cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Model Incorporating Laboratory Blood Tests Discriminates Between SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Infections at Emergency Department Visit

Abstract Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus are contagious respiratory pathogens with similar symptoms but require different treatment and management strategies. This study investigated whether laboratory blood tests can discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections at emergency department (ED) presentation. Methods 723 influenza A/B positive (2018/1/1 to 2020/3/15) and 1,281 SARS-CoV-2 positive (2020/3/11 to 2020/6/30) ED patients were retrospectively analyzed. Laboratory test results completed within 48 hours prior to reporting of virus RT-PCR results, as well as patient demographics were included to train and validate a random forest (RF) model. The dataset was randomly divided into training (2/3) and testing (1/3) sets with the same SARS-CoV-2/influenza ratio. The Shapley Additive Explanations technique was employed to visualize the impact of each laboratory test on the differentiation. Results The RF model incorporating results from 15 laboratory tests and demographic characteristics discriminated SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections, with an area under the ROC curve value 0.90 in the independent testing set. The overall agreement with the RT-PCR results was 83% (95% CI: 80-86%). The test with the greatest impact on the differentiation was serum total calcium level. Further, the model achieved an AUC of 0.82 in a new dataset including 519 SARS-CoV-2 ED patients (2020/12/1 to 2021/2/28) and the previous 723 influenza positive patients. Serum calcium level remained the most impactful feature on the differentiation. Conclusion We identified characteristic laboratory test profiles differentiating SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections, which may be useful for the preparedness of overlapping COVID-19 resurgence and future seasonal influenza.
L’eSoi : de l’hypotrophie de la représentation du corps à l’hypertrophie de l’image du soi

Resume Les ecrans apportent un element nouveau dans l’environnement de l’enfant et plus encore de l’adolescent. Nouveau partenaire de leur developpement, retenant de plus en plus leur attention, ils ont des effets multiples. Ils modifient la relation a l’espace, au temps, a l’attention et introduisent une nouvelle donne dans la construction de la sexualite des jeunes par la place de la pornographie dans les contenus librement accessibles par tous sur Internet. Ils mettent en difficulte–pour le moment–les pratiques pedagogiques. Mais, les consequences des ecrans sur les jeunes dependent aussi beaucoup du contexte d’utilisation et de l’environnement dans lequel ils vivent. A cote de l’enfant, il y a les parents, avec leurs pratiques educatives et leur propre utilisation des ecrans, et il y a la societe, avec ses valeurs, les reperes qu’elle offre a ses membres, sa culture et ses modeles. Dans cet article, nous tentons de cerner certains effets de l’utilisation importante des ecrans par les enfants et adolescents sur la construction de l’espace et sur le rapport a leur corps en l’illustrant de vignettes cliniques. En effet, l’interaction corps-environnement est a la base de la construction de la representation du corps propre, comme de celle de l’espace, essentielles a la construction de l’identite.
A Bidirectional Switch in the Shank3 Phosphorylation State Biases Synapses toward Up or Down Scaling

ABSTRACT Homeostatic synaptic plasticity requires widespread remodeling of synaptic signaling and scaffolding networks, but the role of posttranslational modifications in this process has not been systematically studied. Using deepscale, quantitative analysis of the phosphoproteome in mouse neocortical neurons, we found wide-spread and temporally complex changes during synaptic scaling up and down. We observed 424 bidirectionally modulated phosphosites that were strongly enriched for synapse-associated proteins, including S1539 in the ASD-associated synaptic scaffold protein Shank3. Using a parallel proteomic analysis performed on Shank3 isolated from rat neocortical neurons by immunoaffinity, we identified two sites that were hypo-phosphorylated during scaling up and hyper-phosphorylated during scaling down: one (rat S1615) that corresponded to S1539 in mouse, and a second highly conserved site, rat S1586. The phosphorylation status of these sites modified the synaptic localization of Shank3 during scaling protocols, and dephosphorylation of these sites via PP2A activity was essential for the maintenance of synaptic scaling up. Finally, phosphomimetic mutations at these sites prevented scaling up but not down, while phosphodeficient mutations prevented scaling down but not up. Thus, an activity-dependent switch between hypo- and hyperphosphorylation at S1586/ S1615 of Shank3 enables scaling up or down, respectively. Collectively our data show that activity-dependent phosphoproteome dynamics are important for the functional reconfiguration of synaptic scaffolds, and can bias synapses toward upward or downward homeostatic plasticity.
Antiblackness in Malaysia, the Bandung Spirit and African–Asian Decolonial Critique in Richard Wright’s The Color Curtain

