cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Case of COVID-19 Mimicking Acute Appendicitis in Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome

Children's naive immune systems allow for a unique course of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus when compared to adults. In multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause fever and elevated inflammatory markers in individuals under the age of 21. Similar to Kawasaki disease, Kikuchi disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), there is an influx of inflammation associated with MIS-C that creates this pathologic state. Because MIS-C affects numerous organ systems, its presentation varies substantially, thus making it difficult to diagnose and treat in a timely fashion. In our case, a previously healthy four-year-old African American female initially presented to the emergency department (ED) with high fever, abdominal pain, and headache after recent SARS-Co-V-2 exposure. After initially being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI), she returned with a myriad of symptoms, including persistent fever, abdominal pain, and conjunctivitis. Her initial SARS-CoV-2 test returned positive, and she was admitted and placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics then requiring vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, and an appendectomy. Her workup revealed elevated inflammatory markers, elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), anemia, thrombocytopenia, pyuria, and hypercoagulability meeting the criteria for MIS-C. In addition to antibiotics, her treatment included IV immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone until the patient was stabilized for discharge. As more is learned about SARS-CoV-2, it will become increasingly important to consider the development and implications of MIS-C. Educating providers on the wide range of MIS-C presentations can lead to more effective preventative measures and treatments.
Immunological studies on chicken interferon-kappa using an antigen-capture ELISA developed using new mouse monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract Interferon (IFN)-κ is a type I IFN that plays a central role in anti-viral defense and host immune response. The functions of type I IFNs have not been clearly defined in chickens compared to those of their mammalian counterparts. In this study, we developed an antigen-capture ELISA using newly developed mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which are specific for chicken IFN-κ (chIFN-κ) and showed that this ELISA can measure native chIFN-κ production during the activation of macrophages by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). The recombinant chicken IFN-κ expressed in Escherichia coli was used to immunize mice. Five mAbs that specifically recognized chIFN-κ were selected and characterized based on their specificity and binding activity toward chIFN-κ via indirect ELISA and western blotting. To develop a capture ELISA for chicken IFN-κ, two sets of the best capture and detection mAbs combinations were identified via pairing assays. To validate the antigen-capture assay, the production of native IFN-κ was induced in chicken HD11 macrophages using poly I:C. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was used to confirm the transcript-level expression of IFN-κ in HD11 cells at 24 and 48 h. The neutralizing effects of anti-chIFN-κ mAbs were evaluated based on their ability to block the induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in DF-1 fibroblast cells stimulated with recombinant chIFN-κ proteins. All five mAbs blocked the mRNA expression of ISGs in a dose-dependent manner. Our results validate the specificity and utility of these newly developed mAbs for the detection of native chicken IFN-κ. This novel antigen-capture ELISA will be a valuable tool for fundamental and applied research involving IFN-κ in the normal and diseased states.
Assessment of mom isolation matrix manipulations

Isolation matrices are introduced and shown to be of interest for manipulating method of moments (MoM) expressions into more convenient forms. The accuracy of these manipulations will be assessed in the presentation.
Clinical management of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) continues to be an unpredictable and rare, but potentially fatal complication of antipsychotic medications. Presumptively linked to dopamine blockade, it nonetheless occurs in patients receiving newer atypical antipsychotics. The features of NMS, its pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, clinical course, risk factors, and morbidity and motality are reviewed. Nonpharmacologic management centers on aggressive supportive care including vigilant nursing, physical therapy, cooling, rehydration, anticoagulation. Pharmacologic interventions include immediate discontinuation of antipsychotics, judicious use of anticholinergics, and adjunctive benzodiazepines. The utility of specific agents in actively treating NMS is reviewed. Bromocriptine and other dopaminergic drugs and dantrolene sodium have alternatively been considered without merit or efficacious. Guidelines for using these agents are presented. Electroconvulsive therapy, also somewhat controversial, is identified as a second line of treatment. Finally, management of the post-NMS patient is also reviewed.
Classifying the risk of work related low back disorders due to manual material handling tasks

Work related low back disorders (LBDs) due to manual lifting tasks (MLTs) have long been recognized as one of the main occupational disabling injury that affects the quality of life of the industrial working population in the U.S. There have been a number of intensive research efforts devoted to understanding the phenomena of LBDs and building classification models that could effectively distinguish between high risk and low risk MLTs that contribute to LBDs. As of today, however, such models and the occupational exposure limits of different risk factors causing LBDs as well as the guidelines preventing them have not yet been fully proposed. One of the first efforts to comprehend the nature and phenomenon of LBDs was undertaken by Marras et al. (1993). They created a seminal data set and used it to build logistic regression (LR) models to identify significant variables and classify MLTs into high risk and low risk with respect to LBDs. Since then a number of studies have used the same data set to build and test various classifiers to detect the likelihood of LBDs due to manual material handling jobs. This paper summarizes and critiques the previous studies. It also employs this data set to build and test seven classification models, two of which have not been applied in this context yet. The parameters of the models have been calibrated for the best performance, and the models were constructed and validated on the full set and the reduced set of features. Though the performances of our best models are better than those reported in National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOHS) Guides and two of our previous studies, they are generally less optimistic than those reported in several other studies; this paper proposes a systematic and more reliable approach to creating and validating classifiers to distinguish between low and high risk MLTs that contribute to LBDs.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the management of recurrent high-grade uterine sarcoma with peritoneal dissemination

