cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the monomial method and the S-system method for solving systems of algebraic equations

Two numerical methods for solving systems of equations have recently been proposed: a method based on monomial approximations (the ''monomial method'') and a technique based on S-system methodology (the ''S-system method''). The two methods have been shown to be fundamentally identical, that is, they are both equivalent to Newton's method operating on a transformed version of the system of equations. Yet, when applied specifically to algebraic systems of equations, they have significant computational differences that may impact the relative computational efficiency of the two methods. These computational differences are described. A combinatorial strategy for locating many, and sometimes all, solutions to a system of nonlinear equations has also been suggested previously. This paper further investigates the effectiveness of this strategy when applied to either of the two methods.
Interactions among three species of cereal aphids simultaneously infesting wheat

Interactions among greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), and bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) were examined on wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L., cultivar TAM 107). Nymphs were released on the plants as conspecific and heterospecific pairs of either first or fourth instars and evaluated for survival, developmental time, fecundity, intra-plant movement, and affinity to plant tissues. Survival from first instar to onset of reproduction averaged 90–100% across all pair combinations. Diuraphis noxia developed faster as conspecifics than in any heterospecific combination, and faster as conspecifics feeding on the same plant tissue than on different tissues. Fecundity of S. graminum was higher for conspecifics that developed on the same plant tissue than for those feeding separately. There was evidence of amensalism (one species was harmed while the other was unaffected) in that D. noxia experienced delayed development feeding in tandem with S. graminum, and reduced fecundity with both S. graminum and R. padi. Furthermore, S. graminum nymphs had reduced survival when their mothers matured on a same plant with R. padi. Both D. noxia and R. padi changed position on the plant more often when developing with S. graminum. Survival of second generation S. graminum nymphs was reduced when this species developed and reproduced in tandem with R. padi. Preferred feeding locations were S. graminum - primary leaf, D. noxia - tertiary leaf and R. padi - stem and these were not altered in any heterospecific combinations. Heterospecific aphids had no impact on fecundity or progeny survival in any species combination when fourth instars matured and reproduced on plants not previously exposed to aphid feeding, supporting the inference that systemic, aphid-induced changes in plant physiology mediated the effects observed when first instars developed and reproduced on the same plants.
Electrophoresis of ribotides and ribosides: Application to bacterial cells

Abstract A modified agar gel electrophoresis procedure is described. It makes use of a buffer system capable of separating RNA nucleosides and nucleotides individually or simultaneously. The electrophoresis could almost completely resolve a mixture of the eight compounds of the two groups when they were present in the same solution. A novel analytical technique is suggested for the two partially resolved components of the latter mixture using ultraviolet spectrophotometry and rapid phosphorus analysis.
Optical sensors for on-line inspection of industrial materials

Recent work on the development of optical sensors for on-line inspection of industrial materials is reviewed. Examples include on-line thickness profilometry for sawmill process control, polymer morphology analysis by light-scattering techniques, lubricant oil quantification on aluminum sheets, in-process inspection of plasma sprayed particles, and infrared temperature sensing in a continuous annealing furnace. The emphasis is on noncontact techniques well suited to automation and specifically adapted to each particular application with minimal perturbation of the industrial process.
Treatment of Neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction: An Update

The neurophysiology of volitional voiding is a poorly understood and constantly evolving field. Some of the most difficult clinical problems in urology arise from structural or neural deviations from this process. These may occur as a result of traumatic injury, congenital defect, or neurological disease. Neurogenic voiding dysfunction is a frequently encountered disorder with multiple etiologies and nonstandardized care. A pervasive complaint in neurogenic voiding dysfunction is detrusor overactivity and resultant urinary incontinence. However, the results of “ideal” initial therapy—catheterization with or without anticholinergics—have been far from satisfactory. This review attempts to go beyond perfunctory measures to explore recent data on anticholinergic therapies, long-term data on botulinum A toxin injections, and applications of neuromodulation.
Comparative liquid-liquid extraction behaviour of europium (II) and europium (III)

Abstract The liquid-liquid extraction behaviour of Eu(II) into solutions of acidic phosphoric and phosphonic esters has been investigated both on a macro-scale and tracer-scale. The distribution ratio of Eu(II) was investigated as a function of extractant concentration in the organic phase and HCl concentration in the aqueous phase using β-active 13, 16 year 152, 154 Eu. Advantage was taken of the large separation factors Pm(III)/Eu(II), Sm(III)/Eu(II), and Gd(III)/Eu(II) in effecting the mutual separation of 147 Pm and 152, 154 Eu, the high purification of 147 Pm with respect to 152, 154 Eu, and the enrichment, concentration and recovery in high yield of europium from a rare earth oxide containing 0·1 per cent Eu.
MicroRNAs in ER Stress: Divergent Roles in Cell Fate Decisions

MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs which regulate protein expression post-transcriptionally. They respond to changes in a cell's environment and can promote cell death or cell survival depending on the context. Recent studies have linked microRNAs to the unfolded protein response pathway. This pathway is activated in the endoplasmic reticulum by conditions which interfere with the normal functions of the endoplasmic reticulum. The cell fate outcomes consequent to the activation of the unfolded protein response are binary, either cell survival or cell death. MicroRNAs can regulate multiple components of this pathway to tip the cell towards either fate. Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha, a canonical unfolded protein response sensor and mediator, has inherent endoribonuclease activity. Interestingly, recently, it has been demonstrated that it can target microRNAs in addition to its previously known targets. This review highlights key papers in this rapidly emerging field.
Vitamin D deficiency and mortality in patients receiving dialysis: the Comprehensive Dialysis Study.

Objective Although several studies have shown poorer survival among individuals with 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D deficiency, data on patients receiving dialysis are limited. Using data from the Comprehensive Dialysis Study (CDS), we tested the hypothesis that patients new to dialysis with low serum concentrations of 25-OH vitamin D would experience higher mortality and hospitalizations. Design The CDS is a prospective cohort study.We recruited participants from 56 dialysis units located throughout the United States. Subjects and Intervention We obtained data on demographics, comorbidites, and laboratory values from the CDS Patient Questionnaire as well as the Medical Evidence Form (CMS form 2728). Participants provided baseline serum samples for 25-OH vitamin D measurements. Main Outcome Measure We ascertained time to death and first hospitalization as well as number of first-year hospitalizations via the U.S. Renal Data System standard analysis files. We used Cox proportional hazards to determine the association between 25-OH vitamin D tertiles and survival and hospitalization. For number of hospitalizations in the first year, we used negative binomial regression. Results The analytic cohort was composed of 256 patients with Patient Questionnaire data and 25-OH vitamin D concentrations. The mean age of participants was 62 (±14.0) years, and mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Patients with 25-OH vitamin D concentrations in the lowest tertile ( Conclusion We found a sizeable increase in mortality and hospitalization for patients on dialysis with severe 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.
In Retrospect: Brodmann's brain map

A classic neurology text written 100 years ago still provides the core principles for linking the anatomy of the cerebral cortex to its functions today, explains Jacopo Annese.
Site-directed mutagenesis of monofunctional chorismate mutase engineered from the E. coli P-protein

Analysis of the active-site residues of a fully functional chorismate mutase representing the N-terminal 113 amino acids of the Escherichia coli P-protein suggests that Lys39 and Gln88 play critical roles in catalyzing the rearrangement of chorismate to prephenate. Five site-directed mutants at these positions have been constructed in which Lys39 was replaced with Arg, Asn, and Gln, and Gln88 was replaced with Arg and Glu. Although the Gln88Arg plasmid failed to produce detectable cross-reacting proteins in E. coli, the other four plasmids were expressed, and the mutant proteins purified to homogeneity. Their structures were similar to wild type enzyme, as indicated by circular dichroism spectra, with Lys39Gln showing a small deviation. In accordance with predictions, all mutations result in major loss of catalytic activity at pH 7.8. However, activity of the Gln88Glu mutant at pH 4.5 exceeded wild-type EcCM. Implications for the mechanism of mutase catalysis are discussed.
Effects of phosphogypsum on leachate and soil chemical composition

Abstract Gypsum has been shown to ameliorate subsoil acidity in highly weathered soils. The effects of surface application of phosphogypsum on the chemical composition of five Georgia Ultisol subsoils were investigated in leaching columns. The experiment was designed in such a way as to characterize the leachate leaving the topsoil, the composition of which was substantially changed by the phosphogypsum treatment. Leachates from treated columns were higher in magnesium, potassium, and silicon, although the ionic strength never exceeded that of a saturated gypsum solution. Thus, the ameliorating solution entering the subsoil was different from the solution of phosphogypsum. After leaching, subsoil acidity was ameliorated as evidenced by reduced exchangeable Al and increased Ca in the subsoil. The reduction in Al was consistent with the formation of a solid phase such as alunite. Considerable quantities of Mg and K were leached from topsoils into subsoils. While the subsoil rooting environment may be improv...
Determinants of judged validity.