In 1955 the African American writer Richard Wright attended the landmark conference of recently liberated Asian and African nations in Bandung, Indonesia. Arguably, the Bandung conference marked the first conscious gathering of non-European peoples in the modern era that attempted to reshape the world-system of nation-states and economic relations. Today the conference has become an idiom for the desires of African–Asian and Global South solidarity, sometimes referred to as the ‘Bandung spirit’. And yet alongside this stated ideal, there are many racialist contradictions between people of African and Asian descent, both at the level of state-to-state relations as well as in everyday social dynamics. In contemporary Malaysia, the cultural discourse that has emerged concerning the presence of African students and immigrants has been steeped in virulent antiblack racism and violence. These deeply absorbed and redeployed antiblack discourses help to situate Malaysia and Malaysians as complicit in reproducing globalised racial hierarchies based on the tacit acceptance of the deep structures of racist thinking and hierarchies as the basis for social organisation. They plainly go against any putative sense of a Bandung spirit. This chapter reassesses Bandung neither to memorialise or destroy it, but rather to situate it within a larger history and trajectory of modernity’s construction of blackness and postcolonial Asian identity formations. It does so by examining Wright’s search for connection with Third World and Asian anticolonial struggles through a critical reading of his report on Bandung, The color curtain, and drawing parallels with the Malaysian internationalist-oriented writer Usman Awang. Wright’s account of the potential and pitfalls of the Bandung moment of African–Asian solidarity can illuminate how the scourge of antiblack racism has become virulent in Malaysia today. The analysis presented here proposes that the apparent tension between the discourses of antiblack racism in Malaysia and the Bandung internationalist imaginary is amenable to a tense but productive cultural critique.
Limit on the Role of Activity in Controlling the Release-Ready Supply of Synaptic Vesicles

Typical fast chemical synapses in the brain weaken transiently during normal high-frequency use after expending their presynaptic supply of release-ready vesicles. Although it takes several seconds for the readily releasable pool (RRP) to refill during periods of rest, it has been suggested that the replenishment process may be orders of magnitude faster when synapses are active. Here, we measure this replenishment rate at active Schaffer collateral terminals by determining the maximum rate of release that can still be elicited when the RRP is almost completely exhausted. On average, we find that spent vesicles are replaced at a maximum unitary rate of 0.24/sec during periods of intense activity. Because the replenishment rate is similar during subsequent periods of rest, we conclude that no special mechanism accelerates the mobilization of neurotransmitter in active terminals beyond the previously reported, several-fold, residual calcium-driven modulation that persists for several seconds after bouts of intense synaptic activity. In the course of this analysis, we provide new evidence supporting the hypothesis that a simple enzymatic step limits the rate at which reserve synaptic vesicles become ready to undergo exocytosis.
The Future of Small, Inexpensive, Continuously Operating, Wide Field Cameras

New technology makes it possible to continuously monitor and store the entire optical nighttime sky and place this information on the World Wide Web for anyone in the world. This makes it possible for a global network of wide-angle night sky web cameras that operate 24/7/365 and deliver photometric accuracy.
Spatial regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint and anaphase-promoting complex in Aspergillus nidulans.

Summary The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) plays a critical role in preventing mitotic errors by inhibiting anaphase until all kinetochores are correctly attached to spindle microtubules. In spite of the economic and medical importance of filamentous fungi, relatively little is known about the behavior of SAC proteins in these organisms. In our efforts to understand the role of γ-tubulin in cell cycle regulation, we have created functional fluorescent protein fusions of four SAC proteins in Aspergillus nidulans, the homologs of Mad2, Mps1, Bub1/BubR1 and Bub3. Time-lapse imaging reveals that SAC proteins are in distinct compartments of the cell until early mitosis when they co-localize at the spindle pole body. SAC activity is, thus, spatially regulated in A. nidulans. Likewise, Cdc20, an activator of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome, is excluded from interphase nuclei, but enters nuclei at mitotic onset and accumulates to a higher level in mitotic nuclei than in the surrounding nucleoplasm before leaving in anaphase/telophase. The activity of this critical cell cycle regulatory complex is likely regulated by the location of Cdc20. Finally, the γ-tubulin mutation mipAD159 causes a nuclear-specific failure of nuclear localization of Mps1 and Bub1/R1 but not of Cdc20, Bub3 or Mad2.
Euler and the Jacobians of Elliptic Curves

Euler, most universal among mathematicians of his time and perhaps of all times, may be regarded as the grandfather of modern algebraic geometry, since he created the theory of elliptic integrals, whence proceeded Jacobi’s theory of elliptic functions which in turn gave birth to Riemann’s theory of algebraic functions and abelian integrals. As there is a direct line of succession from him to Chebyshev, he can also be counted as the grandfather of Russian mathematics, though none of his immediate pupils in Russia attained to any distinction in mathematics. Of his devotion to the welfare of science in Russia there can be no doubt, nor of the depth of his attachment to that country1 and to its language, of which he acquired a good command during the early years of his stay in Saint Petersburg. Thus it seems not inappropriate that he should appear in a volume dedicated to Igor Shafarevich.
Linear and nonlinear estimation with uncertain observations

The state estimation problems with observations which may or may not contain a signal at any sample time is considered from a covariance assignment viewpoint. The closed form solution for directly assigning steady state estimation error covariances and their assignability conditions are derived for the linear case. For the nonlinear case, upper bounds on the estimation error covariance are assigned. An example is given for illustration in which the robustness of the proposed scheme is assessed.
Schizophrenia in cryptogenic narcolepsy

1. A review of the literature reveals a relative paucity of case reports on narcolepsy in schizophrenia despite the fact that the uncomplicated narcoleptic-cataplectic syndrome is being more widely recognized. 2. A case report of narcolepsy and cataplexy in a paranoid schizophrenia is presented. 3. A number of questions pertaining to the nosology and etiology of this syndrome are discussed.
Peptide receptors in sea urchin sperm flagella.

