cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Velocity and dominance affect prey capture and microhabitat selection in juvenile Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Habitat selection is an important phenomenon that may greatly affect individual fitness. Using an artificial stream, we examined the relationship between the percentage of prey captured, reactive distance, dominance, and water velocity for juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the Chena River, Alaska, and tested the fitness-based microhabitat selection model of Grossman et al. (Ecol Freshw Fish 11:2–10, 2002). Recent declines in the abundance of Chinook accentuate our need for habitat selection studies on this species. We conducted three experiments: two with single fish (1st N = 27, fish SL 58–84 mm, 2nd N = 14, fish SL 49–56 mm) and one with pairs of dominant and subordinate fish (N = 10 pairs, 64–96 mm, mean difference in SL = 7 mm). We placed individual or pairs of fish in an artificial flume and recorded reactive distance and the percent prey capture with individual dead brine shrimp (Artemia spp.) as prey. Prey were presented at 10 cm/s velocity intervals ranging from 10 to 60 cm/s; velocities found in the natural habitat. Mean reactive distance in single fish experiments (henceforth SFE) averaged 33 and 29 cm respectively, and was not related to velocity. We detected a negative, curvilinear relationship between velocity and percent prey capture. Holding velocities for juvenile Chinook were significantly lower than prey capture velocities. The Grossman et al. (Ecol Freshw Fish 11:2–10, 2002) model yielded an optimal focal-point velocity prediction of 35 cm/s for juvenile Chinook, however focal-point velocities occupied by juveniles in the Chena River averaged 12 cm/s. Predicted optimal velocities were present in the Chena River; hence, this discrepancy suggests that other factors such as distraction from drifting debris or predation risk influenced habitat selection. There were no differences in reactive distances or holding velocity/capture velocity relationships for dominant and subordinate fish; however, dominants captured significantly more prey than subordinates. Being subordinate resulted in a decrease of 61% in mean percent prey capture (the difference between what was captured by the fish alone versus the difference with a dominant), whereas the mean cost to fish with dominant rank was a 21% decline between the percentage captured alone versus that with a subordinate.
Recent Developments in Coupling Geochemical and Hydrologic Processes

The United Kingdom Department of the Environment (DOE) is extending its capability to perform an independent risk assessment of radioactive waste disposal sites. As part of this programme, a coupled chemical transport code has been developed to simulate the migration of groundwater contaminants from a disposal vault to the biosphere. The approach involves full coupling of thermodynamic mass action expressions to water transport equations, allowing detailed characterisation of the interfaces between different chemical and hydrologic regimes. This paper describes the development of the program and some of the features available. Its role within the framework of DOE assessment methodology is outlined through reference to a case study on a hypothetical disposal site.
Problems Related to Recruitment of Participants for the TRIGR Project

Introduction: The main objective of the TRIGR project (Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk) is to answer the following question: can the risk of developing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in children with increased genetic predisposition to this disease be decreased by weaning to a highly hydrolysed formula? The potential candidates for TRIGR are: pregnant women affected by T1D, men with T1D who are to become fathers or families with an affected child who are going to have another child. Therefore process of identifying and recruiting participants for TRIGR is challenging. It includes three subsequent steps: recruitment, registration and randomisation. This complex procedure requires excellent cooperation between at least three different specialities: obstetrics, adult endocrinology and paediatric endocrinology. In our centre we work together in such a team. Results: We started recruiting families in May 2003. Our aim was to recruit 35 each year. So far we have recruited 41 families. 11 families (26%) have refused to take part in the study. 30 participants have been registered and randomised. 22 of them (73%) were not eligible according to their genotype, and do not continue in the study; 8 (27%) had positive genetic results and are actively taking part in the study. Among those: 1 has all three family members affected, 1 has two diabetic parents, 1 has an affected sibling and 5 an affected mother. The longest follow-up period so far is 12 months. Conclusions: Our results indicate that: good cooperation between doctors is crucial for successful recruitment; the majority of families invited to the TRIGR have agreed to participate; recruitment rate among affected by T1D mothers and children is good; we still lack a good strategy to attract men with T1D; in our centre only 27% of infants had the genetic predisposition to T1D, while the expected frequency was about 45%; in both families were more than one member was affected by T1D, genetic predisposition was confirmed.
Further Remarks on Single-Delay and Multiple-Delay PR Protocols for Fast Consensus in a Large-Scale Network

Abstract The performance of Proportional-Retarded (PR) protocols in both single-delay and multiple-delay settings is studied in a large-scale consensus dynamics. The benefits of using these protocols are investigated specifically by analytically tuning them for fast consensus and investigating their control effort and noise mitigation characteristics. Benchmark analyses demonstrate that PR protocols can be more preferable over Proportional (P) and Proportional-Derivative (PD) protocols in network settings.
Beyond Willpower: Strategies for Reducing Failures of Self-Control:

