cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connectivity-enhanced diffusion analysis reveals white matter density disruptions in first episode and chronic schizophrenia.

Reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) is a well-established correlate of schizophrenia, but it remains unclear whether these tensor-based differences are the result of axon damage and/or organizational changes and whether the changes are progressive in the adult course of illness. Diffusion MRI data were collected in 81 schizophrenia patients (54 first episode and 27 chronic) and 64 controls. Analysis of FA was combined with "fixel-based" analysis, the latter of which leverages connectivity and crossing-fiber information to assess both fiber bundle density and organizational complexity (i.e., presence and magnitude of off-axis diffusion signal). Compared with controls, patients with schizophrenia displayed clusters of significantly lower FA in the bilateral frontal lobes, right dorsal centrum semiovale, and the left anterior limb of the internal capsule. All FA-based group differences overlapped substantially with regions containing complex fiber architecture. FA within these clusters was positively correlated with principal axis fiber density, but inversely correlated with both secondary/tertiary axis fiber density and voxel-wise fiber complexity. Crossing fiber complexity had the strongest (inverse) association with FA (r = -0.82). When crossing fiber structure was modeled in the MRtrix fixel-based analysis pipeline, patients exhibited significantly lower fiber density compared to controls in the dorsal and posterior corpus callosum (central, postcentral, and forceps major). Findings of lower FA in patients with schizophrenia likely reflect two inversely related signals: reduced density of principal axis fiber tracts and increased off-axis diffusion sources. Whereas the former confirms at least some regions where myelin and or/axon count are lower in schizophrenia, the latter indicates that the FA signal from principal axis fiber coherence is broadly contaminated by macrostructural complexity, and therefore does not necessarily reflect microstructural group differences. These results underline the need to move beyond tensor-based models in favor of acquisition and analysis techniques that can help disambiguate different sources of white matter disruptions associated with schizophrenia.
Workplace Bullying of Urology Residents: Implications for the Patient and Provider.

Abstract Objective To elucidate whether urology residents in the United States feel bullied by nurses, how respected they feel at work, and whether this impacts personal and patient care. Methods We distributed an Institutional Review Board-approved online, validated, revised Negative Acts Questionnaire to US urology residents in their first year or above. We evaluated bullying through scoring work (total range 5-25), person (total range 9-45), and physical intimidation (total range 3-15) related bullying domains. We also solicited how respected residents feel by different staff on a Likert scale and the perceived personal and professional impact of bullying. Bullying domains were assessed with descriptive statistics and mean total bullying scores (MTBS) and demographics compared. Results We received 102 responses (82% MD, 18% DO). One resident reported never experiencing bullying. Overall average MTBS was 28.9 ± 0.9 (17-68). 98.0%, 82.4%, and 77.5% of residents reported at least 1 incident of work, person, and physical intimidation-related bullying, respectively. DO residents reported higher MTBS than MD residents (33.7 ± 2.2vs 27.8 ± 1.0, P = .015). Higher MTBS scores were seen in residents who feared retaliation and considered transferring programs, while lower scores were seen where the resident-nurse relationship was nurtured. Conclusion Ninety percent of residents perceived some degree of bullying and report a negative impact on personal performance and patient outcomes.
Cigarette Smoking Status and Substance Use in Pregnancy.

Objectives Substance use during pregnancy is a significant public health issue. Prenatal substance use increased in the past decade while prenatal cigarette smoking has remained stable. Co-use of tobacco and other drugs is a concern because of potential additive risks. This study aims to describe the prevalence rates of substance use among pregnant women and examine the association between smoking status (nonsmoker, recent quitter and current smoker) and other drug use. Methods In this cross-sectional study, pregnant women (n = 500) were recruited from two obstetric practices to complete three substance use screeners and have their urine tested for 12 different drug classes, including cannabis, opioids and cocaine. Participants were divided into three groups based on survey responses: nonsmokers, recent quitters (smoked in the month prior to pregnancy but not past month) and current smokers (past-month). Results Approximately 29% of participants reported smoking in the month before pregnancy. During pregnancy, 17, 12 and 71% were current smokers, recent quitters and nonsmokers respectively. Overall prevalence of illicit or prescription drug use in pregnancy was 27%. Cannabis was the most common drug used in pregnancy with prevalence of 22%, followed by opioids (4%), cocaine (1%), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (1%), amphetamines (1%), and benzodiazepines (1%). On multivariable logistic regression, smoking in pregnancy was associated with a positive urine drug screen; with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.7 (95% CI 2.6–8.3) for current smokers and 1.6 (95% CI 0.8–3.3) for recent quitters. Factors negatively associated with positive drug screen were second and third trimester pregnancies, 0.5 (0.3–0.9) and 0.3 (0.2–0.6) respectively; and employment, 0.5 (0.3–0.8). Conclusions for Practice Co-use of tobacco and illicit drugs, particularly cannabis, is relatively high during pregnancy. Additional research is needed to understand the health implications of co-use versus use of tobacco only. Given the strong association between smoking and other drug use, clinicians should routinely assess for illicit drug use in women who smoke during pregnancy.
The Place of Hope in Politics

