cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Guideline-Based Intravenous tPA for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Case Series and Systematic Review (P4.231)

Objective: Characterize outcomes for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) patients treated with IV tPA per acute ischemic stroke guidelines (AISG) to define the risk and benefits. Background: CRAO leads to irreversible retinal damage with spontaneous visual recovery in only ~20%. IV tPA may improve visual outcomes in CRAO, but protocols are heterogeneous. Deviation from AISG for IV tPA is associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Design/Methods: We executed a systematic literature review (SLR) of IV tPA for CRAO in Cochrane, Embase, and Medline. Subsequently, we performed a retrospective chart review at two local academic hospitals. All CRAO patients identified locally or via SLR who were treated with IV tPA per AISG were included in our study. Primary outcomes included improvement in visual acuity (VA), defined as ≥0.3 logMAR, and safety, specifically sICH. Results: Our SLR yielded 136 articles of which 19 were eligible. Total of 137 CRAO patients were identified, 32 (23%) of whom received IV tPA per AISG. Thirteen additional CRAO patients treated per AISG were identified locally. Of these 45 cases, VA was reported in 39, with improvement in 64%, no change in 28%, and worsening in 8%. The risk of sICH was 2.2% (n=1). The case of sICH occurred locally, with hemorrhage adjacent to 2 chronic appearing infarcts. Post-sICH it was impossible to determine radiographically whether a component of his infarct may have been subacute. Interestingly, clinically silent diffusion restriction was evident in 6 local patients(46%). Conclusions: Our study suggests that IV tPA administered per AISG may improve visual outcomes in comparison to the natural history of CRAO, however, the rate of sICH was not inconsequential. Our case series includes the first reported sICH in a CRAO patient administered IV tPA per AISG. Randomized studies are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of IV tPA administered per AISG in CRAO. Disclosure: Dr. Alkuwaiti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bongiorno has nothing to disclose. Dr. Logue has nothing to disclose. Dr. Male has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reshi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Engel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Urrutia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Streib has nothing to disclose.
On the use of metastable interface equilibrium assumptions on prediction of solidification micro-segregation in laser powder bed fusion

ABSTRACTMany models have been developed to explore solidification segregation and dendrite structure in additively manufactured parts. However, these models tend to be computationally expensive and...
A 158 pJ/bit 1.0 Mbps Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Compatible Backscatter Communication System for Wireless Sensing

Wireless links using backscatter communication offer the advantages of reduced complexity and orders of magnitude lower power consumption than active radios. However, the need for specialized receiver systems has limited the use of backscatter in wireless sensing applications. To address this need, we introduce the first backscatter-based wireless sensor tag that can stream sensor data to any of the billions of existing Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy (BLE) devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The FPGA-based “BLE Backscatter Sensor Node” (BBSN) uses an external carrier source and requires no modifications to smartphone, tablet, or PC hardware or software whatsoever. The device transmits a 1.0 Mbps data stream with BLE-compatible frequency-shift keying modulation. The backscatter modulator consumes only 158 pJ/bit, making it over 60X more energy efficient than a conventional BLE active radio (>10 nJ/bit).
Characterization of uptake and absorbed doses to tumor and normal liver between 99mTc-MAA and 90Y-microspheres in 90Y-radioembolization

1633 Objectives: 90Y-microspheres Radioembolization (90Y-RE) with is an emerging form of radiotherapy in the management of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that requires precise delivery of radiation to planned treatment volumes to ensure efficacy. We characterized the differences in uptake and absorbed doses to tumor and normal liver within the treated liver (NL) between planned (99mTc-MAA) and delivered (90Y-glass microspheres) treatments for HCC patients. Methods: We performed retrospective dosimetry analysis of a single arm, single-institution phase II study of sorafenib followed by 90Y-RE in advanced HCC patients (n=34). 90Y-RE treatment planning was done per the package insert - prescribing a mean nominal absorbed dose (120 Gy) to treated liver volume (containing tumors and NL) using 1-compartment MIRD model. Quantitative 99mTc-MAA and 90Y bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT’s, acquired as standard-of-care, were input into MIM 90Y-SurePlan software to compute planned and delivered voxel-level dose distributions, respectively. Treated liver volumes and tumors (D>2.5cm; ≤3 per patient; n=53) were segmented by an interventional radiologist using diagnostic CT/MRI of the liver registered to 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT. All tumors with 1 cm<D<2.5 cm were segmented and included as non-target tumors. 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT was registered to the corresponding 90Y SPECT/CT; the tumor/liver contours were auto-transferred and manually adjusted. Planned and delivered mean doses to tumors and NL were computed. The tumor to NL uptake ratio (TNR) was calculated for all patients. Summary statistics and linear correlation (r) analysis were performed. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to assess the mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (95%CI) between planned and delivered dose estimates. Results: While population-median (range) of treated liver dose was similar between planned 120 (85-145) Gy and delivered 116.5 (84-140) Gy doses; patient-specific tumor and NL compartments showed large differences. The TNR were correlated (r=0.55, p 1.0 (or discordant). Mean tumor doses were well correlated (r=0.76, p 20% (or discordant). Conclusions: Patient-specific tumor and NL compartments showed large differences due to alterations in distribution and variations in TNR between MAA and Y90; therefore MAA-based planning doses are not reliable to estimate tumor response or NL toxicities. Post therapy imaging with PET or SPECT is essential for dosimetry and response assessment. Analysis of planned and delivered dose correlations with tumor response and toxicities are underway.
Synergistic Impact of Xanthorrhizol and d-δ-tocotrienol on the Proliferation of Murine B16 Melanoma Cells and Human DU145 Prostate Carcinoma Cells (P06-042-19)

