cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cycle day 2 insulin-like growth factor-1 serum levels as a prognostic tool to predict controlled ovarian hyperstimulation outcomes in poor responders.

Objective To study whether patients exhibiting poor ovarian response have abnormal levels of serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 on cycle day 2 when compared with age-matched normal and high responders. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting University-based practice. Patient(s) All women between the ages of 21 and 42 years who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment cycle without estrogen pretreatment at our institution between 2013 and 2015. Intervention(s) Patients were separated into three groups: poor responders (≤4 oocytes retrieved/cycle cancellation), normal responders (8–12 oocytes), and high responders (≥18 oocytes). Subanalysis focused on the next cycle for poor responders adjacent to the nonpretreated index cycle, in which estrogen pretreatment was implemented. Main Outcome Measure(s) Serum cycle day 2: IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 levels, and IGF-1:IGFBP3 ratio, number of eggs retrieved, number of two pronuclei embryos, cumulative pregnancy rate, and live birth. Result(s) A total of 184 patients met the inclusion criteria. The poor responder group exhibited a more than twofold increase in the cycle day IGF-1 serum levels when compared with normal responders and a threefold increase when compared with the high responders. Cycle day 2 IGF-1 level >72 ng/mL in poor responders had 70% sensitivity and 78% specificity for a negative controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycle outcome with an area under the curve of 0.83. Luteal estrogen pretreatment in the poor responder group was associated with a significant reduction in IGF-1 levels. Significantly, more retrieved and mature oocytes, as well as two pronuclei embryos, were achieved in the pretreated poor responder group when compared with the yield from their adjacent nonpretreated index cycles. Furthermore, cumulative rates were higher for intrauterine pregnancies, and lower for negative pregnancy outcome. Conclusion(s) Patients who respond poorly to controlled ovarian stimulation, despite normal cycle day 2 follicle-stimulating hormone levels, have significantly higher serum cycle day 2 IGF-1 levels when compared with age-matched normal and high responders. Cycle day 2 IGF-1 level >72 ng/mL in poor responders was predictive of a negative cycle outcome. Luteal estrogen pretreatment in the poor responder group was associated with a significant reduction in IGF-1 levels, improved response to stimulation, and higher cumulative rates for intrauterine pregnancies, and lower for negative pregnancy outcome.
Heritable anisotropy associated with cognitive impairments among patients with schizophrenia and their non-psychotic relatives in multiplex families

Background To test the functional implications of impaired white matter (WM) connectivity among patients with schizophrenia and their relatives, we examined the heritability of fractional anisotropy (FA) measured on diffusion tensor imaging data acquired in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and its association with cognitive performance in a unique sample of 175 multigenerational non-psychotic relatives of 23 multiplex schizophrenia families and 240 unrelated controls (total = 438). Methods We examined polygenic inheritance (h2r) of FA in 24 WM tracts bilaterally, and also pleiotropy to test whether heritability of FA in multiple WM tracts is secondary to genetic correlation among tracts using the Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines. Partial correlation tests examined the correlation of FA with performance on eight cognitive domains on the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery, controlling for age, sex, site and mother's education, followed by multiple comparison corrections. Results Significant total additive genetic heritability of FA was observed in all three-categories of WM tracts (association, commissural and projection fibers), in total 33/48 tracts. There were significant genetic correlations in 40% of tracts. Diagnostic group main effects were observed only in tracts with significantly heritable FA. Correlation of FA with neurocognitive impairments was observed mainly in heritable tracts. Conclusions Our data show significant heritability of all three-types of tracts among relatives of schizophrenia. Significant heritability of FA of multiple tracts was not entirely due to genetic correlations among the tracts. Diagnostic group main effect and correlation with neurocognitive performance were mainly restricted to tracts with heritable FA suggesting shared genetic effects on these traits.
Hypofractionated Postoperative Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Is the Field Ready Yet?

Abstract Context Radiotherapy (RT) is a valid adjuvant treatment for men with high-risk pathological features after radical prostatectomy and a salvage treatment for biochemical recurrence. A major inconvenience is that RT takes course over 7–8 wk in these settings, which has been shown to limit its use. Retrospective and pilot prospective investigations suggest that hypofractionation may provide noninferior outcomes but report variable results regarding toxicities. Additionally, our evolving understanding of prostate cancer radiobiology suggests that hypofractionated regimens may not increase toxicity. Objective We examine and review the rationale and clinical evidence of hypofractionated RT in the adjuvant and salvage settings for prostate cancer. Evidence acquisition We reviewed relevant literature, with a particular focus on recent studies employing hypofractionated RT. Evidence synthesis Hypofractionated RT in the adjuvant or salvage setting is not a standard option for prostate cancer RT outside of an investigational trial. While smaller studies show conflicting data regarding toxicity, initial evidence from larger clinical trials appears to demonstrate that hypofractionated postoperative RT is as effective and safe as conventionally fractionated courses. Conclusions With the growing acceptance of hypofractionation across other cancer sites and the rise of extreme hypofractionation for definitive prostate cancer treatment, hypofractionated postoperative therapy for prostate cancer is poised to become an option, as it may reduce the burden on men and treatment centers while maintaining clinical efficacy and safety. Prospective trials are currently ongoing to address efficacy and safety concerns. Patient summary Postoperative radiotherapy is a potentially curative treatment for patients with high-risk disease or recurrence after surgery. Shortening of the treatment regimen with the availability of modern treatment delivery techniques in conjunction with the integration of molecular imaging information to refine treatment volumes may improve therapeutic benefit without increasing toxicity.
Needs Assessment to Inform and Improve Educational Practices Surrounding Omega-3 Consumption during Pregnancy

