cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Nine Beat Run of Ventricular Tachycardia that Saved a Life

A 67 year old man with a history of coronary artery disease was admitted to the hospital with symptomatic heart failure. Although he was not having an acute coronary syndrome, his troponin level was elevated. He had an asymptomatic 9 beat run of ventricular tachycardia on telemetry prompting an EP consult. He was discharge with a wearable defibrillator and returned to the hospital less than 2 weeks later after the device discharged.
The impact of length of hospitalization following surgical resection of stage I non-small cell lung cancer on long-term survival

7584 Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of length of hospital stay (LOS) following surgical resection of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on long-term survival. ...
SimCD: Simultaneous Clustering and Differential expression analysis for single-cell transcriptomic data

Single-Cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) measurements have facilitated genome-scale transcriptomic profiling of individual cells, with the hope of deconvolving cellular dynamic changes in corresponding cell sub-populations to better understand molecular mechanisms of different development processes. Several scRNA-seq analysis methods have been proposed to first identify cell sub-populations by clustering and then separately perform differential expression analysis to understand gene expression changes. Their corresponding statistical models and inference algorithms are often designed disjointly. We develop a new method -- SimCD -- that explicitly models cell heterogeneity and dynamic differential changes in one unified hierarchical gamma-negative binomial (hGNB) model, allowing simultaneous cell clustering and differential expression analysis for scRNA-seq data. Our method naturally defines cell heterogeneity by dynamic expression changes, which is expected to help achieve better performances on the two tasks compared to the existing methods that perform them separately. In addition, SimCD better models dropout (zero inflation) in scRNA-seq data by both cell- and gene-level factors and obviates the need for sophisticated pre-processing steps such as normalization, thanks to the direct modeling of scRNA-seq count data by the rigorous hGNB model with an efficient Gibbs sampling inference algorithm. Extensive comparisons with the state-of-the-art methods on both simulated and real-world scRNA-seq count data demonstrate the capability of SimCD to discover cell clusters and capture dynamic expression changes. Furthermore, SimCD helps identify several known genes affected by food deprivation in hypothalamic neuron cell subtypes as well as some new potential markers, suggesting the capability of SimCD for bio-marker discovery.
Mapping the Nonstructural Transmembrane Proteins of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the disease coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) has wreaked havoc on the health and economy of humanity. In addition, the ...
Optical microelectromechanical system array for free space retrocommunication

We demonstrate here an optical link for free space retrocommunication based on an optical microelectromechanical system (MEMS) array with a structure of mechanically-active anti-reflection switch (MARS) using a thin Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ membrane. The array consists of 215 identical single devices with a total active area of 36 mm/sup 2/ and was fabricated with the normal surface sacrificial micromachining. An overfilled reflectance contrast of 3 dB was observed at 6328 /spl Aring/ and a data rate of 100 kbit/sec shown in 50 militorr vacuum. A design trade off between the high optical filling factor and the high working frequency is discussed.
Hyperactivated motility in sperm

The functions of hyperactivation may fit together to create the following scenario. Sperm that enter the oviduct bind to the mucosal epithelium. Near the time of ovulation, hyperactivation helps them to detach from the epithelium, escape mucosal pockets, and move through oviductal mucus. As sperm reach the ampulla, frequent changes in direction may enable them to encounter the cumulus mass. Then, hyperactivation assists them in penetrating the cumulus matrix and, after acrosome reacting, the zona pellucida. A factor or factors in the periovulatory oviduct or follicular fluid may induce hyperactivation by raising intracellular calcium levels in sperm. Knowledge of mechanisms regulating hyperactivation may be used to develop new clinical tests for fertility of semen samples.
EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH AND CONSULTING WORK IN AGRICULTURE OF SERBIA

Serbia has small number of producers2 which have encircled production system (from primaryproduction to processing), which do business successful, introduce marketing strategy and production standards, registered their products' mark of origin, succeed to export on EU market, use internet or has its own internet domain, etc. For creation of such, competitive and modern agricultural producer, there is necessity for production specialization, any kind of cooperation and better organization. In same time, there is more space for bigger financial support of state, as expert and consultative support „created“ through strong partnership between public and private sector, i.e. tough and constructive cooperation of state and farmers sector, like as institutions of education, science, research and consultative work. In the paper was given review of number and territorial dispersion of educational institutions, current scientific-research work and consultative functions in agriculture in Serbia, than was pointed out main problems in their functioning and previous work and also proposed concrete suggestions for overcoming of existing limitations, as for modernization /reorganization of those institutions, in a way to be more useful for agricultural producers.
HYDRAULIC FILLS TO SUPPORT STRUCTURAL LOADS

Data are compiled based upon a review of the literature, concerning the relative density, penetration resistance, compressibility and rate of consolidation. Only hydraulic fills placed by sluicing through pipes are considered, and emphasis is upon performance under ordinary dead and live loads. Fills are classified according to the nature of the borrow materials: (1) fairly clean sand, resulting in a reasonably uniform fill of moderate density; (2) silty or clayey sand, for inhomogeneous fill of large void ratio; (3) stiff cohesive soil, resulting in a skeleton of clay balls with a matrix of sand and clay; and (4) soft cohesive soil, resulting in a laminated normally consolidated clay. The characteristics of each type of fill are illustrated by a case study. The placement and engineering properties of the most desirable type of fill—that derived from a fairly clean sand—are considered in detail.
Biology of azospirillum-sugarcane association: enhancement of nitrogenase activity.

