cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Reliability of Thermoelectric Couple Networks

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) rely on a network of individual thermoelectric couples that collectively contribute to the overall power output of the system. As individual couples experience catastrophic failure, complete generator failure occurs when the power output fails to meet the required threshold. A series–parallel wiring arrangement accommodates failure of individual couples without catastrophic failure of the generator, however there exist failure paths that interrupt electrical continuity of the network. In assessing the reliability of a TEG system, the probability of success is measured according to a network’s ability to meet both the power level and electrical continuity criteria. A closed-form probabilistic model based on Karr’s mathematical formulation (Karr in IEEE Trans Reliab 19(3):116–119, 1970) is used to assess the implications of catastrophic thermoelectric couple failure on the reliability of a complete network. A system-level analysis is performed to evaluate the reliability effects of various network configurations, based on the distribution of a finite number of couples across different numbers of strings. The study explores the tradeoff between redundancy and reliability by assessing the effect of additional couples added to parallel strings and continuing to satisfy acceptable power margins. This model is shown to be a useful tool for designing and understanding the electrical network wiring configurations of TEGs and other power devices.
Advance in lung cancer surgery

术中超声定位肺结节 实施胸腔镜切除时定位肺结节的难易程度取决于病 变的大小和部位。传统上,定位中央型、周围型肺结节的 金标准是触诊,这需要借助于开胸术。在胸腔镜下无法进 行触诊,这是一个固有缺陷。胸腔镜下对比较困难的结节 进行操作时,提高成功率的其它选择包括通过如导航支气 管镜等方法进行图像引导下针吸定位、基准标记安置或者 墨汁染色法。这些方法的潜在缺陷包括额外的术前准备时 间、气胸的风险、针头移位或分离术侧肺时发送移位以及 靶向肺区域的非特异性墨水染色。 在电视辅助胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, VATS)中,术中超声已成为术中检测肺结节的一 个切实可行的选择。利用一个可弯曲的腹腔镜10 mm超声 探头(B-K Medical, Herlev, Denmark)和用于肺检查的导电 膏,传统VATS技术检测不到的病变均可被检测到并定位。 一旦识别,借助于标准楔形切除技术可将病变切除。介绍
Spatial Memory of Real Environments, Virtual Environments, and Maps

As people move about the environment, they acquire knowledge about patterns of their own movement and about spatial relations among places in the world. This knowledge is encoded and stored in memory, allowing people to find the places again in an efficient manner and to communicate the locations to others. As they sit, stand, and travel in environments, people acquire spatial knowledge “directly” via perceptual-motor interaction with the world. But spatial knowledge is also acquired “indirectly” via external representations of the world and its spatial layout. We refer to these direct and indirect ways of learning spatial relations in the world as alternative sources for knowledge acquisition. For both theoretical and practical reasons, it is interesting to ask how the spatial knowledge acquired through different sources is similar and how it is different. To what degree are memory content, structure, and process similar or different when based on different sources, and why?
[Clinicopathological Analysis of Children's Systemic EBV-Positive T-Cell Lymphoma].

Objective To explore the clinical and pathologic features as well as prognosis of systemic EBV-positive T-cell lymphoma in children. Methods The clinical data including clinical manifestation, pathologic changes and treatment in 16 patients with children's systemic EBV-positive T-cell lymphoma were analyzed retrospectively, and follow-up of patients were carried out. Results The 16 cases included 12 males and 4 females with median age of 3.3 years old. It was demonstrated that the clinical and pathological features of the children's systemic EBV-positive T-cell lymphoma were as followed fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, lymphadenopathy, and hemophagocytosis in bone marrow or organ. Histologically, the structures of lymph node was normal, partially or completely destoryed. The paracortical zone was expanded with prominent infiltration of small to medium-sized atypical lymphocytes. The major immunophenotypic characteristics were as follows: (1) Almost all biopsies exhibited prominent T cell proliferation. (2) CD3 was expressed in 16 patients (100%, 16/16), CD4 in 5 patients (31.3%, 5/16)，CD5 in 13 patients (81.3%, 13/16)，CD7 was expressed in 11 patients (68.8%, 11/16)，CD8 in 15 patients (93.8%, 15/16)，CD4 and CD8 were expressed in 5 patients (31.3%, 5/16)，CD4 and CD8 double-negative in patients (6.3%, 1/16)，16 patients were CD56 negative (100%, 16/16). (3) TCR gene cloning rearrangement in 16 patients (93.8%, 15/16). (4) EBV-EBER was expressed in 16 patients (100%, 16/16). 11 out of 16 cases died, 1 cese failed to be followed up, 1 case relapsed，and 3 cases survived, reseptively. The media survival time was 4 months. Conclusion Systemic EBV-positive T-cell lymphoma predominantly occurred in childhood and early teen-age, and lacks specific clinic features, usually combined with hemophagocytic syndrome. The confirmed diagnosis requires comprehensive analysis of clinical manifestation, pathomorphology, immunohistochemical detection, EBV-EBER insite hybridization, and TCR gene test. The overall prognosis of the disease is poor and the fatality rate is high.
Arthrodesis of the Foot or Ankle in Adult Patients with Congenital Clubfoot

