cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative image guidance for endoscopic spine surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is a burgeoning component of the minimally invasive spine surgeon's armamentarium. The goals of minimally invasive, and likewise endoscopic, spine surgery include providing equivalent or better patient outcomes compared to conventional open surgery, while minimizing soft tissue disruption, blood loss, postoperative pain, recovery time, and time to return to normal activities. A multitude of indications for the utilization of endoscopy throughout the spinal axis now exist, with applications for both decompression as well as interbody fusion. That being said, spinal endoscopy requires many spine surgeons to learn a completely new skill set and the associated learning curve may be substantial. Fluoroscopy is most common imaging modality used in endoscopic spine surgery for the localization of spinal pathology and endoscopic access. Recently, the use of navigation has been reported to be effective, with preliminary data supporting decreased operative times and radiation exposure, as well as providing for improvements in the associated learning curve. A further development is the recent interest in combining robotic guidance with spinal endoscopy, particularly with respect to endoscopic-assisted lumbar fusion. While there is currently a paucity of literature evaluating these image modalities, they are gaining traction, and future research and innovation will likely focus on these new technologies.
The Young and the Restless: A Study of Age and Acquisition Propensity of CEOs of U.K. Firms

Using a large sample of CEOs of U.K. firms, we show that CEO age is a key determinant of acquisition activity. We find that younger CEOs are more likely to acquire another firm and spend more on large capital expenditures. We argue that while younger CEOs of both U.K. and U.S. firms undertake more acquisitions than their older peers, their motivations for acquisitions might differ. We find that the stock market perceives acquisitions by younger CEOs to be of a higher quality. Following previous studies, we use CEO tenure as a proxy for reputation, and find that large acquisitions enhance CEO reputation, especially for younger CEOs. In contrast to the previous findings for CEOs of U.S. firms, we determine that the compensation of CEOs in the U.K. does not increase after acquisitions. This absence of a compensation incentive for CEOs of U.K. firms is consistent with the idea that the U.K. compensation structure is more restrictive and has a smaller equity-based component. Our evidence is also inconsistent with an overconfidence effect. Overall, our results provide consistent evidence of executive signaling by younger CEOs of U.K. firms eager to distinguish themselves.
New Ways of Implementing Cyber Security to Help in Protecting America

Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming an area of great concern the world over, and America mainly as in the context of this research paper. With the advent and subsequent advancement of technology, computer systems, and the numerous benefits it has brought about, an ugly side of cyber-attacks has tagged along. Cybersecurity can be seen as the intentional and deliberate act of guarding information science such as computers, servers, mobile devices, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic systems from malicious attacks. Malicious attacks may come in many different forms, as we witnessed in recent times, particularly in America, where this issue has continued to deter efforts against cybersecurity aggressively. Some of the most notable or recognizable incidents of cyberattacks in the United States include one that just happened recently in which the USA Government through its State Department and the Department of Defense reported a surge of cyber attacks by the Chinese government launched against its healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies and Human Services to hamper sustained efforts of battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in guarding the national interest of America, and the present paper provides insight importance and notable events coupled with emerging tools implemented in America's cybersecurity.
Forward Solute Transport in Forward Osmosis Using a Freestanding Graphene Oxide Membrane

A graphene oxide membrane (GOM) has the potential to be used in forward osmosis (FO) because it has a high water permeability and low reverse salt flux. To explore suitable applications, we initiated the investigation of the forward solute transport through a freestanding GOM in FO. Both uncharged solutes (PEG 200 and PEG 1000) and charged solutes (NaCl, MgSO4, and MgCl2) were investigated, and the forward solute flux in FO was tested. The Donnan steric pore model (DSPM) was utilized to calculate the forward solute flux of the freestanding GOM in FO when discussing diffusion, convection, and electromigration. Our results showed that the freestanding GOM has a better separation performance for multivalent ions than the monovalent ions in the FO mode. We found an information gap between the calculated and experimental forward solute flux values, especially when charged solutes were used in the feed solution and the electrical double layer (EDL) was thick. We propose that the EDL inside the GOM has a screening effect on the forward ion transport during FO, even in the presence of relatively high water flux. According to our analysis, the forward solute transport for charged solutes is governed by steric exclusion and interfacial Donnan exclusion as well as EDL screening along the nanochannels inside the membrane. Our study provides guidance for the future use of the freestanding GOM during FO for water and wastewater treatment.
Wellness Program Implementation in an Academic Radiology Department: Determination of Need, Organizational Buy-in, and Outcomes.