Almost everyone struggles to act in their individual and collective best interests, particularly when doing so requires forgoing a more immediately enjoyable alternative. Other than exhorting decis...
Using Schema-Based Instruction to Improve Students’ Mathematical Word Problem Solving Performance

The purpose of this chapter is to describe an evidence-based instructional program, schema-based instruction (SBI), which provides support in word problem solving for students who have difficulties in mathematics (MD). First, I describe mathematical word problem solving and the critical components linked to the ability to understand and solve word problems. Second, I describe the theoretical framework for SBI, including a discussion of its unique features and how SBI contributes to word problem solving performance. Third, I summarize previous research on SBI to understand the instructional conditions that need to be in place to support mathematical word problem solving for students with MD. Last, I conclude with a discussion of challenges yet to be addressed.
Accelerated visual recovery from protracted hypoxic cortical blindness in a child.

Abstract Purpose This report describes accelerated visual recovery in a child following protracted hypoxic cortical visual loss, and reviews mechanisms responsible for visual recovery. Observations A 12-year-old boy developed cortical blindness after a severe snowboarding crash. Magnetic resonance imaging showed severe multifocal hypoxic brain injury, with multifocal restricted diffusion and extensive T2/FLAIR hyperintensities throughout the visual cortex, basal ganglia and midbrain. The mismatch of affected areas on FLAIR and DWI sequences indicated a combination of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, which suggested partial reversibility with potential for recovery. Two weeks after his injury, he began to experience an accelerated improvement in vision with recovery of 20/20 visual acuity and 40 sec/arc stereoacuity over the following week. Three months later, visual field examination showed a steep-margined horizontal band of spared visual field, which showed further expansion on repeat testing 1 year later. Conclusions and Importance: Protracted hypoxic cortical visual loss can be followed by dramatic visual recovery in children. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide useful prognostic information.
Fullerenes and Beyond: Complexity, Morphology, and Functionality in Closed Carbon Nanostructures

The discovery of buckminsterfullerene 25 years ago opened a new field in materials science in which different disciplines such as physics, chemistry, medicine, mathematics, and engineering came together. This discovery is a clear example of what we now call nanoscience, thus having important implications for several applications in what is known as the nanotechnology of carbon materials. In this chapter, a revision of the most important advances in this area, involving the multidisciplinarity of the field, is given. Special emphasis is given to the geometry, production methods, physicochemical behavior, applications, future perspectives, and the relationship to other layered materials such as graphene, boron nitride, and metal chalcogenides.
Parathormone Levels in a Middle-Eastern Healthy Population Using 2nd and 3rd Generation PTH Assays

Background. The purpose of the current study is to determine PTH reference values in vitamin-D-replete Lebanese adults using 2nd and 3rd generation PTH assays and to look at the factors that affect PTH variations. Methods. Fasting PTH was measured using 2nd and 3rd generation Diasorin PTH assays in 339 vitamin-D-replete healthy subjects aged 18 to 63 years (230 men and 109 women) who have normal calcium levels and an eGFR ≥60 ml/mn. 25-OH vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured using the Diasorin assay. Results. For the 2nd PTH generation, median (IQR) levels were 48.9 (34.9–66.0) pg/ml, and its 2.5th–97.5th percentile values were 19.7–110.5 pg/ml for 25(OH)D values between 20 and 30 ng/ml, and 19.7–110.7 pg/ml for 25(OH)D values ≥30 ng/ml. For the 3rd PTH generation, the median (IQR) values were 23.9 (17.7–30.5) pg/ml, and its 2.5th–97.5th percentile values were, respectively, 9.2 and 50.2 pg/ml for 25(OH)D values between 20 and 30 ng/ml, and 8.4 and 45.4 pg/ml for 25(OH)D values ≥30 ng/ml. The median (IQR) serum 25(OH)D levels were 27.5 (23.8–32.7) ng/ml. 2nd and 3rd generation PTH values are strongly correlated (r = 0.96, ), but poorly concordant (Lin’s concordance coefficient 0.365, 95% CI: 0.328–0.401) with observations beyond the 95% Bland–Altman limits of agreement. 2nd and 3rd generation PTH levels did not differ according to gender and were significantly correlated with age but not with 25(OH)D and serum calcium levels. Conclusion. Lebanese adult healthy subjects have higher 2nd and 3rd generation PTH levels compared with the reference range provided by the manufacturer. The reference range was not influenced by changing the 25(OH)D cutoff. The clinical significance of the higher PTH levels in our population should be investigated.
Texture analysis on preoperative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging identifies microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Background Radiomic texture analysis quantifies tumor heterogeneity. The aim of this study is to determine if radiomics can predict biologic aggressiveness in HCC and identify tumors with MVI. Methods Single-center, retrospective review of HCC patients undergoing resection/ablation with curative intent from 2009 to 2017. DICOM images from preoperative MRIs were analyzed with texture analysis software. Texture analysis parameters extracted on T1, T2, hepatic arterial phase (HAP) and portal venous phase (PVP) images. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated factors associated with MVI. Results MVI was present in 52.2% (n = 133) of HCCs. On multivariate analysis only T1 mean (OR = 0.97, 95%CI 0.95–0.99, p = 0.043) and PVP entropy (OR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.37–16.3, p = 0.014) were associated with tumor MVI. Area under ROC curve was 0.83 for this final model. Empirical optimal cutpoint for PVP tumor entropy and T1 tumor mean were 5.73 and 23.41, respectively. At these cutpoint values, sensitivity was 0.68 and 0.5, respectively and specificity was 0.64 and 0.86. When both criteria were met, the probability of MVI in the tumor was 87%. Conclusion Tumor entropy and mean are both associated with MVI. Texture analysis on preoperative imaging correlates with microscopic features of HCC and can be used to predict patients with high-risk tumors.
Dissecting the Impact of the 2018-2019 Trade War on U.S. Exports