Publisher Summary Egg peptides have been isolated from echinoderm species and grouped into families based on their primary structure. Two peptides that have been extensively characterized are speract and resact, isolated from the jellycoats of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Arbacia punctulata, respectively. They do not cross-react in any detectable manner with sperm from the other species, but appear to possess nearly identical biological properties and potencies in homologous species. Receptors for the peptides were identified using classic chemical crosslinking techniques. Radiolabeled peptide analogs were synthesized and characterized and used to label putative receptor proteins. A critical component is the development of crosslinkable ligands that resemble closely the natural product. For peptide ligands this is accomplished by synthesizing structural analogs and characterizing their potencies in the appropriate bioassay and in competition binding experiments. Alterations to the primary structure of the peptide may be required to introduce reactive groups or radioiodination sites that may alter the binding kinetics and specificity of the ligand. Different ligands for the same receptor can lead to different patterns of crosslinked proteins. The choice of crosslinking agent and Ph can alter the pattern of tagged proteins when the same radiolabeled ligand is cross-linked to intact spermatozoa. The different patterns may reflect conformational changes in the ligand or receptor that alter the accessibility of the crosslinker to reactive sites. Long or short crosslinking agents may be able to span the distance between reactive groups on the ligand and the receptor. The procedures described in this chapter are collection and washing of sea urchin spermatozoa, radioiodination and purification of ligand, crosslinkage of iodinated peptides to intact sperm and analysis of labeled proteins. The examples have used certain crosslinkers that need to be selected on an individual basis. The amount of radiolabeled ligand added is determined by the binding characteristics of the ligand.
Genetically engineered dual-band fractal antennas

Fractal antenna engineering concepts have been successfully combined with genetic algorithms to develop a powerful design optimization tool. The genetic optimization approach developed can simultaneously optimize the geometry of a fractal antenna, locations of loads, component values of loads, and the projected length of the fractal antenna. The results suggest that a 30-55% size reduction can be achieved by optimizing the fractalization and loading of a given antenna. The knowledge gained as a result of this study is directly applicable to the design of miniature fractal antennas.
Highly collimated and ultra-high-intensity near-field lasers by wavefront engineering

Nanophotonics, i.e. the science and technology of manipulating light at sub-wavelength scales, is emerging as one the most exciting and potentially useful areas of physical optics. I will highlight recent research in my group aimed at inventing and investigating a new class of light-sources with unique near field and far-field properties. Using surface plasmons (i.e. surface electromagnetic waves) interacting with metallic nanostructures built on the facets of semiconductor lasers. We have demonstrated new infrared light sources that can create extremely intense (~ 1 GW/cm2) nanoscale size light-spots of dimensions much smaller than the wavelength. These sources have revolutionary applications in areas such high density DVDpsilas (1 Tb disks) and high resolution chem/bio imaging for example to peer into the interior of cells.
A LEAFY co-regulator encoded by UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS.

Abstract Background: Development of petals and stamens in Arabidopsis flowers requires the function of the organ-identity gene APETALA3 ( AP3 ), whose RNA is expressed specifically in petal and stamen primordia. AP3 expression is positively regulated by the meristem-identity gene LEAFY (LFY) , which is expressed ubiquitously in young flowers. It is unknown how the transition from ubiquitous expression of LFY to region-specific expression of AP3 is made. It has previously been proposed for Antirrhinum that another gene, FIMBRIATA (FIM) , mediates between the LFY and AP3 orthologs, with the three genes acting in a simple regulatory hierarchy. FIM is activated later than the LFY ortholog, and its expression is more restricted than that of the LFY ortholog. Results: We have tested whether the model proposed for Antirrhinum applies to Arabidopsis , by creating transgenic plants in which the FIM ortholog UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) was expressed constitutively from the promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S gene. In 35S::UFO flowers, AP3 was expressed precociously and ectopically, confirming that UFO is an upstream regulator of AP3 . However, 35S::UFO could not restore petal and stamen development in lfy mutants, indicating that UFO can only function in the presence of LFY activity. The failure of 35S::UFO to rescue lfy mutants is consistent with our observation that UFO expression levels are not markedly changed in lfy mutants. Conclusions: We conclude that UFO is not a simple mediator between meristem- and organ-identity genes, but is likely to be a partially dispensable co-regulator that acts together with LFY . The interplay between LFY and UFO provides a paradigm for how a global regulator such as LFY activates selected target genes only in restricted regions within its expression domain.
Feasible compositions for random copolymerizations

