cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Genetic Biodiversity of Several Traits Using SSR Markers in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A set of germplasm of ninety accessions of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were collected in Egypt to assess genetic biodiversity. Using SSR markers some specific quantitative trait loci associated with tolerance to abiotic stress, resistance to blast disease and enhance the grain yield were found. Phylogenic data was collected. Eight primers (RM 315, RM 318, RM 166, RM 302, RM 201, RM 234, RM 526 and RM 144) showed different polymorphism frequencies. The polymorphism was nearly 80 %. The size of detected fragments ranged from 105–325 bp. A total of 186 bands were scored from the amplification products with the ten SSR primers. Genetic diversity analyses were conducted on the basis of the scores with 176 unique bands. Phylogenic trees for the fifteen rice accessions from each group and subgroup were established according to the molecular data and based on ten SSRs. A marked genetic diversity was observed in the five groups and the origin genotypes from the five groups were (Sakha 101, IR 03N137, IR 83142-12, IR 87856-10-AJY-1-B, HHZ 12-Y4-DT1-Y2 and IR 1552), respectively which showed higher layers of diversity and hence can be used as donors for the effective conservation, utilization and providing favorable genes and valuable germplasm in rice breeding.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis in a ferret.

Abstract : We describe a transitional cell carcinoma arising from the renal pelvis of a ferret (Mustela putorius furo). This is the first descriptive report of a primary renal tumor in this species. It is unusual in that it completely replaced the kidney. The possibility of the tumor arising from a blind-ending ureter in a case of renal agenesis was entertained. Also interesting is that the first primary renal tumor described in this species, is a neoplasm considered uncommon in most species. Keywords: Animal, Ferret, Pathology, Neoplasm, Carcinoma, Urinary, Kidney, Renal, Transitional.
Signal Transduction Inhibitors in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been characterized by a resistance to systemic chemotherapy and poor overall survival. Cytokine therapy, the mainstay of treatment, provides responses in a minority of patients. The discovery of the VHL tumor suppressor gene, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and their roles in the growth of RCC identified a pathway on which to direct targeted therapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in RCC and has been a focus of multiple agents in clinical trials. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and novel agents are all being studied. Phase II studies show promising activity of sunitinib, sorafenib, and bevacizumab, and early results of phase III studies demonstrate the role of these agents in metastatic RCC.
Race, Gender, and Perceptions of Peer Delinquency: A Within-Subject Analysis

We generated a within-subject analysis that assessed whether changes in delinquency from the same youth were associated with changes in the degree to which the youth perceived the delinquency of th...
Validation and Characterization of Five Distinct Novel Inhibitors of Human Cytomegalovirus.

The critical consequences of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in the transplant population and in congenitally infected infants, the limited treatment options for HCMV, and the rise of resist...
Erratum to “Hold-Up Time Compensation Circuit of Half-Bridge LLC Resonant Converter for High Light-Load Efficiency”

This article proposes a half-bridge LLC resonant converter applying a simple circuit with a variable magnetizing inductance scheme for hold-up time requirement. By changing the magnetizing inductance of the main transformer, the proposed converter can satisfy the hold-up time requirement without sacrificing efficiency, featuring small conduction, and turn- off switching losses of the primary switches in the nominal status. In addition, the proposed converter can relieve the burden of the additional components by positioning them on the signal path, and the proposed circuit is self-powered by adding only one additional winding instead of the isolated power supply. Therefore, those of the size and cost of the proposed circuit can be reduced compared to the previous studies. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified with a 350 W prototype converter (56 V/6.25 A), and the improved circuit for the transient mode was also presented. The experimental results validated the theoretical analysis and showed the effectiveness of the proposed converter for high-efficiency applications, especially in light-load conditions.
Creative thinking skills in the Lebanese schools from secondary physics teachers’ perspectives

This paper examines the degree of enhancing creative thinking skills in the physics curriculum in Lebanese secondary schools from the physics teachers’ perspectives. It is realistic based study adopted the descriptive quantitative method to collect data by questioner from 141 Lebanese secondary physics teachers from different Lebanese districts. Furthermore, an open-ended interview with many physics teachers was used to triangulate the survey obtained data. Results of both descriptive and inferential statistics indicated that the degree of using creative thinking in the Lebanese secondary schools and curricula is low and insufficient. Moreover, the results showed no statistically significant differences in the level of physics teachers’ perceptions about the role of the Lebanese curriculum and secondary schools of enhancing creative thinking skills among physics teachers’ gender, qualification and years of experience. Physics teachers must improve their divergent methods of teaching. Furthermore, professional development for teachers and appropriate training for learners on different learning strategies and the integration of well-designed activities in the curricula are a must to improve learners’ creative thinking skills. Keywords: Creative thinking skills, Lebanese physics curriculum, Lebanese secondary schools
Some Practical Implications of Integrating Narrative and Humanistic/Existential Approaches to Psychotherapy