Abstract Prior research has shown that repeating a statement results in an increase in its judged validity. One explanation that has been advanced to account for this finding is that familiarity is used as a basis to assess validity. Another explanation is that when subjects dissociate a statement from its true source, that statement is judged to be more valid. According to this latter explanation, repeated statements tend to be seen as more valid because each presentation is perceived as coming from different sources. Hence repeated statements benefit from perceived convergent validity. Experiment 1 tested these two explanations by presenting 40 statements during one session and repeating 20 of them amid 20 new ones either 1, 3, or 5 weeks later. A causal analysis lent support to both explanations, although source dissociation was found not to be a necessary condition for the validity-enhancing effect of repetition. Experiments 2 and 3 were designed to examine the boundary conditions for the influence of repetition on perceived validity. In Experiment 2 half of the subjects heard sentences about China, whereas the other half of the subjects heard control sentences. A week later (Week 2) one-third of the subjects in each of these two groups read passages about the specific topics covered by the China sentences, one-third read about other topics dealing with China, and one-third read control passages having nothing to do with China. One week later all subjects gave validity ratings to various sentences pertaining to China, including those seen during Week 1. The results indicated that hearing any passage having to do with China during Week 2 caused subjects to increase their judged validity of the China sentences originally seen during Week 1. In Experiment 3 some sentences were repeated each week over a 6-week period. The difference in rated validity between the repeated and nonrepeated statements was manifested by the second week and persisted during subsequent repetitions. The results of the three experiments were compared to findings in the semantic priming literature.
Vertex and source determine the block variety of an indecomposable module

Abstract The block variety V G , b ( M ) of a finitely generated indecomposable module M over the block algebra of a p -block b of a finite group G , introduced in (J. Algebra 215 (1999) 460), can be computed in terms of a vertex and a source of M . We use this to show that V G , b ( M ) is connected, and that every closed homogeneous subvariety of the affine variety V G , b defined by block cohomology H * ( G , b ) (cf. Algebras Rep. Theory 2 (1999) 107) is the variety of a module over the block algebra. This is analogous to the corresponding statements on Carlson's cohomology varieties in (Invent. Math. 77 (1984) 291).
Priorities of developing countries in weather and climate

The state of the art and the potential of climatology, weather forecasting, weather modification, and long-term trends in the earth's climate are discussed. Applied climatology should have the highest overall priority in developing countries because of its immediate and potential use. In addition, the costs and technical requirements of creating organizations for climatology are not prohibitive. The activities of these organizations should include: routine collection of climatic and other data through a network of agroclimatic stations, processing and analysis of data to identify indices of local weather variations and their relationships with large scale weather variations, preparation of water vapor budgets, soil studies and groundwater accounting, crop modeling and crop planning, and assisting in other tasks of planning and operational management. Applied climatology would require equipment for data collection, a small computer, an interdisciplinary team of applied climatologists, and an effective network for communicating results to users. 23 references.
Functionalization of flat Si surfaces with inorganic compounds—Towards molecular CMOS hybrid devices

Abstract Covalent modification of flat silicon surfaces is a key step in integrating CMOS technology and molecular electronics that may lead to novel hybrid microelectronic devices. While much of the research has been focused on the functionalization of Si by organic compounds, interest in the functionalization with metal-containing species has intensified in recent years because of the unique attributes of inorganic species including rich redox characteristics and high ground state spins. Described in this short review are (i) synthetic approaches to immobilize inorganic compounds; (ii) structural, spectroscopic and voltammetric techniques for characterization of molecular layers; and (iii) preliminary device fabrication.
Reticuloendothelial Blockade: Effect of Puromycin on Opsonin-Dependent Recovery

Reticuloendothelial blockade induced by the administration of a gelatinized "reticuloendothelial test lipid emulsion" is due to a loss of opsonic activity in the plasma. Recovery from blockade, which is associated with restoration of plasma opsonins, was inhibited by the administration of puromycin. The effect of puromycin appears to be mediated by inhibition of opsonin formation rather than a puromycin-induced macrophage defect in phagocytosis.
Cluster head election techniques for coverage preservation in wireless sensor networks

Coverage preservation is one of the basic QoS requirements of wireless sensor networks, yet this problem has not been sufficiently explored in the context of cluster-based sensor networks. Specifically, it is not known how to select the best candidates for the cluster head roles in applications that require complete coverage of the monitored area over long periods of time. In this paper, we take a unique look at the cluster head election problem, specifically concentrating on applications where the maintenance of full network coverage is the main requirement. Our approach for cluster-based network organization is based on a set of coverage-aware cost metrics that favor nodes deployed in densely populated network areas as better candidates for cluster head nodes, active sensor nodes and routers. Compared with using traditional energy-based selection methods, using coverage-aware selection of cluster head nodes, active sensor nodes and routers in a clustered sensor network increases the time during which full coverage of the monitored area can be maintained anywhere from 25% to 4.5x, depending on the application scenario.
Prenatal influences on Aboriginal-white Australian differences in neonatal irritability

Abstract Recent research with the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale in Australia has shown significant Aboriginal-white Australian group differences in neonatal irritability. These differences are best accounted for by individual differences in maternal age and maternal blood pressure during pregnancy. These data do not support the theory that ethnic/racial differences in neonatal behavior are due to gene pool differences but argue instead for a more complex model of gene-environment interaction during pregnancy.
cDNA clones from the olfactory organ of the spiny lobster encode a protein related to eukaryotic glutamine synthetase