Political philosophy is seldom an obviously efficacious mode of political action. Nonetheless, because it is always articulated in the context of a struggle for justice and power which shapes human lives, its efforts to make sense of the conditions for beneficial collective human accomplishments are far from irrelevant to responsible political practice.1 Its analyses are never fully independent of the historical context in which they arise. And they always contain at least implied recommendations for future conduct. As a consequence of its time-bound character the arguments proper to political philosophy are for the most part enthymematic rather than demonstrative. They claim persuasiveness rather than conclusiveness.2
Triple-Integral Control for Reduced-G Atmospheric Flight

In order to address the need for an autonomous reduced-gravity enabling platform, a novel flight-control architecture is formulated. The chosen control law employs a chain of three integrators, which takes advantage of the internal model principle to counteract the non linear aerodynamic forces impeding the vehicle's constant acceleration during parabolic flight. The control architecture and design is experimentally validated through flight tests on a variable-pitch multi-rotor by performing a Martian parabola (0.378 G), with a mean within 0.6% from the desired value and an RMSE of 0.0426 G. To the author's knowledge, this appears to be one of the few cases where the presence of a parabolic disturbance requires a triple-integral control architecture.
Late Quaternary Fluctuations in the Cycling of Organic matter off Central Peru: A Proto-Kerogen Record

A downcore study of organic matter from three radiocarbon-dated Kasten cores collected between 11°15′S and 11°30′S at water depths of 186–580 m revealed that the main organic fraction consists of insoluble and non-hydrolyzable proto-kerogen. Twenty-six proto-kerogen samples were analyzed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios and element compositions. δ13C values range from −21.3 to −23.2‰, and H/C and O/C atomic ratios range from 1.2 to 1.6 and 0.22 to 0.49, respectively. These results indicate that the sedimentary organic matter on the Peru margin is mainly of marine origin. δ15N values were anomalously low (−0.5 to +6.2‰).
Association between advanced cancer patient-caregiver agreement regarding prognosis and hospice enrollment.

Background Patients with advanced, incurable cancer who understand their illness is incurable are more likely to prefer hospice care at the end of life compared with patients who believe their illness is curable. To the authors' knowledge, it is unclear whether patient-caregiver agreement regarding perceived prognosis is associated with hospice enrollment. Methods The current study examined the prospective relationship between patient-caregiver agreement concerning perceived prognosis and hospice enrollment in the last 30 days of life. Data were collected during a cluster randomized controlled trial examining a communication intervention for oncologists and patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. At the time of study entry, patients and caregivers (141 dyads) were categorized as endorsing a "good" prognosis if they: 1) reported a >50% chance of surviving ≥2 years; or if they 2) predicted that the patient's quality of life 3 months into the future would be ≥7 on an 11-point scale. Results Approximately one-fifth of dyads agreed on a poor prognosis whereas approximately one-half disagreed regarding prognosis. In approximately one-third of dyads, patients and caregivers both believed the patient's future quality of life would be good (34%) and that the patient would live for ≥2 years (30%). Patients in these dyads were less likely to enroll in hospice compared with patients in dyads who disagreed and those who agreed on a shorter life expectancy and poor future quality of life. Conclusions Dyadic understanding of patients' projected life expectancy and future quality of life appears to be predictive of care received at the end of life. Improving rates of hospice enrollment may be best achieved with dyadic interventions.
Synthesis and Chemistry of 1,3,5,7-Tetranitrocubane Including Measurement of Its Acidity, Formation of o-Nitro Anions, and the First Preparations of Pentanitrocubane and Hexanitrocubane1

Nitro groups on alternate corners of cubane enhance the acidity of cubyl hydrogen (pKa ∼21) and provide sufficient activation for ready anion formation. The sodium salt of 1,3,5,7-tetranitrocubane reacts easily with electrophiles and leads thereby to yet more highly substituted cubanes, like carbomethoxy- and (trimethylsilyl)tetranitrocubane. Anions from these species are also easily formed and are useful for further substitution on the cubane nucleus. Dinitrogen tetraoxide reacts with the anion of tetranitrocubane to give 1,2,3,5,7-pentanitrocubane, the first cubane to contain vicinal nitro groups. The reaction probably involves oxidation of the anion to the corresponding radical. Similarly, the anion of pentanitrocubane is used to prepare 1,2,3,4,5,7-hexanitrocubane, the most highly nitrated cubane made to date. Single-crystal X-ray structural information is given for both penta- and hexanitrocubane.
An example of computer modeling to teach energy conservation concepts