Although the humanistic/existential and the narrative approaches to psychotherapy are clearly distinct perspectives with some marked differences at the level of metatheory, they also show very important similarities in their conceptualization of the human condition and the processes involved in living adaptively (Richert, 1999). These similarities make these two approaches reasonable candidates for integration. The present paper examines five specific points of integration at the level of strategy and techniques (Neimeyer, 1993b): Interplay of experiential meanings and narrative structure in developing client meaning, use of existential themes in client narratives, deconstruction as a means of dealing with existential guilt, contextualization of wishes as a means of mobilizing will, and reflexivity as a way of developing the “I–Thou” relationship. A brief theoretical rationale is offered for each of these points of integration, and each is illustrated with clinical examples.
Interactive Effects of CO2, Temperature, Irradiance, and Nutrient Limitation on the Growth and Physiology of the Marine Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Coscinodiscophyceae)

The marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana was grown in continuous culture systems to study the interactive effects of temperature, irradiance, nutrient limitation, and the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2 ) on its growth and physiological characteristics. The cells were able to grow at all combinations of low and high irradiance (50 and 300 μmol photons · m-2 · s-1 , respectively, of visible light), low and high pCO2 (400 and 1,000 μatm, respectively), nutrient limitation (nitrate-limited and nutrient-replete conditions), and temperatures of 10-32°C. Under nutrient-replete conditions, there was no adverse effect of high pCO2 on growth rates at temperatures of 10-25°C. The response of the cells to high pCO2 was similar at low and high irradiance. At supraoptimal temperatures of 30°C or higher, high pCO2 depressed growth rates at both low and high irradiance. Under nitrate-limited conditions, cells were grown at 38 ± 2.4% of their nutrient-saturated rates at the same temperature, irradiance, and pCO2 . Dark respiration rates consistently removed a higher percentage of production under nitrate-limited versus nutrient-replete conditions. The percentages of production lost to dark respiration were positively correlated with temperature under nitrate-limited conditions, but there was no analogous correlation under nutrient-replete conditions. The results suggest that warmer temperatures and associated more intense thermal stratification of ocean surface waters could lower net photosynthetic rates if the stratification leads to a reduction in the relative growth rates of marine phytoplankton, and at truly supraoptimal temperatures there would likely be a synergistic interaction between the stresses from temperature and high pCO2 (lower pH).
Moiré superlattice on the surface of a topological insulator

Twisting van der Waals heterostructures to induce correlated many body states provides a novel tuning mechanism in solid state physics. In this work, we theoretically investigate the fate of the surface Dirac cone of a three-dimensional topological insulator subject to a superlattice potential. Using a combination of diagrammatic perturbation theory, lattice model simulations, and ab initio calculations we elucidate the unique aspects of twisting a single Dirac cone with an induced moir\'e potential and the role of the bulk topology on the reconstructed surface band structure. We report a dramatic renormalization of the surface Dirac cone velocity as well as demonstrate a topological obstruction to the formation of isolated minibands. Due to the topological nature of the bulk, surface band gaps cannot open; instead additional satellite Dirac cones emerge, which can be highly anisotropic and made quite flat. We discuss the implications of our findings for future experiments.
Comparison of effectiveness and cost for different HIV screening strategies implemented at large urban medical centre in the United States.

Introduction Incident HIV infections persist in the United States (U.S.) among marginalized populations. Targeted and cost-efficient testing strategies can help in reaching HIV elimination. This analysis compares the effectiveness and cost of three HIV testing strategies in a high HIV burden area in the U.S. in identifying new HIV infections. Methods We performed a cost analysis comparing three HIV testing strategies in Chicago: (1) routine screening (RS) in an inpatient and outpatient setting, (2) modified partner services (MPS) among networks of the recently HIV infected and diagnosed, and (3) a respondent drive sampling (RDS)-based social network (SN) approach targeting young African-American men who have sex with men. All occurred at the same academic medical centre during the following times: routine testing, 2011 to 2016; MPS, 2013 to 2016; SN: 2013 to 2014. Costs were in 2016 dollars and included personnel, HIV testing, training, materials, overhead. Outcomes included cost per test, HIV-positive test and new diagnosis. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of population demographics. Results The RS programme completed 57,308 HIV tests resulting in 360 (0.6%) HIV-positive tests and 165 new HIV diagnoses (0.28%). The MPS completed 146 HIV tests, resulting in 79 (54%) HIV-positive tests and eight new HIV diagnoses (5%). The SN strategy completed 508 HIV tests, resulting in 210 (41%) HIV-positive tests and 37 new HIV diagnoses (7.2%). Labour accounted for the majority of costs in all strategies. The estimated cost per new HIV diagnosis was $16,773 for the RS programme, $61,418 for the MPS programme and $15,683 for the SN testing programme. These costs were reduced for the RS and MPS strategies in sensitivity analyses limiting testing efficacy to the highest prevalence patient populations ($2,841 and $33,233 respectively). Conclusions The SN strategy yielded the highest proportion of new diagnoses, followed closely by the MPS programme. Both the SN strategy and RS programme were comparable in the cost per new diagnosis. A simultaneous approach that consists of RS in combination with SN testing may be most effective for identifying new HIV infections in settings with heterogeneous epidemics with both high rates of HIV prevalence and HIV testing.
Psychoanalytic Approaches to Social Trauma