We report here the nucleotide (nt) sequence of clones from a lobster olfactory organ cDNA library encoding a protein homologous to glutamine synthetase (GS) from eukaryotes. The cDNA for the lobster putative GS is 2045 bp in length, and includes a 5'-untranslated region 55 nt in length, a 1083-nt open reading frame, and a 907-nt 3'-untranslated region. The encoded protein shows 65, 64, and 63% identity with the reported GS sequences of chicken, human and fruit fly, respectively.
Comparative toxicity of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion and their oxon derivatives to larval Rana boylii.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and are highly toxic to amphibians. They deactivate cholinesterase, resulting in neurological dysfunction. Most chemicals in this group require oxidative desulfuration to achieve their greatest cholinesterase-inhibiting potencies. Oxon derivatives are formed within liver cells but also by bacterial decay of parental pesticides. This study examines the toxicity of chlorpyrifos, malathion and diazinon and their oxons on the foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii). R. boylii is exposed to agricultural pesticides in the California Central Valley. Median lethal concentrations of the parental forms during a 96 h exposure were 3.00 mg/L (24 h) for chlorpyrifos, 2.14 mg/L for malathion and 7.49 mg/L for diazinon. Corresponding oxons were 10 to 100 times more toxic than their parental forms. We conclude that environmental concentrations of these pesticides can be harmful to R. boylii populations.
Resistance to Azoxystrobin in the Gummy Stem Blight Pathogen Documented in Georgia

Abstract Gummy stem blight, caused by the fungus Didymella bryoniae, is the most destructive disease of watermelon in Georgia and in many other watermelon producing areas of the U.S. The QoI fungic...
Affective interactions of depressed and nondepressed mothers and their children

The expressed affect of clinically depressed and nondepressed mothers as measured by the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia: Lifetime Version (SADSL) and their children (1 1/2 to 3 1/2 years) was observed in seminatural situations. The objectives were to investigate how maternal depression enters into affective interactions between mother and child and how the affect patterns of mother and child are related. Fortynine unipolar and 24 bipolar depressed mothers and 45 nondepressed mothers were observed on 2 days, 2 weeks apart, for a total of 5 h. Each minute was coded for the predominant affect of mother and child. Affects relevant to depression (anxioussad, irritableangry, downcast, pleasant, tenderaffectionate) were coded. Depressed mothers expressed significantly more negative affect than did control mothers. Mothers' expressed affect and their selfreports of affect on days of observation were unrelated. Mother's and child's affects, measured on different days, were significantly correlated. Unipolar mothers and mothers severely depressed spent significantly more time in prolonged bouts of negative affect. There was significant synchrony between their bouts and the negative bouts of their daughters. Gender of child was related to mother's and child's affect, and to relations between mother's and child's affect.
The chemistry of insect haemolymph—IV. Acid-soluble phosphates

The acid-soluble phosphate compounds in the haemolymph plasma of several lepidopterous insects have been fractionated quantitatively by ion-exchange chromatography, and the principal components identified. In Hyalophora cecropia, total acid-soluble P ranged from 26 to 44 mM, and the main components were inorganic orthophosphate, α-glycerophosphate, phosphorylcholine, and phosphorylethanolamine. Present in smaller amounts were uridine diphosphate n-acetylgalactosamine and some other uridine diphosphate derivatives. The presence of a phosphagen was also indicated. Quantitatively, orthophosphate and the basic phosphates tended to be more abundant during diapause than in the active stages, while glycerophosphate changed in the reverse manner. Injected orthophosphate-32P was incorporated into the various esters at all stages, though at reduced rates during diapause; but when cell-free haemolymph was incubated with 32P, incorporation was negligible. In Antheraea polyphemus, Samia cynthia, and Protoparce sexta, the distribution of phosphates was similar to that in H. cecropia. In Bombyx mori, however, there was little α-glycerophosphate whereas sorbitol-6-phosphate was abundant and glucose-6-phosphate was also found.
Clinical, hemodynamic, and anatomic predictors of long-term outcome of lower extremity venovenous bypasses