Xanthorrhizol, a sesquiterpene, and d-δ-tocotrienol, a vitamin E molecule, each suppresses the proliferation of a number of tumor cells. This study aims to examine the potentially synergistic effect of xanthorrhizol and d-δ-tocotrienol in tumor cells. Murine B16 melanoma and human DU145 prostate carcinoma cells were incubated for 48 h (B16) or 72 h (DU145) with xanthorrhizol or d-δ-tocotrienol before cell populations were determined by CellTiter 96â Aqueous One Solution. Cells incubated with the agents for 24 hours were stained with propidium iodide and analyzed for cell cycle using flow cytometry and MultiCycle AV. Isobologram and combination index (CI) were used to demonstrate their synergistic anti-proliferative impacts. Xanthorrhizol (0–200 µmol/L) and d-δ-tocotrienol (0–40 µmol/L) each elicited a concentration-dependent suppression of the proliferation of B16 cells. A blend of 16.25 µmol/L xanthorrhizol and 10 µmol/L d-δ-tocotrienol achieved 69% (P < 0.05) growth suppression of B16 cells, exceeding the sum of individual effects. B16 cells incubated with 5 and 10 µmol/L d-δ-tocotrienol for 24-h had a concentration-dependent increase in the percentage of cells in the G1 phase with a concomitant decrease in the percentage of cells in the S phase. The G1/S ratio, an indicator of cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, increased from 1.73 ± 0.05 (Control) to 2.01 ± 0.10 (5 µmol/L) and 2.73 ± 0.05 (10 µmol/L). A parallel pattern of concentration-dependent increase in the G1/S ratio was induced by xanthorrhizol at concentrations equivalent to 25% (16.25 µmol/L) and 50% (32.5 µmol/L) of its IC₅₀ value. A blend of 5 µmol/L d-δ-tocotrienol and 16.25 µmol/L xanthorrhizol, each at no-effect concentrations, significantly increased the percentage of B16 cells in the G1 phase to 62.6 ± 0.6%. Isobologram and CI confirmed the synergistic effect of xanthorrhizol (50 and 100 μmol/L) and d-δ-tocotrienol (10 and 20 μmol/L) on the proliferation of DU145 cells. Xanthorrhizol and d-δ-tocotrienol synergistically suppress tumor cell proliferation by inducing G1 arrest and may have potential in cancer prevention and therapy. American River Nutrition, Inc. and the University Assistantship Program and the Department of Nutrition of Georgia State University.
Holographic surface defects in D = 5 , N = 4 gauged supergravity

Solutions describing holographic surface defects in $D=5$, $N=4$ gauged supergravity theories are constructed. It is shown that a surface defect solution in pure Romans's gauged supergravity is singular. Adding a single vector multiplet allows for the construction of a nonsingular solution. The on-shell action and one point functions of operators in the presence of the defect are computed using holographic renormalization.
Stochastic Channel Access in Underwater Networks With Statistical Interference Modeling

Designing efficient medium access control protocols for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UW-ASNs) is a major challenge because of the spatial and temporal interference uncertainty caused by asynchronous transmissions and by the low propagation speed of sound. To address these challenges, in this article we propose a new approach for distributed underwater medium access based on lightweight and asynchronous distributed algorithms that optimize the access probability profile over a series of time slots based on a new statistical physical interference model. The latter is based on measuring the level of interference at multiple instants of time in each time slot in order to capture the effects of temporal uncertainty and of unaligned interference. At each measurement instant, the statistical properties of time-varying interference are represented by a Gamma probability distribution. The model is validated through extensive channel measurement experiments conducted with an underwater acoustic testbed in Lake LaSalle. Based on this model, we formulate the problem of queue-aware stochastic channel access. The objective is to maximize the sum throughput of a set of concurrent and mutually interfering source-destination pairs by letting the transmitters adjust their own transmission probability profiles, without collaborating with each other, over a series of time slots based on a statistical characterization of interference obtained through past observations. We propose an iterative distributed solution algorithm for this problem based on a best-response strategy. At each iteration, each node individually solves a non-convex optimization problem of logarithmic complexity. The performance of the proposed distributed algorithm is evaluated by comparing it with two alternative distributed schemes and with the global optimum obtained through a newly-developed centralized globally optimal solution algorithm. Results indicate that by jointly taking the queueing and multi-slot optimization into consideration considerable improvement in terms of sum-throughput can be achieved by the proposed distributed algorithm.
Key Technology of Data Cache in Dispatching Control System Based on Distributed Memory Cluster