Background Although clubfoot that was corrected in childhood rarely recurs in adulthood, persistent deformities or arthritic pain may require further treatment during adulthood. Little evidence exists on the operative procedures utilized in adult clubfoot patients, who were previously treated for congenital clubfoot in childhood, for residual or recurrent deformity or pain. Objective The objective of this study is to characterize the types and frequencies of procedures utilized in adult clubfoot patients, who were previously treated for congenital clubfoot in childhood. Methods A two-pronged approach was employed to describe the operative procedures used in adult clubfoot patients. First, a literature review of all reported cases of operative treatment in adult clubfoot patients who were previously treated in childhood was performed. Second, an analysis of the operative treatments used in adult patients with a diagnosis of congenital clubfoot was conducted using a large, administrative claims database. Results In the literature review, arthrodesis was the most cited operative treatment and reported in four out of the eight studies included. Osteotomies were also reported in the literature. In the database analysis, 94 hindfoot arthrodesis procedures were identified in 73 patients, out of 1,198 adult patients in the database with a diagnosis of congenital clubfoot. Sixty-two patients out of 1,198 adult clubfoot patients received osteotomies. An insufficient number of total ankle arthroplasties were reported for further analysis. Conclusions Operative treatment in adult clubfoot patients who were treated for congenital clubfoot in childhood includes hindfoot arthrodesis and osteotomy procedures. Total ankle arthroplasty has not been reported in the literature for these patients.
Stress and behavioral correlates in the head-fixed method

Head-fixation of awake rodents is a method that allows for sophisticated investigation and manipulation of neural circuits in vivo, that would otherwise be impossible in completely freely moving animals. However, while it is known that head-fixation induces stress, its scale and habituation dynamics remain unclear. Thus, interpretation of physiological and behavioral experiments would greatly benefit from the characterization of the stress response. In our study, we used the Mobile HomeCage system (Neurotar, Finland) where animals are head-fixed to an aluminum frame, but otherwise freely moving in an ultralight carbon container floating above an air-dispensing base. To better understand this experimental environment, we analyzed locomotion and stress during an extended habituation protocol. For 25 consecutive days, mice were prepared as they would be for recording experiments, i.e. head-fixed while standing on the air-lifted platform for 2 hours per day. Throughout 25 days, blood samples were taken periodically from the tail vein to measure variation in the stress-related hormone, corticosterone. These data were compared and contrasted with behavioral data including locomotion during the 2-hours head-fixed habituation sessions and several classical behavioral measurements known to be affected by chronic mild stress.
The Value and Ethics of Using Technology to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic.

As the world grapples with COVID-19, experts are calling for better identification and isolation of new cases. In this paper, we argue that these tasks can be scaled up with the use of technology. ...
Cooperative Spectrum Sharing and Trust Management in IoT Networks

In this chapter, we study the problem of cooperative spectrum leasing to the unlicensed Internet of Things (IoT) devices. We accounted for potential selfish behavior of unlicensed users. A distributed game‐theoretic framework is proposed for the purpose of spectrum leasing. In this framework, unlicensed users can borrow the spectrum access from licensed users, and, in return, they provide cooperative service for two main goals: first, to enhance information secrecy of licensed users via adding intentional jamming to protect them from potential eavesdroppers, and second, to enhance the quality of communication through cooperative relaying. A reputation‐based mechanism monitors the cooperative behavior of the IoT devices to give the chance to the primary user to only interact with the reliable IoT devices. Simulation results show that this model can offer a practical solution for spectrum sharing by improving the secrecy rate of the primary users and reducing the possible attacks from selfish IoT devices.
Physicians perspectives about medical sources of information: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews.

Introduction Despite the growing availability of evidence and sources of information, it is not clear what are the physicians preferences for filling gaps in their medical knowledge. Objective To summarize the available evidence about physicians preferences and perceived barriers and facilitators about sources of information. Methods We will undertake an overview of systematic reviews according to PRISMA guidelines. We will search Epistemonikos from inception until March 2019. We will also search PROSPERO, and we will perform a forward citation search in Scopus. Inclusion criteria will consider systematic reviews (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) focusing on physicians preferences about sources of information, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators. Two authors will independently screen and select records for inclusion. We will appraise the quality of included systematic reviews using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and the overlap of primary studies according to the corrected covered area formula. We will conduct a narrative synthesis of quantitative data and a thematic analysis of qualitative findings. Discussion We expect that our findings will contribute to improving the evidence-based general practice by identifying physicians perspectives about different sources of medical information.
Effects of Supervision, Population Size, and Self-Play on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning to Communicate

Learning to communicate in adaptive multi-agent populations introduces instability challenges at the individual and population levels. To develop an effective communication system, a population mus...
Dementia, Cognitive Transformation, and Supported Decision Making.