Using the attainable region approach, feasible compositions and conversions for random copolymers are determined, along with altermatives for the related reactor configurations. This analysis attempts to find all of the possible compositions that can be produced by any system of reactros and mixing. The average copolymer compositions are bounded by the feed composition and the instantaneous copolymer composition produced at the initial conditions. Since the instantaneous copolymer composition can be found through the Mayo-Lewis equation, that case and the feed composition mark the limiting feasible compositions. The results can also be used to determine the range of feed compositions for which a specific copolymer product composition is possible. If the addition of monomer at any point in the reactor system is possible, e.g., by side-feeding, the analysis indicates that any desired copolymer composition can be obtained.
A study of the decay τ-→π-μτ

We present a high statistics measurement of the branching ratio for the decay τ-→π-μτ using data obtained with the Mark II detector at the SLAC e+e- storage ring SPEAR. We have used events from the center-of-mass energy region 3.52 to 6.7 GeV to determine that B(τ-→π-μτ)=0.117±0.004±0.018. From electron-muon events in the same data sample, we have determined that B(τ-→π-μτ) B(τ-→e--μeμτ)=0.66±0.03±0.11. We present measurements of the mass and spin of the τ and the mass of the τ neutrino based, for the first time, on a hadronic decay mode of the τ. © 1982.
Improvement of the Resolution of TSI's 3071 DMA via Redesigned Sheath Air and Aerosol Inlets

ABSTRACT The resolution of TSI's 3071 Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) is smaller than ideally expected for nondiffusing particles, both at sheath airflow rates Qs in excess of 30 lit/min, and at aerosol over sheath airflow rate ratios Qa/Qs smaller than 10%. The first problem is partly due to a slight widening step following the laminarizing grid, which tends to destabilize the sheath airflow. The second can be associated in part to the recirculation vortex found by Chen et al. (1996) just upstream of the mixing region where the aerosol flow joins the sheath airstream. It is also attributed here to mean flow deceleration for sufficiently small values of Qa/Qs, due to an increase in the flow cross section following the mixing region. These problems are reduced in this study by replacing the DMA piece forming the outer electrode between the laminarization screen and the aerosol inlet into the analyzing region. The new part has a reduced inlet ID to avoid the initial step. It is slightly tapered, ending...
Combustion synthesis processing of functionally graded materials in the Ti–B binary system

In this study, fabrication of functionally graded materials from elemental powders of Ti and B by utilizing combustion synthesis technique was investigated. The technique was chosen because it exploits the exothermic reaction between titanium and boron. The control of the reactions was achieved by selecting compositions away from the stoichiometry without resorting to adding a third element into the system. Compositionally graded trilayered (Ti-10–18 wt.%B, Ti-5–15 wt.%B) and five layered (Ti-5–10–15–18 wt.%B) green compacts were ignited. The influence of the composition selection and the temperature on propagation and product formation was studied. In order to achieve more control of the exothermic reactions, the titanium side was ignited first. Therefore in functionally graded material (FGM) compacts, a relatively longer ignition time and higher reaction temperatures were recorded compared to corresponding single compositions. X-ray diffraction studies showed that, due to high exothermicity, TiB and TiB2 formed even at off-stoichiometric compositions. Such reactions produced FGMs with titanium on one side to Ti–TiB–TiB2 on the other. The as-fabricated Ti–TiB–TiB2 graded composite materials exhibited continuous and crack free interfaces.
A review of academic permanent-product data collection and reliability procedures in applied behavior analysis research1

Three publication sources were reviewed to determine the recent conventions for collecting, and assessing the reliability of, academic permanent-product data (handwriting, examination papers, etc in applied behavior analysis. The primary source was the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (1968–1974). Secondary sources included conference proceedings titled, A new direction in education: behavior analysis (E. Ramp and B. L. Hopkins, Eds., Lawrence, Kansas: Support and Development Center for Follow Through, Department of Human Development, University of Kansas, 1971), and Behavior Analysis and Education (G. Semb, Ed., Lawrence, Kansas: Support and Development Center for Follow Through, Department of Human Development, University of Kansas, 1972). Finally, as a test of the generality of the findings in the two applied behavior analysis sources, the current issue of each of 14 psychological and/or educational journals was reviewed. Thirty JABA studies reported academic permanent-product data, but only 14 reported reliability. Increasingly more product data through 1973 have been reported along with a greater proportion of authors reporting reliability. The review of the two conference proceeding publications revealed the same trend. In 1971, only three studies reported academic product data, none with reliability, while in 1972, 15 reported academic data, nine including reliability assessment. The review of 14 current education/psychology journal issues revealed four studies reporting academic data, none with reliability. Across all sources, about one-half of the studies reported reliability. Most of the studies reporting reliability described the frequency of reliability assessment, with approximately equal numbers of JABA studies reporting reliability for each paper or reliability for each session. The use of uninformed observers was reported in only three JABA studies and one conference study. Marks made on subjects' papers by either the teacher or the primary observer were reported masked for reliability purposes by only two JABA and two conference studies. Reliability was calculated on a session total basis in two JABA studies. Point-by-point agreement was given in nine JABA and three conference studies. Perfect reliability (mean agreement of 100%) was reported in only six JABA and three conference studies. Scores between 90 and 100% were reported in nine JABA and four conference studies. Scores below 80% were reported in three JABA studies. No other percentage agreement scores were reported, although one JABA study reported correlational reliability (Pearson r). In summary, recently more studies have dealt with academic data and, until 1974, a greater proportion of these studies reported reliability assessment, and relatively few studies reported either replicable methods, 100% agreement, or controls for maintaining rater independence.
Integer-based wavetable synthesis for low-computational embedded systems