Abstract Azospirillum brasilense was reisolated from associations with callus tissue cultures of sugarcane and compared with stock cultures of the inoculated bacterium and related strains. Although the reisolate had a growth rate similar to stock cultures, it exhibited a severalfold increase in maximum specific activity of nitrogenase. The reisolate and the parent culture had similar ultrastructure. The general ultrastructure of Azospirillum is described. The bacterium was capsulated when grown on nitrogen-free nutrient agar plates and on callus, but was not capsulated when growing in a subsurface zone in N-free semisolid nutrient agar, except rarely in aging cultures. Capsulation may be a protective mechanism against unfavorable pO2 under dinitrogen-fixing conditions. Pleomorphism occurred in capsulated forms, and the ultrastructure of these forms is described.
Utilizing disclosure in the treatment of the sequelae of childhood sexual abuse: A theoretical and empirical review.

Although disclosure is a component of many therapeutic approaches to treating the long-term symptoms associated with child sexual abuse (CSA), the ameliorative mechanisms of this approach are still unclear. This review investigates the expected benefits of disclosure in therapy by looking at the theoretical and empirical support for its effectiveness in treating the specific psychopathological sequelae associated with a history of CSA. In order to accomplish this task, a core group of sequelae associated with sexual abuse are presented. The components of disclosure as a therapeutic process are divided into three processes: disclosure-through-description, disclosure-through-rethinking, and disclosure-in-relationship. The review describes the ways in which these elements of disclosure are used within different therapeutic approaches. The treatment outcome literature is then reviewed in terms of the elements of disclosure included in the treatment approaches and the symptoms improved by treatment. In conclusion, implications are presented concerning the appropriate uses of disclosure in psychotherapy directed at alleviating the long-term sequelae associated with a history of CSA.
Hydrogen reactions of nitrogenase. Formation of the molecule HD by nitrogenase and by an inorganic model.

Abstract HD formation from either D2 and H2O or H2 and D2O is shown to be catalyzed by N2-fixing extracts of Azotobacter vinelandii. The activity parallels nitrogenase but not hydrogenase activity and is not catalyzed by the sites of nitrogenase responsible for either ATP-dependent H2 evolution or competitive inhibition by H2 of N2 fixation. Requirements in addition to nitrogenase are N2, ATP, and reductant. HD formation occurs only while N2 is being reduced and is inhibited by CO. Other reducible substrates of nitrogenase including N3-, N2O, C2H2, HCN, CH2CHCN, and CH3NC do not support HD formation. The ratio of HD to NH3 formed is directly related to pD2 (0.8 and 4.5 HD per NH3 formed at 0.1 and 0.6 atm of D2, respectively) but not pN2. An exchange reaction is also catalyzed by intermediates of an inorganic model of nitrogenase. An equilibrium mixture of D2, HD, and H2 is formed from D2 and hydrogen atoms of either the aryldiimide- or arylhydrazine-platinum complexes of this model. These biological and model results provide the first evidence for nitrogenase-complexed diimide, hydrazine, and NH3 as intermediates of N2 fixation. It is proposed that protons of intermediates of N2 fixation bound via transiion metal or metals of nitrogenase, e.g. N2H+·nitrogenase, N2H3+·nitrogenase, NH3+·nitrogenase, exchange with D2 bounded to the transition metal or metals. Both D2 and H2 are equally effective competitive inhibitors of N2 fixation with a Ki of 0.2 atm. Protons are the ultimate source of the H2 evolved by nitrogenase based on the ratios of H2:HD:D2 evolved from H2O-D2O mixtures, but appear to be non-rate-limiting since there is no isotope effect (D2O versus H2O) on rates of either reductant-dependent adenosine triphosphatase or N2-fixing activities of nitrogenase.
Activation of the rat liver cytosol glucocorticoid receptor by sephacryl S-300 filtration in the presence and absence of molybdate. Physical properties of the receptor and evidence for an activation inhibitor.

