cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OGLE small amplitude red giant variables in the Galactic Bar

ABSTRACT Among over 200,000 Galactic Bulge variable stars in the public domain OGLE cat-alogue, we found over 15,000 red giant variables following two well deﬁned period –amplitude relations. The periods are in the range 10 < P < 100 days, and amplitudesin the range 0.005 < A < 0.13 mag in I-band. The variables cover a broad range ofreddening corrected colours, 1 < (V − I) 0 < 5, and a fairly narrow range of extinc-tion corrected apparent magnitudes, 10.5 < I 0 < 13. A subset of variables (type A)has a rms scatter of only 0.44 mag. The average magnitudes for these stars are wellcorrelated with the Galactic longitude, and vary from I k,0 = 11.82 for l = +8 ◦ toI k,0 = 12.07 for l = −5 ◦ , clearly indicating that they are located in the Galactic Bar.Most variables have several oscillation periods.Key words: Galaxy:Bulge – stars:variables 1 INTRODUCTIONWhile the existence of the Galactic Bar was pointedout decades ago (de Vaucouleurs 1964), the Bar existencereceived a broader support only following the work ofBlitz & Spergel (1991), based on 2.4 micron light distribu-tion in the inner Galaxy as measured by Matsumoto et al.(1982), and the work of Nakada et al. (1991), based on theasymmetry in the distribution of Galactic Bulge stars asmeasured by IRAS. The presence of the Galactic Bar hasbeen observed in many diﬀerent ways; recent reviews areprovided by Garz´on (1999), Gerhard (2002), Dehnen (2002),and Merriﬁeld (2003).The OpticalGravitational Lensing Experiment(OGLE)is a long term observing project carried out at theLas Campanas Observatory in Chile, operated by theCarnegie Institution of Washington. The instrumen-tation of the three stages of the project was de-scribed by Udalski et al. (1992, OGLE–I), Udalski et al.(1997, OGLE–II), and Udalski et al. (2002a, OGLE–III). Acatalogue of over 200,000 variable stars discovered within ap-proximately 11 square degrees in the direction of the Galac-tic Bulge was published by Wo´zniak et al. (2001). The pub-lic domain data set contains 200 − 400 I-band photometricdata points obtained in the observing seasons 1997, 1998,1999 with the OGLE-II instrumentation: a dedicated 1.3-meter telescope with a 2K × 2K pixel CCD camera, builtand operated by the Warsaw University Observatory.
Transparent glass-ceramics

Glass-ceramic materials may transmit visible light if either of the following conditions are operative: (i) the crystallites of all species are much smaller than the wavelength of visible light, or (ii) the optical anisotropy (birefringence) within the crystals and refractive index difference between crystals and glass are very small. These conditions are achieved in several aluminosilicate glass-ceramic systems. Solid solutions (ss) of β-quartz, spinel, and mullite are the major crystalline phases in these transparent glass-ceramics. The transparent β-quartz solid solution glass-ceramics can be divided into three areas: ultra-low expansion materials, refractory and colourless materials, and high electrical resistivity—low dielectric loss materials. These three material groups, though chemically distinct, are all characterised by high crystallinity, thermal shock resistance, excellent chemical durability, and susceptibility to mechanical strengthening by ion-exchange techniques. The transparent spinel and mullite glass-ceramics contain considerable glassy phase, but nevertheless are characterised by excellent transparency, even after thermal exposure for long periods above 1000° C.
Telehealth for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multiple Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis are neurodegenerative diseases requiring interdisciplinary rehabilitation services to maximize function, manage symptoms, prevent complications, and promote higher quality of life. Distance and disability may pose barriers to access of subspecialized care. Telehealth is one solution to facilitate access and was rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article details the utility of telehealth services across the disease spectrum-including to establish a diagnosis, monitor progression for ongoing management, and identify and manage symptoms and provide therapy interventions. The challenges and promise of telehealth services for clinical care and research will be explored.
Team functioning and implementation of innovations in healthcare and human service settings: a systematic review protocol.

Background Healthcare and human services increasingly rely on teams of individuals to deliver services. Implementation of evidence-based practices and other innovations in these settings requires teams to work together to change processes and behaviors. Accordingly, team functioning may be a key determinant of implementation outcomes. This systematic review will identify and summarize empirical research examining associations between team functioning and implementation outcomes in healthcare and human service settings. Methods We will conduct a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases (e.g., MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC) for articles published from January 2000 or later. We will include peer-reviewed empirical articles and conference abstracts using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. We will include experimental or observational studies that report on the implementation of an innovation in a healthcare or human service setting and examine associations between team functioning and implementation outcomes. Implementation outcomes of interest are acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, cost, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability. Two reviewers will independently screen all titles/abstracts, review full-text articles, and extract data from included articles. We will use the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool to assess methodological quality/bias and conduct a narrative synthesis without meta-analysis. Discussion Understanding how team functioning influences implementation outcomes will contribute to our understanding of team-level barriers and facilitators of change. The results of this systematic review will inform efforts to implement evidence-based practices in team-based service settings. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020220168.
Prospective assessment of adjunctive ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography in women undergoing breast biopsy: Impact on BI-RADS assessments.