The evolution of digital music synthesis spans from tried-and-true frequency modulation to string modeling with neural networks. This project begins from a wavetable basis. The audio waveform was modeled as a superposition of formant sinusoids at various frequencies relative to the fundamental frequency. Piano sounds were reverse-engineered to derive a basis for the final formant structure, and used to create a wavetable. The quality of reproduction hangs in a trade-off between rich notes and sampling frequency. For lowcomputational systems, this calls for an approach that avoids burdensome floating-point calculations. To speed up calculations while preserving resolution, floating-point math was avoided entirely--all numbers involved are integral. The method was built into the Laser Piano. Along its 12-foot length are 24 “keys,” each consisting of a laser aligned with a photoresistive sensor connected to 8-bit MCU. The synthesis is processed in the sensor array by four microcontrollers running a strictly synchronous wavetable synthesis algorithm. In the laser array is integrated a microcontroller that can toggle each laser, allowing the piano to play itself or limit playable keys.
Getting past the who and how many to the how and why in USDA Forest Service public involvement processes

Abstract The scope and intensity of public involvement in USDA Forest Service decision-making has been a historically contentious issue. Most research to date on the topic has been largely quantitative, and can overlook the details important to understanding those conflicts. This article presents qualitative, exploratory research conducted on the national forests in Virginia, USA designed to examine the behavior of public participants, the Forest Service, and the effects of the public participation process on project implementation. Implementation appeared affected to varying degrees by the attributes of forest management projects, the nature of the active public stakeholders, the timing of each participation stage, and a lack of procedural standardization. Future areas of research inquiry on a larger scale might be warranted in how the terms of forest management plans are translated to project actions; the nature of pre-decisional and post-decisional review of agency actions; project delays stemming from the participation process; and the effects of a lack of uniformity in participation processes at the forest-wide scale.
Analogy and the Societal Implications of Astrobiology

The impact of finding life beyond Earth, whether microbial, complex, or intelligent, is an important and timely problem given recent discoveries in the field of astrobiology. Analogy is one of the tools that may be used cautiously to explore potential impacts of discovering extraterrestrial life under different scenarios. After a brief examination of the problems and promise of analogy, this article suggests four analogs useful for providing guidelines in the event of such a discovery: the microbe analogy, the culture contact analogy, the transmission/translation analogy, and the worldview analogy. We offer what we term the “Goldilocks Principle of Analogy”: analogy must not be so general as to be meaningless, nor so specific as to be misleading. As in other fields, the middle “Goldilocks” ground is where analogies may serve as useful guideposts for astrobiology and its impact. And although the discovery of life beyond Earth will be a unique event, these guidelines may be useful for policy decisions both ...
Unifying the mathematical modeling of in vivo and in vitro microdialysis

A unifying approach is presented for developing mathematical models of microdialysis that are applicable to both in vitro and in vivo situations. Previous models for cylindrical probes have been limited by accommodating analyte diffusion through the surrounding medium in the radial direction only, i.e., perpendicular to the probe axis, or by incomplete incorporation of diffusion in the axial direction. Both radial and axial diffusion are included in the present work by employing two-dimensional finite element analysis. As in previous models, the nondimensional clearance modulus (Θ) represents the degree to which analyte clearance from the external medium influences diffusion through the medium for systems exhibiting analyte concentration linearity. Incorporating axial diffusion introduces a second dimensionless group, which is the length-to-radius aspect ratio of the membrane. These two parameter groups uniquely determine the external medium permeability, which is time dependent under transient conditions. At steady-state, the dependence of this permeability on the two groups can be approximated by an algebraic formula for much of the parameter ranges. Explicit steady-state expressions derived for the membrane and fluid permeabilities provide good approximations under transient conditions (quasi-steady-state assumption). The predictive ability of the unifying approach is illustrated for microdialysis of sucrose in vivo (brain) and inert media in vitro, under both well-stirred and quiescent conditions.
Gender differences in latent cognitive abilities in children aged 2 to 7