Adequate dietary consumption of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) during pregnancy has been associated with better maternal and infant health outcomes. Given that the primary source of n-3 LCPUFA is fish and fish oils, concerns surrounding contamination and uncertainty of safe fish intake guidelines have negatively affected consumption of fish during pregnancy. Although obstetric healthcare providers are in a unique position to influence dietary intake patterns, a gap exists in their understanding the knowledge and practices surrounding n-3 LCPUFA. This needs assessment investigation evaluated knowledge, attitudes and prescribing/recommending practices of obstetric practitioners surrounding n-3 LCPUFA consumption and/or supplementation to generate evidence supporting the development of targeted educational initiatives. A cross-sectional, needs assessment was conducted using anonymous online-survey of affiliate members of the American College of Nurse Midwives (N = 105). A 24-item, previously validated (α = 0.86) needs assessment survey (Obstetric Clinicians Omega-3 Survey, OCOS) was used to assess attitudes, knowledge, and prescribing practices surrounding n-3 LCPUFA. The total OCOS score representing attitudes, knowledge and prescribing patterns collectively was 69.48% (Mean = 79.90(± 12.44), score range = 24–115). Scores for the sub-domains included attitude 68.33% (Mean = 20.50(± 3.64), score range = 6–30); knowledge 71.40% (Mean = 30.70(± 5.43), score range = 9–43); and prescribing patterns 68.31% (Mean = 28.69(± 5.39), score range = 9–42). Although the majority of respondents had fair-moderate n-3 LCPUFA knowledge, attitudes and prescribing/recommending, our results highlight an opportunity for additional research and educational outreach targeting improved n-3 LCPUFA knowledge and practices. Specific areas of educational interest included associated health outcomes, dosing and safe consumption guidelines.
Increased Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Variants B.1.351 and B.1.1.7 to Antibody Neutralization

The Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged the globe, and its causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, continues to rage. Prospects of ending this pandemic rest on the development of effective interventions. Two monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics have received emergency use authorization, and more are in the pipeline. Furthermore, multiple vaccine constructs have shown promise, including two with ~95% protective efficacy against Covid-19. However, these interventions were directed toward the initial SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2019. Considerable viral evolution has occurred since, including variants with a D614G mutation that have become dominant. Viruses with this mutation alone do not appear to be antigenically distinct, however. Recent emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 in the UK and B.1.351 in South Africa is of concern because of their purported ease of transmission and extensive mutations in the spike protein. We now report that B.1.1.7 is refractory to neutralization by most mAbs to the N-terminal domain (NTD) of spike and relatively resistant to a number of mAbs to the receptor-binding domain (RBD). It is modestly more resistant to convalescent plasma (~3 fold) and vaccinee sera (~2 fold). Findings on B.1.351 are more worrisome in that this variant is not only refractory to neutralization by most NTD mAbs but also by multiple potent mAbs to the receptor-binding motif on RBD, largely due to an E484K mutation. Moreover, B.1.351 is markedly more resistant to neutralization by convalescent plasma (~11-33 fold) and vaccinee sera (~6.5-8.6 fold). B.1.351 and emergent variants with similar spike mutations present new challenges for mAb therapy and threaten the protective efficacy of current vaccines.
Techno-economic Analysis of Farm Scale Plug-flow Anaerobic Digestion

Treating animal wastes through anaerobic digestion (AD) yields methane-rich biogas that can be used for power generation or heating, and a nutrient-rich digestate that can be land applied as fertilizer. Anaerobic digestion also reduces odors from stored and land applied manures. Despite these benefits, AD deployment rates in the United States (US) are only 5% for dairy farms identified as being suitable for AD by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The objective of this study was to analyze the economic and technical limitations of farm-scale plug-flow anaerobic digesters using a simple model permitting insight into the fundamental constraints on the technology. A model was developed to determine the cost of methane produced via AD based on operation size. For context, the cost of ADmethane was then compared to commercial methane costs (i.e., natural gas). The analysis shows how critical farm size is to making AD-methane cost-competitive with natural gas. At low herd sizes (below 400 animals), carbon credits and odor reductions alone appear insufficient to overcome the relatively low commercial energy rates in the US. However, moderate reductions in digester cost and interest rate, coupled with moderate increases in amortization period, and/or natural gas prices appear could make AD more competitive with commercial energy in the US even at relatively small herd sizes (ca. 200 animals).
DASH Diet Concordance Among Adults in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study (2010–2013)