PURPOSE To assess the impact of adjunctive ultrasound guided diffuse optical tomography (US-guided DOT) on BI-RADS assessment in women undergoing US-guided breast biopsy. METHOD This prospective study enrolled women referred for US-guided breast biopsy between 3/5/2019 and 3/19/2020. Participants underwent US-guided DOT immediately before biopsy. The US-guided DOT acquisition generated average maximum total hemoglobin (HbT) spatial maps and quantitative HbT values. Four radiologists blinded to histopathology assessed conventional imaging (CI) to assign a CI BI-RADS assessment and then integrated DOT information in assigning a CI&DOT BI-RADS assessment. HbT was compared between benign and malignant lesions using an ANOVA test and Tukey's test. Benign biopsies were tabulated, deeming BI-RADS ≥ 4A as positive. Reader agreement was assessed. RESULTS Among 61 included women (mean age 48 years), biopsy demonstrated 15 (24.6%) malignant and 46 (75.4%) benign lesions. Mean HbT was 55.3 ± 22.6 µM in benign lesions versus 85.4 ± 15.6 µM in cancers (p < .001). HbT threshold of 78.5 µM achieved sensitivity 80% (12/15) and specificity 89% (41/46) for malignancy. Across readers and patients, 197 pairs of CI BI-RADS and CI&DOT BI-RADS assessments were assigned. Adjunctive US-guided DOT achieved a net decrease in 23.5% (31/132) of suspicious (CI BI-RADS ≥ 4A) assessments of benign lesions (34 correct downgrades and 3 incorrect upgrades). 38.3% (31/81) of 4A assessments were appropriately downgraded. No cancer was downgraded to a non-actionable assessment. Interreader agreement analysis demonstrated kappa = 0.48-0.53 for CI BI-RADS and kappa = 0.28-0.44 for CI&DOT BI-RADS. CONCLUSIONS Integration of US-guided DOT information achieved a 23.5% reduction in suspicious BI-RADS assessments for benign lesions. Larger studies are warranted, with attention to improved reader agreement.
Consciousness and Language

One of the most important and influential philosophers of the last 30 years, John Searle has been concerned throughout his career with a single overarching question: how can we have a unified and theoretically satisfactory account of ourselves and of our relations to other people and to the natural world? In other words, how can we reconcile our common-sense conception of ourselves as conscious, free, mindful, rational agents in a world that we believe comprises brute, unconscious, mindless, meaningless, mute physical particles in fields of force? The essays in this collection are all related to the broad overarching issue that unites the diverse strands of Searle's work. Gathering in an accessible manner essays available only in relatively obscure books and journals, this collection will be of particular value to professionals and upper-level students in philosophy as well as to Searle's more extended audience in such fields as psychology and linguistics.
Guerra y construcción del estado como crimen organizado

There is an analogy between war, state building and organized crime in the history of the last centuries in Europe. The different uses of violence have had a pivotal role in the history of European institutional authorities. Thus, the emergence of the nation-state was the result of the organization of violence through four different kinds of activities: war, state building, protection and extraction.
Counterfactuals and Two Kinds of Expected Utility

We begin with a rough theory of rational decision-making. In the first place, rational decision-making involves conditional propositions: when a person weighs a major decision, it is rational for him to ask, for each act he considers, what would happen if he performed that act. It is rational, then, for him to consider propositions of the form ‘If I were to do a, then c would happen’. Such a proposition we shall call a counterfactual, and we shall form counterfactuals with a connective ‘☐→' on this pattern: ‘If I were to do a, then c would happen’ is to be written ‘I do a ‘☐→' c happens’.
DNA polymerase from mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria: III. Lack of fidelity in the replication of synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides by DNA polymerase from Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus stearothermophilus

1. DNA polymerase from the mesophile Bacillus licheniformis and the thermophile Bacillus stearothermophilus has been used to study the replication of poly(dA-dT)-poly(dA-dT) and poly(dC)-poly(dG) templates at 37, 45, and 55 degrees C. 2. Incorporation of non-complementary deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (misincorporation) occurred with both enzymes and both templates. Non-specific incorporation (de novo polynucleotide synthesis, random attachment to existing strands, and tritium exchange of nucleotides) accounted for, at most, a small fraction of the total observed misincorporation. The error rates at 37 degrees C for the complete system were as follows:: B. licheniformis: dATP, 1/61; dCTP, 1/830; dGTP, 1/360; dTTP, 1/65; B. stearothermophilus: dATP, 1/68; dCTP, 1/1430; dGTP, 1/440; dTTP, 1/67. For both organisms, the error rate for dCTP and dGTP was independent of incubation temperature; the error rate for dATP and dTTP was 5-50-fold greater than that for dCTP or dGTP and increased significantly from 37 to 55 degrees C. 3. The ratio of dATP to dTTP incorporation with the poly(dA-dT)-poly-(dA-dT) template was independent of temperature and close to unity. The ratio of dCTP to dGTP incorporation with the poly(dC)-poly(dG) template decreased from approx. 0.2 to 0.05 for the mesophile and from approx. 0.06 to 0.03 for the thermophile as the temperature increased from 37 to 55 degrees C.
Noma. Report of a case.

