cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The superoxide dismutase mimetic GC4419 enhances tumor killing when combined with stereotactic ablative radiation

The penta-aza macrocyclic manganese compound GC4419 is in phase 3 clinical trials as a modifier of mucositis in H&N cancer treated by radio-chemotherapy based upon its properties as a superoxide dismutase mimetic. In studies to address the potential for tumor radioprotection, a significant anti-tumor effect was identified in tumors generated from the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line H1299, when GC4419 was combined with radiation. This effect was directly related to the size of the radiation dose as demonstrated by greater efficacy in tumor growth delay when biologically equivalent irradiation regimens using a limited number of dose fractions was substantially more effective compared to regimens where the fraction number was higher and dose per fraction decreased. Furthermore, a TCD50 assay using H1299 tumors that tested the combination of GC4419 with radiation revealed a Dose Enhancement Factor of 1.67. Based upon these results the hypothesis that GC4419 was generating cytotoxic levels of hydrogen peroxide during the superoxide dismutation process. Peroxide flux did increase in cells exposed to GC4419 as did the expression of the oxidative stress markers 4-HNE and 3-NT. H1299 cells that overexpressed catalase were then challenged as tumors by the combination of radiation and GC4419 and the tumoricidal effect was nearly eliminated. The enhanced radiation response was not specific to NSCLC as similar findings were observed in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that GC4419, in addition to generating high levels of hydrogen peroxide in irradiated cells, alters inflammatory and differentiation signaling in the tumor following irradiation. Together, these findings provide abundant evidence that the radioprotector GC4419 has dual functionality and will increase tumor response rates when combined with agents that generate high levels of superoxide like stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SAbR). Combining SAbR with GC4419 may be an effective strategy to enhance tumor response in general but may also allow for fully potent radiation doses to tumors that might not necessarily be able to tolerate such doses. The potential for protection of organs at risk may also be exploitable.
Introduction of digital technologies in the enterprise

Digitalization of an enterprise is necessary to increase the efficiency and sustainability of its functioning through dramatic changes in the quality of management, both technological processes and decision-making processes at all levels of management, based on modern methods of production and further use of information about the state and prediction of possible changes in managed elements and subsystems. For the purposes of designing a digital transformation of an enterprise, it is necessary to develop a classification of digital technologies according to the criterion of accessibility and expediency of their implementation in the enterprise. Thus, key digital technologies are grouped into three groups: basic technologies are technologies without which digital transformation of an enterprise is impossible (cloud technologies, wireless technologies, paperless technologies, etc.); critical technologies are technologies that provide a complete digital transformation of the enterprise (big data, cloud computing, unmanned technologies, etc.); breakthrough technologies - technologies that realize the transition from “analog” to a digital enterprise (artificial intelligence, neural networks, distributed data registry, machine learning, etc.)
Neuropsychological and Computerized Testing

Neuropsychological testing (NPT) needs to be reserved for patients requiring particularly detailed testing when the symptoms are covert and subtle or where deficits need more precise cognitive appraisal. This applies especially to those with subjective complaints (so- called “worried well”), where close monitoring of cognitive deficits over time is required as with rehabilitation interventions or studies and medicolegal-related assessments. NPT is constrained principally by testing duration and availability. It should also be noted that acute and subacute neurological patients in a tertiary medical setting are often not amenable to NPT as they have obvious significant impairments such as delirium, encephalopathy, global aphasia, severe neglect syndromes or anosognosias, and many common stroke syndromes. In dementia, basic screening is possible, but with mild cognitive impairment, NPT is often indicated. Multiple sclerosis is a good example where elementary neurological deficits such as ophthalmoparesis, ataxia, and sensorimotor impairments may overshadow the majority of patients who have altered cognitive as well as behavioral deficits. Neurotoxicological exposure manifests with executive dysfunction and malingering are very good examples of where NPT may play a pivotal role in diagnosis.
A Field Experimental Study on the Impact of Acer platanoides, an Urban Tree Invader, on Forest Ecosystem Processes in North America