In her groundbreaking paper, “Ghosts in the Nursery” (1975), Selma Fraiberg describes vividly a mother who could not hear her baby’s cries because, as it turned out, her parents could not hear her childhood cries either, for reasons related to their traumatic history. In the 1970s, the problems of children of Holocaust survivors were also coming to light. Fraiberg’s paper and the study of second-generation Holocaust survivors opened a new field of investigation—the transmission of trauma across generations—which has enriched clinical psychoanalysis (Faimberg, 2005; Fromm, 2012; Kogan, 1995; Koh, 2019; Volkan, 2014, 2015) and contributed to the understanding and treatment of traumatic experience. Transmission is one effect of social trauma and the lens through which I will explore its effects on both parties.
Broadband Absorption Limits for Ultrathin Solar Cells

Solar cells with very small thicknesses are advantageous for decreasing materials use and, thus, the total cost per area, but their performance unavoidably deteriorates as the thickness is reduced. Light-trapping techniques have been extensively used to enhance the power absorbed by thin-film solar cells, and their fundamental limits have been investigated in several works. Conversely, less attention has been devoted to the seemingly simpler problem of establishing physical bounds on absorption enhancement based on conventional anti-reflection coatings. In this work, we study such bounds on solar power absorption, over the whole solar spectrum, for ultrathin solar cells made of different materials and with antireflection coatings of arbitrary complexity. To this aim, we model the light reflection and absorption problem using impedance concepts and equivalent circuits, and then use the well-established Bode-Fano limits for broadband impedance matching to find the maximum possible absorption. Our results provide relevant insight on the maximum attainable absorption in ultra-thin solar cells without light-trapping, as well as on the performance of different absorbing materials in this context.
DESERTS: DElay-tolerant SEmi-autonomous Robot Teleoperation for Surgery

Telesurgery can be hindered by high-latency and low-bandwidth communication networks, often found in austere settings. Even delays of less than one second are known to negatively impact surgeries. To tackle the effects of connectivity associated with telerobotic surgeries, we propose the DESERTS framework. DESERTS provides a novel simulator interface where the surgeon can operate directly on a virtualized reality simulation and the activities are mirrored in a remote robot, almost simultaneously. Thus, the surgeon can perform the surgery uninterrupted, while high-level commands are extracted from his motions and are sent to a remote robotic agent. The simulated setup mirrors the remote environment, including an alpha-blended view of the remote scene. The framework abstracts the actions into atomic surgical maneuvers (surgemes) which eliminate the need to transmit compressed video information. This system uses a deep learning based architecture to perform live recognition of the surgemes executed by the operator. The robot then executes the received surgemes, thereby achieving semi-autonomy. The framework’s performance was tested on a peg transfer task. We evaluated the accuracy of the recognition and execution module independently as well as during live execution. Furthermore, we assessed the framework’s performance in the presence of increasing delays. Notably, the system maintained a task success rate of 87% from no-delays to 5 seconds of delay.
Stretching the Mold

Replica molding has long been used to make macroscopic objects such as bronze statues or plastic dolls from a mold or master. Recently, this method has been extended to the nanoscale. Mallouk highlights the report by Jiang et al. , who have devised a two-step replica molding process that starts from spherical silica particles and results in regular assemblies of spherical or distorted particles of a different composition. The ability to make regular, asymmetric particles may be useful in photonics and the assembly of nanoscale devices.
Incurable Blackness: Criminal Disenfranchisement, Mental Disability, and the White Citizen

The Maryland State Constitution states that its General Assembly may, "regulate or prohibit the right to vote of a person convicted of infamous or other serious crime or under care or guardianship for mental disability." In a single sentence, the link between criminality and mental disability is invoked in order to draw an internal boundary around those who can take part in the project of representative government. Through a close reading of one particular moment in the history of Maryland's disenfranchisement provisions, I show how these restrictions could buttress prevailing racial hierarchies. Delegates to Maryland's nineteenth century constitutional conventions explicitly understood disenfranchisement as a practice that managed the boundaries of full citizenship through the courts' power to determine criminal guilt and mental competence. In defining "exceptions" to the franchise, the delegates were additionally shoring up the increasingly unstable conception of whiteness. The figure of the "free negro" was persistently invoked to do this work, marked through criminality and insanity as civically disabled in order to both reduce the threat that s/he posed to the standing of white workers and to shore up the purity of whiteness itself as innocent, able, and fit to rule. In so far as disenfranchisement is an instrument of racial oppression, it continues to operate racially not just in spite of color-blind liberalism, but also precisely through its ability to disarm claims of racial animus. The norms that drove the adoption of disenfranchisement in the nineteenth century continue to ground these exclusions to the vote, meaning that the ideal figure of the American citizen continues to be compulsorily white, male, heterosexual, and able-bodied. Ending this legacy of social and political hierarchization requires that we remove disenfranchisement provisions, but also move beyond the logic of inclusion, divesting the vote as a location that finalizes, essentializes, and fixes the boundaries of the polity.
Thermoelectric properties of n-type polycrystalline Bi/sub x/Sb/sub 2-x/Te/sub 3/ alloys