Abstract A case of noma is presented, since this condition is rare and few eases have been reported in the literature.
Why Issue Mandatory Convertibles? Theory and Empirical Evidence

Mandatory convertibles, which are equity-linked hybrid securities that automatically convert to equity on a pre-specified date, have become an increasingly popular means of raising capital in recent years (about $20 billion worth issued in 2001 alone). This paper presents the first theoretical and empirical analysis of mandatory convertibles in the literature. We consider a firm facing a financial market characterized by asymmetric information, and significant costs in the event of financial distress. The firm can raise capital either by issuing mandatory convertibles, or by issuing more conventional securities like straight debt, ordinary convertibles, or equity. We show that, in equilibrium, the firm issues straight debt or ordinary convertibles if the extent of asymmetric information facing it is large, but the probability of being in financial distress is relatively small; it issues mandatory convertibles if it faces a smaller extent of asymmetric information but a greater probability of financial distress. Our model provides a rationale for the three commonly observed features of mandatory convertibles: mandatory conversion, capped (or limited) capital appreciation, and a higher dividend yield compared to common stock. We also characterize the equilibrium design of mandatory convertibles. We test the implications of our theory regarding a firm's choice between mandatory and ordinary convertibles and find supporting evidence.
Symmetric Geodesic Shape Averaging and Shape Interpolation

Structural image registration is often achieved through diffeomorphic transformations. The formalism associated with the diffeomorphic framework allows one to define curved distances which are often more appropriate for morphological comparisons of anatomy. However, the correspondence problem as well as the metric distances across the database depend upon the chosen reference anatomy, requiring average transformations to be estimated. The goal of this paper is to develop an algorithm which, given a database of images, estimates an average shape based on the geodesic distances of curved, time-dependent transformations. Specifically, this paper will develop direct, efficient, symmetric methods for generating average anatomical shapes from diffeomorphic registration algorithms. The need for these types of averages is illustrated with synthetic examples and the novel algorithm is compared to the usual approach of averaging linear transformations. Furthermore, the same algorithm will be used for shape interpolation that is independent of the multi-scale framework used.
Opsonization of Cryptococcus neoformans by a family of isotype-switch variant antibodies specific for the capsular polysaccharide

A family of immunoglobulin isotype-switch variants was isolated by sib selection from a murine hybridoma which produced an immunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1) antibody specific for the capsular polysaccharide of Cryptococcus neoformans. Antibodies of the IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b isotypes had similar serotype specificity patterns in double immunodiffusion assays which used polysaccharides of the four cryptococcal serotypes as antigens. A quantitative difference in the ability of the isotypes to form a precipitate with the polysaccharide was observed in a double immunodiffusion assay and confirmed in a quantitative precipitin assay. The relative precipitating activity of the antibodies was IgG2a greater than IgG1 much greater than IgG2b. Analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the reactivity of the three isotypes with cryptococcal polysaccharide showed identical titers and slopes, suggesting that the variable region of the class-switch antibodies was unaltered. This system allowed us to examine the effect of the Fc portion of the antibody on opsonization of encapsulated cryptococci. Yeast cells were precoated with antibodies of each isotype and incubated with murine macrophages or cultured human monocytes. Antibodies of all three isotypes exhibited a dose-dependent opsonization for phagocytosis by both human and murine phagocytes. The relative opsonic activity of the antibodies was IgG2a greater than IgG1 greater than IgG2b.
Disease-modifying therapy

Since 1993 eight disease-modifying agents have been approved by regulatory agencies to treat relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS). In addition, a sizable number of agents are used off label alone or in combination.
What makes history

As you look over the reviewer's and Program Committee's comments on your paper, you may be perplexed by admonitions in one form or another to "make it more historical". After all, you've been talking about the past, you've got the events and people in chronological order, you've related what happened. What more could be needed to make history? The answer is hard to pin down in a series of methodological precepts, as history is ultimately an art acquired by professional practice. But it may help you to understand our specific criticisms if I describe what we're looking for in general terms.
Dental pathology in Pongo satyrus borneensis

The Selenka orangutan collection obtained from 1892 to 1896 from wild-shot specimens in West Borneo, provides an excellent opportunity to examine dental pathology in free-ranging primates. Two hundred and twenty-three skulls from this collection were analyzed for dental conditions, including carious lesions, local infections (infra-alveolar and periapical osseous defects), horizontal bone loss, and premortem tooth loss. Specimens were sexed, divided into three broad age groups, and compared to ascertain sex-related or age-related differences in occurrence of dental pathology. None of the subadults displays any evidence of dental disease. One individual (2%) in the young adult group has a periapical osseous defect and evidence of horizontal bone loss, and another (2%) has two adjacent interproximal carious lesions. The old adults have a much higher prevalence of individuals afflicted with dental pathologies, including 6% carious lesions, 26% local infections, 23% horizontal bone loss, and 3% premortem tooth loss. The differences between the young and old adults in number of individuals afflicted with dental pathologies is statistically significant for local infections and horizontal bone loss. When compared by sex, the old adult group reveals that females have a higher occurrence of dental pathologies than males in all types of lesions recorded and these differences are statistically significant for local infections and horizontal bone loss. Considering the importance diet plays in the development of dental disease, it is suggested that ecological separation of the sexes, with the subsequent dietary differences, could be an important factor determining the higher prevalence of dental lesions observed in female orangutans. Additionally, the importance of local ecological factors, which may affect dietary patterns, are recognized as a potential source of variation in dental pathologies among different samples of orangutans.
Short-term and long-term effects of a public relations campaign on semantic networks of newspaper content: Priming or framing?