Energy is a concept widely used in all areas of science but its meaning is not completely understood. It is a subtle concept and a straightforward definition is not available. There have been many studies on its meaning and on the different metaphors used to describe it. The present work uses a pragmatic approach to mechanical energy and its conservation by using computer simulations inspired on the work of Chabay and Sherwood. We report the results of modifying the calculus based University Physics sequence at Northeastern Illinois University. The modifications include a revision of the laboratory activities adding computer based activities to the more traditional hands on measurements. A more substantial change was the inclusion of mini-research projects that were part of the National Science Foundation—Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (NSF-IUSE) funded project Peer Enhanced Experiential Research in STEM (PEERS). In this manuscript, we discuss a student project that helps us understand energy, energy exchanges, and energy conservation. We discuss how the chosen student project helps in the understanding on how conserving potentials can lead to apparent non-energy conservation.
Thermal Decoupling in Power Electronics Modules Using Thermal Pyrolytic Graphite

Abstract The device within a power electronics module package will fail if the maximum junction temperature is not within the device's permissible maximum temperature rating specified by the manufa...
Power and Pleasure

SUMMARY In exploring issues of power and pleasure in relationships the author uses Erikson's (1965) developmental 'eight ages of man' as both a conceptual framework and a way of describing aspects of the developmental growth of boys as men, and he completes Erikson's (1968) epigenesis of the life cycle in relation to identity and intimacy. Drawing on literature on male psychology, his own experience and his experience as a counsellor and a Transactional Analysis (TA) psychotherapist in clinical training, the author focuses on male identity and men's capacity for intimacy in relationships. The use and abuse of power in achieving male identity, and the implications for mutual pleasure and interdependence in intimate relationships are outlined and practice issues for counselling and psychotherapy with men in relation to identity and intimacy issues are considered.
Handbook of Florida Water Regulation: 2016 Florida Water Bill

This handbook is designed to provide an accurate, current, and authoritative summary of the principal federal and state laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Written by Tatiana Borisova, Michael T. Olexa, and Jarrett Davis and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, this chapter of the handbook provides a basic overview of the Florida Water Bill. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1018
Dynamic probabilistic relational models

Intelligent agents must function in an uncertain world, containing multiple objects and relations that change over time. Unfortunately, no representation is currently available that can handle all these issues, while allowing for principled and efficient inference. This paper addresses this need by introducing dynamic probabilistic relational models (DPRMs). DPRMs are an extension of dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) where each time slice (and its dependences on previous slices) is represented by a probabilistic relational model (PRM). Particle filtering, the standard method for inference in DBNs, has severe limitations when applied to DPRMs, but we are able to greatly improve its performance through a form of relational Rao-Blackwellisation. Further gains in efficiency arc obtained through the use of abstraction trees, a novel data structure. We successfully apply DPRMs to execution monitoring and fault diagnosis of an assembly plan, in which a complex product is gradually constructed from subparts.
A Blueprint for Pediatric Emergency Resource Reallocation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An NYC Hospital Experience.

Objective We present a blueprint for the reallocation of pediatric emergency resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods New York-Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medical Center is an urban, quaternary, academic medical center, a level 1 trauma center, and a regional burn center located in New York City. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created a unique challenge for pediatric emergency medicine. As the crisis heightened for adult patients, pediatric emergency services experienced a significant decline in volume and acuity. Results We offer guidelines to modify physical space, clinical services, staffing models, and the importance of steady leadership. Pediatric emergency space was converted to adult COVID-19 beds, necessitating the repurposing of nonclinical areas for pediatric patients. Efficient clinical pathways were created in collaboration with medical and surgical subspecialists for expedited emergency care of children. We transitioned staffing models to meet the changing clinical demands of the emergency department by both reallocation of pediatric emergency medicine providers to telemedicine and by expanding their clinical care to adult patients. Concentrated communication and receptiveness by hospital and department leadership were fundamental to address the dynamic state of the pandemic and ensure provider wellness. Conclusions Modification of physical space, clinical services, staffing models, and the importance of steady leadership enabled us to maintain outstanding clinical care for pediatric patients while maximizing capacity and service for adult COVID-19 patients in the emergency department.
In or Out of Sync: Federal Funding and Research in Early Childhood:

Understanding the relation between federal investment and research has implications for promoting science production in early childhood, a rapidly expanding area in education research and policy. F...
Human Skin Gloss Perception Based on Texture Statistics

We propose objective, image-based techniques for quantitative evaluation of facial skin gloss that is consistent with human judgments. We use polarization photography to obtain separate images of surface and subsurface reflections, and rely on psychophysical studies to uncover and separate the influence of the two components on skin gloss perception. We capture images of facial skin at two levels, macro-scale (whole face) and meso-scale (skin patch), before and after cleansing. To generate a broad range of skin appearances for each subject, we apply photometric image transformations to the surface and subsurface reflection images. We then use linear regression to link statistics of the surface and subsurface reflections to the perceived gloss obtained in our empirical studies. The focus of this paper is on within-subject gloss perception, that is, on visual differences among images of the same subject. Our analysis shows that the contrast of the surface reflection has a strong positive influence on skin gloss perception, while the darkness of the subsurface reflection (skin tone) has a weaker positive effect on perceived gloss. We show that a regression model based on the concatenation of statistics from the two reflection images can successfully predict relative gloss differences.
On the potential of Angiosperms353 for population genomic studies.