Walsh (2020) challenges Ronald Dworkin’s well-known views on privileging precedent autonomy through advance directives by highlighting an undertheorized deficiency of this decision-making tool: adv...
Inappropriateness of Proton Pump Inhibitors After Hospital Discharge Is Associated with Thirty-Day Hospital Readmission.

Concerns have been raised about the adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Rather than PPIs themselves causing harm, we hypothesized that PPIs prescribed without appropriate indications would be associated with adverse outcomes compared to appropriately indicated PPIs. Adult patients initiated on a new PPI during a hospitalization at our institution from 2014 to 2018 were analyzed. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day readmission rate. The primary exposure was long-term appropriateness of PPI determined by the presence of prespecified diagnostic codes and discharge medications. Logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the odds of 30-day readmission in patients discharged on inappropriate compared to appropriate new PPIs. Of 84,236 patients admitted to our institution, 7745 (9.2%) were discharged on a new PPI, of which 5136 (66.3%) lacked an appropriately documented indication. Inappropriate PPIs were associated with 30-day hospital readmission after adjusting for other factors (adjusted odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.53). The excess risk associated with lack of appropriate documentation for PPIs in these patients was 44 readmissions per 1000 hospitalizations (95% confidence interval 21–67). Discharge on inappropriate PPIs was associated with 30-day hospital readmission compared to appropriate PPIs. The harm associated with inappropriate PPIs is not likely due to direct effects of PPIs because all patients in the study received PPIs. Rather, patients who receive inappropriate PPIs may have additional patient-specific factors that place them at increased risk for hospital readmission.
Infectious Complications in Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have fewer hospitalizations due to infections when compared to hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, peritonitis and to a lesser extent catheter exit-site infections are leading causes of PD morbidity, and peritonitis is a major cause of transfer to HD. Certain procedures, both at the time of catheter placement and subsequently during maintenance PD therapy, can reduce the risk of PD-related infections. Empiric antibiotics should be given whenever a PD infection is clinically suspected; antibiotic selection should be tailored after microbiological data is eventually known. Infection monitoring is an important part of the CQI program for every PD program and can lead to reduced infection rates. The peritonitis rate should be reported as the number of episodes per patient-year, with a goal of at least less than 0.5 infections per patient-year; several centers have successfully achieved peritonitis rates less than 0.20 per patient-year.
Comparison of optical performance among three dental operating microscopes: A pilot study.

Introduction: Two important aspects of the dental operating microscope (DOM) that factor into its overall effectiveness are resolution and depth of field. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the resolution and depth of field of DOMs from three well-known manufacturers using standardized test targets. Materials and Methods: A resolution test, using the 1951 USAF Hi-Resolution Target (Edmund Optics, Barrington, NJ), and a depth of field test, using the Depth of Field Target 5-15 (Edmund Optics, Barrington, NJ), were performed by two calibrated observers. Three DOM systems such as Seiler IQ (Seiler Instrument Inc., St. Louis, USA), Global G-Series 6 step (Global Surgical Corp., St. Louis, USA), and Zeiss Extaro 300 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Oberkochen, Germany) were used to compare the resolution and depth of field. Results: The Zeiss Extaro 300 showed the highest maximum resolution and maximum DOF (64 lp/mm and 17mm, respectively). The Seiler IQ showed the lowest maximum resolution and maximum DOF (35.9 lp/mm and 11 mm, respectively). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the Zeiss Extaro 300 was superior in terms of resolution and depth of field as compared to the other two DOMs.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a strong connection between Gadd45g upregulation and oncolytic HSV infection in tumor tissue.

The oncolytic effect of virotherapy derives from the intrinsic capability of the applied virus in selectively infecting and killing tumor cells. Although oncolytic viruses of various constructions have been shown to efficiently infect and kill tumor cells in vitro, the efficiency of these viruses to exert the same effect on tumor cells within tumor tissues in vivo has not been extensively investigated. Here we report our studies using single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively analyze the gene expression profile of tumor tissues following herpes simplex virus 2-based oncolytic virotherapy. Our data revealed the extent and cell types within the tumor microenvironment that could be infected by the virus. Moreover, we observed changes in the expression of cellular genes, including antiviral genes, in response to viral infection. One notable gene found to be upregulated significantly in oncolytic virus-infected tumor cells was Gadd45g, which is desirable for optimal virus replication. These results not only help reveal the precise infection status of the oncolytic virus in vivo but also provide insight that may lead to the development of new strategies to further enhance the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy.
On chaotic digital encoding and generalized inverses

In this the paper the design of n-codecs is discussed in general terms. Specifically, the design of a chaotic n-codec is considered equivalent to the design of a nonlinear digital filter along with its inverse filter. To this end a generalized inverse for a large class of nonlinear systems is suggested which may have broader applicability than shown here. Secondly, the generic form of the inverse will allow a class of FIR n-codecs to be articulated. Finally, a way of estimating the error performance, specifically due to errors in transmission of n-codecs is given.
Pituitary Response to LHRH During Chronic Renal Insufficiency in the Male Rat