Abstract This naturalistic pre-test/post-test field experiment studied a university public relations campaign, the “Great Cities Initiative,” for evidence of priming or framing effects on newspaper reporters and editors. The phrase “great cities” in the Chicago Tribune increased 433% during the 16-month post-test, but only 26% of stories identified the campaign source. Several measures of semantic network diversity increased, also supporting priming over framing effects.
Comparative pharmacological, toxicological and antitumoral evaluation of free and liposome-encapsulated cisplatin in rodents

The systemic toxicity and efficacy of cisplatin (CDDP) were examined in vitro and in vivo. Procedures were performed before and after the antineoplastic agent was encapsulated into multilamellar liposomes (L-CDDP). In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation in L1210 murine leukaemia and NIH OVCAR human ovarian cancer cells showed ic50 values of 0.14 and 0.05 μg/ml with CDDP or L-CDDP, respectively. In vivo, mice injected intravenously with L-CDDP had plasma levels of platinum 4-fold higher than with CDDP. The t12α was 2 h and the t12β exceeded 48 with L-CDDP; whereas a t12α of 15 min and t12β of 12 h was observed with CDDP. The values of platinum in live spleen, kidneys, lungs and heart were substantially higher in L-CDDP-treated compared to CDDP-treated mice. Cytotoxic evaluation of both agents was tested in vitro (murine L1210 leukaemia and NIH OVCAR cell line) and in vivo (male CD2F1 mice). CDDP and L-CDDP showed similar cytotoxicity in tissue culture. At the highest dose given, 12 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), L-CDDP showed higher antitumour efficacy demonstrated by an increased life span of the mice. The CDDP treatment at the highest dose was lethal to all the tumour bearing mice. The nephrotoxicity in rats (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine evaluation) of L-CDDP administered i.p. was significantly less than with CDDP. In addition, the ability of kidney slices to transport organic anions [paraaminohippurate (PAH)] and consume O2 was substantially decreased in rats treated with free CDDP compared to L-CDDP. Accordingly, the liposomal encapsulation of CDDP attenuates its nephrotoxicity, but allows maintenance of antitumour efficacy and may be a potentially effective modality in clinical settings.
A study on reproducibility of cellulose acetate membranes

Abstract The variation in flux and rejection of replicate cellulose acetate membranes is measured within a membrane sheet as well as between membranes. Although the casting conditions were carefully controlled and various influences were studied. the source of variation in replicates was not identified. It is shown that the cause of variation is not due to hand or machine casting technique, casting solution composition, heat treatment, dust, overall film thickness or pressure history.
Characterization of a mouse amelogenin [A-4]/M59 cell surface receptor

Amelogenin proteins comprise up to 90% of the organic matrix of developing enamel in the vertebrate tooth. Alternative splicing of mouse amelogenin pre-mRNA leads to the production of more than 14 protein isoforms, the functions of which are not totally understood. The smaller splice products, [A + 4] or M73 and [A - 4] or M59, have been shown to act differently as signaling molecules affecting odontogenic and other cell types. The mechanisms of these signaling processes, beginning with receptor identification, are not well understood. Utilizing radiolabeled [A - 4], we show here that 3H[A - 4] binds in a saturable fashion to the cell surface of C2C12 mouse fetal myoblasts at 4 degrees C, and not only binds at the surface but is internalized at 37 degrees C. "Far Western" immunohistochemistry performed on sections of E18 mouse incisors and molars with biotin-labeled [A - 4] as the primary ligand demonstrates [A - 4]-biotin binding to polarizing ameloblasts and odontoblasts, cells of the dental follicle, and along the stratum intermedium. Using [A - 4] affinity column chromatography and [A - 4]-biotin label transfer reaction, we have identified a 95 kDa C2C12 cell surface protein which bound [A - 4]. Utilizing Tandem MS (MS/MS) sequencing, we report the novel finding of the 95 kDa murine transmembrane protein, LAMP-1, originally identified as a lysosomal membrane protein that is also found at the cell surface, as an [A - 4] cell binding protein.
A review of recent high energy ion-atom collision physics