Objective Peritoneal sarcomatosis from primary uterine sarcoma (US) is a rare condition. Conventional therapeutic modalities have failed to improve survival and outcomes among patients with high-grade US with extrapelvic spread. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has shown improved outcomes for peritoneal carcinomatosis from other epithelial primaries with similar clinical presentation. We report our experience applying this treatment in 3 patients with recurrent high-grade US with peritoneal dissemination. Study Design This retrospective review of a prospective database of 378 patients with peritoneal dissemination of cancer treated with CRS/HIPEC identified 3 patients with recurrent high-grade US. Follow-up for disease progression was carried out by physical examination and computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Results Two leiomyosarcomas and 1 adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth were identified. Two of the 3 had failed standard treatment with surgery and systemic chemotherapy before CRS/HIPEC was performed. Follow-up ranged from 34 to 140 months. All 3 patients are alive, 2 with no evidence of disease (NED), and 1 alive with disease. Adramycin/cisplatin was used for HIPEC in 1 case (140 months with NED), whereas melphalan was used in the other 2 cases (53 months alive with disease, 34 months with NED). Two patients underwent 1 CRS/HIPEC, whereas 1 required 3 CRS/HIPEC due to disease recurrence. Conclusion CRS/HIPEC shows promise as a treatment modality for the management of selected patients with recurrent high-grade US with peritoneal dissemination. Further studies are warranted.
Production of Protein and Lipid by Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Cultures of Chlorella vulgaris reach the stationary phase of their growth cycle more slowly than cultures of C. pyrenoidosa when both are provided with conditions favorable for their growth. But after 3 weeks of incubation, the yields from the two organisms are nearly identical in terms of packed volume, dry weight, and cell population. There is only a relatively small difference in protein content—about 8 per cent in favor of C vulgaris. There is a somewhat larger difference in lipid content, C. pyrenoidosa yielding about 11 to 12 per cent more lipid than C. vulgaris. Both species produce more lipid and relatively less protein with increasing age. Accumulation of lipid in excess of about 25 per cent of total dry weight is indicative of waning vigor in cultures of Chlorella, and a lipid content that equals or exceeds the protein content is indicative of extreme senescence. Both organisms grow poorly in a nitrogen-deficient medium but differ in their response to it. The yield from C. vulgaris is about 80 to 86 per cent of the yield from C. pyrenoidosa with respect to packed volume, dry weight, and per cent lipid. Only with respect to per cent protein are the two organisms the same. However, in absolute terms (mg./ml. of culture) C. vulgaris yields about 14 per cent less protein and nearly 30 per cent less lipid than C. pyrenoidosa in such a medium.
Background Factors and Preschool Test Scores as Predictors of Reading: A Nine-Year Longitudinal Study.

Approximately 400 children were first tested at 4, and background factors were ascertained at that time. Further testing included a kindergarten reading readiness test and reading tests at grades 3 and 8. The best preschool predictors of reading were naming tests for boys, and general verbal ability for girls. At the kindergarten level a quantitative test surpassed tests of phonemic awareness and language in predicting reading, for both boys and girls. Family history of learning disability and preschool test behavior contributed to prediction of reading. Effects of birth order were strongest at the preschool level, and handedness had its only effects at that level. Relationships of some factors to reading differed by gender. Socioeconomic status had significant effects only for boys, and a speech delay only for girls. Conclusions were that some background factors may contribute to the preschool prediction of reading, and particularly to the prospective identification of poor readers.
Otorhinolaryngologic disorders of adolescents: a review

Summary A review of otorhinolaryngological disorders and disease in adolescence has been carried out. This material is presented.
Dynamic disorder and conformer exchange in the crystalline monomer of polycarbonate

Direct measurement of chemical exchange events in the crystalline polycarbonate monomer 4,4‘- isopropylidenediphenol (bisphenol A, BPA) via 2D 13C solid-state NMR reveals slow, large-amplitude aromatic ring reorientations. X-ray diffraction, however, indicates a static crystalline structure. Experiments with multiple exchange times show that ring flips occur in all of the three unique conformers found in the crystalline unit cell of this compound, but in specific cases, two of the three unique molecules actually switch conformations. Kinetic analysis of the exchange data indicates that the average rate constant kex = 0.01 s-1 for ring flips and conformer interchange at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry and variable-temperature powder diffraction studies indicate a systematic volume expansion that accompanies this motion but no first-order phase transition. All room-temperature exchange events may be quenched at 213 K, at least on the time scale (up to several seconds) probed in this work...
Ependymoma in children: molecular considerations and therapeutic insights