PREMISE The successful application of universal targeted sequencing markers, such as those developed for the Angiosperms353 probe set, within populations could reduce or eliminate the need for specific marker development, while retaining the benefits of full-gene sequences in population-level analyses. However, whether the Angiosperms353 markers provide sufficient variation within species to calculate demographic parameters is untested. METHODS Using herbarium specimens from a 50-year-old floristic survey in Texas, we sequenced 95 samples from 24 species using the Angiosperms353 probe set. Our data workflow calls variants within species and prepares data for population genetic analysis using standard metrics. In our case study, gene recovery was affected by genomic library concentration only at low concentrations and displayed limited phylogenetic bias. RESULTS We identified over 1000 segregating variants with zero missing data for 92% of species and demonstrate that Angiosperms353 markers contain sufficient variation to estimate pairwise nucleotide diversity (π)-typically between 0.002 and 0.010, with most variation found in flanking non-coding regions. In a subset of variants that were filtered to reduce linkage, we uncovered high heterozygosity in many species, suggesting that denser sampling within species should permit estimation of gene flow and population dynamics. DISCUSSION Angiosperms353 should benefit conservation genetic studies by providing universal repeatable markers, low missing data, and haplotype information, while permitting inclusion of decades-old herbarium specimens.
Review—Operando Optical Spectroscopy Studies of Batteries

The application of in situ optical spectroscopy in battery research has rapidly grown in popularity in the past few decades, yielding considerable new understanding of battery electrochemistry. Most recently, researchers have focused on developing optically-accessible battery cells and spectroscopic techniques suitable for studying batteries under commercially-relevant conditions. These "operando" spectroscopic studies have led to better understanding of the complex electrochemical mechanisms and transport behaviors that are critical to improve battery performance and develop new battery chemistries. The growth in popularity and sophistication as well as the multidisciplinary nature of these studies motivates this comprehensive summary of operando optical battery research, including recent advances upon which to build further investigation. In that interest, this review covers the development of operando optical spectroscopy, the spectroscopic methods used, the various approaches to building optically-accessible cells, recent technical advances, and their application to specific battery phenomena, including: solid electrolyte interphases, polysulfide shuttling, lithium intercalation, plating and transport, electrode structure, electrode surface reactions, and electrolyte decomposition. The review concludes by surveying emerging techniques and identifying promising areas for further development.
Content analysis of the Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery discussion forum: an online community of practice.

Objetivo: examinar el uso y contenido del foro de discusion de la Alianza Global para Enfermeria y Obstetricia (Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery, GANM) en relacion con la educacion y practica de Enfermeria y Obstetricia. Metodo: se realizo un analisis de contenido convencional cualitativo. Se extrajeron lineas de 1689 hilos de conversacion en foros de discusion y se utilizaron como unidad de analisis. A priori, los codigos se desarrollaron sobre la base de la relevancia del tema (por ejemplo, salud materna) y el uso tipico de los foros de discusion (por ejemplo, anunciar oportunidades educativas). Los codigos emergentes se identificaron con mayor precision al codificar los datos (por ejemplo, enfermedades infecciosas). Resultados: el foro de discusion de la GANM se utilizo con mayor frecuencia para el intercambio de informacion (43,8%), como la difusion de nueva informacion sobre la practica basada en la evidencia, y para anunciar oportunidades educativas (24,8%). Los temas mas discutidos fueron la Enfermeria (14,2%; por ejemplo, el rol de los enfermeros en la atencion primaria, educacion en Enfermeria, etc.) y la salud materna (13,8%; por ejemplo, atencion postparto, mortalidad materna, etc.). Las enfermedades infecciosas se discutieron en 9% de los hilos de conversacion, de los cuales, el 40% refirieron a la actual pandemia de coronavirus. Conclusion: los hallazgos refuerzan la utilidad de la GANM como plataforma para el desarrollo profesional y la educacion continua. Como plataforma para difundir investigacion empirica, la GANM se puede aprovechar para influir en la practica basada en la evidencia del mundo real.
Negotiating Intersectional Identities through Visioning

Through a collaborative self-study approach, a critical discussion of visioning is presented that focuses on the perspectives of two international students from southeastern Europe and North Africa...
What's eating the internet? Content and perceived harm of pro-eating disorder websites.