In order to improve the data access ability of the current dispatching control system, reduce the data source processing pressure, and meet the increasing demand for high concurrency and large amount of data access, this paper starts with the requirement of high-speed data access, and proposes the key technology of constructing the high speed data cache component of the dispatching system based on the distributed memory cluster, and solves the distributed environment with the circular consistent hashing algorithm. For the balance of business data storage, the gradual hash mechanism is used to improve the scaling efficiency of the mapping table during storage, improve the query and access efficiency of multiple data information, ensure the high reliability of the data through the redundant multi copy cache architecture of the master-slave sentinel cluster, and ensure that the expired cache is cleaned and refreshed in time through the automatic update strategy of multiple cache data, and solve the data consistency requirements of different business scenarios. At the same time, an experimental verification environment is built to verify the concurrent processing performance of cache components.
Learning by Doing: A Daily Life Study of Principal Interns’ Leadership Activities During the School Year:

Clinical experiences, including the full-time principal internship, are considered to be one of the most important components in principal preparation. Yet research on the principal internship is l...
Enhancing the Creep Strength of Next-Generation Disk Superalloys via Local Phase Transformation Strengthening

A new disk superalloy has been developed by NASA to improve high-temperature creep performance utilizing the recently discovered local phase transformation strengthening mechanism. Creep tests were performed at 760 °C and 552 MPa, to approximately 0.3% plastic strain, a regime where the formation of γ′ shearing modes such as superlattice extrinsic and intrinsic stacking faults are active. The new alloy exhibited superior creep performance over the current state-of-the-art superalloys, ME3 and LSHR. High-resolution characterization confirmed the formation of the strengthening η phase along superlattice extrinsic stacking faults and χ phase along superlattice intrinsic stacking faults. In addition, creep deformation analysis via scanning transmission electron microscopy appears to show a significant reduction in microtwin formation as compared to LSHR and ME3. This improvement in creep performance was also accompanied by an improvement in both room temperature and high-temperature strength.
Machine Learning-Based Detection of Graphene Defects with Atomic Precision

Defects in graphene can profoundly impact its extraordinary properties, ultimately influencing the performances of graphene-based nanodevices. Methods to detect defects with atomic resolution in graphene can be technically demanding and involve complex sample preparations. An alternative approach is to observe the thermal vibration properties of the graphene sheet, which reflects defect information but in an implicit fashion. Machine learning, an emerging data-driven approach that offers solutions to learning hidden patterns from complex data, has been extensively applied in material design and discovery problems. In this paper, we propose a machine learning-based approach to detect graphene defects by discovering the hidden correlation between defect locations and thermal vibration features. Two prediction strategies are developed: an atom-based method which constructs data by atom indices, and a domain-based method which constructs data by domain discretization. Results show that while the atom-based method is capable of detecting a single-atom vacancy, the domain-based method can detect an unknown number of multiple vacancies up to atomic precision. Both methods can achieve approximately a 90% prediction accuracy on the reserved data for testing, indicating a promising extrapolation into unseen future graphene configurations. The proposed strategy offers promising solutions for the non-destructive evaluation of nanomaterials and accelerates new material discoveries.
Multi-Inverter Discrete Backoff: A High-Efficiency, Wide-Range RF Power Generation Architecture

Industrial radio frequency (rf) power applications, such as plasma generation, require high-frequency rf power over a wide dynamic power range and across variable load impedances. It is desired in these applications to maintain high efficiency and fast dynamic response. This paper introduces a scalable power amplifier (PA) architecture and control approach suitable for such applications. This approach, which we refer to as Multi-Inverter Discrete Backoff (MIDB), losslessly combines the outputs of paralleled switched-mode PAs, and modulates the number of active PAs to provide discrete steps in rf output voltage. It further employs outphasing among sub-groups of PAs for rapid and continuous output power control over a wide range. In doing so, the architecture can maintain high efficiency and fast rf power control across a very wide backoff range. A device selection and loss optimization method for MIDB architectures is discussed for plasma generation applications. We address the use of GaN FET-based, ZVS class-D PA units, and consider dynamic R ds,on effects and C oss losses typical of GaN FETs.
Dynamics and stability of social and economic networks: Experimental evidence