A multi-modality approach that encompasses maximal surgical resection in combination with adjuvant therapy is critical for achieving optimal disease control in children with ependymoma. In view of its complex biology and variable response to therapy, ependymoma remains a challenge for clinicians involved in the care of these patients. Meanwhile, translation of molecular findings can characterize unique features of childhood ependymoma and their natural history. Furthermore, understanding the biology of pediatric ependymoma serves as a platform for development of future targeted therapies. In line with these goals, we review the molecular basis of pediatric ependymoma and its prognostic implications, as well as novel therapeutic advances in the management of ependymoma in children.
Free thermal convection beneath intracratonic basins: thermal and subsidence effects

Two long-standing discrepancies between observations and predictions from geophysical models for the evolution of intracratonic basins are: (1) thermal indicators, such as organicmaturity, document higher basin temperatures than predicted by thermal conduction; and(2) periods of rapid / slow subsidence which deviate from the exponentially decreasing subsidence rate consistent with thermal contraction. A possible explanation for these problems is free thermal convection in the continental crust beneath the basin. Using a finite difference model for coupled fluid flow and heat transport, the Keweenawan rift beneath the Michigan basin is simulated as a plug of fractured igneous rock 10 km thick and 45 km wide.Overlying the igneous body and adjacent impermeable basement rocks in the model is 4kmof Proterozoic and Palaeozoic sediments of intermediate permeability. Model results indicate that during short-lived (a few million years) periods of free thermal convection in the igneous body, temperature gradients in the overlying sediments can nearly double and rapid heat loss causes additional subsidence at the centre of the basin. Locally, additional tectonic subsidence can be more than 25 m. After fractures are sealed and free thermal convection slows or stops, basin subsidence is anomalously slow as the basement reheats back to conductive equilibrium.
On Time Delay in Noncolocated Control of Flexible Mechanical Systems

A new method is presented for noncolocated control of flexible mechanical systems. The destabilizing effect of noncolocation of sensors and actuators is eliminated through introduction of specific time delay block(s) in the control system. The time delay constants in those blocks depend on the system eigenstructure. For a given flexible mechanical system, if there exists a time delay relation, the system response at one point can be exactly predicted from the vibration measurement at other point(s) of the system. In this case all stabilizing controllers from colocated control can be directly used
Comparative thyroid hormone concentration in maternal serum and yolk of the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) from two sites along the coast of Florida.

Abstract Maternally provisioned yolk hormones have been determined to play critical roles in development across vertebrate taxa. This study ascertained the presence and concentration of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and thyroxine (T 4 ) in the maternal serum and yolk of the developing placental viviparous shark Sphyrna tiburo from one site adjacent to Tampa Bay and another within Florida Bay, Florida, USA. The developmental profile of T 3 in yolk showed a steady increase from pre-ovulation to post-ovulation and peaked to its highest concentration during the pregnancy stage. There was an increase in the T 3 /T 4 ratio in yolk during the pregnancy stage which suggests a possible increase in the conversion of T 4 to T 3 within yolk, possible embryonic endogenous production, or passive uptake of T 3 from uterine fluids. Similar to the pattern seen in yolk, maternal serum T 3 concentrations tended to increase as development progressed. The concentration of T 3 and T 4 in yolk from Tampa Bay was consistently higher than in yolk from Florida Bay. The differences in the patterns of thyroid hormones from these two locations may explain previously reported differences in the rate of embryonic development in the two locations.
A new technique for conditioned hypoglycemia

A simple technique for obtaining repeated blood samples was developed to test its applicability to psychological experimentation. With this technique, rats which received insulin injections for 15 days were conditioned to lower their blood glucose levels to a saline injection on the 16th day. Control animals, which got saline throughout, showed no drop in blood glucose.
Working with robots and objects: revisiting deictic reference for achieving spatial common ground

Robust joint visual attention is necessary for achieving a common frame of reference between humans and robots interacting multimodally in order to work together on real-world spatial tasks involving objects. We make a comprehensive examination of one component of this process that is often otherwise implemented in an ad hoc fashion: the ability to correctly determine the object referent from deictic reference including pointing gestures and speech. From this we describe the development of a modular spatial reasoning framework based around decomposition and resynthesis of speech and gesture into a language of pointing and object labeling. This framework supports multimodal and unimodal access in both real-world and mixed-reality workspaces, accounts for the need to discriminate and sequence identical and proximate objects, assists in overcoming inherent precision limitations in deictic gesture, and assists in the extraction of those gestures. We further discuss an implementation of the framework that has been deployed on two humanoid robot platforms to date.
Performativity and Persuasion in the Hebrew Book of Psalms: A Rhetorical Analysis of Psalms 116 and 22