Abstract Forty-three patients, 24 with crossover femoral saphenous vein bypasses and 19 with saphenopopliteal vein bypasses, were observed for a mean of 5.5 years. All underwent preoperative and sequential postoperative clinical, hemodynamic and foot venous pressure measurement, and anatomic evaluations (duplex and venography). Seventy-one percent of patients undergoing crossover femoral saphenous vein bypasses and 74% of patients undergoing saphenopopliteal vein bypasses had an abnormal preoperative maximum venous outflow, in contrast to 4% and 11% after operation ( p = 0.0183). The mean immediate postoperative maximum venous outflow improvement for patients having crossover femoral saphenous vein bypasses and those having saphenopopliteal vein bypasses was 16 and 17 ml, respectively, and the mean late improvement was 19 and 27 ml, respectively. Ninety percent of the patients undergoing crossover femoral vein bypasses and those having saphenopopliteal vein bypasses had abnormal foot venous pressures in contrast to 18% and 22% after operation. The final clinical outcomes (over 1 year) for both patients having the crossover saphenous vein bypasses and those having saphenopopliteal vein bypasses, respectively, were significant improvement (+3 and +2), 63% and 58%; significant worsening (−2), 4% and 5%. Eighty-eight percent of patients undergoing crossover femoral saphenous vein bypasses and 79% of patients undergoing saphenopopliteal vein bypasses with abnormal preoperative maximum venous outflow measurements had significant clinical improvement. In contrast, 86% of patients undergoing crossover femoral saphenous vein bypasses and 80% of patients undergoing saphenopopliteal vein bypasses with normal preoperative maximum venous outflow had no improvement. Seventy-seven percent of patients having saphenopopliteal vein bypasses and a normal venous refill time had significant improvement, in contrast to 17% for patients with an abnormal venous refill time ( 10 sec, and venous claudication and iliac vein compression. Patients with a normal maximum venous outflow measurement and severe venous reflux should not be candidates for these bypasses.
The effect of piracetam on short- and long-term verbal retrieval in dyslexic boys

Studies of 60 dyslexic boys age 8-14, carefully selected for exclusion of intellectual, sensory, psychiatric and neurological impairment and educational deprivation, were conducted to determine the efficacy of Piracetam, over a 12-week period, in improving reading and other related skills. There were no changes at the end of 12 weeks to distinguish the groups in accuracy or comprehension of prose-reading. Short-term memory gains, however, were recorded for the treated group on two different tests, digit span, and a test (Neimark) of immediate and delayed recall. The mean digit span scaled score for the entire group was one S.D. below their mean IQ. Considering only the performance of children whose digit span scaled scores were one S.D. or below the mean (7 or less), the treated group made a significant gain at the end of 12 weeks. On the Neimark test the treated group was significantly superior to the untreated group on first trial learning and they also lost significantly fewer object names after a delay. Improved retrieval from long-term storage could be demonstrated for the treated group on the rapid automatized naming test. Although there was no significant difference between the group at screening, the treated group was significantly faster on letter naming at the end of the drug trial. The treated group also improved their single word reading on the WRAT.
New Ultra Thin Chip Scale Package (CSP) based on Thermo-Sonic Flip-Chip Interconnection

This paper introduces a new chip scale package (CSP) platform, and its assembly process flow in detail. The concept uses the ultra-sonic / thermo-sonic flip-chip bonding of die onto re-distribution layer (RDL) pre-plated metal substrate. Package is then encapsulated with mold compound for structural robustness before the removal of the metal substrate through chemical etching process. The exposed areas is passivated with patterned solder resist layer covering the RDL at the same time creating opening for second level interconnection to the board. The flip chip interconnection enhances electrical and thermal performance compared to wire bonded package, and also provides ultra thin profile as well as small footprint area. The package passes all reliability tests without any failures including moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL 1), Autoclave and TMCL for component level, and board level drop and TMCL.
Prevalence and risk factors of arthritis in a middle-aged and older Chinese population: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Objectives. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of arthritis and to identify risk factors of arthritis in a middle-aged and older Chinese adult population. Methods. The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) national survey data were used to estimate overall arthritis prevalence and prevalence by age and gender groups taking into account the complex survey design and response rate. The PROC SURVEYLOGISTIC procedure (SAS 9.3; SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) was applied to identify factors associated with arthritis using the CHARLS national survey data. Significant factors were further evaluated in the longitudinal CHARLS pilot study. Results. The overall prevalence of arthritis among middle-aged and older Chinese adults was 31.4% (95% CI 30.3, 32.4). Prevalence increased with age. Females had a higher prevalence of arthritis than males in each age group. In the cross-sectional analysis, age, gender, education, BMI, sleep duration, vigorous physical activity and self-reported doctor-diagnosed chronic lung disease, hypertension, chronic liver disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease and chronic digestive disease were associated with arthritis. Age, gender, vigorous physical activity and cardiovascular disease were confirmed to be risk factors of arthritis in the longitudinal analysis. Participants with cardiovascular disease were 1.67 times (95% CI 1.02, 2.74) more likely to have self-reported arthritis in a 4-year period of follow-up in the CHARLS pilot study.
Coordination of kRNA editing and polyadenylation in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria: complete editing is not required for long poly(A) tract addition