The internet is a popular tool for information dissemination and community building, serving many purposes from social networking to support seeking. However, there may be a downside to using some online support communities. For individuals with eating disorders (EDs), it is possible that certain online communities may reinforce the negative social aspects that encourage these disorders, rather than positive aspects that would facilitate treatment and recovery. Previous research identified several linguistic themes present on pro-eating disorder websites in an attempt to better understand the web-based conversation in the pro-eating disorder movement. We hypothesized that differences in theme presentation may predict changes in perceived harm. The present study sought to understand the perceived harm, and presentation patterns of pro-eating disorder (Pro-ED) website content. We replicated and extended previous research by having laypersons code these websites’ content using previously identified linguistic themes and rate perceived harm. Our data replicate and extend the previous research by finding the same associations between co-occurring themes, and investigating associated perceived harm. We found that themes of Sacrifice, Control, Deceit, and Solidarity were associated with the highest perceived harm scores. In addition, we suggest an initial conceptualization of the “Eating Disorder Lifestyle”, and its associations with the themes of Isolation, Success, and Solidarity. This research may provide clinicians with information to better understand the potential influence these sites have on eating disorders.
High-throughput SHAPE and hydroxyl radical analysis of RNA structure and ribonucleoprotein assembly.

Abstract RNA folds to form complex structures vital to many cellular functions. Proteins facilitate RNA folding at both the secondary and tertiary structure levels. An absolute prerequisite for understanding RNA folding and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assembly reactions is a complete understanding of the RNA structure at each stage of the folding or assembly process. Here we provide a guide for comprehensive and high-throughput analysis of RNA secondary and tertiary structure using SHAPE and hydroxyl radical footprinting. As an example of the strong and sometimes surprising conclusions that can emerge from high-throughput analysis of RNA folding and RNP assembly, we summarize the structure of the bI3 group I intron RNA in four distinct states. Dramatic structural rearrangements occur in both secondary and tertiary structure as the RNA folds from the free state to the active, six-component, RNP complex. As high-throughput and high-resolution approaches are applied broadly to large protein–RNA complexes, other proteins previously viewed as making simple contributions to RNA folding are also likely to be found to exert multifaceted, long-range, cooperative, and nonadditive effects on RNA folding. These protein-induced contributions add another level of control, and potential regulatory function, in RNP complexes.
An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm for global numerical optimization

This paper presents an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO) for global numerical optimization. The IPSO uses more particles’ information to control the mutation operation. A new adaptive strategy for choosing parameters is also proposed to assure convergence of the IPSO. Meanwhile, we execute the IPSO to solve eight benchmark problems. The results show that the IPSO is superior to some existing methods for finding the best solution, in terms of both solution quality and algorithm robustness.
A Conserved Tryptophan-Rich Motif in the Membrane-Proximal Region of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp41 Ectodomain Is Important for Env-Mediated Fusion and Virus Infectivity

Mutations were introduced into the ectodomain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmembrane envelope glycoprotein, gp41, within a region immediately adjacent to the membrane-spanning domain. This region, which is predicted to form an alpha-helix, contains highly conserved hydrophobic residues and is unusually rich in tryptophan residues. In addition, this domain overlaps the epitope of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, 2F5, as well as the sequence corresponding to a peptide, DP-178, shown to potently neutralize virus. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to create deletions, substitutions, and insertions centered around a stretch of 17 hydrophobic and uncharged amino acids (residues 666 to 682 of the HXB2 strain of HIV-1) in order to determine the role of this region in the maturation and function of the envelope glycoprotein. Deletion of the entire stretch of 17 amino acids abrogated the ability of the envelope glycoprotein to mediate both cell-cell fusion and virus entry without affecting the normal maturation, transport, or CD4-binding ability of the protein. This phenotype was also demonstrated by substituting alanine residues for three of the five tryptophan residues within this sequence. Smaller deletions, as well as multiple amino acid substitutions, were also found to inhibit but not block cell-cell fusion. These results demonstrate the crucial role of a tryptophan-rich motif in gp41 during a post-CD4-binding step of glycoprotein-mediated fusion. The basis for the invariant nature of the tryptophans, however, appears to be at the level of glycoprotein incorporation into virions. Even the substitution of phenylalanine for a single tryptophan residue was sufficient to reduce Env incorporation and drop the efficiency of virus entry approximately 10-fold, despite the fact that the same mutation had no significant effect on syncytium formation.
Performance of high-throughput DNA quantification methods