(Bi/sub x/Sb/sub 1-x/)/sub 2/Te/sub 3/ (.5/spl les/x/spl les/.7) polycrystalline samples were synthesized using a combination of melting and powder metallurgy techniques. The samples were hot pressed in graphite dies and cut perpendicular and parallel to the pressing direction. Samples were examined by microprobe analysis to determine their atomic composition. The thermoelectric properties were measured at room temperature in both directions. These properties include Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and Hall effect. The thermoelectric figure-of-merit, ZT, was calculated from these properties. The best ZT was /spl sim/.5, given by annealed (Bi/sub .7/Sb/sub .3/)/sub 2/Te/sub 3/. Selected samples were also annealed at various temperatures in an attempt to optimize ZT. The annealing substantially impacted the thermoelectric properties due to a combination of improved crystallinity and changes in defect concentration. These materials could potentially be incorporated into advanced thermoelectric unicouples for a variety of power generation applications.
FUS functions in coupling transcription to splicing by mediating an interaction between RNAP II and U1 snRNP

Pre-mRNA splicing is coupled to transcription by RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). We previously showed that U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) associates with RNAP II, and both RNAP II and U1 snRNP are also the most abundant factors associated with the protein fused-in-sarcoma (FUS), which is mutated to cause the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we show that an antisense morpholino that base-pairs to the 5′ end of U1 snRNA blocks splicing in the coupled system and completely disrupts the association between U1 snRNP and both FUS and RNAP II, but has no effect on the association between FUS and RNAP II. Conversely, we found that U1 snRNP does not interact with RNAP II in FUS knockdown extracts. Moreover, using these extracts, we found that FUS must be present during the transcription reaction in order for splicing to occur. Together, our data lead to a model that FUS functions in coupling transcription to splicing via mediating an interaction between RNAP II and U1 snRNP.
Ion Implanted Light Sensing Diodes

Ion implantation has been utilized as a means of producing p-n junction photodiodes by implanting Boron into n-type silicon. Since the spectral photo-response depends strongly on the dopant profile obtained, ion implantation offers a distinct advantage in terms of control and uniformity.
Response to Comment on “Resistin-Like Molecule β (RELM β/FIZZ2) Is Highly Expressed in the Ileum of SAMP1/YitFc Mice and Is Associated with Initiation of Ileitis”

We thank Wen et al. ([1][1]) for their comments regarding our recent article ([2][2]). Although SAMP1/YitFc mice have many features that closely resemble human Crohn’s disease including pathological and histologic features, cytokine profile activation, and beneficial response to treatments that
Logic Programming and Model Checking

We report on the current status of the LMC project, which seeks to deploy the latest developments in logic-programming technology to advance the state of the art of system specification and verification. In particular, the XMC model checker for value-passing CCS and the modal mu-calculus is discussed, as well as the XSB tabled logic programming system, on which XMC is based. Additionally, several ongoing efforts aimed at extending the LMC approach beyond traditional finite-state model checking are considered, including compositional model checking, the use of explicit induction techniques to model check parameterized systems, and the model checking of real-time systems. Finally, after a brief conclusion, future research directions are identified.
Energy metabolism plasticity enables stemness programs

Engineering pluripotency through nuclear reprogramming and directing stem cells into defined lineages underscores cell fate plasticity. Acquisition of and departure from stemness are governed by genetic and epigenetic controllers, with modulation of energy metabolism and associated signaling increasingly implicated in cell identity determination. Transition from oxidative metabolism, typical of somatic tissues, into glycolysis is a prerequisite to fuel-proficient reprogramming, directing a differentiated cytotype back to the pluripotent state. The glycolytic metabotype supports the anabolic and catabolic requirements of pluripotent cell homeostasis. Conversely, redirection of pluripotency into defined lineages requires mitochondrial biogenesis and maturation of efficient oxidative energy generation and distribution networks to match demands. The vital function of bioenergetics in regulating stemness and lineage specification implicates a broader role for metabolic reprogramming in cell fate decisions and determinations of tissue regenerative potential.
An In-Depth Technical Study Of New Radiological Facilities