Chronic renal insufficiency was induced in young adult male rats by a 2-step 5/6 nephrectomy. Four weeks after surgery the rats were anesthetized with ketamine and injected with saline or 1, 5, 10, 50, or 100 ng of LHRH/100 g BW and blood samples were collected at various times and assayed for LH. A second group of rats was injected with saline or 5, 10, 50, 100, or 200 ng of LHRH/100 g BW and serum samples assayed for FSH. A third experiment tested for the presence of a self-priming effect of LHRH on LH secretion. Rats were primed with three iv injections of 10 ng of LHRH/100 g BW or saline at 30-min intervals and challenged with 50 ng of LHRH/100 g BW 30 min after the last priming injection. Ten min after the challenge injection, the LH increment was determined. The data indicate that male rats suffering from chronic renal insufficiency have an impaired LH response to low doses of LHRH, essentially normal FSH responses to most doses of LHRH examined, and lack a self-priming effect of LHRH on LH secretion. These results suggest that part of the reproductive abnormalities found in chronic renal failure may be due to alterations in pituitary LH responses.
[3] Site-directed mutagenesis of G protein α subunits: Analysis of αz phosphorylation and fatty acid acylation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of site-directed mutagenesis to define the sites of phosphorylation and fatty acid acylation in αz. The prevailing technique for generating mutations is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with mismatched primers. The advantages of PCR using mismatched primers relative to other techniques of mutagenesis are simplicity and speed. Along with other techniques, they have been in use for the development of structure-activity relationships for α subunits. An analysis of a subunit sequences relevant to discrimination of receptors by these subunits has been performed, in which the C-terminal residues of αq are systematically exchanged for those of αi2, αo, αz, and αs using (primarily) PCR with a 3´ primer containing the entire added sequence and an appended restriction site. Regions of a subunits required for interaction with βγ have been examined through PCR with mismatched primers (using in vitro translation as a means of expression), and by construction of chimeras between αi and αs using naturally occurring restriction sites and/or a double-PCR strategy based on complementarity in overlapping primers. Residues relevant to βγ interaction have additionally been examined by mutations induced randomly with PCR.
Origin of iodine in volcanic fluids: 129I results from the Central American Volcanic Arc

Abstract The largest reservoir of crustal iodine is found in marine sediments, where it is closely associated with organic material. This presence, together with the existence of a long-lived, cosmogenic radioisotope 129I (t1/2 = 15.7 Ma), make this isotopic system well suited for the study of sediment recycling in subduction zones. Reported here are the results of 129I/I ratios in volcanic fluids, collected during a comprehensive study of fluids and gases in the Central American Volcanic Arc. 129I/I ratios, together with I, Br, and Cl concentrations, were determined in 79 samples from four geothermal centers and a number of crater lakes, fumaroles, hot springs, and surface waters in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Geothermal and volcanic fluids were found to have iodine concentrations substantially higher than values in seawater or meteoric waters. 129I/I ratios in most of the geothermal fluids are below the preanthropogenic input ratio of 1500 × 10−15, demonstrating that recent anthropogenic additions are largely absent from the volcanic systems. The majority of the 129I/I ratios are between 500 and 800 × 10−15. These ratios indicate minimum iodine ages between 25 and 15 Ma, in good agreement with the age of subducted sediments in this region. In all four geothermal systems, however, a few samples were found with iodine ages older than 40 Ma—that is, considerably below the expected age range for subducted sediments from the Cocos Plate. These samples probably reflect the presence of iodine derived from sediments in older accreted oceanic terraines. The iodine ages indicate that the magmatic end member for the volcanic fluids originates in the deeper parts of the subducted sediment column, with small additions from older iodine mobilized from the overlying crust. The high concentrations of iodine in geothermal fluids, combined with the observed iodine ages, demonstrate that remobilization in the main volcanic zone (and probably also in the forearc area) is an important part in the overall marine cycle of iodine and similar elements.
Chemiluminescence and Bioluminescence, Analysis by

Bioluminescent (BL) and chemiluminescent (CL) reactions are used as analytical detection tools in immunoassay, protein and nucleic acid blotting, nucleic acid sequencing, and hybridization assays, and in reporter gene studies. In a BL or CL assay, the intensity or the total light emission is measured and related to the concentration of the unknown analyte. Light is measured quantitatively using a luminometer (photomultiplier tube or charge-coupled device) as a detector or qualitatively by means of photographic or X-ray film. The main advantages of these reactions are simplicity and an analytical sensitivity capable of obtaining results from minute amounts of analyte [attomole–zeptomole (10−18–10−21 mol) range]. In immunoassay and nucleic acid hybridization tests, these reactions or their components are used in two ways: as labels and as detection systems for labels of other types (e.g. enzymes). Acridinium esters, acridinium sulfonyl carboxamides, isoluminol derivatives, the photoprotein aequorin, and luciferases from the firefly, marine bacteria, Vargula (formerly Cypridina), and Renilla are the principal luminescent labels. CL and BL detection schemes have been developed for assaying alkaline phosphatase, glucose oxidase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, horseradish peroxidase, and xanthine oxidase labels. In addition, simple homogeneous assays are possible with CL acridinium ester and isoluminol labels, as well as with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase labels. CL and BL reactions can be adapted for the analysis of enzymes, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, and metal ions, for the study of cellular processes (e.g. phagocytosis), and for toxicity testing. Luciferase genes (luc, lux) are now used as reporter genes, and the gene expression is quantitated by measuring the expressed luciferase in a BL assay. Keywords: Bioluminescence; Chemiluminescence; Electrochemiluminescence; Homogeneous Assay; Immunoassay; Luciferase; Luciferin; Luminometer; Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assay; Photoprotein
Prior heat stress inhibits apoptosis in adenosine triphosphate-depleted renal tubular cells