The accuracy and precision of estimates of DNA concentration are critical factors for efficient use of DNA samples in high-throughput genotype and sequence analyses. We evaluated the performance of spectrophotometric (OD) DNA quantification, and compared it to two fluorometric quantification methods, the PicoGreen® assay (PG), and a novel real-time quantitative genomic PCR assay (QG) specific to a region at the human BRCA1 locus. Twenty-Two lymphoblastoid cell line DNA samples with an initial concentration of ~350 ng/uL were diluted to 20 ng/uL. DNA concentration was estimated by OD and further diluted to 5 ng/uL. The concentrations of multiple aliquots of the final dilution were measured by the OD, QG and PG methods. The effects of manual and robotic laboratory sample handling procedures on the estimates of DNA concentration were assessed using variance components analyses. The OD method was the DNA quantification method most concordant with the reference sample among the three methods evaluated. A large fraction of the total variance for all three methods (36.0–95.7%) was explained by sample-to-sample variation, whereas the amount of variance attributable to sample handling was small (0.8–17.5%). Residual error (3.2–59.4%), corresponding to un-modelled factors, contributed a greater extent to the total variation than the sample handling procedures. The application of a specific DNA quantification method to a particular molecular genetic laboratory protocol must take into account the accuracy and precision of the specific method, as well as the requirements of the experimental workflow with respect to sample volumes and throughput. While OD was the most concordant and precise DNA quantification method in this study, the information provided by the quantitative PCR assay regarding the suitability of DNA samples for PCR may be an essential factor for some protocols, despite the decreased concordance and precision of this method.
Implications of Cognitive Theory for Instructional Design: Revisited

The field of cognitive science is contributing significantly to the research and theory on learning, and to the development of intelligent tutoring systems. The instructional design literature indicates an interest in cognitive theory as well as attempts to integrate it into our theory and research base. However, cognitive psychologists do not necessarily find this synthesis satisfactory. The purpose of this article is to point out the conflicts, so that instructional designers can be aware of the nature of our coexistence.
Nonabelian Groups with $(96,20,4)$ Difference Sets

We resolve the existence problem of $(96,20,4)$ difference sets in 211 of 231 groups of order $96$. If $G$ is a group of order $96$ with normal subgroups of orders $3$ and $4$ then by first computing $32$- and $24$-factor images of a hypothetical $(96,20,4)$ difference set in $G$ we are able to either construct a difference set or show a difference set does not exist. Of the 231 groups of order 96, 90 groups admit $(96,20,4)$ difference sets and $121$ do not. The ninety groups with difference sets provide many genuinely nonabelian difference sets. Seven of these groups have exponent 24. These difference sets provide at least $37$ nonisomorphic symmetric $(96,20,4)$ designs.
Titles of Nobility: Property, Poverty, and Immigration in a Free and Democratic Society

Both property and immigration are premised on exclusion yet both human rights and democratic norms require us to treat every human being with equal concern and respect. While neither sovereigns nor owners can have completely open borders, they have obligations to respect the human dignity of "the stranger." Biblical sources link the stranger with the poor and develop a version of the Golden Rule that requires both to be accorded "love." The related secular principle of equal concern and respect means that poverty is, in principle, incompatible with the norms of a free and democratic society. That principle is embodied in the constitutional prohibition on titles of nobility which mandates treating every human being as of equal value and importance. While the nobility clauses do not mandate particular policies, they do outlaw treatment that places some as occupying a lower status than others.This has consequences for both immigration and property law, as well as laws and policies designed to alleviate and prevent poverty.
Derivation of the Pauli exchange principle

Wave functions are generally written with arguments consisting of sets of ``particle'' coordinates and quantum numbers. Pauli derived a principle governing the exchange of pairs of sets that differ only in their spatial and spin component $(m_s)$ coordinates. This principle states that an exchange of two of these sets produces the same wave function except for its being multiplied by a factor of $(-1)^{2s}$. Pauli's proof is based upon quantum field operators and is difficult to understand. A much simpler proof, making use of properties of wave functions, is presented here.
Rebecca: The First Dialogic Philosopher

The following essay is a creative, midrashic excavation of the genesis of Isaac and Rebecca’s world. The tools used in excavating the narrative are limited to the works and insights of three dialogic philosophers, Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber and Emmanuel Levinas - complimented with a few citations from Abraham Joshua Heschel and Avivah Zornberg. In fact, the following is the author’s reading of these thinkers into the narrative. In using their thought midrashically, the author takes liberties with their insights and use them out of the context in which they wrote. In doing so, the author’s voice could be easily confused with their voices.
Electron and X-ray diffraction analyses of ternary compound (I–III–VI2) thin films

Abstract An investigation of CuInS 2 , CuInSe 2 and CuInTe 2 thin films by X-ray and electron microscopy analyses is presented. X-ray diffraction data on both the source (powder) material and the resulting thin films are reported. These data are compared with calculated values. The effects of substrate temperature and film thickness on film orientation have been studied by electron diffraction. Some preferred orientation occurs over the substrate temperature range 200° C T sub C and for the thickness exceeding 1500 A. Good quality (single-phase) films are reported for CuInS 2 using double-source deposition techniques and for CuInSe 2 and CuInTe 2 using single-source methods. The chalcopyrite structure of these films is discussed.
A simple recovery-only procedure for simple precedence parsers