The DNA-binding and physical properties of the rat liver cytosol glucocorticoid receptor were determined before and after Sephacryl S-300 filtration in the presence or absence of molybdate. Cytosol was prepared and labeled with [3H]triamcinolone acetonide in buffer containing molybdate. Prior to gel filtration, only 5 +/- 3% (mean +/- S.E.) of labeled receptors bound to DNA-cellulose. After gel filtration in the presence and absence of molybdate, the per cent of labeled receptors binding to DNA-cellulose was 57 +/- 10% and 83 +/- 1%, respectively. Nonreceptor fractions from the Sephacryl S-300 column contained a heat-stable factor which blocked receptor activation but did not block the binding of activated receptors to DNA-cellulose. The activation inhibitor eluted from the column in the region of the albumin standard, but after heating its size was considerably reduced (Mr less than 3500). Receptors activated by Sephacryl S-300 filtration underwent the same size changes in the presence or absence of molybdate. Prior to gel filtration, the S20,w of labeled receptors in the presence of molybdate was 9.2 +/- 0.2 S. After filtration in the presence and absence of molybdate, the S20,w of labeled receptors was 4.2 +/- 0.2 and 4.4 +/- 0.1 S, respectively. The Stokes radius (Rs) of labeled receptors after gel filtration in either the presence or absence of molybdate was 65 +/- 1 A. From the Rs and S20,w values, the molecular weight (Mr) of activated receptors was calculated to be 115,000 to 121,000, which was in close agreement with the Mr of affinity-labeled receptors determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Contractual savings or stock market development - Which leads?

The authors study the relationship between the development of contractual savings (assets of pension funds, and life insurance companies) and non-life insurance, and, the development of stock markets (market capitalization and value traded). Their contribution lies in providing time-series evidence on a hypothesis that is very popular - but had not been substantiated - among supporters of fully funded pension systems in which funds invest large shares of their portfolios in tradable securities (equities, bonds). The literature is not clear on its assumption regarding causality between contractual savings, and capital market development. A one-way or two-way relationship is assumed, usually inter-changeably; the authors address the questions of which leads empirically. They present the evidence, including descriptive statistics, and the results of Granger causality tests, for OECD countries, and such countries as Chile, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and Thailand. They do not present a theoretical framework, but do explain how the growth of the contractual savings sector, is thought to promote financial development. The authors find evidence in the data that causality between institutions, and markets either does not exist, or, if it exists, runs predominantly from institutions to markets. To a lesser extent, there is simultaneous causality between institutions, and markets. Furthermore, there is limited evidence that causality runs only from markets to institutions (the only exception seems to be for non-life insurance in developing countries). Results seem to support the idea that the development of institutional investors, is likely to promote the growth of market capitalization, more than that of value traded. In developing countries, there seems to be no causality from pension funds to growth in value traded, while there is causality from life, and non-life insurance.
MARKETS AWASH: THE PRIVATIZATION OF CHILEAN WATER MARKETS

This article discusses the Pinochet regime's market-oriented water code and argues that in some areas, the law allowed the creation of an active water rights' market, but that in other areas, it failed to promote a market because it disregarded the variability of water throughout Chile and failed to provide for adequate mechanisms for water storage and distribution. Reforms implemented during the Concertaciόn governments have improved the functioning of water markets by establishing fees and incentives to avoid speculation, improve regulation and protect the environment. This article concludes by proposing a set of policy recommendations to improve water distribution and protect the environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenotypic evaluation of acapsular transposon mutants of Vibrio vulnificus.

Translucent, avirulent spontaneous phase variants of Vibrio vulnificus MO6-24 reverted back to the original opaque, encapsulated phenotype under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. Two translucent, acapsular mutants, which did not show phase variation, were constructed by using the transposon Tn5 IS50L::phoA (TnphoA). Loss of capsule was accompanied by decreases in virulence, hydrophilicity, and serum resistance. The ability to utilize transferrin-bound iron for growth was lost in only one of the two unencapsulated mutants. Our data emphasize the apparent importance of capsule in the virulence of V. vulnificus and indicate that utilization of transferrin-bound iron is independent of encapsulation. Images
Optimizing High-Z Coatings for Inertial Fusion Energy Shells

Inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactors require shells with a high-Z coating that is both permeable, for timely filling with deuterium-tritium, and reflective, for survival in the chamber. Previously, gold was deposited on shells while they were agitated to obtain uniform, reproducible coatings. However, these coatings were rather impermeable, resulting in unacceptably long fill times. We report here on an initial study on Pd coatings on shells in the same manner. We have found that these palladium-coated shells are substantially more permeable than gold. Pd coatings on shells remained stable on exposure to deuterium. Pd coatings had lower reflectivity compared to gold that leads to a lower working temperature, and efficiency, of the proposed fusion reactor. Seeking to combine the permeability of Pd coatings and high reflectivity of gold, AuPd-alloy coatings were produced using a cosputtering technique. These alloys demonstrated higher permeability than Au and higher reflectivity than Pd. However, these coatings were still less reflective than the gold coatings. To improve the permeability of gold's coatings, permeation experiments were performed at higher temperatures. With the parameters of composition, thickness, and temperature, we have the ability to comply with a large target design window.
High luminance and luminance efficiency in PDPs driven by radio-frequency pulses