Abstract We use a laboratory experiment to test the dynamic formation of networks in a six-subject game where link formation requires mutual consent. First, the game tends to converge to the pairwise-Nash stable (PNS) network when it exists, and to not converge but remain in the closed cycle when no PNS network exists. When two Pareto-rankable PNS networks exist, subjects often coordinate on the high-payoff one. Second, the analysis of single decisions indicates the predominance of myopic rational choices, but it also highlights interesting systematic deviations, especially when actions are more easily reversible and when they involve smaller marginal losses. Third, behavior is heterogeneous across subjects, with varying degrees of sophistication.
Regulating lithium deposition via electropolymerization of acrylonitrile in rechargeable lithium metal batteries

Abstract We report acrylonitrile (AN) as an effective additive in carbonate-based electrolytes to enable uniform and dense lithium (Li) deposition and to improve the coulombic efficiency of Li metal anode. Our electrochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical study reveal that AN is cathodically electropolymerized on the Li surface prior to the electrochemical decomposition of the electrolyte during Li deposition. The resultant polyacrylonitrile artificial solid electrolyte interphase enables uniform nucleation and growth of Li deposition with significantly reduced side reactions. The effectiveness of the AN additive is demonstrated in 0.4 Ah Li||LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 pouch cells (using 50-μm Li anode, 3 mAh cm−2 cathode areal capacity, and 4 g Ah−1 electrolyte) with excellent cycle stability under realistic charge-discharge condition.
Using aneurysm clips for repair of cisterna chyli injury during posterior spinal fusion.

Background Injury to the cisterna chyli (CC) is a rare surgical complication with a lack of literature describing its repair. Aneurysm clips have been successfully used to repair durotomies. Its usage in lymphatic injury has never been described. We sought to demonstrate the use of aneurysm clips for the repair of lymphatic vessels. Case description A 60-year-old male retired physician with Parkinson's disease underwent a lumbosacral instrumented fusion with pelvic fixation (L1-pelvis) in 2011. He returned 5 months postoperatively after a fall and was ambulatory with a cane upon admission. CT demonstrated worsening kyphosis with pedicular and superior endplate fracture at the fusion apex. MRI revealed spinal cord compression at the failed level. Extension thoracolumbar fusion was performed (T3-L1) with intraoperative violation of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) during T12/L1 discectomy. CC laceration was suspected. The ALL was dissected from the CC and aorta, allowing visualization of the injury. Three curved aneurysm clips were applied to the lacerated CC, which was visually inspected to ensure a patent lumen. The disk space was filled with poly-methyl-methacrylate cement in place of an interbody cage, preventing migration of the clips. The patient underwent rehabilitation in an inpatient facility with improved ambulation. He has had regular clinic follow-up and was last seen in 2020 with no evidence of lymphedema noted. Conclusion CC injury is rare, and usage of aneurysm clips in its repair has never been described. We demonstrate the safe use of aneurysm clips to repair CC injury with long-term favorable clinical outcomes.
A G-rich element forms a G-quadruplex and regulates BACE1 mRNA alternative splicing

β-Site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the transmembrane aspartyl protease that catalyzes the first cleavage step in the proteolysis of the APP to the amyloid β-protein (Aβ), a process involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. BACE1 pre-mRNA undergoes complex alternative splicing, the regulation of which is not well understood. We identified a G-rich sequence within exon 3 of BACE1 involved in controlling splice site selection. Mutation of the G-rich sequence decreased use of the normal 5' splice site of exon 3, which leads to full-length and proteolytically active BACE1, and increased use of an alternative splice site, which leads to a shorter, essentially inactive isoform. Nuclease protection assays, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that this sequence folds into a G-quadruplex structure. Several proteins were identified as capable of binding to the G-rich sequence, and one of these, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H, was found to regulate BACE1 exon 3 alternative splicing and in a manner dependent on the G-rich sequence. Knockdown of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H led to a decrease in the full-length BACE1 mRNA isoform as well as a decrease in Aβ production from APP, suggesting new possibilities for therapeutic approaches to Alzheimer's disease.
Probabilistic Analysis of Deposit Liquefaction

A probabilistic methodology is presented for liquefaction analysis of horizontally layered sand deposits, subjected to vertically propagating seismic S waves. Three different deposit models are developed. The models are effectively one-dimensional and differ in that they include or neglect pore pressure diffusion and stiffness reduction due to pore pressure buildup. Conclusions are drawn about sensitivity of the results to different assumptions about the mechanical behavior of the deposit, the effect of vertical and horizontal variations of soil properties, and about the importance of statistical variability of the response spectrum at bedrock given peak acceleration. An approximate procedure is proposed for the calculation of the probability of almost complete layer liquefaction, for given input motion and given layer average SPT results. Predictions from the approximate procedure are in good agreement with historical data.
Functional Analysis of a Mouse Brain Elk-Type K+Channel