A simple method is described enabling simple precedence parsers to recover from syntax errors. No attempt to repair errors is made, yet parsing and most semantic processing can continue. The result is a good “first approximation” to syntax error handling with negligible increase in parsing time, space, and complexity of both the parser and its table generator.
Lack of association of Staphylococcus aureus type A β-lactamase with cefazolin combined with antimicrobial spacer placement prosthetic joint infection treatment failure

Association of cefazolin treatment failure with type A beta-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus has been suggested. The prevalence of beta-lactamase gene types among 23 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates associated with prosthetic joint infection (PJI) treated with cefazolin was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and clinical and microbiologic outcomes were assessed. PCR revealed 4 isolates without blaZ, and 12 with type A, 2 with type B, and 5 with type C blaZ. Of 13 patients undergoing resection arthroplasty with subsequent reimplantation, all received antimicrobial spacer placement at resection with or without antimicrobial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate at reimplantation. All 13 cases had tissue cultures at time of reimplantation that were negative for S. aureus and 11 had histopathology specimens showing no acute inflammation. Of 8 type A cases undergoing reimplantation, all prostheses remained in place at follow-up (median, 798 days; range, 32-927 days). We conclude that type A blaZ is common in MSSA PJI and that cefazolin therapy for blaZ MSSA PJI can be successful when combined with 2-stage reimplantation and local antimicrobial therapy.
The clinical utility and safety of the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with duplex ureters.

Abstract Objective A systemic review of published literature on the use of bulking agents in the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in patients with duplex systems was performed in order to evaluate the diagnostic challenges; determine success rates, and compare with use in single systems; and evaluate safety, in particular of Deflux. Methods A PubMed/Medline search was conducted for index articles discussing duplex ureters published in 1963–2007. All types of publications were included. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results Overall, 28 different treatment arms originating in 17 separate studies (19 publications) satisfied the inclusion criteria for linear regression efficacy analysis. Data were available on 2879 patients: 2400 with single and 479 with duplex systems. Ten publications provided information on the frequency of failure to diagnose duplex systems using specific techniques. An overall 18% failure rate to detect duplex systems was reported for combined techniques. For patients in whom favorable anatomic location of ureters allowed successful endoscopic injection of a bulking agent, correction of VUR was achieved in 53–100% of cases. A univariant analysis showed no difference in success rate between single and duplex systems with the use of Deflux, or other bulking agent. The predicted probability of success in a single system was 68% and in a duplex system 64%. Conclusions There is significant potential for failing to detect duplex systems prior to preparing an individual for either open or endoscopic treatment. From the studies available, endoscopic injection of bulking agents is highly successful in correcting mild-to-moderate VUR in duplex systems, with no reports of serious or clinically significant adverse effects. At a minimum, duplex systems would not seem to be a contraindication to the use of Deflux or any other bulking agent.
Explanation and Understanding Revisited: Bohman and the New Philosophy of Social Science

James Bohman has succeeded in reinvigorating the old debate over explanation and understanding by situating it within contemporary discussions about sociological indeterminacy and complexity. I argue that Bohman's preference for a paradigm based on Habermas's theory of communicative action is justifiable given the explanatory deficiencies of ethnomethodological, rational choice, rule-based, and functionalist methodologies. Yet I do not share his belief that the paradigm is preferable to less formalized models of interpretation.
Sala de Psiquiatria de Ninos y Adolescentes (Hall of Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents)

Keywords: International mental health care; inpatient child/adolescent psychiatric mental health care
Derivation and properties of Michaelis-Menten type and Hill type equations for reference ligands

Abstract The dose-effect relationships of the reference ligands (e.g. inhibitors) in the presence of the primary ligands (e.g. substrates) in enzyme kinetic models have been analyzed systematically. Enzyme reactions with different number of substrates, different reaction mechanisms, and different types and mechanisms of inhibition yield, equation (A), f a f u = D D m , for the first-order interactions; and equation (B), f a f u = ( D D m ) m , for the m-order interactions; where D is dose, Dm is the D required for the median-effect, and fa and fu are the fractions of the system that are affected and unaffected by D, respectively. Conversion of equation (A) gives f a = 1 [1 + ( D m D )] which has the same form as the Michaelis-Menten equation, v V max = 1 [1 + ( K m S )] . The logarithmic form of equation (B) gives the Hill type equation. In equations (A) and (B), the fractional velocity is expressed with respect to the control velocity rather than the maximal velocity; and D can be the reference ligands or environmental factors rather than the restriction to the primary ligands. It is concluded that a plot of log (D) v. log [(fu)−1 − 1] or log [(fa)−1 − 1]−1 will be a useful procedure for transforming dose-effect relationships and for analysing mass action characteristics in various systems. The plot will give the slope m, and the intercepts of the dose-effect lines with the median-effect axis (i.e. log [(fu)−1 − 1] = 0) will give Dm values. Any cause-consequence relationships that give straight lines in the plot will give m and Dm values, and thus give empirical equation for the system. Both equations (A) and (B) have been compared with relevant existing equations in terms of limitations and applicabilities. It is concluded that mechanism-dependent equations involving kinetic or equilibrium constants can be transformed to a mechanism-independent general equation involving the median-effect value.
Numerical Solutions of BVPs in 2-D Viscous Compressible Flows Using hpk Framework