Conventional AC-PDPs has a relatively low efficiency which is close to 1.5 lm/W. Only 15-20% of the supplied energy is consumed by the Xe excitation, and 60% of energy is consumed by ion heating. 1,2 If the ac sustain period is replaced by a rf sustain period, due to the oscillating and low electric field, almost 60% of the supplied energy is spent in Xe excitation while only 20% is used up in ion heating.3 In this paper, we show a new hybrid-type PDP; the plasma is formed by ac writing pulses, and then it can be sustained due to rf sustaining pulses. When 40-MHz frequency pulses were applied to the panel during the rf sustain period, the luminance was 1500-2000 cd/m 2 in a Ne-Xe composition at 200-400 Torr. The luminance efficiency was around 4 lm/W.
Isolation of a fraction with Ca2+ ionophore properties from rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract Isolation of a small protein with properties of a Ca2+ ionophore from calf heart mitochondria has recently been reported [ A. Y. Jeng and A. E. Shamoo, 1980 , J. Biol. Chem.255, 6897, 6904]. We have isolated a fraction with similar physical and chemical properties from rat liver mitochondria. In particular, the hepatic preparation is able to bind Ca2+ with high affinity in such a fashion that the resultant complex is soluble in a hydrophobic phase. It will also transport Ca2+ through a stirred organic phase (Pressman cell). Interaction of the liver preparation with Ca2+ is sensitive to inhibitors of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The hepatic preparation contains both protein and lipid components. The phospholipid components were identified and the behavior of a similar mixture of commercially available phospholipids was compared to that of the ionophore fraction from rat liver mitochondria. All of the Ca2+ binding properties of the rat liver preparation could be mimicked by the lipids. In a preliminary experiment, reduction of the phospholipid content of the preparation to less than one lipid phosphate per protein molecule (assuming a molecular weight of 3000 by analogy with the calf heart case) resulted in a protein that was unable to bind Ca2+. We, therefore, suggest that the ability of the preparation to interact with Ca2+ is due to the constituent phospholipids. Measurements of phospholipid-Ca2+ interactions in the model systems and under the conditions of low (μ m ) Ca2+ and phospholipid concentration utilized here demonstrated an affinity for Ca2+ (Ks ~ 1 μm) and a cation selectivity that have not previously been reported.
Talking while Computing in Groups: The Not-So-Private Functions of Computational Private Speech in Mathematical Discussions

Students often voice computations during group discussions of mathematics problems. Yet, this type of private speech has received little attention from mathematics educators or researchers. In this article use excerpts from middle school students' group mathematical discussions to illustrate and describe “computational private speech.” We analyze four examples of computational private speech using lenses from neo-Vygotskian psychology, sociolinguistics, and distributed cognition. Our analyses of computational private speech challenge the individualistic developmental assumptions of some neo-Vygotskian theories of private speech, and we show how this form of private speech can serve socio-cognitive functions during group mathematical discussions.
Stochastic Approximation in Monte Carlo Computation

The Wang–Landau (WL) algorithm is an adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm used to calculate the spectral density for a physical system. A remarkable feature of the WL algorithm is that it is not trapped by local energy minima, which is very important for systems with rugged energy landscapes. This feature has led to many successful applications of the algorithm in statistical physics and biophysics; however, there does not exist rigorous theory to support its convergence, and the estimates produced by the algorithm can reach only a limited statistical accuracy. In this article we propose the stochastic approximation Monte Carlo (SAMC) algorithm, which overcomes the shortcomings of the WL algorithm. We establish a theorem concerning its convergence. The estimates produced by SAMC can be improved continuously as the simulation proceeds. SAMC also extends applications of the WL algorithm to continuum systems. The potential uses of SAMC in statistics are discussed through two classes of applications, i...
Mitochondrial matters of the heart: a plethora of regulatory modes to maintain function for a long lifetime.

The human/animal heart, comprised of cells called “myocytes” is an incredible organ that to remain beating must be fueled constantly via the hydrolysis of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). Deriving most of its ATP from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (ox phos), and a smaller amount from “glycolysis”, i.e., glucose conversion to pyruvate or lactate, the heart helps in the delivery of oxygen (via hemoglobin) to every organ/tissue in our body. Then, the empty (deoxy) hemoglobin returns to load more oxygen and the journey to tissues is repeated 24 h a day, year after year, until “death do us part”. To support this essential “pumping” process the heart must work constantly, i.e., 70–80 years (life expectancy in the U.S.). This is a remarkable feat when compared with one of our most costly people-made technologies, i.e., automobiles (cars). In the past century, it was rare to see the family car survive more than 10–15 years unless it had been subjected to motor replacement surgery. Most were laid to rest at a much earlier age. Now, in this new millennium should a brilliant car manufacturer succeed in constructing a car engine as efficient as the human heart, each family member requiring a car would need only one per life time. With this in mind, one of the major future “matters of the heart” is to keep it pumping, not only for the current 70–80 year life span but much longer. To do this depends on, among other matters, the two processes noted above, i.e., oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. The former is strictly a mitochondrial process that works only in the presence of oxygen whereas glycolysis, dependent on mitochondrial bound hexokinase 2 (MB-HK-2), works either in the presence or absence of oxygen. In addition, the MB-HK 2 is anti-apoptotic and helps with other factors to retard cell death. Current estimates reveal that the human heart of an individual living 70–80 years will have undergone 2.5–3.0 billion beats, a feat that is energetically feasible only due to the heart cells’ (cardiomyocytes) large population of mitochondria with bound HK-2.
Accuracy and definitive interpretation of preoperative technetium 99m sestamibi imaging based on the discipline of the reader.