Recently, scholars have argued that oral poetry helped lay the groundwork for the development of rhetorical theory and practice in archaic Greece. I propose that oral poetry played a similar role in archaic Israel. First, I describe the ritual and rhetorical contexts in which psalms were composed and performed in ancient Israel. Second, I analyze two psalms (Ps 22 and Ps 116) to show that treating the psalms as deliberative argument posed by Israelites to God can explain otherwise perplexing problems in interpretation and translation. Finally, I argue that positing an active locus for rhetoric in ancient Israelite culture raises interesting cross-cultural comparisons with ancient Athens regarding the striving for social status and public influence.
The Ra-Pr domain of laminar natural convection in an enclosure heated from the side

The phenomenon of natural convection in a square enclosure heated and cooled in the horizontal direction was investigated numerically in the Prandtl number range 0.01-10 and the Rayleigh number range 102-1011. The numerical method relied on the full governing equations for time-dependent flows. The study focused on the detection of inertia-sustained fluctuations in the flow field and on the highest Rayleigh number where steady-state laminar flows are possible. It was found that the highest Rayleigh number decreases dramatically as the Prandtl number decreases. This finding agrees qualitatively with experimental observations of transition to turbulent natural convection and with the “local Reynolds number” criterion of transition to turbulence recommended by the buckling theory of turbulent flow.
Global monotone convergence of Newton iteration for a nonlinear eigen-problem

Abstract The nonlinear eigen-problem Ax+F(x)=λx, where A is an n×n irreducible Stieltjes matrix, is considered. Sufficient conditions are given, such that the problem has a unique positive solution and that the Newton iteration for solving this problem converges monotonically. The starting point of the iteration has to be a multiple of the positive eigenvector of A , but it does not need to be close to the solution x .
Anterior pericardial tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis: Intermediate to long-term outcomes

Background. Although several techniques for the treatment of long-segment stenosis of the trachea have been reported, including slide tracheoplasty, rib grafting, and use of a pericardial patch, the optimal repair remains controversial because of a lack of midterm to long-term follow-up data. Methods. To assess the intermediate and long-term outcomes of patients having repair with anterior pericardial tracheoplasty, we reviewed case histories of 12 patients (1984 to present). The median age was 6.7 months (range, 1 to 98 months), and the median weight was 6.0 kg (range, 0.97 to 42 kg). All patients underwent anterior pericardial tracheoplasty through a median sternotomy during partial normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. An average of 13 tracheal rings (range, five to 23) were divided anteriorly, and a patch of fresh autologous pericardium was used to enlarge the trachea by 1.5 times the predicted diameter for patient age and weight. Results. There was one hospital death, and all but 2 patients are long-term survivors. All but 1 current survivor remain asymptomatic, with no bronchoscopic evidence of airway obstruction or granulation on the pericardial patch. All survivors examined have normal tracheal growth and development, with a median follow-up of 5.5 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Conclusions. Anterior pericardial tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis provides excellent results at intermediate to long-term follow-up.
FLUCTUATIONS OF LIGHT SCATTERED BY FRACTAL CLUSTERS

Fluctuations in light scattering from a finite ensemble of fractal clusters are studied numerically and theoretically. It is shown that, for a wide range of wavelengths and angles, relative fluctuations in the scattered intensity are very close to 1 and do not depend on the number of monomers N in fractal clusters (whereas they are proportional to 1/N for trivial clusters). The relations describing fluctuations in the light scattering are suggested; they can be used to extract important information about properties and parameters of fractal pollutants in the atmosphere.
Positron-emission tomography

We review positron-emission tomography (PET), which has inherent advantages that avoid the shortcomings of other nuclear medicine imaging methods. PET image reconstruction methods with origins in signal and image processing are discussed, including the potential problems of these methods. A summary of statistical image reconstruction methods, which can yield improved image quality, is also presented.
Discovery of enzyme generation of 1Δg molecular oxygen: Spectra of (0.0) 1Δg → 3Σg− IR emission

Abstract Enzyme production of 1Δg molecular oxygen in dark reactions is revealed via near-IR emission spectroscopy. Singlet molecular oxygen emission (0,0) 1Δg → 3Σg− is observed in the enzyme systems chloroperoxidaseH2O2Cl− and lactoperoxidaseH2O2Br−. In the catalaseH2O2 system a strong emission at 1.64 μm with a bandwidth of 755 cm−1 is observed, but is as yet unidentified.
Maximum Likelihood Approach To Gamma Circumvention

A critical element in the Time Dependent Processing chain for scanning infrared sensors is electronic gamma circumvention. The most successful approach to gamma circumvention to date is a two stage algorithm, Spike Adaptive Time Delay and Integration (SATDI). This heuristic approach makes no assumptions about gamma-induced noise except that it is an additive corruption of the true signal. If, however, one can model the form of the gamma-induced noise distribution, it is possible to design a maximum likelihood estimation model which explicitly utilizes the parametric form of the noise. Such a model will, in general, be more efficient than a heuristic one, since it contains more information about the noise process. The parametric form studied in this paper is an exponential distribution, λe-λr, where r is the received signal. This distribution is a reasonable approximation to the observed gamma spectrum in infrared detectors. A maximum likelihood estimation equation corresponding to this noise distribution is derived, and its performance is compared to SATDI. It is found that, for a bright gamma background, either much better detection for a fixed false alarm rate, or many fewer false alarms for a fixed detection probability, may be achieved using the maximum likelihood estimator as compared to SATDI.
Apoprotein Composition and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Water-Soluble Peridinin--Chlorophyll a--Proteins from Three Symbiotic Dinoflagellates