Invasive species affect community dynamics and ecosystem functions, but the mechanisms of their impacts are poorly understood. Hypotheses on invasion impact range from Superior Competitor to Novel Function, from Enemy Escape to Microbial Mediation. In this study, we examined the effects of an urban tree invader, Acer platanoides (Norway maple, NM), on a mesic deciduous forest in contrast to its native congener Acer rubrum (red maple, RM) with a split-plot design experiment. A total of 720 maple seedlings were transplanted to 72 plots under 24 trees of three canopy types. The three experimental treatments were removal of resource competition at above- and belowground and removal of leaf-litter effect. Soil moisture and nitrogen-related microbial activities were followed for each plot. We found that partial canopy removal increased canopy openness and light transmission to the forest floor, but to a greater extent under NM than under RM trees. NM seedlings were more shade tolerant than RM seedlings in height growth. During the reciprocal transplantation in the mixed forest, biomass accumulation of NM seedlings under RM trees were twice as much as under NM, while that of RM seedlings under NM trees was 23.5% less than under RM. Soil net nitrification and relative nitrification were significantly higher, but mineralization rate was much lower under NM than under RM trees, which would lead to faster N leaching and lower N availability in the soil. Plots with litter removal had significantly higher seedling mortality due to herbivory by the end of 2 years, especially for NM seedlings under NM trees. Trenching enhanced soil water availability but there was no difference among canopy types. Our results demonstrated that invasion of NM not only altered forest canopy structure but also changed herbivory rate for seedlings and N dynamics in the soils. NM seedlings were more shade tolerant under NM canopies than RM seedlings and were more protected by NM litter under NM canopies than under RM canopies. These altered biotic and abiotic environments will likely facilitate further invasion of NM in the forests, hence positive feedbacks, and make it an increasingly serious tree invader in North America.
Comparison of microplastic isolation and extraction procedures from marine sediments.

Microplastics (MPs) are small (<5 mm) plastic particles which pose a threat to marine ecosystems. Identifying MPs is crucial for understanding their fate and effects. Many MP extraction methods exist, but procedural differences prevent meaningful comparisons across datasets. This method comparison examines the efficiency of five methods for extracting MPs (40-710 μm) from marine sediments. Known quantities of MPs were spiked into sediments. The MPs were extracted and enumerated to demonstrate percent recovery. Findings determined that sediment matrix, MP properties, and extraction method affect the percent recovery of MPs from sediments. Average recoveries of spiked microplastics were between 0 and 87.4% and varied greatly by sediment type, microplastic, and method of extraction. In general, larger particle and lower density MPs were more effectively recovered. Marine sediments low in organic matter and with larger grain size also had higher percent recoveries of MPs. These findings support the need for method optimization and unified procedures.
Predictors of Behavioral Changes After Adenotonsillectomy in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is associated with improved behavior in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, it is unknown whether polysomnographic parameters are superior to the parent-reported severity of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in predicting behavioral changes after AT. Objective To ascertain whether polysomnographic parameters vs parent-reported severity of SDB are better predictors of treatment-related behavioral changes in children with OSA. Design, Setting, and Participants This ad hoc secondary analysis of the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT) downloaded and analyzed data from January 1 to January 31, 2020. Children aged 5 to 9 years with a polysomnographic diagnosis of OSA were enrolled in the CHAT and subsequently randomized to undergo either early AT or watchful waiting with supportive care. All outcome measures were obtained at baseline and at follow-up (7 months after randomization). Interventions Early AT vs watchful waiting with supportive care. Main Outcomes and Measures Postrandomization changes between the baseline and follow-up periods were derived from (1) T scores in 4 validated behavioral assessments (Conners Global Index parent and teacher versions, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function metacognition index, and Child Behavior Checklist of total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior subscales); (2) 8 aggregated polysomnographic parameters representing the severity of obstruction, hypoxemia, sleep quality, and structure; and (3) the parent-reported severity of SDB measured by the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire–Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (PSQ-SRBD) scale. The treatment-related changes in each of the behavioral outcomes attributable to changes in SDB severity (represented by the subjective PSQ-SRBD score and objective polysomnographic parameters) were measured and compared using mediation analysis. Results A total of 453 children were assessed at baseline, of whom 234 were girls (52%) and the mean (SD) age was 6.6 (1.4) years. The postrandomization changes in 7 of 8 behavioral outcome measures between the baseline and follow-up periods were partially mediated by the changes in PSQ-SRBD scores (range of nonzero causally mediated effects, 2.4-3.5), without contribution from any of the polysomnographic parameters. Conclusions and Relevance This secondary analysis of a national randomized clinical trial found that most treatment-related behavioral changes in children with OSA were mediated by the changes in parent-reported SDB severity alone. These findings suggest that polysomnographic parameters provide clinicians with limited means to predict the improvement in neurobehavioral morbidity in OSA. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT00560859
Stability of Linear Multistep Time Iterations with the WENO5 Discretization at Discontinuities

The linear stability analysis on the WENO5 spatial discretization for solving the one-dimensional linear advection equation, combined with various fifth-order multistep methods, was presented in Motamed et al. (J Sci Comput 47(2):127–149, 2011). The purpose of this work is to further investigate the mechanism of oscillations observed in these time integrators when simulating shock front propagation. In particular, extrapolated backward differentiation formula (eBDF5), explicit Adams methed (Adams5) and a predictor–corrector method (PC5) are selected for detailed performance comparison. We first analyze how the non-convex combinations involved in these multistep methods restrict the time step-size and lead to possible pointwise oscillations. Subsequently, the nonlinear weights in the WENO5 scheme are used as indicators to capture the evolution of discontinuities with time and determine the stability of the multistep methods. Numerical results are also provided to confirm the analysis and review the qualifications of these multistep methods for shock front tracking.
Direct vs Indirect Revascularization in a North American Cohort of Moyamoya Disease