Background. Technetium 99m sestamibi scans have become a principal means of localizing parathyroid adenomas. Its accuracy and reliability has allowed for the proliferation of minimal access parathyroidectomy. Localizing interpretation of these scans often drives referral of hyperparathyroid patients for surgery. Interpretation of these scans may differ between nuclear medicine physicians and surgeons. Methods. We reviewed patients (N = 65) with digital images from an academic medical center with the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. We assessed the willingness to define an adenoma's location, the interrater reliability, and the accuracy of technetium (Tc-99m) sestamibi read by a surgeon and a nuclear medicine physician. Results. There was poor correlation between both readers for assessment of quality of images (k = 0.54, 0.07) but very good correlation for adenoma location (k = 0.81). Conclusion. Both readers had good accuracy in predicting the location of the parathyroid adenoma. The surgeon was more likely to call a scan positive. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
5-Hydroxypyrimidine deoxynucleoside triphosphates are more efficiently incorporated into DNA by exonuclease-free Klenow fragment than 8-oxopurine deoxynucleoside triphosphates

Abstract Recent studies with 8-oxodeoxyguanosine triphosphate (8-oxodGTP) have suggested that incorporation of oxidized nucleotides from the precursor pool into DNA may have deleterious effects. Here we show that 5-hydroxydeoxycytosine triphosphate (5-OHdCTP) and 5-hydroxydeoxyuridine triphosphate (5-OHdUTP) are more efficient substrates than 8-oxodGTP for Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I Klenow fragment lacking proofreading activity, while 8-oxodeoxyadenosine triphosphate (8-oxodGTP, 5-OHdCTP can mispair with dA in DNA but with lower efficiency. Since the 5-hydroxypyrimidines are present in normal and oxidized cellular DNA in amounts similar to the 8-oxopurines, these data suggest that enzymatic mechanisms might exist for removing them from the DNA precursor pools.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in a sandwich approach for osteochondral tissue engineering

Cell sources and tissue integration between cartilage and bone regions are critical to successful osteochondral regeneration. In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (hUCMSCs), derived from Wharton's jelly, were introduced to the field of osteochondral tissue engineering and a new strategy for osteochondral integration was developed by sandwiching a layer of cells between chondrogenic and osteogenic constructs before suturing them together. Specifically, hUCMSCs were cultured in biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid scaffolds for 3 weeks in either chondrogenic or osteogenic medium to differentiate cells toward cartilage or bone lineages, respectively. A highly concentrated cell solution containing undifferentiated hUCMSCs was pasted onto the surface of the bone layer at week 3 and the two layers were then sutured together to form an osteochondral composite for another 3 week culture period. Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation was initiated during the first 3 weeks, as evidenced by the expression of type II collagen and runt-related transcription factor 2 genes, respectively, and continued with the increase of extracellular matrix during the last 3 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical staining, such as for glycosaminoglycans, type I collagen and calcium, revealed better integration and transition of these matrices between two layers in the composite group containing sandwiched cells compared to other control composites. These results suggest that hUCMSCs may be a suitable cell source for osteochondral regeneration, and the strategy of sandwiching cells between two layers may facilitate scaffold and tissue integration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenomenological theory of collective modes and relaxation effects in type II superconductors

The general phenomenological dispersion law for type II superconductors is presented. In addition to thermal conduction, charge fluctuation decay, and contact potential modes, it is shown that there in general exists a high-frequency propagating mode determined by the low-frequency resistance at super-normal junctions. This may be the mode observed by Carlson and Goldman.
Requirement of Lim1 for female reproductive tract development

Lim1 encodes a LIM-class homeodomain transcription factor that is essential for head and kidney development. In the developing urogenital system, Lim1 expression has been documented in the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct, the mesonephros, metanephros and fetal gonads. Using, a Lim1 lacZ knock-in allele in mice, we identified a previously unreported urogenital tissue for Lim1 expression, the epithelium of the developing Mullerian duct that gives rise to the oviduct, uterus and upper region of the vagina of the female reproductive tract. Lim1 expression in the Mullerian duct is dynamic, corresponding to its formation and differentiation in females and regression in males. Although female Lim1-null neonates had ovaries they lacked a uterus and oviducts. A novel female mouse chimera assay was developed and revealed that Lim1 is required cell autonomously for Mullerian duct epithelium formation. These studies demonstrate an essential role for Lim1 in female reproductive tract development.
ERYTHROCYTE SURVIVAL IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