The water-soluble peridinin--chlorophyll a--proteins (sPCP) from three symbiotic dinoflagellates, Symbiodinium microadriaticum, S. kawagutii and S. pilosum, have been analysed for their quaternary structure (by using immunoblotting techniques) and spectroscopic characteristics (by using absorption and fluorescence spectra). The sPCP from S. kawagutii is comprised exclusively of a monomeric apoprotein of 35 kDa, whereas sPCP from S. pilosum possesses only a dimeric apoprotein with subunits of 15 kDa each. The sPCP from S. microadriaticum simultaneously contains both. Spectroscopically, sPCP from S. kawagutii is very similar to the 35 kDa species in S. microadriaticum; sPCP from S. pilosum is similar to the 15 kDa species from S. microadriaticum. Gaussian deconvolution analyses of absorption and fluorescence emission spectra show that each holoprotein is comprised of two spectrally distinct forms of chlorophyll a. We propose molecular topologies for sPCP consistent with our findings.
Metabolomics in the fight against malaria

Metabolomics uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to provide a chemical fingerprint of thousands of metabolites present in cells, tissues or body fluids. Such metabolic phenotyping has been successfully used to study various biologic processes and disease states. High-resolution metabolomics can shed new light on the intricacies of host-parasite interactions in each stage of the Plasmodium life cycle and the downstream ramifications on the host’s metabolism, pathogenesis and disease. Such data can become integrated with other large datasets generated using top-down systems biology approaches and be utilised by computational biologists to develop and enhance models of malaria pathogenesis relevant for identifying new drug targets or intervention strategies. Here, we focus on the promise of metabolomics to complement systems biology approaches in the quest for novel interventions in the fight against malaria. We introduce the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC), a new systems biology research coalition. A primary goal of the MaHPIC is to generate systems biology datasets relating to human and non-human primate (NHP) malaria parasites and their hosts making these openly available from an online relational database. Metabolomic data from NHP infections and clinical malaria infections from around the world will comprise a unique global resource.
A Comparison of Black and White Children's WISC/WISC-R Differences.

Administered the WISC and WISC-R to 20 white child psychiatric out-patients in a counterbalanced design. The white Ss' WISC/WISC-R differences were compared to equivalent data obtained from black children (Munford, 1978). For the white Ss, no differences were found between WISC and WISC-R Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs, whereas black children scored significantly lower on the WISC-R than on the WISC on all three IQ measures. These findings indicate increased cultural bias in the WISC-R, despite apparent efforts to produce contrary results. A possible reason for this seemingly paradoxical outcome is offered, and future research possibilities are suggested.
Pulsed low dose rate brachytherapy for uterine cervix carcinoma

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the outcome and complication rates for patients treated with curative-intent pulsed low dose rate (PLDR) brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for uterine cervical carcinoma. Methods and Materials: Fifty-two patients have been treated, of whom 6 were excluded from analysis due to limited follow-up. Six patients were stage Ib, 3 were IIa, 11 IIb, 3 IIIa, 14 IIIb, 1 IVa, and 9 were treated for local recurrences following primary surgery for stage Ib disease. Thirty-six patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 8 adenocarcinoma, 1 adenosquamous, and 1 carcinosarcoma. Thirty-one had a staging laparotomy prior to radiation therapy. Brachytherapy was interstitial in 18 patients, and intracavity in 28. The median EBRT central pelvis dose was 45 Gy in 25 fractions. Median total prescribed doses (EBRT plus PLDR) were 75.8 Gy to the implant volume with interstitial, and 84.1 Gy to the A points with intracavitary, at a median dose rate of 0.55 Gy per pulse per hour. Six patients had laparotomy-documented periaortic node involvement, and received EBRT to this site, 45 Gy in 25 fractions. Thirty patients received concomitant weekly cisplatin chemotherapy (40 mg/m 2 ). Results: With a median follow-up of 25 months (range 6 to 55 months) actuarial 4-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates are 66% for the entire group: stage Ib 100%, stage II 69%, stage III/IVa 68%, and 43% in patients treated for recurrences after surgery for initial stage Ib disease. Pelvic nodes contained tumor in 13 of the 31 patients (41.9%) who underwent laparotomy, as did periaortic nodes in 6 (19.4%). Patients with negative pelvic nodes had a 4-year actuarial DFS of 75% versus 59% with positive pelvic (and negative periaortic) nodes, and 50% with positive periaortic nodes. Using the RTOG late radiation morbidity scoring criteria, there were no grade V complications. Grade IV complications occurred in 2 patients (4.3%). One was a rectovaginal fistula and the other a vesicovaginal fistula, each occurring subsequent to a biopsy revealing benign tissue. One patient (2.2%) had a grade III complication (frequent hematuria), and 5 (10.9%) had grade II complications. Conclusions: PLDR brachytherapy is a safe and effective brachytherapy method in the treatment of cervix carcinoma. It combines the physics benefits of dose optimization and the radiobiologic advantages of low dose rate brachytherapy. It eliminates radiation exposure to staff and visitors as well as the need for a source inventory. Although further follow-up will be required, it appears to provide outcome which compares favorably to other methods of brachytherapy delivery, and results in a low rate of complications.
Analysis of free hormone fractions by an ultrafast immunoextraction/displacement immunoassay: studies using free thyroxine as a model system.