Objectives South Asian Americans have a disproportionately higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and risk factors, such as hypertension compared to non-Hispanic whites and other Asian American groups. Our objective was to investigate adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), an established dietary pattern to reduce blood pressure, and association with sociodemographic, body composition, and ASCVD risk factors.
Assessment with clinical data of a coupled bio-hemodynamics numerical model to predict leukocyte adhesion in coronary arteries

Numerical simulations of coupled hemodynamics and leukocyte transport and adhesion inside coronary arteries have been performed. Realistic artery geometries have been obtained for a set of four patients from intravascular ultrasound and angiography images. The numerical model computes unsteady three-dimensional blood hemodynamics and leukocyte concentration in the blood. Wall-shear stress dependent leukocyte adhesion is also computed through agent-based modeling rules, fully coupled to the hemodynamics and leukocyte transport. Numerical results have a good correlation with clinical data. Regions where high adhesion is predicted by the simulations coincide to a good approximation with artery segments presenting plaque increase, as documented by clinical data from baseline and six-month follow-up exam of the same artery. In addition, it is observed that the artery geometry and, in particular, the tortuosity of the centerline are a primary factor in determining the spatial distribution of wall-shear stress, and of the resulting leukocyte adhesion patterns. Although further work is required to overcome the limitations of the present model and ultimately quantify plaque growth in the simulations, these results are encouraging towards establishing a predictive methodology for atherosclerosis progress.
The Body Politic’s Brain on Neoliberal Culture. Any Questions?

I’ve been pondering the nature of empathy for over two decades, initially as the vexing pedagogical challenge mentioned earlier, and later, given advances in neuroscience, as a broader field of inquiry.3 For me, one of the most troubling questions that remains to be explained and the burden of this book is to ask why, if “… we are not alone, but are biologically wired and evolutionarily designed to be deeply interconnected with one another,”4 we humans have made so little progress in extending this empathic orientation toward distant lives to those outside certain in-group moral circles? Given a world rife with overt and structural violence, one is forced to ask why our deep-seated moral intuition doesn’t produce a more ameliorating effect, a more peaceful world?
Eccrine Poromatosis: Case Report, Review of the Literature, and Treatment

Eccrine poromas arise from the intraepidermal region of the eccrine sweat duct and most often occur as a benign solitary tumor. There are few reports of the occurrence of multiple lesions, defined as poromatosis, which may present in patients who have undergone radiotherapy and/or polychemotherapy. We report the case of a 43-year-old male with a history of mantle cell lymphoma who had undergone 6 cycles of polychemotherapy. He presented to the dermatology clinic for multiple painful lesions on his palms and soles. Several biopsies were performed consistent with eccrine poromas. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of excision, imiquimod cream, and cryosurgery. This case adds to the literature regarding the pathogenesis and treatment options of eccrine poromatosis. Herein, we report a case of eccrine poromatosis that developed after 6 cycles of chemotherapy.
The Development of a Criterion Instrument for Counselor Selection.

A measure of potential performance for counselors is needed as an adjunct to the information presently employed in selection decisions. One possible method of developing such a potential performanc...
Use of a methylene blue azide medium for isolation of enterococci.

Abstract A methylene blue azide medium (MBA), developed by Schaedler, Dubos, and Costello to isolate enterococci from the gastrointestinal tract of animals, was evaluated. This was done by comparing the isolation of enterococci from feces and saliva on the medium. Fifty-two catalase-negative, gram-positive cocci from human feces isolated from MBA were classified as enterococci. All strains grew in S F, 6.5% NaCl, and streptomycin broths, and all fermented mannitol. The isolates were provisionally subdivided into Streptococcus faecalis and S. faecium groups. S. faecalis-like strains fermented glycerol and pyruvate aerobically and produced acid in Snyder's medium (initial pH, 4.8). The S. faecium group fermented raffinose. Among all strains, several tests were variable. These included growth at 45 C, in 0.1% tellurite and in methylene blue milk. Three methods were employed to isolate and identify enterococci from the oral cavity. Direct streaking of MBA with saliva failed to produce any growth on the medium. Two other methods, with the use of various selective broths to promote the recovery of oral enterococci, failed to produce any bacteria capable of growing on MBA. The MBA-isolated fecal strains and oral viridans streptococci were generally indistinguishable on Mitis-Salivarius and K F agars. In experiments with fecal material, no gram-negative bacilli were found among the isolates selected. The MBA medium was judged as a high selectivity-low yield medium, and may provide a means of separating fecal and nonfecal enterococci.
Drone Strike Blowback