Background In adults with ischemic moyamoya disease (MMD), the efficacy of direct vs indirect revascularization procedures remains a matter of debate. Objective To investigate the outcomes of ischemic MMD in a North American cohort treated by direct and indirect revascularizations. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of adult patients with MMD with ischemic presentation from 1984 to 2018 at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital who underwent either direct or indirect bypasses. Early postoperative events and outcome at more than 6 mo postoperatively were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate delayed ischemic and hemorrhagic events. Analyses were performed per hemisphere. Results A total of 95 patients with MMD and 127 hemispheres were included in this study. A total of 3.5% and 8.6% of patients had early surgical complications in the direct and indirect bypass cohorts, respectively (P = .24). Hemispheres with direct bypasses had fewer long-term ischemic and hemorrhagic events at latest follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.058-0.63, P = .007; median follow-up 4.5 [interquartile range, IQR 1-8] yr). There was no difference between the direct and indirect bypass groups when the endpoint was limited to infarction and hemorrhage only (P = .12). There was no difference in outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≥ 3) between the 2 cohorts (P = .92). Conclusion There was no difference in early postoperative events, long-term infarction or hemorrhage, or clinical outcome between direct and indirect revascularization. However, there was a significant decrease in all ischemic and hemorrhagic events combined in direct revascularizations compared to indirect revascularizations.
Statistics, Agriculture, and Democracy in America: America by the Numbers: Quantification, Democracy, and the Birth of National Statistics, by Emmanuel Didier, Cambridge MA, MIT Press, 2020, 415 pp., $50 (paperback), ISBN 9780262538374.

Emmanuel Didier is to be highly praised for producing America by the Numbers, an original, deeply researched, and provocative tome. The sociology of statistical practices, he writes, elucidates ‘ho...
Theaflavin-3'-O-gallate a Black-tea Constituent Blocked SARS CoV-2 RNA dependant RNA Polymerase Active-site with Better Docking Results than Remdesivir.

Background Replication of SARS-CoV-2 depends on viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp). Remdesivir, the broad-spectrum RdRp inhibitor acts as nucleoside-analogues (NAs). Remdesivir has initially been repurposed as a promising drug against SARS-CoV-2 infection with some health hazards like liver damage, allergic reaction, low blood-pressure, and breathing-shortness, throat-swelling. In comparison, theaflavin-3’-O-gallate (TFMG), the abundant black tea component has gained importance in controlling viral infection. TFMG is a non-toxic, non-invasive, antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral molecule. Results Here, we analyzed the inhibitory effect of theaflavin-3’-O-gallate on SARS CoV-2 RdRp in comparison with remdesivir by molecular-docking study. TFMG has been shown more potent in terms of lower Atomic-Contact-Energy (ACE) and higher occupancy of surface area; −393.97 Kcal/mol and 771.90 respectively, favoured with lower desolvation-energy; −9.2 Kcal/mol. TFMG forms more rigid electrostatic and H-bond than remdesivir. TFMG showed strong affinity to RNA primer and template and RNA passage-site of RdRp. Conclusions TFMG can block the catalytic residue, NTP entry site, cation binding site, nsp7-nsp12 junction with binding energy of −6. 72 Kcal/mol with Ki value of 11.79, and interface domain with binding energy of −7.72 and −6.16 Kcal/mol with Ki value of 2.21 and 30.71 µM. And most importantly, TFMG shows antioxidant/anti-inflammatory/antiviral effect on human studies.
Freedom of Expression as a Human Right

In this paper I shall focus on a right that, along with the right against arbitrary arrest and punishment, the right to a fair trial, the right not to be tortured or inhumanely punished, and the right of freedom of religious belief, has perhaps the strongest claim for being a core human right, namely, the right of freedom of expression. But is there a right of freedom of expression? It is surely widely thought so. However, the grounds, scope, and force of such a right are vigorously contested. What activities does it apply to? (Does it protect specific activities, such as writing and speaking? Or does it protect any activity intended to communicate an idea? Alternatively, does it protect the receipt or formation of ideas from whatever source? Or is its focus neither the communication nor the receipt of ideas but rather the reasons behind those acts that are said to violate the right?) Whom does freedom of expression restrict (only government, or large private entities, or everyone)? Does it have an affirmative aspect to it, requiring government or others to expend resources to further it and protect it? And what institutional mechanisms are consistent with it? For example, if freedom of expression requires that government not preempt others' assessments of the importance of speech, then there cannot be a governmentally-enforced (judicially-enforced) free speech right that turns on assessments of the importance of speech. Finally, does freedom of expression have a secure philosophical underpinning? Or does it, like freedom of religion, ultimately rest on the philosophically dubious idea of "epistemic abstinence"? If so, is it possible nonetheless to identify a core set of acts that can form the basis of a principled and administrable human right of freedom of expression.
Feasibility of a pretrial diversion pilot in Kent County, Rhode Island