Prior heat stress inhibits apoptosis in adenosine triphosphate-depleted renal tubular cells. Background This study tested the following hypotheses: ( a ) renal tubular epithelial cells subjected to transient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion undergo apoptosis, and ( b ) induction of heat stress proteins (HSPs) inhibits cell death following ATP depletion, possibly by interacting with anti-apoptotic signal proteins. Methods To simulate ischemia in vivo , cells derived from opossum kidney proximal tubule (OK) were subjected to ATP depletion (5mm cyanide, 5mm 2-deoxy-D-glucose, and 0mm glucose) for 1 to 1.5hours, followed by recovery (10mm glucose without cyanide). The presence of apoptosis was assessed by morphological and biochemical criteria. The effect of prior heat stress or caspase inhibition on apoptosis and cell survival were assessed. Results In the ATP-depleted cell, both Hoechst dye and electron microscopy revealed morphological features that are typical of apoptosis. On an agarose gel, a "ladder pattern" typical of endonucleosomal DNA degradation was observed. Prior heat stress reduced the number of apoptotic-appearing cells, significantly decreased DNA fragmentation, and improved cell survival compared with controls (73.0 ± 1% vs. 53.0 ± 1.5%; P 2 to BAX, proteins known to regulate the apoptotic set point in renal cells. HSP 72, a known cytoprotectant, co-immunoprecipitated with Bcl 2 , an anti-apoptotic protein. Prior heat stress markedly increased the interaction between HSP 72 and Bcl 2 . Conclusions Transient ATP depletion causes apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells. Prior HS inhibits apoptosis and improves survival in these cells. Novel interactions between HSP 72 and Bcl 2 may be responsible, at least in part, for the protection afforded by prior heat stress against ATP depletion injury.
Investigation of the base-pairing structure of the anticodon hairpin from E. coli initiator tRNA by high-resolution nmr.

The high-resolution nmr spectrum of the anticodon hairpin from E. coli tRNAfMet has been obtained at a number of different temperatures. The positions of the resonances from interior Watson-Crick base pairs are well accounted for (within 0.1 ppm) by a semi-empirical ring current shift theory, but the terminal base pairs are susceptible to the exact orientation of adjacent bases in single-stranded regions. From a careful examination of the exact way in which resonances disappear at elevated temperatures, we conclude that melting in the nmr experiments occurs when the lifetime of a base pair is reduced to several milliseconds. On the basis of these experiments we are able to assign an nmr Tm to each individual base pair and these should be useful in interpreting the melting behavior of the intact molecule. An “extra” resonance is observed at ∼11.3 ppm and, on the basis of its position and temperature sensitivity, it is tentatively assigned to the ring nitrogen proton of a “protected” U residue in the anticodon loop. A strong preference for stacking of a nonbase-paired A residue on an adjacent GC base pair is observed even at temperatures in excess of 52°C.
Whitney Award Lecture—1983: Towards a Better Understanding of Corrosion beneath Organic Coatings

Abstract A review is given of research whose objective is to understand the principles governing corrosion beneath organic coatings. Eight subject areas of special interest are discussed: electrical properties of coatings, the nature of the metal substrate in determining coating performance, electrochemical processes which take place on the metal substrate under the coating, diffusion of reactants through the coating, studies of the metal/coating interface, aggregation of water at the metal/coating interface, inhibitors in coatings, and a specific type of deterioration known as cathodic delamination.
Isolation and characterization of marine methanotrophs

Four new methane-oxidizing bacteria have been isolated from marine samples taken at the Hyperion sewage outfall, near Los Angeles, CA. These bacteria require NaCl for growth. All exhibit characteristics typical of Type I methanotrophs, except they contain enzyme activities of both the ribulose monophosphate pathway and the serine cycle. All four strains are characterized by rapid growth in liquid culture and on agar plates, and all have temperature optima above 35° C. One strain, chosen for further study, has been shown to maintain broadhost range cloning vectors and is currently being used for genetic studies.
Stoichiometric Inhibition of Various 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases by a Substrate Analogue

ABSTRACT A synthetic steroid (2α-cyano-4, 4, 17α-trimethyl-androst-5-en-17β-ol-3-one) behaves as a stoichiometric inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in a purified extract of testosterone-induced Pseudomonas testosteroni, and in homogenates of bovine and rat adrenal tissues. This inhibitor titrates the activity of the bacterial 3(17-)β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with three 3β-and two 17β-hydroxysteroidal substrates, and that of the mammalian 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases with the 3β-hydroxysteroidal substrates. Human adrenal tissue, hyperplastic due to a selectively deficient activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, does not bind the inhibitor, while suitable control tissue does. The inhibitor-binding capacity of the purified bacterial preparation is of the same order of magnitude as the amount of inhibitor required to activate the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in this preparation. These results suggest that the prolonged effects of this steroidal cyano-ketone in vivo result, at least ...
16th-century Algonquian fishermen.