Abstract Objective To implement a multifaceted wellness program in an academic radiology department to prevent burnout and to assess initial outcomes with special focus on the challenges related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A wellness program was established to address institutional and personal factors of burnout. The program focused on interventions to improve efficiency of practice, provide personal and career support, and create a culture of wellness. The components of the program were designed with input from radiology faculty, and the program was financially supported by the hospital’s physician organization. A survey was performed 6 months after the initiation of the program to determine radiologist engagement and satisfaction. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new survey was administered to identify needs of faculty and adjust initiatives. This study was exempt from institutional review board approval. Results The majority of radiologists (79%) agreed or strongly agreed that the wellness program provided opportunities to connect with coworkers. All radiologists agreed that the program was helpful and should be continued. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 49% of physicians requested initiatives focused on well-being, emotional health, and mindfulness to support them during the crisis. Conclusions The implementation of a faculty wellness program in an academic radiology department addressed institutional and personal factors of burnout, allowed faculty to connect with coworkers, and was found to be helpful by all radiologists. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted needs to well-being and emotional health initiatives. Follow-up data are necessary to assess its effect on burnout reduction.
The expression of GPRC5A in cultured normal and malignant cells is modulated by endogenous retinoids in serum

1652 GPRC5A, a gene that encodes a retinoic acid (RA) inducible G protein coupled receptor (Cheng and Lotan, J Biol Chem, 1998, 273:35008-15), is a candidate tumor suppressor in the mouse lung (Tao et al., Proc. AACR, 2004, 45: 876). The presence of a RA response element in its promoter (Tao et al., Genomics, 2004, 83:270-80) suggests that GPRC5A is a primary target of retinoids and could mediate some of their effects on cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Wu et al. reported that the GPRC5A expression is up regulated in several tumor cell lines including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines than in normal cells (J Biol Chem, 2005, 280: 12935-43). These results contradicted our observation that GPRC5A expression was high in normal lung tissue and decreased in NSCLC cell lines (Cheng and Lotan, 1998). Because primary cultures of normal epithelial cells are usually grown in serum-free medium, whereas tumor cells are cultured in medium supplemented with 10% serum (e.g., fetal bovine), we hypothesized that the differential expression of GPRC5A observed by Wu et al., may have occurred due to the presence of endogenous retinoids in the growth medium of the tumor cells but not of their normal counterparts. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed GPRC5A expression by real-time PCR using RNA isolated from different human primary cell strains and established cancer cell lines that were all cultured without or with 10% fetal bovine serum. The primary and low passage normal cell strains included cells derived from lung (n=9), breast (n=3), prostate (n=2), oral gingiva (n=1), and bladder (n=1). The established cancer cell lines included NSCLC (n=11), breast (n=9), head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (n=6), prostate (n=3), and bladder carcinomas (n=5). We found that GPRC5A was induced to some degree in 44/50 (88%) of these cells, and >2 fold in 34/50 (68%) of these cells when they were cultured with serum compared with serum-free medium. In most cases, the fold induction by serum and the induced levels of GPRC5A in the normal cells was higher than in their corresponding cancer cells. Further studies with 7 normal lung cells and 2 normal breast cell strains revealed that AGN193109, an antagonist of retinoic acid receptors, suppressed the induction of GPRC5A by serum as evident by real time- and reverse-transcription PCR. Our results demonstrate that GPRC5A expression can be induced by endogenous serum retinoids in both normal and malignant human cells and that a comparison of the expression of this and likely other genes between normal and malignant cells should be performed under the same culture conditions and medium supplements (e.g., serum) to avoid reaching potentially erroneous conclusions (e.g., that the expression of certain genes is increased in tumor cells relative to normal cells when such genes may be regulated by serum retinoids). Supported in part by Department of Defense grant DAMD W81XWH-04-1-0142.
JPCRD: 50 Years of Providing the Scientific Community with Critically Evaluated Thermodynamic Data, Predictive Methods, and Large Thermodynamic Data Compilations

A brief overview is provided on articles published in the Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data containing experimental thermodynamic data as well as group contribution methods used to predict thermodynamic quantities of organic compounds. Published papers have contained large compilations of experimental and calculated condensed-phase and gas-phase standard molar enthalpies of formation, isobaric molar heat capacities, molar enthalpies of fusion, molar enthalpies of sublimation, and molar enthalpies of vaporization.
Understanding African Socio-Cultural Context: Contemporary Challenges to Christian Missions in the 21st Century.

Heuristically, the paper seeks to understand the religious perception of Africans otherwise regarded as the indigenous people and their contact with the missionary message. It adopts a historical, hermeneutical, and critical interpretation of some preconceived ideas about Africans as well as their reactions to the gospel message. It discovers that the introduction of the faith was done with clear intentions; slavery and economic exploitation, prejudices, and hence the demeaning attitude and bastardisation of the rich socio-cultural background of the people. However, the wisdom of the continent paved the way for the accommodation of messages. The paper concludes by recommending the following as some of the way forward: the messenger bearing the message should seek to know the socio-cultural background of African tradition, the Jesus’ attitude of non-condemnation should be adopted as a global standard for all missionary volunteers to present-day Africa in order to put on record the right perspective about the people and lastly, African charismatic which has played a dominant role in the daily lives of the people has been enculturated into the life of the churches in Africa as evidenced in the dance pattern and gospel music, these should be greatly encouraged.
Hardware Support to Improve Fuzzing Performance and Precision