Thirty patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were transfused with chromium-51 labeled erythrocytes from either normal or rheumatoid donors. Three sets of identical twins discordant for rheumatoid arthritis had a cross transfusion from a healthy donor to the affected recipient. In no instance was there any significant shortening of erythrocyte survival which could not be attributed to minor blood group incompatibility. The presence of rheumatoid factor in either the donor, the recipient, or both did not effect erythrocyte survival. Trenta patientes con active arthritis rheumatoidee recipeva transfusiones de erythrocytos a marcage con chromo-51 ab donatores normal o rheumatoidee. In tres pares de geminos identic con discordantia pro arthritis rheumatoidee esseva le subjectos de un experimento de transfusion cruciate ab un donator normal a un recipiente afficite. Esseva notate nulle caso de un reduction significative del durata vital del erythrocytos gue non poteva esser attribuite a minor incompatibilitates de gruppo de sanguine. Le presentia de factor rheumatoidee in le donator, in le recipiente, o in ambes non afficeva le durata vital del erythrocytos.
Viewdata gateways: commercial significance and economic criteria

The paper explores the commercial significance of gateways in viewdata systems and highlights the advantages and disadvantages accruing in certain applications. The major advantages apply not only in the areas of online transactions, which are expected to become of increasing importance in viewdata systems, but also in certain information-retrieval situations and in the infrastructure supporting such systems. Gateways do not always represent the optimum arrangement for providing low-cost access to viewdata databases. In certain cases it may be more economic, particularly for information commanding high access rates, to maintain part of a database in the local access centres and the remainder in one or more host machines accessible via gateways, according to criteria which are fully discussed.
A spectral notion for dynamic equations on time scales

For linear dynamic equations xΔ = A(t)x in RN on a time scale T (e.g. T = Z or T = R) the so-called dichotomy spectrum is introduced in this paper. This new spectrum consists of at most N closed intervals of the real line. In the autonomous case with T = R these intervals reduce to the real parts of the eigenvalues of A. In any case the spectral intervals are associated with invariant vector bundles comprising solutions with a common exponential growth rate. The main result of this paper is a spectral theorem which describes all possible forms of the dichotomy spectrum.
A direct silver method for the Golgi apparatus.

Direct immersion of fresh tissue in a solution of silver in formalin at pH 4, followed by development in hydroquinone-formalin, results in consistent silvering of the Golgi apparatus. The time required depends on the penetration of the tissue, two hours for each step being adequate for routine purposes. Proper general fixation of the tissue is enhanced by returning it to a fixative for the customary periods of time. A weak solution of iron alum is suggested as a convenient method for reducing the intensity of the silver image in sections, when that is desired. Replacing the silver image with gold allows it to survive more drastic subsequent treatment, such as periodic acid oxidation.
Conserved nucleotide sequences in the open reading frame and 3' untranslated region of selenoprotein P mRNA.

Abstract Rat liver selenoprotein P contains 10 selenocysteine residues in its primary structure (deduced). It is the only selenoprotein characterized to date that has more than one selenocysteine residue. Selenoprotein P cDNA has been cloned from human liver and heart cDNA libraries and sequenced. The open reading frames are identical and contain a signal peptide, indicating that the protein is secreted by both organs and is therefore not exclusively produced in the liver. Ten selenocysteine residues (deduced) are present. Comparison of the open reading frame of the human cDNA with the rat cDNA reveals a 69% identity of the nucleotide sequence and 72% identity of the deduced amino acid sequence. Two regions in the 3' untranslated portion have high conservation between human and rat. Each of these regions contains a predicted stable stem-loop structure similar to the single stem-loop structures reported in 3' untranslated regions of type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase and glutathione peroxidase. The stem-loop structure of type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase has been shown to be necessary for incorporation of the selenocysteine residue at the UGA codon. Because only two stem-loop structures are present in the 3' untranslated region of selenoprotein P mRNA, it can be concluded that a separate stem-loop structure is not required for each selenocysteine residue.
A robust narrowband transient signal detector

Th Wigner distribution (WD) is applied to the detection and localization in time of narrowband transient signals of unknown waveform in additive noise comprise of quasi-harmonic and random components. A traditional method of processing such signals is the spectrogram or short-time power spectrum. Based on the relationship between the spectrogram and the WD, the application of the WD to the detection problem is investigated. The smoothed-pseudo-WD is shown to provide the superior time and frequency resolutions of the received signals. By monitoring the received power in localized regions of the WD spectrum, a detector that achieves good time localization of the transient waveform and is relatively insensitive to changes in signal duration or frequency is obtained. >
INFORMATION, ENTROPY, AND THE EVOLUTION OF LIVING SYSTEMS