During the 2018-2019 trade war, U.S. exports have been affected by foreign retaliatory tariffs, U.S. import tariffs that act through input-output linkages, and policy uncertainty. We establish, first, that the large negative impact of foreign tariffs on U.S. exports is highly heterogeneous across destinations and industries, being much larger among exports to China, particularly of industrial supplies, and is explained by the degree of product differentiation and the extent to which trade occurs within related parties. Second, supply chains matter, as U.S. import tariffs lead to lower exports by industries using targeted imports as inputs. Third, beyond the direct impact of tariffs, uncertainty appears to play an important role, as suggested by a collapse in exports of durable goods relative to nondurables, and in sectors facing a larger risk of tariff increases. The severity of the trade war's impact on U.S. exports is amplified by a limited ability to redirect exports across markets: increased exports to the rest of the world only partially offset the decline in sales to China. Finally, we establish that the impact of tariffs on U.S. export volumes and prices is essentially different than that of exchange rates.
Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance: Compared to What?

There has been an increased focus on the public health burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This raises conceptual challenges such as determining how much harm multi-drug resistant organisms do compared to what, or how to establish the burden. In this viewpoint we will present a counterfactual framework and provide guidance to harmonize methodologies and optimize study quality. In AMR burden studies, two counterfactual approaches have been applied; the harm of drug-resistant infections relative to the harm of the same, drug-susceptible, infections (susceptible-infection counterfactual) and the total harm of drug-resistant infections relative to a situation where such infections were prevented (no-infection counterfactual). We propose to use an intervention-based causal approach to determine the most appropriate counterfactual. We show that intervention scenarios, species of interest, and types of infections influence the choice of counterfactual. We recommend using purpose-designed cohort studies to apply this counterfactual framework, whereby the selection of cohorts (patients with drug-resistant, drug-susceptible and no-infection) should be based on matching on time to infection through exposure density sampling to avoid biased estimates. Application of survival methods is preferred, considering competing events. In conclusion, we advocate to estimate the burden of AMR using the no-infection and susceptible-infection counterfactuals. The resulting numbers will provide policy-relevant information about the upper and lower bound of future interventions designed to control AMR. The counterfactuals should be applied in cohort studies, whereby selection of the unexposed cohorts should be based on exposure density sampling, applying methods avoiding time-dependent bias and confounding.
Influence of Rearing Environment on Longitudinal Brain Development, Object Recognition Memory, and Exploratory Behaviors in the Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa).

Introduction Over the last 40 years, the domestic pig has emerged as a prominent preclinical model as this species shares similarities with humans with regard to immunity, gastrointestinal physiology, and neurodevelopment. Artificial rearing of pigs provides a number of advantages over conventional rearing (i.e., true maternal care), including careful control of nutrient intake and environment conditions. Yet there remains a gap in knowledge when comparing brain development between sow-reared and artificially reared domestic pigs. Thus, our research sought to model brain development and assess recognition memory in a longitudinal manner by directly comparing rearing environments. Methods Forty-four intact (i.e., not castrated) male pigs were artificially reared or sow-reared from postnatal day 2 until postnatal week 4. After postnatal week 4, all pigs were housed in a group setting within the same environment until postnatal week 24. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted on pigs at 8 longitudinal time-points to model developmental trajectories of brain macrostructural and microstructural outcomes. Additionally, pigs behavior were tested using the novel object recognition task at postnatal weeks 4 and 8. Results Throughout the 24-week study, no differences between rearing groups were noted in weekly body weights, average growth and feed intake patterns, or feed efficiency. Whole brain, gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid growth patterns also did not differ between pigs assigned to different early-life rearing environments. Moreover, minimal differences in regional absolute volumes and fractional anisotropy developmental trajectories were identified, though artificially reared pigs exhibited higher initial rates of myelination in multiple brain regions compared with sow-reared pigs. Furthermore, behavioral assessment at both PNW 4 and 8 suggested little influence of rearing environment on recognition memory, however, an age-dependent increase in object recognition memory was observed in the sow-reared group. Conclusion Our findings suggest that early-life rearing environment influences the rate of development in some brain regions but has little influence on overall brain growth and object recognition memory and exploratory behaviors in the domestic pig. Artificial rearing may promote maturation in certain brain areas but does not appear to elicit long-term effects in outcomes including brain structure or object recognition memory.
Where Are All The Black Female Fashion Designers