In his letter about two illustrations of Algonquians fishing in Pamlico Sound, Thomas M. Leschine compares a watercolor from 1585 by John White with an engraved version published by Theodor de Bry in 1590, reproduced respectively on the covers of Science (27 July) and Oceanus (summer 1981). Leschine says that, to him, “the real message of both illustrations is allegorical, embodied in the…image, dead center, of two humans seemingly intent upon burning a hole directly through the bottom of their canoe.” ( Science 's Compass, Letters, “Mixed messages from the distant past·”, 14 Sept., p. [1993][1]). There is, however, a real message that is ethnographic and historical, as P. Hulton, D. B. Quinn, C. E. Raven, and I explained in the standard publication on White's watercolors and the de Bry derivatives ([1][2]). The fauna are there identified as to species, and the differences between the fish trap, or weir, shown in the two depictions are discussed, casting doubt on de Bry's version as compared with White's original. According to contemporary sources, the small fire in the dugout canoe is a burning pile of “light-wood splinters, on a hearth built up nearly to the gunwales, which was used in night fishing to attract the fish and make visible the bottom of the river; the fish were then speared from the canoe” ([1][2]). 1. [↵][3]1. P. Hulton, 2. D. B. Quinn , The American Drawings of John White, 1577–1590, with Drawings of European and Oriental Subjects. Vol. I, A Catalogue Raisonne and a Study of the Artist, with contributions by W. C. Sturtevant, C. E. Raven, R. A. Skelton, L. B. Wright; Vol. II, Reproductions of the Originals in Colour Facsimile and of Derivatives in Monochrome (Trustees of the British Museum, London, and Univ. of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC, 1964); vol. I, pp. 102–103. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.293.5537.1993b [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text"
L(2,1)-labelings of Cartesian products of two cycles

An L(2, 1)-labeling of a graph is an assignment of nonnegative integers to its vertices so that adjacent vertices get labels at least two apart and vertices at distance two get distinct labels. The λ-number of a graph G, denoted by λ(G), is the minimum range of labels taken over all of its L(2, 1)-labelings. We show that the λ-number of the Cartesian product of any two cycles is 6, 7 or 8. In addition, we provide complete characterizations for the products of two cycles with λ-number exactly equal to each one of these values.
Selective effects of triazolam on memory.

The effects of a benzodiazepine (triazolam 0.25 and 0.50 mg) on different aspects of cognitive function were assessed. Triazolam impaired free recall and recognition of information presented after drug administration. In contrast to these impairments in explicit memory, a memory function that did not require conscious awareness was not altered by triazolam. Similarly, triazolam did not affect subjects' abilities to access semantic memory.
Socializing co-robots: Incorporating users and situated interaction in the design of collaborative robots

This paper seeks to address emerging concerns related to co-robotic technologies by exploring conceptual and practical approaches for explicitly including “the social” as the basis for developing and evaluating robots. In this talk, four recent projects performed within the scope of the R-House human-robot interaction lab ((http://rhouse.soic.indiana.edu)) is described. Three of the studies took place outside the laboratory - in users' homes, a local nursing institution, and an office - and involve culturally and socially situated studies of user perceptions of and interactions with robots to inform robot development. The fourth example describes the development of socially aware robotic agents using long time series of low resolution data (e.g. mechanical vibration, temperature, lighting, collisions) and bio-inspired computational methods to identify human presence and activities.
Evolution of lysine acetylation in the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain

RPB1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, contains a highly modifiable C-terminal domain (CTD) that consists of variations of a consensus heptad repeat sequence (Y1S2P3T4S5P6S7). The consensus CTD repeat motif and tandem organization represent the ancestral state of eukaryotic RPB1, but across eukaryotes CTDs show considerable diversity in repeat organization and sequence content. These differences may reflect lineage-specific CTD functions mediated by protein interactions. Mammalian CTDs contain eight non-consensus repeats with a lysine in the seventh position (K7). Posttranslational acetylation of these sites was recently shown to be required for proper polymerase pausing and regulation of two growth factor-regulated genes. To investigate the origins and function of RPB1 CTD acetylation (acRPB1), we computationally reconstructed the evolution of the CTD repeat sequence across eukaryotes and analyzed the evolution and function of genes dysregulated when acRPB1 is disrupted. Modeling the evolutionary dynamics of CTD repeat count and sequence content across diverse eukaryotes revealed an expansion of the CTD in the ancestors of Metazoa. The new CTD repeats introduced the potential for acRPB1 due to the appearance of distal repeats with lysine at position seven. This was followed by a further increase in the number of lysine-containing repeats in developmentally complex clades like Deuterostomia. Mouse genes enriched for acRPB1 occupancy at their promoters and genes with significant expression changes when acRPB1 is disrupted are enriched for several functions, such as growth factor response, gene regulation, cellular adhesion, and vascular development. Genes occupied and regulated by acRPB1 show significant enrichment for evolutionary origins in the early history of eukaryotes through early vertebrates. Our combined functional and evolutionary analyses show that RPB1 CTD acetylation was possible in the early history of animals, and that the K7 content of the CTD expanded in specific developmentally complex metazoan lineages. The functional analysis of genes regulated by acRPB1 highlight functions involved in the origin of and diversification of complex Metazoa. This suggests that acRPB1 may have played a role in the success of animals.
HUMAN SKIN PERMEATION OF 3-O-ALKYL CARBAMATE PRODRUGS OF NALTREXONE

N-Monoalkyl and N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs of naltrexone (NTX), an opioid antagonist, were synthesized and their in vitro permeation across human skin was determined. Relevant physicochemical properties were also determined. Most prodrugs exhibited lower melting points, lower aqueous solubilities, and higher oil solubilities than NTX. The flux values from N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs were significantly higher than those from NTX and N,N-dialkyl carbamates. The melting points of N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs were quite low compared to the N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs and NTX. Heats of fusion for the N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs were higher than that for NTX. N-Monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs had higher stratum corneum/vehicle partition coefficients than their N,N-dialkyl counterparts. Higher percent prodrug bioconversion to NTX in skin appeared to be related to increased skin flux. N,N-Dialkyl carbamate prodrugs were more stable in buffer and in plasma than N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs. In conclusion, N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs of NTX improved the systemic delivery of NTX across human skin in vitro. N,N-Dialkyl substitution in the prodrug moiety decreased skin permeation and plasma hydrolysis to the parent drug. The cross-sectional area of the carbamate head group was the major determinant of flux of the N-monoalkyl and N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs of NTX.
Low Self-Control Versus the Desire-For-Control: An Empirical Test of White-Collar Crime and Conventional Crime

Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) general theory of crime has been used to explain a wide variety of criminal and analogous behaviors, yet the few studies that have tested its ability to account for white-collar and corporate offending have yielded mixed results. One response to these mixed findings has been to explore the possibility that unique attributes may predict white-collar and corporate offending. In this vein, limited research examining the relationship between desire-for-control, a similar yet competing construct as low self-control, and corporate crime has revealed desire-for-control to be a stronger predictor of corporate crime than low self-control. The current study expands on existing research by examining the relationship between desire-for-control and low self-control in predicting conventional offending, white-collar or occupational offending, and corporate offending. Results indicate that desire-for-control is a stronger predictor of white-collar and corporate offending than low self-co...
Initial observations on using magnesium metal in peripheral nerve repair.

Biodegradable magnesium metal filaments placed inside biodegradable nerve conduits might provide the physical guidance support needed to improve the rate and extent of regeneration of peripheral ne...
The powers and pitfalls of parsimony

Parsimony analysis is a powerful tool for the study of biological evolution. It is used to construct phylogenetic trees, to evaluate alternative hypotheses objectively, and to study evolutionary pattern and process. Yet, as comparative data sets expand, the pitfalls of parsimony analysis are catching experts and novices alike.
STATISTICAL EXCHANGE AND THE TOTAL ENERGY OF A CRYSTAL.

The statistical exchange method is derived directly in terms of a variation of the total energy expressed in terms of the statistical exchange energy. The formulation holds for the so-called Xα and Xαβ exchange methods. It is pointed out that though the orbitals determined by these methods agree well with Hartree-Fock orbitals in cases where the comparison can be made, the eigenvalues are different, because they represent different quantities: in the Hartree-Fock method the energy differences between the energies of the ground state and the ion lacking an electron, in the statistical method the partial derivative of the total energy with respect to the occupation number. The total energy as derived by the statistical method is discussed, as a possible substitute for the exact total energy. It is shown that the parameters α and β can be chosen so that the statistical total energy agrees exactly with the Hartree-Fock total energy, and this is recommended as the best method for choosing these parameters. It is shown that the exchange potential encountered in the Xαβ method is much further from the Hartree-Fock exchange potential than that found in the Xα method, so that the latter is to be preferred. In order to test the use of the statistical expression for total energy, we study the statistical total energy as a function of occupation numbers, and discuss a power series expansion of this total energy. In terms of this expansion, it is simple to discuss the difference between the eigenvalues of the Hartree-Fock and of the statistical methods. It is pointed out that when one uses an energy-band approach to a problem, one must shift electrons from one energy band to another in the iteration required to achieve self-consistency, and with the Xα method this means filling the lowest energy bands up to the Fermi energy. On the basis of such energy shifts, a qualitative discussion is given of the disappearance of magnetic moments of such atoms as vanadium, when the atoms are combined into a metallic crystal. A discussion is given of the relation between eigenvalues of the statistical or of the Hartree-Fock method in studying the optical absorption by an insulating crystal. From a historical sketch of the development of the theory of the exciton, it is seen that absorption by such an insulating crystal is much more like absorption by an isolated atom than like the transitions between extended or Bloch functions which one meets with a metal. Consequently, though the eigenvalues of the statistical method are a reliable guide in transitions met in a metallic crystal, the absorption by an insulator should be handled differently, more like an atom, resulting in wider energy gaps than would be found by direct use of the statistical eigenvalues.
Indians, the Military and the Rebellion of 1932 in El Salvador