Members of the Ether a go-go (Eag) K+channel subfamilies Eag, Erg, and Elk are widely expressed in the nervous system, but their neural functions in vivoremain largely unknown. The biophysical properties of channels from the Eag and Erg subfamilies have been described, and based on their characteristic features and expression patterns, Erg channels have been associated with native currents in the heart. Little is known about the properties of channels from the Elk subfamily. We have identified a mouse gene, Melk2, that encodes a predicted polypeptide with 48% amino acid identity to Drosophila Elk but only 40 and 36% identity with mouse Erg (Merg) and Eag (Meag), respectively. Melk2 RNA appears to be expressed at high levels only in brain tissue. Functional expression ofMelk2 in Xenopus oocytes reveals large, transient peaks of current at the onset of depolarization. Like Meag currents, Melk2 currents activate relatively quickly, but they lack the nonsuperimposable Cole–Moore shift characteristic of the Eag subfamily. Melk2 currents are insensitive to E-4031, a class III antiarrhythmic compound that blocks the Human Ether-a-go-go-Related Gene (HERG) channel and its counterpart in native tissues, IKr. Melk2 channels exhibit inward rectification because of a fast C-type inactivation mechanism, but the slower rate of inactivation and the faster rate of activation results in less inward rectification than that observed in HERG channels. This characterization of Melk currents should aid in identification of native counterparts to the Elk subfamily of channels in the nervous system.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Because our recent clinical experiences suggested a possible association between hearing loss and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we prospectively studied the hearing of 30 patients hospitalized because of exacerbation of SLE. Twenty-nine of the 30 patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapy at the time of testing. We found an 8% incidence of substantial, previously undetected hearing loss without attributable cause. Hearing loss could not be correlated to age, sex, disease activity, organ-system involvement, laboratory test abnormalities, or duration of symptoms of SLE. Otolaryngologists treating patients with unexplainable hearing loss--particularly if it is sudden, fluctuating, or rapidly progressive--are alerted to the possibility of underlying systemic autoimmunity. We advise physicians who frequently treat patients with SLE to include questions on hearing in the review of systems and to refer the patient with hearing complaints for thorough otologic evaluation.
Impact of troop dental health on combat readiness.

Abstract : Study of dental emergencies of troops and their effect on military readiness. Dental readiness refers to the dental health of troops sent to combat and the availability of dental personnel and equipment to provide dental care in the field.
The β-galactosidase system of Neurospora crassa: II. Extracellular nature of the pH 4.2 enzyme

Abstract β-Galactosidase from Neurospora crassa occurs in two forms with pH optima at 7.5 and 4.2. When grown on lactose, wild type strains release the pH 4.2 enzyme to the media. The extracellular enzyme exists in two electrophoretic forms one of which has a pH optimum of 4.5. The pH 4.5 enzyme is the major extracellular form in the early stages of induction and is released from mycelia by mild extraction. The pH 7.5 enzyme is strongly bound to the cell as is the pH 4.2 enzyme prior to its release to the medium. The pH 4.5 enzyme appears to be converted to the pH 4.2 enzyme by dialysis.
CALCULATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE ROTATIONAL BANDS OF GD-155, GD-157

We reexamine the long-standing problem of the microscopic derivation of a particle-core coupling model. We base our research on the Klein-Kerman approach, as amended by D\"onau and Frauendorf. We describe the formalism to calculate energy spectra and transition strengths in some detail. We apply our formalism to the rotational nuclei $^{155,157}\mathrm{Gd}$, where recent experimental data requires an explanation. We find no clear evidence of a need for Coriolis attenuation, though such an effect may be masked by the use of a quadrupole-quadrupole coupling strength as a fitting parameter.
Consideration and control of writing conditions with a near-field APSIL probe

The Solid Immersion Lenses (SIL) and aperture probes are two near field optical techniques that are capable of generating smaller spot size than that of far-field optical systems. Neither technique can generate both ultra-small spot size and exhibit high optical efficiency. Small spot size produces higher contrast signals, which leads to an increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and an enlargement in the capacity of an optical disk. Higher optical efficiency gives higher throughput in the optical system, which accelerates data rate. The technique of near-field Aperture SIL (APSIL), which combines a dielectric aperture probe and a SIL, is a promising method to achieve both small spot size and high optical efficiency. The objective of this paper is to explore the writing conditions for implementing APSIL to reduce mark size to a fraction of that from the far-field data storage systems. In this paper, we investigate the effect of polarization of the light on the spot profile and the optimal axial focus position by experiments and simulations.
Rhetorical framing: examining the message structure of nonprofit organizations on Twitter

All organizations must persuade stakeholders that they are worth supporting. Organizations need donors to give, volunteers to volunteer, consumers to purchase, and general support for public funding. Because Twitter messages are restricted to 140 characters or less, organizations' message structures must be clearer and may employ traditional rhetorical techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos, to garner support and promote action. By using content analysis, the tweets of eight charitable organizations from diverse sectors were analyzed for rhetorical content, type of communication such as two-way symmetrical or two-way asymmetrical communication, and positive or negative message frame, for one calendar month. Results of this study found that 60% of tweets employed rhetorical strategy and the majority of tweets included a positive message frame. Moreover, each of the three broad functional areas defined by Lovejoy and Saxton (2012) used ethos, pathos, and logos to differing degrees. Based on results, proposed expansions of the functional areas are also discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibration and testing of the ST7 capacitive sensor using an optical interferometer with fiber optic input and output