The fashion industry has been criticized in recent years for its lack of racial diversity. While there has been a major push to put more Black models on the runway, the inclusion of Black designers has been largely overlooked. Due to a number of factors, Black designers find it difficult to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Even with the odds stacked against them many Black female designers continue to choose entrepreneurship over employment. They are willing to endure the trials and tribulations of business ownership, and thus define success on their own terms. It has become increasingly necessary to bring awareness to the marginalization and rejection that Black female fashion designers face within the industry, increase their visibility and provide access and exposure of their work.
Diagnostic accuracy of shuttle CT angiography (CTA) and helical CTA in the diagnosis of vasospasm.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) acquired with shuttle technique (CTAs) and helical CTA (CTAh) for vasospasm, using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) obtained within 24 h as reference standard. Methods Thirty-six patients with suspected vasospasm in the setting of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH, 30/36) or acute inflammatory/infectious conditions (6/36) who underwent CTAs (17/36) or CTAh (19/36) followed by DSA within 24 h were identified retrospectively. Presence of vasospasm in the proximal cerebral arterial segments was assessed qualitatively and semi-quantitatively on CTA and subsequent DSA. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated. Inter-rater variability was assessed using Cohen's kappa. Results On CTAs, 35% of patients had low and 65% had high vasospasm burden. On CTAh, 37% had low and 63% had high vasospasm burden. ROC analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.87 for CTAs (95%CI 0.67–1.00, p = 0.015) and 0.88 for CTAh (0.72–1.00, p = 0.028). Cohen's kappa was 0.843 (95%CI 0.548–1.000). Thresholding with Youden's J index, CTAs had a sensitivity of 85.71% (95%CI 48.69 to 99.27) and specificity of 66.67% (35.42 to 87.94). CTAh had sensitivity of 100% (56.55 to 100.00) and specificity of 78.57% (52.41 to 92.43). Conclusion CTAs and CTAh yielded similar sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values on ROC analysis for the detection of vasospasm using DSA as reference standard. Our findings suggest that CTAs is a promising alternative to CTAh especially in patients requiring serial imaging, given its potential advantages of decreased radiation exposure, contrast dose, and cost-effectiveness.
Production of New Isotopes by Heavy Ion Fragmentation

In recent years, work at Dubna,1 CERN,2 Berkeley, Los Alamos3 and elsewhere has increased our knowledge of light nuclei far from stability. In these experiments, heavy ion beams have steadily increased in importance with the use first of transfer reactions and more recently deep-inelastic reactions for isotope production. In this talk, we shall discuss the application of yet another class of reaction, namely heavy ion fragmentation, to the production of very neutron-rich light nuclei.
Restricting Public Employees' Political Activities: Good Government or Partisan Politics?

This article argues that the Supreme Court's unequal treatment of public employees in the areas of patronage and the regulation of their political activity is unwarranted. The article first analyses the Supreme Court jurisprudence in the areas of patronage and the regulation of the ability of public employees to engage in political activities. It then looks at these two areas and inquires what are the government objectives when enacting laws regulating public employees' political activities and when engaging in the practice of patronage. The article argues that in both cases, government's primary objective is to control, or manipulate the political process, by providing incentives (negative and positive) to influence the decision of public employees to be politically active. The article provides empirical support for this proposition. It concludes that the Court's approach to these two areas is misinformed, since it fails to incorporate the argument raised in the article.
Family Agriculture : tradition and transformation

The family, which has been the basic production unit of agriculture throughout history, is under increasing pressure from modernization and large-scale farming techniques. This study examines the role of the family in agriculture, food production and rural societies worldwide. It describes new forces at work and demonstrates how a sustainable agriculture system can be achieved by integrating modern demands with traditional structures.
Determination of large eddy structures in the viscous sublayer - A progress report

An experiment to determine the dynamics of the large eddies of the viscous sublayer is described. Lumley’s orthogonal decomposition for partially homogeneous and stationary flow is to be used to determine the eddy structures from the experimental cross-spectral data. The experiment is carried out in a glycerine tunnel designed specifically for this investigation. The extensive cross-spectra (16,000) are measured with miniature split film probes. Included in the paper are a description of the facility, a detailed analysis of the probe response, a description of the data processing procedure, and finally an interpretation of the resulting decomposed eddies.
Comparison of different doses of magnesium sulphate and fentanyl as adjuvants to bupivacaine for infraumbilical surgeries under subarachnoid block.