A system was developed for measuring the noncomplexed or free fraction of a hormone in serum based on the combined use of ultrafast immunoextraction with a chromatographic displacement immunoassay. This approach was tested using l-thyroxine as a model analyte. Items considered in the development of this technique included the choice of immunoassay format and the selection of conditions for removal of thyroxine's free fraction from samples without significant interference from its protein-bound fraction. The final method had an effective extraction time of 90 ms and allowed the amount of free thyroxine to be determined within 30 s after sample injection. The limit of detection was 6 pM (S/N = 3) for a 100-μL sample, and the linear response extended up to at least 100 pM. This technique gave good correlation versus reference methods when used for the determination of free thyroxine in serum samples. Advantages of this method included its speed and its ability to analyze a sample with no pretreatment other t...
DISPERSAL DEPRESSION WITH HABITAT FRAGMENTATION IN THE BOG FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY

Habitat fragmentation is expected to impose strong selective pressures on dispersal rates. However, evolutionary responses of dispersal are not self-evident, since various selection pressures act in opposite directions. Here we disentangled the components of dispersal behavior in it metapopulation context using the Virtual Migration model, and we linked their variation to habitat fragmentation in the specialist butterfly Proclossiana eunomia. Our study provided a nearly unique opportunity to study how habitat fragmentation modifies dispersal at the landscape scale, as opposed to microlandscapes or simulation studies. Indeed, We Studied the same species in four landscapes with various habitat fragmentation levels, in which large amounts of field data were collected and analyzed using similar methodologies. We showed the existence of quantitative variations in dispersal behavior correlated with increased fragmentation. Dispersal propensity from habitat patches (for a given patch size), and mortality during dispersal (for a given patch connectivity) were lower in more fragmented landscapes. We suggest that these were the consequences of two different evolutionary responses of dispersal behavior at the individual level: (1) when fragmentation increased, the reluctance of individuals to cross habitat patch boundaries also increased; (2) when individuals dispersed, they flew straighter in the matrix, which is the best strategy to improve dispersal success. Such evolutionary responses could generate complex nonlinear patterns of dispersal changes at the metapopulation level according to habitat fragmentation. Due to the small size and increased isolation of habitat patches in fragmented landscapes, overall emigration rate and mortality during dispersal remained high, As a consequence, successful dispersal at the metapopulation scale remained limited. Therefore, to what extent the selection of individuals with a lower dispersal propensity and a higher survival during dispersal is able to limit detrimental effects of habitat fragmentation on dispersal success is unknown, and any conclusion that metapopulations would compensate for them is flawed.
Rotation of coordinated ethylene in compounds related to (π-C5H5)Rh(C2H4)2

Substitution of cyclopentadienyl protons of (π-C5H5)Rh(C2H4)2 with electronegative groups (−Cn or −COOCH3) weakens the π-bond between rhodium and ethylene moderately, while substitution with methyl seems to strengthen it. A far greater loss of π-bond strength appears to result from complexing of (π-C5H5Rh(C2H4)2 with the Lewis acid, HgCl2.
Do Non-shared Environmental Influences Persist Over Time? An Examination of Days and Minutes

Non-shared environmental influences show only minimal stability over time prior to adulthood. The long assessment lags (typically 3–5 years) that characterize most longitudinal twin studies, however, make it difficult to interpret these results. To more rigorously evaluate non-shared environmental stability prior to adulthood, we fitted biometric correlated factors models to (1) seven consecutive days of self-reported negative and positive affect in 239 twin pairs aged 16–25 years and (2) seven consecutive minutes of observer rated warmth and control in 687 twin pairs aged 6–10 years. We then empirically examined patterns of etiologic stability over time using a mixed effects analog to the one-way ANOVA. Genetic and shared environmental correlations were found to be highly stable over both days and minutes. By contrast, non-shared environmental correlations decreased monotonically with increasing lag length, and moreover, were small-to moderate in magnitude when examining intervals longer than a few minutes. Such findings imply that the non-shared environment may be comprised primarily of transient and idiosyncratic effects prior to adulthood.
FACTORS INFLUENCING CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW (CBF) IN PREMATURE BABIES DURING THE FIRST WEEK AFTER BIRTH