We describe the calibration and operation of the ST7 GRS capacitive sensor system. A novel optical interferometer, featuring both fiber optic delivery and readout, is used for calibration of the capacitive sensor system and as a witness sensor during testing. The capacitive sensor showed 1 nm/√Hz performance from 1 mHz to 10 Hz. Above 10 mHz the optical system showed significantly better performance than the capacitive sensor, with a noise floor at 2 × 10−11 m/√Hz and a longer measurement standoff distance. The optical system was limited to 5 nm/√Hz at 1 mHz due to thermal disturbances of the laboratory environment, and could be reduced with a revised design and/or improved thermal stability.
The organization of piriform cortex and the lateral olfactory tract following the loss of mitral cells in PCD mice.

Abstract Homozygous Purkinje Cell Degeneration (PCD) mice exhibit a selective loss of olfactory bulb mitral cells (MCs) after 4 months of age. This selective degeneration leaves a subpopulation of denervated granule cells which establish new reciprocal dendro-dendritic synapses with unaffected tufted cells (TCs) (14). This suggests a capacity for plasticity in TCs and raises the question of whether a comparable degree of reorganization occurs in their axonal terminals in piriform cortex (PC) following the loss of MCs. Homozygous (experimental) and heterozygous (control) PCD mice were routinely perfused and processed for electron microscopy. A quantitative electron microscopic analysis was performed on radially oriented micrograph montages spanning from the pia into layer II of PC. After MC loss in the experimental animals there was a decrease in density of larger myelinated axons in the lateral olfactory tract (LOT). Myelinated axons in the LOT had a mean cross-sectional diameter of 1.26 ± 0.04, and 0.81 ± 0.025 μm in the control and experimental mice, respectively. In superficial layer I of PC, control mice had presynaptic axonal terminals from mitral and tufted cells with characteristic electron lucent (light) profiles establishing asymmetric synapses with pyramidal cell dendrites. In contrast, the experimental mice showed a decrease in electron lucent terminals and a robust increase in electron dense (dark) presynaptic associational terminals. Although the overall synaptic density did not differ between the control and experimental mice (16.40 ± 0.94 and 18.10 ± 0.96 synapses/100 μm2, respectively), an overall decrease in the thickness of Layer 1 suggests that the total number of synapses decreases following MC loss. In addition to the apparent increase of associational terminals, the diameter of terminal enlargements increased as well as the number of multiple synaptic contact per terminals in the experimental animal, suggesting further compensatory mechanisms for the loss of MC presynaptic terminals.
Effect of DDT on Free Amino Acids of Susceptible and DDT-Resistant Aedes aegypti Larvae.

The exposure of mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti L.) to LC 50 concentrations of DDT for various periods of time resulted in a selective increase in the alanine level of a DDT-resistant strain after 4 to 8 hours9 contact with the insecticide, whereas the concentration of this amino acid in a susceptible strain remained comparatively low.
Ecuadorian adolescents and cigarette smoking: a cross-sectional survey

This study investigates adolescents' attitudes and behaviors toward cigarette smoking in Ecuador. Using social cognitive theory as a basis, the cross-sectional survey focuses attention on such social influences as the smoking habits of family members and peers, as well as on the role of cigarette advertisements. Data on prevalence of actual use, access to cigarettes, and knowledge and attitudes about smoking are also obtained. The survey was conducted during the summer of 1994 in both urban and rural areas. Fifty schools in 40 different communities participated, resulting in a sample of 2625 adolescents aged 9 to 15 years who completed the self-administered questionnaire. This study was conducted in collaboration with Amigos de las Americas (AMIGOS), an international health organization. Staff and volunteers who participated in projects conducted by AMIGOS in Ecuador worked with local health and education officials to implement the survey. Nearly 9% of students identified themselves as current smokers, 24.5% had experimented with smoking, and 61.1% had never smoked. The results varied significantly by age and gender, with older students and boys smoking at the highest rate. The smoking status of family members and peers also significantly predicted student smoking status. The results from this sample replicate findings from North American samples. Although Ecuadorian students smoke somewhat less than their American counterparts, cigarette smoking in Ecuador is a significant public health problem and clearly warrants a coordinated response. The present study points to several strategies for preventing smoking among youth.
Dietary Forage Impacts on Dairy Slurry Nitrogen Availability to Corn