Background and Aims: Spinal anaesthesia is used for many years for surgeries below the level of umbilicus. It has certain disadvantages such as limited duration of blockade and post-operative analgesia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of additives fentanyl and magnesium sulphate along with bupivacaine during spinal anaesthesia for prolongation of analgesia and motor blockade. Methods: This randomised study was conducted in 120 patients of either sex of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, posted for infraumbilical surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated to four groups and were given the following drugs intrathecally as per group distribution; group A - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with fentanyl 25 μg, group B - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with magnesium 100 mg, group C - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with magnesium 50 mg and group D - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with 0.5 ml normal saline. Parameters monitored were duration of analgesia along with haemodynamic parameters and side effects. Data were analysed using the Student's t -test for the continuous variables and two-tailed Fisher exact test or Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: There was significant increase in duration of analgesia in group A (374.37 min) and B (328.13 min) as compared to group C (274.87 min) and D (246.03 min). In group A, all haemodynamic parameters decreased by more than 20%, compared to baseline parameters, which was clinically and statistically significant as compared to other groups. There was also increase in duration of motor blockade in groups A and B. Conclusion: Addition of magnesium sulphate at 100 mg dose or fentanyl 25 μg as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia, though in the given doses, magnesium provides better haemodynamic stability than fentanyl, with fewer side effects.
New treatments for denervating diseases.

There has been considerable recent progress in understanding mechanisms by which gene mutations cause degeneration of motoneurons and peripheral nerves. Novel therapies inspired by these insights have begun to yield promising results in mouse models of these genetic diseases. Among these have been the use of small molecules or proteins to suppress gain-of-function mutations (eg, ascorbic acid for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A) or to restore enzyme activities that are deficient because of loss-of-function mutations (eg, treatment of Fabry's disease with recombinant α-galactosidase or with low-molecular-weight α-galactosidase chaperones and treatment of spinal muscular atrophy with phenylbutyrate). Some of these therapies are already being tested in humans. Equally exciting is the prospect that small molecules and proteins will be identified that exert potent therapeutic effects in a broad spectrum of inherited and acquired motoneuron and peripheral nerve disorders. (J Child Neurol 2005;20:258—262).
ID: 236: IL-37 inhibits HIV-1 replication in human T-cells

The inflammasome cytokines IL-1 β and IL-18 have well described pro-inflammatory effects. IL-37 is a recently characterized member of the IL-1 family of cytokines and has been identified as a regulator of innate immune responses. This study aims to determine the effects of IL-1 family cytokines on HIV-1 replication in human primary CD4+ T-cells. Activated primary human T-cells were spinoculated with HIV-1 and infection and release were measured by flow-cytometry using a GFP expressing HIV-1 virions and p24 ELISA. Expression of the cytokine receptors was confirmed via flow-cytometry. We find that activated T-cells express receptors for all IL-1 family cytokines. IL-37 uniquely suppresses HIV-1 entry and replication in activated CD4+ T-cells infected with laboratory-adapted strains of HIV-1 as well as virus like particles. Conversely the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 β promoted HIV-1 replication in activated T-cells. Our studies suggest that inflammasome cytokines are not inherently antiviral and demonstrates suppression of HIV-1 replication by IL-37.
A study of the educational benefits of proficiency testing for students

While granting college credit by examination seems to be increasing in popularity, few educational researchers seem to be assessing its effect on student educational variables. For this purpose, the transcripts of 349 students who had graduated from the University of Illinois were examined.
THE VERSATILITY OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER FOR MUTAGENICITY TESTING

I trust that I have accomplished my aim in this presentation, to demonstrate that Drosophila mutagenesis testing protocols are varied and are adaptable. The choices are many, at different levels. First, the route of administration can be chosen that is most appropriate for the chemical compound or to duplicate the human exposure route or to obtain data needed for some particular purpose, such as comparative mutagenesis. Second, the genetic test scheme or combination of schemes can be chosen to suit the purpose of the testing (screening, risk evaluation, or comparative mutagenesis). Third, by treating the appropriate fly development stage and managing the mating and brooding procedures, the germ cell stage can be sampled that is the critical one for the mutagenic effect of that compound and the correct one for the end point to be observed. Fourth, in screening, using the SLRL assay, the experiment size can be adjusted in accordance with the test sensitivity desired, the projected use of the data, and time and cost restrictions. In summary, Drosophila melanogaster has long been known as a most versatile organism for genetic studies of all kinds--and we now know that this versatility extends to the evaluation of chemical compounds for mutagenic effects. If it were only a mammal!
Verbindungen mit SiSi-, GeGe- und SnSn-Doppelbindungen sowie gespannte Ringsysteme mit Si-, Ge- und Sn-Gerüsten