In order to evaluate the role of CBF in the pathogenesis of periventricular haemorrhage and leukomalacia, we measured CBF with the non-invasive Xenon-133 clearance method. Intravenous application of Xenon and registration of its clearance with Cadmium Telluride detectors was performed inside the incubator. Twenty premature babies (mean birth weight, ±SD, 1050 ±180g, gestational age 29 ±2 weeks) had one to three CBF measurements at a postnatal age of < 26h (CBF1), at 26-120h (CBF2), and at 120-206h (CBF3). The results show a mean CBF1 (ml/100g.min,±SD) of 12.4 (±1.5), CBF2 21.4 (±4.1), and CBF3 16.6 (±3.8) in babies with normal ultrasound (US). A similar time course, with a. peak CBF2, was found in those with abnormal US. Interestingly, all these values were highest in those with intraparenchymal (±intraventricular) US anomalies: CBF1 19.1 (±6.9), CBF2 23.5 (±3.5), CBF3 21.5 (±7.3). This flow elevation might represent hyperaemia similar to the luxury-perfusion syndrome described by Lassen N.A. (Lancet ii: 1113-1115, 1966) in adults, and could be due to a loss of autoregulation.
Analysis of parallel implementations of an artificial neural network on SIMD systems

Implementation of an artificial neural network to solve a character recognition problem on highly parallel, single-instruction-multiple-data (SIMD) machines is described. A SIMD simulator workbench developed to evaluate performance of various 1, 4, 8, and 16-bit processor architectures is used for experimentation. A feed-forward neural network with 25, 25, and 3 nodes at the input, hidden, and output layers is trained by error back-propagation to classify characters represented in a pixel grid in the presence of randomly introduced pixel-flip noise. Each node in the neural network is assigned to a processor, with weights distributed across the array. Outputs of each layer are broadcast to the inputs of the next layer via the array's interprocessor communication network. The available number of processors for the network is limited to an array of size 25 X 25. Experimental results from each of the architectures supported in the simulator workbench are presented and analyzed.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Pregnancy

Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common problem in women of reproductive age. Pregnancy may affect all aspects of the pharmacokinetics of the drugs used in its treatment. The effects of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of drugs are, for the most part, not clinically significant. The pharmacokinetics of placental transfer and fetal safety have been specified for many drugs. Drugs used in rheumatoid arthritis can be classified into 3 classes: those with the greatest safety for the fetus, those that are unsafe for the fetus, and those for which there are insufficient data to determine the risk to the fetus.
The Effect of Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs on Bleeding During Periodontal Surgery

Background: With the increasing prevalence of individuals taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), there is concern as to whether low-dose NSAIDs cause bleeding problems during periodontal surgery. Methods: A controlled, single-blind study was designed to measure the effect of ibuprofen at peak plasma levels on intraoperative bleeding. Fifteen medically healthy subjects (seven males and eight females), each having two sites requiring periodontal surgery of similar complexity, type, and duration, were selected for the study. The subjects were instructed to take ibuprofen prior to one of the surgeries. A standard bleeding time and papillary bleeding index score were recorded at initial consultation, and prior to the first and second surgeries. The volume of aspirated blood was measured during each surgery by subtracting the amount of water used for irrigation from the total volume of fluid (blood + irrigation water) collected at 15-minute intervals during the surgery. Results: An analysis of t...
Resonance energy shifts during nuclear Bragg diffraction of x rays.

We have observed dramatic changes in the time distribution of synchrotron x rays resonantly scattered from $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$ nuclei in a crystal of yttrium iron garnet, which depend on the deviation angle of the incident radiation from the Bragg angle. These changes are caused by small shifts in the effective energies of the hyperfine-split nuclear resonances, an effect of dynamical diffraction for the coherently excited nuclei in the crystal. The very high brightness of the synchro- tron x-ray source allows this effect to be observed in a 15-min measurement.
Photon collisions as a glueball source

Photon-photon and photon-nucleon collisions are suggested as a glueball source at small $x$ in the collision center-of-mass frame. The glueball-production cross section is estimated through the two-gluon-fusion mechanism in perturbative quantum chromodynamics. The pointlike component of the photon structure function has a distinctive feature in that it consists almost purely of gluons at small $x$, which turns out to be very effective in producing glueballs. A much larger signal-to-noise ratio is expected in the glueball search in high-energy photon-photon and photon-nucleon collisions compared with hadron-hadron collisions. It is argued that the background due to soft collisions of the photons can be effectively reduced.
A quantitative method for assessing stages of the rat estrous cycle

The impact of gender and/or hormone variations on a wide variety of neural functions makes the choice between studying males or females (or both) of a given species difficult. Although female rats ...
DNA synthesis in larval brains of Drosophila nasutoides.