Mitochondrial RNAs in Trypanosoma brucei are post-transcriptionally modified by the addition and deletion of uridylate residues in a process called kRNA editing. Unedited, partially edited and fully edited RNAs exist in the steady-state RNA population. Previous experiments have demonstrated that T.brucei mitochondrial RNAs contain both short (approximately 20 nt) and long (120-200 nt) poly(A) tracts. However, it is unknown exactly what poly(A) tract lengths are present on unedited, partially edited and fully edited RNAs. To gain insight into the role of the poly(A) tract in T.brucei mitochondria, ribosomal protein S12 (RPS12) RNAs with short and long poly(A) tracts were purified by hybrid selection and analyzed by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. Unedited RPS12 RNAs were found almost exclusively in populations with short poly(A) tracts. Both partially and fully edited RPS12 RNAs were found in populations with short and long poly(A) tracts. Therefore, there is a correlation between the presence of editing and the presence of the long poly(A) tract. Since a proportion of partially edited RPS12 RNAs contain long poly(A) tracts, it is unlikely that the long poly(A) tract is the sole signal for translation. Other implications for the role of polyadenylation in mitochondrial gene regulation are discussed.
AURA: Enabling Attribute-Based Spatial Search in RFID Rich Environments

In this paper, we introduce AURA, a novel framework for enriching the physical environment with information about objects and activities in order to support searches in the physical world. The goal is to enable individuals to use the environment in which they function as a living (short-term) memory of their activities and of the objects with which they interact in this environment. In order to act as a memory, the physical environment must be transparently embedded with relevant information and made accessible by in-situ search mechanisms. We achieve this embedding through innovative algorithms that leverage a collection of parasitic RFID tags distributed in the environment to act as a distributed storage cloud. Information about the activities of the users and objects with which they interact are encoded and stored, in a decentralized way, on these RFID tags to support attribute-based search. A novel auraProp algorithm disseminates information in the environment and a complementary auraSearch algorithm implements spatial searches for physical objects in the environment. Parasitic RFID tags are not self-powered and thus cannot communicate among each other. AURA leverages human movement in the environment to propagate information: as they move in the environment, users not only leave traces (or auras) of their own activities, but also help further disseminate auras of prior activities in the same space. AURA relies on a novel signature based information dissemination mechanism and a randomized information erasure scheme to ensure that the extremely limited storage spaces available on the RFID tags are used effectively. The erasure scheme also helps create an information gradient in the physical environment, which the auraSearch algorithm uses to direct the user towards the object of interest.
Optimal packet discarding: an ATM-oriented analysis model and initial results

A problem associated with overload control by packet discarding in integrated packet networks such as a broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) is considered. The question of optimality in priority packet discarding is examined in order to minimize the service degradation associated with the discarding. An analysis model which is consistent with asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) operation of such a network is presented. It is shown how dynamic programming can be used with this model to find an optimal discarding policy, and initial results of such an analysis for queuing systems with a single buffer position are presented. It is shown by example that the optimal policy can perform significantly better over a wide range of parameter values than the default policy of discarding arriving packets only when the queue is full. >
Preparation and tandem mass spectrometric analyses of deuterium-labeled cysteine-containing leukotrienes

Leukotrienes (LT) C4, E4 and N-acetyl-E4, their respective monomethyl esters and 14,15-2H2 analogs have been synthesized. The collisionally activated decompositions of the [ M + H] + and [ M - H] − ions formed by fast atom bombardment (FAB) have been studied by tandem mass spectrometry using a hybrid sector/quadrupole instrument. Structurally informative product ion spectra were obtained for each analyte; the fragmentation pathways proposed are consistent with the parallel data obtained for labeled and derivatized species. Fragmentation of [ M + H] + ions occurs prominently via cleavage of the thioether linkage with charge retention on the cysteine-containing (predominant for LTC4) or lipid-derived (predominant for LTE4) moieties. More pronounced differences were observed between the fragmentations of [ M - H] − ions derived from LTC4 and LTE4; the preference for charge retention, however, parallels that observed for the fragmentation of [ M + H] + ions. Selected ion monitoring during continuous-flow FAB mass spectrometric analysis of authentic LTC4 indicated a low-picogram detection limit.
Antimony and Bismuth Oxide Clusters: Growth and Decomposition of New Magic Number Clusters

A series of new “magic number” metal oxide clusters are described for the group V metals antimony and bismuth. Specific nonstatistical stoichiometries of MxOy cation and anion clusters are formed preferentially in the gas phase when oxidized metal is vaporized or when metal is vaporized and combined with gas phase oxygen (e.g., Bi7O10+, Bi9O14+). Essentially the same stoichiometries are seen for antimony and bismuth analogues. The species produced in cluster growth are also produced preferentially by photodissociation of larger clusters. Localized covalent bonding schemes are suggested for these clusters, and polyhedral cage structures are proposed. The stoichiometries observed require a 3+ metal oxidation state in the small clusters, which shifts over to one or more 5+ metal atoms in larger clusters.
The virome in host health and disease