Precise feeding of protein and mineral supplement can maintain high levels of milk production and reduce nutrient excretion in dairy manure and losses to the environment. No information is available on the impacts of feeding different silages to dairy cattle (Bos taurus) on manure N cycling in soils. Slurry from dairy cattle fed rations containing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; ALF), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RCL), low-tannin birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; LTBT), or high-tannin birdsfoot trefoil (HTBT) silages were applied to field plots during spring or spring + fall. After spring application, slurry type did not significantly impact soil pH, and only periodically impacted soil NH 4 ―N and NO 3 ―N. Corn (Zea mays L.) N uptake after spring application of ALF slurry was greater than after LBFT slurry application and control plots. Residual ALF slurry plots had 35% greater yield and 49% greater N uptake than control plots, followed by other slurries, which had from 17 to 22% greater yield and 29 to 36% greater N uptake than control plots. Corn yield and N uptake were not impacted by slurry types applied the previous fall. Average residual N recovery by corn in spring slurry-amended plots ranged from 20% (ALF) to 13% (RCL and LTBT). Total-N recovery was highest in ALF plots followed by HTBT and RCL. Low impact of applied slurry types was likely due to several interactive factors, including low rainfall, high indigenous soil N availability, and high response variability associated with indirect estimates of slurry N recovery.
Relative salience of suprasegmental features on judgments of L2 comprehensibility and accentedness

Abstract Suprasegmentals have been emphasized in ESL/EFL pedagogy since the advent of communicative language teaching. However, it is still unclear how individual suprasegmental features affect listeners' judgments of non-native speakers' accented speech. The current study began to specify relative weights of individual temporal and prosodic features for listeners' judgments on L2 comprehensibility and accentedness. Using the PRAAT computer program, 5 min of continuous in-class lectures from 11 international teaching assistants (ITAs) were acoustically analyzed for measures of speech rate, pauses, stress, and pitch range. Fifty eight US undergraduate students evaluated the ITAs' oral performance and commented on their ratings. The results revealed that suprasegmental features independently contributed to listeners' perceptual judgments. Accent ratings were best predicted by pitch range and word stress measures whereas comprehensibility scores were mostly associated with speaking rates. ITAs' acoustic profiles as well as listeners' comments on their rating offer practical implications to ITA program developers, ESL teachers, and future research in accented speech.
The application of an excised root assay for the determination of susceptibility or resistance to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp. Goeldi) in potatoes (Solanum spp. L.)

Excised roots of six potato selections were challenged with egg inoculum of fourMeloidogyne species:M. chitwoodi, M. javanica, M. incognita, andM. hapla. The dual cultures were established under aseptic conditions in 60 × 15 mm petri plates on a defined agar medium. Egg hatch occurred within one week and galling within four weeks at incubation temperature of 24°C. All six potato selections, Russet Burbank, White Rose, PAS 3065,S. sparsipilum 365343.A19-12,S. sparsipilum ×S. phureja 856D68-1, and NDTX8731-1R supported reproduction of all fourMdoidogyne species. Corresponding greenhouse tests were run with eachin vitro experiment to establish the efficacy of this screening technique compared to greenhouse methods. Results from the greenhouse assays had less variation within cultivar treatment than did the results from thein vitro assays. Thein vitro assay, however, may be conducted with less labor, time, and greenhouse facility management.
Alteration of Collagen Metabolism in Hereditary Nephritis

Summary: Hereditary nephritis (HN) is a progressive renal disease not uncommonly seen in children. Asymptomatic hematuria is an early and consistent finding with or without proteinuria. Distinctive abnormalities frequently associated with this condition involve basement membranes primarily (glomerular basement membrane, lens capsule, and possibly, tectorial membrane of the organ of Cord). These basement membranes contain collagen with similar biochemical composition suggesting that this association may be pathogenetically related. On the basis of this observation, we studied collagen metabolism in patients with HN by utilizing urinary hydroxylysine glycosides (hyl glyc) as an index of collagen metabolism. The hyl glyc hydroxylysine galactose glucose and hydroxylysine galactose are basic units in basement membrane as well as a large number of other collagen. We studied 25 normal children, seven patients with HN, and six HN siblings with hematuria. The mean excretion of total hyl glyc are 64 ± 5.5, 93 ± 14, and 123 ± 15.6 umoles/g creatinine, respectively. The difference in the mean excretion level of total hyl glyc between patients with HN and normal controls is statistically different (P 0.005), but was comparable to the HN patients. Two of 16 additional patients studied had the Nail Patella syndrome and showed increased urinary hyl glyc. The elevated urinary hyl glyc in HN patients and their siblings strongly suggests an altered rate of collagen degradation during the natural course of the disease. The origin of collagen is presently unknown because no data exists describing the biochemical composition of basement membrane collagen in HN. To elucidate further the pathogenesis of this important disease, studies should investigate the biosynthesis and metabolism of basement membrane collagen of involved structures. Speculation: Collagen metabolism in HN suspect patients will raise the index of suspicion if found to be altered. This observation may provide increased understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Associations of major histocompatibility complex haplotypes with body weight and egg production traits in S1 White Leghorn chickens.