The Obama Administration's practice of targeted killings by remotely controlled aircraft (drones) carries costs that outweigh benefits. The resentment engendered by drone strikes results in escalation, rather than a diminution of acts of violence against American interests.
Pions From and about Heavy Ions

When nuclei collide at energies in the center-of-mass system that exceed the rest mass energy of the pion of 140 MeV, it is energetically possible to produce a pion. I recall from a dozon years ago a flurry of excitement over the possibility that pions might be observable from heavy ion linear accelerators and cyclotrons at the modest heavy ion energies then available. I was working at the old Yale Heavy Ion Accelerator at the time, and on a visit to the University of Maryland it was suggested to me that we ought to look for pions with the 400 MeV argon ion beams at the Yale HIA. Though it sounded unlikely that all the nucleons could somehow concentrate their energy into producing a pion, it was argued that there was a coherence effect among the various nucleon-nucleon collisions that would greatly enhance pion production. The skeptics argued that if this coherence worked as advertised, the best way of making pions would be to drop an elephant into a pit—total energy well above threshold and a tremendous number of nucleons to act coherently.
Mortality from a Chinese asbestos plant: overall cancer mortality.

The cancer mortality in a Chinese asbestos plant using only chrysotile was studied. Opened in the 1950s, all workers with at least 1 year of employment by 1972 were followed through 1994. Most workers were female. Excess cancer mortality, compared to local city data, was found for lung cancer, including many cases among nonsmoking women, and stomach cancer. Plant asbestos levels have been high in the past but have consistently come down over the decades. Am. J. Ind. Med. 32:442–444, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
In silico characterization of the peptidome of the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi (Crustacea, Copepoda)

Copepods of the order Siphonostomatoida are a major concern for commercial aquaculture as many farmed fish serve as hosts for these parasitic crustaceans. Caligus rogercresseyi, a member of the Siphonostomatoida, is a significant problem for salmonid aquaculture in the Southern Hemisphere, and as such, a search for methods for controlling infestations of it is ongoing. One possibility for biological control of this and other copepod ectoparasites is endocrine manipulation. However, little is known about the native endocrine signaling systems in these animals. As part of an ongoing effort to characterize crustacean ectoparasite peptidergic systems, the publicly accessible C. rogercresseyi transcriptome shotgun assembly (TSA) was mined for peptide-encoding transcripts. Using the identified TSA sequences, precursor proteins were deduced and their mature peptides predicted. Thirty-three peptide-encoding transcripts were identified within the Caligus TSA dataset, with the structures of 131 distinct peptides characterized from the deduced pre/preprohormones. The predicted peptides included isoforms of allatostatin A, allatostatin B, bursicon α, bursicon β, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone, diuretic hormone 31, DXXRLamide, FLRFamide, FXGGXamide, GSEFLamide, insulin-like peptide (ILP), intocin, leucokinin, molt-inhibiting hormone, myosuppressin, neuroparsin, neuropeptide F (NPF), orcokinin and tachykinin-related peptide. The predicted ILPs are of particular note as they are the first members of this peptide family identified from a copepod. Similarly, the predicted complement of four distinct NPFs is larger than that known from other crustaceans. Taken collectively, these data greatly expand the known C. rogercresseyi peptidome and provide a foundation for initiating studies of peptidergic control in this species.
Individual recognition, dominance hierarchies and winner and loser effects

Winner and loser effects are defined as an increased probability of winning an aggressive interaction at time T, based on victories at time T-1, T-2, etc., and an increased probability of losing at time T, based on losses at time T-1, T-2, etc., respectively. Prior theoretical work on dominance hierarchy formation has demonstrated that when players are not capable of individual recognition, loser effects always produce a clear top-ranked (alpha) individual, but all other ranks in a group remain unclear; whereas winner effects always produce strict linear hierarchies in which the rank of each individual is clear. Paradoxically, however, when individual recognition--a phenomenon long thought to stabilize hierarchies--is possible, winner and loser effects have no impact on the probability of forming strict linear hierarchies.
Luminescence in electron irradiated CdS