Coverage-guided fuzzing is considered one of the most efficient bug-finding techniques, given its number of bugs reported. However, coverage tracing provided by existing software-based approaches, such as source instrumentation and dynamic binary translation, can incur large overhead. Hindered by the significantly lowered execution speed, it also becomes less beneficial to improve coverage feedback by incorporating additional execution states. In this paper, we propose SNAP, a customized hardware platform that implements hardware primitives to enhance the performance and precision of coverage-guided fuzzing. By sitting at the bottom of the computer stack, SNAP leverages the existing CPU pipeline and micro-architectural features to provide coverage tracing and rich execution semantics with near-zero cost regardless of source code availability. Prototyped as a synthesized RISC-V BOOM processor on FPGA, SNAP incurs a barely 3.1% tracing overhead on the SPEC benchmarks while achieving a 228x higher fuzzing throughput than the existing software-based solution. Posing only a 4.8% area and 6.5% power overhead, SNAP is highly practical and can be adopted by existing CPU architectures with minimal changes.
Gregor, D.B. Friulan Language and Literature

La verkinto antaŭe verkis pli mallonge pri la friula, kaj detale pri la romanjola. La recenzata grava verko identigas la friulan sur bazoj diversgrade struktura, historia, demografia kaj kultura. Por la verkinto, dialekto igas lingvo, kiam en gi oni verkas kreive. La friula regiono estis milite grava sed malrica, spite al kelkaj industrioj. Lau la historia lingvistiko, la friula estas parenca al la lingvoj de Sudtirolo kaj Grizono, kaj estas frapa simileco al la malnovfranca. La friula akiris apartan lingvan identon jam frue, kaj ekaperis dokumentoj en gi. Enestas ampleksa sekcio pri la literaturo, kun originalaj tekstoj, kaj biografioj de la verkintoj. La literatura antologio donas specimenojn kun datoj de 1349 gis 1972. Enestas bonega sekcio pri lingvistiko, kun detala traktado de la fonologio kaj ortografio. La traktado de la verboj, frazoj, adverboj, ktp., estas detala kaj praktika. La bibliografio enhavas citajojn gis 1974.Resume, temas pri tre moderna, legebla, praktika eldonajb, en moderna etoso, sed tamen konstruata sur la fundamento de la grandaj lingvistoj de la pasinta jarcento. La verko estas testamento al la interrilato de la lingva evoluo kun sociaj, ekonomiaj kaj historiaj fortoj.
Metal (U, Fe, Mn, Hg) Cycling

Uranium Cycling Iron Cycling Manganese Cycling Mercury Cycling Keywords: iron cycling; metal cycling; metals; manganese cycling; mercury cycling; metal transformations; uranium cycling
Variation in organ quality between liver transplant centers.

A wide spectrum of quality exists among deceased donor organs available for liver transplantation. It is unknown whether some transplant centers systematically use more low quality organs, and what factors might influence these decisions. We used hierarchical regression to measure variation in donor risk index (DRI) in the United States by region, organ procurement organization (OPO) and transplant center. The sample included all adults who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation between January 12, 2005 and February 1, 2009 (n = 23 810). Despite adjusting for the geographic region and OPO, transplant centers’ mean DRI ranged from 1.27 to 1.74, and could not be explained by differences in patient populations such as disease severity. Larger volume centers and those having competing centers within their OPO were more likely to use higher risk organs, particularly among recipients with lower model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. Centers using higher risk organs had equivalent waiting list mortality rates, but tended to have higher post-transplant mortality (hazard ratio 1.10 per 0.1 increase in mean DRI). In conclusion, the quality of deceased donor organ patients receive is variable and depends in part on the characteristics of the transplant center they visit.
Slow esophageal propagation velocity: association with dysphagia for solids.

Background Spastic disorders of the esophagus, associated with rapid esophageal propagation velocity, are classically associated with dysphagia and/or chest pain. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with slow esophageal propagation velocity (SPV) on high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM). Methods A review of patients undergoing HRM was conducted during 1-year study period. Patients with achalasia, aperistalsis, and diffuse esophageal spasm were excluded. Patients with contractile front velocity (CFV) ≤2.3 cm s−1 were defined as having SPV, whereas normal propagation velocity (NPV) was defined as ≥2.6 cm s−1. A composite isobaric contour of all swallows for each patient was generated to determine composite distal contraction latency (cDL). Key Results A total of 650 HRMs were reviewed and 552 met inclusion criteria. 173 patients had SPV and 339 had NPV. There was a greater female predominance in the SPV group compared with NPV (75.7%vs 66.4%, P = 0.03). Patients in the SPV group reported more dysphagia for solids (66.3%vs 53.3%; P = 0.004) and nausea (68.6%vs 59.0%; P = 0.04) than NPV group. Dysphagia for solids was the only symptom significantly associated with SPV group (OR = 2.21, CI = 1.21–4.02; P = .01). There was a negative correlation between CFV and cDL, r = −0.494, P < 0.001. Conclusions & Inferences Patients with SPV have a higher prevalence of dysphagia for solids and nausea when compared with NPV. Dysphagia for solids was the only symptom significantly associated with SPV group. Thus, abnormal esophageal propagation velocity (both slow and rapid) is associated with dysphagia.
Patterns of Human Antibody Reactions in Coccidioidomycosis