Selection at constant selective pressures results in the optimization of the average productivity within the system and an increase in the information content. The entropy increase through evolutionary time is, therefore, minimized. The “pattern” of entropy descriptions for ontogenetic (developmental) and phylogenetic (evolutionary) changes is shown to be different, and the latter is consistent with the Prigogine-Glansdorff principle for irreversible thermodynamic processes.
Buoyancy-induced flow arising from a line thermal source on an adiabatic vertical surface

Abstract A study of the laminar naturai convection flow arising from a steady line thermal source positioned at the leading edge of a vertical adiabatic surface is carried out. The resulting two-dimensional boundary-layer flow is analyzed and the governing equations solved numerically for a Prandtl number range of 0.01–100. The dependence of the surface temperature, the velocity level, the boundary region thickness and other physical aspects of the flow on the Prandtl number is determined. The numerical results obtained allow an evaluation of the velocity and temperature fields in the generated flow. The results are also compared with those obtained for a freely rising plane plume and for a vertical isothermal surface. Several interesting features concerning this and similar flows are brought out.
Rotation period of comet Donati

Consideration is given to the rotation period of comet Donati (1858 VI) whose haloes were approximate parabolic envelopes having foci near the apparent nucleus and vertices toward the sun forward from the tail axis. The regularity and sharpness of the halves suggest that they represent the repetitive ejection of material from an active area which is exposed to solar radiation as the cometary nucleus rotates. Bobrovnikov's results (1954) are used to evaluate the linear expansion velocity of such haloes. This calculation is applied to the comet and a linear correction is used to assess the results.
Ultrafast Nonlinear Group Index in Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers for Slow and Fast Light

The change in group index in a semiconductor optical amplifier due to carrier heating and spectral hole burning dominates in short pulse shaping, resulting in fast/slow light.
Knowledge Extraction and Data Mining for the Competitive Electricity Auction Market

The transition from a vertically integrated industry to a horizontally integrated open market system changes the operational planning activities of generation companies (GENCOs). This transition, along with the strategic bidding decision process that must be employed by a GENCO, changes the objective from cost minimization to profit maximization. This change requires considering not only the technical aspects of unit operation, such as capacity limits, but also information about other market participants and the volatility of market prices. These additional factors are significant, especially in an oligopolistic market, because they influence the amount of electricity bought and sold, thus affecting net profit. This paper proposes an approach that data mines historical and current market data. The context is a deterministic four-market-participant environment. This model uses an auction simulator for 120 time periods. Results suggest that the data mining approach be extended to the reduction of epistemic uncertainty in VaR/PaR inferences using information gap theory.
Phase II Study of Celecoxib and Docetaxel in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients with Progression after Platinum-Based Therapy

Introduction To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of celecoxib and docetaxel in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer after failure of platinum-based therapy. Methods Patients with relapsed non-small cell lung cancer received celecoxib 400 mg orally twice daily beginning 7 days before the first cycle of docetaxel and the celecoxib was continued with no interruption. Docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 was administered intravenously on a 21-day cycle. The primary end point of the study was the 6-month survival rate. Results Twenty-four patients were enrolled and twenty patients were treated (median age 60, M:F 16:8). Most patients had a baseline performance status of 1. The objective response rate was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0–25%) and the 6-month survival rate was 59% (95% CI 37–80%). Median survival time was 6.9 months (95% CI, 2.8–15.2 months) and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 36% (95% CI, 15–57%) and 1% (95% CI, 0–10%), respectively. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (58%) and neutropenic fever (21%) which resulted in early closure of the trial. Conclusions The addition of celecoxib to docetaxel did not seem to improve the response rate and survival compared with docetaxel alone. The combination demonstrated considerable neutropenia and complications from febrile neutropenia that suggests celecoxib may enhance the marrow toxicity of docetaxel.
Impurities in High-Purity Germanium as Determined by Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

Fourier Transform Spectroscopy in the wave number range between 0 and 125/cm1 (0 to 15 meV) was used to determine the impurities producing shallow energy levels in high-purity germanium. The sensitivity of the method is sufficient to detect impurities at a concentration of 109/cm3 with excellent signal to noise ratio and the selectivity (energy resolution) allows a clean separation of all shallow levels. So far only net-concentrations can be observed so that it was necessary to measure n- and p-type material separately. The elements boron, gallium and indium appear to follow the expected segregation laws, while aluminum seems to be homogeneously distributed in the whole crystal. It has proven difficult to investigate n-type material due to the inability to produce low-noise electron-injecting contacts at the measuring temperatures (6 to 11°K).
Evidence of Small-Fiber Polyneuropathy in Unexplained, Juvenile-Onset, Widespread Pain Syndromes