AbstractThe methodology and results of an in -depth technical examination of new radiologicalequipment are discussed in this paper. High voltage kVp and MAS measurements and wave-forms have been obtained. The resolving capabilities of x -ray tube's and image intensi-fier systems have been measured using star and line pair resolution patterns, and focalspot images made using a pinhole camera. Tomographic performance in a variety of in-stallations has been evaluated using a Littleton phantom and a pinhole plate. The com-plete radiographic, fluoroscopic, and mechanical operations and radiation safety com-pliance of x -ray rooms in all radiological specialties has been examined.The detailed procedures and methods of data recording involved in this study are dis- cussed. Equipment problems encountered include the lack of accurate generator calibra-tion, unacceptable fluoroscopic and spot film image quality, faulty tomographic motionand exposure termination.IntroductionIt is common experience that new radiological facilities exhibit a multiplicity of prob-lems over the first year of operation. It is also commonly accepted that these problemsmust arise, and can only be detected in the subsequent operation of the x -ray room onceit has been put into clinical use. Hence, we begin working in rooms with inferior T.V.images, cables interferring with movements of personnel, jamming spot film cameras, etc.Let us make a radical presumption and assume that a diagnostic room could in fact be turnedover to us in working order, and that the reason we find many of the problems we see is dueto faulty, careless and negligent installation. Further, that there are problems inherentin the initial installation which may not be cleared up during the warrantee period, andconsequently the hospital will ultimately have to shoulder the cost of repair and downtime.In this sense, an x -ray room is like a car -if you don't get the bugs out of it to beginwith, these problems will be around for the lifetime of the equipment.Our assumptions arose from our experience with many new x -ray rooms over the course ofseveral years. The proof of our contentions came when we had the opportunity to open anew and well- equipped diagnostic facility with more than thirty x -ray rooms and 11 mobiles,including three mobile image intensifier systems. I would like to discuss this survey withyou in detail.MeasurementsRecords on every room are kept in individual binders. First in this binder is the in-
Postoperative Changes in the Electrocardiogram in Congenital Heart Disease II. Coarctation of the Aorta and Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Electrocardiograms of 41 cases of coarctation and of 73 cases of patent ductus arteriosus were analyzed before and after surgical correction of the defect. The changes in the electrocardiogram which occurred after surgical repair of the coarctation were considered to be due to the diminished load on the left ventricle. In 65 of the cases of patent ductus arteriosus, electrocardiographic signs of left ventricular hypertrophy were recorded. Eight patients, seven of whom presented atypical murmurs, showed evidence of right ventricular or combined ventricular hypertrophy. Following ligation of the ductus, the electrocardiogram became normal in the majority of the cases.
Planning for changes in stages of corporate development

Abstract A considerable amount of research has demonstrated how companies evolve in terms of strategy and organizational design. The evolution of firms reflects the dynamic response of companies to their changing environment. It is logical that planning must also change in response to changes in overall corporate strategy. This dynamic aspect of planning requires a different approach than planning for the continuing growth of existing businesses based on a consistent strategic outlook. This difference is illustrated by reference to two components of planning: fixed and variable. These distinctions are used to demonstrate the dynamic aspect of planning and how planning can, and should, change to accomodate changes in management strategies.
PcaR-mediated activation and repression of pca genes from Pseudomonas putida are propagated by its binding to both the -35 and the -10 promoter elements.

Degradation of protocatechuate in Pseudomonas putida is accomplished by the products of the pca genes (pcaH,G, pcaBDC, pcaI, J and pcaF ). In P. putida, all these genes (with the exception of pcaH,G ) are activated by the regulatory protein PcaR, in association with the pathway intermediate β-ketoadipate. Having previously cloned and characterized the pcaR locus, we have overexpressed and purified the PcaR protein to homogeneity. The purified PcaR protein was shown to form a homodimer in solution and to bind specifically to its own promoter, as well as to the promoter regions of pcaI, J and pcaF. Subsequent footprint analyses demonstrated that the binding of PcaR to its own promoter occurs within a footprint that extends from the −20 to the +4 position. In contrast, PcaR appeared to interact with the inducible pcaI, J promoter as a dimer of dimers; binding in tandem within a dual footprint encompassing both the ‘−35′ and the ‘−10’ regions of the promoter sequence. The similarities and differences between the two binding patterns correlate well with the very different effects that PcaR has upon transcription at each of the promoter sequences. The interactions at the pcaI, J promoter are reminiscent of those exhibited by the MerR family of regulatory proteins. However, as PcaR bears very little primary sequence homology to any of the regulatory proteins within this family, the results presented here reveal the possible existence of a new series of functionally related transcriptional inducers.
New 1212-type (Hg, Cr)-based cuprate (Hg1−xCrx)Sr2(Ca1−yYy)Cu2O6+δ

Abstract We have successfully synthesized a new 1212-type (Hg, Cr)-based cuprate (Hg 1− x Cr x )Sr 2 (Ca 1− y Y y )Cu 2 O 6+δ (0.1≤x≤0.5 and 0.1≤ y ≤0.5). According to X-ray diffraction data, the samples with x ≥0.2 and y ≤0.2 are 90–95% pure 1212 phase. The structure of the (Hg, Cr)-1212 compound is tetragonal of space group P4/mmm. Depending on the nominal composition, the lattice parameters are in the order of a =3.8526 A and c =11.8194 A. Refinements of the structure show the presence of two extra oxygen atoms O(3) and O(4) in the (Hg, Cr) layer at the position (1/2,1/2, 0)and(1/2, 0, 0), respectively. The (Hg, Cr)-1212 samples are not superconducting, and show a semiconducting behavior instead. The non-superconductivity of the samples is explained in terms of the concept of mixed Cu 2+ /Cu 3+ valence.
Effekte von Topiramat bei Patienten mit Epilepsie und intellektueller Beeinträchtigung