Background The U.S. correctional population is disproportionately burdened with chronic health conditions, particularly mental health and substance use disorders. Though inmates receive health care, linkages to care upon release are often poor or nonexistent. Further, the magnitude of the justiceinvolved population strains state and Federal finances. The annual cost per offender awaiting trial in Rhode Island is approximately $40,000. A diversion program (an alternative sentence diverting from incarceration and offering potential relief to courts and better outcomes for offenders) with linkages to health care has the potential to reduce costs by addressing the underlying physical, mental, and behavioral health issues keeping individuals in the justice system. We describe a diversion pilot program and our observations thus far. In partnership with Brown University and The Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, Justice Assistance, a nonprofit organization in Cranston, Rhode Island, received support from the Rhode Island General Assembly to develop a program to reduce the Rhode Island awaiting population by linking participants to community-based health care. The pilot program developed, Office of Community Alternatives (OCA), tests an intensive case management model. MAPIT (Motivational Assessment Program to Initiate Treatment) is an Internetbased motivational interviewing program piloted as a component of the OCA program.
Moving Inward: Establishing the Mammalian Inner Cell Mass

Early in mammalian development, a few cells move to the center of the embryo to establish the inner cell mass—the early precursor of the fetus. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Samarage et al. (2015) shed light on how these cells move inward.
The study of phase effects in EUV mask pattern defects

In this paper, we present a detail study of the impact of material-induced phase effect on the EUV mask absorber defect through-focus behavior. Illumination, material properties, and defect size are shown to have different impacts on the behavior. Also, we study the possibility of using alternative absorber materials to reduce the phase effects on the defect. Based on the mask near field distribution, energy confinement and phase accumulation can be reduced with new absorber materials. The defect sensitivity is reduced and the peak signal position is closer to the best focus due to less material-induced phase. Moreover, the novel pupil engineering method can utilize the phase induced by the material to improve the defect sensitivity of absorber defect by adding lens phase shifts in the pupil plane. At least 29% enhancement of the absorber defect signal at focus can be achieved by optimum lens phase shifts.
Interactive software for automatic memory testing

A new interactive software package developed for automatic testing of dynamic RAMs of up to 64 kbits shows how a system can be made ‘user friendly’
Transfer principles in nonstandard intuitionistic arithmetic

Using a slight generalization, due to Palmgren, of sheaf semantics, we present a term-model construction that assigns a model to any first-order intuitionistic theory. A modification of this construction then assigns a nonstandard model to any theory of arithmetic, enabling us to reproduce conservation results of Moerdijk and Palmgren for nonstandard Heyting arithmetic. Internalizing the construction allows us to strengthen these results with additional transfer rules; we then show that even trivial transfer axioms or minor strengthenings of these rules destroy conservativity over HA. The analysis also shows that nonstandard HA has neither the disjunction property nor the explicit definability property. Finally, careful attention to the complexity of our definitions allows us to show that a certain weak fragment of intuitionistic nonstandard arithmetic is conservative over primitive recursive arithmetic.
Outcome of Noncardiac Surgery in Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices

An increasing number of patients are living with ventricular assist devices (VADs). Many of these patients will require noncardiac surgery for conditions not directly related to their VADs. The aim of this study was to assess the risks and outcomes of noncardiac surgery in these patients. Perioperative and follow-up data from patients with VADs who underwent noncardiac surgery from 1993 to 2006 were analyzed. In that period, 184 VADs were implanted in 155 patients. Thirty-seven patients (24%) subsequently underwent 59 noncardiac surgeries. The mean duration of VAD support before surgery was 229 days. Bleeding was the most common postsurgical complication (10%), necessitating reexploration in 20% of abdominal surgeries. Thirty-day mortality was 12%. No deaths were caused by direct complications of surgery. Successful transplantation occurred in 72% of bridge to transplantation patients who required noncardiac surgery, compared with 71% of these patients who did not require noncardiac surgery (relative risk 1.0, p = 0.9). The average duration of VAD support after noncardiac surgery for destination therapy patients was 324 days, most of which time was spent at home. In conclusion, outcomes after noncardiac surgery in patients with VADs are favorable, and most patients continue to benefit from the intended purpose of mechanical circulatory support after recovering from noncardiac surgery.
Investigation of the Cu(II)-Binding Properties of Alpha-Synuclein

