretable welfare conditions are found as a result of consumer and social welfare maximization. The Alonso-Muth-Mills model is found to be quite robust.
Primary extremity sarcoma: what is the appropriate follow-up?

Background: Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of follow-up tests for detecting first local and distant recurrences in patients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all adult cases of primary extremity soft tissue sarcoma (n 5 174) treated between 1982 and 1992. Patients were observed every 3 months for 2 years, every 4 months the third year, every 6 months the next 2 years, and annually, thereafter. Each visit consisted of taking the patient’s history, a physical examination, a complete blood count, a blood chemistry panel, and a chest x-ray. For high-grade tumors, the primary site was imaged annually when clinically appropriate. Results: Of 141 patients who were assessable, 29 patients developed local recurrence and 57 developed distant recurrence. All but one of the local recurrences was detected on the basis of an abnormal physical examination. Of the 29 patients who developed local recurrence, 25 were resected. Distant metastases were detected because of symptoms in 21 cases. Of the 36 asymptomatic lung recurrences, 30 were detected by follow-up chest x-ray. Of the 36 asymptomatic lung recurrences, 24 patients underwent metastasectomy. The positive and negative predictive values of surveillance chest x-ray were 92% and 97%, respectively. Laboratory testing never led to the detection of recurrence. Conclusions: Close surveillance by clinical assessment and chest x-ray is appropriate for follow-up observation of patients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcoma.
Recursive patching: a bandwidth-efficient delivery protocol for multicast video-on-demand systems

A new scheme called recursive patching is proposed in this research to reduce the service bandwidth consumption of a video-on-demand (VOD) system by allowing later clients to merge their services with that of a preceding client that requests the same media. A series of practical on-line algorithms are presented to reduce the high complexity of the optimal recursive patching. A control window is introduced to regulate the degree of service merging. A simple greedy method without control does not work well while a cost-aware method with a carefully chosen control window can provide a simple and robust solution. Furthermore, two starting rules are considered. Our results indicate that the starting rule should be chosen carefully to match different recursive patching schemes. It is demonstrated that a cost-aware recursive patching scheme with a proper starting rule can successfully adapt to various incoming arrival distribution.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Severe Frontal Rainband. Part II: Tornado Parent Vortex Circulation

Abstract By means of multiple Doppler radar analysis, Part I established the stormwide hydrodynamic structure as an intense gravity current which advances on a prefrontal low-level jet. Part II examines the initiation and evolution of a tornado parent vortex circulation in the context of stormwide vorticity production. Tilting of the prefrontal inflow below the low-level jet axis accounts for production of observed vorticity (10−2 s−1) at the surface front. The two-dimensional flow pattern is modified by the development of an inflectional instability with a wavelength of ∼13 km. Breaking (or roll-up) of this instability occurs on a time scale of roughly 500 s and results in small-scale vortices along the surface front. One such vortex is examined in detail. This vortex is the parent circulation of a small tornado. The parent vortex structure is determined to be quite similar to those observed in summertime deep convection. This suggests a generality to the findings concerning parent vortex initiation and ...
Octreotide ameliorates the increase in collateral blood flow during postprandial hyperemia in portal hypertensive rats

Abstract Background/Aims : The aims of this study were to examine, in a conscious rat model of portal hypertension, the effect of postprandial splanchnic hyperemia on collateral blood flow and to determine whether octreotide has an effect on postprandial collateral flow changes. Methods : In rats with portal vein ligation, pulsed-Doppler flowmeters were implanted chronically around the splenorenal venous shunt (SRS), which is the main spontaneous collateral vessel in the portal hypertensive rat and around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Changes in flow after a standard liquid meal gavage and after the administration of octreotide were examined in the rat under unanesthetized and unrestricted conditions. Results : SRS flow increased significantly after gavage with a standard liquid meal (10.6±2.9%) compared to orogastric intubation alone (−6.5±2.1%) ( P P Conclusions : These results demonstrate that, in an experimental model of prehepatic portal hypertension, postprandial splanchnic hyperemia results in an increase in collateral flow that can be ameliorated with the use of octreotide.
The relationship between organizational characteristics and information system structure: An international survey

The flexibility allowed by an increasingly convergent set of computing and communication technologies can potentially facilitate a centralized, distributed or decentralized structures for hardware deployment. This study explores the relationship between these structures and a number of contextual factors such as firm size, economic sector, organizational structure and role of information technology (IT). Using operationalizations consistent with previous research, these relationships were studied in three distinct cultural contexts. Measures of perceived information systems success were also obtained in order to extend previous studies in this area. The results provided some support for the relationship between decision making structure and hardware deployment in US firms. However, the only consistent finding among all countries was the positive relationship between the role of IT and perceived system success. These results highlight the increasing complexity surrounding IT deployment decisions.
Lunar, solar and earthquake projected positions of 138 Mag. 8.25-5.2 events in California from 1769 to 2004

Earthquakes have existed throughout history, and some 139 strongest earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault in California, from 1812 to 2004 have been examined for potential correlations. Calculations show that solar gravitational force is 176.1 times stronger that due to the moon. The total geometry has been greatly simplified by projection onto the ecliptic plane: the sun, the moon, and earthquake locations for ease in computer processing; so decimal units have been incorporated to enter the day of the year, the time/location of the earthquake, and the phase of the moon, and its liocation relative to the moon, to enable computer processing all of these parameters. California Earthquakes cannot be prediceted but a probability exists.