Bisher ist wenig bekannt uber Wirkungen des neuen Antiepileptikums Topiramat (Topamax®) bei intellektuell beeintrachtigten Epilepsiepatienten. Die vorliegende Anwendungsbeobachtung untersucht die Anfallshaufigkeiten wahrend einer 3-monatigen Behandlungsperiode (nach 3-monatiger Auftitration) unter Add-on-Topiramat im Vergleich mit einer ebenfalls 3-monatigen Baseline-Periode. Die ersten 24 konsekutiven mit Topiramat behandelten erwachsenen Patienten (Heimbewohner im Epilepsiezentrum Bethel, bisher therapieresistente Epilepsie, unterschiedlich ausgepragte intellektuelle Beeintrachtigung, z. T. neurologisches Defizit) wurden im Sinne einer Intention-to-treat-Analyse ausgewertet. Die Responderrate (mindestens 50% Anfallsreduktion) betrug 37,5%. Erst in der Nachbeobachtungszeit (bis 24 Monate) wurde ein Patient vollstandig anfallsfrei. Wirksamkeitsunterschiede bei verschiedenen Epilepsiesyndromen oder Anfallsarten waren nicht erkennbar (zu geringe Fallzahl). Responder hatten Topiramat-Dosierungen oberhalb 200 mg/Tag und Serumkonzentrationen oberhalb 2,2 μg/ml. Bei 6 Patienten (25%) traten schwerwiegende neuropsychiatrische Komplikationen wie Verwirrtheit, schwere Verlangsamung, vollige Hilflosigkeit auf (bei sehr unterschiedlichen Topiramat-Dosierungen von 50–900 mg/Tag und Serumkonzentrationen von 2,2–8,0 μg/ml). Moglicherweise bedingt eine vorbestehende Hirnschadigung ein erhohtes Risiko unerwunschter zentralnervoser Wirkungen.
Glycolysis: A re-evaluation of the effect on blood glucose

Abstract Glycolysis causes considerable errors in blood glucose measurements if some preservative is not included in the blood collection tube. Errors up to 24% can be expected in a routine laboratory if serum is substituted for preserved plasma as the specimen for analysis. Several inorganic fluorides are inhibitors of glycolysis, and the two which appear to be most compatible with present day laboratory automation systems are sodium fluoride and ammonium fluoride.
Fractional exchange statistics: A home for anyon?

Exotic quasiparticles known as 'anyons' have intriguing fundamental and practical properties. A proposal for a solid-state structure in which anyons might 'live' provides fresh ideas for getting a practical handle on them.
Gender Test Differences During an Environmental Camp.

Abstract Three years of data from a week-long environmental camp were analyzed to determine the effects of gender on test scores. Pre- and post-tests were used to measure attitudes, knowledge, and expectations, in addition to perceptions of amount learned, the camp's organization, and enjoyability of the experience. Two significant gender differences were found. The females were lower on the knowledge pre-test and made greater gains between the two knowledge tests. Explanations for the pre-test difference focused on the sexist structure of both American society and the educational system. Recommendations and implications for natural resource based programs were made.
Bioavailability of Sublingual Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine administered sublingually is a promising treatment for opiate dependence. Utilizing a new, sensitive, and specific gas chromatographic electron-capture detector assay, the absolute bioavailability of sublingual buprenorphine was determined in six healthy volunteers by comparing plasma concentrations after 3- and 5-minute exposures to 2 mg sublingual and 1 mg intravenous buprenorphine. The amount of unabsorbed buprenorphine in saliva was measured after 2-, 4-, and 10-minute exposures to 2 mg sublingual buprenorphine in 12 participants. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by analysis of variance; bioequivalence was evaluated by the Schuirmann two-sided test. The 3- and 5-minute sublingual exposures each allowed 29 +/- 10% bioavailability (area under the plasma concentration-time curve unextrapolated) and were bioequivalent. Buprenorphine recovered from saliva after 2-, 4-, and 10-minute exposures was, on average, 52% to 55% of dose. Increased saliva pH was correlated with decreased recovery from saliva. Study results indicate that bioavailability of sublingual buprenorphine is approximately 30%. Sublingual exposure times between 3 and 5 minutes produce equivalent results. Buprenorphine remaining in saliva causes an almost twofold overestimation of bioavailability.
Bias and error bars in dimension calculations and their evaluation in some simple models

Abstract With respect to two simple models and various distributions of noise, it is shown that there is substantial bias in dimension calculations with small data sets. Some of the practical difficulties involved in dimension estimation are briefly discussed. It is shown that estimated error bars are a small fraction of the actual error bars. Two empirical equations are presented to model these phenomena. One of these equations can be used to make some modest improvements in estimating dimension with small data sets The second equation indicates a procedure to obtain a more accurate assessment of error bars. Two statistical tests for deciding whether a desired time series is from an attractor or not are aslo suggested.
Comparison of Methods for RCR Component Selection From Computational Model Impedance Spectra

Vascular impedance represents the opposition to periodic blood flow though a network of vessels and is a good choice for use as a boundary condition for hemodynamic modeling. Vascular impedance can be computed using electrical analogs, such as two or three element Windkessel models, or computed from geometry using Womersley’s input impedance equations [3]. The challenges associated with using electrical analogs are the need for experimental data to determine appropriate component values and in determining an appropriate methodology to fit the experimental data to the simplified model. The challenges associated with using a geometry-based method are the necessity of knowing the geometry being modeled and the requirement of a periodic solution. While Windkessel models are routinely used in analyses, little detail is provided as to how these R and C parameters are extracted from the impedance spectra. Therefore, we examine the relative importance of matching different characteristics of impedance spectra to the resulting pressure and flow relationships.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Divergent kinetics of 201Tl and 99mTc-SESTAMIBI in cultured chick ventricular myocytes during ATP depletion.