Abstract Over the last two years there have been several experiments with high velocity ion beams directed towards the precision measurement of K X-ray transition energies in one- and two-electron ions. One of the purposes of these measurements has been to determine with some precision the 1s lamb shift in one-electron ions. To date measurements have been performed in the Z range from 17 up to 36. All of the experiments have used the same technique of measuring the total absolute energy of the 2p to 1s transition of the one-electron ion. Over this range of Z , the 2p 1 2 -1s 1 2 transition energy varies from ∼ 2958.5 eV to ∼ 13429 eV, and the predicted 1s Lamb shift varies from 0.9383(6) eV to 11.858(11) eV. The main parameter that has been varied in these experiments has been the means of excitation used to produce the one-electron ion. These methods so far have included beam-foil excitation of high velocity beams, gas phase excitation of an accel—decel beam, direct ionization of a gas target atom (recoil ion) by a highly charged high-velocity beam and excitation in a hot tokamak plasma. The results of these measurements will be discussed and compared with QED calculations. The limitations of the experiments and possible future improvements will be discussed. The potential of producing a beam of low energy, bare and one-electron high Z recoil ions with high velocity heavy-ion beams will also be discussed.
Pregnant women screening positive for depressive symptoms at 24-28 weeks may have increased risk of preterm birth but more precise research is needed.

Commentary on: Straub H, Adams M, Kim JJ, et al. Antenatal depressive symptoms increase the likelihood of preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012;207:329.e1–4.[OpenUrl][1][PubMed][2] The prevalence of prenatal depression and anxiety ranges between 5% and 16% and the consequences are extensive.1 In addition to negative maternal effects, research points to detrimental fetal effects, and higher rates of PTB and LBW. Postpartum symptoms of depression and … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAmerican%2Bjournal%2Bof%2Bobstetrics%2Band%2Bgynecology%26rft.stitle%253DAm%2BJ%2BObstet%2BGynecol%26rft.aulast%253DStraub%26rft.auinit1%253DH.%26rft.volume%253D207%26rft.issue%253D4%26rft.spage%253D329.e1%26rft.epage%253D329.e4%26rft.atitle%253DAntenatal%2Bdepressive%2Bsymptoms%2Bincrease%2Bthe%2Blikelihood%2Bof%2Bpreterm%2Bbirth.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22789523%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22789523&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F17%2F1%2F11.atom
LIVE ATTENUATED VARICELLA VACCINE: USE IN HEALTHY ADULTS

We administered live attenuated varicella vaccine to 187 healthy adults seronegative to varicella-zoster virus (VZV); 176 have been followed at least 2 mos. 121/176 (69%) received 2 doses about 3 months apart. Side effects after 1 dose were: local reactions in 18 (10%), rash in 12 (7%), & fever in 4(2%). Side effects were less frequent after the 2nd dose. Vaccine associated rash was mild (mean 14 lesions, range 1-100). Vaccine type virus was isolated from 1 adult with a total of 8 lesions, 1 mo. after vaccination; there was no spread of vaccine virus to others. Seroconversions to VZV, measured by fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) were: after 1 dose 136/169 (80%), & after 2 doses 114/121 (94%). 22 seroconverted only after the 2nd dose; 7 (6%) failed to seroconvert after 2 doses. Positive antibody responses have been detected after 1 yr in 44/67 (66%), after 2-3 yr.in 19/28 (68%), & after 4-6 yr in 10/13 (77%). Ten have had a household exposure to varicella after as long as 7 years (mean 3 yrs); 6 (60%) developed at least some evidence of clinical varicella with 1-40 lesions (mean 16) but no toxicity. Seropositives (5/10) rarely developed clinical symptoms; 1 had 1 vesicle. There were a total of 10 cases of mild varicella in adult vaccinees with 1-58 lesions, (mean 10), 4-72 months after immunization. Wild type virus was isolated from 2 MDs, but there was no spread. Clinical infection was likely to occur in those seronegative at exposure (7/8, 88%) but the illness was still very mild. Varicella vaccine has the potential to control but not prevent nosocomial varicella. Varicella vaccine is less protective for healthy adults than for healthy children, but it modifies the illness even if VZV antibodies are no longer detectable.
Adequate Versus Inadequate Response to Reading Intervention: An Event-Related Potentials Assessment

Three visual event-related potential components to the second of two sequentially presented words that rhymed or not discriminated children who improved (AR) from those who failed following (IR) reading intervention. Right hemisphere P100 amplitudes discriminated Typically Developing (TD) children from AR children but IR from AR children over left hemisphere sites. N200 amplitudes across hemispheres discriminated TD from IR children and AR from IR children. P300 hemisphere differences differentiated TD from AR and IR children. P300 amplitudes discriminated rhyming from non-rhyming words across children. Results extend prior work asserting that normalization and compensatory mechanisms are active during successful interventions.
Learned control of skin temperature: Effects of short- and long-term biofeedback training*

Two studies assessed the extent to which learned control over finger temperature could be developed. In Experiment I subjects received a short-term (five-session) biofeedback training regimen to decrease or increase temperature. Analyses of temperature data for the training periods revealed highly significant between-group differences. Subjects in the Increase condition displayed increases of up to 2.5°F, while subjects in the Decrease condition displayed decreases of up to 2.9°F. Ability to produce the required changes in temperature was found to improve as a function of training. Experiment II evaluated the effect of longer term training to increase temperature (20 sessions). Significant within-session increases in finger temperature were obtained after 3 days of training. There was no significant improvement in temperature control with further training, however. These studies indicate that voluntary control over digital temperature can be established, but that the magnitude of temperature changes is small even with extended feedback training.
A Negotiation Framework for Negotiation of Coalition Policies