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1 in 100 individuals over the age of 60. The hallmark of Parkinson's disease is modified dopaminergic neurons termed Lewy Bodies, of which the protein Alpha synuclein is the primary fibular component. Epidemiological studies correlated long-term metal exposure (such as in an industrial setting) with an increased incidence of fatal Parkinson's disease. Fibril assays indicated that certain metals, notably Cu(II), Fe(III) and Al(III) increase the rate of in vitro alpha synuclein fibril formation. Our work seeks to elucidate the stoichiometry, affinities, chelating residues and binding motifs of Cu(II) to alpha synuclein. Using EPR spectroscopy to analyze recombinant alpha synuclein, mutants and synthetic peptides we have determined a heretofore unknown Cu(II) binding motif. This motif may provide insight into a possible explanation for the increase in the rate of alpha synuclein fibril formation.
Numerical Modeling of Hailstorms and Hailstone Growth. Part I: Preliminary Model Verification and Sensitivity Tests

Abstract This paper is the first in a three part series describing numerical simulations of hailstorms and hailstone growth using a two-dimensional, time-dependent cloud model. In this model. cloud water, cloud ice and rain are treated via standard parameterization technique The precipitating ice field is discretized into 20 logarith-mically spaced size categories which evolve in, and interact with the time-dependent dynamic framework. Ice particles are generated by the freezing of raindrops and via a parameterization of the Bergeron process. Growth of these ice particles is based on wet and dry growth concepts applied to the continuous accretion process. The model has been used to simulate a severe supercellular hailstorm from the National Hail Research Experiment These simulations include cases assuming various microphysical configurations of the model along with simplified cloud seeding experiments The simulations indicate many areas of agreement between the model results and observation chief among th...
475 FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF THE THYROID NODULE IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Surgical biopsy has been recommended for all thyroid nodules in children because of the risk of thyroid cancer. Our 3-year experience with fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid (FNA) was reviewed to determine whether some patients with thyroid nodule could be safely followed without surgical biopsy. 17 patients, ranging in age from 5-17 years, received FNA. Based on cytologic and clinical findings, it was determined whether surgery or observation was indicated. The following diagram illustrates the results. We conclude that FNA may be used for diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodules in children and may reduce the number of patients requiring surgical biopsy.
A simple method for displaying the hydropathic character of a protein

Abstract A computer program that progressively evaluates the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of a protein along its amino acid sequence has been devised. For this purpose, a hydropathy scale has been composed wherein the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of each of the 20 amino acid side-chains is taken into consideration. The scale is based on an amalgam of experimental observations derived from the literature. The program uses a moving-segment approach that continuously determines the average hydropathy within a segment of predetermined length as it advances through the sequence. The consecutive scores are plotted from the amino to the carboxy terminus. At the same time, a midpoint line is printed that corresponds to the grand average of the hydropathy of the amino acid compositions found in most of the sequenced proteins. In the case of soluble, globular proteins there is a remarkable correspondence between the interior portions of their sequence and the regions appearing on the hydrophobic side of the midpoint line, as well as the exterior portions and the regions on the hydrophilic side. The correlation was demonstrated by comparisons between the plotted values and known structures determined by crystallography. In the case of membrane-bound proteins, the portions of their sequences that are located within the lipid bilayer are also clearly delineated by large uninterrupted areas on the hydrophobic side of the midpoint line. As such, the membrane-spanning segments of these proteins can be identified by this procedure. Although the method is not unique and embodies principles that have long been appreciated, its simplicity and its graphic nature make it a very useful tool for the evaluation of protein structures.
Distensibility Characteristics of the Human Pulmonary Vascular Bed Study of the Pressure-Volume Response to Exercise in Patients with and without Heart Disease

The changes in pulmonary blood flow, pressure, and volume during supine exercise are studied in seven patients without cardiovascular abnormality, 12 patients with aortic valve disease, 13 patients with mitral valve disease, and five patients with primary myocardial or pericardial disease. The degree of distensibility of the pulmonary vascular bed is assessed by the simultaneous changes in the magnitude of the pulmonary distending pressure (average of pulmonary artery and left atrial pressure) and of the pulmonary blood volume.
Influence of bacterial challenge and long-term progesterone on endometritis of mares