Abstract Gender differences in the latent cognitive abilities underlying the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scale of Intelligence—Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) were investigated in children aged 2 to 7. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the measurement invariance of the WPPSI-IV factor model in boys and girls. Then the magnitude of gender differences in the means and variances of the abilities was estimated. Multiple-indicator multiple-cause models were implemented to explore whether the magnitude of these differences varied across age. Girls aged 2 to 7 demonstrated higher general intelligence. Girls aged 4 to 7 demonstrated an advantage in processing speed. A gender difference favoring boys in visual processing was absent in ages 2 to 3 but emerged in ages 4 to 7. Gender differences in fluid reasoning, short-term memory, and comprehension-knowledge were not found. The variability of any of the abilities did not differ among girls and boys. These results indicate that gender differences in cognitive abilities emerge in early childhood, which may contribute to gender differences in later educational outcomes.
Effect of hyperaemia on thallium-201 redistribution in normal canine myocardium

The specific effect of hyperaemia on thallium redistribution is not known. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of initial (group A) and delayed (group B) hyperaemia on thallium kinetics in normal canine myocardium. In group A dogs (n = 14) adenosine was infused into the left circumflex artery (LCx) prior to thallium injection and was continued for either 5, 30 or 120 min after thallium administration. In group B dogs (n = 10) LCx adenosine was begun 10 min post thallium injection and continued for 2 h. Radioactive microspheres were injected simultaneously with thallium and just prior to death in all but the 5 min experiments. The region of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) served as a normal control for each heart. The mean LCx/LAD flow ratio in all group A hearts was 3.81 ± 1.24 (SD) and the final thallium LCx/LAD ratios averaged 2.29 ± 0.26,1.52 ± 0.27 and 0.93 ± 0.16 at 5, 30 and 120 min respectively, which represents a significant redistribution of thallium (p<0.05). In group B hearts, the mean LCx/LAD flow ratio was 1.06 ± 0.07 during thallium injection and after LCx adenosine infusion the flow ratio rose to 2.91 ± 0.75 (p<0.001). This resulted in a final thallium LCx/LAD ratio of 0.96 ± 0.07 which was significantly less than the initial microsphere determined flow ratio (p<0.01). These data suggest that during regional hyperaemia, the rate of net thallium clearance is accelerated by persistent and to a lesser degree by delayed hyperaemia. Overall, the process of thallium redistribution can be affected by hyperaemia and, therefore, is not completely independent of coronary blood flow.
Editorial: On the economic effects of advertising – evidence that Advertising = Information

In his editorial, Charles R. Taylor discusses the implications of the recent report 'Advertising Pays: how Advertising Fuels the UK Economy' by Deloitte LLP and highlights several areas in need of sustained research. The general idea that economic effects of advertising are too seldom discussed and acknowledged would seem to hold true. Taylor also recommends another work on the subject: 'The Advertising Controversy: Evidence of the Economic Effects of Advertising'.
A preliminary stage configuration for a low pressure nuclear thermal rocket (LPNTR)

A low pressure nuclear thermal rocket (LPNTR) is configured to meet the requirements of a nuclear stage for manned Mars exploration. Safety, reliability and performance are given equal consideration in selecting the stage configuration. Preliminary trade studies are conducted to size the engine thrust and determine the thrust chamber pressure. A weight breakdown and mechanical configuration for the selected LPNTR concept are defined. A seven engine stage configuration is selected which gives a two engine out capability and eliminates the need for engine gimbaling. The stage can be ground assembled and launched as a unit including tankage for trans Earth injection and Earth orbital capture. The tankage is configured to eliminate the need for an inert shield. The small engine will be cheaper to develop than a single engine providing full thrust, and will be compatible with stages for Earth orbital, Lunar and deep space missions. Mission analyses are presented with engine operation in a high thrust mode and in a dual range high thrust-low thrust mode. Mass savings over a reference NERVA stage are projected to be 45--55% for the high thrust operating mode and 50--60% for the dual range mode. Potential exists for further increases in performance bymore » optimizing the thrust chamber/nozzle design. 6 refs., 10 figs., 5 tabs.« less
Large Temporal Magnification Using Four-Wave Mixing on a Silicon Chip

We demonstrate a technique for temporal magnification of ultrafast signals based on four-wave mixing in silicon nanowaveguides. Magnification factors as high as 440 are achieved, which allow for sub-picosecond characterization using standard electronic detection.
Local Layering for Joint Motion Estimation and Occlusion Detection

Most motion estimation algorithms (optical flow, layered models) cannot handle large amount of occlusion in textureless regions, as motion is often initialized with no occlusion assumption despite that occlusion may be included in the final objective. To handle such situations, we propose a local layering model where motion and occlusion relationships are inferred jointly. In particular, the uncertainties of occlusion relationships are retained so that motion is inferred by considering all the possibilities of local occlusion relationships. In addition, the local layering model handles articulated objects with self-occlusion. We demonstrate that the local layering model can handle motion and occlusion well for both challenging synthetic and real sequences.
Levels of N-acetylglucosaminides and Sulfo-N-acetylglucosaminides of 15α-Hydroxyestrone and 15α-Hydroxyestradiol in Human Late Pregnancy Urine