There have been many proposed approaches to performing negotiation in terms of the negotiation procedure, the implementation of agreement, the interactions of software agents representing the different organizations, cooperation among agents, etc. However, one cannot determine a best single approach as it highly depends on the specific application and usage scenario, as well as the needs and goals of the participants. For instance, in some situations, reaching a near pareto-optimal solution is desirable even though it requires that an exhaustive search on all attributes must be performed. In other situations, time might be more valuable and therefore reaching an agreement in a timely manner might have a higher priority. In order to address many different types of negotiation goals and scenarios, there is a need for a flexible negotiation system that can incorporate various alternatives and that is easily extensible and configurable. In this paper, we provide a generic negotiation system that can support many types of negotiation protocols. The proposed system acts as a third party that facilitates the negotiation process between multiple entities and allows them to choose a common negotiation goal and a desired negotiation protocol. We will provide a demonstration of the tool at the conference.
Treatment of psoriasis with piritrexim, a lipid-soluble folate antagonist

Methotrexate is an effective and convenient treatment for severe psoriasis whose use is limited by the development of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in a small number of patients. The mechanism of hepatotoxicity is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of intracellular polyglutamation and prolonged retention of methotrexate within the cell. Piritrexim isethionate is a lipid-soluble antifolate that has a mechanism of action similar to that of methotrexate. Since it is not Polyglutamated, piritrexim could be effective in the treatment of psoriasis without the associated long-term hepatotoxicity. A 12-week phase I/II clinical trial of severe chronic plaque psoriasis assessed the safety and efficacy of oral piritrexim therapy. Based on experience gained from oncologic trials, each patient received a twice-daily dosage for 5 consecutive days every 2 weeks. Dosages ranged from 25 to 100 mg twice a day. Improvement in both lesion scores and percentage of body involvement was significant at a dose of 50 mg or more twice daily. Fifteen of 19 patients who completed 12 weeks of therapy demonstrated greater than 50% improvement in lesion scores. Improvement was limited by recrudescence of lesions over the 9-day rest period. Adverse experiences were minimal and dose related. Piritrexim is efficacious in the treatment of psoriasis.
Analysis of longitudinal multiple‐source binary data using generalized estimating equations

Summary. We present a multivariate logistic regression model for the joint analysis of longitudinal multiple-source binary data. Longitudinal multiple-source binary data arise when repeated binary measurements are obtained from two or more sources, with each source providing a measure of the same underlying variable. Since the number of responses on each subject is relatively large, the empirical variance estimator performs poorly and cannot be relied on in this setting. Two methods for obtaining a parsimonious within-subject association structure are considered. An additional complication arises with estimation, since maximum likelihood estimation may not be feasible without making unrealistically strong assumptions about third- and higher order moments. To circumvent this, we propose the use of a generalized estimating equations approach. Finally, we present an analysis of multiple-informant data obtained longitudinally from a psychiatric interventional trial that motivated the model developed in the paper.
Problems of Yield Gradient Estimation for Truncated Probability Density Functions

In this paper theoretical possibilities of statistical yield gradient estimation are discussed for those cases where circuit element probability density functions are truncated or nondifferantible, with a uniform distribution being a special case. With the yield gradient information available, the efficient derivative methods of yield optimization can be used. General derivative formulas are developed and their intuitive and geometric interpretations are given. Relationship between the yield derivatives and the marginal density functions of "pass" (or "fail") points is shown. Two possible algorithms for yield derivative estimation are discussed. The theory developed is also used to provide insight into some other methods of yield optimization.
A comparison of microbipolar cautery dissection to hot knife and cold knife cautery tonsillectomy

Background: Morbidity following tonsillectomy continues to be a major concern to parents, children, and physicians alike. Reduction in post-operative complications, optimal control of pain, and satisfactory return to a normal lifestyle are all important to both family and society. This study compares both the complication and recovery rates after microbipolar dissection (MBPD) technique of tonsillectomy to two well established tonsillectomy techniques: hot knife (HK) and cold knife/cautery (CK/C). Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients presenting for tonsillectomy by the first author (MP) were randomized to either undergo MBPD or HK tonsillectomy. Concurrently, an additional two hundred patients were randomized to undergo MBPD or CK/C tonsillectomy by the second author (LB). Patients were prospectively followed for complications including bleeding and dehydration and multiple indicators of recovery rate. Results: Postoperative bleeding of any kind was significantly less in the MBPD group than in the CK/C and HK groups (5 vs 12.4 vs 12.5% (P<0.001). The need for post-operative intervention for bleeding, i.e. local control or return to the operating room, was also significantly less in the MBPD group. Return to normal activity occurred 2 days earlier in the MBPD group versus either CK/C or HK (P<0.001). Additionally, earlier recovery was reflected in fewer total doses of pain medication in the MBPD group. Operative time was 3–5 min longer for MBPD (24.2 min) than for CK/C or HK (21.1 and 16.5 min, respectively); blood loss was similar (within 15 cc) among all treatment groups. Conclusion: MBPD tonsillectomy compared most favorably to conventional techniques (CK/C and to HK tonsillectomy). Important clinical outcome differences included a lower bleed rate, earlier recovery and fewer days lost from work and school. The financial impact is estimated to be quite favorable. MBPD tonsillectomy is now our preferred method in children.
Amplitude of the rabbit’s unconditioned nictitating membrane response in the presence of a conditioned inhibitor