The mammalian virome includes diverse commensal and pathogenic viruses that evoke a broad range of immune responses from the host. Sustained viral immunomodulation is implicated in a variety of inflammatory diseases, but also confers unexpected benefits to the host. These outcomes of viral infections are often dependent on host genotype. Moreover, it is becoming clear that the virome is part of a dynamic network of microorganisms that inhabit the body. Therefore, viruses can be viewed as a component of the microbiome, and interactions with commensal bacteria and other microbial agents influence their behavior. This piece is a review of our current understanding of how the virome, together with other components of the microbiome, affects the function of the host immune system to regulate health and disease.
Expression of Interleukin-4 Receptors on Early Human B-Lineage Cells

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) regulates multiple stages of the antigen-dependent phase of B-cell development. However, its precise role in regulating B lymphopoiesis in bone marrow is not as well defined. We examined whether surface IgM- normal and leukemic human B-cell precursors (BCP) expressed IL-4 receptors using biotinylated IL-4. Constitutive expression of IL-4 receptors was detected on both normal and leukemic BCP. A higher percentage of normal BCP (82% +/- 15%) expressed IL-4 receptors compared with leukemic BCP (44% +/- 8%). Using mean fluorescent intensity as an indicator of receptor level on the IL-4 receptor positive cells, normal (91 +/- 41) and leukemic (44 +/- 37) BCP expressed comparable numbers of receptors. IL-4 induced the expression of CD23 on 30% of the leukemic BCP cases examined. IL-4 induced CD23 on surface IgM+ fetal bone marrow lymphoid cells but not on the surface IgM- normal BCP, despite the presence of detectable receptors on the surface IgM- cells. IL-4 did not stimulate proliferation of normal BCP, nor could it enhance the effect of recombinant IL-7 or low molecular weight B-cell growth factor. However, IL-4 increased the expression of surface IgM and surface Ig kappa on in vitro differentiated pre-B cells. Our collective results identify no role for IL-4 in the proliferation of normal or leukemic BCP, but identify a role in the enhancement of surface Ig expression during pre-B to B-cell differentiation.
USE OF LONG-SPACING ALCOHOLS AND ALKANES FOR CALIBRATION OF LONG SPACINGS FROM LAYER SILICATES, PARTICULARLY CLAY MINERALS

Lattice spacings of layer silicates, particularly clay minerals, may exceed 20 A. The errors in measuring lattice spacings increase rapidly for spacings greater than about 10 A and diffraction angles 20 tess than about 10 ~ Long-chain organic compounds, such as normal alcohols, ClcC2o, and normal alkancs (paraffins), Cz6-C3o, provide useful calibrations for lattice spacings in the range 10-50 A. The basal spacings of the calibrating substances are determined from their higher order reflections in the angu- lar range where reflections from quartz and silicon are used as standards. INTRODU(.qI'ION
Deep trap-induced dynamic on-resistance degradation in GaN-on-Si power MISHEMTs

Abstract Identification and characterization of a single, deep trap causing large increases in the on-resistance of GaN-on-Si power metal-insulator-semiconductor-high electron mobility transistors (MISHEMTs) is reported. This is achieved by using HEMT-based deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) and related methods in conjunction with high voltage off-state VDS switching up to 400 V. A trap with an activation energy of ~ EC − 2 eV that is physically located in the drain-access region of the MISHEMT is shown to be the primary source of an increase of the dynamic on-resistance increase by as much as ~ 9 times at 400 V operation. Comparisons of trap signatures extracted from the MISHEMT with capacitance-based DLOS measurements of simple Schottky-diode test-structures showing the same, dominant trap signature suggests that the physical defect is located within the GaN buffer and is not a surface or insulator-related defect. A buffer trap based model is presented to explain the observed on-resistance degradation effects in the MISHEMTs during high voltage switching.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm collides with a well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine neoplasm in an adult man: case report and review of histogenesis.

Objectives: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare, clinicopathologically distinct neoplasm with a tendency to affect young women. The histogenesis of SPN is not well defined. Pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (PENs) are also uncommon tumors of the pancreas. Methods: Our comprehensive review of the literature did not yield any reported cases of collision tumors of the above two neoplasms. We report a case of such a collision tumor in a 45-year-old man. Results: This tumor was an incidental finding on computed tomography, followed by fine-needle aspiration confirmation of a tumor that was initially diagnosed as an SPN only. A histologic examination of a 2.1-cm mass following distal pancreatectomy revealed a 0.7-cm PEN partly engulfed by an SPN. The tumors showed different morphologic and immunohistochemical features, confirming the presence of a collision tumor. Conclusions: A comparative analysis of immunoprofiles of these tumors yielded interesting findings, enabling us to postulate that SPNs may originate from a multipotential primordial cell that may follow different differentiation pathways, such as endocrine, epithelial, and acinar. The ultrastructures and immunophenotypic characteristics appear to support this hypothesis.
Gamma-ray spectroscopy of nuclei with large deformations. Results from GAMMASPHERE

The large multidetector gamma-ray arrays (such as GAMMASPHERE, EUROBALL, and GASP) have played a central role in nuclear-structure studies during the past decade. In this paper I will discuss recent results from experiments on nuclei with very large deformations, including: the measurement of the spins, parities, and excitation energies of superdeformed bands in 152 Dy; the observation of extreme deformations in 108 Cd and the evidence for hyper-intruder states; the study of superdeformed nuclei around $A \sim 40$ , which provide an opportunity to test our microscopic understanding of collective excitations; and lifetimes of strongly deformed triaxial bands in 163 Lu. I will conclude with a brief discussion on the next generation gamma-ray detector array, GRETA.
Measurement Invariance and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: Asian International and Euro American Cultural Groups.