Abstract Body weights at 8, 20, and 32 wk, total egg production, average egg weight, egg production during a 4-wk period, and age at first egg laid were measured in 652 female progeny of heterozygous x heterozygous (F1) or heterozygous x homozygous (backcross) matings of the Iowa State University S1 White Leghorn chicken line. Hens were classified by B-haplotypes (B1 or B19) and haplotype-associated immune responses (high or low) to the amino acid polymer glutamic acid-alanine-tyrosine (Ir-GAT). Body weights were affected by parental mating group, sire, and dam, but they were not affected by haplotype (B/Ir-GAT). Sexual maturity and egg production were not affected by any factors except hatch. Average egg weight was affected by parental mating group, sire, dam, and genotype, with homozygous B19B19 birds having a heavier mean egg weight (41.71 g +/- .20) than homozygous B1B1 Ir-GAT-high and - low birds (40.8 g +/- .38 and 39.2 g +/- .54, respectively); mean egg weights of heterozygous birds were approximately intermediate to the others.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions to nonlinear dissipative wave equations

On etudie l'existence et l'unicite des solutions d'equations d'ondes dissipatives non lineaires avec donnees de Cauchy dans l'espace de mesure. Les donnees de Cauchy ont une energie infinie, ce qui ne permet pas d'utiliser la methode d'energie classique
Rectangularization revisited: Variability of age at death within human populations*

Rectangularization of human survival curves is associated with decreasing variability in the distribution of ages at death. This variability, as measured by the interquartile range of life table ages at death, has decreased from about 65 years to 15 years since 1751 in Sweden. Most of this decline occurred between the 1870s and the 1950s. Since then, variability in age at death has been nearly constant in Sweden, Japan, and the United States, defying predictions of a continuing rectangularization. The United States is characterized by a relatively high degree of variability, compared with both Sweden and Japan. We suggest that the historical compression of mortality may have had significant psychological and behavioral impacts.
Removal of Copper from Silicon Surfaces Using Hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfacH) Dissolved in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Copper was etched from a silicon surface using the chelator hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfacH) dissolved in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) at 40−60 °C and 100−250 atm. Copper was deposited on Si(100) using doped HF solutions in the form of 10−90 nm Cu islands, as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the islands were composed of Cu(I)2O due to air exposure before etching was attempted. Oxidation of the Cu(I) was performed using aqueous 30% H2O2 or a UV−Cl2 gas phase, forming shells of Cu(II)O or Cu(II)Cl2, respectively, surrounding cores of Cu(I)2O. SEM images showed that the Cu(II)O had a flake morphology. The Cu(II) shells were removed selectively to the Cu(I)2O cores by processing with pure scCO2 and rapidly releasing the system pressure (300 atm/min). Mechanical failure of the Cu(II)O and Cu(II)Cl2 when CO2 in stress corrosion cracks quickly expanded delaminated these layers, leaving only Cu(I)2O on the surface. Etching of both Cu(II) and Cu(I...
Sample size considerations for non-randomized comparative studies

Abstract Historical controls are frequently used in the clinical evaluation of a new therapy. Sample size tables are needed for such non-randomized studies since these determinations can differ markedly from the widely published sample size estimates appropriate for randomized comparative studies. A comprehensive array of sample size tables are therefore provided to aid investigators in the planning of non-randomized comparative trials. The equations and tables presented in this paper reflect the extent to which the number of patients required to receive the new therapy depends on the number of historical controls selected for comparison. Guidelines for the use of historical controls and the pooling of several historical-control groups are discussed.
Long-term behavioral effects of phenobarbital in suckling rats

Abstract Long-term effects of phenobarbital on behavior and learning, persisting after drug withdrawal, have not been defined. To look for such effects on the developing nervous system, we treated albino rat pups with phenobarbital for 30 days and then tested them at intervals starting 10 days after the cessation of drug therapy. Beginning at age 6 days, 12 pups were given Ph subcutaneously, gradually increasing the dose to 30 mg/kg/dose b.i.d. by 11 days and continued until 36 days. Twelve control pups were injected with saline. Serum phenobarbital concentrations at 16 days were 54 to 32 μg/ml and at 31 days 36 to 4 μg/ml. From 46 to 55 days, all animals were tested in a water T maze. The experimental animals completed the four daily runs faster than controls (P = 0.003), made fewer errors (P = 0.003), and spent less time on error-free runs (P = 0.04). When the same animals were retested in the maze at 129 to 136 days, the trend toward faster times was not significant. There were no differences in brain weights of experimental and control rats at 157 days. Twelve pups treated similarly with phenobarbital at 20 mg/kg/dose b.i.d. spent less time on error-free runs than 12 controls when tested at 48 to 57 days of age (P = 0.05) but no differences were found when 12 similarly treated pups were tested at 79 to 85 days. There were no differences in brain weights of the treated and control rats at 78 days of age. Thus it was shown that phenobarbital administration in suckling rats had an effect on behavior that was present 10 to 20 days after the drug was cleared from their serum.