Using a light or backshock as the reinforced CS (A) and a tone or backshock as the conditioned inhibitor (X), rabbits experienced conditioned inhibition training in an A+/AX− paradigm. Following training, the amplitude of the unconditioned nictitating membrane response elicited by a mild (.5-mA) paraorbital shock was measured in the presence of X and AX and expressed as a percentage of the amplitude of the UR to the shock presented alone. In Experiment 1, the effect of X and AX on UR amplitude for conditioned inhibition animals was compared with that of control animals treated to a variety of pretest procedures. In general, UR amplitude in the presence of X exceeded that observed to the US presented alone. There was no consistent difference between the experimental and control groups. In Experiments 2–5, A test trials were added as an alternative reference point. Again, UR amplitude increased rather than decreased UR amplitude. In addition, X as a conditioned inhibitor enhanced the facilitating effect of A on UR amplitude in four out of five experiments. These findings have implications for theories of the “locus of action” of conditioned inhibitors.
Clonidine inhibits electrodermal responses by an action on the spinal cord

Experiments were designed to determine the neural site of action for clonidine inhibition of sympathetic-cholinergic electrodermal responses (EDR) in anesthetized cats. Administration of clonidine (0.3–3.0 μg i.a.) directly to the stellate ganglion did not significantly decrease the amplitude of responses evoked by submaximal hypothalamic stimulation but did inhibit hypothalamic-evoked EDR when administered intrathecally at the C6 to T2 spinal levels. Administration of clonidine to the ganglion, however, did depress EDR evoked by the ganglionic stimulant, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP, 10 μg i.a.). Intravenous clonidine (1–30 μg) also reduced EDR amplitude evoked by single pulse stimulation of both the pre- and postganglionic sympathetic nerves with responses elicited from both sites depressed to an equal extent. Yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) uniformly antagonized clonidine's depression of EDR regardless of the site or mode of activation. These results indicate that clonidine depresses centrally evoked sudomotor responses by activation of α2-adrenoceptors in the spinal cord and to a limited extent by direct action at the neuroeffector junction. Although a possible DMPP-clonidine interaction appears to take place at the level of the sympathetic ganglion, it is unlikely that ganglionic blockade contributes significantly to clonidine inhibition of EDR evoked by electrical activation of the nervous system.
On the Complexity of Approximating Extremal Determinants in Matrices

For a d × n matrix A, let B = B(A) be the set of all nondegenerate d × d submatrices (bases) of A, and let ?(A) = min{|det B| : B ? B}. We show that for any polynomial p = poly(d, n) in the dimension of A, the problem of approximating ?(A) within a factor of 2p is NP-hard. We also show that it is NP-hard to determine whether a set of n rational points in d dimensions is affinely or linearly degenerate. On the other hand, we give an algorithm for approximating ?(A) = max{|det B| : B ? B} within a factor of (1 + ?)d](d ? 1)/2 in O(nd2(??1 + log d + log log n)) arithmetic operations and comparisons over the reals.
Independent antioxidant action of vitamins E and C in cultured rat hepatocytes intoxicated with allyl alcohol.

Abstract The relationship between the metabolism of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbate (vitamin C) was examined in cultured hepatocytes intoxicated with allyl alcohol. Alcohol dehydrogenase rapidly metabolizes allyl alcohol to the potent electrophile acrolein. Acrolein depletes the glutathione (GSH) content of the hepatocytes, thereby sensitizing the cells to the constitutive flux of activated oxygen species. Supplementation of the medium with l μM α-tocopherol phosphate (α-TP) prevents the 85% decline in cellular vitamin E seen after 16–18 hr in culture. In cells supplemented with α-TP, allyl alcohol produced a concentrationdependent decline in the cellular content of α-tocopherol, and these cells were more resistant to cell killing than hepatocytes not supplemented with α-TP. α-TP concentrations that raised the cellular α-tocopherol above the physiological level completely protected hepatocytes against the killing by allyl alcohol. In cells with physiological α-tocopherol, vitamin E declined within 30 min of exposure to allyl alcohol. This decrease paralleled the peroxidation of lipids, but preceded the decrease in cellular ascorbate. Under these conditions, a decline in ascorbate correlated with the loss of cell viability. Cells supplemented with at least 3 mM ascorbate prevented the decline in α-tocopherol. However, ascorbate acts as an independent antioxidant at these concentrations. In the absence of killing by allyl alcohol, the loss of cellular ascorbate did not depend on the presence or absence of cellular α-tocopherol. These data indicate that vitamins E and C act as separate antioxidants and that ascorbate does not regenerate the tocopheroxyl radical in cultured rat hepatocytes.
Growth of Chick Embryos in Polyethylene Bags