BACKGROUND Thallous chloride (201Tl) and hexakis(2-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile) technetium (I) (99mTc-SESTAMIBI) are myocardial perfusion imaging agents with biological properties that also reflect tissue viability. Initial myocellular uptake rates of 201Tl reflect activity of Na,K-ATPase, whereas those of 99mTc-SESTAMIBI reflect mean plasma membrane potential. METHODS AND RESULTS To better understand the mechanistic responses of these tracers to myocellular injury, cultured chick embryo cardiac myocytes were metabolically inhibited in iodoacetate (1 mM) and rotenone (10 microM) for up to 2 hours, and initial uptake rates of each agent were determined at successive intervals along with correlative cellular contents of ATP, sodium, and potassium and lactate dehydrogenase release. ATP content fell from 30.5 +/- 1.4 to 2.7 +/- 0.9 nmol.(mg protein)-1 within 2 minutes, whereas sodium and potassium contents ran down their thermodynamic gradients more slowly (t 1/2 approximately 60 minutes). Modestly severe cell injury was produced at 2 hours as estimated by lactate dehydrogenase release (18% of total). Initial uptake rates of 201Tl declined from 6.9 +/- 0.8 to 4.0 +/- 0.4 fmol.(mg protein)-1.(nMo)-1.(min)-1 by 20 minutes and remained depressed and ouabain (100 microM)-insensitive at 30 +/- 13% of control. Conversely, initial uptake rates of 99mTc-SESTAMIBI increased from 10.6 +/- 0.8 to 15.0 +/- 0.6 fmol.(mg protein)-1.(nMo)-1.(min)-1 within 10 minutes, remained elevated for 40-60 minutes, and later declined to low values. Injury-induced enhancement of initial uptake rates of 99mTc-SESTAMIBI were insensitive to ouabain (100 microM), carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (5 microM), and valinomycin (1 microgram/ml) but were significantly inhibited by 130 mM Ko buffer, Ba2+ (1 mM), glybenclamide (100 microM), and quinacrine (10 microM). CONCLUSIONS Uptake rates of 201Tl monotonically decline, correlating with Na-K pump inhibition from ATP depletion. Conversely, uptake rates of 99mTc-SESTAMIBI at first increase above control for 40-60 minutes, indicating a mean plasma membrane hyperpolarization possibly resulting from opening of ATP-sensitive and arachidonic acid-activated potassium channels, before declining to low values with more severe cell injury. Correlative non-flow-dependent relations between 201Tl and 99mTc-SESTAMIBI contain information regarding the degree of myocellular injury.
On the set covering polytope: I. all the facets with coefficients in {0, 1, 2}

While the set packing polytope, through its connection with vertex packing, has lent itself to fruitful investigations, little is known about the set covering polytope. We characterize the class of valid inequalities for the set covering polytope with coefficients equal to 0, 1 or 2, and give necessary and sufficient conditions for such an inequality to be minimal and to be facet defining. We show that all inequalities in the above class are contained in the elementary closure of the constraint set, and that 2 is the largest value ofk such that all valid inequalities for the set covering polytope with integer coefficients no greater thank are contained in the elementary closure. We point out a connection between minimal inequalities in the class investigated and certain circulant submatrices of the coefficient matrix. Finally, we discuss conditions for an inequality to cut off a fractional solution to the linear programming relaxation of the set covering problem and to improve the lower bound given by a feasible solution to the dual of the linear programming relaxation.
An elementary evaluation of the Jacobsthal sum

In this note, the Jacobsthal sum, Σx = 1p − 1 (x(x2 + r)p), with p ≡ 1 (mod 4) and (rp) = 1, will be evaluated by elementary methods using an examination of the distribution of quadratic residues and nonresidues in the sequence 1, 2, 3,…, p − 1.
A crop-specific drought index for corn. II: Application in drought monitoring and assessment

How drought is perceived, and defined, determines the likely response of decision makers to a drought event. Since drought response is usually based on some type of assessment of the severity and duration of the event, a critical element of a drought response strategy lies in the incorporation of objective and reliable impact assessment techniques. However, a long-standing problem in responding to past droughts has been the lack of reliable techniques for monitoring the drought event and assessing probable impacts. This paper describes a new method to reliably monitor and assess weather's probable impact on corn (Zea mays L.) yields, on a crop reporting district (CRD) level, any time during the growing season. The 1990 growing season was used to demonstrate the ability of the crop-specific drought index (CSDI) to monitor and assess the condition of East Central Nebraska's corn crop every 10 days, starting 17 June, until a definitive projected CSDI value became established. A 3-wk hot and dry spell (24 mm of rainfall during the 3-wk period 28 June–17 July) that immediately preceded silking resulted in a 17 July CSDI assessment, based on the climatological record of the CRD, that projected yields to be only 63% of the maximum yield previously attained in this CRD. However, a substantial rainfall event during the week of silking alleviated the stressful conditions, and by the beginning of the early grain fill period (blister stage), a 6 August CSDI assessment projected the final CSDI value to within 3% of the actual CSDI (projected and actual yields were 86 and 83%, respectively, of the maximum yield previously attained in Nebraska's East Central CRD). The results of this study demonstrate that the CSDI can monitor and assess weather's impact on corn yields on a CRD level. Published as Paper no. 9560, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Research Division. The work reported here was conducted under Nebraska Agric. Res. Div. Project 27-005.
An active learning approach to teaching the data structures course