Abstract Sawaki, Y. (Veterans Administration Hospital, San Fernando, Calif.), M. Huppert, J. W. Bailey, and Y. Yagi. Patterns of human antibody reactions in coccidioidomycosis. J. Bacteriol. 91:422–427. 1966.—At least two antigen-antibody systems in coccidioidomycosis have been demonstrated by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, including the use of I131-coccidioidin. Sera which were positive in the conventional complement-fixation (CF) test, but negative in the tube precipitin (TP) test, yielded only one line of precipitate in the immunodiffusion test. In immunoelectrophoresis, also, there was only one precipitate arc which appeared in the γ2-globulin region. On the other hand, sera which were positive in both CF and TP tests yielded two different lines in the immunodiffusion test. In immunoelectrophoresis, also, there were two precipitate arcs: one in the γ2-globulin region and the other in the γ1-globulin area. Radioimmunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that the antibody activity in IG-G globulin, roughly parallels the CF titer. A similar correlation existed between the IG-M antibody activity and the TP reactivity. Antibody activity was present in the IG-A globulin but it did not reflect either CF or TP activity.
Interactions between leukotriene C4 and interleukin 13 signaling pathways in a mouse model of airway disease.

Abstract Context.—During an asthmatic episode, leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13) are released into the airways and are thought to be central mediators of the asthmatic response. However, little is known about how these molecules interact or affect each other's signaling pathway. Objective.—To determine if the LTC4 and IL-13 signaling pathways interact with each other's pathways. Design.—We examined airway responsiveness, cysteinyl LTs (Cys-LTs), and Cys-LT and IL-13 receptor transcript levels in wild-type mice and in mice that were deficient in γ-glutamyl leukotrienase (an enzyme that converts LTC4 to LTD4), STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 [a critical molecule in IL-13 signaling]), and IL-4Rα (a subunit of the IL-13 receptor). Results.—Wild-type (C57BL/129SvEv) and γ-glutamyl leukotrienase–deficient mice showed increased airway responsiveness after intranasal instillation of IL-13; similar results were observed after intranasal instillation of IL-13 or LTC4 in a se...
Visualization-by-Sketching: An Artist's Interface for Creating Multivariate Time-Varying Data Visualizations

We present Visualization-by-Sketching, a direct-manipulation user interface for designing new data visualizations. The goals are twofold: First, make the process of creating real, animated, data-driven visualizations of complex information more accessible to artists, graphic designers, and other visual experts with traditional, non-technical training. Second, support and enhance the role of human creativity in visualization design, enabling visual experimentation and workflows similar to what is possible with traditional artistic media. The approach is to conceive of visualization design as a combination of processes that are already closely linked with visual creativity: sketching, digital painting, image editing, and reacting to exemplars. Rather than studying and tweaking low-level algorithms and their parameters, designers create new visualizations by painting directly on top of a digital data canvas, sketching data glyphs, and arranging and blending together multiple layers of animated 2D graphics. This requires new algorithms and techniques to interpret painterly user input relative to data “under” the canvas, balance artistic freedom with the need to produce accurate data visualizations, and interactively explore large (e.g., terabyte-sized) multivariate datasets. Results demonstrate a variety of multivariate data visualization techniques can be rapidly recreated using the interface. More importantly, results and feedback from artists support the potential for interfaces in this style to attract new, creative users to the challenging task of designing more effective data visualizations and to help these users stay “in the creative zone” as they work.
Nominate a great science story for the Sullivan or Perlman award

It is now easier for you to nominate outstanding science journalists for AGU's Sullivan and Perlman Awards. These annual awards recognize outstanding articles or broadcasts that effectively explain new research in the Earth and space sciences to lay audiences through the mass media.
The social support networks of procrastinators: Friends or family in times of trouble?

Abstract Across two studies behavioral procrastination was not significantly related to social support network size or social desirability. In the first study ( n =116), however, procrastination tendencies were significantly related to satisfaction with social and emotional support received from one's friends but not from one's immediate family members. In the second study ( n =107), procrastination tendencies were significantly related to more conflicts in relationship with one's parents and best friend of the same sex, as well as less depth in the relationship with one's father and same sex best friend. Results from these studies were obtained for both men and women. It seems that frequent procrastination may be associated with poor family relations and disrupted or dissatisfying social relationships.
Stromal cell lines from the aorta-gonado-mesonephros region are potent supporters of murine and human hematopoiesis.