Als Hohepunkte auf dem Gebiet der Organoelementchemie der schwereren Elemente der vierten Hauptgruppe (Gruppe 14 des Periodensystems) in den 80er Jahren gelten die Darstellung und vollstandige Charakterisierung dreier Verbindungsklassen, deren Existenz bis dahin aufgrund ihrer Reaktivitat fur nicht moglich gehalten wurde. Hierbei handelt es sich um 1) die dreigliedrigen Ringsysteme Cyclotrisilan, -trigerman und -tristannan, 2) Molekule mit Element-Element-Doppelbindungen einschlieslich Disilen, Digermen und Distannen sowie 3) gespannte Polycyclen mit einem Gerust aus den schwereren Elementen der 4. Hauptgruppe, z. B. Bicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilan, Hexagermaprisman und Octasilacuban. Die meisten dieser Verbindungen sind durch sperrige Substituenten stabilisiert. Die Verbindungen ermoglichten Untersuchungen uber die Veranderungen physikalischer und chemischer Eigenschaften in Abhangigkeit vom Element und den Substituenten sowie uber die thermische und photochemische Reaktivitat dieser Systeme, wobei zweiwertige Carben-Analoga nachgewiesen wurden. Parallel zu den experimentellen Arbeiten wurden an nahezu allen im Beitrag diskutierten Stammverbindungen Rechnungen durchgefuhrt. Einige Polycyclen weisen den Weg zu Verbindungen mit einer Element-Element-Dreifachbindung.
Putting Liouville into superstrings

Abstract Das et al. have suggested that incorporating the Liouville field into a bosonic string theory quantized in 25 euclidean dimensions provides a natural explanation for the minkowskian signature of spacetime. We show that a similar mechanism holds for the N =1 NSR superstring quantized in nine euclidean dimensions. For the N =2 superstring, even though a field with timelike norm is present, the corresponding Lorentz invariance is not obtained.
Construction of shuttle plasmids which can be efficiently mobilized from Escherichia coli into the chromatically adapting cyanobacterium, Fremyella diplosiphon

In some strains of cyanobacteria the composition of the light-harvesting antennae is determined by the color of available light. The mechanism of this chromatic adaptation involves the regulation of gene expression by red and green light and has been most studied in Fremyella diplosiphon (Calothrix sp. PCC 7601), a filamentous cyanobacterium for which there has been no reported means of genetic manipulation. We have constructed shuttle plasmids which can be efficiently mobilized by RP4 from Escherichia coli into F. diplosiphon and which can be recovered from transconjugant F. diplosiphon and returned to E. coli by transformation. The ability of these plasmids to replicate in F. diplosiphon is conferred by an 8.0-kb DNA fragment isolated from pFDA, a plasmid native to F. diplosiphon. To create these shuttle plasmids the 8.0-kb fragment was cloned into pJCF22, a mobilizable plasmid constructed from oriV and bom from pBR322, cat from pACYC184 and aphA from pACYC177.pJCF22 lacks sites for the restriction enzymes FdiI and II. Transconjugant F. diplosiphon containing shuttle plasmid pJCF62 are resistant to chloramphenicol and highly resistant to the aminoglycosides, G418 and neomycin. When aadA from the omega interposon was incorporated into a shuttle plasmid transconjugant F. diplosiphon could also be selected with streptomycin or spectinomycin. In F. diplosiphon shuttle plasmid pJCF62 replicates with a minimum copy number of seven. The oriV for replication in F. diplosiphon was localized to a 2.8-kb region within the cyanobacterial part of pJCF62. The presence on a shuttle plasmid of a single recognition site for FdiI reduced the efficiency of mobilization into F. diplosiphon by 5- to 10-fold. Restriction at this site was prevented when the E. coli donor strain in the mating contained the enzyme Eco47II methylase.
Passive Transport of 5,5-Dimethyl-2,4-Oxazolidinedione into Beef Heart Mitochondria

5,5-Dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione is used to estimate intracellular pH. The mechanism of transport of this compound into beef heart mitochondria was investigated to assess the validity of its use for the measurement of intramitochondrial pH. This compound and 14C-labeled carboxy dextran were simultaneously used to determine the intra- and extramitochondrial compartments and the distribution of the compound, which was passively transported into resting, respiring, and simultaneously respiring and phosphorylating mitochondria. The transport of the compound was neither associated with electron transport nor with oxidative phosphorylation.
Estimating Yield Losses Due to Barley Yellow Dwarf on Winter Wheat in Kansas Using Disease Phenotypic Data

ABSTRACT Barley yellow dwarf (BYD) is one of the most important wheat diseases in the state of Kansas. Despite the development of cultivars with improved resistance to BYD, little is known about th...
Postnatal pup brain dopamine depletion inhibits maternal behavior.