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that acquired small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN), previously uncharacterized in children, contributes to unexplained pediatric widespread pain syndromes. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients evaluated for unexplained widespread pain beginning before age 21 had medical records comprehensively analyzed regarding objective diagnostic testing for SFPN (neurodiagnostic skin biopsy, nerve biopsy, and autonomic function testing), plus histories, symptoms, signs, other tests, and treatments. Healthy, demographically matched volunteers provided normal controls for SFPN tests. RESULTS: Age at illness onset averaged 12.3 ± 5.7 years; 73% among this poly-ethnic sample were female ( P = .001). Sixty-eight percent were chronically disabled, and 68% had hospitalizations. Objective testing diagnosed definite SFPN in 59%, probable SFPN in 17%, and possible SFPN in 22%. Only 1 of 41 had entirely normal SFPN test results. Ninety-eight percent of patients had other somatic complaints consistent with SFPN dysautonomia (90% cardiovascular, 82% gastrointestinal, and 34% urologic), 83% reported chronic fatigue, and 63% had chronic headache. Neurologic examinations identified reduced sensation in 68% and vasomotor abnormalities in 55%, including 23% with erythromelalgia. Exhaustive investigations for SFPN causality identified only history of autoimmune illnesses in 33% and serologic markers of disordered immunity in 89%. Treatment with corticosteroids and/or intravenous immune globulin objectively and subjectively benefited 80% of patients (12/15). CONCLUSIONS: More than half among a large series of patients with childhood-onset, unexplained chronic widespread pain met rigorous, multitest, diagnostic criteria for SFPN, which extends the age range of acquired SFPN into early childhood. Some cases appeared immune-mediated and improved with immunomodulatory therapies. * Abbreviations: AFT — : autonomic function testing CIDP — : chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy CWP — : chronic widespread pain ENF — : epidermal nerve fiber ESR — : erythrocyte sedimentation rate GBS — : Guillain-Barre syndrome, (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy) IVIG — : intravenous immune globulin POTS — : postural orthostasis tachycardia syndrome RR — : reference range (of normal values for laboratory tests) SFPN — : small-fiber polyneuropathy
Large-scale assembly of colloidal nanoparticles and fabrication of periodic subwavelength structures

This paper reports a simple and scalable spin-coating technique for assembling 70 nm silica nanoparticles into non-close-packed colloidal crystals over a large area. The thickness of the shear-aligned colloidal crystals can be controlled from hundreds of layers to a single monolayer by adjusting the spin-coating conditions. We further demonstrate that the spin-coated colloidal monolayers can be used as structural templates to pattern sub-100 nm pillar arrays directly on silicon substrates. The resulting subwavelength-structured pillar arrays exhibit excellent broadband antireflective and superhydrophobic properties, which are promising for developing self-cleaning antireflection coatings for crystalline silicon solar cells. This bottom-up approach enables large-scale production of periodic nanostructures with resolution beyond the optical diffraction limit that have important technological applications ranging from high-density data storage and optoelectronics to biological sensing and subwavelength optics.
Nonlinear Optics: Nanoscale signal regeneration

The regeneration of weak and distorted optical signals is vital in long-haul optical communication systems. Now scientists at Cornell University have developed an all-optical scheme that performs the task and is small enough to fit on a chip.
EFFECT OF MOLDS ON TEMPERATURE OF STORED GRAIN

Although the presence of fungi on stored grain has been known for a long time, the relation of their growth to bin-burning is imperfectly understood. In recent years, however, because of the changes in the methods of handling, much grain has been stored in such condition that molding and bin-burning resulted. Common observation showed that the molding and heatingt occurred approximately at the same time, indicating a possible interdependence of one upon the other. Grain in elevators, in farmers' granaries, and in transit, all were similarly affected with a correspondingly great loss. The problem, therefore, was a broad one, necessitating the consideration of the relationship between the molds found on bin-burned grain and the production of "heating," the environmental factors favorable to mold growth, and the effects produced. It is undoubtedly true that temperatures produced in the bin are due to the interaction of several factors. These include the heat of germination itself and temperatures generated by the growth of molds developing on the grain saprophytically. The present investigation was undertaken with the object of isolating and evaluating the role of each of these two sources of heat in the temperature increases occurring in stored grains. The fact that molds may generate high temperatures when grown on suitable organic substances has often been shown in the past. Mention only need be made of the work of COHN (4) on barley, MORGENTHALER (14) on wheat, rye and speltz, McHARGUE (12) and THOM and LE FEVRE (19) on corn meal, KONIG (10) iwith cotton, and MIEHE (13) on hay to indicate the numerous workers and the wide range of materials on which this phenomenon has been observed. However, there seems to have been some idea that living seeds would not serve as a suitable medium for mold growth.
Glycostator: a novel technology to summarize blood glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Background: Glycostator is a diabetes management software package consisting of 3 indicators—"time-averaged glucose (TAG)," "virtual A1c (VA1c)," and "lability index"—all devised for statistical ma...