Objective The hematopoietic system is nurtured by a supportive stroma environment allowing maintenance and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). However, only a limited number of these stromal cell clones support hematopoiesis in the absence of cytokine supplementation. So far, only two bone marrow–derived stromal cell lines (OP9 and S17) are capable of inducing hematopoietic differentiation of totipotent murine and human embryonic stem cells (ESC). Here, the potential of more than 100 stromal cell lines developed from the aorta-gonado-mesonephros (AGM) region was investigated in supporting adult and embryonic hematopoiesis. In addition, extensive phenotypic analysis should elucidate possible mechanisms involved in maintenance of hematopoietic stem cell function. Methods More than 100 stromal cell clones derived from the AGM region of E10.5 mouse embryos were isolated. Hematopoietic stem cell support was tested for adult murine and human cord blood hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic cells derived from murine ESC. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization was performed including gene array analysis. Results It was demonstrated that multiple clones showed high efficiency in supporting maintenance and expansion of primitive murine and human hematopoietic progenitors. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time that AGM stromal cell lines are also potent inducers of hematopoietic differentiation of murine ESC. Microarray analysis of AGM lines revealed a characteristic genotype with expression of genes involved in regulating hematopoiesis as well as mesodermal and early B cell development. Conclusion These AGM stromal cell lines may be of value in elucidating molecular mechanisms regulating early stem cell development and hematopoietic differentiation from ES-derived mesoderm.
Mechanisms of cardioprotection resulting from Brown Norway chromosome 16 substitution in the salt-sensitive Dahl rat

The SS-16BN/Mcwi consomic rat was produced by the introgression of chromosome 16 from the Brown Norway (BN/NHsdMcwi) rat onto the genetic background of the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS/Mcwi) rat by mark...
Catalytic Fe-xN Sites in Carbon Nanotubes

To reduce fuel cell cost, durable and inexpensive electrode catalysts need to be developed to replace precious metal materials, particularly for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction at cathodes. In this study, we explored the structure and the energetics of Fe-xN (x = 2,4) incorporated into carbon nanotubes and graphene using density functional theory to show that these structures are more stable than iron atoms on nanotubes and that pyridinic structures of Fe-4N are more favorable than pyrrolic structures. EXAFS spectra simulated from the optimized structures show good agreement with results of measurements obtained on arrays of aligned nanotubes doped with iron and nitrogen, which have demonstrated activity toward oxygen-reduction reactions.
Illness as Metaphor: Christa Wolf, the GDR, and Beyond

Christa Wolf's 2002 narrative Leibhaftig continues the author's longstanding preoccupation with illness as a metaphor. A nameless female protagonist, who neglects to seek prompt medical attention for a common appendicitis, waivers on the fringes of consciousness as her body combats the lingering effects of infection. Because the narrative reflects events from 1988, critics have chosen to read it as a metaphor for Wolf's struggle to come to terms with the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Such an interpretation fails to take into account Wolf's continued use of illness as a metaphor in other literary texts and in her essays. Closer examination of Wolf's use of illness in this text reveals significantly broader implications for understanding the metaphor. The illness that is central to Leibhaftig represents not only a direct confrontation with the GDR's history but also a continuation of Wolf's self-exploration. Wolf's concern with world affairs in a broader sense allows us to read Leibhaftig as a commentar...
Oncogenic mutations counteract intrinsic disorder in the EGFR kinase and promote receptor dimerization

The mutation and overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with the development of a variety of cancers, making this prototypical dimerization-activated receptor tyrosine kinase a prominent target of cancer drugs. Using long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the N lobe dimerization interface of the wild-type EGFR kinase domain is intrinsically disordered and that it becomes ordered only upon dimerization. Our simulations suggest, moreover, that some cancer-linked mutations distal to the dimerization interface, particularly the widespread L834R mutation (also referred to as L858R), facilitate EGFR dimerization by suppressing this local disorder. Corroborating these findings, our biophysical experiments and kinase enzymatic assays indicate that the L834R mutation causes abnormally high activity primarily by promoting EGFR dimerization rather than by allowing activation without dimerization. We also find that phosphorylation of EGFR kinase domain at Tyr845 may suppress the intrinsic disorder, suggesting a molecular mechanism for autonomous EGFR signaling.
A general approach for developing a commercial micropropagation system