Abstract The interactions between dams and their pups and among siblings were investigated in litters with (a) all pups depleted of striatal dopamine by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA on PND3), (b) all pups treated with vehicle, or (c) half of the pups depleted of dopamine and the other half treated with vehicle. On PND10, two sets of four pups from each litter were videotaped in a novel environment with the dam; pup and maternal behaviors were later scored by blind observers. We observed a 70% decrease in striatal dopamine in 6-OHDA–treated pups but found no effect of treatment on pup weight gain. Dams with some or all DA-depleted pups (a) were slower to retrieve a pup and establish a nest, (b) retrieved pups less frequently, and (c) spent less time huddling with pups than dams with only vehicle-treated pups. When compared with DA-depleted pups in homogeneous litters, DA-depleted pups in mixed litters were less hyperactive and spent more time huddling with other pups than in isolation. These results suggest that DA-depleted pups receive compromised maternal care but can benefit from interactions with normal siblings.
Cytochromes and dehydrogenases in membranes of a new human periodontal bacterial pathogen, Capnocytophaga ochracea.

Abstract Membranes prepared by lysozyme treatment from C. ochracea strain 25 isolated from human juvenile peridontitis contained dehydrogenases for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and succinate. Difference spectra of both cell-free extracts and membranes exhibited peaks characteristic of cytochromes b and c ; these cytochromes could be reduced with NADH but not succinate.
Contouring Discrete Indicator Functions

We present a method for calculating the boundary of objects from Discrete Indicator Functions that store 2-material volume fractions with a high degree of accuracy. Although Marching Cubes and its derivatives are effective methods for calculating contours of functions sampled over discrete grids, these methods perform poorly when contouring non-smooth functions such as Discrete Indicator Functions. In particular, Marching Cubes will generate surfaces that exhibit aliasing and oscillations around the exact surface. We derive a simple solution to remove these problems by using a new function to calculate the positions of vertices along cell edges that is efficient, easy to implement, and does not require any optimization or iteration. Finally, we provide empirical evidence that the error introduced by our contouring method is significantly less than is introduced by Marching Cubes.
Racism, racial prejudice and Jews in late imperial Russia

Abstract The controversy over how to define racism dominates contemporary scholarship. Two opposing views emerge: either racism is a relatively new phenomenon, based on pseudo‐scientific teaching about biological inequality inherent in the various races, or racial prejudice emerged long before modern racism. According to which view they uphold, historians interpret the same historical events in different ways. The controversy is especially pronounced in the discussion of anti‐Semitism in late Imperial Russia. While historians initially pointed out the religious, economic, and political roots of persecutions aimed at Jews, during the last three decades there has been a movement towards viewing Russian discrimination against the Jews as being at least partially motivated by racial prejudice. As proof of the existence of racist attitudes towards Jews, recent scholars point to restrictions enacted in 1912 that were directed at Jewish converts to Christianity and their immediate descendants. The author argues ...
List-subset effects and the Tulving-Wiseman function

A current experiment, along with a reanalysis of data from an earlier study by Bartling and Thompson (1977), provided results inconsistent with the Tulving-Wiseman function (Tulving & Wiseman, 1975). With type of word pair as a within-subject variable, observed probabilities of recognition conditionalized on recall were less than predicted probabilities from the Tulving-Wiseman function for noun-adjective, cue-target pairs. The reverse was true for adjective-noun pairs. Observed probabilities of recognition conditionalized on recall were generally not different from predicted probabilities for noun-noun and adjective-adjective pairs. These list-subset effects were used to support the argument that additional research on the relation between recognition and recall is needed before supporters elevate the Tulving-Wiseman function to the status of a law.
Zero Correlation, Independence, and Normality

Abstract Two easy classroom examples are given of marginally normal random variables that are dependent but have zero correlation. One example is similar in nature to Anderson's well-known illustration that marginal normality does not imply joint normality.
A New Analytical and Experimental Approach To Rubber Thermodynamics

The statistical theory of rubber elasticity is thermodynamically reanalyzed using a proper temperature reference state, which proves that the energetic contribution to the stress, resulting from temperature changes, is equal to zero. This is in contrast to the traditional analysis that yields a nonzero energetic term even though the theory is derived by assuming purely entropic contributions. Using a proper temperature reference state, a nonlinear thermoelastic constitutive equation is obtained from a strain energy function and empirical observations about the stress-temperature behavior of elastomeric materials. This relationship is used to model the thermoelastic behavior of cross-linked natural rubber that had the thermoelastic response measured using vibrational holographic interferometry. Holographic interferometry allows resolution of the true principal stresses of a thin film in uniaxial or biaxial extension. Thermoelastic data for natural rubber in uniaxial and biaxial extension have been successf...
Personality Differences Between Volunteers and Nonvolunteers

(1955). Personality Differences Between Volunteers and Nonvolunteers. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 40, No. 2, pp. 229-245.
Labor regulations and contract labor use: Evidence from Indian firms

Abstract Labor regulations in India differ by states and apply differently across types of laborers. The most restrictive laws make it harder to fire permanent workers for firms. However, these laws do not apply to workers hired through contractors (contract workers). Using firm-level data from India, I find that compared to firms in flexible labor regulations, those in more restrictive labor regimes hire more contract workers as a response to transitory local demand shocks. I find no differential response in hiring of permanent workers by firms faced with these shocks. This suggests that firms circumvent labor laws by hiring workers indirectly through contractors in the face of economic fluctuations.
Entanglement of Sepsis, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Other Comorbidities in Patients Who Develop Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication for patients in the intensive care setting, often occurring in the setting of sepsis. Both sepsis and AKI are complex and heterogeneous syndromes with overlapping risk factors. Comorbidities - such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, cardiac disease and cancer - may contribute to the development of these syndromes and complicate their management. Recognition of the complex interplay between comorbid conditions, sepsis, and AKI is key to the successful management of these syndromes.
The metabolism of 2-aminofluorene in the guinea pig.