Summary Progress in treatment of endometritis in mares has been impeded by lack of an experimental model. This study tests the hypothesis that exposure of a mare's uterus to bacteria, while being treated with progesterone, will result in a compromised uterine defense after progesterone has been withdrawn. Ten mares were administered progesterone for 8 months and inoculated at the onset of treatment with a 5 x los colony forming units of(CFU) of Streptococcuszooepidemicus into the uterus. Mares were re-inoculated to maintain uterine infection, if necessary. Ten uninoculated mares with normal uteri served as controls. After the end of progesterone treat- ment all mares (treated and controls) experienced a normal estrous cycle and were inoculated with 5 x l0s CFU of Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Results of reproductive evalu- ations performed on days 2, 7 and 12 after bacterial inoculation were similar (P>0.05) for treated and controls. Pregnancy rates for treated and controls were also similar (P>0.05). Thus, the treatment evaluated in this study did not cause an alteration in the mare's ability to resolve endometritis.
High temperature, high rate homoepitaxial synthesis of diamond in a thermal plasma reactor

Abstract Millimeter sized, facetted diamond crystals have been grown epitaxially at temperatures of 1200–1400°C (± 100°C) in a thermal plasma reactor, using millimeter sized, cylindrical seed crystals. Growth rates of 100–220 μm/h were measured; these are the highest ever reported for the epitaxial synthesis of diamond at low pressures.
Staging of Liver Disease:Which Option is Right for My Patient?

It is important to assess the stage of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C to guide treatment decisions. Liver biopsy has limitations in staging fibrosis. Several blood tests, algorithms, and imaging tests have been studied as noninvasive markers to stage fibrosis in hepatitis C. In patients without suspicion for cirrhosis, 2 noninvasive methods can be used to predict presence of absence of significant liver fibrosis; however, liver biopsy remains the gold standard. It is imperative not to miss the diagnosis of cirrhosis, because this has further implications for screening of hepatocellular carcinoma and varices.
Energy metabolism and body water turnover rates of two species of free-living kangaroo rats, Dipodomys merriami and Dipodomys microps

Abstract 1. 1. The energy metabolism and comparative body water turnover rates of two species of kangaroo rats, Dipodomys merriami and Dipodomys microps , were measured in the natural environment over a 1-yr period with the D 2 18 O method. 2. 2. In addition to yielding energy metabolism data indicative of active, non-postabsorbtive animals, the results suggest that both species undergo diurnal torpor during periods of cold stress. 3. 3. Comparative water metabolism data indicate that D. merriami possesses a more conservative body water turnover rate than does D. microps . 4. 4. The D 2 18 O method of studying animal energy metabolism in the natural environment yields data not obtainable through conventional laboratory methods. It is preferable, therefore, that where practicable this method be employed in investigations of animal physiological ecology unless there is reasonable assurance that laboratory methods are adequate.
A diisopropoxyphosphonate disulfone

The title mol­ecule, diisopropyl (diisopropoxy­phosphoryl­methyl­sulfonyl­methyl­sulfonyl­meth­yl)phospho­nate, C15H34O10P2S2, represents a disulfone of a phosphate ester that has been investigated as a target for chemotherapy. The disulfone has four half-mol­ecules with crystallographic twofold symmetry in the asymmetric unit. The S=O, P=O and P—O bonds average 1.439, 1.472 and 1.567 A, respectively. Three isopropyl groups are each disordered over two sites, two of them in a 2:1 ratio and the other in a 3:2 ratio.
Does Consumer Sentiment Foretell Revolving Credit Use

The rising level of consumer debt in the U.S. is well documented. Revolving credit (credit cards) has experienced this growth, with the level of outstanding revolving credit increasing by over 600% in inflation-adjusted dollars over the past three decades. The goal here is to gauge the extent to which consumer sentiment; namely, the University of Michigan Survey Research Center Index of Consumer Sentiment, has predictive power in explaining the aggregate use of revolving credit using time-series data. The results generally show that changes in the consumer sentiment measure are related to subsequent changes in revolving credit use.
Using angle densities for 3D recognition

Using computer vision to recognize 3-D objects is complicated by the fact that geometric features vary with view orientation. The key in designing recognition algorithms is therefore based on understanding and quantifying the variation of certain cardinal features. The features selected for study in the research reported in this paper are the angles between landmarks in a scene. The spatial arrangement of landmarks on an object may constitute a unique characteristic of that object. As an example the angles between the wing tips and the nose cone of an aircraft may be adequate in distinguishing amongst a given class of aircraft. In a class of polyhedral objects the angles at certain vertices may form a distinct and characteristic alignment of faces. For many other classes of objects it may be possible to identify distinctive spatial arrangements of some readily identifiable landmarks. In this paper we derive the two dimensional joint density function of two angles in a scene given an isotropic view orientation and an orthographic projection. This analytic expression is useful in deriving likelihood functions which may be used to obtain measures of the likelihood of angle combinations in images of known objects or scenes. These likelihood functions allow us to establish statistical decision schemes to recognize objects. Experiments have been conducted to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed methods.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Toxicologic studies on a preparation of p-tertiary octylphenoxy-polyethoxy ethanols (Triton X-450)☆