Electron irradiation induced changes in both the photo- and cathodo-luminescence spectra of high purity CdS platelets have been monitored over a wavelength range from 4800A to 2 μm. The irradiations were all performed near 10K using beam energies from 100 keV to 1 MeV. By irradiating with electron energies between the cadmium and sulfur displacement thresholds, and above the cadmium displacement threshold, the damage induced luminescence could be assigned to specific sublattices. In the bound exciton spectral region near the band edge, all exciton lines present before irradiation were observed to decrease in intensity with the exception of the emission line at 4867A. This line was observed to grow in absolute intensity for irradiation energies above the sulfur displacement threshold. We attribute the 4867A emission to the decay of an exciton bound to a shallow neutral donor state associated with the sulfur vacancy. The edge emission was found to decay in intensity when observed by photoluminescence but to increase in intensity when excited by 100 keV electrons following an irradiation above the sulfur displacement threshold. Broad band luminescence has also been produced by irradiation at 7200A and 1.03 μm. The 7200 A band is not observed, however, until a thermal anneal is performed above a recovery stage centered at 180 K. The edge emission and bound exciton emission partially recover in this same temperature range. Another annealing stage is observed at 230 K by monitoring the intensity of emission bands at 1.03 and 1.65 μm. The annealing stage at 180 K is associated with sulfur sublattice damage recovery while the stage at 230 K is due to recovery of cadmium sublattice damage.
Pulsed breakdown characterization of two dielectric oils with a BST nanoparticle suspension and varying filtration pore size

As more applications require high power and rep-rate capabilities, the University of Missouri-Columbia is investigating the design of liquid dielectric switches. In particular, the design and characterization of oil dielectrics is critical for optimum switch performance. Previous improvements, such as tuning of the oil pressure and flow rate, have dramatically reduced the rep-rate self-break jitter by eliminating breakdown byproducts. By introducing a suspension of Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) nanoparticles in the oil dielectric we hope to further reduce the breakdown jitter. Electrostatic simulations show that a nanoparticle suspension within the oil dielectric generates non-linear electric fields on both the electrode surfaces and in the bulk of the oil dielectric with a uniform applied electric field. These electric fields may help reduce jitter by enhancing cathode electron emission and streamer propagation across the gap. The two oils utilized in the experimental study were Hexadecene C 16 H 32 and a synthetic oil dielectric developed by NYCO called NYCODIEL. A pulse generator, specifically designed for the characterization of oil dielectric strength, is implemented for this study. The pulse generator produces a voltage rise of 160-kV/μs across an adjustable electrode gap. Fifty voltage pulses are applied to each of the two oils at two oil pressures, totaling 100 breakdown measurements per oil. Before each test cycle, the oil is sparged with dry nitrogen to reduce the water content, and the switch electrodes are polished. The water content was measured by a K-F coulometric titrator. The oils are filtered between shots with three different filter pore sizes: 5-μm, 1-μm, and 0.45-μm. This was done to determine the optimum size filter for the system as the buildup of carbon byproducts reduces switch performance. A description of the pulse generator is provided, and the experimental procedure is described. Data for the dielectric oils is presented and analyzed, including the mean and percent standard deviation of the voltage breakdown data.
Linear Spaces and Partitioning the Projective Plane

The aim of this paper is to settle a question about the partitioning of the projective plane by lines except for a small set. Suppose thatQis a set of points in the projective plane of ordernand?is a set of lines that partitions the complement ofQ. IfQhas at most 2n?1 points andPhas less thann+1+nlines, then these lines are concurrent. An example is given which shows that the condition on the number of points ofQis sharp. However, it turns out that this is a `pathological? example and if we exclude this case, then the statement can be improved.
Comparison of Blood Flow and Histological Changes in Rat Models of Testicular Ischemia

AbstractPurpose: Our aim was to quantify objectively the degree of vascular in sufficiency produced by twisting versus clamping the spermatic cord, and determine the contribution of the vasal vessels to these changes using the laser Doppler flowmeter.Materials and Methods: Three groups of 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats each were studied. Group 1 underwent 720-degree torsion of the spermatic cord, group 2 underwent vascular clamping of the spermatic cord with 1 clamp, excluding the anatomically separate vasal vessels, and group 3 underwent vascular clamping of the entire spermatic cord and vasal vessels with 2 clamps. Blood flow and histological changes were determined.Results: Vascular clamping of the spermatic cord in groups 2 and 3 resulted in a significant decrease in testicular blood flow compared to 720-degree torsion (p <0.05). These flow changes correlated with more severe and reproducible gross changes, and histological features of seminiferous tubule degeneration compared to spermatic cord twisting....
Upper limits to [O] in the lower thermosphere from airglow

A method for estimating the upper limit to oxygen atom density in the lower thermosphere is presented. The method is based on an analytical equation for the energy density of recombination process, and the radiation of O2 atoms at excited levels. As an example of the method, upper limits of oxygen atom density are estimated for the CIRA (O2) reference atmosphere of 1972. The estimates are given in a table.
Possible involvement of arachidonic acid in the initiation of DNA synthesis by rat liver cells.