Five distinct steps can be recognized in the establishment of a plant in a commercial micropropagation system, especially if the most utilized approach (shoot culture) is the focus. Failure at any one step can make the total system commercially unworkable. When one considers a plant without extensive previous history of microculture, the first step involves an analysis of the potential market (economic reality) as well as the plant’s general growth habit (biological reality). For the latter, the general growth habit of the plant can provide valuable predictive information as to the potential ease of microculture. For example, plants showing indeterminant herbaceous growth (e.g., Chrysanthemum, Solanum, Dieffenbachia) or continuous woody seasonal growth (e.g., Betula, Ulmus, Thuja) are generally much more amenable to microculture than those that are determinant herbaceous (e.g., Panix, Paeonia) or episodic woody organisms (e.g., Quercus, Pinus). At times, an episodic habitat can be overcome in microculture (Syringa, Rhododendron). The next four steps involve the actual manipulation and microculture of the plant and include the initiation, stabilization, optimization, and production phases. The most intensive analytical step is usually the optimization phase in which plant growth regulator response curves, replication, repetition through multiple subcultures, and evaluation of productivity and product quality are involved. The intent of this discussion is to help develop a decision tool to be used as a first approach to designing a potential new micropropagation system for an untested plant genotype.
Magnetic susceptibility observation of removing oxygen from some Chevrel compounds

A refined method for preventing the incorporation of oxygen into Chevrel compounds is presented. This method has been used in producing Cu1.8Mo6S8, SnMo6S8, and PbMo6S8. The removal of oxygen enhances the magnetic susceptibility of these materials as well as raising their superconducting transition temperatures. The curves of magnetic susceptibility versus temperature show structures that may indicate lattice deformations.
Effect of a modified milk fat and calcium in purified diets on cholesterol metabolism in hamsters.

Modification of milk fat both by partially replacing saturated FA with oleic acid (18∶1) and by increasing calcium intake independently reduces plasma cholesterol. Whether modification of both factors together would synergistically reduce plasma cholesterol is unknown. Seventy-two male golden Syrian hamsters were separated into four diet treatment groups (n=18/group) and fed ad libitum for 7 wk. Diets contained either modified milk fat (MMF) or regular milk fat (RMF) with either 0.5% (MMF and RMF) or 1.3% calcium (w/w) (MMFC and RMFC). All diets contained 11% test fat, 4% soybean oil, and 0.15% cholesterol (w/w). During the last week, feces were collected for three consecutive days for analysis of fecal FA, cholesterol, and calcium excretion. Overnight-fasted animals were sacrificed, and plasma and livers were collected for lipid analysis. Neither MMF nor additional calcium significantly affected plasma lipids. However, significant interactions existed between MMF and additional calcium for the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (LDL/HDL), indicating that increased calcium intake reduced this ratio only in RMF animals. In addition, MMF reduced LDL/HDL relative to RMF. MMF significantly increased hepatic total and esterified cholesterol. Additional calcium significantly increased fecal calcium and saturated FA (SFA) excretion, whereas MMF significantly reduced SFA excretion. RMFC induced the highest excretion of 16∶0 among all groups. Replacement of SFA with 18∶1 in the MMF reduced the impact of high calcium on LDL/HDL. Additional calcium reduced LDL/HDL only in the presence of RMF, which may be achieved through an increased excretion of 16∶0.
Gap junctions from the lens: Purification and characterization by chemical crosslinking reagent

Abstract Quantitation of gap junction preparations from chick lens by transmission electron microscopy has indicated that 95.0% of the membrane bilayer material is in the form trilayer structures. The preparations were comprised of a major polypeptide component of 26K, as well as minor components of 49K, 46K and 22K–15K. Treatment with oxidizing agent resulted in the production of apparent homo-oligomeric complexes involving the 26K and 46K components. These results demonstrate that the 26K polypeptide is the major component of highly purified preparations of lens gap junctions. Furthermore, they demonstrate that this 26K component plus an additional 46K component are both involved in extensive nearest-neighbor interactions in the intact junctional complex.
Subjective State, Blood Pressure, and Behavioral Control Changes Produced by an "Energy Shot"

Background: Energy drinks and energy shots are popular consumer beverages that are advertised to increase feelings of alertness. Typically, these products include high levels of caffeine, a mild psychostimulant drug. The scientific evidence demonstrating the specific benefits of energy products to users in terms of subjective state and objective performance is surprisingly lacking. Moreover, there are rising health concerns associated with the use of these products. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a popular energy shot (5-Hour Energy®) on subjective and objective measures that were assessed hourly for 6 hours following consumption. Methods: Participants (n=14) completed a three-session study where they received the energy shot, a placebo control, and no drink. Following dose administration, participants completed subjective Profile of Mood States ratings hourly for 6 hours. Participants also repeatedly completed a behavioral control task (the cued go/no-go task) and provided blood pressure and pulse rate readings at each hour. Results: Consumption of the energy shot did improve subjective state, as measured by increased ratings of vigor and decreased ratings of fatigue. However, the energy shot did not alter objective performance, which worsened over time. Importantly, the energy shot elevated both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Consumption of one energy shot may only result in modest benefits to subjective state. Individuals with preexisting hypertension or other medical conditions should be cautious about using these new consumer products.
Seasonal Adjustment of Economic Time Series and Multiple Regression Analysis