ABSTRACT A method was devised for the quantitation of 15α-hydroxyestrone-15-N-acetylglucosaminide (15α-OHE1GNAc), 15α-hydroxyestradiol-15-N-acetylglucosaminide (15α-OHE2GNAc) and their corresponding 3 sulfates, 15α-OHE1SGNAc and 15α-OHE2SGNAc, in late human pregnancy urine. The 4 conjugates were separated and purified by sequential chromatography. Each purified conjugate was hydrolyzed in acid. The steroid was analyzed by fluorescence and the sugar was analyzed by the Morgan-Elson reaction. Internal radioactive standards served to correct for procedural losses, so that accuracy appears to have been achieved. Four subjects were studied. Sulfo-N-acetylglucosaminides predominated. Their ranges in μg/24 hr are: 15 α-OHE1SGNAc, 201–960, and 15α-OHE2SGNAc, 197–464. The N-acetylglucosaminides were determined individually in 2 patients and in combination in the other 2 subjects. The levels of these conjugates were about ⅕ those of the double conjugates. Thus, the total daily excretion of these novel conjugates is...
Current status of hydrogen production techniques by steam reforming of ethanol : A review

Hydrogen is considered to be the most viable energy carrier for the future. Producing hydrogen from ethanol steam reforming would not only be environmentally friendly but also would open new opportunities for utilization of renewable resources, which are globally available. This paper reviews the current state of the steam reforming process of ethanol, examines different catalysts, and, finally, makes a comparative analysis. Different catalysts have been used for the steam reforming of ethanol. Depending on the type of catalysts, reaction conditions, and the catalyst preparation method, ethanol conversion and hydrogen production vary greatly. It was observed that Co/ZnO, ZnO, Rh/Al2O3, Rh/CeO2, and Ni/La2O3−Al2O3 performed the best, in regard to the steam reforming of ethanol. Currently, hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming is still in the research and development stage.
Reading Times for Erotic Material: The Pause to Reflect

Abstract In a study designed to investigate possible mechanisms involved in previously identified gender differences in memory for sexual material, subjects read an erotic paragraph one sentence at a time. We then obtained reading times for each sentence. Reading times were longest for erotic sentences; romantic and neutral sentences did not differ significantly from each other. Subjects' scores on the erotopho-bia-erotophilia dimension were correlated with reading time. In an unexpected finding, those subjects with higher erotophobic scores read all categories of sentences more slowly. Recognition memory performance was not predicted by reading time. Female subjects yielded better recognition accuracy than male subjects did, although males were more accurate at recognizing erotic sentences. The results of the study suggest that reading erotic material generates processes, perhaps emotional in nature, not seen in nonsexual material.
Genetic and morphological comparisons ofGlomerella (Colletotrichum) isolates from maize and from sorghum

Abstract Various morphological and genetic characteristics were compared among six isolates of Colletotrichum from maize and six from sorghum. For the first time, a teleomorph was induced in sorghum isolates by pairing them on autoclaved sorghum leaves in a humidity chamber. The sorghum teleomorph was morphologically similar to Glomerella graminicola and Glomerella tucumanensis , the teleomorphs of Colletotrichum isolates from maize and from sugarcane, respectively. Mating tests demonstrated that Glomerella isolates from maize and sorghum were not interfertile. Several small but consistent differences in the morphologies of the isolates from maize and from sorghum were observed which agreed with earlier reports. DNA fingerprints detected as restriction fragment length polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA and random polymorphic DNA (RAPD) produced from nuclear DNA by the polymerase chain reaction could be used to reliably and unambiguously distinguish members of the two groups of isolates. Results of a statistical analysis of similarity of the RAPD fingerprints suggested that maize and sorghum isolates of Colletotrichum are only about 45% similar (±10%) and represent two distinct and separate genetic lineages. We conclude that isolates of Colletotrichum from maize and sorghum are sibling species since they are morphologically very similar but reproductively completely isolated.
Promoting change in US human rights policy and practice: The roles of scholarship and advocacy

Peter R. Baehr and Monique Castermans-Holleman, The Role of Human Rights in Foreign Policy, 3rd edition (Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004). Julie A. Mertus, Bait and Switch: Human Rights and US...
KI und Roboter