Abstract Toxicologic studies have been performed on a preparation of p -tertiary octylphenoxy-polyethoxy ethanols (Triton X-450) of average molecular weight of about 2000 with an ethylene oxide content averaging about 40. Administration of single oral doses of tritium-labeled material to rats and dogs indicated very limited absorption. An attempt to obtain an oral LD 50 in rats placed the value at greater than 28 g/kg. Additional data indicate that p -tertiary octylphenoxy-polyethoxy ethanols of average ethylene oxide content of about 12 exhibit the greatest acute oral toxicity. Addition of X-405 in concentrations up to 5% to the diet of rats and dogs for a period of 3 months had no effect on survival, growth, food consumption, hematologic values, urine concentration of reducing substances or protein, organ to body weight ratios, or histopathologic findings. Similarly, addition in concentrations up to 1.4% to the diet of rats for a period of two years was without effect on the same parameters of measurement.
Pulmonary Function and Ventilatory Response to Chemical Stimuli in Familial Myopathy

We studied the pulmonary function and ventilatory response to carbon dioxide and hypoxia in three sisters aged 16, 13, and 10 years who presented with droopy eyelids, external ophthalmoplegia, hearing loss, speech difficulty, and truncal muscular weakness. Pulmonary function test results showed decreased maximum static pressure, reduced vital capacity and total lung capacity, normal functional residual capacity, elevated residual volume, and reduced dynamic pulmonary volumes. The degree of functional abnormality paralleled the severity of clinical manifestations. The characteristic picture of pulmonary functional abnormality was distinct from either restrictive disorders of pulmonary origin or obstructive pulmonary diseases. The ventilatory response to hypoxia was markedly diminished and hypercapnic response was moderately diminished in all three patients.
State Feedback Controller Design for a Class of Nonlinear Systems with General Criteria

Abstract In this work, we provide a framework for the design of linear state feedback controllers for a class of continuous-time conic nonlinear systems driven by finite energy disturbances. This controller design is presented for various performance criteria in a unified framework using linear matrix inequalities in the formulation. Illustrative examples are included.
Molecular phylogeny of RPB2 gene reveals multiple origin, geographic differentiation of H genome, and the relationship of the Y genome to other genomes in Elymus species

It has been hypothesized from isozymic and cytological studies of Elymus species that the Old and New World taxa may be of separate origin of the H genome in the StH genome species. To test this hypothesis, and estimate the phylogenetic relationships of polyploid Elymus species within the Triticeae, the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) sequence of 36 Elymus accessions containing StH or StY genomes was analyzed with those of Pseudoroegneria (St), Hordeum (H), Agropyron (P), Australopyrum (W), Lophopyrum(Ee), Thinopyrum(Eb) and Dasypyrum (V). Our data indicated that the H genome in Elymus species is differentiated in accordance with geographical origin, and that the Eurasian and American StH genome species have independent alloploid origins with different H-genome donors. Phylogenetic analysis of Y genome sequences with other genome donors (St, H, P, W) of Elymus revealed that W and P genomes are sister to Y genome with a 87% bootstrap support, and that StY and StH species group might have acquired their RPB2 St sequences from distinct Pseudoroegneria gene pools. Our data did not support the suggestion that the St and Y genomes have the same origin as put forward in a previous study using ITS data. Our result provides some insight on the origin of Y genome and its relationship to other genomes in Elymus.
A Study of Penetrating Showers at 3260 Meters

A series of experiments on local penetrating showers is described. Neon bulbs electronically connected to Geiger counters were lighted and photographed when those counters were struck in a simple coincidence. One row of counters recorded delayed coincidences. Most of the experiments described were performed at Echo Lake, Colorado, elevation 3250 meters.The experiments indicate that there are approximately equal numbers of charged and neutral primary particles. The measured mean free path is found to decrease with increasing energy. The charged primary particles are shown to have a very strong zenith angle dependence.Properties of the secondary particles of the showers were also studied. A large fraction of the penetrating particles locally produced are shown to be mesons. Of all the mesons that stop and decay in the apparatus, apparently about 16 percent are locally produced in penetrating showers. There are many short range particles produced that are not measons. The angular distribution of the penetrating secondaries about the shower axis shows a strong concentration of the particles in the forward direction, such that they could not be emitted symmetrically in the center of gravity system.
Multidimensional Dirichlet Process-Based Non-Parametric Signal Classification for Autonomous Self-Learning Cognitive Radios