Abstract Calcium-deprived T51B rat liver cells initiated DNA synthesis within 1 h after addition of calcium. The possibility of this DNA-synthetic response having been mediated through arachidonic acid metabolism (i.e., through an arachidonic acid cascade) is suggested by the facts that calcium is known to stimulate phospholipase activity which releases arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids; that low concentrations (10−9–10−6 mole/1) of arachidonic acid itself elicited the same DNA-synthetic response from the calcium-deprived cells as calcium; and that the stimulatory actions of calcium and arachidonic acid were both blocked by the endoperoxide synthase inhibitor indomethacin.
Use of infiltration equation parameters to evaluate infiltration differences in the field

The infiltration equations y = AtB and dy/dt = a + b/y have appeared in the literature, where y is the quantity of water which will enter a soil when water is applied to the surface, and t is the time. In the present investigation, the constants A, B, a, and b, are considered for their usefulness in characterizing infiltration in field basins on Greenfield loamy sand, a deep soil without profile development. The product parameter AB is compared with a parameter RT which is simply the average rate over the first two hours of infiltration. The results show AB to be 40 pct better statistically than RT . On the other hand, a + 10b, which is superior to a alone and b alone, is essentially no better statistically than RT.
Stability of Fibrin Contiguous to Intima of Veins

A technique is described which employs an everted segment of canine jugular vein to study the effect of the intima on contiguous fibrin. Following eversion of the vein on a stainless steel rod of suitable dimensions, the vein was coated with a layer of fibrin by winding it onto the endothelial surface. The rate at which soluble Folin-Ciocalteu reactive material appeared in the incubated media of clots so prepared was significantly higher than that developed in systems containing either everted vein alone or fibrin alone. EACA suppressed the liberation of soluble tyrosine from contiguous fibrin but was without effect on the liberation of soluble Folin-Ciocalteu reactive material from the vein alone.
CREATION EX NIHILO AND EX AMORE: ONTOLOGICAL FREEDOM IN THE THEOLOGIES OF JOHN ZIZIOULAS AND CATHERINE MOWRY LACUGNA

This essay takes as its starting point Reinhard Hutter's analysis of the crisis of meaning of “freedom” in late modernity. The essay argues that the trinitarian theologies of John Zizioulas and Catherine Mowry LaCugna make an important contribution to the reconstruction of a theology of freedom in our postmodern era. God's ontological freedom, they explain, is both unorigination and ecstatic love. The essay concludes with reflection on how the work of these theologians can be used constructively to address the issues of freedom and the modern quest for unorigination, freedom as love in a free market economy, and the relation of freedom and law.
Effects of nonionizing radiation on birds

1. With the ability to fly comes a greater probability of direct irradiation by nonionizing radiation. The effect of nonionizing radiation on birds is, therefore, of environmental significance. 2. Most biological effects of exposure to nonionizing radiation in avian species are a result of radiation-induced temperature increases. 3. The incubating avian egg provides a model to study nonthermal effects of microwave exposure since ambient incubation temperature can be adjusted to compensate for absorbed thermal energy. 4. Some studies have shown that exposure to nonthermal levels of nonionizing radiation affect a bird's ability to recover from acute physiological stressors. 5. Although earlier research indicated that modulated radiofrequency radiation increased calcium-ion efflux in chick forebrain tissue, criticism of experimental techniques and contradictory results between related studies have made final conclusions elusive. 6. Birds have been shown to be able to reliably detect magnetic fields in both the field and laboratory. Some researchers have reported malformations in chicken embryos exposed to a sinusoidal bipolar oscillating magnetic field.
Bonded Wood Products—A Review

Abstract The bonding of wood uses a significant amount of the adhesives consumed annually in the United States to manufacture a wide variety of consumer products. Bonded wood products serve as primary building materials for house construction and furniture manufacture and provide mankind with other necessities of existence, comfort, and convenience. The role adhesives play in this conversion of a basic raw material into useful products is reviewed with a consideration for the ever-changing nature of the raw material, for an increasing population, and for the need to apply multiple-use management of our Nation's timber resources.
Sepsis and Neurologic Deficit After Lung Transplantation

(CHEST 2000; 118:849 ‐ 851) A 54-year-old woman underwent an orthotopic left lung transplant for the treatment of end-stage emphysema related to chronic cigarette smoking. She was extubated on the second postoperative day and discharged from the hospital 3 weeks after transplantation without complications. She returned from the regional transplant center to her rural Iowa home 6 weeks after surgery and did well without supplemental oxygen and without limiting dyspnea. Her medications included the following: prednisone, 15 mg/d; tacrolimus, 2 mg every morning and 3 mg at night; azathiaprine, 125 mg/d; acyclovir, 400 mg tid; itraconazole, 400 mg/d; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 3 days/wk; ranitidine, 150 mg at bedtime for long-standing reflux disease; use of a combination albuterol/ipatropium bromide metered-dose inhaler qid; and postmenopausal hormone replacements. One week after arriving home, she noted the onset of fever, small joint arthralgias, and left hand pain; and she was admitted to the hospital. Admission blood cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa .D espite IV antibiotics, she developed persistent fevers, hypotension, and respiratory distress prompting transfer to the medical ICU and treatment with IV pressors and mechanical ventilation.
The Treatment of Foreground-Background Information in the On-Line Descriptive Discourse of Second Language Learners.