Abstract The distribution of 2-aminofluorene following a single intraperitoneal injection has been studied in the guinea pig using the diazotization method, and the results have been compared with those obtained from similar studies in the rat. Less free diazotizable material was found in the guinea pig than in the rat, but more in combined form was present in the guinea pig. The total amount of free plus combined 2-aminofluorene was also greater in the guinea pig. These data show important differences in the metabolism of the two species and may account for the reportedly greater resistance of the guinea pig to chemical carcinogenesis.
Variability of electrode positions using electrode caps.

We investigated the variability of electrode positions for a multi-channel, custom electrode cap placed onto participants’ heads without taking scalp measurements. The electrode positions were digitized in a three-dimensional space for 10 young adult participants on three separate occasions. Positional variability was determined for 15 selected electrodes within the three-dimensional preauricular-nasion (PAN) coordinate system and from this system, angular coordinate variability was also determined. The standard deviations of the 15 selected electrodes ranged from 3.0 to 12.7 mm in the PAN system. These data resulted in a variability of 2.0° to 10.4° among the angular coordinates. The measurements indicated slightly greater variability of electrode positions compared to studies when electrodes were placed using scalp measurements. The implication of this study is that the use of electrode caps may not be appropriate when electroencephalographic (EEG) or evoked potential (EP) techniques depend on accurate electrode placement. Additionally, if a longitudinal study is performed, electrode locations should be checked to ensure that they conform with previous sessions.
Category names as cues for the recall of category instances

Two experiments were conducted to extend the Tulving and Pearlstone (1966) finding that providing Ss with category names facilitates their recall of category instances. Experiment 1 demonstrated that this facilitation does not depend on the presence of the category names during the learning trial. Experiment 2 showed that the effectiveness of the category name as a cue for recall depends on the strength of the pre-established connection between the category name and the instance of the category to be recalled.
Dynamic Multi-vehicle Detection and Tracking from a Moving Platform

Recent work has successfully built the object classifier for object detection. Most approaches operate with a pre-defined class and require a model to be trained in advance. In this paper, we present a system with a novel approach for multi-vehicle detection and tracking by using a monocular camera on a moving platform. This approach requires no camera-intrinsic parameters or camera-motion parameters, which enable the system to be successfully implemented without prior training. In our approach, bottom-up segmentation is applied on the input images to get the superpixels. The scene is parsed into less segmented regions by merging similar superpixels. Then, the parsing results are utilized to estimate the road region and detect vehicles on the road by using the properties of superpixels. Finally, tracking is achieved and fed back to further guide vehicle detection in future frames. Experimental results show that the method demonstrates significant vehicle detecting and tracking performance without further restrictions and performs effectively in complex environments.
Down-regulation of the interferon signaling pathway in T lymphocytes from patients with metastatic melanoma.

Background Dysfunction of the immune system has been documented in many types of cancers. The precise nature and molecular basis of immune dysfunction in the cancer state are not well defined. Methods and Findings To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune dysfunction in cancer, gene expression profiles of pure sorted peripheral blood lymphocytes from 12 patients with melanoma were compared to 12 healthy controls. Of 25 significantly altered genes in T cells and B cells from melanoma patients, 17 are interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. These microarray findings were further confirmed by quantitative PCR and functional responses to IFNs. The median percentage of lymphocytes that phosphorylate STAT1 in response to interferon-α was significantly reduced (Δ = 16.8%; 95% confidence interval, 0.98% to 33.35%) in melanoma patients (n = 9) compared to healthy controls (n = 9) in Phosflow analysis. The Phosflow results also identified two subgroups of patients with melanoma: IFN-responsive (33%) and low-IFN-response (66%). The defect in IFN signaling in the melanoma patient group as a whole was partially overcome at the level of expression of IFN-stimulated genes by prolonged stimulation with the high concentration of IFN-α that is achievable only in IFN therapy used in melanoma. The lowest responders to IFN-α in the Phosflow assay also showed the lowest gene expression in response to IFN-α. Finally, T cells from low-IFN-response patients exhibited functional abnormalities, including decreased expression of activation markers CD69, CD25, and CD71; TH1 cytokines interleukin-2, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor α, and reduced survival following stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies compared to controls. Conclusions Defects in interferon signaling represent novel, dominant mechanisms of immune dysfunction in cancer. These findings may be used to design therapies to counteract immune dysfunction in melanoma and to improve cancer immunotherapy.