In this paper, we propose a Bayesian non-parametric signal classification approach for spectrum sensing in cognitive radios (CR's). The proposed classification approach is based on the Dirichlet process mixture model (DPMM) that allows inferring the number and types of signals from their spectral and cyclic properties. The proposed algorithm is completely autonomous and does not require any prior knowledge of the existing signals or the number of distinct signal classes. We assume that the cluster parameters are drawn from a mixture model, where each mixture component parameterizes a specific observation model, including both Gaussian and non-Gaussian models. By using the Gibbs sampling, we estimate the observation model and cluster parameters that best fit the observed data. Given N data points, under certain regularity conditions, we derive an upper bound for the mean-squared error (MSE) in estimating the clusters means. A Bayesian prediction method is also developed to estimate the probability distribution of the data points. The proposed algorithm is applied to detect and classify WiFi and Bluetooth signals in the ISM band. Simulation results validate the proposed classification approach and show its robustness against channel impairments such as Rayleigh channel fading.
Effect of l-dihydroxyphenylalanine on methylation of 3H-norepinephrine and 3H-histamine

Abstract Acute administration of l -dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -dopa) to mice produced a dose-dependent decrease in O -methylation of 3 H-norepinephrine. It was maximal 35 min after l -dopa and was still apparent for up to 2 hr. It was not reversed by concomitant administration of methionine and presumably is a consequence of competitive inhibition of O -methylation of norepinephrine by the administered l -dopa. Formation of N -methylhistamine from histamine was also partly inhibited by l -dopa. This effect was short in duration; it terminated within 1 hr. It was partially reversed by methionine but not by leucine administration. The unchanged 3 H-norepinephrine was the same in both control and l -dopa-treated mice. 3 H-histamine retention was significantly higher in the l -dopa-treated animals than n control mice. The results are discussed in terms of specific and nonspecific effects of l -dopa on methylation processes.
Parameter identifiability for partial differential equations

The direct method of parameter identifiability is shown to hold for linear parabolic partial differential equations. This is in contrast to other methods of parameter identifiability which, while they hold for finite dimensional lumped systems, fail to extend to partial differential equations. It is hoped that the direct method will provide some insight into the many unanswered questions concerning parameter identifiability of partial differential equations.
Dimensions of the dendritic spine in the sensorimotor cortex of the rat, cat, squirrel monkey and man

Measurements of dendritic spines have suggested that there is similarity in the dimensions of the spines in various mammals. The present study was undertaken to determine if there is any variation in the dimension of the dendritic spine in sensorimotor cortex of rat, cat, squirrel monkey and man. Unfixed slices of rat, cat, squirrel monkey and human sensorimotor cortex were stained with either the Golgi-rapid or Golgi-Cox technique. Ultrastructural observations were confined to albino rats that were perfuse-fixed with buffered 2% osmium. With the electron microscope it was very difficult to find spines. In contradistinction, the Golgi method revealed hundreds of spines; consequently the random sample was made from the Golgi stained material. In all the examined mammals the mean length of the entire spine was about 2.0 μ (1.5–3.5) with its component parts, the stalk 1.0 μ long (0.5–2.0) and the bulb 1.0 μ in diameter (0.5–2.0). The bulb connects via the stalk with the dendrite. Synapses are only seen on the bulb; they were never found on the stalk. The size of the spine was similar in light and electron microscopy. Comparison of the size of the spines in cortex impregnated with Golgi-rapid to those impregnated with the Golgi-Cox technique shows that the size of the spine is the same regardless of the animal or Golgi method used.
Determining natal dispersal patterns in a population of North American pikas (Ochotona princeps) using direct mark-resight and indirect genetic methods

A combination of direct (mark-resight) and indirect genetic methods were tued to investigate natal dispersal patterns and genetic population structure in a population of North American pikas, Ochotona princeps. Pikas are small lagomorphs found in talus habitat of alpine areas throughout western North America. Adult pikas are individually territorial and rarely disperse. I used multilocus DNA fingerprinting to identify the parents of juvenile animait The settlement pattern of marked juveniles and the pattern of relatedness of pikas across the study site was then examined within the study area. Although juveniles born at the study site exhibited a philopatric settlement pattern, an isolation-by-distance analysis did not reveal clusters of highly related individuals within the population. The Fn mim^t* suggests little genetic differentiation between populations 2 km apart, and average DNA fingerprinting band-sharing among adults was similar to values reported for outbred spedes. An average of 34% of the adult population was replaced each winter by immigrants. DNA fingerprinting band-sharing analysis suggests that these immigrants had dispersed short, intermediate, and long distances. These findings differ from earlier studies which used observations of marked animals only to characterize dispersal patterns. Direct observations of marked juveniles had documented a philopatric settlement pattern, little or no dispersal out of natal populations, and no direct evidence of long distance movement. Of the three major hypotheses proposed to explain the evolution of dispersal in birds and mammal^, competition for resources, competition for mates, and inbreeding avoidance, the results of this study support a competition for resources hypothesis, where the key resource is territory. Kty words: dispersal patterns, genetic population structure, Ochotona princtps. [Befuzv Ecol 8:340350 (1997)]