Abstract The logical implications of certain simple consistency requirements for appraising alternative procedures for seasonal adjustment constitute the first problem considered in this paper. It is shown that any sum preserving technique of seasonal adjustment that satisfies the quite reasonable requirements of orthogonality and idempotency can be executed on the electronic computer by standard least squares regression procedures. Problems involved in utilizing seasonally adjusted data when estimating the parameters of econometric models are examined. Extending the fundamental Frisch-Waugh theorem concerning trend and regression analysis to encompass problems of seasonality facilitates the comparison of the implications of running regressions on data subjected to prior seasonal adjustment with the effects of including dummy variables with unadjusted data. Complicated types of moving seasonal patterns that may be handled by the dummy variable procedure are considered. Although efficient estimates of the ...
Pathogenesis of Renal Cyst Expansion: Opportunities for Therapy

Renal epithelial cysts are caused by hereditary or acquired etiologies of undetermined molecular mechanisms. The cysts develop within renal tubules by pathogenetic processes that involve cellular proliferation, accumulation of tubule fluid within distended cavities, and remodelling of extracellular matrix. Evidence is accumulating to support the view that renal cysts are composed of moderately dedifferentiated, immature epithelial cells that proliferate abnormally and transport solute and fluid by secretion, in contrast to the usual absorptive movement of liquid in normal renal tubules. The formation and expansion of renal cysts occurs in conjunction with alterations in the extracellular matrix, including thickening of the tubule basement membrane, infiltration of the interstitium with mononuclear inflammatory cells, and interstitial fibrosis. The pathogenetic elements of cyst formation are understood well enough that it is reasonable, and of considerable importance, to examine in animal models treatment strategies that may be hypothesized to allay the progression of cystic disease to end-stage renal failure.
Physically plausible simulation for character animation

Artist-created animated characters can exhibit stylized, engaging behavior, but require considerable effort to construct, while interactive applications require numerous motions and variations to create a dynamic, believable character. This paper describes a method for generating some of these variations automatically: given a stream of poses, our method simulates plausible responses to physical disturbances and environmental variations. Our quasi-physical simulation accounts for the dynamics of the character and surrounding objects, but does not require the motion to be physically valid, making it suitable for both realistic and stylized, cartoony motions. It further does not require any preprocessing, allowing it to run as an online filter that transforms the output of any real-time animation system. Our prototype runs at 50 Hz, on bipeds and quadrupeds with over 50 degrees of freedom, and generates plausible variations for walking, running, hopping, crawling, rolling, cartwheeling, and other motions.
Regulation of acetylcholinesterase in cultured muscle by chemical agents and electrical stimulation.

Abstract Cultures of 11 day old chick embryo pectoral muscle were used to study the effects of direct electrical stimulation and neurochemicals such as acetylcholine, acetyl-β-methylcholine, tetrodotoxin, and d-tubocurarine on the acetylcholinesterase levels of muscle. The results suggest that excitation-contraction is an important factor in regulation of muscle acetylcholinesterase. Tetrodotoxin, acetylcholine and its analog acetyl-β-methylcholine increased acetylcholinesterase levels and reduced spontaneous contractions, d-tubocurarine blocked the increase in acetylcholinesterase and the decrease in spontaneous contractions caused by acetyl-β)-methylcholine. Electrical stimulation decreased acetylcholinesterase and increased muscle contractions in normal and in diisopropylfluorophosphate treated cultures. Tetrodotoxin also affected the morphology of the muscle cells, as if it adversely affected normal growth and differentiation. Electrical stimulation did not increase muscle creatine kinase.
F-K Domain Characteristics of the Seismic Response of a Set of Parallel Discrete Fractures

We model seismic wave propagation in a reservoir with discrete fracture zones using a finite difference scheme, which implements the Coates-Schoenberg formulation for fractured media. We study the variation of scattered energy in the direction perpendicular and parallel to the fracture strike. In the modeled data, we observe variations in the coherence of seismic energy and interference between backward and forward scattered energy. We then sorted data from the Emilio field in Italy in azimuthal gathers. These panels show a striking qualitative resemblance to the modeled data. We conclude that, in this case, a discrete representation of the fractures in the reservoir predicts the observation in the field data well. This supports the idea that fractures can cluster into fracture zones that scatter seismic energy. We then analyze the seismic energy on a profile in the direction perpendicular to the fracture strike. First we use estimated scattered energy in a window around the target zone to estimate the spacing between large fracture zones. The scattered energy in a later time window is shown to consist of mainly P to S scattered energy. For the estimation of smaller spacings, we rely on the smaller wavelength of these converted waves to illuminate finer structure. The result of spacing estimation is not very sensitive to the time window from which we estimate the scattered energy, because, in f-k domain, the wavenumber values of the dominant backscattered energy within successive time windows are almost the same, but frequency content drops gradually. Finally we apply this analysis to field data from Emilio Oil Field, and estimate a fracture spacing of about 40 m.
ANAESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF A PATIENT WITH FACIOSCAPULOHUMERAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