This paper compares the foregrounding strategies of native speakers of English and advanced learners of ESL. Fifteen native speakers and thirty-five advanced learners produced on-line (play-by-play) descriptions of the unfolding action in an animated videotape. A methodology for the quantitative analysis of discourse production is described which permits the explicit identification of foreground-background information and its interaction with both native speaker and interlanguage syntaxes. Results show that: (1) Native speakers and learners exhibit one universal discourse strategy in retreating to a more pragmatic mode of communication under the severe communicative stress of on-line description, as revealed through the systematic loss of the coding relations ordinarily holding between foreground-background information and clause independence/tense-aspect; (2) Learners also exhibit a learner-specific general communication strategy in which significant events are described but nonsignificant events avoided.
A comparison of size and power calculations for the wilcoxon statistic for ordered categorical data

This paper compares the accuracy of approximations to test size and power based on the score and the Fisher information, with calculations using Edgeworth and Cornish—Fisher approximations, and demonstrates that in some cases one must exercise much care in using the simpler approximations.
A penalty-based interface technology for coupling independently modeled 3D finite element meshes

An effective and robust 2D interface element able to connect independently modeled 3D finite element subdomains is presented. This method has been developed using a hybrid variational formulation with the penalty constraints, which leads to a computational approach that is very efficient. A significant effort has been directed toward developing an automatic calculation of the proper penalty parameter for each interface constraint. This paper extends the previous work on the 1D penalty-based interface element for connecting 2D meshes. A variety of 3D problems have been investigated to validate the formulation.
Psychosocial assessment of living organ donors: clinical and ethical considerations

This article outlines psychosocial and ethical issues to be considered when evaluating potential living organ donors. Six types of living donors are described: genetically related, emotionally related, "Good Samaritan" (both directed and nondirected), vendors, and organ exchangers. The primary domains to be assessed in the psychosocial evaluation are informed consent, motivation for donating and the decision-making process, adequacy of support (financial and social), behavioral and psychological health, and the donor-recipient relationship. Obstacles to the evaluation process include impression management, overt deception, minimization of behavioral risk factors, and cultural and language differences between the donor and the evaluator. Ethical concerns, such as the right to donate, donor autonomy, freedom from coercion, nonmaleficence and beneficence in donor selection, conflicts of interest, "reasonable" risks to donors, and recipient decision making are also explored. To fully evaluate living organ donation, studying psychosocial as well as medical outcomes is crucial.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Complex Geriatric Acetabular Fracture

Management of complex acetabular fractures in the geriatric patient requires a better understanding of a different spectrum and frequency of fracture patterns, surgical techniques, and even treatment principles than in younger patients. Although joint replacement plays a role in certain elderly patients with acetabular fractures, open reduction internal fixation is the preferred treatment strategy, and must be executed even when combined with arthroplasty. Patient baseline functional status must be considered in choosing treatment goals, as well as their frailty and comorbidities. There are typical injury characteristics that must be recognized which require treatment-specific strategies. Lengthy reconstructions in this fragile patient population are to be avoided, and therefore single nonextensile approaches limiting blood loss are most appropriate, considering that the patient's physiological reserve is lesser than younger counterparts. Although obtaining an anatomic reduction of the acetabulum is of paramount importance in the physiologically young who can withstand greater demands of surgery and who will require greater functional demands, the physiologically old patient requires stability to allow mobility and a surgery to mitigate their surgical risks.
Quantitative assay of the binding of small molecules to protein: Comparison of dialysis and membrane filter assays

Abstract A rapid assay involving filtration through a nitrocellulose filter is described for the quantitative detection of a protein which specifically and reversibly binds a small molecule. This assay is quantitatively characterized by direct comparison with equilibrium dialysis. The filtration assay is highly sensitive and reproducible when applied to the binding of histidine by the J protein, a component of histidine transport. The effects of several variables on this method are examined. Also, an equilibrium dialysis procedure designed for optimal sensitivity and range in the assay of proteins by binding activity is described.
A comparison of three common emitter transistor servo preamplifiers

Synoysis: Three multistage transistor servo preamplifiers representing transformer coupling, resistance-capacitance (R/C) coupling, and direct coupling respectively are compared on the basis of design problems and performance. Experimental data referring to temperature stability and voltage response supplement the design and performance calculations for a particular application. Primary advantages and disadvantages of each type are presented, together with a brief discussion of application generalities.
Structural modification of the hamster sperm acrosome during posttesticular development in the epididymis.