The incorporation of H3-TdR and H3-TTP into embryos, embryo homogenates, and larval brains and imaginal discs of Drosophila nasutoides was examined. The highest incorporation was observed with brains and brain-associated imaginal discs incubated in Schneider's medium containing H3-TdR. A specific activity of 50,000 cpm/µg DNA or higher was obtained. By use of this method, the specific activities of the main DNA and the satellite DNAs of D. nasutoides were determined. It was observed that the specific activities were nearly the same regardless of labeling period, indicating that the main DNA and the satellite DNAs have similar extents of H3-TdR incorporation.
An electromechanical stimulator system for neurophysiological and psychophysical studies of pain.

Abstract We have developed a computer-based electromechanical stimulator system suited for neurophysiological and psychophysical studies of pain. The core of the stimulator is a servo-controlled linear motor capable of generating 1 kg of force over a 22-mm range. Forces collinear and tangential to the interchangeable probe tip are calculated using the signal from 3 load cells (resolution: 1 8 g; range: 250 g) arranged in an equilateral triangle. Probe position is measured with an optical encoder (resolution: 1 μm; range: 25 mm). A microprocessor-based digital control system permits smooth switching of feedback control between force or position at the 1-kHz update rate. The stimulator is mounted on a microprocessor-controlled 3-axis translation system that allows automatic movement of the probe over a range of greater than 15 cm to an accuracy of better than 10 μm. The stimulator can be programmed to move in a coordinate system parallel to the skin surface being examined. An IBM-compatible computer is used to command stimulus paradigms and to display real-time motor performance and neural spike-train data. The system has been used to measure the response of nociceptive afferents in monkey to controlled force stimuli applied to various positions within the receptive field.
RNA tumor viruses of pheasants: characterization of avian leukosis subgroups F and G

Abstract Endogenous leukosis-like viruses of ring-necked pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ) and golden pheasants ( Chrysolophus pictus ) have been isolated and characterized. The majority of the normal pheasant embryo cultures contain helper activity for the defective Bryan high titer strain of Rous sarcoma virus. The Rous sarcoma pseudotypes produced with endogenous helper activity from ring-necked pheasants belong to subgroup F. The pseudotypes from golden pheasant cells constitute subgroup G. Subgroup F and G pseudotypes can infect all known genetic types of chicken fibroblasts as well as pheasant and Japanese quail cells, but do not plate on goose cells. Duck cells are resistant to subgroup G but not to F. The subgroup F and G helper viruses isolated from Rous sarcoma viral pseudotypes show interference with their homologous subgroup. RAV-61, a standard of subgroup F, interferes with pseudotypes produced with endogenous helper activity from ring-necked pheasant cells but not with subgroup G pseudotypes. Subgroups F and G do not cross-react with subgroup A to E in neutralization tests. Some normal ring-necked pheasant sera have anti-F activity. Subgroup F and probably also G leukosis-like viruses can undergo genetic recombination with nondefective avian sarcoma viruses.
Adrenal insufficiency, recurrent bacteremia, and disseminated abscesses caused by Nocardia asteroides in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic pathogen of increasing incidence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. The lungs are the most common site of infection, followed by the brain; involvement of other extrapulmonary sites is less common. We describe a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who presented with a number of unique manifestations of nocardial infection: the first reported case of bilateral adrenal abscesses with adrenal insufficiency, the first case of a renal abscess due to N. asteroides alone, and the first case of recurrent, symptomatic bacteremia. A review of the literature on nocardial infections in HIV-positive individuals is presented.
Magmatic metasomatism and formation of the Merensky reef, Bushveld Complex

The rare earth element (REE) contents of pyroxenes and other minerals from the Merensky reef and stratigraphically adjacent rocks of the Atok section, Bushveld Complex, have been determined with the ion microprobe. Merensky reef clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene contain much higher and more variable concentrations of the REE than their cumulus counterparts in rocks several meters below the reef. Chondrite-normalized Merensky clinopyroxene Ce contents vary from ≈10 to 90 for Ce and from ≈4 to 17 for Yb. They also possess deep, negative Eu anomalies, the Eu anomalics being deeper for crystals having high REE contents and relatively shallow for pyroxenes with low REE contents. Similar compositional characteristics are displayed by Cl-rich apatite, which is an accessory phase in the rocks. Interstitial pyroxene in cumulates above and below the reef also tends to have elevated REE contents and in general is not in equilibrium with coexisting cumulus minerals. The melt from which the cumulus minerals crystallized falls within the compositional range of continental basalts; that from which Merensky and postcumulus pyroxenes crystallized is inferred to be much more highly enriched in REE than any normal tholeiitic or alkalic basalt. Despite their highly evolved nature in terms of the REE, the Merensky reef pyroxenes are not evolved in terms of major elements. The decoupling of incompatible trace and major elements is best explained by a metasomatic process. It is speculated that metasomatism involved upward percolation of hydrated silicate melt through and its reaction with the crystalline cumulate pile. The fact that the rocks enriched in the platinum group elements are also those that show evidence for metasomatism suggests that these elements were also metasomatically redistributed.