We describe the anaesthetic management of a patient with a rare form of muscular dystrophy (Facioscapulohumeral or Landouzy—Dejerine type). Anaesthesia and controlled ventilation using alfentanil-nitrous oxide and atracurium was satisfactory. In this patient, sensitivity to atracurium was found to be similar to that of the normal population, but more rapid recovery was observed.
SU‐FF‐T‐11: Dosimetry Comparison of LDR 137Cs and LDR 252Cf Brachytherapy Sources

Purpose: Hundreds of patients have received gynecological brachytherapy treatments in the US using applicator tube-type (AT) low dose rate (LDR) 252Cf sources. However, its mixed-field radiation dose distributions have not been characterized using the AAPM Task Group 43 dosimetry formalism, nor quantitatively compared to conventional photon-emitting sources. Towards clinical implementation of LDR 252Cf brachytherapy for gynecological applications, the mixed-field dosimetry for this source type has been modeled using Monte Carlo methods and compared to dose distributions produced by LDR 137Cs brachytherapy sources. Method and Materials: Mixed-field dose distributions in the vicinity of an AT LDR 252Cf brachytherapy source were calculated using MCNP5 in a 50 cm diameter spherical phantom composed of water, soft tissue, and muscle. ENDF 252Cf neutron energy spectrum was used. Published 252Cf photon energy spectra were employed and compared. The MCNP F4 and F6 calculation tallies were utilized for determining various dosimetric components. These include the source photon, neutron capture photon, fast neutron, and thermal neutron dose components. The LDR 137Cs source used for comparison was the 3M Model 6500. Results: Brachytherapy dosimetry parameters for LDR 252Cf neutrons were in agreement with previously published values. TG-43 dosimetry parameters for 252Cf photons exhibited a maximum g(r) value at 10 cm due to induction of capture photons in the phantom and a general decrease in anisotropy with increasing radial distance. 252Cf photon spectra including estimates of delayed photons exhibited −2% difference in g(r) and 5% relative variation in anisotropy at θ = 0°. Dose distributions generated from dosimetry parameters for LDR AT 252Cf were similar to those produced by conventional 137 Cs sources using the Pinnacle 3 Planning System. Conclusion: Using appropriate radiobiological weighting for 252Cf neutrons, treatment planning for AT LDR 252Cf sources may be performed and compared to conventional 137Cs dosimetry for gynecological applications.
Locally coupled evolution of wave and particle distribution in general magnetoplasma geometry

Abstract Self-consistent kinetic equations are obtained for the evolution of plasma-wave action density in ray phase space and oscillation-center density in guiding-center phase space. Both resonant and nonresonant interactions are included, in a strong, weakly nonuniform magnetic field. Energy conservation and entropy production are the hallmarks of self-consistency.
A study of student outcomes and teacher characteristics in exemplary middle and junior high science programs

Recent efforts of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have encouraged collaborative “research partnerships” between university researchers and classroom science teachers. This research partners study, begun in 1987, examined student outcomes and teacher characteristics in middle/junior high exemplary programs identified by the NSTA's Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE). A second year of the study has been completed involving SESE program teachers with similar instructional profiles. Using Iowa Test of Basic Skills and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) items, key teachers in those SESE programs examined their seventh- and eighth-grade student outcomes in three domains: (a) knowledge, (b) attitudes, and (c) applications/connections. Results were compared with national populations. A similar study was conducted during the second year, involving teachers from the first year and additional teachers with instructional practice profiles similar to those in SESE programs. Teachers were surveyed using a questionnaire from the Report of the 1977 National Survey of Science, Mathematics and Social Studies Education Teachers (Weiss, 1978a) and supplemental questions (Bonnstetter, 1985). This study found that in exemplary middle/junior high programs: (a) as a group, students achieve high scores in science knowledge and maintain or develop positive attitudes toward science; and (b) students need opportunities to make connections between what they learn in science and personal responsibility.
Steady-state and transient hydrocarbon production in graphite by low energy impact of atomic and molecular deuterium projectiles

We report measurements of steady-state yields of methyl, methane and heavier hydrocarbons for deuterium atomic and molecular ions incident on ATJ graphite, HOPG, and a-C:D thin films in the energy range 10-200 eV/D. The yields were determined using a QMS technique in conjunction with calibrated hydrocarbon leaks. We have also studied transient hydrocarbon production and hydrogen (deuterium) re-emission for 80 and 150 eV/D D + , D - 2 , and D - 3 projectiles incident on ATJ graphite surfaces pre-loaded to steady state by 20 eV/D beams of the corresponding species. Immediately after starting the higher-energy beams, transient hydrocarbon and D 2 re-emission yields significantly larger than steady-state values were observed, which exponentially decayed as a function of beam fluence. The initial yield values were related to the starting hydrocarbon and deuterium densities in the prepared sample, while the exponential decay constants provided information on the hydrocarbon kinetic release and hydrogen (deuterium) detrapping cross-sections.