The acrosome of the mature spermatozoon functions as a regulated secretory vesicle which performs several critical functions in mammalian fertilization. Acrosome assembly occurs throughout spermiogenesis and continues during posttesticular sperm maturation in the epididymis, resulting in a structurally polarized membrane-bounded organelle that contains an assortment of hydrolases and a stable infrastructure termed the acrosomal matrix. The role of stable acrosomal matrix assemblies in acrosomal biogenesis and function are poorly understood. This article presents ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, and biochemical data on the remodeling of the hamster acrosomal matrix during spermiogenesis and posttesticular sperm maturation in the epididymis. Specific posttranslational modifications of the major acrosomal matrix protein are evident in late, step 16, spermatids and matrix protein processing continues within specific acrosomal subdomains of caput epididymal spermatozoa. At the completion of sperm maturation, the acrosomal matrix consists of two structurally distinct domains which are adherent to the outer acrosomal membrane and exhibit a localized distribution pattern. Coincident with acrosomal matrix differentiation, a paracrystalline cytoskeletal complex is assembled onto the outer acrosomal membrane of epididymal spermatozoa. This cytoskeletal network appears to establish transmembrane structural interactions with the acrosomal matrix and may maintain attachment of the acrosomal cap to the sperm head during the early steps of the acrosome reaction.
Post mortem results of laser-optical system packaged for use in harsh environments

The design and packaging of laser-optical system was tested to harsh environments outside lab conditions and post mortem activities will be discussed. Previously, custom mounts and bonded optical assemblies were environmentally tested to ensure their survivability. The results verified the sub-assemblies would enable the design of a laser-optical initiation system that could be fielded for use in extreme conditions. The design package, which utilized the proven opto-mechanical sub-assemblies, was then tested to the same levels as the sub-assemblies. The test regiment encompassed the harshest environments currently utilized. Temperature tests were performed ranging from a maximum of +75 degrees C to a minimum of -55 degrees C, allowing for two hour soak at each temperature set point. Vibration tests were performed to a maximum level of 15.5 grms for forty seconds in each of three critical axes. Shock tests were performed to a maximum impulse level of 5700 G's for the sub-assemblies with a 1.1 millisecond long pulse; whereas the packaged laser system maximum level reached was 3700 G's at 1.1 millisecond long pulse. The laser-optical assembly was visually inspected and functionally tested before and after each test to verify survival. As designed, the system covers were laser welded shut for hermetic seal. The only open port was the laser output for testing and verification of laser performance. No optical cables were utilized. Therefore the visual inspection of the interior was performed post mortem. The post mortem results will be discussed as will the potential of redesigns on future packaging strategies.
Primary carcinoma of the lung in the aged.

An analysis of 101 patients with primary carcinoma of the lung is reported. All had passed their 65th birthday. In the main, this series differs very little from larger series of cases which encompass all age groups. Thirty-three patients were operated upon: 13 were found to be inoperable, pneumonectomy was performed in 16 and lobectomy in four. A 10 per cent operative mortality in the patients who had resection was conspicuously low, considering their ages. In fact, it compares most favorably with the operative mortality in other large series comprising all age groups. Postoperative complications responded readily to therapy. Cardiac arrythmia was the most common, occurring in 25 per cent. The interval result of resection for primary carcinoma of the lung in five patients is considered favorable. Their ages at the time of operation were 66, 67, 68, 70, and 76 years, respectively.
Simulation of correlated and uncorrelated packing of random size spheres

We present an algorithm to simulate the packing of large samples of spheres chosen from a truncated log-normal distribution for either correlated or uncorrelated distributions. Use of a concept known as the porosity index provides a means to control the final porosity of a packed sample within a range that spans limits approaching random close packing and random loose packing structures. Agreement with previous theoretical, computational, and experimental results is good, and results of previously uninvestigated correlated systems are presented. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Binge eaters: a comparison of eating patterns of those who admit to binging and those who do not.

The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed bulimic or pre-bulimic behaviours in a normal, but high risk population. A questionnaire eliciting information about eating habits and potential binge episodes, demographic background, and information about height and weight was completed by 479 college students. Subjects were designated as a non-binger, a non-labelled binger, or labelled binger according to their responses. Consistent with previous literature, findings showed a high prevalence of bulimia in the young, female, middle income population. Findings also revealed a group of students who described frequent binge episodes but did not consider themselves to have an eating disorder in that they did not label themselves as ‘binge eaters’ (the non-labelled binge group).
Storms, shipwrecks, and life-changing experiences in late medieval German literature: From Oswald von Wolkenstein to emperor Maximilian

While the experience of shipwreck can almost be called archetypal, and while poets throughout time have placed their protagonists in such dangerous and life-threatening situations, we do not know much about how late-medieval German writers reflected on it. This article examines the motif of shipwreck and personal disaster in a number of heretofore little considered works, especially the poems by Oswald von Wolkenstein, those by Michel Beheim, Heinrich von Neustadt’s ‘Apollonius’, and Emperor Maximilian’s ‘Theuerdank’.