This study examined measurement invariance of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), assessing the five-factor model (FFM) of personality among Euro American (N = 290) and Asian international (N ...
Mood improving Potential of a Vitamin Trace Element Composition--A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study with healthy volunteers.

INTRODUCTION Hospitals strive, over the long term, to reduce the incidence of falls of hospitalized patients. Falls are monitored, analyzed, and regularly evaluated and corrective and preventive actions are established based on the findings. To establish preventive actions, it is essential to determine the circumstances under which the patient fell and in what type of health care facility. OBJECTIVES The goal of the study consisted in retrospectively analyzing falls in selected hospitals of the South Bohemian Region in 2014 and 2015. METHODS Our retrospective analysis of 1101 patient falls was reported by the health care staff from 4 hospitals of the South Bohemian Region. The data from the reported incidents (i.e., falls) from individual hospitals were encoded and entered in a database using the SASD statistical program and subsequently subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS The highest frequency of falls was found on internal wards, 565 (51.3%) with the second highest frequency found on subsequent care wards, 267 (24.3%). The study showed that the risk of falls increases with patient age; more than 60% the hospitals, in the monitored period, involved patients over 70 years of age. Falls occurred most frequently in patient rooms and in bathrooms. Statistically significant relationships were identified between the type of ward and the time of the fall, between the type of the ward and the location of the fall, between patient age and the time of the fall, between patient age and the location of the fall, between the time of fall and the location of fall, and between the location of fall and the patient mobility before the fall. CONCLUSION Intensive monitoring of patient falls and the circumstances under which the falls occurred are needed to fully understand the epidemiology of hospital falls.
Limit Cycle Analysis of Flexible Structures Under Discontinuous Feedback Control

A method for calculating all periodic solutions and their domains of attraction for flexible systems under nonlinear feedback control is presented. The systems considered consist of mechanical systems with many flexible modes and a relay type controller coupled with a PID control law operating in a feedback configuration. The proposed approach includes three steps. First, limit cycle frequencies and periodic fixed points are computed exactly, using a block diagonal state-space modal representation of the plant dynamics. Then the relay switching surface is chosen as the Poincare mapping surface and is discretized using the cell mapping method. Finally, the region of attraction for each limit cycle is computed using the cell mapping algorithm and employing an error based convergence criterion. An example consisting of a system with two modes, a relay with hysteresis and a PD controller is used to demonstrate the proposed approach.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Application of Mitochondrial DNA Sequences in Molecular Systematics of True Bugs (Hemiptera:Heteroptera)

The development in the PCR technique and the accumulation of large amounts of DNA sequence data have led to the remarkable recent growth of insect molecular systematics. Mitochondrial DNA evolves faster than the nuclear genome, and it has been useful in phylogenetic studies of families, genera, species, and populations. We review phylogenetic research advances in Heteroptera. Various mitochondrial DNA sequences, COⅠ、COⅡ、12S rDNA、16S rDNA、Cyt b、ND1、ND2 and ND5, have been used in phylogenetic studies of true bugs. In which COI、COⅡ、16S rDNA and Cyt b are the most popular markers. At present, the shortage for using these molecular markers is lack of uniting analyses between different markers data. The further study had better choose some taxonomic rank of hemiptera-heteropterans and focus on mensuration of two regions or several regions of mitochondrial DNA sequences, then analyze solely and unite analyses. At last, we analyse the limitation of mitochondrial gene sequence of utilization in molecular systematics, and the development prospect of mitochondrial genes.
The Optimization of Test Conditions of T Lymphocyte Transformation of Spleen of BALB/c Mouse in Vitro Experiments

To explore the optimum conditions of T Lymphocyte Transformation of Spleen of BALB/c Mouse in Vitro Experiments,the concentration of spleen and ConA was studied by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) method.The results showed that in this experiment condition the maximum absorbance was detected at a concentraion of 5×105 /ml spleen cell and 2.5 μg/ml ConA.
Design and Implemention of Overlapping Video Characters Based on Nios II Processor

The module of overlapping video characters is realized,and some problems are proposed which need to be noticed when the functions are realized.The design can overlap characters and pictures in any position of the video,and it is easy to modify characters and pictures when they change.Serial ports with Nios II could be replaced to send some commands or data to FPGA,in order to control the video display and debug the functions based on its high performance,configurable parameters,transportability,flexibility and practicability.