This study challenges the widely held belief that the peasant rebellion of 1932, and the massive military response to it, marked the demise of Indian ethnic identity. Working from documents that have become available only recently, we demonstrate that the Indian population was not decimated by the military repression. The percentage of Indians in the population remained steady and in some regions even increased. We show that the bedrock of Indian identity, the cofradias and the communities, survived the repression as well. We propose that these survivals are due, ironically, in part to the military. Despite their willingness to employ violence on a colossal level, military leaders believed that order in the countryside was to be achieved through reform as well as repression. The military's reformist ideology and reform programme worked to defend individual Indians and Indian communities from ladinos anxious to avenge their losses in the uprising.
G1 and S phase mammalian cells synthesize histones at equivalent rates

To determine the effect of cell cycle position on protein synthesis, synchronized cell populations were metabolically labeled and the synthesis of the basic proteins, including histones, was examined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Exponentially growing S49 mouse lymphoma or Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were separated into G1 and S phase populations by centrifugal elutriation, selective mitotic detachment, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, or a combination of these, and pulse-labeled with radiolabeled amino acids. The histone proteins, both free and chromatin-bound, were completely resolved from some 300 other basic polypeptides in whole-cell lysates by a modification of the NEPHGE technique of O'Farrell, Goodman and O'Farrell (1977). Comparisons of matched autoradiograms from samples of G1 and S phase labeled cells revealed an equivalent rate of histone synthesis through the cell cycle of both S49 and CHO cells. Nuclei isolated from G1 phase S49 cells that were pulse-labeled containing between 13 and 15% of the newly synthesized nucleosomal histones present in S phase nuclei. Nuclei prepared from G1 phase cells that were pulse-labeled and then chased for 5 hr contained more than 90% of the labeled nucleosomal histones present in whole-cell lysates. It therefore seems likely tha differential alterations in the rate of histone synthesis do not occur to a significant degree as cells proceed through the cycle, but the association of newly synthesized histones with DNA takes place after the onset of DNA replication.
Effect of erythropoietin on exercise capacity in anemic patients with advanced heart failure.

The etiology of anemia in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) is multifactorial and may result from any one or combination of the following factors: chronic disease state, malnutrition, hemodilution from volume overload, medical therapy such as angiotensin enzymeconverting (ACE) inhibition, or elevated cytokine production [1–4]. Similar to the anemia of chronic disease, anemia in heart failure patients is characterized by normal red blood cell morphology and normal iron stores and may be in part mediated by the actions of pro-inflammatory cytokines [4]. Cytokines can reduce red blood cell volume by suppressing erythropoietin production and erythropoiesis in the bone marrow, reducing availability of tissue iron stores for incorporation into hemoglobin, and decreasing red blood cell survival time in the circulation. Pro-inflammatory cytokine activity is increased in patients with CHF in proportion to the severity of symptoms and is associated with increased mortality [5]. Whether cytokine activation is causally linked to anemia in patients with CHF is unknown. Heart failure results in decreased renal perfusion, which ultimately results in sodium retention and volume overload. Plasma volume is commonly increased above normal values even in non-edematous treated patients with CHF. Accordingly, hemodilution secondary to plasma volume expansion may also contribute to decreased hematocrit in patients with heart failure. A small
The Potential Of Diamond As A Very High Average Power Transmitting Optical Material

Optics are an integral part of lasers, whose size and power output have grown greatly in the last several decades. As the power levels grow, the need for compatible high-power optical materials has also grown. Laser designers know that the limits on intracavity and extracted power are set by the damage to the laser optics rather than by what can be generated in the laser medium. The limits on laser power imposed by materials properties and their processing apply to high peak and average power systems and to reflecting and transmitting optics.
The nature of visual self-recognition revisited

It is not true that mirror self-recognition has nothing to do with self-awareness and, contrary to Suddendorf and Butler's claim [1], that self-recognition is ‘universally acquired in toddlers’, there are failures to find mirror self-recognition in mentally retarded children, adolescents, and adults, as well as in autistic children, schizophrenics, patients with damage to the frontal cortex, and those with dementia [2]. Also consistent with predictions based on self-awareness, chimpanzees show an ensemble of intricate reactions to the death of companions that parallel responses humans make [3].