Abstract For the past several years we have attempted to grow chick embryos in artificial membranes. It was our hope to achieve development of chicks to hatching, as a preliminary to creating our own double yolked eggs for immunogenetic studies. Our results while not complete are worthy of mention to others. Hens eggs have been incubated in polyethylene bags and also in plastic chambers using a General Electric silicone membrane. Several types of commercial polyethylene bags were experimented with and the commercial “Baggies” were found to produce the best results. The procedure was simply to place a “Baggie” in a tall beaker with the top of the bag turned back over the rim. The egg was then cracked and emptied into the “Baggie,” which was then lifted out and the top twisted and secured in a loop with a rubber band. The loop provided a hanger for suspending the assembly on…
Coherent optical compensation of post-detection spatial distortion

Several optimal spatial filters that could be used in a coherent imaging system to remove post-detection linear distortions are obtained and their performance assessed. It is shown that the minimum mean square error filter approximates the usual inverse filter for low-contrast images. The performance of these compensation filters is illustrated by use of examples of one-dimensional signals.
Predicting impurity gases and phases during hydrogen evolution from complex metal hydrides using free energy minimization enabled by first-principles calculations.

First-principles calculations represent a potent tool for screening metal hydride mixtures that can reversibly store hydrogen. A number of promising new hydride systems with high hydrogen capacity and favorable thermodynamics have been predicted this way. An important limitation of these studies, however, is the assumption that H2 is the only gas-phase product of the reaction, which is not always the case. This paper summarizes new theoretical and numerical approaches that can be used to predict thermodynamic equilibria in complex metal hydride systems with competing reaction pathways. We report thermochemical equilibrium calculations using data obtained from density functional theory (DFT) computations to describe the possible occurrence of gas-phase products other than H2 in three complex hydrides, LiNH2, LiBH4, and Mg(BH4)2, and mixtures of these with the destabilizing compounds LiH, MgH2, and C. The systems under investigation contain N, C, and/or B and thus have the potential to evolve N2, NH3, hydrocarbons, and/or boranes as well as H2. Equilibria as a function of both temperature and total pressure are predicted. The results indicate that significant amounts of these species can form under some conditions. In particular, the thermodynamic model predicts formation of N2 and NH3 as products of LiNH2 decomposition. Comparison with published experimental data indicates that N2 formation must be kinetically limited. Our examination of C-containing systems indicates that methane is the stable gas-phase species at low temperatures, not H2. On the other hand, very low amounts of boranes (primarily BH3) are predicted to form in B-containing systems.
In vivo ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography using a Kerr-lens modelocked Ti:Al2O3 laser

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) permits the real time, high resolution, cross sectional imaging of microstructure in vivo and in situ1.
AMG enhanced CN-FDTD method for low frequency electromagnetic applications

The purpose of this paper is to compare performance of several iterative solvers for Crank-Nicholson-finite-difference time-domain CN-FDTD applications. Our results show that the algebraic multigrid (AMG) can accelerate the solution of the general CN-FDTD method for low-frequency electromagnetic applications. It is observed that this algorithm can be 10 times to 100 times faster than the conventional FDTD method in terms of the CPU time for our examples. It also shows the efficiency of this algorithm increases as the problem size increases.
Cyclooxygenase expression in the early stages of equine laminitis: a cytologic study.

Background:Recent reports indicate increased amounts of mRNA from inflammation-related genes in the prodromal stage of laminitis. Hypothesis:Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) undergo distinct patterns of expression in equine laminae in the developmental stage (DEV) and acute clinical stage (LAM) of laminitis. Animals:Horses selected from an outbred population were placed into 1 of 4 groups: DEV (n = 5), CON-3h (control group for DEV, n = 5), LAM (n = 5) and CON-10h (control group for LAM, n = 5). Methods:Laminar and skin samples were obtained from (1) animals either undergoing leukopenia (DEV) or the onset of clinical signs of laminitis (LAM) after black walnut extract (BWE) administration and (2) animals either 3 (CON-3h) or 10 (CON-10h) hours after administration of water. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed for COX-1 and COX-2. Results:Upon immunohistochemical analysis of all 4 groups, COX-2 was expressed by most viable epithelial cells in both laminae and skin. COX-1 exhibited similar epithelial expression to COX-2 in skin epidermis, but was expressed exclusively in the basal layer of laminar epidermis. COX-1 protein was not detectable in dermal vasculature of equine skin or laminae, whereas COX-2 was present in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells of dermal vasculature in both skin and laminae in all groups. A marked increase in laminar COX-2 protein concentrations was detected on immunoblotting in the DEV group, although a lesser increase was observed in the LAM group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: COX-2 protein expression is markedly increased in the resident laminar cell types in the developmental stage of BWE-induced laminitis.