This paper presents numerical simulations of the two dimensional boundary value problems (BVPs) in viscous compressible flows using finite element method in hpk framework [1]–[2] in which the integral forms are variationally consistent (VC). The mathematical models utilize Navier-Stokes equations incorporating physical viscosity, conductivity and other transport properties. The finite element method based on hpk framework permits higher order global differentiability approximation and the variationally consistent integral forms [1]–[2] ensure unconditionally stable computations for all choices hpk and the dimensionless parameters in the mathematical models and thus do not require the use of upwinding methods such as SUPG/DC/LS [3]–[4]. Mach 1, 2, 3 and 5 flows over a flat plate (Carter's plate) is used as a model problems with ideal gas law.
Determination of effective mobilities and chiral separation selectivities from partially separated enantiomer peaks in a racemic mixture using pressure-mediated capillary electrophoresis.

A new measurement principle has been developed for the rapid determination of the effective mobilities of enantiomers from their partially separated peaks. The method involves (i) partial separation of the enantiomers of a racemic sample by electrophoresis, (ii) pressure mobilization of the partially separated band by the detector, (iii) calculation of the effective separation distance between the enantiomer centroids from the observed band width and the extent of theoretical band broadening, and (iv) calculation of the effective mobilities of the enantiomers (and the separation selectivity) from the effective separation distance. Experimental conditions that lead to negligible nonideal ionic contributions to the band width are outlined. The proposed method eliminates the error caused by the changing electroosmotic flow, yields complexation constant and ionic mobility values that are more precise than the conventionally obtained ones, and reduces the measurement time by 80−90%. The equations required for ...
γδ+ T-Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity against Envelope-Expressing Target Cells Is Unique to the Alymphocytic State of Bovine Leukemia Virus Infection in the Natural Host

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a complex B-lymphotrophic retrovirus of cattle and the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. Serum antibody in infected animals does not correlate with protection from disease, yet only some animals develop severe disease. While a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response may be responsible for directing BLV pathogenesis, this possibility has been left largely unexplored, in part since the lack of readily established cytotoxic target cells in cattle has hampered such studies. Using long-term naturally infected alymphocytic (AL) cattle, we have established the existence of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against BLV envelope proteins (Env; gp51/gp30). In vitro-expanded peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cell effector populations consisted mainly of gammadelta(+) (>40%), CD4(+) (>35%), and CD8(+) (>10%) T lymphocytes. Specific lysis of autologous fibroblasts infected with recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV) delivering the BLV env gene ranged from 30 to 65%. Depletion studies indicated that gammadelta(+) and not CD8(+) T cells were responsible for the cytotoxicity against autologous rVVenv-expressing fibroblasts. Additionally, cultured effector cells lysed rVVenv-expressing autologous fibroblasts and rVVenv-expressing xenogeneic targets similarly, suggesting a lack of genetic restricted killing. Restimulation of effector populations increased the proportion of gammadelta(+) T cells and concomitantly Env-specific cytolysis. Interestingly, culture of cells from BLV-negative or persistently lymphocytic cattle failed to elicit such cytotoxic responses or increase in gammadelta(+) T-cell numbers. These results imply that cytotoxic gammadelta(+) T lymphocytes from only AL cattle recognize BLV Env without a requirement for classical major histocompatibility complex interactions. It is known that gammadelta(+) T lymphocytes are diverse and numerous in cattle, and here we show that they may serve a surveillance role during natural BLV infection.
GICEB: Automatic Segmentation Algorithm for Biomedical Images

Automatic segmentation is an essential problem in biomedical imaging. It is still an open problem to automatically segment biomedical images with complex structures and compositions. This paper proposes a novel algorithm called Gradient-Intensity Clusters and Expanding Boundaries (GICEB). The algorithm attempts to solve the problem with considerations of the image properties in intensity, gradient, and spatial coherence in the image space. The solution is achieved through a combination of using a two-dimensional histogram, domain connectivity in the image space, and segment region growing. The algorithm has been tested on some real images and the results have been evaluated.