In this paper, we describe the how active learning techniques have been successfully applied in a CS 2 course.
Autoantibodies in juvenile arthritis.

Abstract Sera from 104 children with JA with different onset-types of disease were evaluated for 19S IgM RF by the LFT, hidden 19S IgM RF by the hemolytic assay, ANA by HEp-2 cell substrate, and levels of IC by the C1qSPA. Their relationship to active disease was determined. Classical 19S IgM RF were detected by the LFT in only seven patients. All were late-onset polyarticular females. Hidden 19S IgM RF were detected by the hemolytic assay in the separated IgM-containing fraction in 55 patients of all onset-types. Clinical activity correlated with the presence of hidden 19S IgM RF in 82% of cases. ANA, using the HEp-2 cell substrate, were found in 61 patients, the majority showing a speckled, immunofluorescent pattern. ANA were noted in all RF positive patients and in nine of 10 patients with iridocyclitis. IC were found in 39 patients, and correlation with clinical activity occurred in 54% of cases.
Effects of redundancy on speeded classification of integral and nonintegral stimuli

In three experiments, subjects sorted 32-card decks with four stimuli into two classes using one relevant dimension with four levels. Relative and absolute similarity of the stimuli was manipulated through different forms of redundancy with respect to a second dimension. With nonintegral dimensions (circle size and diameter angle), redundancy had no effect on performance. With integral dimensions, form of redundancy affected performance, but the effects depended on the stimulus dimensions (dot positions vs. value and chroma) and on the relevant dimension (value vs. chroma). Results suggest that performance in a speeded classification task with integral stimuli can be only partially explained in terms of interstimulus similarity.
Attraction between identical colloidal particles caused by collective electrostatic repulsion

Abstract The goal of this article is threefold: (i) To demonstrate that, within the framework of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation, the interparticle electrostatic interaction in a system containing only two identical particles immersed in an infinite or finite size reservoir of an electrolyte solution is repulsive at all distances. It cannot lead to a short-range repulsion and a long-range attraction as suggested by Sogami and Ise. (ii) To explain Ise's experimental observations that the electrostatic interactions in systems containing many identical colloidal particles can lead to attraction. (iii) To note that an effective attraction between two neighboring particles can be generated by the DLVO pair repulsion exerted on them by all the other particles of the system.
The ‘Communication Concept’ and the ‘Language Concept’ in Everyday English

This paper presents a semantic/conceptual analysis of the concepts of communication and language, as represented in the lexicon of everyday English. Section 1 gives a brief orientation to the method to be employed, the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) approach originated by Anna Wierzbicka. In the main body of the paper, I propose semantic explications for several senses of the English words communicate, communication and language, supporting these explications by reference to naturally occurring data, and, in the case of polysemy, by reference to distinctive grammatical or phraseological properties of the polysemic meanings. The paper closes with observations on how the differing semantics of the ‘communication concept’ and the ‘language concept’ may contribute to the differing orientations of linguistics and communication studies.
A Water-Borne Adhesive Modeled after the Sandcastle Glue of P. californica

Polyacrylate glue protein analogs of the glue secreted by Phragmatopoma californica, a marine polycheate, were synthesized with phosphate, primary amine, and catechol sidechains with molar ratios similar to the natural glue proteins. Aqueous mixtures of the mimetic polyelectrolytes condensed into liquid complex coacervates around neutral pH. Wet cortical bone specimens bonded with the coacervates, oxidatively crosslinked through catechol sidechains, had bond strengths nearly 40% of the strength of a commercial cyanoacrylate. The unique material properties of complex coacervates may be ideal for development of clinically useful adhesives and other biomaterials.
Selecting multiple-objective fixed-cost sample designs using an admissibility criterion

An admissibility criterion is used to identify a set of designs useful for multiple-objective surveys. This admissibility criterion is defined over the range of survey objectives, unlike the usual situation where an admissibility criterion is defined over the parameter space. Assuming a fixed total cost, known (or estimated) finite population characteristics and specified estimators, the admissibility criterion is shown to apply to a wide range of design problems. An example using PPS sampling is discussed extensively. Here, one must choose the selection probabilities when there are multiple objectives. Other suggestions proposed in the literature for multiple-objective fixed-cost designs are reviewed with the aim of identifying both methods which produce admissible designs and methods which may produce inadmissible, hence inferior, designs. Lastly, suggestions for picking a final design are made. It is recommended that a minimax design or minimax subset design be chosen from the admissible set.