zum Zeitpunkt des Schreibens dieses Editorials (Ende Juni 2010) hat Fusball die (Sport-) Welt fest im Griff. Neben den realen Fusballern sind auch die fusballspielenden Roboter beim diesjahrigen RoboCup 2010 in Singapur angetreten. Viele deutsche Teams konnten wieder einmal uberzeugen. Eine regelrechte Dominanz konnte sogar man bei den Beitragen des Symposiums feststellen: 49 % der „Full paper“ kommen aus Deutschland. Dies kann ein Indikator dafur sein, wie nachhaltig die Forschungsforderung der DFG wirken kann. Die meisten deutschen Beitrage kommen von Kolleginnen und Kollegen, die in von der DFG geforderten Projekten (DFG-SPP 1125 „Kooperierende Teams mobiler Roboter in dynamischen Umgebungen“, 2000–2006) gearbeitet haben. Eine Besonderheit gab es diesmal beim RoboCup@ Home Wettbewerb zu sehen: zum ersten Mal hat man die teilnehmenden Teams mit ihren Robotern in die reale Welt geschickt. Der Test sah vor, in ein normales „supermarktahnliches“ Geschaft (Toys-R-Us) zu gehen (oder besser: zu rollen) und unter anderem Aufgaben in den Bereichen Lokalisierung und Manipulation zu meistern. Wir sind damit auch beim aktuellen Schwerpunkthema dieses Heftes: SLAM – Simultaneous Lokalization and Mapping. Die @Home Roboter hatten eine typische OnlineSLAM Aufgabe in der Praxis zu losen. Nicht allen ist dieses gelungen, was zeigt, dass weiterhin Forschungsbedarf vorhanden ist. Unser Gastherausgeber Udo Frese aus Bremen
Characterization of Volatile Compounds of Virgin Olive Oil Originating from the USA

The volatile profiles of virgin olive oils originating from the USA were first studied: 71 volatile compounds were identified in 21 monovarietal virgin olive oils using solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, representing 100 % of the headspace composition. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed for the grouping of olive oils based on geographical origin, and also the distinguishing of olive oil varieties by their relative positions in the group; 17 distinguishable volatile compounds that significantly contributed to the olive oil classification were found to be distributed on a PCA plot according to their sensory attributes. Moreover, the major volatile components were compared among varieties and origins to clarify the genetic and geographic influences. Our results indicate the significant effects of both origin and cultivar on the volatile composition of olive oil as well as the dominant role of the geographic effect compared to the genetic effect on applied samples.
Percutaneous hepatic venous reanastomosis in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

A 33-year-old woman with Budd-Chiari syndrome for 9 years presented with worsening right upper quadrant pain and progressive liver dysfunction. Hepatic venography demonstrated hepatic vein occlusions, without significant IVC obstruction. Attempts at stenting a stenotic middle hepatic vein were unsuccessful. Transjugular access, however, allowed puncture from the stump of the right hepatic vein into the engorged right intrahepatic vein that had been demonstrated by retrograde hepatic venography. Two Palmaz stents were used to form the veno-venous reanastomosis. Initial success was documented angiographically and by pressure measurements before and after shunting. Followup at 7 and 16 months confirmed patency of the anastomosis without intimai hyperplasia. The patient noted near-complete resolution of her pain, and her liver function stabilized.
The Significance of Food in Plato's Republic, Book I

In this article I explore the several mentions of food that Plato makes in the first book of his work, Republic. I propose that the occurrences of examples and metaphors about food in this book strongly suggest that Plato used food as a metaphor for philosophy: Socrates, playing the role of philosopher and doctor, dispenses food (i.e. philosophy) to those in need of healing. These are not only the future inhabitants of the ideal city of Republic, book II, but also the remaining characters of the dialogue as well as its current readers. This serves as a basis to further suggest that Plato's vision could inform a contemporary approach to food as an instrument to discuss the role of philosophy in our lives, and vice versa, particularly with respect to building a just city.
Relationships between oxygen consumption and body composition of obese patients.

Abstract Oxygen consumption was measured in a group of 18 grossly obese females; creatinine excretion in 16; and total body water and exchangeable potassium in 14 members of this group. Body fat, surface area and body weight showed high coefficients of correlation with oxygen consumption whereas, measures of lean body mass such as total body water, exchangeable potassium, and creatinine had much less satisfactory correlation coefficients. With increasing age, oxygen consumption per unit surface area showed a small decline.
Liquid Crystal Optical Phase Plate with a Variable In-Plane Gradient

We propose a nematic liquid crystal (LC) optical phase plate, with a large continuous in-plane gradient that is variable, and its application to a beam steering device with high efficiency. The device is a vertically aligned, continuous phase, optical phased array (V-COPA) that uses a negative dielectric anisotropy LC material. High steering efficiency of over 95% is demonstrated by modeling the LC director field and its effect on transmitted light. The period of the V-COPA grating can be varied by adjusting an applied voltage profile, which allows for continuous angular control of the diffraction angle.
Efficacy of cortisone injection in treatment of trigger fingers and thumbs

One hundred eight trigger fingers and thumbs in 74 consecutive patients were treated by injections of triamcinalone and followed for an average of 3 1/2 years. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Eighty four percent of trigger fingers and 92% of trigger thumbs were cured with a single injection, and a repeat injection for treatment of recurrent symptoms raised these figures to 91% and 97%, respectively. All injections were done by one physician. There were no complications. We conclude that intrasynovial injection of a steroid compound is the appropriate initial treatment for trigger fingers and thumbs.